Thursday 1 December 2011

advent.2011.#1:fairytale.of.new.york

Since it is the 1st of December, that means another 24 days to Christmas, why not countdown to Christmas with my favourite Christmas songs. One a day, let's see how far I can go with this.

Let's kick it off with Fairytale of New York by The Pogues and Kirsty MacColl is one of my all time favourite Christmas song since I first heard it in 2001. I like how clever this song was written, the differnt tempo and style. The crudeness of it, yet, there is something about this song in the beautiful city of New York.

Bittersweetness they say...

It is different no doubt.



Click here for lyrics.

december.2011

December... Where did the year went?!

Wednesday 29 June 2011

mind.blogging

Yeap you read that right.

Many times I do wonder if anyone has ever thought of creating some way for your thoughts that you want to post in your blog to be drafted out, then when we have the chance, to edit it before publishing.

You know the times when you lie in bed just before you fall asleep, the times when you are doing your chores or running your errands.

The things that are on your mind when you are driving, or even when you are emotionally charged with passion, enthusiasm, or even anger.

So many times I wished there was some way that this could happen. Then there will be more posting.

I'll get there somehow. Someday possibly.

In the meantime, as always you'll just have to wait for me to sit down in front of the computer or like now posting this from my mobile on the train home.

Perhaps it is as good an idea.

Or perhaps a chance to try out the Android voice recording function, which I will blog about the fantastic function one of these days.

Thursday 9 June 2011

bright.talented.young.writers

I enjoy listening to Radio 2 when I am in the car. And I have some exciting to share with you today.

Last Friday on my way to work, I was listening to The Chris Evans Breakfast Show. That morning, Chris was broadcasting live from the Hay Festival (of Literature & Arts).

At the beginning of the year, Radio 2 ran a competition asking children under the age of 13 to submit a 500 words essay.

And on Friday, I had the pleasure of listening to the following story, Charlotte Johnson, written by Kerry Maxwell (age 12), and read by the singer Alexandra Burke.

All credits to Kerry Maxwell:

Charlotte Johnson
By Kerry Maxwell, age 12

Charlotte Johnson. That name crosses any persons lips. She is a household name known by everyone.

Charlotte was thirteen when her dream came true.

Dramatic and creative was Charlotte in her early life. She had always known her name was to be known across the world, her voice recognised anywhere. Singing and acting and dancing meant everything to her and now her chance had finally come!

Thanks to the local talent show, she could almost taste sweet victory upon her lips.

Nervously waiting in the wings, Charlotte gripped her monologue and song sheet. She felt so tense and nervous. Sweat was pouring from her forehead, the palms of her hands like a tropical jungle damp and warm. But how long was she meant to feel like this? She was the last act to perform!

With six acts ahead of her, she decided to walk outside for some fresh air. As she slipped out of the dark wooden door, her legs trembled.

Immediately, Charlotte felt the cool breeze of the evening hit her. The moonlit velvet blanket above her seemed to be hiding something, like a secret. Tiny little diamonds dotted the sky in odd places. They looked like little pairs of eyes, slyly staring at her. The darkness of the night felt private to Charlotte, and strangely, she liked it. Comparing it to the heated, busy community centre, the stillness of the night was so much more peaceful, so much more relaxing, so much more quiet. She walked down the gravel pathway. And walked. And walked. Her soft, satin ballet shoes tentatively touched the ground. She felt as if she was flying, a delicate little fairy fluttering far away. Amidst her final dance practice beams of yellow light caused her to squint. Her pale skin shone in the light, her dark hair seemed to glow. Then, it went out.

The gentle shine of the bare moon reflected the colour of the car. A silver convertible. Slick, smooth and special was this car. Then, a voice rose up from the car into the sky a deep American accent Hello there, I'm Blake Wethersfield from Starry Eyed. It's a talent agency. I'm on my way to Ribby Talent Show or I am supposed to be. I'm lost. And I'm hoping you can tell me the way seeing as you're taking part!

Erm how did you know? came the strong, clear voice of Charlotte.

Name tag he pointed. So where do I go? Hop in! Blake smiled.

Charlotte grinned. She opened the door and drove off.

