The one about wishing you all a Merry Christmas...

Feliz Navidad. Selamat Hari Natal. Merry Christmas.

It had been a hectic and sometimes stressful lead-up to the big day. Now, Christmas Day is over. Boxing Day beckons though there's no real explanation yet why its called "Boxing". Maybe I'll go do more research...

Anyway, I'm blogging from Singapore here. The actual celebrations have been busy and a little chaotic but I have enjoyed the opportunity to wind down and release the pressures of the last few weeks. A real rollercoaster of emotions and its come to a rest. I won't go on and on and I won't post any photos as yet. There's a lot of activities coming up in the next week. Am really looking forward to it!

So meantime... I'll have a Singapore Sling on your behalves! Compliments of the Season to one and all...

The one with the spirit of Christmas...

Yes, its almost upon us - the season to be jolly and other icky semantics.

Now, now, I'm no Scrooge and I do love Christmas. Not really into the gifts and the constant eating though. Hate to sound cliche and a tad sappy but its really the simple things which imbues me with that special spirit. That cool soft breeze we get this time of the year which I can feel whenever I stand outside my house at night; the strains of carol singing in the distance and that sense of urgency we get when we realise its coming to the end of another year. To me, Christmas isn't about the traditions cos we make our own traditions. It isn't about giving or receiving; many have none to give nor anyone from whom to get. What then, you may ask, does Christmas mean to me?

Well, its been a hectic few weeks. At work, there's the usual rush to clear things before the new year beckons. Then there're travel arrangements to sort out - with us heading to Singapore for Ethan's first Christmas outside of Penang. There's my Mum's health matters and her deciding to spend Christmas alone at home. Now that hurts.

Things seem to happen when you least expect and problems seems to occur when you least need them. Such is the story of the last week or so. Still, the inevitability of Christmas looms. Often we get caught up in the intent to celebrate that we forget to actually celebrate. Sometimes I wish I could just stop and smell that Christmas breeze. The memories that'll bring back...

We've had carollers come to the house. A neat group of youths who tried hard to inject the festive mood into our home albeit 10 days early. Ethan was a little curious at first as to why there were so many people suddenly singing in our porch. He embarked on his usual runs up and down doing his level best to "sing along" in the manner only he knows.


So far the little fellow's coming along just fine. Doesn't really talk yet but makes hell of a lot of noise. Also has taken to screaming lately. A right little terror he is. I must say, he's improved a lot at his play gym sessions with Tumbletots. We take him most Sundays and he loves it; sometimes too much!




Last Sunday, a few of us had afternoon tea at the E&O Hotel's 1885 Restaurant. Sounds posh eh? It was a nice change to the fast paced meals we've been having of late and what with Jo's voucher, we got it at 50% off! Nice selections and thoroughly enjoyable.


After tea, we decided to hang on to the "lifestyles of the rich & famous" mode - as we ventured to the Marine Show at the new Church Street Pier Marina. Sleek and playful looking boats for sale along with the exhibition of other indulgent opulent vices. We soaked in the atmosphere and tried to blend in...


We're off to Singapore this Thursday. I'll be dragging along my trusty laptop although I don't know how much blogging can be done there. Pretty sure we'll be soaking in the sights and probably a bit of shopping too.

So... the more astute of you out there will still have that lingering question in mind - what DOES Christmas mean to me? Well, Christmas is about sharing. Its about family and its about love. I thank God that I have all that this Christmas. I wish you all the same...



God Bless!

The one about new experiences...

Almost two weeks since my last post. Much has happened so guess this'll be a long post. Will spare you all the photos to keep it reasonable though!

The family and I went down to KL on the 2nd December 2005. Stayed at Jo's aunt's place in God-Forsaken Bukit Jelutong. Man, that place is far from anything! The toll charges on the NKVE alone could kill you. Still, we expertly manouveured our way around all the "must-go" places and got most of the "must-buy" things. The evening we got there (Friday) we met up with Sue Khoon & Yan who were also there for the weekend. We had planned to pay "Cilantro" a visit to savour its famed cuisine. So we left Ethan nicely tucked in bed and headed off into culinary mainstream.

Its simply amazing how a place named after a cheap herb can be that expensive. The place came with a raving reputation and after emptying nearly half my bank account (yes, I exaggerate), I must say it was well worth it. Now, first and foremost, let me say that I'm not an expert on gourmet foods. In fact I probably can't tell good Char Koay Teow from bad Char Koay Teow (they're all basically good in Penang anyway!). However, that meal that night - was the best meal I have ever had. No kidding. The fusion of flavours were nothing short of spectacular. Every bite was like a burst of surprise. Sublime, simply sublime. The ambience of the place was sadly not in concert with its high quality food. Tucked away in a corner of the mid-range MiCasa Hotel in an unassuming neighbourhood, one can be forgiven if one clutched on to one's handbag tighter as one makes one's way to the restaurant. Seating was acceptable but we had the unfortunate displeasure of being seated opposite a couple of those rather loud and snooty KL aristocrat wannabes. From their unnecessarily audible "muah muah" kisses to their pre-meditated phone calls about where their next holiday would be, they simply irritated everyone within a six-kilometer radius.

We survived the experience which was harrowing to say the least not alleviated by the arrival of local model Carmen Soo at our neighbour's table. Desert proved as good as the meal and we stuffed ourselves silly before continuing our night along the pavements of Bintang Walk.

