36 & 6 Birthday Party

Birthday Boy

Mommy & Si Qian. Grandma at background

Our Spidey birthday cake. More like his, though!

Last Saturday, 16th of May, we had a small party to celebrate Xu Hom's and my birthday party. Well, actually, I just tumpang celebrate only la..... the real star is of course Xu Hom. Again we had the party in our house.

This time, Debbie decided that we had enough of steam-boats. So, we opt for cooked food instead; the usual staple like fried rice, fried meehon, salad and curry chicken. Not forgetting the crowd favorite of deep fried wanton and my special mayo sauce! (sorry, can't let you know my recipe........)

However, we had a teeny weeny problem. This type of party is not appealing enough for our Claudia and co. No omph..... So, as an additional for all these food we decided to have a BBQ too! Whoa! It's been like ages since I've a barbecue party.

Xu Hom for the 1st time invited his friend over. Previously, he had his cake cutting at school but this time it's a bit different. He's absolutely delighted that his friend came over... you can just tell by his look. Some of our friends did came over for the 1st time since we moved to our new place and we had nice chats.

We had great fun, the kids and all had their fun in the house while the rest of the gang (Claudia, Maggie,CK and Eddie) had their share of fun at the back of the house where the BBQ is done. We had so much food on the table that I practically had nothing! I had a small bowl of fried rice, a few slices of watermelon and some very nice konyaku jelly. At the tail-end of the party, I had some Chivas mixed with green tea. I'm no drinker and gets drunk easily. But I must say, that combo taste quite pleasant.

Xu Hom had fun with our Spiderman Cake and presents. As for me, I got 2 presents too! CK and gang got me a Adidas T-shirt while Wei Zhen gave me another sweet birthday card....

So, I'm 36 and hoping next year I can have my own cake!

Oh ya... Happy Birthday Xu Hom and Happy Belated Birthday to our lovely monster Si Qian who celebrated his 3rd birthday last month!

What a Beginning!

Wow! What a way to begin the year 2009, Year of the Ox in the Chinese Lunar Calendar. This is my year, yeap... I was born 36 years ago; 3 round trips of the Chinese Zodiac.

Well, the year 2009 certainly begins with a bang for me.... literally! 1st, I lost my hand phone; thus all my contacts. Maybe it was destined, since it was a old phone and I was actually talking of getting a new one on the day I lost it. Maybe the phone got ears and got angry and ran away! Then things got worst. A few days later, my car was knocked from behind! Now the real mystery here is that no one actually knew when the car was hit or by what! It was parked in front of our house......

Then my pc crashed for the 1st time! It was infested with maybe 14-15 type of viruses/worms! Never happened before because usually the anti-virus software will take care of it. So, I got to copy all my photos and videos before formatting my pc. Screwed up big time!

So, I was quite happy to see the end of the Year of the Rat. New Year came and I've got 2 assignments from GTC. I really do feel that my luck for this year has changed. Many of GTC's groups has encountered problems with the tourist/guests but mine was plain smooth sailing! Made some money, sent-off some very satisfied guests.....

Even my fav footie club, Liverpool must be happy to see off the Rat and welcome the Ox. Prior to that we can only manage draws against lowly opponents and let Manure overtook us in the league table. Then suddenly, we banged in 2 goals (albeit last minute goals) by Torres to secure our 1st league double against Chelsea and closed the gap. Maybe things can be better after all.

I take this great opportunity to wish everyone a Very Happy and Prosperous Chinese New Year. May the Year of the Ox brings us great health and wisdom to encounter all challenges. Peace to all and Good Luck Everyone!

What a way to start the year!

My old phone K300i

What a way to start off 2009.... with a loss handphone! Urgh!!!!!

Today, I had lunch with Debbie and 3 other colleagues at Times Square. When we arrived there, we got a table and I immediately took my cellphone out of the pocket and left it on the seat. I'm wearing jeans, so having a phone sticking on to my butt is much less comfortable.

After lunch, we immediately went back to office and only when I was back into my place did I notice my cellphone is missing. Tried to call it and hoped that someone might just answer it. Yeah, I should've known better.... there's no HOPE! The calls went into voicemails indicating someone picked it up and switched off the phone!

So, no point crying over spilled milk. Called up Maxis and had my line suspended. Then walked to Times Square and went to the restaurant where we had lunch. Yeap... Confirmed lost. Disappointed, I walked to Maxis and get my new SIM Card.

