I am now sitting in my room again in London, trying to reflect what have I achieved in 2008. I think it was not bad but can be better. In 2009, I need to make sure I will achieve more.
1. Stop eating pork at all time (poor piggy);
2. Participate in charities work;
3. Live and eat healthy, adopt extreme healthy lifestyle;
4. Hunt and buy an apartment in Sydney;
5. Visit the dentist more frequently; and
6. Hand in my officework on time!
Amen.
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Sunday, December 28, 2008
Festives mood @ London in December 2008
London came alive again after Christmas, everyone is shopping again and preparing for the New Year. For this trip I live with my aunt in Central London, located behind Foyle's bookstore.
I walked around Carnaby street and the Christmas settings were really cool.
Saturday, December 27, 2008
KIASU TIPS #2 : How to Check Out at Supermarket Super Faster
OK this tips may offends some of the shoppers around you. Use at your own risk ya. Next time when you are shopping at supermarkets, brings your friends or kids along. When you about to pay, you may noticed you have 60 over items on yr trolley. What can you do and all the Queues are sooo super long.
Walk to the express lane, usually for 10 items and below only. Tell your friends and kids to gather around you, if you have 60 items, make sure you have 6 of you gang up against the cashier if you are confronted. Ta Dah, super fast, but don't ask me to gang up with you. If I have to I will bring my sunglasses around so nobody will recognise me that I am actually your Friend!
Walk to the express lane, usually for 10 items and below only. Tell your friends and kids to gather around you, if you have 60 items, make sure you have 6 of you gang up against the cashier if you are confronted. Ta Dah, super fast, but don't ask me to gang up with you. If I have to I will bring my sunglasses around so nobody will recognise me that I am actually your Friend!
Merry Merry Christmas 2008
First of all Merry Christmas to all the christians who celebrate this special occassions and to all the shopaholic who just celebrate anyhow even it has nothing to do with you. However, it does help the shop owners to have a face with broad smile from one end to another. Thank you to you.
I was waiting to board my plane in KL to Singapore then to London on the 24th Dec. It was my first time I am boarding the A380 Airbus to London. The flight was rather boring and tiring. I could not sleep throughout the journey. The total passengers in the whole flight was 60 of us. We got to choose any seats except the business class of course!
On the 25th Dec, London was so dead. Hardly there were any shops which were opened. There were few middle eastern owners who ran the sandwich shops stayed opened. Other than that, it's pretty flat and non eventful.
On the 26th Dec, that's when the Sales begin. The crowds were so overwhelming that I have to give up walking around after 30minutes. I just couldn't breathe in Selfridges. I will try again later to check out any interesting la :P
Also, the recent opened Rasa Sayang, Malaysian restaurant just opened in December 2008 at Chinatown. The Health Minister from Malaysia came to officiate the opening too.
I was waiting to board my plane in KL to Singapore then to London on the 24th Dec. It was my first time I am boarding the A380 Airbus to London. The flight was rather boring and tiring. I could not sleep throughout the journey. The total passengers in the whole flight was 60 of us. We got to choose any seats except the business class of course!
On the 25th Dec, London was so dead. Hardly there were any shops which were opened. There were few middle eastern owners who ran the sandwich shops stayed opened. Other than that, it's pretty flat and non eventful.
On the 26th Dec, that's when the Sales begin. The crowds were so overwhelming that I have to give up walking around after 30minutes. I just couldn't breathe in Selfridges. I will try again later to check out any interesting la :P
Also, the recent opened Rasa Sayang, Malaysian restaurant just opened in December 2008 at Chinatown. The Health Minister from Malaysia came to officiate the opening too.
Friday, December 19, 2008
KIASU TIPS #1 : Tricks for cheaper "Economical Rice"
In Malaysia and Singapore, you may find economical rice being sold at food court or kopi tiam (local coffee shop). Usually they scoop a plate of rice for you and then you choose how many type of dishes you like to top. Then they will charge you based on the varieties of dishes. Though it's economical it can be pricy especially on this financial crisis period.
Usually, the charges for economical rice are like 1 rice 2 other dishes of your choice = RM6 (probably 50cents for rice, then RM2.50 for each dish). Next time, bring a friend along with you. Ask for 2 plates of rice, and you choose only one dish, BUT put more as if for 2 persons. Then ask your friend choose another and do the same. When you ask for the price, usually you may be charged, 50 cents for rice, and RM4 for the dish (since you scooped more).