The next day, we found out the hard way why its never wise to go shopping at a phenomenally large place like KLCC with a toddler. Ethan was a handful and we had to run after him as he tried in vain to stamp his mark on the corridors of the mall. Still most of the shopping was for the little fellow although Jo did get to pick up a few sought after things. Dinner that night was courtesy of Jo's sister Abby and her boyfriend Warren - two members of the soon-to-be famous independent pop group "Ferns". Think their first album is due out soon! I'm serious!

Somewhere in there, we visited The Curve, Ikea & the Ikano Power Center and 1-Utama as well. We left KL Sunday sometime before 3pm and arrived safely at 7.30pm. No unusual happenings there and I must say Ethan was reasonably well behaved throughout the trip.

After our KL trip, I had hope for a quiet week to kinda revitalise but it wasn't to be. The Penang Bar Treasure Hunt had to be organised, an IT Talk on "The Role of the IT Lawyer" was planned and of course plans for Christmas was to go ahead.

Christmas this year will be in Singapore for Ethan, Jo & myself. The trip alone would cost us and arm and a leg as we decided to fly direct in to Changi. The bus trip from Senai (Air Asia's destination) thru the causeway would be far too tiring for the little fellow.

Friday 9th December - the eve of my cousin Priscilla's wedding. The family is out in force for Priscilla's wedding on Saturday. That night though, its dinner at the Penang Swimming Club. Was good to meet up with the cousins whom we seldom see. Much banter and laughter ensued. The next day, the wedding proceeded without any major hitches. The church ceremony was simple and Jo and I were the sponsors.

Dinner that night was kinda fun. Small gathering of family members and again the chance to touch bases with those we hardly have the chance to see. It was especially poignant for mum as she rarely gets the opportunity to be with her siblings. Mum has a medical procedure at the GH coming up tomorrow (Monday 12th December) and I pray all will be well.

So, as Christmas creeps up on us, the scurrying to buy presents and the feeling of urgency sets in at work, all contribute to that "year-end" reminiscing and reflecting season. So far its been a hectic and eventful year but there's a good three weeks left on 2005. All I want is to make the best of it.

The one about the start of Advent...

Yes, its upon us again... the season of Advent.

It simply means Christmas is coming and soon after that, a new year 2006! Whatever happened to the year that was 2005?!! Time does fly when seen in retrospect.

Last Saturday night, Jo and I had a nice dinner together, just the two of us at the Tiffins Restaurant, Grand Parkroyal Penang. The food was at its usual best and the Sous Chef even came out to say hello. As Jo had a voucher, the meal didnt cost us an arm and a leg, so it was an enjoyable time all round.

Sunday, we did the usual family day out - taking Ethan to Tumbletots for his playgroup. After that, it was a quick trip to the Paradise Hotel for the International Womens' Association's Christmas Bazaar. This annual event has grown from strength to strength every year; altho this year the location seemed a little cramped. The place was packed and we did pick up some small gifts.

That night, we had our gathering with the gang. It was Buffet Dinner at Sigi's Golden Sands Resort. We were told that the chefs from La Bodega in Bangsar KL were up here and were preparing a selection of Tapas. Funny thing was, couldn't really see anything resembling Tapas at all. Only thing hard-core Spanish was the huge pan of Paella. Yum! Stacy & Mel brought little Naomi there and she attracted the attention of an elderly couple on the next table. They were in Penang on a stopover heading to Australia to see their grandchildren. After we all filled ourselves, we then proceeded to KH & Jinny's place to watch the new series "Rome" on HBO.

We then got around to discussing what we would do for New Year's Eve. KH rummaged thru his things and brought out two microphones. Jinny immediately whipped out her collection of 100 Karaoke Love Songs! Help! Looks like its going to be a noisy New Years Eve at the Tans' residence!

Our Christmas this year will be in Singapore and I'm looking forward to a relaxing holiday season. Advent means so many things to different people but to me - the memories of the cooling and refreshing Christmas Breeze blowing as I stand in my garden; the anticipation of meeting up with relatives and the usual hustle and bustle that accompanies that; the happy faces on those we will never see again; the presents, small and insignificant it may have been yet meant the world to me then; the lights, the music, the atmosphere. Christmas was always something personal to me and will always be. It's an important time to me, a time to re-collect my thoughts, my achievements, my failures for the year.

May this season be the best one yet for everyone out there....

The one about a bar and Taboo...

"Taboo" is a board game la.

Anyway, we had a comparatively mellow weekend. Saturday afternoon, Jo and I went out to do some banking and proceeded to a spot of furniture hunting. We've been putting off getting an oven for the home but lately Jo has been checking out the options. Either a microwave/convection/grill such as the Panasonic Genius range or a built-in full oven/grill by either Faber or Electrolux. You see, if we get a built-in, then the exact spot where the oven will be is currently holding all my alcohol/bar stuff. Which means, if we go ahead and fix the built-in, I will, once and for all, have to get a bar for the home.

Ages ago, I had been eyeing a compact, expandable wooden bar but didnt get it. So the whole of Saturday afternoon was spent hunting for something similar since we dont have a sizeable home to recreate a pub scene in one corner. Gotta tell you, very few furniture places sell bars or anything similar. At least not for reasonable prices...

