3rd day of CNY

Day 3 of the Chinese New Year. Woke up this morning at about 9:00am, having gone to bed about 2:00am. I was caught up with the Black Magician trilogy which I started in the plane on the way back last Thursday evening. The trilogy was written by Trudi Canavan, entitled “The Magicians’ Guild”, “The Novice”, and finally, “The High Lord”. Was finishing off the last book and was totally hooked to find out about the ending. Hard to put down. So now, what do I have to read given that I have another few days left of the holidays? Well, I came prepared this time, and brought back another trilogy by Philip Pullman - “His Dark Materials trilogy”.

Some other relatives visited us today, as well as other acquaintances. Entertained some of my younger, but not as close in terms of kin, nieces and nephews on the piano (although strangely enough, they wanted to sing Christmas songs even though it is already end January). So what’s a guy got to do, but to entertain the young ones? Also played English chess with one of the older cousins. The chess pieces were of oriental design. Had it for quite a while already, but more as a decorative piece.

Later in the afternoon, my dad suggested driving to Tebedu, which is about 42km from my hometown just to look see look see. Tebedu is a small town and is where the Malaysia / Indonesia border is situated and where the immigration checkpoint is. I have never been there before and thought that it will be good to see the place. Couldn’t cross over into Kalimantan though, as I did not have my passport with me. The next time perhaps.

The road there was supposedly via a “highway”, and admittedly, the road condition was quite good, although not a “highway” as per my expectation. The view was lovely enough, beautiful greenery littered the surrounding areas, and as we were going higher up the mountains, some views were very, very nice. There were lush greenery around, with different kebun-kebun along the main road. There were various palm oil plantations, pepper kebuns, sawah padi, and others. Certain views of mountain peaks caught my attention as well as some endearing cloud formations.

Upon reaching the new Tebudu town, there was a noticeably lack of people around. Could be due to the festive holidays. This new town has a Jabatan Pendaftaran, Balai Polis, etc.. There was even a clock tower in the middle of an open field.

Going further inland, we finally came to the checkpoint. Took a snap or two of the place and was kind of disappointed in that I thought the place would be buzzing with commercial activities, but was kind of quiet. Was told that to buy Indonesian goods, we need to cross the border into Kalimantan. A few years back, the goods were much, much cheaper, but prices have risen after the Indonesians along the border realized the difference in prices and the value of the currency. There were a few Malaysian vehicles crossing, but I think it would involve other types of procedure to get the cars across. I have heard lots of rumours of cars being stolen in Sarawak, and then subsequently driven to Indonesia for sale. Not sure if that is true or not, and via which checkpoint if at all, but you never know. The closest main town in Kalimantan is I think, called “Pontianak”. It is about 8 hours drive south west of Tebedu if I recall my geography lessons correctly.

When we were driving back, we saw a sign pointing to the old Tebedu town, and decided to explore a little bit. My dad recounted that in the old days, there was a row of shops, but we didn’t see any. The old Tebedu town was like a kampung, with houses along the main road. Not as spectacular, but interesting to see how others live in different towns.

The drive back continued to be enjoyable with good greenery around. My dad commented that in the old days, the roads were also hilly, and most cars then did not have the power to go up the hill. They had to alight and push/pull the vehicles to get over certain steep terrain. We also saw some farmers walking distances between the kebuns I guess, and in the hot sun to boot. So I guess, nowadays, we better count our blessings and be grateful for the things we have.

2nd day of CNY

The dawn of the second day of Chinese New Year came and passed, and my, my, how time flies. Today’s the day that my relatives would come and visit, and so my mum cooked up a storm. At least 10 different dishes were prepared to feed the “masses”, together with two different kinds of soup. I can only guess how tired my mum must have been to have cooked so many dishes. Some came as early as 10:00am, whilst the others subsequently after that. The house was once again filled with endless chatter, with some younger cousins playing around.

