Driving License

Was having a chat with my Japanese colleague last week over his driving license because he's currently trying to apply for a Malaysian driving license so that he could drive in Malaysia.

Over our chat, he asked how much does it cost to get a driving license here in Malaysia, driving lessons included.

So, we just casually told him, it cost around RM 1k, also depending on the no. of lessons you sign up for.

Well, we always knew that the living cost in Japan is high. Things are also very much more expensive than here in Malaysia.


But we were totally shocked when he said that getting a driving license in Japan cost 10x more. Goodness, if needing to get a driving license in Malaysia would ever need RM10k, what would happen then is a little beyond my imagination.

But to look on the bright side, this means less people can afford to get driving license which in turn means there'd be less cars on the road :D

Dewan Filharmonik PETRONAS

Attended my first ever orchestra concert held in the Dewan Filharmonik PETRONAS, KLCC.

Last night's concert was known was Chamber Concert but I wonder what that means.

There was 2 groups of performers. The first group consist of 3 violinist and 1 cellist, of which 2 of the violinist are Asian girls while the other 2 are white men.

The music choice of the night was the slow and a little gentle type, the type which can easily put you to sleep if you got yourself too comfortable and the pieces has lots of repetitive scores, which can be boring at times.

But the back rest is a little hard for comfort and to low that it you can't rest your neck. I guess they want to ensure that you won't fall asleep during the performances.

But I would thoroughly enjoyed even more had there's been a glass of drink, preferbly wine or liqour, and a sofa for me to lie on. And that would have been total enjoying of life. Hahaha...

Perhaps I might consider creating a sound-prove music room when I have my own house in the future.

Back on the performance, I can't help but to notice one of the girls playing the violin. I thought she has much more body movement compared to the rest which I thought was a little exaggerated. But nonetheless, this was quite a good group.

The 2nd group played a more hyper form of musics but I still can't help but to wonder who could a person could actually sleep through their performance, which some guy behind me did. He even started to snore a little.

I thought this group was a little unprofessional at the start of their show for fine-tuning their instruments just before they play, right on stage. This group has got a Chinese girl playing the grand piano and 4 other white men, 3 of which played the violin while the other white man played the cello.

Overall this group was better but one of the violinist had at times, played the violin out of tune.
But for the RM10 ticket, you kind of expect that this isn't the best group of musicians the Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra has to offer.

The Curious Case Of Benjamin Button

Nope this is not a review of the movie. Just that this was the movie I watched last night.

It was a rather good and entertaining movie that you should go watch if you have the chance.

Lots of meaningful quotes and there was one I particularly remember and it goes roughly like:

"We're meant to loss the people we care and love, for that's the only way God reminds us to appreciate the people around us."

I can't remember the exact quote, but that was what they meant to say. To always love and appreciate the people around us.

This was quoted during the scene where Benjamin was getting a haircut from an old lady.

So I guess that means less argument with my brother XD
Hahaha...

Happy Chap Goh Meh

Today marks the 15th day of CNY, the last day of the celebration, and in about an hours time, all will come to and end. We will then have to wait for another year before the next celebration comes along.

This year, the year of the Ox brings quite a lot of uncertainty. But hopefully, things will all turn out well for everyone, if not great.

Really wondered what the year has been installed for me.

Killing something

Was at the market in Petaling Street this morning with my aunt who wanted to buy some fish.

She said the fishes here are fresher here because they're killed upon purchase. And so there I was, watching those poor, harmless, defendless fishes being killed right in front of my very eyes.

A few years ago I watched a clip of a mans beheading by some Islamic terrorist. The man, if I remembered correctly, was a journalist on duty somewhere in the Middle East. Watching that clip made me surreal.

I felt a little sick watching someone, lifting a person's bodiless head into the air, shouting of joy.

But this morning, I watched the fishmonger knocking the head of the fish, butchered though it was still breathing. You could see the fins still moving as its internal organs were being removed. I watched as if it was a TV show.

And that got me thinking... how come I did not feel anything.

Was it because we're so used to eating all other animals like fishes, chickens, pigs etc and that killing it means nothing anymore?

Or was it because watching someone killing its own kind is inhuman but killing another species is ok due to the need for survival. I mean, these animals are, after all, food to us... our source of fulfilling ourselves from hunger, a mean to continue on living.

And that us humans eating animals are acceptable, but when animals eat humans, these animals are to be 'destroyed'. Are we humans actually that great?

Fortunely, cannibalism is something unacceptable, and is infact, a crime. Otherwise, when us humans are being eaten by another human, it'll be a greater war, worst than the on-going Gaza war in the Palestine.