Later that evening, we had went for Mass at the Church of the Assumption and then proceeded to this new restaurant "OZ" on Burmah Road, next to Edgecumbe Road. It boasts to be the first Australian Fusion Restaurant in town. What is Australian Fusion, you ask? Well, your guess is as good as mine! The dishes were hardly familiar and can't say is strictly Australian. The names were surely Aussie...with the Freemantle Fish & Chips coming close to the real fodder you can pick up at the corner shop in Perth. The menu tries to live up to its tagline but for those who book a place there hoping to find Ostrich, Witchety Grub or even Barramundi, they would be disappointed. No exotic meats or ingredients here, just the same ol' stuff cooked in an Aussie Fusion manner...which strangely enough resembled any other western style cooking.

In my humble opinion, here's the good and the bad of it -

Good: Ample & Easy Parking; Quite & Fairly Good Ambience; Menu items - Freemantle Fish & Chips, Peach Melba; Beverage - they have VB!! (Victoria Bitter - oft regarded as the best beer in Aussie).

Bad: Intrusive & Distinctly Poor Service; food temperature was mediocre; Menu items - Mushroom soup, steaks (all of them). Missing menu items especially the desserts.

We did have a good time though with our dinner companions - KH & Jinny, Chean Hong, Tek Wooi & Priscilla.

After dinner, it was off to Mel & Stacy's for drinks and leisure. Mel & Stacy couldn't get out this week cos Mel's folks were away and they had to watch little Naomi. So we brought the night to them, unknowingly causing little Naomi to stay awake wondering what all these uncles and aunts were up to! We eventually got to playing a game of Taboo which for the record was won by the guys! It was KH, Mel, Yan & myself versus Jinny, Stacy, Sue Khoon & Jo. I got to say it was close though a mere 2 points separate the teams at the end. Needless to say, the usual array of goof-offs were present giving us a fun, laugh-filled end to a pleasant night.

Well, a new week begins, hopefully a useful and productive one. It's leading into the Advent season and there're not many weekends left before X'mas. With the Penang Jazz Festival up on Dec 3rd and my cousin's wedding the weekend after that, doubt we have that much time to shop. Still, tradition must prevail. Just hope we can find that bar...

The one about de-stressing...

New de-stressing method invented by none other than little Ethan Adam Cheong, age 18 months and a bit...

Try it at home folks....

Works for me!

The one about charity...

Well, its been some week.

Last weekend was my party and I had hoped for things to slow down but this week has zoomed by at the speed of thought. Mainly work kept me tied up but for Jo, she was caught up with the organising of the Bar Council's Legal Aid Scheme's 25th Anniversary dinner. Due to some last minute changes and hiccups, they had to meet three days in a row.

Anyway, Friday came along soon enough. We had decided to use up Jo's free stay at the E&O...yes, the dinner was there... and so we took half day off. In the morning we brought Ethan to the office and after lunch, we checked-in at the hotel and let the little fellow run around the place a bit. Later we took him home, got dressed and came for the dinner.

Our Organisers...

The Ladies at our table...

The famed "Makcik Gang"...


It was supposed to be a "smart casual" affair but most people had the sense to dress up slightly seeing that the dinner was at the E&O. The crowd gathered early, and the early fears of the organisers that a major mess up would occur, proved to be unfounded. It was for the most part an enjoyable night. People participated where necessary and they managed to raise some money for a good cause. I felt there was a bit of misunderstanding about the auction but, hey, no one seemed to care too much, so be it.

Among the services auctioned were an hour long consultation with Mr Sitham, a strip and song routine from Bar Council Chairman Mr Yeo, Nazriah's famed beef rendang and a ride with Carolyn in her convertible. All fairly tongue-in-cheek yet a worthy cause was supported.

Those who stayed back discovered that it started to rain heavily. So, our planned trip to Soho was out of the question. Many left but the few that stuck around moved the party to the Farquhar Bar (at the E&O itself) and there, lively conversation plus an impromptu performance by our earlier entertainer Sam Ponnudurai dotted the rest of the night. It was almost 2am by the time we headed to our suite. Mel came up with us to see the room and ended up taking a short nap on the sofa.

All in all, I had a good time and must say it was a good start to the school hols (not that school hols mean that much to me right now). Its usually a pre-cursor to another round of festivities. Christmas. This year it'll be in Singapore for us. Although I'm looking forward to a great bang to usher in the New Year.


Just a note here, Peter Tan has achieved his target of collecting RM5,000 for the Hospice at Home program and he has honoured his word and shaved his head. Kudos to him! Clearly the charitable heart of ordinary people at work.

And on a special note, Happy 15th Birthday to the Internet... for my money, the greatest innovation for humankind.

The one about the holidays and the party...

Ah...Monday. So much more a bad six-letter word if it comes just after a long and restful holiday break.

Tuesday last was Deepavali and it was fairly quiet. The afternoon was spent at Jinny & KH's place for a "Desperate Housewives" marathon!! I had earlier seen the DVDs with Jo, so didn't partake fully in the "event". Was online and surfing the net on Jinny's computer instead. They stopped after three episodes and as we were about to leave...my car wouldn't start! Dead batteries. So, I jumped the car using Jinny's car batteries and luckily we found a workshop that was opened. All's well that ends well...

Wednesday, Jo and I went to work. Was uneventful. On Thursday, we had planned a dinner and Karaoke session. Jinny, KH and Chean Hong joined us for dinner at Copthorne while Mel and Stacy added to the crowd at the Swimming Club Karaoke. Wasn't the best Karaoke in terms of selection of songs, equipment and service but the gang made it an enjoyable time. Laughter abound when Jinny tried her hand at old Chinese songs, attempting odd sounding duets with Mel. Then Mel and I decided to give a Hindi song a shot - our choice...of course the evergreen "Kuch Kuch Hota Hai". Safe to say, we were all in stitches. Here's Mel, our most prolific singer!!


