It is good to have a day of rest on anyday of the week (except Sat and Sun, of course, because it is already rest days for me). I get to wake up late, laze around, and practically do nothing, except house chores and looking after Daniel.
Yesterday, was the first day of the year that we had a day of rest right smack in the middle of the week. And what did I do ? Get up, take my bath, bath Daniel, cook, feed the two big guys, then cross stich, and then water the plants, cook, eat, bath and sleep. I think it was nice, staying at home and basically doing all the things that I left idling for so long in the closet. Syg was busy trying to finish up his Titanic Project.
All in all, it was fabulous staying in .... Wonder when is the next holiday coming ? Ummmm......
Friday, January 21, 2011
Monday, January 10, 2011
"Do Not Insult Our Intelligence"
By Koh Lay Chin
01 April 2010
ONE of Malaysia’s most beloved singers, Datuk Sheila Majid has been wowing fans with her jazzy and R&B-flavoured brand of contemporary pop since the 1980s. From the release of her debut album Dimensi Baru in 1988 to the bestselling Legenda in honour of the late Tan Sri P Ramlee, she has continued to break records through the years.
She was the first Malaysian artiste to have success in Japan, and perform a sold-out concert at the Royal Theatre in London’s West End in 1996. She was also the first local artiste to perform at the Dewan Filharmonik Petronas.
She tells The Nut Graph about her childhood, and her thoughts about Malaysia past and present, in this interview in February 2010.
TNG: When and where were you born?
Sheila Majid: I was born in Kuala Lumpur, 45 years ago. I’m a born and bred KL city girl. I remember less traffic jams back then, and life being much [safer]. I could wake up in the morning, go out cycling and meet friends, go to the bookstores and read comics.
What are some of the childhood memories you hold dear?
My childhood was a lot of fun. My father worked in the forestry department, with the government. So we lived in a government house behind Bank Negara, near Swettenham Road. There was a lot of space to play for us eight siblings. Thank God we were in the hutan — we found many things to do.
I was the youngest, so had my fair share of being bullied! But it was a house full of laughter. We didn’t have to buy stuff. Nowadays kids want Toys”R”Us, but I remember my mother would come with this huge grocery box, and as soon as the things were taken out, we would tear that box apart. We’d sit on it and slide down the hill. I really miss those days. Somehow I feel my children don’t get to do that.
We were also in an area where there were many JKR (Public Works Department) people, so we played with the neighbourhood kids a lot, most of them Indian [Malaysians].
When I was young and in school, we never looked at other races as different. We felt that we were the same. Perhaps we had different colours, but we grew up with the same values: to do good, to be good to others.
Can you trace your ancestry? Where are your grandparents or ancestors from?
My father was Javanese, and my mother has always been from Kuala Lumpur. My mother’s great-great grandfather was actually a friend of Yap Ah Loy‘s. His name was Sutan Puasa, and is from the Mandailing clan, who are originally from Sumatera. The Mandailing are still around today; most of them are in Kajang. Sutan Puasa was the first of their settlers in KL, and most of the land was owned by him at the time. Later, he was involved in a clash with the Bugis. But the Mandailing lost because the British were behind the Bugis, and so they lost KL to Selangor.
The history books never highlighted this because, well, they obviously write more about the Bugis family. I know why Bukit Nenas is named as such, for example. At the time the Mandailing wanted to keep the Bugis out, so they built many pineapple trees as a foil against the enemies.
If my family meets any others from the Mandailing clan today, we say “Horas!”, which is like “Aloha” in the dialect, though we don’t know or speak it anymore lah.
On my father’s side, my great-grandfather was Javanese, who travelled to Mecca from Indonesia. They lived in Mecca for 10 years and were very religious. On his way back, my great-grandfather’s ship was shipwrecked, and he ended up on the shores of Peninsular Malaysia. He set up home here, and changed his Javanese name to Haji Salleh. Then there was my grandfather Haji Shahid, and later my father Haji Majid.
My father actually has a family tree that goes right up to the Majapahit warriors. My father’s lineage comes from Raden Hussein, who is the brother of Raden Hasan, the first Muslim sultan of Demak in Indonesia. Both were the sons of Probowo Wijoyo the Fifth of Majapahit, who was Hindu.
Did that rich ancestry feature in or influence your upbringing?
Well, my father studied in Oxford University, England, so he is very English oriented. When we grew up he emphasised education, being an academic person. Therefore when I wanted to become a singer, he freaked. My parents encouraged us to listen to all kinds of music and sent me for classical piano lessons, but he never thought I was going to be a singer. He thought it was fine as a hobby, but not as a career.
I’m glad to say, however, that before he passed away in 1996, he saw that I could make a living out of this, and that I was not in it for the wrong reasons. I love singing, I’m passionate about music, and am very much into my art. So I think when he passed away, he was quite assured that I’d be okay.