Just my thoughts!!!

New Year II

It's already 5 days into 2009. Things are pretty much the same thus far, the way it has been.

I've never made any resolution or wishes in the past, maybe because I was pretty much happy with the way things were.

But this year seems rather different. At least, the New Year itself gave me some indifferent feelings.

In my New Year post, I said:
"Good bye 2008.. you haven't been great, but you haven't been that bad either
Welcome 2009.. hopefully, things will be much better than before".

Yeah, 2008 hasn't really been a great year. The 2nd and 3rd quarter of 2008 has given me probably some of the best memories I've ever had thus far in life, but come the last quarter, all these took a nose-dive.

Basically, I was not a happy man. There were times I just wish I was somewhere else. Being at work sickens me, so I wished I could be out of the office. Staying at home annoys me, so I sometimes wished I'm out of the house... yet when I'm actually out of the house, the feeling of being lost haunts me.

And at times, I felt lonely...

I've also posted one of my thoughts that has been troubling for a while now. Maybe I've always been the more reliable one, the one who could bare responsibilities, ever since I was a child. But that has finally starting to show cracks in me.

If there's ever a resolution that I would make for this year, it is probably to be MORE irresponsible. That way, I could perhaps be a little more carefree and happy at work, at home, or at what ever that I've been doing.

Funny when I looked back into my past 25 years in life, I haven't really achieved great things that would or might make my life happier... not just easier... happier. Sure, there's been achievements in Wushu that I should really cherish. It have its wonderful moments but that have long past, in the history.

So now what? I just need to wait and see what 2009 brings for me.

Is being a tomboy means you're a lesbian?

I think that's what Malaysia's National Fatwa Council thinks so.

Being one of Malaysia's highest Islamic bodies, I feel that their statement was a little overboard, if what was reported on the news are true.

Some articles:

MSN News
The Star

I would understand their stand if they're against lesbians and gays and say that it's something unnatural and against human nature.

But to punish someone because they dressed like men?!!

Come on... where's the logic here. Some females are borned a little more mascular than the rest. What more to behave like one.

They'll look better in shirts and pants rather than in skirts or dresses.

And now they're saying this:

"One of Malaysia's highest Islamic bodies has banned females from dressing or behaving like men and engaging in lesbian sex, saying it was forbidden by the religion."

I highlighted that portion in blod.

I find this totally ridiculous.

FBIC Company Trip

So the survey is out. This year my company trip is to Hokkaido. Gonna be a 6D4N trip from 06/01/2009 to 11/01/2009.

But comes with a catch.

For me, the company will only bear 52.88% of the cost. That would mean paying as much as 47.12% of the cost on my own.

Estimated to cost between RM 6000 - RM 7000, I will then have to pay between RM 2827 - RM 3299.

I wonder if it's worth the trip. But then again, I get to go to Hokkaido for a week... for half the price.

So should I go? Or I just save the money?

Urgent!!!!

Damn it...

Yesterday, it was "super high priority"... and I was thinking, when was it that your boss gives you something to do which is never a priority.

I had to stay back in office until 10pm last night to complete fix an error.

Then this morning, it was "it's urgent.... super urgent.... damn urgent...."

("-_-)

Aiyak... kena bombed

Ok, got a red bomb last night...



no, that's so wrong. Rather, it's a yellow bomb (or more like peach bomb), 'cos it's gonna be a church wedding and the envelope is in a light peachy colour.

She's one of my diploma friends.

Yeah, so, she's actually gonna be the first among my close friends. Still wondering what kind of gifts to get her.

Somehow, this mades me feel like we've reached the next stage in life. A stage where, friends' are settling down, getting married and have kids, while those who used to be ilding around are finally getting serious about life.

Insurance and investments are also a common topic these days, while to the guys, it used to be games, games, games and games. Some still do btw. Last night, all the guys (except me), were talking about a new computer games which I've not even heard of.

When it comes to computer games, I'm so left out.

Anyway, I'm also hearing some are already looking for a house while some has even already gotten a house, when, it used to be cars... and maybe holiday destination?

Place to hang out? Movies?

Well, it's the usual pattern. First, after graduate, work. Then buy a car. After a car, get a house.

Most of us goes through that pattern, including me. The luckier ones would already have a car being provided at home. So, they only need to get a house.

And to think that my mom the other day said that she wished that my sister, brother and I, could get a house/condo each side by side in a stretch... yeah, dream on.