KH giving Mel a strange look...



Friday proved to be a boring day for me as Jo, Jinny and Celina went for their girls' day out at the Danai Spa. Met some clients and basically just sat around at the office. The highlight was going home to have Lemak Laksa which my mum prepared.

This all lead to a nice "lull" before a hectic Saturday. In the morning, Jo, Ethan and I went to Nazriah's place for a Raya lunch. Ethan as usual, after a short cautionary preview of his new surroundings, traversed all over the place making his usual noises! Nariah & Mazri's young daughter Mia Sara tried to make friends but the little terror wasn't about to let anyone stop his "task" at hand.

Nazriah & mini Nazriah...



The delicious spread...



The little ones having a bite to eat...


A little later, we were joined by Hooi Lin, Kenzu and Zerlynde.

That night was our big nite out. The gang celebrated my birthday - albeit a week late - at the E&O Sarkies Corner. We then proceeded to Soho's, the usual hangout, for some subdued drinks. We were joined by Lynette and Claude, both looking good as always. Poor KH, lost his handphone in a kinda bizzare incident, but, well, you just had to be there...

Jo & her birthday boy..oops...man...



Lots of chatting going on...


All in all, a memorable week and although we start a new work week, there's a fun night out this Friday - the Bar Council's Legal Aid Centre's 25th Anniversary dinner at the E&O Ballroom. More about that later on...

The one after the birthday...

Just took another step towards the "big" four-0.

Yesterday was my 39th birthday - yes, yes, it was also Halloween. Guess you can say I was kinda a "kooi kneah" (ghost child). Anyway, after all these years I'm just praying that I had equipped myself with enough common sense, intelligence and kindness to bring up Ethan in a way which would ensure he knows always what's right or wrong.

Well, yesterday was kinda good for me. Got up, went to work, went out for lunch, picked up my 3rd Prize for the Big Puzzle contest from Gurney Plaza (shopping vouchers)..the usual... ;-)

Last night, Jo and I spent a lovely evening at 1885 (E&O) and had a great dinner.

The lovely wife & I...


We had planned to later adjourn to "Bed" at Pulau Tikus for drinks with our friends. Sadly, earlier, Stacy & Mel had been waiting for us at Coffee Bean Bellisa Row when Stacy's handbag was snatched from the seat next to her by a thief! It was shocking to think that such a thing could happen at a place which is usually crowded with people and so bright at that. It did happen, put poor Stacy through the hell of making police reports, cancelling her cards etc. It really wasn't about the loss in monetary terms but the hassle that comes with it.

So beware people, if you are having a nice, relaxed cup of coffee at any coffee joint, make sure you keep a tight hold on your belongings. I was made to understand that the management of Coffee Bean and Bellisa Row prohibits the putting up of signage to warn unsuspecting customers about the possibility of such snatch thieves. Scares the customers away, it seems. Well, mine is not to criticise their methods, however little I think of it, but mine can be to do whatever I can to warn people about it.

I have been pretty quiet, blogging-wise, lately. Partly due to being busy on the work front and partly due to being at complete awe with the world of blogging.

I'm talking about the "Battle of the Blogs" which had been dominating our regional blogging scene. It was started by a blog by one Wendy Cheng, who commented on the use of disabled toilets by the able-bodied and how one disabled person was "rude" about it. The short of it is that she basically pissed a lot of people off and lost a couple of sponsorship deals on her blogsite. Spearheading her attack was Peter Tan, who was of course offended by Wendy's manner of expression. This lead to a full-on battle between "supporters" of both sides and a tremendous influx of comments on various Blogs.

Now what really made me sit back and read in awe was the amazing impact blogging has had on people's lives. Many were defending their position with gusto and energy, many wrote with finesse and eloquence. Most had a determined point of view and held to it steadfastly. Given that the average blogger is between ages 18 - 30, I was proud, yes, proud to read the disagreements, the voices of dissent and the strength to stand up for what they believe in. As I said in my comment on Peter's Blog, what's important is that people have a right to state their point of view. We should all be able to agree to disagree. Is this then the direction of our youth and community towards a more knowledge & information driven world? If so, then blog on people, blog on....

There were a few comments about the difference between privileges and rights in between the debate. I just want to state here my definition on that. Rights exist when there is a duty on someone to allow it. So, if there is some statutory or regulatory requirement for something, then a right is created. Privileges, however, depend on the good sense of people. Since not all people have good sense, that's why we have the "under-privileged". Question is: do we want to impose a duty on everyone so that those who need it, will have rights? Or do we want to leave some things to the good sense of people to grant privileges? Too much of one or the other will expose us to some defect in our socio-economic strata system. Perhaps to borrow a concept from our Buddhist siblings, the middle road is the one to trod on...

Ponder on it.

The one about pot luck...

Wow, once again I've gone off on one of my long silent spells. Guess, there's not been enough time for this luxury. Take last night for example...

Met up with our usual gang of friends for a pot luck dinner. Its been ages since we last had a pot luck. Our famed "themed" pot lucks were a usual occurance some two years back but what with the arrival of Ethan and all, they faded away. There was a bit of a revival last night, as we kicked things off with a "Northern Indian" do.