Well, the phone was a very old model. From dinasour's period if you like. It's a worthless piece of technology that sometimes had problem charging and sometimes just freeze for no reason. However it hold dear to me because there are so so many contacts in it and my kids photos. Some are really priceless.

So now, I'm getting a loan unit from Claudia. She got a spare old Samsung phone. Will buy a new one soon. Maybe I'm destined to get a new handphone for the year 2009. The Sony Ericsson K300i has served me well.......

Happy New Year....

Well, 2008 came and gone. The days seemed to fly pass me and even before I noticed it, it's already 2009. Eventful year? Not really.

The most disappointing event for the year 2008 is that I was basically 'discarded' by my old travel agent. The boss, Ester might had heard something about me that's not true and decided not to have me as her guide. Everyone knows I've never gossip and hate gossips! Now that's OK since I'm a freelancer but what's unacceptable to me is the fact that I've been with her through thick and thin for the past 7 years. Every time there's a problem with the company, I've always gave her my support. Now, she don't even have the courtesy to give me a call and tell me that she's not going to use me anymore. Anyway, life must go on.....

One of the most memorable groups that I've guide in the year 2008 is the Filipino group. A week long group starting on X'mas Day and ended on New Year's Eve. It was on of the most pleasant group I've ever encountered. The guests were very friendly but what struck me the most is their humbleness. Being humble is a great virtue. I really had lots of fun. It has been quite a while since I've really enjoyed doing my work..... Filipinos are so much more different than the Chinese.

This morning, my wife asked me about my New Year resolution; if I do have any. Well, frankly speaking, I've never given it much thought. To me, New Year's Resolution is something you vowed to do, planned to do, swear you'll do it, forgot what to do by February and hope you've done it by year end. Is there really anyone that uphold their resolution?

So, it's a brand new year ahead of us. My wish? Just hope that the economy can turn weather the storm ahead and turns out fine. No more ISA. More happiness, peace and less suffering for mankind. My bank account can get a little bit fatter. And the most important of all, have a healthy year for all. Oh, not to forget..... Liverpool to be crowned Champion of England come May!

You'll Never Walk Alone!

The Day My Dad Shifted....

Dad's old place

His new home

Ah Fai taking dad out

Dad's ashes to be transfered to his new home

Last Sunday, 30th November 2008 was an emotional day for me and my family. For it was the day my dad moved to his new residence in Sendayan and leave behind his old "flat" in Seremban.

My dad practically 'stayed' at Seremban for almost 23 years. That's how long he left us, 23 years we lived without his love and affection. Going at a young tender age of 45 means we were left fatherless when we are still kids; more so my youngest brother.


His new place was a short distance from my sister's house. Located at the Sendayan area, half way to Port Dickson if taking the Labu-Sendayan way. While his old place was a bit crowded and stuffy, the new resting place is indeed much more refreshing and open. I'm sure my dad will be most pleased with his new 'condo'.


We reached Seremban for a simple buddhist ceremony to transfer my dad's ashes out. The monk took a snap shot of Ah Fai taking my dad's urn away as prove. Then we chanted 'Nam-myo-ho-reng-ge-kyo' while the monk did some ceremonial thing. After a short few minutes we were on our way to Sendayan! Debbie drove while I held my dad's urn tight.


On the way, it was interesting to mention that Xu Hom was so curios about the whole thing. He asked me and Debbie a lot of questions about his Grandpa that he never met. One thing that shot out from his mouth is that he would like to see his Grandpa's ashes! While, he got his wish!


Upon reaching Sendayan, we met the sales person and he co-ordinates the whole proceess of transfering my dad's ashes to a new urn (so it fits his 'condo'). This is the time the whole family get to 'see' my dad after a long 23 years. Xu Hom got to see him, finally.... not to mention us too! I was going to cry but I held my tears because I don't want my mom to feel sad. It was her decision after all to transfer my dad because she herself has already bought her place along side my dad. I know it was her wish all this time to be with the person she loved so much when she leaves us some day.


The whole process is hassle free and everything was done in a jiffy. We chanted for a while for my dad before we call it a day. I know my dad will be happy moving to a bigger and better environment. Maybe he'll feel sad leaving behind some friends and neighbours after 23 years. But he knows it will be worth it for its a double lot for him and mom.


Rest well, dad! We all missed you so so much!

Renovation = hard work!

Renovation is hard work!

Went to office quite late today, reached there about noon. Reason? Well, Debbie and I had a on-site meeting with Kenny, the main renovation contractor for our new home in Sri Permaisuri.

