The one about dreams and reality...

Hello! Its October already and I must say, the year has scorched along at a blistering pace. I guess its good news - since time flies when you're having fun, right?

Some two weeks back, we had a couple of outings - meeting up with Sue, Yan, Wendy and Jenny. We met up with Jenny's boyfriend Bob (from US) and Wendy's colleague Andy and his wife Mandy (from UK). Andy and I have become fast friends due to both our single-minded affiliation to Liverpool Football Club.

Dinner was at TGIF (Fridays) in Queensbay. That weekend was to be Jenny's brother's wedding day - and amazingly, giving credit to the old addage that the world is small, Jenny's brother was getting married to Jo's sister Abby's old schoolmate. We had a hearty meal and hung around for drinks thereafter, enjoying mindless chat.

Waiting for our meals...

Jo, Sue, Wendy & Jenny...

The next night Jo's cousin Richard was up in Penang for a break. We met up with him along with Jinny, KH and Raphael for dinner and later for drinks at Beach Blanket Babylon. Wendy left the wedding dinner which was at the E&O Hotel a little early as she wasn't feeling too well and joined us for a short while. We ended the night early too eager for much needed rest and relaxation.

Invigorating conversations all round...

The next weekend was Ethan's school's Lantern Nite and Mini Concert. The kids have been practising hard over the last few weeks and needless to say Ethan's parents were looking forward to it too! The week before the concert, Ethan began to develop a cough and fever. We took him to the doctor and was told that he had a viral flu. Not too much we could do about that. It was a very late call on our part to decide whether he should go for his concert. He had his full-dress rehearsal on Thursday 20th September. The teachers were raving about how good he was. We had no idea what he was doing for the concert. Still, his health was paramount. In the end, by Saturday afternoon, he seemed slightly better and was active. So, we chose to bring him to school.

Given our experience during his Sports Day, Jo knew that we had to ease him into the crowd and the bustle of his class and teachers in a different setting. Ethan initially clung on to his mum and seemed very much out of it. He was still a little tired out from his coughs. I knew that we were not going to get to see him do his thing. His grandparents - my mum and Jo's parents were eagerly seated outside watching the other acts from the other classes.

Poor Ethan - still feeling a little under the weather...

Not even his sexy classmates could cheer him up...

I decided to leave Jo and Ethan alone and ventured out to do my photo taking duties. The school had organised the night well, giving everyone something to do - be it astrology or moon cake making. I was taking a video of one of the classes doing a "rabbit" dance when towards the end,I panned the camera to the waiting group of kids at the side of the stage. It was the next group up, Ethan's class "Little Swan". Imagine my utter surprise when I see none other than my son standing at the front of the line waiting to get on stage. The sheer excitement made me nearly drop the camera. Gosh, I kept on thinking that I was going to have a headache watching this video!

Start of the show, Headmaster Chow addressing the crowd...

Then the moment came. In the great scheme of things, it was 15 little children, trying to dance and act out two kiddie songs - one in English and the other in Mandarin - and at best doing a poor job at keeping in synch. But to me - right there and then - it was like I was dreaming. Months back when we were consulting with specialists about Ethan's speech delay and hearing some experts telling us he was behind other kids his age; I remember how I felt this sickening thud as my heart dropped. Some time a few months ago, I had a dream that Ethan spoke a few words to me. Well, seeing him on that stage mimicking the movements to absolute perfection, the feeling is simply undescribable. There are no words that I could string together and type into this blog which can do justice to that feeling. So, here are the photos...

The kids all in a row, ready to go...

Presenting the Little Swan Class...

Ethan getting into the groove...

Full on action....

Ready for the jump...

Taking their well-deserved bow...

Yay! Ethan all pumped up after the show!

A very proud Mummy...

The week after the concert, Ethan's school had their official photo-taking session. We haven't had the chance to see the official photos yet but the kids were all dressed to the nines. Should be a great one.

As we approach the end of the year, Ethan's time in his Playgroup class will come to an end. He will move up to Nursery next year - with new teachers, some new classmates and new challenges. Jo and I are proud of what he's achieved this year. His vocabulary has increased albeit still slowly. We have to soldier on. As difficult as it is for us, its doubly hard for Ethan. We look forward to the holidays - when we hope to enrol him for a few holiday programs, especially a music appreciation class.

So much to be thankful for and so much to anticipate. I'm off to bed now... and hopefully, I get to dream again...

The one about a forced new look...

For some reason my old template "disappeared" and I've had to replace it with this new look. Nothing to shout about but it gets the job done.