Kinda adventurous I thought, to start on something pretty involved after such a long hiatus. However, I was pleasantly surprised as everyone stepped up to the plate and knocked a couple of home runs each (using truly American metaphors here). Sue & Yan did Murgh Makhani and Dhal while Jinny & KH did Tandoori Chicken with Biryani rice. Jo and I prepared Rogan Josh, Palak Paneer and Ketchumbar. Finally, Mel & Stacy brought Naan and a Raita. May all sound rather foreign but it was fun and we all certainly had our fill.

Dinner was at Jinny & KH's so we then adjourned upstairs for drinks and a game of "Cranium". For those who have not played "Cranium" before, its hilarious and fun. Its a board game much like Pictionary but with a difference. There are four separate categories which require you to either act out, hum, draw, sculpt (with plastacine) or figure out (puzzles/trivia) the clues. So everyone can really participate. We had a hoot of a time as the girls battled the guys and beat us twice. Gotta say the last game was close.

Anyway, last Friday (15th), we celebrated Stacy's birthday at Sweet Tamarine, the so-called London-style Chinese Restaurant. Food was good and we adjourned to Mel & Stacy's after. Anyway, here's a couple of photos from that dinner...


Dinner Guests 


All getting red in the face!! 

The one about catching up...

Been slack in blogging lately. Caught up with a bit of work which I managed to sort out just yesterday. So now, to catch up the happenings...

Oh yes, I went to the Penang Bloggers' Meet at the Starbucks E-Gate and met my old friend Peter Tan. Also met up with SapiensBryan, Reallybites, Lilian(5xmom) & teh-o-ais-limau. Strange that bloggers are more known by their URLs. All very friendly people and made me feel pretty comfortable despite the fact that I was the "newbie" there.

The one thing we all have in common is that we all support Peter's Hair for Hospice Campaign...



Really, what's important isn't what they are doing, who's having their hair cut and whether that's a big deal to them or not. The whole point is the Penang Hospice-At-Home program and how its basically a no-brainer that we should support this genuine cause. These are people who bring hope, joy and comfort to those diagnosed with end-stage cancer. Their work is selfless and their energy boundless but folks, their bank accounts are not bottomless! So every little bit will be very much appreciated. Go on to Peter's blog or to the Penang Hospice-At-Home site for instructions to make that very much needed donation. Don't forget to mention that your donation is part of the Hair for Hospice Campaign.

*** == ***

Meanwhile, much has happened round the world and in our own backyard. Recently there've been a spate of natural disasters which ought to shock most of us into thinking maybe, juat maybe the end is nigh. Well, Amargeddon aside, people over the world are suffering and what do our politicians do about it in Parliament? Well, they're debating the AP issue and of course the great "sin" of a singer singing our national anthem in a jazzy manner. Hey, you elected them in too...

Closer to home, the little terror (all 33 inches tall) that lives under my roof has been getting naughty lately. Screams when not given what he wants and getting kinda choosy about his food too. Still, how long can you stay angry at this ...


Cheeky 

Hope to be blogging more often in future. I must say, meeting other bloggers has opened my eyes to the sheer volume of bloggers out there and the extent of how this phenomena has gripped the world and communication as we know it. Keep it up, bloggers and keep us all in the know.

The one about old friends...

Caught up with an old friend recently.

Albeit through the wonders of email, I managed to contact my old school mate Peter Tan. Peter's somewhat of a celebrity in the Malaysian blogging world. Many years ago, at age 18, Peter had an accident and suffered severe spinal chord injury. He became paralysed from the chest down. Now for those of us who knew Peter way back then, the thought of seeing him confined to a wheelchair seemed so unlikely; what with Peter being one of our top scouts, traffic warden and all round active guy.

I guess what I could not understand then was that, as difficult it was for any of us to believe that Peter was paralysed, just imagine how much more difficult it would have been for him to accept that fact. Like many of his friends then, my immaturity made me incapable of handling the news.

Well, we have all grown up in so many different ways. But coming in contact with Peter again, although not face to face yet, was a revelation indeed. I realise that we continue to learn throughhout our lives. This time, it was the simple truth of Peter's present life that has taught me something.

Peter's weblog entitled "The Digital Awakening" puts many blogs to shame. He has shown the true power of the digital word. Not only can it bring recognition and respect to a simple person; but more importantly it enhances life, supplements knowledge and gives reason. Its truly his awakening. On a wider perspective, it was mine as well.

Despite his many trials, Peter's concern for other PWDs (People with Disabilities) and the general public's awareness of them shines through. The causes he champions grows because of him; and he because of them. A natural symbiotic relationship which I can only sit back and watch in awe.

My previous blog on Bessie Stanley's poem about "What Constitutes Success" is worth reflecting upon. All I can say right now is, Pete my friend, you have succeeded.

****

I hope to meet Peter at the Penang Bloggers Meet @ Starbucks, E-Gate (next to Tesco's) this coming Sunday 9th October, 2.00 p.m. Anyone out there who can make it, do go along. Bound to be fun!

The one about what it means...

