golden french toast and sweet oranges

golden french toast and sweet oranges


French toast drizzled with honey and an
accompaniment of sweet oranges

If you ever need a reason why I make a great room mate or girlfriend. *Wink. =P


Reflections Post Lunch:
Don't be a Bully - the issue of the Prophet Muhammad Cartoons.

I started the day with a healthy breakfast but certainly did not do so for lunch as I tucked into a sinful nasi lemak and rendang. Times like these I think fondly of home.

I poured through the web pages of the newspaper from home and watched (or read) them agitate the overly sensitive, time bomb topic of the Prophet Muhammad caricatures.

Apparently, there's a new one from Non-Sequiter and the Malaysian national paper decided to not only carry it yesterday, but republish it today after countless police reports were lodged against them (you must agree that Malaysians are actually delightfully civil to only lodge police reports rather than to carry out protests and riots).

You would think that the paper is practically asking for it as two other dailies - Guangming and Sarawak Tribune have been heavily reprimanded with suspension for the printing of the original (Danish newspaper) Prophet cartoons.

Personally, I have nothing against the cartoons and I wished the religious groups who foster tolerance, kindness, peace and all values good and true would have just laughed, shake their head in distaste and move on.

After all, we have already expected this kind of behaviour from the western liberal tradition of free speech. Political cartoons have never been a gentle jest and religious mockery (how many the priest, a rabbi and a monk walks into a bar... jokes have we heard? Even the ones with the saints and Gods in them) is common. It was only a matter of time that it would escalate but I had hoped that based on all the stereotyped problems the Muslims have faced, they will rise above it.

I've googled for the pictures and suggest that you do too. Take a look and see for yourself that although crude, it is really not worth the attention the world has shown. Worse still, it is not worth the bloodbath. I think there are people out there too who protest for the sake of defending their faith, but more so out of religious peer pressure where non-participation is perceived to be an indication of irreligious belief.

Even though I am not against these cartoons (for really, laughter should be something that binds us all. Furthermore, jesters in medieval times told truths in jokes that no one else would say), they provoke in the worst imaginable manner at a group of people who have really had not the best past years, reputation in the media and recieved blow after blow from the international community.

It is the art of telling jokes. You would jestly insult one friend and you'll laugh merrily together but you'd reserve it when it comes to another who is terribly sensitive.

lies. white ones.

white lies for the soul

Last night, after I got upset the day before with *Gallant for reasons beyond his control (ie Why have you not [insert romantic action here] since we've got together? You're not done *courting me, mister!), he soothes me with complete, blatant, utter white lies.

It was me acting up, I'll admit (and I have apologized). I wanted to pick a *fight because poor me was stressed. *Gallant was kind enough to literally stand there and take it. Really, the man has done what a good boyfriend should (but this *damsel always asks for more).

It was obvious that both of us know the white lies attached to his sentences. One can say they have the equal worth of *sweet nothings* in a relationship.

Yet, it was what I needed to hear. Irrational emotional quandaries given irrational reasoning.

Johari Window

I wanna do this too!

If you could, pretty please, take a minute to the Johari Windows link (via *Sheer's blog) and participate in a little *experiment to tell me what you think of me in six words or less.

.::.

I'm at a midway point in one of life's many phases.

The events to come are just a few months away. I seek a new home to be made in the island-state, a career path and a life more *adult than what it was by leaving the comforts of school-days.

There is a lot to be done to prepare for *tomorrow. Apartments and flats need to be viewed and my first job application will be sent tonight.

These are adult decisions, with factors of consequence, fortune and much anticipation. I'm not ready. Then again, 'readiness' is an excuse of the procrastinating self and I'm not quite sure if it will ever come.

So one foot forward, a leap of faith. If I should not succeed as I like (which is quite often the reality of life) I wish to pick myself up and try again with spirits undampen.

The events that have pass was interesting to think about too.

When I think about achievements, where I am today and the person I've become, I will say fates have been kind to deal me a promising hand.

In so many turns, I could have been a person who is far less. I owe much to the experiences, friends and family. I am proud too that I stood firm and did not give up in many instances (actually, more surprised than proud).

And in positive reflection, I see too the who I want to be but did not get to be. But for that person I shall not dwell but look for ways to become more like her.

Then I think about right now and today and I realise that every moment is so precious. Be it for labour or relaxation, I live the moment the fullest as it should be.

Female online

If nothing else can make you laugh today, see this!
or
Why Sex Education is Extremely Necessary

It is finally the mid term break (although work will be at break neck pace afterwards) and I was surfing websites, enjoying having nothing to do for a few hours. I decided to look around magazine websites and wandered into Female's discussion forum.