So until the next substantial post... behold the "new" Limitations & Latitudes!

The one about the Bar Dinner...

Its been an eventful two weeks and I've been fully stretched in everyway. Somehow, I don't think it's going to let up as we head full on into the year end holiday season.

September 5th was Mum's birthday. It was also Jo's Dad's birthday as well. Since it was right in the middle of the week, we couldn't do much to celebrate. I had an early morning matter at work to deal with and was away for the most part of the day. Finally in the late afternoon I managed to wish Mum and hand to her the card and present - vouchers to shop at Parkson. Hoping that Mum will use them to get herself something nice for her wardrobe.

September 8th (Saturday) was our Bar Dinner. Jo had worked real hard to organised the event and this day would be the culmination of half a year's planning and running around. But before we can get to savour the fruits of our blood, sweat and tears, there was the small issue of decor and the hall set-up to put in place.

Jo and I brought Ethan to the Gurney Hotel's ballroom that morning to have a look at the place. Sadly, it was nowhere near done. As the members of Jo's Organising Committee started to trickle in and the hotel staff got into the groove of things, we began to see the pieces fall into place. Ethan was pretty well behaved and even sat down with his dad for lunch at the hotel coffee house.

As we left the hotel around 2.30pm, there was a sense of completion to it all. We drove home, putting Ethan down for his afternoon nap. Not long after arriving home, we were off again to the hotel. This time we were weiding our packed bags - all we need to get ready for the night. The hotel had given us a day-use room and we were going to make full use of the room.

After the sound check for our entertainers for the night - Instant Cafe Theatre and the Band "SWV" - Jo and I finally got a few minutes of rest, then it was up to the showers and to get dressed for the night. It wouldn't go down well if the Organising Chairman of the function was not also dressed to the nines.

Jo looking radiant...

We got to the ballroom around 7.15pm and already there were guests mingling by the bar. Cocktails was to go on till 8pm when dinner would be served. As people slowly but surely arrived, I took some time to sort out the seating at our table.Our guests at our table that night were - Stacy and Mel, Carolyn, Riz, Suganthi and Suresh, Lynette and Claude. Sue Khoon was away on her firm's annual trip to Kota Kinabalu while Jinny and KH were busy hosting some guests from KL. Yan was sitting at his firm's table that night.

Jo and her Organising Committee...

Smiles all round at our table...

Soon the alcohol flowed, the people mellowed and the atmosphere got electric. Before we knew it, we were seated and dinner was being served. We had professional emcee Aanantha from KL to host the night and there were lucky draws as well. Plenty of excitement for all. All in all, by 10pm, I knew for sure most people were having a time of their life. That was when the alcohol ran out!!

Instant Cafe came on soon after 10pm. They started out well but fizzled out in the middle with a skit that went on for far too long. When we noticed people walking out, I knew it was going to be panned. Poor Jo got an earful from a few guests that night for the lack lustre show. Still sufficient people stayed on and by the time the music started for our dancing session, the party was back on.

We flooded the dancefloor and simply had a great time with the band's infectious rendition of a variety of music. Too soon before we knew it, the night came to an end. My verdict - a wickedly fantastic night!

A full dance floor...

Our table all chilled out...

And the music plays on...

Not wanting the night to just end there, Nazu invited us to QE 2 to keep the andrenalin flowing. We made it in and even found a table outdoors. The place was packed but truly pulsating. A few drinks later, we could feel ourselves slowing down and it was then really time to head home.

The next morning, our excesses for the night caught up with Jo as she had to pop a couple of Panadol Acti-Fast tablets. Still we had promised a belated birthday lunch for both my mum and Jo's dad. And where else would lunch be but the QE 2. The folks had never been there and it was obviously a great experience for them. Ethan came along and although he didn't want to have anything to do with the food, he amused himself and did not cause an upheaval.

Looking out from the QE 2...

The folks enjoying lunch...

The busiest of two weeks was finally over. To me, there was still a pile of work left on my desk in the office but that would be something I had to tackle another day. The situation and circumstances of where I am now at work can only be described as uncertain. There's so much promise and the work certainly is coming in yet it seems to be moving rather slowly. We will need to look for a new office pretty soon - our tenancy expires early next year which means a whole new scene altogether. So much uncertainty, its scary. The only one thing I know for sure, I am blessed. Blessed enough to have the choices I have and to know what I know and to have what I have. Blessed to be who I am.

The one about the full weekend...

"Full" seems like an understatement on hindsight but it certainly was jam packed with activities. Last time I felt this breathless was while watching the movie "Speed". Anyway, on with the narrative...