Sometimes I feel that we are just so insignificant in the larger scheme of things.
I remember a famous quote which has been often though inaccurately credited to Ralph Waldo Emerson, about success. The original, a poem on "What Constitutes Success" by Bessie Stanley reads:

"He has achieved success who has lived well, laughed often and loved much; who has gained the respect of intelligent men and the love of little children; who has filled his niche and accomplished his task; who has left the world better than he found it, whether by an improved poppy, a perfect poem, or a rescued soul; who has never lacked appreciation of earth’s beauty or failed to express it; who has always looked for the best in others and given them the best he had; whose life was an inspiration; whose memory a benediction."

I guess the yardstick of my success has always been based on this simple quote. Many times in the recent past I have succumbed to the feeling that my life is going nowhere and that I have not achieved much.

Well, just the other day, I drove home with Jo, feeling that deja vu feeling again when we turned into our driveway; and there was this short but whole person running towards the front door screaming at the top of his lungs, as if it meant the whole world to him that we were home. Believe me, there's nothing more that I could have asked for at that very moment. This was what it all meant.

There will be times when we get bothered and hassled by our relatives; there are times when we feel our friends are not there for us but this was always one thing we could count on.



I'm pretty sure I will do anything for him.

Now to the latest controversial issue at hand. Malaysian Idol.

This year's series just ended in a somewhat farcical result of the clearly less impressive singer being crowned the winner. Don't sweat folks, this will probably be the last year anyway, cos news has it that Freemantle has asked for sky high license fees to air the show for a third time.

Clearly too, Malaysians are NOT mature enough to handle an audience interactive competition like this. Votes are made based on relationships, popularity, emotions and ...yes, sad but true, race. The Akademi Fantasia series further strengthens that claim. We vote and sometimes we vote many many times but do we vote for the best person or the person whom we like? Still, in the end, its a clear contest of "voting power". Daniel's fans (statistically the largest users of SMS) all fervently pounded away at their handphones and got the result they craved. Nita's fans (the vocal minority) tried to keep up but obviously were not in the same league when it came to sms-ing. Those who weren't fans of either but who felt that Daniel shouldn't win, all sat back, nodded their heads in intelligent agreement and said that Nita was the better performer. They then went to bed. When they woke up, a small, likeable but less talented young guy from Penang became the new Malaysian Idol. Probably the last Malaysian Idol too.

Anyway, I wish both of them great careers, as I'm sure they will have.

The one about kids...

Just got back from a night out at one of Penang's new nightspots - "Bed". A shameful copy of Bangkok's unique Bed Supperclub. Anyway, it was crowded, small and noisy. So typical.

Before that Jo & I took Ethan to our friends Nazriah & Mazri's daughter's 1st birthday party. Lots of people there and we decided to go without our maid. So the inevitable task of following our little terror around fell to his dad. Anyway, it was kinda fun till one of the kids - pretty bratty one - decided to leap at Ethan and bit him on the shoulder! Yes, you read right, bit him! Naturally, we were pretty upset as this has never happened to us much less to poor Ethan. Our boy cried his eyes out - more so due to the shock of the "attack" rather than the pain.

Thinking back, I did feel that I wanted to knock that bratty kid's head off right there and then. Luckily, my common sense told me to respect my hosts' dignity by not causing a scene. On hindsight, it was the right thing not to do. That kid, bratty as he may be, is but a kid. Still, I hope that his parents do consider what he did seriously and do something about his attitude when playing with other kids.

When we got home after that party, I bathed Ethan and later put him to bed. As we said together Ethan's usual bedtime prayer, I asked Ethan to pray for that kid. May he never hurt anyone else that way again. My boy didn't seem too bothered about the incident then. Children, perhaps we should strive to be like them...


Ethan & his mum... 

The one about the Bar Dinner...

Twas a hectic week. Now sitting here lazily on Sunday night/Monday morning, I partly miss the crazy rush to get things organised the last week, what with Jo's birthday and the Bar Dinner both within four days of each other!

Well, its all over now. There'll be a deafening calm for a few weeks, socially anyway. However, I have been known to be wrong about these things. Anyway, we can only wait and see...

So, the Bar Dinner Saturday night! Gosh, I must say, its my sixth year helping to organise this annual event and I do believe this one was one of the better ones. I had fun and it was truly fun organising it. Still, I do know there's no pleasing everyone. Bound to be a few brickbats thrown my way. Oh well, am used to it.

We stayed over at the Shangri La Hotel where the dinner was held. The room was reasonable - certainly not the five star standard of international destinations. Got to say, the banqueting department held up well to the pressure and in the end it was a good job by all. My organising team was great as always - Jo, Jaishree, Saw Hooi, Karen, Lynette, Reza, Dev, Taryna & Selvi all did well and were instrumental in keeping the night moving along. Pam, our emcee was poised and delivered what was needed. Couldn't have asked for anything more.

We had Harith Iskander for our function. The verdict - he was totally hilarious! Best damn act I have had the pleasure of seeing for a very long time now. The whole hall was in stitches and I dare say they all enjoyed the show tremendously. So, the booze flowed freely, the music was pulsating and the people captivating. At least the ladies anyway! Must say, the standard of dressing was kept up and the girls made it a wonderfully elegant yet sexy affair!

Most people left early as always. What with Dave from Soho's there, he managed to garner a crowd to adjourn to his place but a few die-hards stayed on and made it their night to remember. We stayed till around 1.30pm and left the hotel for a late supper of Nasi Lemak and Sup Kambing! KH, Jinny, Sue, Jo and myself stumbled (alcohol induced) to our table at the Ayub Cafe on Argyll Road amidst strange looks from the patrons. Either they were wondering where we were from or the horny guys were just leering at our hot looking ladies...