One of my uncles suggested visiting another relative’s place in Serian. The relative was my grandparents’ adopted daughter. Together with at least 3 aunties, we drove to my adopted aunty’s house, but she was not in (apparently doing visitation rounds in Kuching). My uncle then drove around the town with us in the car, and marveled at the various changes and reminisced on the “good old days” with my aunties. They were talking about how much things have changed, and who is or is not around any longer. They would use various words to describe such a person as “fallen” (direct translation from the hakka word “chon”) as opposed to the taboo word during this festive period as represented by an unlucky number.

Back at home, my dad suggested plucking the rest of the rambutans from the season for everyone to eat. We have two rambutan trees bearing yellow fruits, and one rambutan tree bearing the red variety. Personally, I like the yellow ones better. The meat is juicer yet firm in its texture compared to the red ones. There were not that many left though, but enough to fill half a big box full.

Then my uncle suggested catching some fishes from the pond below our house. He was considered very lucky when he managed to quickly scooped two fishes from the pond without much effort. Now I am personally hopeless when it comes to types of fishes, but one was a whopper, measuring as long as the tip of my fingers to my elbow. My dad guessed that the fish weighed as much as 2kgs! Don’t know what type of fish it was, originally thought it was a “tilapia”, but was informed otherwise that it was a “red eye” fish (translated directly from Hakka). There was a smaller yellow fish caught as well.

My education of fishes continued, as the fishes were brought to the wet kitchen area to be “prepared”. My uncle wanted the big one to be smoked, and thus, I learnt a new word – “Salai”. Never knew fishes have to be “gutted” in different ways” depending on how they are to be cooked. Here’s a picture of me “preparing” the fish….. (no seriously! Like I would know!). My “kakak” mentioned that in the kampungs, Salai and panggang are used interchangeably. Salai is an Iban word for smoked, and differs for panggang or more commonly known in West Malaysia as Ikan Bakar. To prepare the fish for “salai-ing”, the fish had to be sliced open on one side to remove the entrails. The smaller yellow fish was gutted from the belly for steaming purposes. Now that’s what I call fresh fish! Direct from the pond. Lastly, my uncle seasoned the fish to be “salai-ed” with salt and pepper, as well as some chicken stock to give it extra taste.

Then, some of us sat at the kitchen table to have some Chinese tea. There were various discussions on how Chinese tea is to be prepared, like “washing” the leaves first with hot water to clean the leaves. I was telling that when I am in the office, I have this big mug which I put tea leaves in, and drink from it the whole day without replacing the leaves. Yeah, I have heard about the unhealthiness of that, as the leaves may release some chemicals after being soaked so long in hot water, which my relatives “kindly” reminded me. What’s unique is that there is a tea pot warmer (as can be partially seen from the picture) which I have rarely come across in many homes. I think my mum has had it since I was young, and just noticed it again when the tea was being served.

Oh, after all the excitement, my dad asked me to pluck some longans from the longan tree which had been “protected” from the birds. One bunch was not riped yet, while the other one was ready for consumption. There wasn’t much left though, as most had been eaten by birds before we came back for the festive holidays. Maybe next time perhaps.

It’s evening now, and dark outside already. I can still hear fire crackers and fire works going off. My immediate neighbours are letting off some very loud ones. Some have an immediate loud “bang”, while others are like constant streaming missiles one after the other shooting up the sky. Well, I guess it’s only for this festive period. Dong Dong Dong Chang! Dong Dong Dong Chang! Dong Dong Dong Chang, Dong Chang Dong Chang!

Dong Dong Dong Chang!

Dong Dong Dong Chang! Dong Dong Dong Chang! Woof! Woof! Thus enter the year of the Dog in the Chinese Calendar. This year, it is supposed to be the Fire Dog, so people are expecting it to be a “hot” year (interpret it however you want).

