There once was a gal in Sarawak Who is extremely scared of biawaks Found in most gardens and longkang Bigger than a fly to swat So, gotta get Daddy to remove it, what!
Hmm... tougher to compose than a simple rhyming poem.
Woke up to some mild pain from a bruise that I got on my hip from being less alert after Thursday big event where I didn't pay attention to the people moving the tables back to the cafeteria although I didn't really feel the pain then due to the adrenaline but then again I did feel it shooting up my hipbone but needed to get things done as soon as possible so put it at the back of my mind until friday afternoon when I accidently bang it against something and the pain just started to ache slowly but in flashes of brief, dull pain which didn't go away until awhile later so that I was suffering in silence for awhile as it was a working day although over the weekend I kept forgetting which hip was the bruise was located at and ended up lying on the wrong side when going to sleep and waking up to more dull pain and now it's turned into a strange purple colour about 15 cm in length and 2 cm in width so it's pretty ugly and gruesome to the point that it's unsightly and I hope it does go away soon but maybe it won't but one can only wish and hope that it will as it's pretty scary to look at and the dull ache is hard to get rid off.
hmm... enough whining. inspiration from one of the books that won the nobel litrature prize. think it was a south american writing in spanish. read the english version. the entire book just rattled on and on. notice the fullstop comes towards the end after a really long read? :p
AND as usual, forgot the title and author. anyone?
It's always interesting to see what the other bloggers at PPS are writing about. I came across an interesting post at theResident's blog about Extinction.
Woke up fresh this morning after an early night. Reading the newspapers, found an article about the expedition to Bukit Sadok (Sadok Hill)-831 m above sealevel. I was suppose to go with a group of friends on that same trip but had to pull out. Was too tired after the Logo Launching last Wednesday so decided to stay put.
Well, just to give you a bit of history about the Bukit Sadok. It is the spiritual homeground for the Ibans living in the area. As I heard it, the last caretaker was Rentap. Yes, the famous Iban rebel who fought James Brooke, the White Rajah. In fact, he even had his fortress built on this hill which he defended with his equally famous cannon. Sadly, this was the location where the White Rajah also defeated Rentap. Now, Gawai Antu is a celebration given to honour all the fallen heroes since this period. Here is a link to an encyclopaedia to 19th Century Sarawak but mostly of names of people and locations. Also an interesting read on the Iban Migration to Sarawak.
A little bit more about Bukit Sadok. For anyone wishing to make a trip there, it is a tough climb as mentioned in the newspaper article. Note that if you do wish to make a trip, please do not be tempted to bring back any flora or fauna from the area. I suppose people might find it far-fetched but it is a spiritual area. There just some things that cannot be explained. The jungle is also very densed and the terrain is difficult to climb. Be prepared by wearing clothes and light clothing. Do not wear loose/baggy pants but rather wear tight, stretchable ones. The leeches will be having a field day if you do.
Having said that, I also decided not to go as I don't think I would have survived the heavy drinking sessions. Have you ever tried to drink with an Iban? Be it male or female? It's like competing with a bottomless pit! Never outdrink an Iban. Then again, never try to outdrink a Sarawakian bumiputera (indigenous people).
Something is wrong with your beliefs. How can you say that the things you wrote about without thinking it clearly?
I'm not talking about the indecent dressing. That is a never-ending debate. I agree with you on having to dress 'decently'. But who is to define decent dressing? The victim who might not have a clue? The rapist who is demented? Who gave you the right to decide what is deemed as indecent dressing?
Did you know that rapists doesn't have to lust after someone just to commit rape? What about child abuse? Do they dress indecently?
Have you thought how it feels reading what you wrote? Violating your space? Since when did you own the pathways that you walk. Leave you alone? What did she ever do to you?
The letter could have been written in another manner that is better worded. Instead, you're coming off as a crude, insensitive and judgemental person.
And you should also watched it as what you deemed as Asian values. One doesn't have to be Asian to dress decently, behave politely, show respect to elders. I'm Asian but I don't go around stereotyping values that are found all over the world.