Our parents were very religious, and we had our spiritual foundation, but they also brought us up in a very open-minded kind of way. When we were young, we could wear shorts and things like that, they never asked us to cover up. It was a very balanced upbringing.
How do these stories affect you when it comes to your identity as a Malaysian? Especially in the current landscape of controversial racial and religious issues?
Sheila’s dress says “Central Market KL” It’s all petty. None of us originated from here! I’m sure your ancestors came from China and they were probably merchants who came here. Same with the Indian [Malaysians]. Everybody was travelling the world to conduct business, and they decided to stay put in a certain area.
I think all the issues today are very petty because 30 years ago, we were doing very good together. Why is it all coming up today? It is all political. I’d say leave the people alone. If you want to play your politics, don’t get us involved. We were fine and well before, and we lived together in harmony. It’s all about power and money. I think so many have forgotten the fundamentals of life — being nice to each other.
The Malaysia then was more open and tolerant. From a musician’s perspective, for example, you have concerts and foreign artists coming in today, but people want to make a fuss over little things. We have a TV in our living room, and at the touch of a button our children can already see all those skimpy clothes if they want to. We are making an issue over little things, when there are other more important issues to be addressed.
Come on, do not insult our intelligence. Do you think they will go to a concert and suddenly want to be exactly like that? I may want to have a body like Beyonce (laughs), but, come on, I’m not going to be like her. I go and watch, learn and take what’s positive, and will not do whatever I feel is against my religion or culture. My parents brought us up in an environment which was very open-minded, and we could discuss a lot of things, and yet they made sure we had our religious values, too. We grew up okay!
And not less Malay.
I was brought up and exposed to Western culture, but it does not make me less Malay. I speak English because my father was an academic man, and he wanted us to speak the language well. Today I can converse in both Malay and English.
Why was the generation before more confident than the generation today? What happened along the way? For my children, we speak Malay and English at home, but I also send them to Chinese school. My eldest is 19 and speaks Mandarin, English and Malay. They will all know Mandarin. I think it’s an asset, and I think China is going to be a big economic powerhouse.
And say what you want, but English is an international language today. Malay [Malaysians] are beginning to have an inferiority complex because they cannot converse in English fluently. We are talking about, “Oh you must make sure you are Malay, and know your language.” Well, of course we will know the Malay language, it is our mother tongue! At the end of the day, we are just going to be katak bawah tempurung and jaguh kampung lah.
What are your hopes for Malaysia? What gives you hope?
Keep politics out of our music, keep it out of sports. When everyone wants to put their two cents’ worth when they don’t even know the subject, it is worrying.
Let us put it this way: there are two houses. One has a beautiful exterior, but the other is sturdy. If you ask a lay[person], of course he [or she] would pick the beautiful one; but ask an architect, and he [or she] would tell you that it does not have the right foundation or structure. Today people with no expertise whatsoever are giving opinions in whatever fields they like. Leave it to the experts!
I am not saying everything is negative in this country, but compared to 30 years ago, people’s priorities are so different. Today people are more into self gain, rather than what is good for the community, society and country. But my children give me hope. They are global in their outlook.
I always say you must not forget your roots, however modern you are. Hopefully they will grow up to be people who are compassionate and caring. I think it is important for it to start with parents and the schools, to bring all of this back. To not look at each other as Indian, Chinese or Malay. We are Malaysians, kan?
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Well said, Dato' Sheila Majid. I have always been a big FAN of her. And what she said is very true. We lived in harmony for the past 30 years. We knew we are of different races - Malays, Chinese, Indians, Kadazans, Ibans, etc but yet, we stayed together as Malaysians.
Why is it now we have racial disharmony ? Why are we attacking one another ? Why are we so paranoid about stuff that we weren't paranoid ten years ago ? What happened to the good values which was instilled in us long ago ? Has everything been sacrificed for the sake of development ?
I do not know about you folks, but I darn sure not gonna let that happen in my family, no matter what. I hope whatever good values that I have learned, I will be able to pass it down to my children. Let make this world a better place, for we can't be letting our children suffer because of our stupidity...
01 April 2010
(All pics below courtesy of Sheila Majid)
ONE of Malaysia’s most beloved singers, Datuk Sheila Majid has been wowing fans with her jazzy and R&B-flavoured brand of contemporary pop since the 1980s. From the release of her debut album Dimensi Baru in 1988 to the bestselling Legenda in honour of the late Tan Sri P Ramlee, she has continued to break records through the years.
She was the first Malaysian artiste to have success in Japan, and perform a sold-out concert at the Royal Theatre in London’s West End in 1996. She was also the first local artiste to perform at the Dewan Filharmonik Petronas.
She tells The Nut Graph about her childhood, and her thoughts about Malaysia past and present, in this interview in February 2010.
TNG: When and where were you born?