Basically, just to have a discussion on where to relocate and/or add electrical power points around the house. Tiles selection for our toilet and wet kitchen has also been made.


There was a small issue with the size of our main door. The frame was set at 7 feet tall and 5 feet wide. Debbie wanted a 8 feet tall door. But Kenny recommended 7 feet (as a standard) size door because if 8 feet is used, the main entrance looks a bit wierd since our house is not a big one. The door then would looked like a big mirror wall! Finally we all agree on the 7 feet door.


So, basically, it's all set. Kitchen cabinet and wardrobe will then cost us a bomb. I think we're prepared for that. The kid's room a/c points are finalized. Laminate flooring will come in soon. Another big bill!


Anyway, glad the house is taking shape. By next month, we can begin to move in; hopefully!

LP16 YO!

I received an e-mail form a long lost friend, Joanna last week. She's getting the LP16s together for a gathering to commemorate our 10th anniversary being LP16. Can you imagine it? 10 years!

I have a love hate relationship with LP. Loved the togetherness, hate those LP talks/coaching! Freaking hate it when everyone 'tends' to know more than you do and try to guide you.

I still remembered the community service that we chose and did with excellent result. Hospice Klang benefited as much as I did. I still remembered our LP cheer. I still love our LP song; 'High' by Lighthouse Family. Whenever I heard this song, I just can't resist the LP feel in me...

I've lost contact with most of my LP friends. Once a while, I bumped into Jeffery, met Jo at wedding...... I really missed my buddy, Susie Goh when I'm writing this blog. Missed the good ol' days!

Anyway, here's the lyrics for 'High'. I really do hope the lyrics can inspire you as much as it inspired LP16.

When you're close to tears remember

Someday it'll all be over

One day we're gonna get so high

Though it's darker than December

What's ahead is a different colour

One day we're gonna get so high

And at the end of the day remember the days

When we were close to the end

And wonder how we made it through the night

At the end of the day

Remember the way

We stayed so close to the end

We'll remember it was me and you

Cause we are gonna be

Forever, you and me

You will

Always keep it flying high in the sky

Of love

Don't you think it's time you started

Doing what we always wanted

One day we're gonna get so high

Cause even the impossible

Is easy when we got each other

One day we're gonna get so high

And at the end of the day remember the days

When we were close to the end

And wonder how we made it through the night

At the end of the day

Remember the way

We stayed so close to the end

We'll remember it was me and you

Cause we are gonna be

Forever, you and me

You will

Always keep it flying high in the sky

Of love

Cause we are gonna be

Forever, you and me

You will

Always keep it flying high in the sky

Of love

And at the end of the day remember the days

When we were close to the end

And wonder how we made it through the night

At the end of the day

Remember the way

We stayed so close to the end

We'll remember it was me and you

Cause we are gonna be

Forever, you and me

You will

Always keep it flying high in the sky

Of love

Cause we are gonna be

Forever, you and me

You will

Always keep it flying high in the sky

Of love

Cause we are gonna be

Forever, you and me

You will

Always keep it flying high in the sky

Of love

Cause we are gonna be

Forever, you and me

You will

Always keep it flying high in the sky

Of love...

Happy 10th Anniversary, LP16.

Slowly but surely

The backyard taking shape. Maid room is at the far left corner (near the worker)

Toilet has shrinked in size but remains functional.

Hole-in-a-wall, just like a place in Langkawi!

Well, took some photos of my new house. Still a big big mess with cement, mortar and bricks laying around.

Made some inspection this morning. Was lucky to find out some discrepancies with the design that we agreed on. Told the p.i.c to rectify the problems. Anyway, no big deals.


With the wet work taking shape, maybe another 2 weeks or so before other work can commence. My doors/windows will come in later. Then the laminated flooring. Debbie will take care of those coz she knows someone. Then the final part will be the painting of the whole house. My sister recommended a painter for me; still haven't contacted him though. We reckon that the furnitures and electrical items could wait..... Budget a bit tight la....


So, slowly but surely the house is taking shape. It was a long wait from the day we paid our deposit but when the final product is delivered, I'm sure it's all worth while.

What a movie!

WALL-E

I've just watched a very nice, heart-warming movie with my son. Guess what, the actors/actress aren't even human! Wall-E is a nice movie for all in the family.

It's a story about a robot called Wall-E, left behind on earth when the human escaped due to the conditions became unbearable to stay on. Well, I won't say more; in case if you are going to catch this fantastic movie. Won't spoil it for you!