For me, Chinese New Year is more of a family gathering time. It’s a special time to catch up with the immediate family, cousins, aunties, uncles, nieces and nephews (yes, the next generation has begun). It usually starts of with a humongous dinner. Many families have different traditions, some gather just with the immediate family, others go solo, some travels overseas to avoid the crowd. For my family, the gathering goes by rotation of my dad and uncles’ houses. This year, it was with one of the junior uncle’s houses in Kuching, and like usual, via a pot luck or pot bless method on the eve of the New Year. Firecrackers and fireworks are banned this year, but even as early as 11:30pm, it started almost non stop until close to 12:30pm.

What’s to be expected then? New clothes, cakes, biscuits, and angpows, amongst others, as a wish for good fortune for the new year. Oranges are a plenty, symbolizing “gold” via a direct translation of “kam” (I think). Red is a popular colour, very “ong”… or lucky.

Fishes symbolizes prosperity? Or longevity? (I forgot), but is very popular amongst the Chinese. Some fishes with the “horns” are considered auspicious for some reason or another (nope, I admit that I haven’t done enough research for it to know the various reasons). But generally, one could find pictures of nine gold fishes or carps swimming around in various paintings.

Went to Kuching visiting during the first day of the new year. Traditionally, all the uncles and aunties, and cousins, would visit my grand aunty’s house in the morning. We would eat a hearty meal there, and one of the more popular dishes which my grand aunty makes is the “drunken chicken”. A cold chicken dish, soaked in alcohol. Very, very yummy! I had more than my fair share!

After that, went around visiting my uncles’ houses, nibbling food here and there. Visited at least four uncles’, one aunty’s, and one cousin’s house. At least two of the houses were new to me, as they were recently built / renovated and opened for visitation. Towards the evening, we even plucked and ate rambutans direct from the tree from one of the uncle’s house. It was a very hot day though. Although there were some dark clouds on occasions, hinting at possible rain, the day remained hot and sunny, and very humid.

So what’s the year of the Dog without a picture of a dog? The doggy’s name is Yuki (I think). Yuki belongs to my aunty who has at least 3 “indoor” dogs, and 2 “outdoor” dogs. The outdoor dogs were huge and very “garang”. Just getting close to one of the outdoor dogs only, and will be barked at like mad. Luckily, the outdoor dogs were caged up when we were there. The indoor dogs were very mild mannered.

Tomorrow will be the second day of Chinese New Year. As it usually goes, my various uncles and aunties will come to Serian to visit my family. My dad is the third brother, and the eldest of the family (on the male side) in Sarawak. Think my mum will be preparing lots of food for tomorrow. I heard that even my grandaunty will be traveling “up” to my hometown early in the morning. Yep, Serian is located about 60 plus km away from Kuching, and is actually located higher up geographically. I can hear some fire crackers, as well as some fire works. I guess it will get “noiser” later, to further welcome the new year.

Tagged

Mr. Nyabek (a friend of mine) sort of “tagged” me for this:

4 jobs you've had in your life
Temporary Piano Teacher
Temporary Accounts Trainee
ALCO Risk Management
Credit Analyst / Fixed Income Fund Management

4 movies you could watch over and over
Pretty Woman (seen it 7 times at least)
Lord of The Rings Trilogy
Once a upon a time in China (Wong Fei Hung series)
Schindler’s List

4 TV shows you love(d) to watch
Survivor
CSI – Las Vegas
Star Trek – The Next Generation
Rock Star INXS

4 places you've live(d)
Serian, Sarawak (since birth to teenage years)
Dover, England (college years)
Hull, England (tertiary education years)
Pantai Panorama, Kuala Lumpur (currently)

4 places you've been on vacation to
Redang
Shanghai
Bali
Gold Coast Australia

4 places you would rather be
Sitting on a sandy white beach
Up on a picturesque mountain top
Quietly reading in an air conditioned room at home
My Creator’s home

4 of your favourite foods
Sweet & Sour Pork (and yes, I am fussy as to its taste)
Chicken Satay and Ketupat with LOTS of peanut sauce
Home made Taupok and Turnip Rojak (with my mum’s special rojak sauce)
Luncheon Meat with Ketchup (thinly sliced and fried to a crisp!)

