Playing Cupid - Part 2

When we got to Klang Parade, the dance performance had not started yet. Scheduled for 3pm, and it wasn’t just belly dancing but a “Carnival of Dance” showcasing performances by students from a particular dancing school in Klang. The dancing school apparently caters not so much to the ballroom dancing type, but the more modern hip hop dance type.

Whilst waiting, I decided to do some shopping for the upcoming concert. Still needed to get a white top and white shoes. Think I went round the shopping mall at least twice, and must have gone in all the various clothing shops, but didn’t find anything I fancied for my white top. Will probably head back to Metrojaya in MidValley (saw a white top the other day, but slightly on the pricey side – then found out I have a RM100 voucher to be utilized in Metrojaya!). After all that, I did manage to get my pair of white shoes. Yay! Had initially budgeted about RM150 to RM200 for the pair of shoes, but saw a pair going for RM29.99!! Couldn’t believe it, Cheap! Cheap! – BUY! Only thing is, it looked like the typical school shoes, and when I brought it back home, my sisters did comment “Aiyee! Why buy school shoes!” Cheap muh!! :( Now, can only hope it will go with the off white pants I got the other day from Hush Puppies and the white top I will be planning to get soon. Fingers crossed!

Ok, the dance performance began. Strangely enough, it wasn’t all dance, there were some singing too, but all in Chinese and the typical cantopop type. The females’ costumes were like all white, some all black (HEY! That sounds familiar!) and mixture of this, that and the other. At least there were some kind of standardization.

Quality of singing? Ok-ok’lah, off pitch a bit here and there, but who really cares in a shopping mall with the background music blasting away?! Dancing quality? Obviously, there were some very good ones and some not so good ones. If you are talking about performance in a shopping mall, I guess it will do, but if for a proper concert, I guess not quite there. Some of the choreos were very nicely done, others were not quite together. There goes the critical me… but after being exposed to some of the theatrical aspects, I guess I am learning to be more discerning. Still, knowing what to do is one thing, executing it well is another thing altogether.

The belly dancing was quite alright, but not the typical showing the midriff type with the swaying of the hips. Oh, there was definitely some swaying of the hips (and other body parts!), :) and my friend was greatly transfixed on the “potential one”, heheee, but the routine was more “modernized” belly dancing with a bit of hip hop thrown in (later had it verified by my friend’s “potential” that it was indeed what the dance teacher intended). Shucks… not enough skin shown’leh for belly dancing, but I guess ok’lah given that it WAS in a shopping mall with lots of kids around, etc.

So, yes, overall, it was admirable. Also, a bit difficult I think, especially when you have to sing and dance at the same time. I can definitely relate. Myself, I am "a bit" (stress that like 100 times) “kayu” on stage, so I should really keep quiet, and not criticize too much.

One phrase that has been constantly hammered into us as performers (or wannabe performers) is the word “Energy”! If one is just going through the motion, and half hearted swinging the arms, legs or whatever part of the body, then the effect is lost. Even when singing, the “Intensity” has to be there. Again, knowing all these things is one thing, but once you are on the spotlight on stage, with so many pairs of eyes looking at you, focus and concentration is crucial to combat the nerves and the stage fright. Forgetting or disjointed movement is one thing, but for an acappella group, forgetting the music or wording is another thing altogether. Would simply DIE! One thing I am learning from the various choreos we are doing now is that movements have to be deliberate, otherwise, will not capture the audiences’ attention. Will have to see if me, as a singular person can achieve the effect, and whether the group as a whole can do so as well. Pressure! Pressure!

Of all the performances, I liked the breakdancing part best, but only in sections. What really stood out for me, was when this guy who was wearing a blue top, did some handstands which were absolutely awesome (to me anyway)! There were various walking/jumping handstands and the fantastically cool one handed handstands, and of course the double handed handstands with the stylish contortion of the body held for an indefinitely long period of time (seemed that way – but of course, would have preferred if the posture was held even longer for all to go “Ooh! Ahh!” even more). Way cool! Of course, I have always wished I could do these motions too, but know for sure I would simply fall flat on my face (especially given my body weight!). Hmm, maybe I should take up dancing to lose weight and to lose my “kayu”-ness? But then again, where would I find time? As though I am not busy enough…..