Sheila Majid: I was born in Kuala Lumpur, 45 years ago. I’m a born and bred KL city girl. I remember less traffic jams back then, and life being much [safer]. I could wake up in the morning, go out cycling and meet friends, go to the bookstores and read comics.
What are some of the childhood memories you hold dear?
My childhood was a lot of fun. My father worked in the forestry department, with the government. So we lived in a government house behind Bank Negara, near Swettenham Road. There was a lot of space to play for us eight siblings. Thank God we were in the hutan — we found many things to do.
I was the youngest, so had my fair share of being bullied! But it was a house full of laughter. We didn’t have to buy stuff. Nowadays kids want Toys”R”Us, but I remember my mother would come with this huge grocery box, and as soon as the things were taken out, we would tear that box apart. We’d sit on it and slide down the hill. I really miss those days. Somehow I feel my children don’t get to do that.
We were also in an area where there were many JKR (Public Works Department) people, so we played with the neighbourhood kids a lot, most of them Indian [Malaysians].
Sheila (right) with her sister
When I was young and in school, we never looked at other races as different. We felt that we were the same. Perhaps we had different colours, but we grew up with the same values: to do good, to be good to others.
Can you trace your ancestry? Where are your grandparents or ancestors from?
My father was Javanese, and my mother has always been from Kuala Lumpur. My mother’s great-great grandfather was actually a friend of Yap Ah Loy‘s. His name was Sutan Puasa, and is from the Mandailing clan, who are originally from Sumatera. The Mandailing are still around today; most of them are in Kajang. Sutan Puasa was the first of their settlers in KL, and most of the land was owned by him at the time. Later, he was involved in a clash with the Bugis. But the Mandailing lost because the British were behind the Bugis, and so they lost KL to Selangor.
The history books never highlighted this because, well, they obviously write more about the Bugis family. I know why Bukit Nenas is named as such, for example. At the time the Mandailing wanted to keep the Bugis out, so they built many pineapple trees as a foil against the enemies.
If my family meets any others from the Mandailing clan today, we say “Horas!”, which is like “Aloha” in the dialect, though we don’t know or speak it anymore lah.
On my father’s side, my great-grandfather was Javanese, who travelled to Mecca from Indonesia. They lived in Mecca for 10 years and were very religious. On his way back, my great-grandfather’s ship was shipwrecked, and he ended up on the shores of Peninsular Malaysia. He set up home here, and changed his Javanese name to Haji Salleh. Then there was my grandfather Haji Shahid, and later my father Haji Majid.
My father actually has a family tree that goes right up to the Majapahit warriors. My father’s lineage comes from Raden Hussein, who is the brother of Raden Hasan, the first Muslim sultan of Demak in Indonesia. Both were the sons of Probowo Wijoyo the Fifth of Majapahit, who was Hindu.
Sheila’s parents
Did that rich ancestry feature in or influence your upbringing?
Well, my father studied in Oxford University, England, so he is very English oriented. When we grew up he emphasised education, being an academic person. Therefore when I wanted to become a singer, he freaked. My parents encouraged us to listen to all kinds of music and sent me for classical piano lessons, but he never thought I was going to be a singer. He thought it was fine as a hobby, but not as a career.
I’m glad to say, however, that before he passed away in 1996, he saw that I could make a living out of this, and that I was not in it for the wrong reasons. I love singing, I’m passionate about music, and am very much into my art. So I think when he passed away, he was quite assured that I’d be okay.
Our parents were very religious, and we had our spiritual foundation, but they also brought us up in a very open-minded kind of way. When we were young, we could wear shorts and things like that, they never asked us to cover up. It was a very balanced upbringing.
How do these stories affect you when it comes to your identity as a Malaysian? Especially in the current landscape of controversial racial and religious issues?
Performing in the 80s.
Sheila’s dress says “Central Market KL” It’s all petty. None of us originated from here! I’m sure your ancestors came from China and they were probably merchants who came here. Same with the Indian [Malaysians]. Everybody was travelling the world to conduct business, and they decided to stay put in a certain area.
I think all the issues today are very petty because 30 years ago, we were doing very good together. Why is it all coming up today? It is all political. I’d say leave the people alone. If you want to play your politics, don’t get us involved. We were fine and well before, and we lived together in harmony. It’s all about power and money. I think so many have forgotten the fundamentals of life — being nice to each other.
The Malaysia then was more open and tolerant. From a musician’s perspective, for example, you have concerts and foreign artists coming in today, but people want to make a fuss over little things. We have a TV in our living room, and at the touch of a button our children can already see all those skimpy clothes if they want to. We are making an issue over little things, when there are other more important issues to be addressed.