4 websites you visit daily
Blogspot
BNM webpage (working days at least)
Gmail
Yahoogroups

4 tagged
Amy
Lilian
Siew Geok
Schola

Ipoh Old Town eatery place

Went for breakfast at the Ipoh Old Town in Danau Desa last Saturday, after a recommendation by some friends. It’s basically a coffee shop decorated tactfully to represent a “vintage” era.

They had signages of road names (presumably in Ipoh) on the beams of the ceiling.

Saw a Hakka noodle thingy on the menu. I recall being told quite a while back that there's a large Hakka community in Ipoh. Being Hakka, thought I would try it, and see how it compared to Sarawak's KoLo mee. It actually differs quite a bit, and I think it has been "Peninsularised" with soya sauce in it. Tasted quite ok, but was not brilliant. The soup was unique though, it had two meatballs and two fish balls in it. I was pleasantly surprised. The white iced coffee (which it is supposedly famous for) tasted ok only. Something was somehow missing. My friends told me I should have taken the normal coffee as it is more "cheng!".

Another famous item is the coffee with roti bakar which my friend had. I "stole" a bite or two of the roti bakar. This tasted quite good.

Other friends also had half boiled eggs (yuck!). They said it was quite nice, but I was put off by the thought of the rawness. Have never liked half boiled eggs or even sunny side up eggs. Much prefer scrambled eggs! I think it is the thought that the rawness is just a step away from a little chick that puts me off.

Breakfast, anyone?

Another sumptuous breakfast feast, compliments from one of my colleague! There's a mix bag of kuih-muih, buns, etc... Please salivate to your hearts content! The yellow looking food (top left hand corner) is made from pumpkin. The grey looking food (bottom left hand corner) is made from yam. Yummy! There is an accompanying sauce, but another colleague hijacked for a bit.


A close up look at some of the kuih-muih! These are angku kuih I think. Which is your favourite?

Man’s Best Friend

Almost every morning whilst driving to work, I would pass by owners or maids walking their dogs along the side roads parallel to Jalan Ampang. Big dogs, small dogs, long dogs, short dogs, spotted dogs, furry dogs, you name it, they have it. I have seen sausage dogs, Labradors, German Shepherds, Dalmation, Terrier, Schnauzer, etc… At one time, these dog walkers used to congregate at a fenced up field, and let their dogs run free, but haven’t seen that happening for a while.

Today, as my car was stalled for a bit in queue at the Jalan Ritchie junction, I was observing this Labrador and how it walked. Never occurred to me the peculiarities of a dog and its walking style. It started with its front right paw forward, then back left paw, then front left paw, and lastly back right paw. Relating it to humans, I usually walk with my right leg forward first (I think), and wondered if it has anything to do with me being right handed. Would a left handed person walk with his or her left leg forward first? Do you know?

Anyway, if you have a dog, here are some questions for you; Have you ever realised how he or she walked? (I guess you won’t call your dog “it”). Have you ever wondered given the different breeds, do they converse in the same “woof, woof”? Can they understand each other?

The year of the Dog is fast approaching, and thought that I would just do a quick note on doggies. My first dogs were puppies (2 of them), think they were mixed breeds which my dad got for me when I was younger. Never got to name them, as my mum decided against keeping them (as she had to do all the work to look after them). Then came a Doberman called Misty. Have some fond memories of her. She used to take me for a walk as opposed to me taking her for a walk as she was quite strong and so eager to wander about when I took her out. Dragging me along as she sniffed this and that to her hearts content. But alas, staying in a condominium now, and not supposed to keep pets. Bummer!