But I digress, my whole point of coming to the mall was to meet my friend’s “potential”. While waiting for her to get changed (she had to rush off for her friend’s wedding dinner after meeting us), my friend and I decided to grab a bit to eat first. I had cravings for The Esquire Kitchen’s sweet and sour wanton with the fried rice, but was told that this particular outlet is not so good.

So, my friend and I tried the OldTown eatery (which is typically famous for its roti bakar and coffee). I had my iced coffee and nasi lemak which was overall so so. Can do’lah! (Hmm, I wonder when I began to be a fussy old pot). And yes, when the “potential” arrived, we did have a good chat in Starbucks over drinks. Her bubbly personality was very evident and her ease in “handling” people, a real marvel. I wish my friend the very best of luck.

Playing Cupid - Part 1

A close friend buzzed me on Saturday afternoon, asking me if I wanted to go to Klang to see some belly dancing on Sunday afternoon.

Alex: Klang? Huh? See what? Where in Klang exactly?
Friend: Klang Parade.
Alex: So far oh! Go for what!
Friend: Got a friend there doing belly dancing performance. Go support, muh!
Err… ok. Can accompany. And later I found out that the friend he wanted to support is a girl he is interested in and want to introduce the girl to me. Wah! Damn honoured! :) But the catch? My friend doesn’t know how to get there, hoping I would show the way. As if! I have been to Klang like how many times only (can count the fingers in one hand). But since he’s going there to show his interest in the girl, ok’lah, I tag along to play cupid, and also check out the girl.

So, in order not to get lost, I made some attempts to ask for directions from my other friends who may be familiar. First one I called actually grew up in Klang and think Klang is the best place in the world (actually, he tried persuading me to buy a house in Klang – siao ah! So far oh – I work in Ampang oi!, as I am wont to tell him!). Alas, I didn’t managed to get hold of him, and resorted to calling another friend whose wife used to stay in Klang (but he is a KL lang).

Directions given by KL friend’s missus were relatively clear and there I went fingers crossed that the directions were correct. However, my friend laughed at me and guaranteed I would get lost in Klang. Shissh! Klang so complicated meh? Later my original born and bred Klang friend returned call, and gave me another direction which he said was easier.

Klang friend: SIMPLE only… You turn left after the RM1 toll… then go….

I think he said “Simple” or “Easy” at least 5 times, and strangely enough, when someone tells me something is easy, my guard goes up, and I get kind of apprehensive. Something which is simple to one may be a disaster waiting to happen to another. So how ah?

Then I remembered my younger sister commutes to Klang quite often and her boyfriend is from Klang. So I asked for verification of some sort. The directions given were similar to my KL lang’s missus’ directions, so I sort of put into my short term memory as to how to get there based on verbal directions. Hmm, sounds dodgy, but can’lah. Will try to find the way.

And?

And so, along came Sunday, and my friend drove by to pick me up all excited to go. I asked him what would have happened if I couldn’t make it? He said he would stay at home, afraid will get lost in Klang. Hahahaaaa! Actually, I feel the same way, and know for sure that some Klang folks (even PJ folks mind you) are fearful of heading into the big bad KL city center due to the traffic and the complicated one-way streets. Sometimes also, my born and bred Klang friend would call me for directions in KL (but he’s adventurous, so he’s ok).

Following the directions given earlier, we managed to find Jalan Meru (directions given were very good, thank you BT!), and wondered which building was Klang Parade. Saw this big brown building with Parkson emblazoned on it, but no identifier for Klang Parade. Hmm, made a quick call, and yes, had it verified that this was indeed the elusive Klang Parade. Finally! Found it without getting lost – definitely a very good feeling indeed.

As we were parking, both of us were kind of relieved that no untoward incident happened (i.e. getting lost), and I told my friend that my directions were only good for getting to Klang parade. Getting back to KL is another matter…. Oh oh!…but that’s another story….

A morning expedition

Along came the weekend, and plans were made a few days earlier to go makan at Petaling Street in a shop owned by relatives of ZL. But before that, the girls from The Wicked Pitches wanted to have a brief sojourn over at this shoe shop to look for their silver/white shoes for the upcoming concert. I think the shop specializes in dancing shoes, given the array of shoes available and several newspaper cuttings to that effect.