Come on, do not insult our intelligence. Do you think they will go to a concert and suddenly want to be exactly like that? I may want to have a body like Beyonce (laughs), but, come on, I’m not going to be like her. I go and watch, learn and take what’s positive, and will not do whatever I feel is against my religion or culture. My parents brought us up in an environment which was very open-minded, and we could discuss a lot of things, and yet they made sure we had our religious values, too. We grew up okay!
And not less Malay.
I was brought up and exposed to Western culture, but it does not make me less Malay. I speak English because my father was an academic man, and he wanted us to speak the language well. Today I can converse in both Malay and English.
Why was the generation before more confident than the generation today? What happened along the way? For my children, we speak Malay and English at home, but I also send them to Chinese school. My eldest is 19 and speaks Mandarin, English and Malay. They will all know Mandarin. I think it’s an asset, and I think China is going to be a big economic powerhouse.
And say what you want, but English is an international language today. Malay [Malaysians] are beginning to have an inferiority complex because they cannot converse in English fluently. We are talking about, “Oh you must make sure you are Malay, and know your language.” Well, of course we will know the Malay language, it is our mother tongue! At the end of the day, we are just going to be katak bawah tempurung and jaguh kampung lah.
With husband Hasridz Murshim Hashim, better known as Acis, and her children
What are your hopes for Malaysia? What gives you hope?
Keep politics out of our music, keep it out of sports. When everyone wants to put their two cents’ worth when they don’t even know the subject, it is worrying.
Let us put it this way: there are two houses. One has a beautiful exterior, but the other is sturdy. If you ask a lay[person], of course he [or she] would pick the beautiful one; but ask an architect, and he [or she] would tell you that it does not have the right foundation or structure. Today people with no expertise whatsoever are giving opinions in whatever fields they like. Leave it to the experts!
I am not saying everything is negative in this country, but compared to 30 years ago, people’s priorities are so different. Today people are more into self gain, rather than what is good for the community, society and country. But my children give me hope. They are global in their outlook.
I always say you must not forget your roots, however modern you are. Hopefully they will grow up to be people who are compassionate and caring. I think it is important for it to start with parents and the schools, to bring all of this back. To not look at each other as Indian, Chinese or Malay. We are Malaysians, kan?
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Well said, Dato' Sheila Majid. I have always been a big FAN of her. And what she said is very true. We lived in harmony for the past 30 years. We knew we are of different races - Malays, Chinese, Indians, Kadazans, Ibans, etc but yet, we stayed together as Malaysians.
Why is it now we have racial disharmony ? Why are we attacking one another ? Why are we so paranoid about stuff that we weren't paranoid ten years ago ? What happened to the good values which was instilled in us long ago ? Has everything been sacrificed for the sake of development ?
I do not know about you folks, but I darn sure not gonna let that happen in my family, no matter what. I hope whatever good values that I have learned, I will be able to pass it down to my children. Let make this world a better place, for we can't be letting our children suffer because of our stupidity...
Friday, January 7, 2011
Daniel Dancing
This is a video of Dnaiel dancing.... Notice how his butt moves... I absolutely love this cute little guy...
Daniel Singing Tuhan Kasihani Kami and Twinkle Twinkle Little Star
This was taken on New Year, at my mum's house where my bro was having a new year party. I actually never knew Daniel know how to use the mic to sing. Probably he saw his daddy and mummy doing it so many times in the church. Sorry, the video was the other way. I dunno how to rotate it back. Hope you enjoy.
PhD Anyone ?
Um, should I or should I not get myself a PhD ? Not Permanent Head Damage, but a doctorate. Most of my colleagues are now queing to advance in their stuying phase. As for me, I am still deliberating. For me to get a full sponsorship from the Government, I need to find a title that will contribute to my organization (and for those of you who doesn't know where I work, I work with the National Space Agency a.k.a ANGKASA). Which I find it rather hard, you know, coz coming from a Computer Science background, I can't seem to find any topic relating to space technologies and space applications. You know, sometimes I wished I studied engineering field. I would be much better off today. But then again, I am sure everything happens for a reason, and the Almighty has His plan for me. All I need to do is just to trust in Him.
If any of you all have any idea on what I should do, please feel free to pen down your suggestions. Really appreciate it. Who knows, your idea may open up a whole universe.
Thank you so much folks !
If any of you all have any idea on what I should do, please feel free to pen down your suggestions. Really appreciate it. Who knows, your idea may open up a whole universe.
Thank you so much folks !
2nd Baby ?
Ummm, by right, this should be the year to try for our 2nd baby... By God's grace, Daniel should have another brother or sister to play with end of the year (that's our target actually).
Hopefully, we will get a pair (I do love if the next baby will gonna be a baby gal) but all I hope for is we will get a baby that is healthy, regardless of the gender.
Though I have some worries of my work, well that is because all the equipments will be install, test and commission by this year. I hope I'll be able to plan the delivery till end of the year.
Wish us luck.