Lindang 8791* : i am scared i will get pregnant. my friends say eat pill will grow fat, so i was thinking of using condom since it can help avoid aids also. me and my boyfriend are starting to have sex and i think condoms are the best. anyone got suggestions on any brand to use?

Vikki Harris*: lindang which brand are you using right now?

L: hi vicki harris are you a angmo? now i am not using any condoms so need the advice on experts like you. thank you.

VH: lindang8791 you mean you are not having any precautions when having sex with your boy friend? Are you prepared for pregnancy?

L: hi vicki harris i will not get pregant. are you a angmo?

VH: Lindang8791 why are you so sure? My other half is. Why?

L: hi vicki harris so you marry angmo ah? then your children will be chap cheng so beautiful! my boyfriend say i will not have baby if his little brother never leak the thing into my little sister

VH: Lindang8791 sorry what is chap cheng? And what do you mean by leak the thing?

L: hi vickiharris chap cheng is chinese plus other color children.leak is the white liquid into my little sister. my boyfriend say that thing will make a girl got baby

VH: Lindang8791 what do you mean by other color children? Huh what white liquid? What does having sex with your boy friend got to do with your little sister? Sorry I am totally confused now.

L: hi vickiharris you are not very smart hor? so simple you make me say so many times. you chinese add your boyfriend angmo you will have chap cheng children that means not pure one. your little sister is where you shee shee and the liquid is from your boyfriend's little brother (where he shee shee) when you finish the sex

and to another person:

Jerene88*: No la lindang8791, the 'white liquid' doesn't cum frm where he pees. There r diff tracts, although they r all in the dick.

Lindang8791*: hi jerene88 who is dick?

Excuse me for the *vulgar post... I have not laughed this hard in a very long time. And humanity's sake, I really hope she doesn't get pregnant.

hmnnn... should I?

hmnnn... a journalist, eh?

You scored as Journalism. You are an aspiring journalist, and you should major in journalism! Like me, you are passionate about writing and expressing yourself, and you want the world to understand your beliefs through writing. Journalism 100% English 92% Sociology 83% Philosophy 83% Linguistics 83% Theater 83% Art 83% Anthropology 75% Dance 50% Engineering 50% Psychology 50% Mathematics 42% Chemistry 25% Biology 8% What is your Perfect Major? created with QuizFarm.com

From *Gutsy's Blog.

and the day came

and the day came

Much anticipated, Valentine's Day came and ended with the romance, surprises, sweetness... and costliness.

We started with dinner at the Crazy Horse Restaurant for a four course dinner of foie gras, escargots, kingfish, wines and chocolate desserts. The restaurant was certainly *tactful, leaving the price tag of $98++ per pax above the menu for all to see. When *Gallant asked me if the menu was alright (anyway, he pre-ordered and already paid so I couldn't do much), I was still fussing about the price tag in my mind rather than concentrating on the food.

Just as dinner ended and I was ready to go for our customary after dinner walk, he gives me my Valentine's Day gift... front row tickets for the Crazy Horse show. He was happy he got a 20% discount for the tickets since we had dinner there and tickets were only $300 after discount. Let me add that this is the second time he has seen the show at the VVIP seats.

Sure, I've dreamt of romantic dinners for two and being pampered but it felt so wrong that our night had to be so expensive. I feel so horrible having gotten him the board games that cost next to nothing compared to what he has paid and planned for the evening.

When we came back for me to give him the presents, I practically melted at how sweet my dear can be: "You didn't need to get me anything. Tonight is Valentine's Day and you've already given me your company which is all that I ask for," he said.

I have much to learn about being a woman and to be gracefully and graciously accepting what her man has to offer.

valentine update

Valentine Shopping Update

I've found a lovely Daniel Yam dress at Orchard today! It is a forties style dress (think: the musical Chicago), black, with a brown panel at the top dotted with silver sequins.

This and the Calvin Klien skirts, I think my retail luck is beaming at me.

I'd love to show the dress off, but the camera just couldn't catch the flirty layers (which is, by-the-way quite translucent). I'll invite you anytime to raid my wardrobe if you like.

The MAC eyeshadows were costly though. Worth it if I continue to put it to good use as the colours are really vibrant and they blend really well compared to the other brands I've chanced using. The MAC counter lady even gave me a quick lesson on application... and taught me how to use my brushes (the ones that have practically never been touched).

I've never seen so much colours on my eyes! Yay.

first valentine

first valentine

Our first Valentine's day is just around the corner.

The excitement and anxiety has just kicked in today as I was wrapping up his presents and thinking about what to wear for his evening *surprise come Tuesday evening. "Dress formally" he says, "I'm taking you somewhere really nice".



