In the earlier years of our marriage, we lived in an apartment. It was not big, just 700 square feet of living room, a small kitchenette and 2 bedrooms. There was a small balcony which I hung a bamboo blind to block the sun and put a small chair in, making it into another small enclosure for us to enjoy the evening breeze. As small as it was, this was our first matrimonial home.
My wife was already familiar with my house then as I moved there after I have known her for sometimes. Before that, I was living in a condominium near my apartment, with the then boyfriend, now ex-boyfriend, of my business partner (long story, another posting) and when they were at the breaking-up point, I decided to move on somewhere 'safer'. It was quite bad of me but I knew that it would only create trouble for me to stay. It actually became quite ugly...
Anyway, when I moved, I did not buy any new furniture. I just bring along the sofa bed and the mattress that I was using as my bed, my television set and my washing machine. Only after our marriage did we buy new furnitures. We went shopping at a nearby mall in Puchong and we even tested the most important thing in any marriage at the shop before we bought it, which was the bed. It passed our rigorious testing and was later tested properly when we got it home.
We lasted only 2 years there as my wife was fed-up of a few things. Having to walk from outside the condominium compound lugging around groceries after shopping. Having to bear the noises from the unit above created due to someone moving some furniture or even drop a marble. Another bane for her is during the football season, she didn't have to contend with just me shouting at my football team at the wee hour of the morning but also the block across from us which seems to be filled with college students who seems to shout in unison at every missed chance and then celebrate like they were there in Milan when their team score a goal. There was even an episode of Romeo and Juliet one day at 2am where a girl living within our block had a running conversation with a boy living at the block beside us for nearly 2 hours straight.
So, we decided to move and a new adventure of looking for the right abode began...
Saturday, January 10, 2009
Friday, January 9, 2009
If everyone else want to change, can I still stay the same?
Every year, most people will make a new year resolution in trying to change. Nowadays, it seems even the "I am not going to make a resolution, but..." also seems to be cliche and everyone is doing it. So, I am now going to take it to the next level. I want to everything in my life stay the same like it is.
I want to still be loving the same girl that I know since 2001, engaged to, married and still married after 5 years. To still keep the talking, listening, planning, loving, arguing and doing whatever we have been doing for the past 5 years as a married couple. To take the holidays that we have been planning or plan at the last minute either in KL or by flight, locally or in other countries. Still doing house projects like painting walls and arranging furnitures like we have been doing since the day we moved to the current house in January 2005. Raising the 4 cats that are still left with us, down one from last year, as Spot left us due to FIV (a kind of HIV for cats) and hope my dream of seeing Cookie weighting 10 kg comes true.
I will still be driving the same car which I had bought in 2007 as it is my dream car and for now it is enough. I will still be living in the same house but may change its financier when the lock-up period of the current back expires in July 2009.
I will still be jogging the length of my neighbourhood from one end to the other end which should cover more than 10 km, if I really wants to take it to the limit.
I will still be indulging in my monthly intake of steak either cooked by wife or at the most expensive restaurant in town, according to the affordability, budget and occassion.
I will still be building my firm in stages and hoping in 5 to 10 years time I can leave it to someone to manage it for me and I will be like a shareholders or just a board of partners.
I will still be devoted to my religion in my own way which include regular prayers, occasional prayers at the surau and the weekly Friday prayers. I will still contribute monetarily through the government agencies entrusted to do such collections and the occasional out of the way contirbution. I will still plan to go for umrah and haji which I had planned since 2007 but still have not made it come true, yet.
I will still argue with my mom over various things like I have been doing since 1990s. And I still will regret it later then ask for her forgiveness. I will still try to convince her to quit totally from working as she will still ask me to stop asking. I will try to take her for holidays like she asked me to in 2008 but was hampered due to my dad's health and other unforeseen circumstances.
All these are my to do things, which is basically just the way it was in 2008. If I manage to do all this, I will be happy enough.