I have always had a fondness for dogs. My favourites are Beagles and Huskies. But never had either of them. It’s a joy when you get home, and the doggie will rush over to greet you and make you feel welcomed. It’s a sense of being appreciated I guess. I pestered one of my colleagues who is into dogs also to let me post a picture of her dog. Her dog is called “Honey”, and isn’t Honey pretty in this pic?

Under the weather

Feeling a bit under the weather today. Started from yesterday afternoon, had runny nose and early signs of sore throat. Caught an early night to recover. This morning, went to the doctors as symptoms persisted. No fever although I looked a bit wretched, was given some medication and doctor asked if I was fit for work. I thought I was, so didn't ask for MC. Blood pressure was relatively ok at 130/90, and doctor kept reminding me that I must take my blood pressure medication (which I have been doing anyway).

Had to sit through two and a half hours of meeting after that, as well as having to present on my fund's performance for last year. Not much appetite for lunch now, and sort of rested at my place. Didn't want to go to anyplace noisy, just need some peace and quiet for a bit. One of my colleagues saw me, and gave me some chocolate to cheer me up! Good of her, but will keep them for now, at least until I feel better anyway.

What ‘cha eating?

After attending a product launch this morning in which my big boss presented to at least 1,000 agents, it was nearing noon, and there I was standing at the back, wondering what to eat!

Have you ever gone through phases in eating? Any sudden cravings? This may sound sexist, but females probably would have, especially from what I hear, when they are expecting. Still, I think my case is unique. I go through phases in food. At least 7 to 8 years back, I went through my “chicken rice” phase. I had chicken rice every working day for 2 weeks! After that, I got “tired” of chicken rice, and now only eat it occasionally. The few other phases I went through included “satay”, but that was when I was a teenager and still in Serian. After dinner, I pleaded with my parents so that I could go out and buy satay to eat as “after dinners”. Would have gone everyday, but think my parents did right in limiting me to once a week only. I think the novelty was not in the satay itself, but in the ketupat or sometimes nasi impit with the peanut sauce. They had brilliant ones at home when I was young. Coming to KL, I had the chance to sample Indian food, and yes, Indian food is good! Never really had Indian food when I was in Sarawak. I guess the Indian community was very small in my hometown. Never even heard of roti canai, papadums, etc. until much later in life. Yes, since discovering Indian cuisine, I had phases for “Roti Tissue”, which lasted a few weeks, then “Paper Tosei”, which lasted even longer! I am coming to the end of my “Banana Leaf Rice” phase, although I am quite particular which veggie is served. Only really liked it from one place in Taman Desa so far, but have not really explored Brickfields or other areas which are even more popular with such food. My Banana Leaf Rice phase lasted almost a month, but no, I didn’t have it everyday! Am actually in the midst of my “Fried Rice” phase, especially from one Indian stall in GE Mall’s food court. Had it almost everyday for one week last month, and only occasionally now.

Today, I went to the car park area beside the mall, and ta-paued fried rice, but Malay style. Was walking around there wondering what to eat, then decided to try the Malay fried rice from one of the stalls. The makcik asked me if I wanted pedas or not pedas. Of course, I wanted the PEDAS!! And guess what, looking at the other food they were serving, I saw nasi impit, but the peanut sauce didn’t look all that great. Still, I wanted to try some, and ta-paued a bit of that too. Then it hit me, “Oh, oh!”, will probably bust my daily lunch budget of RM5. Surprisingly, the fried rice with a piece of chicken costs me RM3.00, and the nasi impit RM1.50. Totally within my budget.

At the time of writing this, the food’s all gone. I still prefer the Indian fried rice, although slightly more expensive from the food court (RM5.50 with chicken). The peanut sauce was as expected, not as great as I would have liked. Maybe I am choosy, but heck, it’s my appetite! Although cheap, I don’t think I will try from the same stall again though, but there are other stalls to try from around the area. Incidentally, yes, I over ate again, but am planning to go to the gym today…. [BURP]

Breakfast

My sisters bought some fruits and curry puffs for breakfast, but I forgot to bring the curry puffs. Ate two medium sized banana's for breakfast! This is the leftover for my lunch (as dessert).