Thursday night 30th August, the eve of Malaysia's 50th anniversary of independence - was spent quietly at home. We decided to put up our newly acquired "Jalur Gemilang" - the national flag proudly fluttering out of our living room window. At the office, we had put up two flags as well, a tad over patriotic you may say but then, its a once in a lifetime occurence. Our small token symbol to this significant point in Malaysia's history. The moment came to pass at midnight as Jo and I watched on TV the events at Dataran Merdeka; knowing well that our loved ones were safely at home and in bed. That knowledge and reassurance is really all we can ask for in this early stage of our country's life.

Flags a fluttering at our office...

The morning of 31st August was spent practising our salsa steps again. Jo and I went over to Carolyn's Ohm Dance studio for the final session before our performance at the Alliance on Saturday. Gotta say, we are beginning to look quite polished, ahem!

After an all-out three hour practice session, we were pretty tired out and spent the rest of the day at home. It was to be our calm before the storm of dinner and party that night.

I'm proud to say we spent the 50th Merdeka night at the posh and suitably located QE2 restaurant, with its idyllic sea views, having a brilliant dinner celebrating Jo's birthday. Dinner attendees that night were - Sue & Yan, Stacy & Mel, Jinny & KH, Raphael, Carolyn & Wendy. As we gorged ourselves with the exotic soup (Watermelon & Tomato Soup), the Horiatiki Greek Salad and the choice of - Grilled Chicken Skewers or Salmon Brochette or Godfather Pizza, the chats and laughter grew and when the bottle of Moet was popped (Jo and my 1st Anniversary gift from her dad), the night was truly in full swing.

The dessert arrived - Profiteroles - but was a bit too rich for the gang as most of them left globules of custard puffs on their plates untouched. I gotta say, dessert was a slight blemish on the night as it was too heavy a dish, the custard was not smooth (I'd much rather have cream puffs as opposed to custard) and the pastry was dry. The chicken skewers arrived for some undercooked but when we sent the dish back, the chef actually replaced the whole dish instead of merely microwaving the original dish. Plus points to them.

Jo arriving at the QE II...

The gang trickling in...

A touch of patriotism in gift-wrapping...

The rigours of opening her presents...

Everyone praying Jo likes their presents...

The girls all ready for a party...

After the compulsory gift opening session, we proceeded downstairs to the bar area and cracked open a bottle of Black Label. The place was fast filling up and pulsating with their signature house music. This is very much in style and similar to the swanky hotspots in the US and European clubbing scene. Although I've never really adhered myself to the repetitive monotony of house music, that night, it was just different. The group got into the mood of things and the lot of us pounded the small and crowded place, grooving to the sounds. Amazing. At the stroke of midnight, we brought out the birthday cake and Jo blew out her three large and seven small candles as we tried to sing some semblance of the birthday song amidst the beat of the loudspeaker just above us. Most of us stayed on till late after that. I must say, it turned out to be a great night out and we had a fantastic time indeed.

Smiles all round...

Carolyn grooving with Raphael...

Shaking their booties in a row...

The next morning, with only a slight trace of a hangover, we got up to calls from Ethan wanting to be carried to ur bed so he could watch his weekend treat - his Elmo VCDs. We chose to spend the day taking Ethan out for his usual Saturday outing to a mall. This time we went to Island Plaza. The place seems a little deserted with many new moves between the tenants. It seems the new owners of the complex are planning to refurbish the place and creating an upmarket and more upscale shopping address. As usual Ethan had a great time running around.

Ethan and his Salsa mum...

We got home in time to have a bit of a rest before going out again. Firstly to mass then to the Alliance for our performance. When we arrived at the place, it was already rather crowded. We met Carolyn for a last-minute "reminder" session but had to wait for Amirul and Ai Ling who were a little late. Anyway, we all got into our dance mode soon and were whipped into the mould by final advice from Carolyn. Next thing we knew, it was "showtime". First up was the Capoieristas from Mel's group led by their "mestre" Karim. The guys (and a few girls too) leaped, swayed and cartwheeled much to the amazement of the crowd there. It was certainly a new experience for some but the exponents were pretty darn good considering they were all fairly new to this art form. Then before we could say "Belly Dancers" (the performance before us), we were up! The nerves were raw and exposed but once the music started, we got swaying nicely in sync. And before we could say "Salsa Dancers" - it was all over! Phew! Felt kinda short for all that practice we had...

The Capoieristas getting the beat on...

Our Salsa Queens...

Rhythm obviously got us...