Hopefully, we will get a pair (I do love if the next baby will gonna be a baby gal) but all I hope for is we will get a baby that is healthy, regardless of the gender.
Though I have some worries of my work, well that is because all the equipments will be install, test and commission by this year. I hope I'll be able to plan the delivery till end of the year.
Wish us luck.
Working With A Sincere Heart
I guess that is my resolution for this year.
I was hurt by some remarks (unintentionally, I guess) from a colleague as well as some other problems in work yesterday. I can't help it but felt the sharp pain in my chest. I wondered where had gone wrong. Was I not supportive ? Did I failed in protecting my teammates' interest ? Had I failed to be the leader ? Was I not diligent enough ?
The pain was great that it really numbed me the whole evening. The one in the morning was still bearable, though it hurts but the one in the evening took out the toll on me. I drove home wondering where had gone wrong.
It immobilized me to even say grace for dinner. Thank god syg was there. He said the prayer and there my tear drops were falling down. It's kinda relief I guessed to have that tear drops coming down, or else, I would be so cooked up inside and it may even drag on till today and the following days.
I then told myself - "O God, let me work with a sincere heart, and let me deliver what I need to deliver."
I was hurt by some remarks (unintentionally, I guess) from a colleague as well as some other problems in work yesterday. I can't help it but felt the sharp pain in my chest. I wondered where had gone wrong. Was I not supportive ? Did I failed in protecting my teammates' interest ? Had I failed to be the leader ? Was I not diligent enough ?
The pain was great that it really numbed me the whole evening. The one in the morning was still bearable, though it hurts but the one in the evening took out the toll on me. I drove home wondering where had gone wrong.
It immobilized me to even say grace for dinner. Thank god syg was there. He said the prayer and there my tear drops were falling down. It's kinda relief I guessed to have that tear drops coming down, or else, I would be so cooked up inside and it may even drag on till today and the following days.
I then told myself - "O God, let me work with a sincere heart, and let me deliver what I need to deliver."
Happy New Year 2011
I hope it is not too late to wish everyone a very Happy New Year 2011. May this year of Rabbit brings you and your loved ones much joy, happiness, prosperity, good health and great wealth.
Have a blessed year ahead.
Cheers to all readers !
Have a blessed year ahead.
Cheers to all readers !
Daniel's Passport
We planned to go Singapore on the last week of December. Therefore, we need to get Daniel's passport ready in time. Being a first timer, I thought one day would settle everything. So, a week before, Egbert took Daniel, my mum and Lai Yenn to do their passport.
Reached there, took Daniel's picture, lined up and took the number. Then the Immigration officer asked:
Officer: "Anak ni nak buat passport Sabah ke Semenanjung ? Ikut ayah ke mak ?
Egbert: "Huh ? Ada beza ke ?"
Officer: "Kalau ikut mak (Semenanjung), rugilah semua priviledge anak negeri Sabah."
Egbert: "Oh, ya ke ? Kejap. I call my wife dulu ye."
Ring... Ring.... Ring...
Egbert: "Syg, passport Daniel mo buat ikut ayah ka ikut mak ?"
Me: "Huh, apa itu ?"
Egbert: "Kalau Sabah, retain la semua priviledge anak negeri Sabah. Tapi kalau semenanjung, hilang la priviledge dia. Tapi mo makan masa sebulan"
Me: "Ha! Lamanya. Next week mo pi Singapore suda. Apa priviledge dia?"
Egbert: "Emmm, beli tanah, kerja, semua la... So, mcm mana?"
Me: Silence for a while ......
Me: "Ok la, ok lah, ikut Sabah la... Kalu tia sempat, biarlah tu Singapore. Turun JB sajalah"
Egbert: "Butul ? Confirm ?"
Me: "Iya, butul... Kasi ikut ko saja lah..."
Off the phone.... Tanda protes + tia suka + tia gembira + lain-lain...
So, in the end, Egbert went back to do Daniel's passport, making sure Daniel to follow after him so that he will be entitled to all the priviledges a Sabahan should get.
I guessed God work in a miracle way. The officer said to call back within a week to checked is the Immigration department at Sabah had approved Daniel's application. So, true to the officer's word, on Monday we called and the application had been approved. We were asked to come and proceed with the payment and passport collection.
I was truly thankful to God for granting my wish. Thank you...
Reached there, took Daniel's picture, lined up and took the number. Then the Immigration officer asked:
Officer: "Anak ni nak buat passport Sabah ke Semenanjung ? Ikut ayah ke mak ?
Egbert: "Huh ? Ada beza ke ?"
Officer: "Kalau ikut mak (Semenanjung), rugilah semua priviledge anak negeri Sabah."
Egbert: "Oh, ya ke ? Kejap. I call my wife dulu ye."
Ring... Ring.... Ring...
Egbert: "Syg, passport Daniel mo buat ikut ayah ka ikut mak ?"
Me: "Huh, apa itu ?"