Banana's supposed to be high in fibre, and good for the digestive system. Have not done any research on it though. To me, it tastes sweet and nice, so good enough.

Sometimes, my colleagues will bring breakfast for everyone in the unit. Today, one of the girls brought Kau Chi(s). Usually stuffed with turnips I think, but there are other varieties which may be stuffed with vegetables (green ones that is). Haven't tried the green ones though, as my preference is for turnips. The kau chi had some accompanying chillie sauce I think, but I like it just as it is! Yummy!! Had to limit myself to one only. Two bites full, and it is gone.... salivating just thinking of more... but control! need to reduce intake!

Rain

Have you heard the pitter-patter of rain lately? Have you marveled at nature’s wonder? Ever since I was young, rain has always held a fascination for me. Where did all these water come from? Is heaven crying for someone in passing? Is heaven weeping for us? As I grow older, and geography dispelled the young notions, rain is still a wonder even now.

It’s the calming effect of the constant pitter-patter that I find alluring. I enjoy looking out the balcony imagining the rain washing the city clean. Yes, it is raining now, quite heavy in fact, but here, sitting in my air conditioned room, almost about to be lulled to sleep, I just couldn’t help but jot down some thoughts. Some may find snuggling in bed right now the best therapy to complement a rainy day, some may even resent the rain, but nature’s gift is still a wonder.

Have you ever been soaked by the rain? Have you ever tried to rush home from somewhere just to beat the rain? I have. Countless times when young. Numerous times cycling home from school, all wet but strangely not afraid of getting ill despite my mum’s eagerness to get me dry and something warm to drink and eat. However, one occasion has been stamped vividly in my mind. I was cycling back from the library with my cousin, and it started to drizzle. We sped home as fast as we could to avoid getting drenched as a drizzle or two could already be felt. Then tragedy struck, our bicycles collided, and I was flung face first onto the tarmac just a few metres away from home. I remember picking myself up, and felt a weird tingling sensation surrounding one of my front teeth. And when I checked myself in the mirror subsequently, lo and behold, I chipped one of my big front tooth. Apart from some other minor scrapes, I emerged relatively unscathed from the incident. I was not yet twelve and had battle scars already. No broken bones at this time yet, although I did break my collar bone in a separate incident. But, that’s another story.

I am watching the varying bright streaks of lightning now, and they do aspire to convey some fearsome wrath, as though an immortal up above is wroth with us and is slamming down light as punishment to the lesser beings below. The mighty thunder, hammering in reply, as if to protest the violation of the earth. Many foolish notions I did have when young, as though there were magical beasts in the sky fighting for sovereignty of the vast space above. There I was as a wee lad, shivering slightly against the chilled air, looking upwards with run away thoughts.

But soon, the sound of the pitter-patter of rain did mellow, gently quietened as if to say, “It is finished……”. Thus, into the house I went, silently closing the door, full of respect for another of nature’s wonder.

The A, B, C...

A is for me, as it stands for my name,
B is for books that I read and I claim.
C is for care, which I strive for each day,
D is for doggies, with a Woof! to brighten up the day.

E stands for edgy, which I sometimes can be,
F stands for good friends, those whom I see.
G stands for gibberish, which I sometimes utter,
H stands for home made cakes, full of butter.

I represents me, with no claim to fame,
J represents JV, which is my confirmation name.
K represents Ketchup, the Heinz and Maggie variety,
L represents longing, in this busy society.

M is for music, pure and clean,
N is for a note I sometimes mean.
O is for ohh, when I see a great dame,
P is for ptzpzz, part of my blogging name.

Q stands for quiche, which I once did have,
R stands for roses, which I seldom gave.
S stands for “Shit!”, which I offhandedly utter,
T stands for tea, which I have with bread and butter.