I want to still be loving the same girl that I know since 2001, engaged to, married and still married after 5 years. To still keep the talking, listening, planning, loving, arguing and doing whatever we have been doing for the past 5 years as a married couple. To take the holidays that we have been planning or plan at the last minute either in KL or by flight, locally or in other countries. Still doing house projects like painting walls and arranging furnitures like we have been doing since the day we moved to the current house in January 2005. Raising the 4 cats that are still left with us, down one from last year, as Spot left us due to FIV (a kind of HIV for cats) and hope my dream of seeing Cookie weighting 10 kg comes true.
Just 2 of the 4
I will still be driving the same car which I had bought in 2007 as it is my dream car and for now it is enough. I will still be living in the same house but may change its financier when the lock-up period of the current back expires in July 2009.
I will still be jogging the length of my neighbourhood from one end to the other end which should cover more than 10 km, if I really wants to take it to the limit.
Maybe anoher trip to a colder climate?
I will still be indulging in my monthly intake of steak either cooked by wife or at the most expensive restaurant in town, according to the affordability, budget and occassion.
I will still be building my firm in stages and hoping in 5 to 10 years time I can leave it to someone to manage it for me and I will be like a shareholders or just a board of partners.
I will still be devoted to my religion in my own way which include regular prayers, occasional prayers at the surau and the weekly Friday prayers. I will still contribute monetarily through the government agencies entrusted to do such collections and the occasional out of the way contirbution. I will still plan to go for umrah and haji which I had planned since 2007 but still have not made it come true, yet.
I will still argue with my mom over various things like I have been doing since 1990s. And I still will regret it later then ask for her forgiveness. I will still try to convince her to quit totally from working as she will still ask me to stop asking. I will try to take her for holidays like she asked me to in 2008 but was hampered due to my dad's health and other unforeseen circumstances.
All these are my to do things, which is basically just the way it was in 2008. If I manage to do all this, I will be happy enough.
Thursday, January 8, 2009
Killer stroller
I need to apologise first to all parent and give a fair warning that I don't have kids so I might not understand this phenomena. I believe this is also one of the reason why shopping malls nowadays have very wide corridors to accommodate this thing which I call a monstrosity. Okay, not a monster, but close...
What I am blabbing about is the big four wheels strollers that parents seem to be using in shopping malls nowadays in Malaysia. I have met this monstrosity for the first time when I went for a tour around Europe in 2005 and now it has followed me back to Malaysia after all this year.
I have seen some are not even filled with babies but little boys or girls who can already run around their parents in circle. Some was even filled to the brim with shopping bags while one of the parents hold the kid in his arm or the kid was running around somewhere. It seems that the bigger the stroller, the more contraptions can be attached to it. I saw a few double decker and when I thought that those which can fill more than one baby was just something concocted by Hollywood film, loo and behold, I saw those which can carry more than one baby trying to smash my foot.
As I said, I don't carry my pets around as they will never let me do that to them and I am still sane enough to not turn into some Paris Hilton crazy pet owner, but can some parents explain to me, what is wrong with the normal, easy to fold, run of the mill stroller that was used by the saner people before these killer strollers come into being?
What I am blabbing about is the big four wheels strollers that parents seem to be using in shopping malls nowadays in Malaysia. I have met this monstrosity for the first time when I went for a tour around Europe in 2005 and now it has followed me back to Malaysia after all this year.
I have seen some are not even filled with babies but little boys or girls who can already run around their parents in circle. Some was even filled to the brim with shopping bags while one of the parents hold the kid in his arm or the kid was running around somewhere. It seems that the bigger the stroller, the more contraptions can be attached to it. I saw a few double decker and when I thought that those which can fill more than one baby was just something concocted by Hollywood film, loo and behold, I saw those which can carry more than one baby trying to smash my foot.
As I said, I don't carry my pets around as they will never let me do that to them and I am still sane enough to not turn into some Paris Hilton crazy pet owner, but can some parents explain to me, what is wrong with the normal, easy to fold, run of the mill stroller that was used by the saner people before these killer strollers come into being?
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
Holidays of 2008
Here are some pictures from the holidays and breakaways that my wife and I had the whole of 2008.