Then, on the eating table, you start split half of yr dish with your friend. Ta Dah total = RM4.50, and you saved RM1.50. You can bring more friends and you can split equally and you save more too :) Enjoy, chomp chomp chomp!
Usually, the charges for economical rice are like 1 rice 2 other dishes of your choice = RM6 (probably 50cents for rice, then RM2.50 for each dish). Next time, bring a friend along with you. Ask for 2 plates of rice, and you choose only one dish, BUT put more as if for 2 persons. Then ask your friend choose another and do the same. When you ask for the price, usually you may be charged, 50 cents for rice, and RM4 for the dish (since you scooped more).
Then, on the eating table, you start split half of yr dish with your friend. Ta Dah total = RM4.50, and you saved RM1.50. You can bring more friends and you can split equally and you save more too :) Enjoy, chomp chomp chomp!
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
Most Memorable Vacation in 2008
I had visited a few places this year for vacations (not work related). However, I would say the best vacation will be Yogyakarta, Indonesia. The ancient wond
er of Borobudur really blew me away!
If you plan to visit there, don't forget to do the trip to Borobudur during dawn, where you can see the sun rise behind the active volcano mountain :)
Must do :
1. Stay in Hyatt Regency; very pleasant and super friendly staffs.
2. Visit Borobudur during dawn. Soooo calm.
3. Visit the Plateau and see the coffee beans planted on the hills slopes
4. If you can stomach it, try Horse Satay! Yes!
er of Borobudur really blew me away!If you plan to visit there, don't forget to do the trip to Borobudur during dawn, where you can see the sun rise behind the active volcano mountain :)
Must do :
1. Stay in Hyatt Regency; very pleasant and super friendly staffs.
2. Visit Borobudur during dawn. Soooo calm.
3. Visit the Plateau and see the coffee beans planted on the hills slopes
4. If you can stomach it, try Horse Satay! Yes!
My SMART car
I have not been driving much, but I bought this SMART for 4 (Passion). Pretty cool though!
Monday, December 15, 2008
What is your greatest "Achievements"?
I came across a news today which was rather touching but at the same time feeling proud for the person who had done it. It makes me re-assess myself what is my achievement up to date?
If I were to ask this on the street, I bet a lot will tell you my greatest achievements are my 2 proud sons who went to universities, or my trips to all the wonder of the worlds. Very little you noticed the achievements were through another person who is not related to you.
The stories reported on the Malaysian newspaper today, was about this lady Sylvia, an ex-nurse, has adopted 2 abandoned babies. Moreover, this 2 babies are not perfect, the boy had cerebral palsy and the girl has Down Syndrome. The boy Peter was 22 and Charlene is 18 years old now. I could not imagine how brave Sylvia was when she made the choice to adopt them since 22 years ago. Peter has passed away on Sunday (14th Dec). (For details turn to The Star, page Nation 22)
How many of us really could do what Sylvia has done for these children? Some of us I believe will turn our back on them. Money and materials are more important to us and for our future generations. But are those your greatest achievements? I do have to reassess myself after reading this news. I believe giving is the greatest achievements in humankind. It not only brings repair to your soul, but it also define the purpose of life.
To me, Sylvia has achieved it. May somebody up there will bless Sylvia and her family. For me, I will put this in my wish for next year. I need to do something which is related to "giving". Time should not be a factor, what matters are your willingness.
If I were to ask this on the street, I bet a lot will tell you my greatest achievements are my 2 proud sons who went to universities, or my trips to all the wonder of the worlds. Very little you noticed the achievements were through another person who is not related to you.
The stories reported on the Malaysian newspaper today, was about this lady Sylvia, an ex-nurse, has adopted 2 abandoned babies. Moreover, this 2 babies are not perfect, the boy had cerebral palsy and the girl has Down Syndrome. The boy Peter was 22 and Charlene is 18 years old now. I could not imagine how brave Sylvia was when she made the choice to adopt them since 22 years ago. Peter has passed away on Sunday (14th Dec). (For details turn to The Star, page Nation 22)
How many of us really could do what Sylvia has done for these children? Some of us I believe will turn our back on them. Money and materials are more important to us and for our future generations. But are those your greatest achievements? I do have to reassess myself after reading this news. I believe giving is the greatest achievements in humankind. It not only brings repair to your soul, but it also define the purpose of life.
To me, Sylvia has achieved it. May somebody up there will bless Sylvia and her family. For me, I will put this in my wish for next year. I need to do something which is related to "giving". Time should not be a factor, what matters are your willingness.