A warm fuzzy love story, unfolds. But to me, apart from the love and 'feelings', the more real issue is the trash that builds up on our mother earth. I would say, the movie has exaggerated, but trash build up is very real. That's why, we all need to recycle, reuse and reduce!

The people at PIXAR has again scored big in animated movies. "Nemo", is good but it think this one is better. They raised the bar so high that I doubt anyone can better them.

So, go ahead, bring your family to watch this movie during the school holidays. The message is clear for all to see. Learn something and enjoy the movie as well.

My weekend.....

My heroes this week!

Well done Chong Wei! You have done us proud by winning a silver at the Olympics! Many Malaysians were glued to their seats to see you at the podium for this historic feat!

So, for once the nation is united and being colour blind. Even the warring parties at Permatang Pauh stopped their activities for a while to watch the game.

So, it's been a good weekend for me. Liverpool opened the 08/09 season with 3 away points in the pocket when Torres struck a late winner against a much improved Sunderland. The most expensive player in Liverpool's history seems to be a bargain buy!

The only damper is that I've lost my voice on Sunday. Was working and bringing a group of Chinese tourist. All seems OK in the morning but disaster struck after lunch. Suddenly, my voice becomes coarse and in the late evening, it's all gone! First time in my life I have to communicate with my guests in sign language! No, not those used by the dumb and deft, but 'normal' signs. Funny but not funny at all.

So, I got to call up the company and get a urgent replacement to take over. Just too bad, but I can't work without my voice. So, now I'm back to my office..... Just hope with lots of water, normal service will be resume soon!

Finally! Phew...

Backyard. A new maid room will be contructed

Toilet to be reduced in size

Kitchen to be converted to dining hall

Front wall to be demolished and extended

Finally! After more than a year after we paid the deposit for our town house, works on renovation has begun! After all the red tapes and maybe incompetence of local authorites and frustration dealing with the seller's lawyer, we can now look forward to move into our "new" house. All those frustration has now turned into relief, a big one that is!

Renovation will takes roughly a month or so. We have only confirmed the wet work to be carried out. Kitchen cabinets, wardrobes, doors, painting the house, electrical items and fittings/accessories and wood flooring will all come at a later stage. So far, the quote is RM40k (just the wet work); and we anticipate the cost to go another RM30k or so...... painful, but worth it, I hope. Plain bad luck for the transfer to drag for so long. If it could finalise earlier, I'll save at least 20-30% for renovating the house.

Thank you, BN for raising fuel prices!!!

We are still shopping around for best possible bargains around. There are a lot of "sale" these times. Furniture and others can wait for time being. One thing is for sure. Our glass windows and doors will be the best in quality/pricing; courtesy of my sister and her husband. Hehehe... at least we save some money.

We have been renting our current place for a few months already. Just hope the reno work can go on smoothly, and we can all move in by mid of September. Since Eddie and my Mom-in-law's place is just behind me (the main reason why we bought this house), it will save me a lot of time and petrol money for sending Xu Hom to school and Si Qian to his house. No more waking up at 6:30am! Yahoo!!!!

Anyway, just glad that work has started, we'll move into a brand new environment soon.

My mood!

My feeling this morning

This is how I felt this morning. Kinda bad mood. Had a bad sleep yesterday; kept on having things crossing my mind. As usual, stuck in the jam. Made things worse......

Maybe I just need to cool down, take a deep breath and exhale. You know, just to be glad that I'm alive and stop feeling lousy. Life too precious to sulk. Gimme a minute, and I'll be OK.

7 days of loneliness

My two monsters; Xu Hom & Si Qian

Loneliness... that's a scary word for a lot of people including me. And 7 days of it? I swear, a few more, I'll sure go nuts! So, what makes me feel so isolated. Well, for a start, I was "out there", tour guiding a bunch of "aliens" aka tourists. Not too bad, since I gotta make a living and tours from China usually lasted only 4 days in Malaysia.

In my line of work, I usually spent at least 2 nights staying in hotels; away from my family. I do miss my kids and my wife. What make it so bad for me this time is that my agent gave me a last minute assignment to "back" another group when my tour concludes. That makes it 7 days out on the field. A long 7 days.......