That night, at nine thirty, the whole of England knew Charlotte Johnson. By that time the next morning, so did the whole world.

Although Charlotte was not a dancer, or a singer, or a movie star, she had her own television programme.

It was called:

Charlotte Johnson: The Girl who never came Home.
I was moved by how well the story was written by a 12 year old. Unfortunately Kerry did not win in her category (10 to 12 year olds) but was runner up in the competition.

Still, I was very impressed by Kerry’s writing. I somewhat previously had the "privilege" of reading some English speaking country college students' essays / assignments and was appalled at how poor those works were, and way below the standard this young girl and others in the competition wrote.

I don't claim to write very well and would definitely take inspiration from these young children to improve on my writing.

Other winning essays are available from the Radio 2 500 words website.

Enjoy!

Monday 6 June 2011

happy.duanwu.jie

 
My take on Zong Zi 粽子 or dumplings. It's been a long time since I made this. To be fair this is my second time making them on my own. The wraping and tying up can be improved with practice. You Tube provided some help too to refresh my mind.

I used the Savoury Dumpling with Black Eyed Peas recipe from my trusty Malaysian recipe website, Kuali.com. The dumplings were tasty on its own.

For more info on Duanwu Jie 端午节 click here or here for Wikipedia entry.

Tuesday 31 May 2011

but.mostly

You've got to admire the Weegie sense of humour.

Wednesday 25 May 2011

when.protocol.is.NOT.quintessential

It is not a question of when but a statement of the matter. And my view is that not all "protocol" (fingers movement included!) is quintessential.

Nope, sorry to disappoint you.

It is not the be all and end all when it suits you, or to your liking. Plus, if you had had a good look at what I had said, I don't think my view or concerns as worded by you, "suggest that you haven't thought through the decision or action you made".

It was merely my comments that we should be just and fair to all.

However, if it is a case of those who ate the chilli will feel the heat (siapa makan cili, dia rasa pedas), is there something else you are trying to tell me?

So before we burn anymore bridges before building them, it is not a good idea to be fair to everyone concerned?

But if we are going to bulldoze everything in our path because we want something to suit us and to put others in bad light, whether factual or not, we better think of the consequences before telling me what is protocol and what is not.

I'm sure you have your reasons but I am not going to be quiet on this with you telling me my concerns are outwith protocol!

By the way, your concerns and comment on protocol (in this situation) has just lost my respect, at least for now.
~ Yes-la I'm annoyed. >:(

Monday 23 May 2011

the.transformation.continues

Exciting times!!!

Remember a few weeks back (or a few posts back since the lack of posts), I did a wee change to my blog design?

After spending some time playing with the design over the weekend and fine tuning it, I am please to share with you my latest blog design!

I hope you like it! *beams*


Now, I'll just need to try to start blogging more again.

Wednesday 18 May 2011

one.for.the.boleh-land

Was snooping around on the internet trying to find out about the luxury coach that travels between KL (Kuala Lumpur) and Singapore. So I headed on to Aeroline's website.

Besides the fantastic service and product that Aeroline provides, extra point should be given to Aeroline's courteous and well explained FAQ.

However, I can't help but sharing this. Only in Malaysia...

Screenshot from Aeroline

...don't think you'll see this on Megabus' website.

My respect to Aeroline for explaining this to folks that needed common courtesy explained to them delicately.

Prices seemed reasonable too. Will let you know if we do get on their buses one of these days.

Sunday 15 May 2011

one.day.karma.will.get.you

I was sitting in the car in Tesco this afternoon trying to pair my new phone to the car's system, just minding my own business. A Honda Civic pulled into the space beside me to my left. Parking askewed and trying to get out of his car, the driver just open his door real hard into my passenger-side door.

I heard his partner mutter something to him. I got out and said "that was a bit rough isn't it?" And he gave me the innocent look of "what do you mean?" and said something along that line. I told him that he opened his car door into my car. He blatantly tried to deny it. I told him that I saw him opening his car door into mine because I was in the car.

He knew he was wrong and tried to deny it and could only come out with a measly "shut up" before scurrying away like a balless chap.

I told him he was a prick.