Anyway, I must say I had a great time myself and this Bar Dinner is the perfect one for me to sign off from the organisinng team. Next year, I shall leave it to the younger ones to inject some fresh ideas into the event.

Once again, I leave you with some photos of the night. I didn't really have time to take many pics but will post more when the official photos are out! Meanwhile, take care!



Ladies deep in conversation... 


Jo stressing a point! 


Posing during cocktails 


Jinny, Celina & Jo...all in a row! 

The one about Jo's Birthday party...

Phew! Had a great night last night!

We celebrated Jo's birthday last night, dinner at Piccolino's Restaurant Upper Penang Road and then proceeded to Soho for a "kick-ass" fun time party!

Our dinner was for the usual gang. We have a tradition of celebrating each other's special day and last night was no different. After a pretty good meal, Jo opened her pressies - which I must say, she really liked all of them - and we then walked across the road to Soho.

We were joined by Lynette and Claude. They are proof that the world is small. Lynette is a fellow lawyer and friend while Claude was my old school mate. Anyway, they were gracious to attend and I hope had a great time. Later on, Nazriah & Mazri came by too. Nazriah just flew in that night from KL and she came straight for the party. It was great of her. Made the night even more special and fun.

Well, to cut a long story short, 2 Flaming Lamborghini's for Jo and 2 bottles Black Label were polished off. We all left a little tipsy and weary but I'm sure everyone had a blast!

Today's the National Day. Not feeling particularly patriotic. Looking forward to tomorrow - its Jo's actual birthday on 1st September. We have dinner planned at the E&O 1885 Restaurant.

Well, Jo, if you're reading this, I didn't get you any great presents but I know you know that there's no one more important to me. So, I have this simple wish for you...


I could wish you the world,
That you always be happy,
Though I realise,
That's one destination we can't just travel to,
Happiness isn't just ours to own,
Its not even something we can earn.

We will know what it means,
The spirit behind being happy,
When we learn to live every day,
Every moment with love and grace,
Every thought with gratitude,
Then we will find what I shall always wish for you.

Happy Birthday Sweetie!

Here are some pics from one heck of a great night!

Jo & her hubby at dinner

Jo, Nazriah & Jinny cosying up at Soho

Some intense gossiping going on...

The gang at dinner!

The one about the calm before the storm...

Its just almost midnight. Tomorrow morning, it's back to school for the relevant people. We had a pretty quiet weekend by our recent standards.

Friday night, had dinner with some clients. A unique dinner at the Modern Teochew Restaurant in the Berjaya Hotel. Guess "modern" Teochew isn't like "olden day" Teochew. Anyway, my "public relations" exercise left Jo free to visit the "Spice Garden" for drinks. Some new place near Mutiara Hotel, I'm told. Never been myself. Later she had dinner at Song River with Stacy, Mel, KH and Jinny. That place is just such an institution.

Saturday, we went out during the day. Had some work related matter to iron out and we had a walkabout at Gurney Plaza. That mall is coming along very nicely indeed. Heard the owners are intending to extend the Kelawai Road frontage all the way to the current outdoor carpark. Later, we went for dinner at the Kapitan's Restaurant on Chulia Street after church. Their tandoori chicken is still very good. We ended the night at Jinny & KH's place, since it started to rain cats and dogs. Pleasant night with good friends and drinks to boot. What else could one ask for?

This morning, we took Ethan to his playgroup at Tumbletots, 1-Stop Midlands Center. He's getting into the feel of things there. Another quick trip to Gurney Plaza (easily our favourite haunt), where we discovered a surprisingly well-stocked English section at Popular Bookstore; and then we headed to my in-law's for lunch. Jo hurt her neck and upper shoulder and has been suffering serious pains since Tuesday. We called on our resident "tuina" specialist Mel to help out as he came over to our place in the late evening. Verdict on his treatment? Jury is still out. Actually, she's asleep now. Hope she'll feel better by tomorrow. On Tuesday, we are having dinner & drinks to celebrate Jo's birthday - which is officially on the 1st September.

This coming week will be hectic. I've three client meetings tomorrow alone and one agreement to finish drafting. On Tuesday, we are working out the seating arrangements for our Penang Bar's Annual Dinner & Dance - which will be on Saturday 3rd September. Later Jo has another Organising Committee meeting for the Legal Aid Center's 25th Anniversary Dinner (11th November). I do thrive on pressure, so hope it all works out. If not, oh, well....

The one about new experiences...

I have an audience.

Albeit only a small group of friends read this poor excuse of a meaningful blog but still I'm not complaining. The general opinion however is that its too boring. My blog, that is. Seems the "scream, yell and throw brickbats at the world for not giving me a break" scenario is kinda 'passe'. So overdone.

The basic advice is that I should get down and get personal. Reality is the way to go. Reality bites. Only thing is that reality should be closer to home. Identifiable. So be it... I've therefore decided that my blog should experience a change in direction. Sure, I will still do the odd lamenting about limitations - just that it'll more personal! Hah! Don't say I don't do anything to try to please my fans. Have to make sure I package it well.

"Condense some daily experience into a glowing symbol, and an audience is electrified." - Ralph Waldo Emerson.