Called up my sons the other night. Chat with them and even my lil' devil sound so sweet over the phone. I knew he missed me, kissing me and kept calling papa. Urgh!!!!! As for Xu Hom, I can feel that he's a disappointed that I'll only be back today because he thought I'd be home and play the Ben10 PSP with him. Sorry son, we miscommunicated. Debbie told me some good news. Our long long wait for the renovation of our town house is finally over with the banks settling the outstanding amount. This Saturday seems to be a good day in terms of feng shui for ground breaking ceremony. Can't wait for it! But the best piece of news is Debbie told me how our 2 kids seem to missed me. I missed them too and just wanna go over and give them a big big hug and kiss.

I know, I could have declined the 2nd assignment but I need extra cash for the impending renovation work on our new home. It's a price I need to pay. More money; less time with family. But deep down I know, the time I spent with my kids will always be precious.

My terrible itch!

I had something like this!

Yesterday night was hell for me! The Urticaria was killing me! I have hives developing all over me and I'm like a monkey; scratching myself to provide temporary relief from the itch. URGH! I was hesitating to see the doctor as I was trying not to have medicine; unless really necessary. And necessary it was. Just can't tahan anymore. Can't sleep, can't sit...hell! I can't even play Ben 10 on the PSP properly without my fingers scratching all over my body. So a visit to the clinic downstairs is a MUST!

After much hesitation, I was there, waiting for my name to be called by the attendant. After a short chat with the doc, it was confirmed with what I've read from the net regarding Urticaria/hive. Basically, there's no known cause for this attack. What triggers it is still a big question mark for most victims; but luckily, no serious health hazard apart from serious scratching and red marks/bumps that will go away; eventually. Hmmm... eventually.

From the net, it's stated that basically everything or anything can trigger the hives. Common source is food; items like seafood, shellfish, nuts and the list goes on. Other factors like clothing can do some harm too, especially tight clothing or latex. Latex? How about condom? Hahaha! Then, weather can play a part too. Too cold, too hot.... So the doctor asked me a few questions in order to help me to isolate potential cause. Told him that I used to have reaction when I eat prawns, but it's only sometimes. Never had issues with nuts, attire or the weather. But for these few days, I suspect nuts being the culprit because the attacks become serious when I had red bean soup, toufu or almond biscuit.

Doc asked me to be careful with my diet; but his last advise to me rings true. He told me that I can't be too careful with everything or else I've got to stop eating, stop going out, be naked! Anyway, he prescribed some medicines to me after I refused to take a jab.

RM50 bought me some anti-itch pills, anti-allergic & a sleeping pill to make me sleep better. Got some anthistamine too to combat the hives. I took all of it promptly except the sleeping pill. Slept like a baby all night long! So for now, I'm a OK, apart from feeling a lil' bit groggy.

A well spent RM50, as the most important item it bought me is a good night sleep and a well deserved relief.

Argh!!!!!

I was really frust this morning when I drove off to work. I had a bad sleep yesterday due to the damn Urticaria. Itched like hell, so when I woke up, my mood is not so good. Took shower like usual and off we go. As usual, the traffic starts to build up along the LDP around 7:15a.m but when I heard the radio's traffic info, it really makes my blood boiled!

It was reported that the police has set-up road blocks in various main roads that leads to the city and the Parliament. The reason? In anticipation of a mass rally organised by the opposition to vent their anger at the recent price hike of basically everything. So, roads that are usually heavy in traffic during the morning rush will be affected. We got caught in the jam, cars moved slowly... you know, the usual morning crawl but made worst by the "blockades". It was reported that the police will do checks on suspicious cars/occupants.

WHAT? How the hell the Police is going to know if the car is heading towards a rally? By looking at the car? The driver? Smells something different from thousand of other motorists? Whoever made this decision ought to have his heads checked. I'll understand if the Parliament is a off-zone for visitors (security reason) in view of a potential clash between PR and BN on the motion against the PM. But roads towards the city? What really pissed me off is that when I passed through the blockade, I saw a few Policemen sharing some jokes among themselves while closing 1 lane near the Petronas/Shell opposite of Eastin Hotel. Checks on motorists? Hahaha.... I don't know what they're talking but obviously the jokes must be good because the police don't even bother to wave or look at any of the cars. Just standing there and enjoying a good laugh among themselves.

If only we have signs like these....

So, my question is, will this type of inconvenience will make the world a better place? Definitely no! It only succeeded in making me and I believe a lot of other motorists' blood pressure go up and wasted thousand of precious litres of petrol in the jam. How ironic....