What I should have told him was...
he was a prick really loudly, tell him he is a disgrace to all drivers and should blardie learn how to park his car properly. And something along the line of do himself a favour and get a legitimate driving licence!

After they left, his partner must've said something to him because when I was going into Tesco after moving my car away from parking beside such imbecile, he came out to adjust his car.

One fine day karma will get this type of liar and rude [insert explitives].

I wouldn't have been that angry if he apologised in the first place for his carelessness.

Luckily there wasn't any damage. But I was just so enraged by his lack of moral conduct.

Monday 11 April 2011

monday.random.blues

I am having one of those days.

Those my-instinct-is-telling-me-something-is-not-good-feeling day.

Perhaps I am tired.

Lack of sleep last night and the early drive down this morning.

Perhaps it is Monday.

***

I have been thinking about being honest.

I am wondering how many people really care if you are honest?

Sometimes I do wonder how much honesty does people really care?

Often times I have to remind myself to "shutup".

*sigh*

I could share rant on more but will reserve my breath for now.

***

A slight preview of what I am going to make tomorrow night. *smiles*


For now I want to relieve our holiday in Majorca.

Wednesday 6 April 2011

spicy.and.funny


As the Magners Glasgow International Comedy Festival 2011 draws to an end, I was disappointed that I only managed to catch one show out of the hundreds that was available.

And I was meant to blog about this a few weeks back but just have not come to do it.

Anyways, my gf Karen and I caught the Curry Comedy a few weeks back at Slumdog Bar & Kitchen. Reflecting on our night out, we got more than we bargained for!

The tickets were slightly more expensive on a Thursday evening compared to a Sunday lunch show. But just ever so slightly. The food was yummy, and it was good that it was buffet, so I had the chance to stuff my face further (with slight guilt). The varied spread gave us a chance to try what Slumdog could offer and they did not disappoint. Slumdog's comprehensive drinks menu easily catered for anyone, especially their list of cocktails and non-alcoholic cocktails.

Although it was a buffet meal, the food was fresh, the staff were friendly and the service was excellent.

After we had been fed and watered, the comedy commenced promptly.

This brings me to my second 'more than we bargained for'. When we booked the tickets we thought it was going to be a comedy about curry and Glasgow history. But looking back, there wasn't a joke about curry. Instead we were entertained by a compere who tried his very hardest to get the crowd, in his words "lubricated". We were a tough crowd, a "slow burner".

Unfortunately, it has been weeks and I cannot remember his name but I remembered his jokes. The same goes for our first comedian. Some of his "jokes" were a bit too much information. I have only vague memory of the second comedian. *Sorry!*

Karen and I both love our third and main act, Des Clarke with an "e". We were gob smacked, Des Clarke!

Both of us love Des - I used to listen to him when he was part of Des and Vanessa on Galaxy FM (Scotland) (which I had stopped listening to because of the lengthy advertisements); and Karen still listens to Des on Capital FM (Scotland) whom he is working with now.

We loved Des' gig and the pace of it, and thought it was a pleasant surprise.

Overall, it was a fantastic girls' night out as it was good to hang out with Karen and catch up. The pre-comedy joke of my embarrassing moment earlier in the afternoon provided a good start to the night.

Anyways, head over to the Magners Glasgow International Comedy Festival website to soak up the last of the programmes. The festival ends on Sunday 10 April. I've been on the comedy pub crawl "Stand Up Drink Up" three years ago (that long ago!) and it was a great night out.

Also, we'll be definitely going back to Slumdog Bar & Kitchen for the delicious food, lovely atmosphere and fantastic service.

Now, I better get back to catching up on my APC Diary.

Sunday 3 April 2011

the.journey.jump.started

It has been on my mind for many weeks now.

Come October this year, I will begin my fifth year in my APC journey. Yep, year five.

One may ask what happened? I would say it is a combination of procrastination, deviation, and life getting into the way. In the past fours years I have changed roles at least four times and continue to count my blessings that I am still employed in the current economic climate.

After many "I will sit for my final assessment at the next session"s, I have decided to take the bull by the horns and make a decision to sit for the final assessment once and for all.

The target now is Autumn 2011.

Hence, almost the whole of last weekend was spent sitting down looking through what needs to be done to achieve this.