U represents union we sought to have,
V represents villains I never forgave.
W represents wicked I sometimes do feel,
X represents Xmas, to love and to heal.

Y is to you, I claim as my friend,
Z is to zing, to the very end.

Who am I?

Me, I, Myself….. that’s who I call me.

Others call me by various names, AJ, Alex, Alexis, ‘xis, ‘xes, AiJai, amongst the more popular ones. Of course, there will be those who will give me endearments, and those who will call me by not so kind names.

But, really, … who am I? What’s in a name anyway. Does a name shape a person? Does a name portends a certain virtue? My name means “Defender” based on some story long ago. Does a name represent something which is sought after?

Being Chinese, I also have a Chinese name. Kian Wei, translating to great health. Being unable to read and write Chinese (but know how to write my name), I asked my dad once, “When someone asks me what my Chinese name is, how do I reply?”. This is especially pertinent given that Chinese characters may have different meanings if one stroke is missing, although it may sound the same. Was told to say “Muk Ye te Yang, Chien Kang te Chien, Wei Ta te Wei”. But really, what is in a name? Who am I really…

Do my actions represent more of me, or does my name overshadow my deeds in life. I doubt I have done anything great in life which my deeds may be remembered by the masses, but it is in those little deeds that someone individually unique may be touched. Ah… the key word “unique”. I am me. My name is me, and I am unique.

Then, if I am unique, why do I need to conform to social norms? Why do I need to adapt? Why am I ruled by society? The answer eludes me still I think, but I ponder in an analogy. Me, my whole being is made up of many particles – cells. I came about via multiple divisions of cells to create me. Those cells are indivially unique, yet, by being packaged as a whole, it is me. Me, being unique, is made up of so many different parts or components. Go figure!

So, who am I really. Am I a nice person? Am I cruel? Who is to define whether I am good or bad. Who is to tell me I am right or wrong. Who is to tell me, I am me?

Me, I have grown from a baby to an adult (I would like to think so). It makes me think back through the times, and reminiscence of what was. It makes me appreciate me. It makes me appreciate who have had a hand in shaping me. My family, my friends, my religion, and all I those with whom I come into contact. Here’s a picture of me when I was a wee toddler, with no cares in the world except to play, and enjoy life. Has life made me cynical? Has life made me a better person? Life has shaped me to what I am today. I am me.

So, my friends, “Who are you?”

Exercise

There have been so many jokes about exercising, or the lack of it that sometimes, it doesn’t seem funny anymore. And related to it, is of course, the size of a person. The one I like best is “I am in shape. Round is a shape!”.

Yeah, one of my new year resolution is to get fitter, to lose a few inches off the waist and of course, the ever important, to shed a few pounds. Was sitting down watching TV this afternoon, and lo and behold, a commercial came up advertising about “Abs super(?)” or something like that. Enticing one and all to get those of very firm abs by using the exercise machine for 3 minutes a day, 10-day money back guarantee for RM399.00 excluding delivery cost of RM19.99 in the Klang Valley. Sshhh! I still remember it, so the advert must have worked on me.

Back to the point – Exercise. Defined by my ever reliable “The Collins – Paperback English Dictionary” which I was given on 27 May 1998 by my College for industrious work (yeah, bragging a bit). I remember the date, because there is a note attached to the dictionary. I think I got it for a research and composition on Orangutans as part of my fourth year Biology Assignment. The teacher (Mrs. Tressider) was suitably impressed and recommended me for the prize. Biology, now that is the one and only science topic which I took up. Strangely, I did bits of Chemistry, Physics and Biology when I was still studying in Malaysia, but realised that I had no interest in the sciences at all. However, when I was in College in Dover, I had to take at least one science subject, and took the one which interest me at least a little bit. Ah, but I digress – Exercise – “to put into use; employ” as firstly defined, and “to practise using in order to develop or train”. I guess for me, to put into use those oh very lax muscles (there are some I hope) and hope to get a trimmer me.