All locally done in Malaysia except for one trip to a neighbouring country, although we did went 'over'sea within Malaysia in a few episodes : -
In Singapore on 4.4.08 to watch a theatre show.
Brought along dad to enjoy his favourite murtabak at Arab Street
(yep, I did use this pic before in my earlier posting)
An escapade in Sheraton Imperial, KL, during one weekend between 7th and 9th June '08
During Ramadhan I need my regular fix of various Kelantan food in Kota Bharu (13.9.08)
Went to Kuala Berang and then Kuala Terengganu due to a wedding of one of my staff in June
This is a picture of Tasik Kenyir, just off Kuala Berang
before we went to stay in Primula at Kuala Terengganu
Off to Kota Kinabalu as my brother had a conference there and we had some spare time
between 2nd to 4th of May 08. And the seafood there were heavenly.
For our 5th wedding anniversary, although we planned to go to Europe, we settled for a simple weekend in Shang-ri la Putrajaya and Le Meridian KL
Fireworks from the boat we were on during Merdeka month of August as part of the 2008 international firework competition in Putrajaya
Living the high life in Pangkor Laut Resort in April
Another hotel escapade at Traders Hotel during my birthday weekend in October
which overlook the KLCC
And finally a final escapade with my brother's family from JB during the Maal Hijrah long weekend.
The picture shows the traffic fronting Pavilion at 2am in the morning on a Saturday night
p/s - I can safely say we did contribute to domestic tourism the whole of the year 2008 quite a lot. We were on holiday every other month!!!
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
Sculpted
I have been on and off diet due to my health. It is more of a need than a lifestyle, if I want to live a healthy life that is as I get older. My family has a history of diabetic and hereditarily, I have a big chance of having the disease if I don't keep fit. That is why I jog nearly every other day to ensure that I keep myself fit. No one in their right mind will say that I look fit as I have quite a tummy which is as round as the top of my head. So, being on a diet is a need for me, if I know what is good for me.
What I don't understand is the diet that some women goes through to get a figure which is not even proportionate. There are some of the Hollywood actresses who just went under the knife to get the body that they wanted and then say that they don't need to diet to achieve what people see on display. Years later, when people started to forget that they even exist in the Hollywood radar, they will say they actually had been sculpted by this or that famous surgeon, and that is why they look statuesque.
Then all the women around the world expect to look like them by exercising as these actress or models endorsed certain gym equipments or products. This phenomena seems to not be isolated in the western world only. Even in Malaysia, as I have a close friend who likes to sculpt certain parts of her to make her look beautiful to her husband, it is a growing trend. It seems that it even penetrate the schoolgirls market for those who can afford it.
One of the favourite party games I played with either my partner or my wife is to spot the made face as too many people nowadays have their smile frozen prepetually on their face. Don't get me started on the protruding parts...
What I don't understand is the diet that some women goes through to get a figure which is not even proportionate. There are some of the Hollywood actresses who just went under the knife to get the body that they wanted and then say that they don't need to diet to achieve what people see on display. Years later, when people started to forget that they even exist in the Hollywood radar, they will say they actually had been sculpted by this or that famous surgeon, and that is why they look statuesque.
Then all the women around the world expect to look like them by exercising as these actress or models endorsed certain gym equipments or products. This phenomena seems to not be isolated in the western world only. Even in Malaysia, as I have a close friend who likes to sculpt certain parts of her to make her look beautiful to her husband, it is a growing trend. It seems that it even penetrate the schoolgirls market for those who can afford it.
One of the favourite party games I played with either my partner or my wife is to spot the made face as too many people nowadays have their smile frozen prepetually on their face. Don't get me started on the protruding parts...
Monday, January 5, 2009
Favourite shirt
I have a few favourite shirts, which are mostly round neck t-shirts that my wife keep trying to get rid off. Some are as old as 15 years as that was the time when having a oversize surfer t-shirt was all the rage and one of it has a picture of a mermaid in all it's (her?) glory maginificently plastered at the back. As I consider myself past the phase of trying to be a surfer dude in the middle of a cosmopolitan like Kuala Lumpur, I only use it as a pyjama or my jogging shirt.