First, I created a programme using the final assessment week as my target. Then I identified how many competencies I need to sign off within this period. The amount of meetings and frequencies, and the targets for each of these meetings. Between meetings, a spread of to-dos for myself was included.

Although I would have had covered most of the experiences required in each competencies, I never had any of them signed off yet. I guess mainly it was due to my lack of confidence and the lack of revision.

So now (to be exact last weekend), I have thirty weeks to sign off ten mandatory competencies, six technical competencies, two optional competencies, a critical analysis to complete as well as several mock interviews to prepare.

Thirty weeks?!

I even have three and a half weeks off in that period and about two years of diary to catch up. Man, how am I going to get it all done (?!).


Twenty-nine weeks:
Too many to count topics to revise
Too many days of diary recording to catch up
Nine Supervisor Meetings
Three Counsellor Meetings
Eighteen competencies
One critical analysis
Mock interviews, etc
All to be completed and get myself ready for the Final Assessments

AAAAAAaaaaaahhhhhhh...

Wish me luck!

Sunday 20 March 2011

in.words.and.pictures

I have been thinking for a while now about changing the blog design.

Too bad before this I haven't had thought about documenting it. It would have been nice to be able to look back and see what design I had used and how it had changed.

I believe before a recent change it had looked like this:


Then I had wanted to include photos that I had captured, ideally something that is related to the season. So I thought I start with a spring related picture (yes, I know it wasn't spring when I uploaded the picture, nothing wrong for hoping...).


For now, I will include a new header picture while I work out how to include the other changes I would like to make.


Hope you like it, whoever you are out there... if there is anyone? (I hope)

Saturday 12 March 2011

j.&.j

Just watched Julie & Julia on DVD last night while TheOtherHalf was out with his workmates.


No surprises that I absolutely adore the movie! Love the storyline, Meryl Streep's portrayal of Julia Child, the determination of Julie Powell, lovely French-y music (my soft spot), the lurve, and the supportive loving husbands of both women.

Yes, it is total chick-flick.

Towdaaallly love it!

Plus, how can you not love a movie with food? I'm Asian after all. Food is our life and you can spot us from far because we will be the one taking photos of food at a food establishment or anywhere that food is available.

*****

Kinda inspired by the movie, I would like to one day go through all the recipes in my collection of cookbooks.

One thing I would utterly love to do, and have been thinking like forever about it, is to prepare an English Afternoon Tea, with scones, cakes, biscuits, and sandwiches.

Actually I could do it this afternoon since it is such a horrible day out there: wintery showers, rain, sleet and snow. And TheOtherHalf is in bed nursing his hangover.

But then, he would not have an appetite to eat all those food. And it is one reason I don't cook/bake as much as I would love to because there is only so much one or two of us can eat.

So I will be contented to make my first batch of scones later this afternoon: plain and cheese scones.

Watch this space!

Tuesday 15 February 2011

the.light.shines

Now that we got all the unhappy part out of the way, I have some exciting news.

Twelve New Bakes

The last time I baked in 2010 felt like forever ago. And with the lack of guinea pigs willing volunteers, I was apprehensive producing home bakes. No point baking for wasting.

Then one weekend I made soda bread and then I thought "why not bake 12 things I have not make before"?


And so one of my new project to the To Do List 2011 will be "twelve new bakes".

One new thing a month, should be easy peasy right? Cupcakes, cakes and muffins of all variants should not be counted (because I have made them in the past), but I suspect I might bend the rules. So watch this space!

Scout Adult Training

I have started my Scout Adult Training last week, Module 1: Essential Training and another tonight, Module 3: Tools for the Job.

I will need to have a look at the whole programme and see how am I going to complete the 37 modules in three years to get my wood badge.

I’m really looking forward to this!

RICS APC

And on the note of training, I will have to touch on the dreaded APC Training.

Well, it is unfair to call it "dreaded", even though it is "dreaded" because it feels like it is taking forever. But I have only myself to blame.

Anyways, after going for my Adult Training Module 1 and see how easy it can be to complete a module, I was thinking, to make the APC work for me (and hopefully something I can devise and be useful for future candidates), I will need to break down the APC competencies into smaller modules and goals for me to achieve.