Speaking of new experiences, Jo & I brought Ethan to the Swimming Club for a swim. What else? The little fellow loved it, refused to get out of the water and screamed blue murder when we 'forcibly' pulled him into the changing/locker room. Strangely enough, the Swimming Club had signs on the doors of the changing/locker rooms disallowing "children of any age" from being taken into changing/locker rooms of the opposite sex! I understand the need to be extra careful about things like these but really...not many dads would be able to handle that situation. Lucky for me, Jo just ignored the sign.

Well, till next time. I leave you all in the hands of a short noisy bundle of joy...


Pool Junkie

The one about communication...

Back again... been a while since my last entry. Lots have happened to me personally and to the world as a whole.

We got attacked by the killer haze again. Made lots of people sick and there's still no final solution to this madness. We blame the Indons, they say the burning has been carried out by Malaysian companies there. Go figure.

Anyway, last week Jo and I had a long awaited opportunity for a break. We went to Bangkok with our friends - yep, all 9 of us! Great fun indeed. There was clear communication between all and plenty of freedom for people to do what they wanted.

We travelled by Air Asia. Of course we endured the now inevitable delays but the flights were booked early on and we got great deals. My only complain here is this - why do we Malaysians harbour under the impression that when things are cheap, they automatically have to be poor in quality? Seems the powers that be in Air Asia believe that too. That's the crux of the problem.

Our trip turned out better than we expected. Jo and I did miss little Ethan tremendously as this was the first time we had left him alone overnight. However, the chance to call home and check on him made us both feel so much better.

Just want to add a final note that in life and in all we do, communication is so important. Things can be so simple if only we talk and listen to each other. And, oh, by the way... SMS texting and e-mails don't really count.


Underage Driver... 

The one about the reason why...

The war against terrorism is back in the headlines today. The US and allies call it the "war against terrorism" but the other side - namely Al Qaeda calls it the war against muslims.

After the London bombings, many muslim leaders came out strongly and denounced the cowardly acts as "not islamic". So really what does Al Qaeda want?

Al Zawahiri announced clearly today that the US should stop stealing their oil and wealth and to stop supporting corrupt rulers. He also added that they want the withdrawal of foreign forces from the "Land of Mohammed". He promised more bloodshed.

Now, here's what I have a real problem with. The bloodshed he's talking about...exactly whose blood is it? I mean, he blames the US leaders. He says the American people should not believe their leaders as they are lying to them. Most Americans don't believe their leaders. They do want a quick resolution to occupation in Iraq. Problem is they live in a democracy. Once you elect your leaders you have to live with their decisions. You can't just rebel and kill people everytime you don't like something, or you don't know something or you don't understand something!

I think it was Clinton in one of his last speeches as President, who said essentially that we must strive to know more, because ignorance begets fear; and fear begets hatred. Al Qaeda cannot accept any kind of rule that does not fall in line with their beliefs. Those of whom do not believe what they believe are "infidels". To kill infidels is right. Talk about ignorance, fear and hatred all rolled into one neat explosive package.

So, Al Qaeda wants to kill those who they call "infidels". Most of these "infidels" happen to be innocent people. Human life is sacred - all religions say so; including Islam. So by logic, Al Qaeda's aims cannot be religion driven. So what is it they want? For the life of me, I can't see the reason behind killing innocent people. An old anti-war song from the sixties has lyrics that goes like this: "Why do we kill people, who are killing people, to show that killing people is wrong?"

The song's called "Foolish Notion". Indeed.

The one about meritocracy...

Sigh...

After nearly 50 years of the National Economic Policy ("NEP"), some UMNO delegates believe that the Bumiputeras still cannot compete on an even playing field with other Malaysians. It seems it is akin to a wheelchair-bound person running against able-bodied athletes in the 100meter dash! That attitute is astounding. I'm glad the PM does not share that opinion. The Government mustn't continue to play the role of "Santa Claus", he says. Strange metaphor that. However, Pak Lah, there's more to actual implementation than lip service. Let's see this happen.

Another UMNO delegate speaking at the General Assembly said that the Media has played up on the weaknesses of the Bumiputeras in business. Gotta say, blaming the press is just so passe. We've all heard it before, haven't we?

Prior to all that the UMNO Youth, often utilising their "young" age as an excuse for "radicalism", had suggested a 15-year National Agenda to empower Malays in the economic sector. Recently named "Most Powerful Man in Malaysia" Khairy Jamaluddin, said the NEP must be revived to support this new Agenda. Now I'm confused. Exactly what did the last eight Malaysian Plans set out to do?

Sometimes, I must say, listening to all these rhetorics makes me want to quickly check the Australian Immigration website. We read in the Star weekly of Malaysians abroad who have been so successful and who would NOT return here if wild horses dragged them. Then I think...hey, I was born in this country; I have lived in this country for the last 38 years and the small place I call home is located in this country. I am as Malaysian as any one of those UMNO delegates. I feel Malaysian and I hurt just as much when the country is criticised or loses in sporting events.

So then when will the time come when I am treated as a Malaysian by my fellow Malaysians? I remember sometime back, when Anwar Ibrahim was Education Minister, he criticised those who went overseas to study saying that we underestimated the quality of Malaysian universities. Fact is, I would have loved to study in a Malaysian university but because I am not a Bumiputera, that was truly impossible.

I leave you all with one more question... when will we get to embrace the Malaysian race?

The one about the photos....

Ethan's first trip to the pool! 


Jo & Ethan in KL 


The little fella with his dad at the playground 


Our little prince enjoying his TV show 


My two treasures... 


Ethan and his aunt Wendy from Australia