I don't know why I still keep these t-shirt which actually starts to smell in a certain way that certain t-shirt starts to smell after being in existence for too long. I just like the fact there are some things that I am familiar with nearly half of my life (15 years are just short of my 34 years of existence) that I want to keep even though I have been through so many phases.
There was the university-student phase. The bachelor-living-with-parents phase. The bachelor-sharing-houses-with-so-many-housemates-that-I-lost-track-who-is-and-who-isn't-my-housemate phase. The bachelor-living-with-just-one-housemate-who-is-my-business-partner's-boyfriend phase. The engaged-man-who-lives-alone-while-waiting-for-the-wedding-date phase. Then married life.
Through all that, that t-shirt was there and is still in one of the wardrobe. So, it is so hard to say goodbye to that t-shirt. And the smell that seems to be ingrained in it.
I love you sayang but that t-shirt is as comfortable as I am of you....
I don't know why I still keep these t-shirt which actually starts to smell in a certain way that certain t-shirt starts to smell after being in existence for too long. I just like the fact there are some things that I am familiar with nearly half of my life (15 years are just short of my 34 years of existence) that I want to keep even though I have been through so many phases.
There was the university-student phase. The bachelor-living-with-parents phase. The bachelor-sharing-houses-with-so-many-housemates-that-I-lost-track-who-is-and-who-isn't-my-housemate phase. The bachelor-living-with-just-one-housemate-who-is-my-business-partner's-boyfriend phase. The engaged-man-who-lives-alone-while-waiting-for-the-wedding-date phase. Then married life.
Through all that, that t-shirt was there and is still in one of the wardrobe. So, it is so hard to say goodbye to that t-shirt. And the smell that seems to be ingrained in it.
I love you sayang but that t-shirt is as comfortable as I am of you....
Sunday, January 4, 2009
School friends I lost (and found)
I am known to be quite a snob when it come to befriending new friends and even old ones whom I have never met for quite a while. Especially my school friends who will sometimes told tales about me which I just can't seem to recall.
I have this nagging problem of trying to erase my history in my the secondary boarding school which I spent 4 years in. It all have to do with how I was thrown out of that school. My subconcious needs a reminder that I am successful (in my eye) without a black mark in my history or at least although I made a mistake, I don't have anyone to remind me of it. Whatever the reason, my only contact with my schoolmates from that particular school was the annual breaking of fast do which I never fail to attend every year during Ramadhan. After that I rarely have any contact with them
I did try for the past 3 years to make amend with myself and these schoolmates by getting to know them in their professional capacity. A syarie lawyer whom I tried to give cases to but which I find lacking in keeping to his promise as the clients were important to me at different level. A land surveyor whom I tried to introduce to my political contacts but were deemed redundant when 8th of March 2008 happened.
As it didn't work, my contact with them are just passable and even if I met them at shopping malls or public places, it will be a short hi and bye. No teh tarik session (which I hate) and no activities.
Last month, when one friend who is base in England came home for the holiday, I met those few who don't even come to the annual gathering during Ramadhan. They are more out of touch with my other school friends than me but they keep themselves within their small circle. I am the type who befriended everyone when I was in school and have no allegiance to any clique.
It does come with a price as I always feel like a wallflower as I am impervious to their in-joke which they sometimes have to explain for me to 'get it; but at least I do keep in touch with them and, if ever the need arise, maybe ask them for help. Being the selfish me, that is always the reason why I get to know people in the first place.
I have this nagging problem of trying to erase my history in my the secondary boarding school which I spent 4 years in. It all have to do with how I was thrown out of that school. My subconcious needs a reminder that I am successful (in my eye) without a black mark in my history or at least although I made a mistake, I don't have anyone to remind me of it. Whatever the reason, my only contact with my schoolmates from that particular school was the annual breaking of fast do which I never fail to attend every year during Ramadhan. After that I rarely have any contact with them
The puasa gathering this year
I did try for the past 3 years to make amend with myself and these schoolmates by getting to know them in their professional capacity. A syarie lawyer whom I tried to give cases to but which I find lacking in keeping to his promise as the clients were important to me at different level. A land surveyor whom I tried to introduce to my political contacts but were deemed redundant when 8th of March 2008 happened.