Friday, December 12, 2008
Bank Lelong! (Auction)
For the past few weeks when I was driving around my house I noticed a new set of advertisements hanging around the lamp post. Bank Lelong! It seems there was a big surge of auctions in many area. Usually this only happened when the owner has declared bankrupt and could not repay their housing loans.
When I asked around the people in Malaysia how was the sentiment towards the global financial crisis, the reaction was Malaysia Boleh, or government said we have are stable and has less impact compared to countries like US or Europe. I am not so sure about this, really. Personally, I would think nobody will be spared from this crisis and it's really how big is the magnitude which will affect the country. Of course I will pray that it will have low impact on us, but I believe everyone should be prepared and educated on how to face this crisis. However, this is not true when I speak to most of the people I have spoken to. In another hand, I believe more spending will generate income for the economy to move, but at the same time, we should also cut down on the unnecessary. Awareness must be created!
Just 2 days ago, I went for a haircut. Last year at the same time, I paid RM45 for a haircut, and today I was charged RM60. I thought it should be cheaper or same rate in view of the current economy climate. My hair stylist then told me, the business has indeed went down. However, this is true for hair coloring or perming which usually are very costly. When this sort of treatment went down, they have no choice but to increase to most basic service (hair cut) to cover their expenses!
I guess, if you are doing or planning for a business at this time. Opt for the business which provide basic necessity and not luxurious services which are less important. We have to keep the economy move but it's really the time to go back to the basics!
When I asked around the people in Malaysia how was the sentiment towards the global financial crisis, the reaction was Malaysia Boleh, or government said we have are stable and has less impact compared to countries like US or Europe. I am not so sure about this, really. Personally, I would think nobody will be spared from this crisis and it's really how big is the magnitude which will affect the country. Of course I will pray that it will have low impact on us, but I believe everyone should be prepared and educated on how to face this crisis. However, this is not true when I speak to most of the people I have spoken to. In another hand, I believe more spending will generate income for the economy to move, but at the same time, we should also cut down on the unnecessary. Awareness must be created!
Just 2 days ago, I went for a haircut. Last year at the same time, I paid RM45 for a haircut, and today I was charged RM60. I thought it should be cheaper or same rate in view of the current economy climate. My hair stylist then told me, the business has indeed went down. However, this is true for hair coloring or perming which usually are very costly. When this sort of treatment went down, they have no choice but to increase to most basic service (hair cut) to cover their expenses!
I guess, if you are doing or planning for a business at this time. Opt for the business which provide basic necessity and not luxurious services which are less important. We have to keep the economy move but it's really the time to go back to the basics!
Saturday, December 6, 2008
Weekend Chill Out @ Jakarta
I have decided to buy a very last minute ticket with AirAsia and hop to Jakarta. Luckily I have enough point to stay at Le Meridien hotel. It's a bit older but it's good location not too crowded.
I went to Grand Indonesia for lunch .. and I had Senayan Satay! It's really nice compared to those in Malaysia. I found the satay in Jakarta are more succulent, tastier, and less fat! Also, the peanut sauce has been grinded so fine and it's very smooth. While Malaysia, it tends to be nutty sauce, with a lot of skins on the satay! bad bad!
Thursday, December 4, 2008
Direct selling .. join me or be my enemy!
My life in the past few months has been filled with so many talk on direct selling on health products. I have nothing againts them, don't get me wrong. I do feel if you believe in the product and you think others will benefited from them sure go ahead and preach.
Naturally, I have been approached by few of them to consume or use their products. And of course, ultimately to become an active member and sell it to other consumers. That's how direct selling makes money anyway. What really bothers me was these direct seller sometimes were overly aggresive. There is one time I told my friend I wasn't interested in it because I don't need it now. He will twist and turn the questions back to you saying "could you share with me why the product is not good for you?". They love to corner you left and right, so you are totally defenseless and give in to them. Or "the supplement is good for you, and you should take you now if you like prevention to help you to ease your pain as you grow older". In another word, there is no reason you don't eat my products!
Come on! Give me a break. Yes, everyone needs prevention, but I believe in moderation. In the past, why are people living longer? Its really down to the question of your lifestyle. I believe in eating moderately, watching your diet, excercise and avoid harmful products. I know it's hard these days, but that's the fact for healthy living. By wobbling 12 pills a day and you were hoping these "magic pills" will save your precious life. Even if the product is good, still I don't think I will stock up hundreds or thousand of dollars of products to consume and sell it to others. The pressure of making more money as I will put it.