A weekend of food

First of all, congrats to Andrew and Shanny for moving to a new house. Nothing fancy; just family members gather around, having dinner at his new place. It was such a huge house and being a terrace, IT IS HUGE! 3 storeys high, with rooms bigger than my house! So so different from his old condo. Anyway, a lil' too big if you ask me; unless he plans to have like a dozen kids! Hehehe..... he might! My only complain about the place is the location. Seems to be hidden in the middle earth, if you ask me. Located near Bukit Jalil, the place is a bit too far for my liking. Only the new Sirim hq offers a landmark otherwise even a GPS system will not help. Anyway, it's a new township call Paragon Heights. Gated & guarded community living. It won't be long til new neighbourhood starts to surround this place and makes it another traffic jammed area since for now there's only 1 entry/exit point. A bit too far? yah, but Taman Tun was once a very Ulu place too!

Then, on Sunday, we went to my sis's place in Gadong. The reason? I was promised good quality Durians! Wow! How tempting, and I'm not gonna let this opportunity go.

My sis's house is located at the outskirt of Labu. Her plot of land is not that big but big enough to have some durian, langsat, mangosteen trees growing at her backyard. It was the first time my two kids have the chance to see durians hanging from trees and taste fresh picked langsat.

And my sis's choice of durian didn't dissapoint at all! There are a few kampung varieties; no fancy coded names. However it was quite amusing when my sister showed us some of her durian trees with pet names given by the family! How odd! The flesh was thick and creamy. The smell and taste is just heaven! It has been quite sometime since I've tasted anything as good. As an added incentives, it's organic too! My sis never uses any pesticides. Healthy and wholesome! There's too many durians to be eaten in one sitting, we're full to the brim. So .... being a durian lover, we ta pau la! Sis put a few fruits into a plastic bag and we loaded it at the back of my car. Wrong move as the smell stuck there until this morning. It wasn't a pleasant smell this morning when we got ready to go to work/school. And I still got some left in the fridge........

Xu Hom's 1st durian touch

Langsat hanging in the tree
Si Qian clowning around with his cousin

King of fruits!

A bored Weekend.

Well, the title says it all.......

Nothing much to do during the weekend. Basically spent the whole quality time at home and it doesn't cost much. With the fuel hike, most people tend to stay at home. Hey, I'm no cheapskate, the Guv wanted us to change our lifestyle, I'm taking heed only!

Sterling @PJ

On Sunday, we had tea/coffee with an old aquaintance at NZX. Chatted for a while before i brought my kids to our new Condo called Sterling@PJ. My kids loved that place; maybe gonna bring them over this weekend and have a dip at the very nice looking pool. Then had a chat with "Keeper" a fellow forummer/owner of Block A. But needs to cut it short coz suddenly the sky just opened up and it rained cats and dogs!

Proceed for dinner at Ikano for steamboat. Xu Hom wanted chicken rice but I prefered steamboat since it's nearer and in door. Rained quite heavily outside and it'll be difficult to get off the car. Furthermaore, Si Qian got more choices of food; his fav mee, fish balls..... Si Qian ate quite a lot and so does Xu Hom. Boys have got huge appetite. After dinner, go back home without jalan-jalan coz my two babies are really tired. Kept reminding them not to sleep during the ride home coz they stink! Shower first ma....

At night, can't really sleep coz not feeling too good. Woke up around 4:15am and turn on the TV for Euro08. Just in time to watch the last 12 min of extra time between my fav team Spain vs the boring Italians. 0-0 after extra time and to the lottery in PK! Luckily, Spain prevailed when Casillas stopped 2 spot kicks. Now they face tournament surprise package the Russian for a spot in the final. Hope they can win......

My first blog

"What? You don't blog?" "How come?, you're so out lah!" That seems to be 'in-thing' nowadays. Kids half my age or Unkers double my age blogged. So not to be outdone, 'kiasu' ma.... here I am, my 1st blog.

Today is the first day I pay my parking since DBKL changed the payment method for parking. No more parking meters (no more free parking with the 'meter rosak' stickers), now its coupon-styled. My only complaint besides the increased rate is that DBKL need to put another machine. Just 1 machine is not enough for users. Now I need to walk and depending where I park, it's troublesome!

With the sky-rocketing oil prices, basics needs have become more and more like a luxury. Driving is becoming more expensive. What can we do? For a start, drive less! Cut down on unnecessary trips. Eat more at home as home cooked food is cheaper and healthier. For those shopping addicts, hehehe ...... too bad. Unless you wanna be a credit card slave, cut down on plastic swiping! Like the guv said, we need to change our lifestyle, but again, with the rising cost of living, is there any lifestyle left to change?