To date, I have exercised twice (not bad, since I only exercised once the whole of last year, an improvement of 100%, and it’s only 10 days into the year). Once last Friday at the gym when I went on the treadmill, and discovered how unfit I was. Played a bit of table tennis with one of my new colleague. Obviously, she’s better at the game than I am, but still ok since we played close to an hour. An another time today when I went to Taman Tasik Perdana for a bit of a jog (more like a walk for me) with a friend. All in all, covered at least 5 km before it started to drizzle. Quite a nice place to walk around or do some jogging. There are different trails – uphill, downhill, straight paths, and even steps for climbing up and down. Also looked like a fun place for kids to hang out, what with the children’s park and all. But of course, I had to eat Satay after that and drink Neslo shake to quench the thirst, although I did limit it to 10 sticks only (opps, and a tosei, but that’s it!).

Leg muscles aching a bit now, but should not be as bad as time goes. Suffered a bit during the weekend, especially after Friday’s exercise session. Squatting down was a killer, and could feel all the aches. What I wouldn’t do for a good massage!

Christmas 2005 and New Year 2006

Amidst all the hype and anticipation of the new year, I somehow found the onset of 2006 kind of a let down. The festive cheer during Christmas overshadowed the ringing in of the new year. Perhaps there were lesser fireworks, perhaps there were less joy being spread. I guess simply, that I felt kind of detached from the events. No doubt, there were some happy moments, but on the whole, I think part of my moodiness was purely a matter of the heart.

On to happier things! Yes, Christmas was indeed a splendid event. Didn’t get off to too brilliant a start though, especially when I checked-in at KLIA at 4:50pm for my AirAsia flight at 6:10pm, and was informed on the spot that I had to go to the Gate asap. I wondered why, and when I checked my printed ticket, the flight was retimed earlier to 5:30pm, and AirAsia never informed me earlier. So there I went, and waited at the gate, didn’t see the plane by 5:30pm, so I guess it would be delayed, and true enough, by 6:00pm, there was an announcement that the flight will depart at 6:50pm (which it finally did at 7:15pm).

Christmas at home in Serian was a “normal” affair. Family dinner was at 6:00pm, and then on to the 9:00pm mass. But in between, we opened Christmas presents early, and was quite a happy affair. Got a bag, a book, a shirt, amongst other things. On Christmas day itself, got up early (6:15am) to help out at the petrol station at 7:00am. Worked most of the day, until a big family, and close family friends, dinner do in the evening. Last year, we had about 60 over people for the dinner bash. This year itself, there were more than 80 people (as more relatives turned up). Lots of good food as usual, and even had a caroling session. Quite a boisterous affair, as there were many younger cousins, nieces and nephews running around. They were happy to receive Christmas presents from my parents and from my sisters and myself. The light sabers for the nephews and younger male cousins were especially popular.

Back in KL, met up with some friends for dinner and exchanged some gifts. Quite a good occasion, this time, received a unique rotating three-sided photo frame, a candle holder, a mini flatulence book (thank you AH), a set of oven mittens and a bottle of Heinz Ketchup, and a special Maranatha Acapella Praise CD. Very nice heart warming gifts.

Oh, before going back to Sarawak, also had an office do with my unit at “The Mustard Tree” in AmpWalk. The décor was great, the food was great, the ambience was great, the company was also great. There was also a gift exchange amongst all the merry making. My colleagues seemed to enjoy drinking the wine very much.

So, back to the present time, New Year was a subdued affair. Stayed in during the extended weekend (Monday was a public holiday), and basically caught up with my reading. Finished reading Robin Hobb’s The Assassin Trilogy. Started the first book on the plane back to Sarawak and finally finished the third book during the new year. Quite a good read. Better than I had expected. Writing style was tight and the story line was refreshing.

Am back at work already, and feeling the blues. Have many wishes for this year, hopefully some will come true.