It's gonna take a while since I can't afford a house of my own yet. And also, I'm not so into that idea as well. They'll sure to KPC at you at whatever I'm doing at home... may be a little less privacy there as well.

Down the memory lane

I've been updating my blog a lot lately if you noticed. That's because I had time to actually observe things around lately.

And why? Because I'm bored at work... to me, not having much work at work is like a nightmare. The worst feeling one can ever get.

So, naturally I had to look for my own entertainment. Solitaire and Minesweeper are the 2 things are the things I try hard to skip these days.

Then the whole of last week I did one thing which I'm sure no one has ever done before... so what did I do?

I reread all the post in my friends blog... one by one. I'm not done reading everyone's blog, but it's just a matter of time before I do so.

I started off with the one I thought would have the most post. Miche used to post everyday, so I know I would have a long list of things to read. Never realised that I actually missed so many of her post... dear, didn't even know you've learn tango before. So when can you teach me your moves?

Currently am almost finishing Ashes' blog, all the way from his first post in June 2005. Boy, his blog just won't stop making me laughing, and I sure missed the times when one would post something and the rest would bombard it with our 'ridiculous' comments. It has always been entertaining to read his blog.

One of the many crazy moments we did. .. ok, it wasn't that crazy, but at least it's fun.

Chapter 1: wanna join us? - By Ash (aka Mr. Funnyman aka The Joker aka The Great Entertainer)
Chapter 2: The day out - By me, just the plain old me!!!
Chapter 3: Auntie Philip???? NAHHHH - By the none other, Aunty Philip. Hahaha, read the story and you'll know why!!
Chapter 4: Saturday Tour - By Mr. Money man, Billy

This was done exactly 2 years ago.

Of course things won't end here. Gonna continue reading as long as it can kill my time. Anyway, it's already after office hours. So time to go.

The Sun

Damn it, every morning when I drive to work, the sunlight glares very strongly into eyes and these are affecting my driving because I couldn't open my eyes to see properly.

I'd even nearly meet with accidents on a few occasions. And when I drive slowly, sometimes I'm getting on other drivers' nerves.

Time to invest in a sun glasses. Wonder what shape suits me? Anyone can suggest any to me?

Memory: The Song

Another song that wouldn't keep out of my mine.

Was already preparing to go home after work yesterday. The moment I stepped into my car and turned on the radio, this song began to play.

It's been a while since I last heard this song.

So the song:

Memory
By: Barbra Streisand

Midnight
Not a sound from the pavement
Has the moon lost her memory
She is smiling alone
In the lamplight
The withered leaves collect at my feet
And the wind begins to moan

Memory
All alone in the moonlight
I can dream of the old days
Life was beautiful then
I remember the time I knew what happiness was
Let the memory live again

Every street lamp seems to beat
A fatalistic warning
Someone mutters and the street lamp sputters
And soon it will be morning

Daylight
I must wait for the sunrise
I must think of a new life
And I mustn't give in
When the dawn comes
Tonight will be a memory too
And a new day will begin

Burnt out ends of smoky days
The stale cold smell of morning
A street lamp dies, another night is over
Another day is dawning

Touch me,
It's so easy to leave me
All alone with the memory
Of my days in the sun
If you touch me,
You'll understand what happiness is
Look, a new day has begun...

Somewhere Out There

Heard this song this morning over LiteFM (formerly: Light N Easy) while on my way to work today.

After that, this song just kept ringing into my brain... kinda missed the song and the movie. Having the song ringing in my mind is kinda refreshing and keeps my mind awake, especially when there isn't much to do at work and I'm falling asleep and leaving my office at 5.30pm is fast becoming a norm.

Anyway, the song...

Lyrics as performed byLinda Ronstadt and James Ingram
from the movie An American Tail (1987)


Somewhere Out There
written by James Horner, Barry Mann, Cynthia Weil

Somewhere out there beneath the pale moonlight
Someone's thinking of me and loving me tonight

Somewhere out there someone's saying a prayer
That we'll find one another in that big somewhere out there

And even though I know how very far apart we are
It helps to think we might be wishing on the same bright star

And when the night wind starts to sing a lonesome lullaby
It helps to think we're sleeping underneath the same big sky

Somewhere out there if love can see us through
Then we'll be together somewhere out there
Out where dreams come true

And even though I know how very far apart we are
It helps to think we might be wishing on the same bright star

And when the night wind starts to sing a lonesome lullaby
It helps to think we're sleeping underneath the same big sky

Somewhere out there if love can see us through
Then we'll be together somewhere out there
Out where dreams come true


You can also refer to the site.