Egbert: "Kalau Sabah, retain la semua priviledge anak negeri Sabah. Tapi kalau semenanjung, hilang la priviledge dia. Tapi mo makan masa sebulan"
Me: "Ha! Lamanya. Next week mo pi Singapore suda. Apa priviledge dia?"
Egbert: "Emmm, beli tanah, kerja, semua la... So, mcm mana?"
Me: Silence for a while ......
Me: "Ok la, ok lah, ikut Sabah la... Kalu tia sempat, biarlah tu Singapore. Turun JB sajalah"
Egbert: "Butul ? Confirm ?"
Me: "Iya, butul... Kasi ikut ko saja lah..."
Off the phone.... Tanda protes + tia suka + tia gembira + lain-lain...
So, in the end, Egbert went back to do Daniel's passport, making sure Daniel to follow after him so that he will be entitled to all the priviledges a Sabahan should get.
I guessed God work in a miracle way. The officer said to call back within a week to checked is the Immigration department at Sabah had approved Daniel's application. So, true to the officer's word, on Monday we called and the application had been approved. We were asked to come and proceed with the payment and passport collection.
I was truly thankful to God for granting my wish. Thank you...
Trip to Singapore
Yeah, we travelled down to JB and to Singapore on the last week of December 2010. I would have say it is a nice break from work since for the whole month of Dec I was really busy.
We stayed at this new hotel in Tmn U - Hotel Q. I have no idea why hotels in Tmn U ended up with only one alphabet. Is that the latest trend ? I already saw Hotel U somewhere down the road, and this Hotel Q stood on where the "old and previous" Bersatu Jaya was. If you guys had been to Tmn U from those days before Jusco was built, you'll know that the only "shopping complex" in Tmn U is Bersatu Jaya, apart from Skudai Parade, which is kinda far from Tmn U (at least according to a student's budget at that time).
This Hotel Q had just been operating from 3 months. Very new indeed. We took a King-Size bedroom, so it was spacious and Daniel was practically running up and down. The only thing that we don't really like was the bed, which was hard, and I tell you, I could feel all those springs when I lie down on it. Well, what do you expect ? Hotel business around Tmn U is more of those budget purpose kind, not even a 3-star hotel.
We arrived about 5pm, coz in the morning we had to pick up Daniel's passport (which I will blog about it later), had our bath and off we went for our dinner. I always love eating at Tmn U coz there are plenty of choices. Ordered chee cheong fun for Daniel, me and mummy had pandan nasi lemak (which I think wasnt as nice as the first time I ate back in 2001).
Then we went over to Tmn Daya, where my aunty stayed, coz mummy and Lai Yenn will be staying there. Took the old road - Pasir Gudang and we were stuck for an hour in the jam. Went back to Tmn U using the new highway - much easier and faster, though have to pay RM2.10. Is ok I guess, as long as we can get back to the bed as fast as possible.
The next morn, we took a bus to Singapore. Wanted to go to Universal Studio Singapore in Sentosa, but as the ticket was full, all we can do was only to walk outside. Mummy and Aunty and Egbert spent time in the casino, while me, Daniel and Lai Yenn walked around the Waterfront, went up to the cable car, took the monorail to Vivo City and back to Waterfront.
Didn't take much photo though coz was busy looking after Daniel. You know how active a 2-year old boy is now. And is kinda tiring carrying him all the time. But I hope he had fun. I loved watching him play at the water fountain. His expression was just priceless. But me and Egbert's experience wasn't very good. The jam, both on the road and at Singapore Immigration Counter was too long. It was a total of 6 hours just for travelling and immigration. Next time, we will fly in, instead of using a bus.
Meanwhile, here are some captions that I took during our trip:
Looks like there is a serious need to "look better" in the coming year. I looked so "old" and so "worn out". My god.... Life has really taken a toll on me...
We stayed at this new hotel in Tmn U - Hotel Q. I have no idea why hotels in Tmn U ended up with only one alphabet. Is that the latest trend ? I already saw Hotel U somewhere down the road, and this Hotel Q stood on where the "old and previous" Bersatu Jaya was. If you guys had been to Tmn U from those days before Jusco was built, you'll know that the only "shopping complex" in Tmn U is Bersatu Jaya, apart from Skudai Parade, which is kinda far from Tmn U (at least according to a student's budget at that time).
This Hotel Q had just been operating from 3 months. Very new indeed. We took a King-Size bedroom, so it was spacious and Daniel was practically running up and down. The only thing that we don't really like was the bed, which was hard, and I tell you, I could feel all those springs when I lie down on it. Well, what do you expect ? Hotel business around Tmn U is more of those budget purpose kind, not even a 3-star hotel.