Just last night, when I was complaining I was sneezing, my family told me to take the supplement. Then later when I complaint my shoulder was pain, then again, the magic supplement again. I am totally exhausted listening to all these preaching. If it works for you good, as for now, I don't need it. By the way, it's not cheap because so many level of people waiting for you to invest so they can pocketed your money!
Naturally, I have been approached by few of them to consume or use their products. And of course, ultimately to become an active member and sell it to other consumers. That's how direct selling makes money anyway. What really bothers me was these direct seller sometimes were overly aggresive. There is one time I told my friend I wasn't interested in it because I don't need it now. He will twist and turn the questions back to you saying "could you share with me why the product is not good for you?". They love to corner you left and right, so you are totally defenseless and give in to them. Or "the supplement is good for you, and you should take you now if you like prevention to help you to ease your pain as you grow older". In another word, there is no reason you don't eat my products!
Come on! Give me a break. Yes, everyone needs prevention, but I believe in moderation. In the past, why are people living longer? Its really down to the question of your lifestyle. I believe in eating moderately, watching your diet, excercise and avoid harmful products. I know it's hard these days, but that's the fact for healthy living. By wobbling 12 pills a day and you were hoping these "magic pills" will save your precious life. Even if the product is good, still I don't think I will stock up hundreds or thousand of dollars of products to consume and sell it to others. The pressure of making more money as I will put it.
Just last night, when I was complaining I was sneezing, my family told me to take the supplement. Then later when I complaint my shoulder was pain, then again, the magic supplement again. I am totally exhausted listening to all these preaching. If it works for you good, as for now, I don't need it. By the way, it's not cheap because so many level of people waiting for you to invest so they can pocketed your money!
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
Christmas preparation in KL
My Christmas wish .. to stop gossiping, stop eating pork, and do more useful things!
The Gifted Child of Malaysia who is not in Malaysia!
OK I have enough of this news of this special and very gifted child of Malaysia. As a Malaysian I should be proud of it, but the stories I have read in the media with so many twists are making me wonder why?!
The young girl at a very young age was recognised and admitted into Oxford University in UK. Her mom is a Malaysian and her dad is Pakistani. When Malaysia found her, we all were very proud and even shower her with other goodies so she will continue to do well. The story took a sharp turn when she drop out from Oxford and became a part time prostitute. Apparently, she and the family has an estranged relationship. Whatever it is, this is her family problems not ours. However, the people who supported her continue to find out why la and this la as if there is nothing better to do. And recently she had found a job doing social work. Good for her I have to say.
However, can the people who support her stop focusing on her and leave this news alone. She has chosen her path and she has to deal with the choice she has made. Just 3 days ago, I was sitting at a food court eating my food, I overheard 2 ladies talking about their future. They seemed to be working for a supermarket chain and discussing what they have earned and how they could meet their ends. Its really painful to hear if you hear the whole conversation. At one point I almost offered my food to them!
Really, isn't there enough of issues we have to deal with in our society itself? I wonder why we always focus on things which has irrelevant to the "real issues". Why are we turning blind eye to those who really needs help. Everyone hates trouble, and being Chinese we always mind our own business - in another word "greed". But by focusing the gifted child's life, does it do any good to me, you or even her? Do we need a rocket scientist or angkasawan here to figure this out?
The young girl at a very young age was recognised and admitted into Oxford University in UK. Her mom is a Malaysian and her dad is Pakistani. When Malaysia found her, we all were very proud and even shower her with other goodies so she will continue to do well. The story took a sharp turn when she drop out from Oxford and became a part time prostitute. Apparently, she and the family has an estranged relationship. Whatever it is, this is her family problems not ours. However, the people who supported her continue to find out why la and this la as if there is nothing better to do. And recently she had found a job doing social work. Good for her I have to say.
However, can the people who support her stop focusing on her and leave this news alone. She has chosen her path and she has to deal with the choice she has made. Just 3 days ago, I was sitting at a food court eating my food, I overheard 2 ladies talking about their future. They seemed to be working for a supermarket chain and discussing what they have earned and how they could meet their ends. Its really painful to hear if you hear the whole conversation. At one point I almost offered my food to them!
Really, isn't there enough of issues we have to deal with in our society itself? I wonder why we always focus on things which has irrelevant to the "real issues". Why are we turning blind eye to those who really needs help. Everyone hates trouble, and being Chinese we always mind our own business - in another word "greed". But by focusing the gifted child's life, does it do any good to me, you or even her? Do we need a rocket scientist or angkasawan here to figure this out?
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