All I can say is 'SHEESH! GROW UP A BIT WOULD YA!'
Had a wonderful time during the farewell dinner for my Korean collegue who is fondly known as Opa (father or brother?). After dinner, we went for a karaoke session. Was a night full of oldies, rock songs, sad songs, love songs and fast beats.
One song that is a favourite of all. Vincent sung by Don Maclean. Dedicated for those who are feeling depressed or had a bad day.
Starry, starry night Paint your palette blue and grey Look out on a summer's day With eyes that know the darkness in my soul Shadows on the hills Sketch the trees and daffodils Catch the breeze and the winter chills In colours on the snowy linen land
Now I understand What you tried to say to me And how you suffered for your sanity And how you tried to set them free They would not listen They did not know how Perhaps they'll listen now
Starry, starry night Flaming flowers that brightly blaze Swirling clouds and violet haze Reflect in Vincent's eyes of china blue Colours changing hue Morning fields of amber grain Weathered faces lined in pain Are soothed beneath the artists' loving hand
Now I understand What you tried to say to me And how you suffered for your sanity And how you tried to set them free They would not listen They did not know how Perhaps they'll listen now
For they could not love you But still your love was true And when no hope was left inside On that starry, starry night You took your life as lovers often do But I could have told you Vincent This world was never meant for one as beautiful as you
Like the strangers that you've met The ragged men in ragged clothes The silver thorn of bloody rose Lie crushed and broken on the virgin snow
Now I think I know What you tried to say to me And how you suffered for your sanity And how you tried to set them free They would not listen They're not listening still Perhaps they never will...
Inspired by Vincent Van Gogh's painting. Many intrepertations of the song were presented. Up to you to decide.
I love the song and the painting.
Enough said.
A beautiful version of the song can be found in Josh Groban's site. A player should auto-pop-up so select track 9 to listen to Vincent.
Hmm...a lot of discussion going on about the waterissuebetween Malaysia and Singapore. Wonder why doesn't the government just let it lapsed and let our countrymen use the extra water. We definitely need it. Johor supplied water to N9, why not Klang Valley? Future possibilities.
We should seriously start considering this and this. Cheap in the long run. One of the basic necessities of life is clean water and not everyone gets it. Get rich companies to sponsor cleanup. Etc. etc. etc. Honestly speaking, the water in KL scares the sh*t out of me.
For those of you who have bought Diamond Water, bad investment. Take it from someone who makes a living making clean water. You probably need to get the filters change every week, if not daily.
Having said that, there are some selfish Malaysians out there. Imagine emptying your water tank COMPLETELY to clean it up JUST BEFORE A WATER SHORTAGE. A neighbour of a friend in Klang. Mental basket case.
Shahrizal mentioned (on the TagBoard) that one of my posts ended up at jikonlai.com so went there to have a look. Came across today's posting about being a surrended human being. Prompted billions of electrical sparks to spin off into my head. Did consider putting a response up but it would have taken too much space. So, posted it here instead.
Jikon, try not to be too hard about yourself. Sometimes, it's great to sit back and relax. Like irene says, good time to recharge. We're only human after all and wanted to change the world is too much of a responsibility for one voice alone.
As for studies, well, what do you want from it? I had to come to grips myself about what I wanted to do and why I really wanted a MSc. Was all fired up to do it and when I actually did it, it was fine. For the first 2 months. Since then, it's been a nerve-wracking experience. Then again, I went in for all the wrong reasons. So, after a year and a half, have decided to quit. No other nice way to put it.
Then again, I did sit back and reflect back on all the reasons why I wanted to do it in the first place. Was I going to gain anything from it? What can I do with it? Will I be able to use all the skills acquired? Will it help me in my career as a working woman? I didn't like the answers but had to face the truth that I just wasn't cut out for the course.
BUT!!!