We arrived about 5pm, coz in the morning we had to pick up Daniel's passport (which I will blog about it later), had our bath and off we went for our dinner. I always love eating at Tmn U coz there are plenty of choices. Ordered chee cheong fun for Daniel, me and mummy had pandan nasi lemak (which I think wasnt as nice as the first time I ate back in 2001).
Then we went over to Tmn Daya, where my aunty stayed, coz mummy and Lai Yenn will be staying there. Took the old road - Pasir Gudang and we were stuck for an hour in the jam. Went back to Tmn U using the new highway - much easier and faster, though have to pay RM2.10. Is ok I guess, as long as we can get back to the bed as fast as possible.
The next morn, we took a bus to Singapore. Wanted to go to Universal Studio Singapore in Sentosa, but as the ticket was full, all we can do was only to walk outside. Mummy and Aunty and Egbert spent time in the casino, while me, Daniel and Lai Yenn walked around the Waterfront, went up to the cable car, took the monorail to Vivo City and back to Waterfront.
Didn't take much photo though coz was busy looking after Daniel. You know how active a 2-year old boy is now. And is kinda tiring carrying him all the time. But I hope he had fun. I loved watching him play at the water fountain. His expression was just priceless. But me and Egbert's experience wasn't very good. The jam, both on the road and at Singapore Immigration Counter was too long. It was a total of 6 hours just for travelling and immigration. Next time, we will fly in, instead of using a bus.
Meanwhile, here are some captions that I took during our trip:
Looks like there is a serious need to "look better" in the coming year. I looked so "old" and so "worn out". My god.... Life has really taken a toll on me...
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
2nd Birthday For Daniel
Daniel will soon be celebrating his 2nd birthday. Boy, how fast he had grown. He is now 90cm tall and weighing 12.4kg. As heavy as he is now, he still wants to be carry all the time, especially after he had not seen me for the whole day. Manja boy ..
Sometimes, it's real funny to hear him speak. For the things that he didn't want, either a "No" or "Don't want" will come out from his mouth. He can also sing. Just ask him to sing to you Tuhan, Kasihani Kami, Tamaza, Lamb of God, Alleluia and Twinkle Twnkle Little Star. He'll sing the first word and the last word, with some words in the middle missing and not pronounced properly.
And he had a very strong leg as well. Really love playing ball and driving. Good mixture from the daddy and mummy, hehehehe....
Still unsure when to celebrate his birthday. This year, we are planning to do a small-scale for him. Maybe do it on the Christmas Day, together with my mum's birthday. Um, that shall be nice. My dad will also be around. Then, my bro-in-laws and their families can also be around. Plus, it will be nice to do a small-scale open house on Christmas. Need to suggest this to syg and do proper planning. But whatever it is, a birthday cake for Daniel in the shape of a ball is a must. And I know where I can get it - Secret Recipe...
Sometimes, it's real funny to hear him speak. For the things that he didn't want, either a "No" or "Don't want" will come out from his mouth. He can also sing. Just ask him to sing to you Tuhan, Kasihani Kami, Tamaza, Lamb of God, Alleluia and Twinkle Twnkle Little Star. He'll sing the first word and the last word, with some words in the middle missing and not pronounced properly.
And he had a very strong leg as well. Really love playing ball and driving. Good mixture from the daddy and mummy, hehehehe....
Still unsure when to celebrate his birthday. This year, we are planning to do a small-scale for him. Maybe do it on the Christmas Day, together with my mum's birthday. Um, that shall be nice. My dad will also be around. Then, my bro-in-laws and their families can also be around. Plus, it will be nice to do a small-scale open house on Christmas. Need to suggest this to syg and do proper planning. But whatever it is, a birthday cake for Daniel in the shape of a ball is a must. And I know where I can get it - Secret Recipe...
Thursday, December 2, 2010
Universal Studio Singapore (USS)
My next destination of holiday shall be the Universal Studio in Singapore. So, I have started conducting some research on where to stay, how to get to USS, ticket pricing, et cetera ...
I guess the main thing that was giving me headache was where to stay. Should I stay in a budget hotel, or should I opt for slightly higher rate of accomodation, which are causing RM100 and more per night. I do like staying in a better hotel, but then again, we will be out most of the time, so there wasnt any point in putting more money in rooms that we hardly stay.
So, I guess, my choice will be budget hotel in Taman U.
I have also found transportation to USS (or actually Resort World Sentosa). There is a bus departing from Kota Raya Terminal II, which brings you directly to RWS. So I think that will be a nice start - bringing Daniel to experience bus. He always pointed out busses whenever we pass by some on the road.
My next step is of course getting Daniel his own passport. Need to find some time to actually get to the Immigration Counter. Maybe on 24th ? Let just see how my schedule shall be in the upcoming weeks.
I guess the main thing that was giving me headache was where to stay. Should I stay in a budget hotel, or should I opt for slightly higher rate of accomodation, which are causing RM100 and more per night. I do like staying in a better hotel, but then again, we will be out most of the time, so there wasnt any point in putting more money in rooms that we hardly stay.