As it didn't work, my contact with them are just passable and even if I met them at shopping malls or public places, it will be a short hi and bye. No teh tarik session (which I hate) and no activities.
Last month, when one friend who is base in England came home for the holiday, I met those few who don't even come to the annual gathering during Ramadhan. They are more out of touch with my other school friends than me but they keep themselves within their small circle. I am the type who befriended everyone when I was in school and have no allegiance to any clique.
It does come with a price as I always feel like a wallflower as I am impervious to their in-joke which they sometimes have to explain for me to 'get it; but at least I do keep in touch with them and, if ever the need arise, maybe ask them for help. Being the selfish me, that is always the reason why I get to know people in the first place.
Saturday, January 3, 2009
Tom Sawyer I ain't
I have been nagged to attend to this house project since forever. This is just one of the few that we have agreed on. The other is to paint over our uneven and hideous dining room in white colour to match the furniture that we have bought last year. It was put off for quite a while as it was supposed to be for the last Eid celebration. That was how long I have managed to put it off.
There are so many excuses and reasons that I have given. Some can be considered valid like having classes on Saturdays and some are just due to plain laziness.
So, this little house project of painting of my front gate which is done to cover a bad paint job by me too in 2007 was put off nearly a year and I just couldn't put it off anymore. It started with just one side last Saturday (27.12.08) and today, 3.1.09, I am going to finish it. It took me 2 hours from 9am to 11am to finish that 1 side and I hope it will take me a little less time today.
Here are some pictures from last Saturday...
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There are so many excuses and reasons that I have given. Some can be considered valid like having classes on Saturdays and some are just due to plain laziness.
So, this little house project of painting of my front gate which is done to cover a bad paint job by me too in 2007 was put off nearly a year and I just couldn't put it off anymore. It started with just one side last Saturday (27.12.08) and today, 3.1.09, I am going to finish it. It took me 2 hours from 9am to 11am to finish that 1 side and I hope it will take me a little less time today.
Here are some pictures from last Saturday...
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Friday, January 2, 2009
Weddings in 2008
How many weddings did I attend in 2008? There were a few. Most were during the school holiday of Novermber and December. Some were of client's, some of friend's, some were of client's who became friends and some were of relative. Some I took pictures and some were lost to the back of the mind. Here are some pictures from the one that I do have pictures, not chronically in order :-
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My sister-in-law 28.11.08
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One of the richest man in town married off his youngest son for 7 days and 7 nights, I went to two of the night
A garden wedding by one of our firm's client for her son at her house on 20.12.08
One of my 'old' friend married off his son to his friend's daughter one day before my own 5th wedding anniversary on 8.8.08
Before the wedding in November, my SIL got engaged in June
There were a few other wedding which I missed and some which I didn't not take any picture. To all that got married, here's to the best time you will ever have in your life...
Thursday, January 1, 2009
A pictorial of 2008 in my life
A wedding in December among a few that we attended the whole year
Cirque Balagan in April, the nearest to a Cirque du Soleil that we could get
Riding in Bukit Cerakah one Sunday
Birthday celebration of a friend which was unique in its presentation with a slumber party as it's setting with paper dolls as it's highlight
My own birthday was a surprise that was memorable
Went eating all around town including a revisit to a place frequented during my bachelor day
(That is a bowl of ikan masak singgang)
Celebrated my wedding anniversary locally due to a few unforeseen circumstances
Visited Kelantan during Ramadhan and given a special tour by a friend in one of Kelantan palace's compound
Met really old friend from school days whom I haven't met at least for 15 years
Went to see Sean Ghazi in a tent-like stage which was unique to say the least at Carcosa Seri Negara
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Saw one of Malaysia talented singer, Ning Baizura sang live
A sibling gathering in middle of Bukit Bintang in December
Hari Raya gathering of the young and old
Went to see We Will Rock You in Singapore
Just a few pictures of worth in 2008. Hope it will be better in 2009
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