To do that, I will have to put aside time and sort myself out. Wish me luck and I hope to continue to blog about my APC again soon.


I will keep it short for now. Hopefully in the next few posts I will talk about my Scout involvement, my other projects or things that I have been doing. Do leave a comment so that I know that there is someone out there reading my rambles.

Btw, a wee update on my One Hundred Mails Project...
2-98 Birthday Card
3-97 Birthday Card
4-96 Birthday Card
5-95 30th Birthday Card

dealing.with.life

Many times I wished that the mind can do the blogging replacing the need to type things out. But until such ability exists I will just have to make time to write a post.

January 2011 has been a very challenging month for me. It was not the finances or the mood dip after the Christmas and New Year holidays, or void that my family left since their visit.

I would so love to indulge you with my woes but I will spare you the details.

All I know was that many times my secondary school Chemistry teacher's famous words of "don't ask and just accept" reminded me that is how life can be.

It was hard to accept the things that you are not convinced were necessary; or that you know was wrong; or that when you speak up it seems no one is listening. Those were the times when you wished you did not say anything. But then you (or in this case I) struggled.

I struggled because my mind was fighting with itself.

Do this, but it is not acceptable.

Don't do this, and you can't accept that decision or that is not how you work.


Is it better to be that person who just sit quietly there and show no emotions of agree or disagree? Which then makes that either this person does not care or the go with the flow person? And when he/she disappears from the scene everyone is shocked because he/she has been an OK-(wo)man? Or maybe no one even noticed?

Anyways, the constant fighting and (close to literally) head banging onto the wall drove my stress levels up and perhaps at some point I was depressed.

I don't know who to trust or who to say anything to. I even become sceptical about the support that is available. The ones that I lean on when I need them, they all seem so far away.

I was emotional, and I was mind and emotionally tired.

I was here but I wasn't here.

I was lost and would rather be away than facing reality.

Now, I am not sure how I manage to escape those thoughts at the moment. So far I am ok when I don't have to deal with certain situations or maybe even certain people. But you can only run so far and fight so much, eventually you will have to face it and deal with it.

As cliché as it sounds that it is all about "attitude", I would like a big spoonful of that to keep me going.

Until then, let me enjoy the low fighting days and thank you for your patience in this undoubtedly negative post.

Monday 10 January 2011

one.hundred.mails.project

In my previous post I listed some things I would like to do in the new year. And first on my list is the One Hundred Mails Project.

In a time where people don't send enough mails in the post and forwarding emails as a sign of they are still alive and thinking of you, I thought why not support the mailing service and spend a little time writing to people. Of course, wouldn't it be nice to receive a mail in the post that is not a bill asking for you to stump up your money, or worst, junk mail to 'The Occupier'.

It does seem like a mean feat one mail in every 3.65 days 3.56 days, less than 2 mails a week!

TheOtherHalf's initial reaction is "imagine the postage!"

Perhaps I can keep a record of the postage too to see how much it would cost my little project.

Ideally it would be good to send 365 mails but lets start with a more manageable target.

In this One Hundred Mails Project, mails are sent to individuals and not organisations.

To start this project, I will be posting a Wedding Congratulations Card to a colleague down south who what-are-the-chances is the wife of a very old college friend. Such a small world!

Hopefully I am more organised to be sending out birthday cards and other seasonal and celebration cards.

Here goes...
1-99 Wedding Congratulations Card

Sunday 9 January 2011

to.do.2011

Not long into the new year I was bored.

So I thought of a list of things that I would love to do this year.

Some of the things I would like to do are:

#1. One hundred mails
#2. Learn how to make jewellery
#3. Sugar craft (human)
#4. Take a course / class
#5. Scrapbooking
#6...

Of course, there are the other things that I need to do too:

a. Sit for my RICS Final Assessment
b. with that, I will need to draft out my Critical Analysis soon
c. Complete some of my Cub Leader training modules

However, the would like to do list will any day be more interesting and more appealing than the have to do list.

Thus I need to find a balance in achieving them all in the next 356 days. Fingers crossing... crossing rather hard.

Watch this space!