I went along also looking for a pair of white shoes, but alas, the owner only have men’s black shoes in stock, and asked me to take my pick of salsa shoes and whatever other shoes available, but all in black. The girls commented that silver shoes are also ok, because under the bright stage lights, it won’t make much difference as opposed to white, but I commented that seldom do I see guys wearing silver shoes. The owner was kind of affronted and said that he has done (designed?) silver men’s shoes before. Oppps! Ok… also saying that I could place an order and will take about four to five weeks to do…. It’s alright, would have missed my concert date anyway. Silver sports shoes I have seen, but unless for the stage, definitely not my colour. Heck! What do I know anyway, am definitely not a fashion guru!

In any case, I didn’t see anything which suited me, but the girls apparently had a jolly old time trying various pairs of shoes before deciding on one pair each (after an extended period of time). Just imagine letting kids loose in a candy shop – this one? No, that one? Nah, not as comfortable? Err.. this one ok or not? Hey! This one looks better! No, too common, Yay! This is the best!… not that I am complaining mind you, just interesting to note how girls shop. :P Been told I am sometimes indecisive, and wonder if I appear as such to my friends when I go shopping (but thank goodness I don’t go shopping often). Hmmm.

What about the cost for a pair of shoes? And when I turned over a pair just to look at the price tag, WT#$%*!! So much ah!?! Just for that flimsy looking pair of shoe? ZL kindly brought me back to modern times and said it is reasonable, considering that the “more” branded ones can be double the price. Huh! I guess I am really behind times, but I last bought my current pair of casual old faithful camel hard leather shoes quite a long time back (which admitted looks kind of faded, but still comfortable and sturdy!). Oh well. May have to up my budget a bit when I really hunt for my white pair of shoes.

However, when I really think about it, RM100 to RM200 really doesn’t go all that far nowadays, especially when you consider visitations to spas, facials, (and that’s not even considering the various pampering products), buying handphones, cameras and other “almost” necessities. After all, going out for a good meal itself can set one back more than that amount - easily.

So, what’s good after some retail therapy (and I just hinted earlier?!) Food therapy of course! Had fried Ho Fun (two types), some sweet and sour fish, char siu, and the main specialty? Boxing chicken! I guess it’s called boxing chicken because of the “final” look - using the drummet (?? – the smaller drumstick), battered and deep fried, served with a special sauce. Looks more like boxing gloves that’s what, hence the name I guess.

And the verdict? Simply Yummilicious! Chicken was still tender, not overfried, and the batter was simply brilliant. I think the shop is well known for this dish as I recall having been here a few years back and also having this dish. And if you are thinking of going to try it out, better go before the 31October, because the shop will be undergoing some renovation which will take about six months. Enjoy…

Something crawling this way comes

Upon a silent silvery day,
The cicakman came with dues to pay.
To seek his cicakwoman amidst the winding way,
And never to accept any resounding nay.

Nearer it swaggers along as it moves,
To the drumming beat of the heart, it follows its groove.
An everlasting love it knows it must prove
to dear Ol’Meme, sincerity to the highest roof.

Approaching its goal, he sees no Meme, A wandering cicakwoman, perhaps gone to eat her Maggie-Mee.
So pondering what to do, he stills awhile and simply be, Eyes scanning a towering batman mug, he spotted and did indeed see.

Up it climbs the towering batman mug,
For a bodily wash and a meal of bugs,
To coat its body with the scent of coffee,
That is so alluring to our dear Ol'Meme.


Feeling refreshed from the wonderful bath,
The cicakman continues on its path,
Patiently awaiting for the return of 'his' lady,
For a nuzzle and a bodily hug, maybe?


With a "Tan"-ner tone it hopes to succeed,
after dear Ol'Meme having vocalised indeed.
A chocolate hue by skin it competes,
but what is a colour against a name to impede?


with kind contributions from KKC... to be continued... (?)
for previous postings on the cicakman and cicakwoman,
please see Swishy Tail 1 and Swishy Tail 2.