Executing the "Cape"...

After the dance, we sat around the Alliance for a chat but the hot weather made it tough as we were already pespiring buckets. That night, Carolyn had a party planned at the Hainan Town restaurant which was coincidentally at the Marina where the QE2 is. It was to celebrate Ohm Yoga & Dance's 1st Anniversary (5th Sept 2007) and also another small do for Jo's birthday - also significant cos Jo was actually Ohm's very first member. We moved on to Hainan Town from the Alliance - driven away by the heat and the hunger. Luckily for us, there was sumptious food courtesy of Carolyn at the party. After stuffing ourselves, Carolyn turned on the salsa music and her guests - about 20 of us there - joined in the dancing. Another great night for us.

The Ohm cake...

Carolyn with Ohm members and friends...

The famed "Represente" by our "mujeres"...

Sunday 2nd September, and any ideas about sleeping in died with wails from Ethan as he again wanted to be carried to our bed. That afternoon, we had lunch wiith my in-laws at Chillis's in Gurney Plaza. Ethan refused to eat anything there and gleefully dashed to the Chicken Rice Shop later to have his very own lunch. Sigh.

Jo and I left Ethan to the care of his grandparents as we headed to Queensbay for a bit of shopping and tea with Sue Khoon. We picked up some groceries then headed home.

All in all it was a remarkable weekend and yet the following week will be full as well. I have loads of unfinished work and the Penang Bar Annual Dinner is on next Saturday. But that's another story...

The one about rants and grunts...

The year has indeed whizzed by. Can you believe it's already near the end of August? This also means busy social season is right upon us plus many important dates are coming up...

Recently on 18th August, our old friends May Ling & Francis came up to Penang with their four kids. We met up at Mel & Stacy's for tea. Since there would be a whole lot of kids around, we brought Ethan along to add to the "festivities". Need less to say, Ethan enjoyed himself immensely and even took to Mel who simply sat in a corner quietly.

Ethan finds a toy guitar... big trouble...

One for posterity...

That very night, we met up again with Sue & Yan and KH & Jinny for dinner. We chose to try out the newly opened New World Park. There, we gambled with a choice of having dinner at "Rou Gu Cha King".


Now, for the uninitiated, the name is mandarin for "Bak Kut Teh King" which is way more recognisable for Penangites. The brand spanking new outlet was reasonable set up and had an "upmarket" feel about it. To put it crudely, it was a glorified Bak Kut Teh joint.

Sadly, there ends whatever good things I have to say about the place. Please note that my opinion about this restaurant remains merely my opinion based on my own experience. Legal Disclaimer here (heh heh).

Having said that - I would avoid the place like the plague. The menu was slipshot and confusing (an obvious attempt to embellish the ordinary), the service simply horrendous and the ambience... well, let's just say there was a very loud live band outside the restaurant which could drown out the sound of a jet engine. When food was served (at least part of our order anyway) I found the soup to be mediocre at best. There was nothing to shout about in terms of variety or uniqueness. For such a place to survive, they would need to blow their guests away with impeccable service. Alas, the only thing blown was the money paid for that meal. They ran out of rice and never delivered our two orders of rice at all. Bak Kut Teh without rice? The place wasn't even full. Hardly four tables were occupied. Jo and I ended up storming out in the end. Enough said.

This coming weekend will be a busy busy one. It will be Jo's birthday on the 1st September, so we have decided to celebrate our usual gang dinner at the new QE II restaurant (no, its not the famous cruise ship but the brainchild of Dave Chin, the owner of Soho Freehouse). We will be meeting on Friday the 31st August and partying on to welcome Jo's birthday at midnight. More on what happens later on...

On the 1st of September itself, we have a function at the Alliance Francaise along Phuah Hin Leong Road. They are having what they call a World Event at 7.00p.m. There will be demos by a Capoiera team (which Mel is a part of), belly dancing and our very own Salsa Rueda dance. Carolyn's dance school - "Ohm Dance" - will celebrate its 1st Anniversary on the 5th September 2007. So, after our little demo/show, we will all be headed to Hainan Town at the Marina (next to QE II) for a "soiree".

Anyway, to prepare for the event, Carolyn has been putting us thru an ardous regime of training and practice. To say that both Jo and I are tired out right this minute would be a severe understatement. Let's just hope we put on a credible performance on the night.

The girls doin' their "thang"...

Hard at work...yet still looking confused...

The dance group... celebrating Amirul's birthday...