Coincidently, a few weeks after deciding to do so, a collegue at work asked me whether I wanted to join an MBA course together with him. Was very tempted. Am still tempted to do so. That one seems more realistic as I do manage a team of people and quite well too. When? Well, we'll see. Did some soul-searching already but am being very cautious this time round.
On being a surrendered human being, it's not the same as being the surrendered wife. Issues are different. Take a break away from work. You're reading a blog from a person who suffers from stress breakdowns once in awhile. Important thing is to remember being human doesn't equate to being a failure. Take a breather. Go out and do something that is enjoyable. Take your mind away from it all. For me, it's a trip back home to be pampered by parents. Not exactly the best solution for everyone but I'm sure you'll get my drift.
The world will not change if you do not voice your opinions for one day, or two, or five. It'll still be there. Waiting for shouts from all over the world. Get the PhD when you're ready, when you want to. There is no rush.
'There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven.' Ecclesiastes 3:1
When are you going to GROW UP? Do it soon because you are looking more and more like a narrow-minded fool.
Are you doing this to demonstrate your authority? Or an excuse not to improve life for others in Malaysia? Or trying to prevent people from speaking up? Or attempting to hide the TRUTH? Or are you doing it on a whim? Or just do not want to see improvements? Or did you not think at all when doing it?
Found this book in the bookshelf today. Left over from a visit from Mum's American friend who bought it last year. Makes me laugh more than anything else. Here are some really funny ones :
Chih sek moh kah mang Pek sek moh lau tau Seventy years old cannot stay overnight Eighty years old cannot stay for lunch Meaning in book : Seventy years old - maybe the person will die at night. Eighty years old - maybe the person will die any time, perhaps even during lunch. (So morbid. Can't see why they have such a proverb.)
Nang een nang tek sang kang chii Nii een nang tek ngu si sang Male hard to be born at midnight Female hard to be born at noon Meaning : Chinese believe the best time for a boy to be born is at midnight and the best time for a girl to be born is at noon. Children born at these times will have good luck and good fate. In olden days, it was very easy for people born at these times to find wives or husbands. (What's the scientific proof?)
Siong chong nang poh ah chong ming Get into bed, no guarantee to get up again. Meaning : Some people die in their sleep. That is why we go to bed every night not knowing if we will get up again the next morning. (Only old folks will think of something like this.)
Had a good time laughing at the meanings and the phrases. What will they think of next? :p
Urgh! Got the dreaded statement today. And, once again, they did not put in my deductions. Geez... gotta make a trip down to see them. That means going there by 7:30 am. The best time to go and avoid the queues. ARGGHHH!!!
Tooks some pics over the weekend at RWMF. Regretted that I didn't go into tourist mode and took as many pictures as I could. The lighting was just right. Oh well. Enjoy them while you can.
Note that you need to create an Ofoto account before viewing them. Sorry for the hassle but Ofoto allows me to put up as many pictures as I can. :p
Wow! Awesome! Different! Interesting! Amazing! Indescriable! Oh yeah baby! No matter what people say, the music is interesting. It ranges from cultural music to street performers.
I bought myself a few CDs. Well, more than a few but it practically drained me (RM50-RM75 per CD!!!). Had to borrow some money from RC to buy an extra CD. Pricey yes but I'll regret it later on because I will never be able to get the CD again!! They ran out of CDs for the Habana Son Club (Cuba) and they aren't due to play until Sunday nite!! Wanted that CD so badly. Sigh. Oh well. Anyway, what I bought :
Dwiki Dharmawan-Nuansa : Indonesian ensemble. I like the jazzy style mixed with the Asian influence. Shooglenifty-The Arms Dealer's Daughter : From UK. Nice. Valeri Dimchev Trio - Sooner... Later... : Very moody but soothing music from Bulgaria. Chipolata5-Skinless : Street performers and they're really good. We only caught them for about 15 minutes but it blew everyone's mind! It was... it was... humourous all the way!! Aseana Percussion Unit-Colours of Rhythm : I luv this group! They played at last year's RWMF and was an instant hit with the crowd.