For gifts, I have set us a theme where we should get each other items that both of us could use. I've chosen two games - twister and an assortment of board games such as snake & ladders, ludo, checkers,etc. We've unfortunately sunk into dates that consists of movies, meals and dvds at home and personally, these games are necessary to give our otherwise comfortable regime of *soaking up each other's company some varied activity.

There will be other little gifts such as wine, berries and sweet pastries to be served over Valentine's supper.



As for dress, I think I would most likely be wearing this combination of the black halter, knotted in the middle with my pink silk skirt. I say most likely as over the course of the next two days till Valentine's evening, I will be trying on all possible combinations... and then return to the choice I first made.

But it is not the clothes that interest me this time but makeup. I've always been subtle with my palette and I've decided (basically any reason will do) to make a trip down to a MAC counter tomorrow to try on something fanciful for dinner. Couple the right accessories and high, high heels, I aim to elicit the highest praises and appreciation from my *man. *grin.

This is truly my first celebration for Valentine's Day. The past was wrecked with relationships that end right before the day, or blossom only after. I call it bad luck. Thankfully, it comes to an end this year. I just can't wait.

crepe ala *winky

crepe ala *Winky

*Winky called to announce that he would like to drop by my place for chit chat. An hour later, he shows up at my lift with a bright pink tupperware with a (rather delicious) crepe he had just made.

What was peculiar is that he was very hesitant to come in my room (door and windows all wide open... no scandal here, kay), and when he did was as fidgity, nervous and high strung as ever. He couldn't even eat a biscuit properly without dropping it all over the floor.

stupid air asia

Air Asia: taking the sophistication out of air travel or Air Asia: when they know you're a budget flier and treat you like that

I just got back from a ten hour bus ride from Penang. Thankfully, it was quite comfortable as my father tried to make the best out of situations and bought me a *luxury bus ticket back to Singapore (nothing else was available, actually).

The ticket was sought and bought on the very same afternoon of the day which I was to travel back. All thanks to AirAsia and the operator who told me that I could pay for my ticket when I check in for the flight.

When I called to check on the flight a day before departure, I was told that the booking was not made as I had not made the payment. There were to be extra charges to fly for the same flight that had the botched booking but it was a compromise of my stubborn (and bruised) integrity.

Heck *karma and ladylike manners. I'm bad mouthing the cheap airline and boycotting their cramped seats.

>>>

Dear Air Asia Customer Support,

This is to express my extreme disappointment with your telephone booking staff and to inform you of the grave inconveniences that the event has incurred.

On January 26, I successfully made a booking for a flight from Penang to JB for the evening of February 1 at the price of RM224.99. When I informed the female telephone operator that I wish to make a cash payment, she said to "check in two and a half hours earlier (because the usual check in time was two hours) to make the payment".

She then proceeded to read me the terms and conditions, which gave me the impression that I had successfully made a booking for the flight. Since it was my first time ever making a flight booking at any airline, I was particularly careful with the information she has provided, taking note of things that mattered to me (eg, that I had to give 48 hours notice for any change of date and baggage). I am very certain that she did not tell me that I had to make a payment two days from the date the booking was made. Otherwise, I would have definitely made sure I got the payment made to come back to my university classes that would begin on February 2.

In fact, I even repeated the information to her, from the flight details to the checking in time of two and a half hours which she confirmed.

Imagine my dismay when I called yesterday morning just to confirm if everything was as scheduled to be told that I do not have a booking. In fact, your telephone operator promptly informed me that "“it was a misunderstanding"” and that "it is common knowledge (for the staff) and they could not get it wrong". In addition, there was to be a new charge at RM274.99.

This is my formal complaint that I did not 'misunderstand' the instructions and I am deeply insulted that the customer support staff members have dismissed my claims without the slightest doubt that maybe the staff attending to me was a trainee or not paying attention to what she was telling me or my replies. Furthermore, I was not about to pay more for a mistake that was definitely not on my part.

This has caused great distress for me and my extended family on Chinese New Year. All of us were worried about how I can get back safely to Singapore with only so little time to source for a ticket.

Previously, I have viewed AirAsia'’s philosophy of bare-bones flying and being frills-free’ to be a wonderful introduction to air travel. Little did I realise that it would mean cutting down on quality service. The treatment and experience from this incident forms a scarring impression on your company and is something I would not hesitate to pass down by word of mouth or through other means. I guess it is true of the saying that if you pay peanuts you get monkeys. Now I get the meaning of flying on a budget ticket.

Regrets,
(a very frustrated *Damsel)

>>>

Beware the wrath of a person who has written for the Malay Mail (a Malaysian tabloid paper) and still has contacts inside. Needless to say, I'm very angry and angsty right now.