A tale of one and the other

What one tale could it be? I guess as the major one, the one where I lost bowling on Sunday night, probably due to tiredness. The defeat was acceptable, after all, who can win every game they play everytime? But to play only three games and felt like shit afterwards is something else. What made matters worse is that I scored below 100 pins in the third and final game, dragging my team’s average score down and consequently had to treat drinks. Still not really an excuse though, but had one bad case of headache after. I guess it was the first sign that not all is well with me physically. Still, it was rather fun, as screams could be heard penetrating the very essence of the air quite often (as the place was very deserted – we were about the only ones playing when we got there), when one of the girls agonise over the bowling ball going into the longkang.

The next day, my headache had seem to disappear, and with some spare time at hand (due to force leave from the company with one day annual leave deducted - bummer!), I thought I would go to MidValley to look for a white pair of pants for the upcoming concert in November. Saw quite a few, but mostly were the drawstring types with the materials being a bit “light”. Was kind of concerned that if I wear that for the concert on stage, and once the spotlight shines, it would be very see through. Am definitely not that Diva (what’s the male equivalent? – Divo?) to show what bits and pieces may be underneath! Better not take that risk! Lost count of the many shops I went into, but nothing took my fancy. I did check out Metrojaya, Jusco, Giordano, PDI Authentics, Padini, Zara, Dockers (they don’t do whites), Levis, G2000, etc… with no results. Sigh. Left midvalley almost empty handed. I did pick up my coat after doing some alterations on it though. By the time I got back, my headache returned full force and my whole body felt so lethargic. Was planning to catch up on my DVD watching, but even that I had to forego and went to bed just after 9:00pm. Definitely not a good sign of being well. The last time I slept this early, I had a raging fever.

As for the other, well, woke up in the middle of the night to go to the toilet for a biggie. Thus, the other sign was there that definitely my body was fighting some kind of microscopic attack. Even after the morning sun has risen well over the horizon, I felt totally weak. Not sure if it was due to over sleeping (can anyone ever over sleep?) or results of some internal battle in my body. In any case, lost track of the number of times I had gone to the toilet already. Not fully recovered yet. Was supposed to go for a lunch appointment with some ex-Uni mates, but got postponed to don’t know when, as something came up for one of the guys. Blessing in disguise I guess, so I can stay in a bit more and hope my body stablises.

Have a photoshoot later this afternoon for the individual mug shots for our programme in November. Supposed to be all white. Don’t have all white yet though, but the guys said they will think of something for me. Not sure if I will be “fit” enough to go, but will see.

Of things being worn and dangle

Accessorisation. What a word, but I can’t find it in my dictionary. I have seen more and more people nowadays either trying to be hip, or showing their uniqueness or personality by wearing accessories; earrings, toe rings, necklaces, rings, nail paintings, belts, sashes, etc. Used to be predominantly females wearing accessories, but the male gender is catching up with the fad. Have seen many of my male friends wearing rings, necklaces, earrings, bracelets and a whole lot more of different paraphernalia.

Body piercing would be another form of accessorisation I guess. Have seen someone with eyebrow piercing, and I learnt a new word about body piercing from some conversations over dinner a few week’s back. Fancy a prince albert piercing? :P

When I was younger (not that long ago, mind you), I had actually contemplated having my ears pierced, and even pakat with some friends to get it done together, but until today, my ears remain untouched by the needles. I was looking at a friend’s earrings (not one, not two, and not even three…) and marveled at how the ear can withstand so many piercings. I guess it must hurt “a little” initially (and doubt if it was done all at once), but the pleasure derived must be significant.

Tattoos? Have always thought about getting a tattoo as well but am sort of worried about the pain which may go with it. Actually, I am still mulling over whether or not to get a tattoo of a tribal design on my arms but until now (even after 10 years) have not decided yet. My younger sister told me to just go get it done and don’t think about it too much (she had hers done on her upper posterior). Come to think of it, most of my younger uncles have some form of tattoos, and some of my cousins too for that matter. Considering I come from the land where such tribal designs (Iban) are very famous worldwide, I have yet to get mine done. Hmm.. Will see, will see…

A friend of mine is also into accessories, and has taken the hobby up a notch. She designs as well as makes the accessories herself. Yes, she does offer them for sale, and the stuff may be found at Bubbles. I have bought quite a few actually, not for myself, but on behalf of my sisters or mum. Also got some as birthday presents and reckon they make good festive gifts too. Unfortunately, my friend has not ventured to make accessories for guys yet, so I guess I have to wait a bit.