Some info on the artists performing.. Here's a run-down of the itinery tonite :
Ana'k Adik Rurum Kelabit & Lan E-Tuyang The kids did a marvelous job! There were so many of them performing on stage. The musicians and singers were the adults. Reminds me of the group of Kelabit ladies singing at various functions : a bit monotonous but it's alright. Lol, didn't read the Tagboard until I got back home, so, sorry but no pics. It was supposed to be short 15 min performance but I think it went slightly longer than that. To tell you honestly, I think the Raja sisters do a much better job. But the kids were good and sure of what they were doing.
Bisaya Gong Orchestra Not for me. Made me sleepy. The Aseana percussion group is much better. Also managed to meet up with Superkumquat and Gette. Had a nice chat with them.
Ensemble Kaboul A very traditional presentation on Afgan music. Sounded like a Hindi movie to me. However, we were all amused by a white guy dancing the Greek dance. The belly dancing and bottom shaking was amusing. People then started joining him. Then the whole show was stolen away by a flying squirrel gliding over the treetops above! Many cheering and gasps to the flying squirrel.
Unknown Drum Band A very Caribbean drum band were performing while the stage was being prepared for the next act. Can seriously put one into a trance. They didn't wanna quit when it was time to stop. Organisers had to turn off their volume!
Huun Huur Tu / Malerija Deep throat music is not my thing but when it's mix with modern music, sounds so cool!! Still, not exactly my cup of tea. At times, a bit creepy when they played without the mixing. Was too busy looking at the flying squirrel with everyone else.
Chipolata5 Instead of the usual 5 persons, there were only 3 and they were so amusing. Cannot stop laughing and everyone was standing up to see their performance. Did occasionally dropped the ball and the juggle-thing. Luckily, he did not drop the jungle-thing with flames! The CD is so cute. There's a song in there that's titled 'Boa Constrictor' which starts 'I was being eaten by a Boa Constrictor'.
La Volee d'Castors The Flying Beavers from Canada. Superb playing! Was definitely a great act for the closing of the 2nd day of RWMF. Tried to get everyone to sing in French. In the end, it became an international version : La la la la la. The ukelele and the violin was the humourous side to it all. Flying squirrel was not to be seen anywhere. Guess it had enough to it.
Phew! Got back home at about 1 am. Traffic jam and slow drivers hogging the road back from Damai. Didn't stay for the rave party as did not stay at the hotels. Maybe next year?
Dad and Sina' called today. Had a really long chat with Sina'. Dunno what Dad is up to. They're basically stuck at home because of the Texan heat. Texas doesn't do things in half measure. When it's hot, it's boiling. Thank goodness for aircon.
Caught up with news and their stay in USA. Didn't have a long chat with Dad though. :( Wonder if he's finished his videotapes yet? Didn't know that the videocam doesn't have a NTSC setting. Thought it did? Hmm... gotta check it out when they come back from their trip.
Woohoo!! Am going today! Yay! But have to bring a lot of gear lar. Too many : umbrellas, tikar mat, water, stools. No place to sit down so need to bring some gear.
Going to be traffic jams there, for sure. Sigh. Hate that. Wonder what will be there this year?
Got this in my email. Saw it last year but it's an email that's been floating around for ages. Dedicated to Dad, Mr. Little, Mr. Tucker, Mr. R. Jala. You guys are going to have your hand full now or in the next few years. ;p
Rule One If you pull into my driveway and honk you'd better be delivering a package, because you're sure not picking anything up.
Rule Two You do not touch my daughter in front of me. You may glance at her, so long as you do not peer at anything below her neck. If you cannot keep your eyes or hands off of my daughter's body, I will remove them.