Meaning of my name

Got this from my mail which was left unread for months... and finally managed to clear them.

***The Alphabet:

A : YOU'RE A HOTTIE
B : you are loved by a lot of ppl
C : you're wild and crazy
D : You have trouble trusting people
E : You are always fun when it comes to meeting new people
F : People totally adore you
G : You are very friendly and understanding
H : You have very good personality and looks
I : Love is something you deeply believe in
J : Everyone loves you
K : You like to try new things
L : You always make other people smile when you smile
M : You are beautiful, and sexy
N : Your sex is unforgettable
O : You love foreplay
P : You are very friendly and understanding
Q : You are a hypocrite
R : Someone loves you
S : People think you are so sexy
T : You are one of the best in bed
U : You are really a chilling material
V : You are not judgemental
W : You are very broad minded
X : You never let people tell you what to do
Y : you make every experience great
Z : You're Super cool


***The Results:

T : You are one of the best in bed
A : YOU'RE A HOTTIE
N : Your sex is unforgettable

C : you're wild and crazy
H : You have very good personality and looks
U : You are really a chilling material
N : Your sex is unforgettable

E : You are always fun when it comes to meeting new people
N : Your sex is unforgettable
G : You are very friendly and understanding

hmm... somehow, all these are kind of subjective. But anyway, it's just for fun.

I don't think I'm a hottie. Whether I'm good or not in bed, that's for my partner to decide. I just thought that it's important that she enjoys herself, that we enjoy each other. I enjoy it when she enjoys it.

I have 3 'N' in my name. Should that mean something? I guess the experience is unforgetable because I do find it romantic in a way. It's not just the pleasure, it's the private moments I get to spend with my partner.

Me being wild and crazy is definately so not me. I can go high, but I can't go wild. My personality are often misunderstood and my looks ain't that good... yes, I know myself, I do looked at the mirror every morning... haha :D

Would the rest of the attributes describes me? I let you be the judge of that.

Fuel hike effects

Last night was the first time I pump my fuel, 2 weeks after the new rate took effect.

At the old rate of RM 1.92/liter, I could cover 170-180 km for every RM 30 of petrol, now it roughly covers only 130 km with the new rate of RM 2.70/liter... so how great is the effect on me anyway?

40 km is almost a week's drive to work, so the impact is kind of great.

I used to spend around 17-18 cents/km. Now, it worked out to around 23-24 cents/km.

The current price hike is inevitable, but with my current lifestyle, I guess I cushion it comfortably. Thank god for that. Amitabha...

Friday, June 13th, 2008

What day is it? It's Friday.
What date is it? It's 13th.

So it's Friday the 13th. Only realised it as I was doing some typings at work.

So Happy Friday the 13th, peeps.

It may not be a holiday but it is a Friday, so we could still celebrate, right?

Today

"There seems to be more, and heavier, responsibilities with work, and less time to do things."

This sounded so true today.

Saw this horoscope for Aries in The Star. Just thought it was very accurate.

My 'girlfriend'

Is it a virtual... a dream or... is it for real?

Ever since I returned from China more than a year ago, I've always kept in touch with some of the people I met there. We usually correspond via emails.

In the most recent email, my friend excited wrote that she dreamt of me. Seems like I was back in China... with someone... my girlfriend. She was waiting for us at the airport... hahaha

It felt nice indeed that someone actually dreams of you. To be, it was also an honour because, thinking of someone is easy, but to dream of someone makes it all really special.

So I got her to describe how my 'girlfriend' was like...

She said:

"She has long hair, not big eyes but bright, when I met you all, she always smile, very sweet and lovely girl. She has black hair and brown eyes, I can only judge that she is an Asian, maybe she is a Chinese girl, or your own local girl. In a word, she is beautiful".

Chinese girl - she might mean the nationality
Own local girl - it could be one of my current friends, or someone I'm about to meet.

Felt so flattered... hehehe :D

Ouch!!!

Beware: Read on at your own risk. It might be disturbing to some...













Was watching some video clips over the weekend and saw this...

Can you see where the ropes are tied to?


The moment I saw it, I was like... ("-_-) ... what the!!!!

Wonder why they're torturing their 'little brother' that way. I can't really imagine the reason why they're practising this so-called 'Groin Techniques' or why it was even created?

What good would such training gives? Besides the 'hanging', there are also 'pulling' and 'kicking'. And they made it look as if it doesn't hurt at all... could even swing the one hanging around, front and back...

But to me, it's... ouch!!! :D