So, I guess, my choice will be budget hotel in Taman U.
I have also found transportation to USS (or actually Resort World Sentosa). There is a bus departing from Kota Raya Terminal II, which brings you directly to RWS. So I think that will be a nice start - bringing Daniel to experience bus. He always pointed out busses whenever we pass by some on the road.
My next step is of course getting Daniel his own passport. Need to find some time to actually get to the Immigration Counter. Maybe on 24th ? Let just see how my schedule shall be in the upcoming weeks.
Advent Season Is Here !
Yeah.... We have come to the last month of the year - December ! And it is a season of Advent, a season of hope, joy and love. I have always look forward to celebrate Christmas. I think it is such a nice season - both Christmas and Easter. And I was get goosebumps whenever we started singing Gloria (with bells ringing) during Easter Vigil and Christmas Vigil masses. Tonight we have eucharistic celebration in Jenjarom as well as Penitential Services after that. Woah, haven't really prepare myself for the service. I know I have a lot to seek forgiveness for...
And this is also the month where we celebrate Daniel 2nd birthday for this year. Truly thankful for God's so many wonderful blessings on our family. Daniel is certainly growing up fast now, and getting more stubborn day by day. But his love for singing is grewing. He knows the song Tuhan Kasihani Kami, Tamaza (Our Father in Kadazan), Lamb of God, Alleluia, Twinkle-Twinkle Little Star. Every night, before sle ep, it will be our family routine to sing some of the songs above. Previously, all he knew was Tamaza. Lately, when his database of songs grew, he will be the one dictating which song to sing. And he will say "no" for the song which he didn't want to sing. Well, that's Daniel. From time to time, we are trying to introduce more songs but sometimes, he really surprised us coz he knew the song even before we started teaching him. Probably because he listened to us singing during mass times.
And this is also the month where we celebrate Daniel 2nd birthday for this year. Truly thankful for God's so many wonderful blessings on our family. Daniel is certainly growing up fast now, and getting more stubborn day by day. But his love for singing is grewing. He knows the song Tuhan Kasihani Kami, Tamaza (Our Father in Kadazan), Lamb of God, Alleluia, Twinkle-Twinkle Little Star. Every night, before sle ep, it will be our family routine to sing some of the songs above. Previously, all he knew was Tamaza. Lately, when his database of songs grew, he will be the one dictating which song to sing. And he will say "no" for the song which he didn't want to sing. Well, that's Daniel. From time to time, we are trying to introduce more songs but sometimes, he really surprised us coz he knew the song even before we started teaching him. Probably because he listened to us singing during mass times.
Bored
I was getting bored, so I decided to pen down some thoughts into this lovely (but abandoned) blog of mine.
I had been so busy lately, trying to get all the things done before Christmas. And the most important of it all, is trying to ensure that the budget is being maximised, if not utilised fully.
Now, we are having our 3rd Symposium of Space Research and Development. It has been an annual program ever since 2008, but frankly speaking, this is my first year presenting. I missed the one in year 2008 because I just delivered Daniel, I passed year 2009 because I had already presented in 2 international conferences, and this year, due to budget tighting, I was only able to present in one international conference (which was quite frustrating, but its over though), so here I am, presenting my paper in this Symposium.
I have done my part, but I can't say that I am happy with it. Felt as though it was just for the purpose of putting up a paper, not throughly doing my part as a researcher. My head has started giving numerous excuses but I have decided to ignore it. I put the blame solely on myself, for not having the drive to do a research. Shall this be my new year's resolution ? I think I should ....
Ok, I will try to do a bit more research next year onwards.... Hopefully I won't procrastinate (again !)
I had been so busy lately, trying to get all the things done before Christmas. And the most important of it all, is trying to ensure that the budget is being maximised, if not utilised fully.
Now, we are having our 3rd Symposium of Space Research and Development. It has been an annual program ever since 2008, but frankly speaking, this is my first year presenting. I missed the one in year 2008 because I just delivered Daniel, I passed year 2009 because I had already presented in 2 international conferences, and this year, due to budget tighting, I was only able to present in one international conference (which was quite frustrating, but its over though), so here I am, presenting my paper in this Symposium.
I have done my part, but I can't say that I am happy with it. Felt as though it was just for the purpose of putting up a paper, not throughly doing my part as a researcher. My head has started giving numerous excuses but I have decided to ignore it. I put the blame solely on myself, for not having the drive to do a research. Shall this be my new year's resolution ? I think I should ....
Ok, I will try to do a bit more research next year onwards.... Hopefully I won't procrastinate (again !)
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
No Idea
My mind is blank, empty.....
My body felt as though it doesn't belong to me....
Why oh why ?
My body felt as though it doesn't belong to me....
Why oh why ?
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