Rule Three I am aware that it is considered fashionable for boys of your age to wear their trousers so loosely that they appear to be falling off their hips. Please don't take this as an insult, but you and all of your friends are complete idiots. Still, I want to be fair and open minded about this issue, so I propose this compromise: You may come to the door with your underwear showing and your pants ten sizes too big, and I will not object. However, In order to ensure that your clothes do not, in fact, come off during the course of your date with my daughter, I will take my electric nail gun and fasten your trousers securely in place to your waist.
Rule Four I'm sure you've been told that in today's world, sex without utilizing a "barrier method" of some kind can kill you. Let me elaborate: when it comes to sex, I am the barrier, and I will kill you.
Rule Five In order for us to get to know each other, we should talk about sports, politics, and other issues of the day. Please do not do this. The only information I require from you is an indication of when you expect to have my daughter safely back at my house, and the only word I need from you on this subject is "early."
Rule Six I have no doubt you are a popular fellow, with many opportunities to date other girls. This is fine with me as long as it is okay with my daughter. Otherwise, once you have gone out with my little girl, you will continue to date no one but her until she is finished with you. If you make her cry, I will make you cry.
Rule Seven As you stand in my front hallway, waiting for my daughter to appear, and more than an hour goes by, do not sigh and fidget. If you want to be on time for the movie, you should not be dating. My daughter is putting on her makeup, a process that can take longer than painting the Golden Gate Bridge. Instead of just standing there, why don't you do something useful, like changing the oil in my car?
Rule Eight The following places are not appropriate for a date with my daughter: Places where there are beds, sofas, or anything softer than a wooden stool. Places where there are no parents, policemen, or nuns within eyesight. Places where there is darkness. Places where there is dancing, holding hands, or happiness. Places where the ambient temperature is warm enough to induce my daughter to wear shorts, tank tops, midriff T-shirts, or anything other than overalls, a sweater, and a goose down parka zipped up to her throat. Movies with a strong romantic or sexual theme are to be avoided; movies which feature chainsaws are okay. Hockey games are okay. Old folks homes are better.
Rule Nine Do not lie to me. I may appear to be a pot-bellied, balding, middle-aged, dim-witted has-been. But on issues relating to my daughter, I am the all-knowing, merciless god of your universe. If I ask you where you are going and with whom, you have one chance to tell me the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth. I have a shotgun, a shovel, and five acres behind the house. Do not trifle with me.
Rule Ten Be afraid. Be very afraid. It takes very little for me to mistake the sound of your car in the driveway for a chopper coming in over a rice paddy outside of Hanoi. When my Agent Orange starts acting up, the voices in my head frequently tell me to clean the guns as I wait for you to bring my daughter home. As soon as you pull into the driveway you should exit your car with both hands in plain sight. Speak the perimeter password, announce in a clear voice that you have brought my daughter home safely and early, then return to your car - there is no need for you to come inside. The camouflaged face at the window is mine.
Mum : How sure are you that they have named the right star for you?
Mum : Sounds like a scam.
Mum : What are you going to do with a star anyway?
Turn 180 degress and tried the Lava Lamp. Then realised I shouldn't have because of the voltage issue. Anyway, Mum said she wanted to get me some gold jewellery when she comes back for Xmas. I'm not complaining.
Maybe will ask some cousins in UK to bring me a lava lamp from there instead. Hmmm... endless possibilities...
Was surfing and reading the net here and there. Pop by LT Smash to see if there was something funny for the day in the desert or something thought-provoking. Got neither : he was taking the day off! Don't blame him as it is America's Independance Day. However, he did point a very good website to read.
I'm always amazed at the way Americans think and how patriotic they are. There are many websites and blogs on their views and opinions. Some I agree with, some I don't. It is still makes up interesting reading, if only to pass time and also find out what other people think.
I think I'd better stop now before saying too much. Going off to play Blix now!
Sure was funny watching a friendly match between two sections : Lightning vs Gears. Exciting, yes. The two people who stood out was the player with the whitest pair of legs I've ever seen and the referee. The referee was running more than some of the players!
Now, have to prepare my team to go against one of them. We'll see what happens. Viva la football!
Posted at 5:27 PM.