In the office, work has been piling up and we are progressively getting busier. I guess its a good sign but I'll keep my fingers crossed in any event. I have two pages of "To Do" items for this week written out on top of my desk and I haven't ticked off many items at all! Phew!

I'm truly looking forward to a great weekend, for that chance to relax and be with good friends.

This post wouldn't be at all complete without a mention that the 50th Anniversary of our country's independence is upon us. From a big picture point of view, Malaysia is indeed just a baby. There is much to learn and a long difficult road lies ahead. I know that sounds cliche but there's no other way to say it. The biggest problem in our country is that we are caught in sort of "time vortex". We are like a pre-teen trying to be an adult. Due to the information age, our knowledge is vast and deep. However, physically, many of us must realise that we don't have the maturity nor the capabilities and resources to walk with the advance and more mature countries. Sure, we are growing up at a faster rate than any developed country but we should allow ourselves time. Time to learn, time to experience and time to heal our wounds. The prize will not be savoured by our generation. Maybe Ethan will have that chance.

Ethan's school "The Learning Garden" has asked that parents dress their kids up in ethnic or batik clothing for school tomorrow morning Thursday 30th August. I'm going with my camera...

The one about fun, faith and friends...

A budding lawyer in the making? I sure hope not!! Now don't get me wrong, I have every respect for the legal profession, after all I've been a lawyer for over 15 years and am still one! Still, every father wants his child to have the best and if possible, be even more successful. Maybe he'll excel in tennis or golf?

Fun
Seriously though, what I want for Ethan is for him to be the best in whatever he chooses to do. He's sure to like bowling though! We recently had our Penang-Perak Bar Games which was, this year, hosted by us in Penang. As I was bowling for Penang Bar, Jo and I brought Ethan to the alley for some Sunday morning fun.

He was thrilled to bits seeing the ball rolling towards the pins and sending them flying in all directions. The bowling alley reverberated with his laughter and screams of delight. Ethan even got into the high-fiving with his dad.


Recently also we brought Ethan out at night to our friend Hooi Lin's birthday party. Hooi Lin has since moved to KL and she was up here in Penang for her birthday. She invited a few friends for a gathering at her hotel suite which turned out more like a kid's party with the many children there having a time of their lives.

Ethan checking out what the fuss is about...

Where's the birthday girl?

The Makcik Gang reunited, albeit for a short while...

Faith
We brought Ethan to the St. Anne's Church in Bukit Mertajam during its week long celebrations in conjunction of St. Anne's feast day on the 26th July. The little fellow was a little perplexed with this diversion from the ordinary. However, he quickly adjusted and had a grand time there. He was smart enough to not want to make the trip up St. Anne's hill on foot, so his now much fitter parents had to take turns carrying him up. Once there, he did his share of candle lighting and "prayer".


On a sad note, Jo's Uncle Raymond was called to the Lord after a tough battle with illness. It was a third huge loss for the Holloway-De Vries family in a year and particularly for Aunty Pam, who has now lost her sister, her brother and her husband.

Jo, Ethan and I drove down to KL for the funeral. He was perfectly good during the trip and was magically well behaved at the church during the funeral mass. He took to Jo's cousin Craig's wife - Susan - for some reason and stuck with her throughout most of the service. It was a moving ceremony as Uncle Raymond was always the life of every party and would be sorely missed. He never failed to make us all feel like part of the family. In the end, it was his faith - in God and in his extended family - that saw him through. We'll miss you Uncle Raymond.

Ethan sleeping on the trip down to KL...

Friends
Although "friend" is a common word, it may be the most misunderstood or the most unappreciated position of all time. Jo and I are blessed with good friends and for that we are always thankful.

We celebrated our 8th wedding anniversary on July 10th. It was a simple dinner for the both of us but we were feted to a nice wine, cheese and supper after at Stacy & Mel's place. There to share our special day were Sue & Yan, Carolyn, Raphael and of course Stacy & Mel.



Jo and I have recently been taking Salsa dancing lessons from Carolyn at her studio - Ohm Dance. As a result, we have made new friends and enjoying ourselves swaying to a new Cuban beat. We are by no means proficient in the dance but have learnt enough to have a good time and able to attend more events which are related to it. I guess, for me personally, its not really about mastering the moves and swaying to the rhythm but more about having the opportunity to mingle and to hang out with more simply fun people.

The Salsa gang at Rasa Sayang...

A bigger crowd at Ferringhi Garden...

Posing after class at Ohm Dance...

There's been much to be thankful for in the last month. The year has been zooming along, unlike the slow year last year. I guess its a clear sign that things have been busy and eventful. Here's to even better times...