Myself? What do I wear now? Never had a dog tag (is it still in fashion?), but had a silver bracelet long long time ago when I was still in secondary school. Think I still have it in a drawer somewhere. Necklace? Again, the key word is “used” to wear a chain with a cross on it, but have kept it in the locker, although I have considered re-wearing again. Went through various wayward phases, so a bit heavy on my conscience. Also used to wear an eternity ring (given by my very first gf, but we parted ways after college), but unfortunately my fingers have grown “a bit” fleshier over the years and can’t fit any more…

Of things that freely float

Had this shot taken as part of the "Mostly, We Moon…" concert in November. Was very fascinated when I first saw the shot, and had to like clear my eyes a bit to make sure I wasn’t seeing something “funny”. It looked kind of like my soul or spirit floating free. Could it even be my guardian angel?

Apparently, to get a double image shot like this is just by a play of light. Was kind of puzzled when we were asked to pose firstly for one shot, and then pose for another shot while light was used to “bathe” us over. Photography is not my area of expertise, so am not entirely sure whether this is quite common or not, but reckon it still looked quite good. Am glad I smiled in this photo, and can keep it for remembrance sake. Normally, I look quite somber, and my friends usually tease me about it. More happy shots to come? :P

Want a BBQ?

Had another makan session last Saturday. Yeah, I know, supposed to cut down and diet “a bit” before the coming show in November so can look thinner on stage, but BBQ oh!!! How?! The session was more like a belated Birthday bash for JK and JW who were born on the same date, but one year apart. Before we were supposed to gather, it literally poured in the afternoon, but thankfully, the pitter patter of rain stopped just before we were all supposed to meet. At least it cleared some of the haze before we polluted the air a bit with our BBQ. But seriously, it was only a teeny-weenie fire, so didn’t affect much (or so we hope). Well, not all were BBQed (the food, not us), as one of the guys had an ulcer on his lip, and requested for steamed or microwaved a certain portion of the food.

What can I say? There was food galore! Was told not to bring too much, and yet the girls seemed to kau-timed so many dishes. Some more, AH tried calling me last minute and asked me to go buy some bananas to BBQ! The funny thing is, she asked me “You got bananas or not?” and before I could focus on the conversation and think of a reply (I was halfway reading one of the SciFi books and my mind was still in La-La land), she quickly added “not the one attached to you!” Hahahahaaaaa! Some people ah! One track mind only! :P

Anyway, finally met a fellow blogger (Gina) whose blog I would normally read just to salivate at the many drool worthy pictures of food and sometimes wonderful images which capture the imagination.



Amongst all the good food (there was even mango kerabu, fried mee hoon, drunken chicken, bubur cha-cha, mangos, rock melons, pears, etc), the birthday cake was something different. Made from jelly and would wobble a bit if shaken (go imagine). Actually, LL and SG nearly dropped the cake when they were carrying it up the stairs! Now that would really be a sight if it had happened! Pheww! Yes, there were only two candles, one each for the birthday guys!

Lots of photos were taken, from the not so canggih camera phone (mua's) to the super canggih digital cameras with perplexing initials and higher level mega pixels (definitely not mua's). Due to the lighting though, most of my shots appear darkish (forgot to use flash! DUH!). Sigh, still trying to salvage some from the many shots I took. Some were very camera shy, others DEFINITELY not shy in front of camera. Surprisingly the girls were mostly very camera shy, but the guys were lining up for photos to be taken (literally!). Hahahaaaa. Got some potential cover shots too! However, I think I must learn to pose more naturally... hmmm... kind of difficult I think, especially being horizontally and vertically challenged. Ah, I get it!! Take sit down shots so height is not a factor! :P Some more ah, was told I needed to have extra shots taken just to get that ONE right one cos' not leng chai enough... sob.. sob..

Again, another good meet up session, and especially thankful for all the good food and company. Oh, must thank some of the mothers too for preparing food for their daughters to bring to help sate our voracious appetite! Yummy! :)