Haven't been doing much but attending dance practise after dance practise after work so nothing interesting to talk about. Stayed up late for the past two nights watching the Sex and the City VCDs that I'd bought. I'm just completed the second season and hopefully will watch the third season when I get home later. Going to watch '3 soprano's + 1' later tonight ... complimentary tickets, courtesy of the organisers for the committees of the Sel Phil. :)

Anyway, here's a write up of the dance that I'm doing for Actor's Studio. If anyone of you are interested, do come and support and also, you'll be able to see this blogger live in the flesh and then you can tell me how badly I suck in the dance.

Michael Xavier Voon featuring Fresh Dancers
in
"SEVEN DEADLY SINS"

22 Sept only, 8:30 pm, The Actors Studio Box
MyDance Alliance and The Actors Studio present Michael Xavier Voon & Ensemble in "Seven Deadly Sins (according to Gandhi)". Be prepared to welcome all raw dancers with a sin-tillating and insightful look into the 7 Deadly Sins according to Gandhi. Featuring new and never-before-seen works of Michael on brave new movers, this should be a must-see on your 'never-2-b-missed' date. This is Michael's first full dance repertory in 6 years. The theme will play with traits Ghandi feel are most spiritually perilous versus beneficial to humanity : * Wealth without Work * Pleasure without Conscience * Science without Humanity* Knowledge without Character * Politics without Principle * Worship without Sacrifice * Commerce without Morality..........

-----------------------------

The idea for the theme came about from a class assignment Michael gave to his digital design students in college. Through the years, the topic of the 7 Cardinal Sins evolved to include the 7 Contrary Virtues (contrary to the Deadly Sins), Seven Heavenly Virtues, Seven Corporal Works of Mercy and lastly, the 7 Deadly Sins according to Gandhi:
* Wealth without Work
* Pleasure without Conscience
* Science without Humanity
* Knowledge without Character
* Politics without Principle
* Worship without Sacrifice
* Commerce without Morality

Working with Seven Deadly Sins at Actors Studio Box allows 7 pieces of dances to revolve around both positive and negative issues; thus, 14 possibilities in all. While some of the topics may be dark in nature, most of the other pieces are very much on the lighter side - with some 'tongue-in-cheek' and naughty humour thrown in.

Among the genres of styles reflected in the dance works include from ethnic to contemporary, from modern to jazz, and from soft rock to improvisation. Amongst the music artists used are Cliff Richard (pop ballad), William Ackerman (new age), John Cage (modern), Asiabeat (ethnic jazz fusion), The Proclaimers (pop rock), Tony O'Connor (world music), Handel (classical) and Kate Bush (pop cult),

The show will introduce mostly raw performers to give them an opportunity to dance. All featured dancers are fresh talents whose contributions come from their pure passion for movement. Michael also hopes to present varied dance forms that audiences can be re-exposed to - emphasising on simplicity of structure and audience accessibility.

Along with the performance, a few talented CENFAD students will display their digital art versions of the Seven Sins or Seven Virtues on the foyer.

Performers:
Anitha Abdul Hamid, Cal lista Chuah (me!), Joan Chan, Dennis Leong, Margaret Wong, Nicole Ann Thomas, Steffi Lund, Sueann Tilaka, Sara Thong, Melissa Wong & Michael Xavier Voon.

[ Note to self ] Never go to the loo between 11am to 11.15am. The cleaners are at work at your floor then. If you want to go, you'd have to go down a floor ... capish?

pop star wedding

Weird dream last night. I dreamt that an ex-classmate of mine was marrying Justin Timberlake of N' Sync. Thing is, this ex-classmate, I haven't seen her since we left high school. That's not true, I've seen her once and said hi but she totally dissed me. Anyway, in the dream, it was her wedding day, somehow or rather, I was invited. She came to me and said she needed to just hang out with a friend for a moment. I'm thinking where the heck are the rest of her friends?

So, we just sat for awhile.

Then as I was walking towards a gate, I saw the rest of the N' Sync members with their dates. They were dressed in jeans and cowboy hats, kinda like in one of their videos, I don't remember which. "Odd way to dress for a wedding", I thought to myself. As we came closer, I waved at JC - something that I probably would never ever do to a stranger, except if they were kids in a car looking out the window.

To my surprise, he game over (sans date), hugged me, greeted me as if we were friends (called me by my name and all) and flirted a little. I played along although a still little surprised. Then his date came over and he introduced us. She looked at me spitefully(?) as if I'm trying to steal her date or something.

Then as JC started leaving to join the rest of the band, she lagged behind and said "I know all about you." Me - a little confused. "I've seen you a around and at Nouvo." said she. All this in a you-stay-away-from-my-man-you-man-stealing-bitch tone. Me, in total shock yelled back, "But I don't party!" She left me standing there feeling really confused. Maybe they had mistaken me for someone else. But that why would that person have my name? Do I have a Jeckle and Hyde split personality?

I was awaken at the point by my mom's call.

What a weird, weird dream. Why would I be dreaming of an ex-classmate who dissed me and whom I haven't seen in an age? Why N' Sync?! Don't mind the JC part but the rest left me with a big fat "HUH?"

[ BUG/VIRUS ALERT ] Multiple vulnerabilities for the Cisco VPN 3000 series concentrators

Madrid, September 4, 2002 -- Cisco has reported -at http://www.cisco.com/warp/public/707/vpn3k-multiple-vuln-pub.shtml - the existence of 13 security problems in Cisco VPN 3000 series concentrators(*).

The vulnerabilities are diverse and some could allow unauthorized access to the network, password disclosure, or be exploited to initiate a denial of service attack. The roblems affect various functionalities of the Cisco VPN 3000 concentrators and do not affect all versions. The Cisco VPN 3000 series concentrators affected by these vulnerabilities includes models 3005, 3015, 3030, 3060, 3080 and the Cisco VPN 3002 Hardware Client.

Full details on these vulnerabilities, the products affected and the patches available can be consulted in Cisco's security advisory at: http://www.cisco.com/warp/public/707/vpn3k-multiple-vuln-pub.shtml

(*) The Cisco VPN 3000 series concentrators are a family of purpose-built, remote access Virtual Private Network (VPN) platforms for data encryption and authentication.

- Bug/Virus alert was taken from Panda Software's mailing list

Tired. Oh so tired. I can feel a slight headache rearing it's ugly head even as I write and it's bound to escalate should I remain awake ... which I have to cause I have choir and dance practise later. Since they overlap, I'd have to decide which I'm going for soon. The census right now is to head for the dance practise cause the performance is in less than 3 weeks and I have yet to imprint the steps into memory. Plus, there's one more dance that I still have to learn.

Yesterday's photo shoot for the performance was a disaster - at least for our group. Not sure if the photographer got anything which may pass off as a dance piece from our group. I'm quite sure MXV wasn't at all prepared for the way the photographers wanted to take the pictures. In fact, the whole group didn't expect that it would be taken that way - with everyone doing their piece and the photographers clicking away on their digital cameras, all of us thought we've just pose and they click . Which is another thing that surprised me. Looks like even professional photographers are using digital now. Bye bye films, hello memory cards.

Right. So I think I'm decided. I'll go for dance practise. Which means I'll have to leave now cause practise is in 50 minutes and the federal highway is never predictable and I might need all of those 50 minutes to get there. Ciao miao.

I have been such an absolute slacker. Skipped squash training on Tuesday, didn't go for dance practise when my partner called for a practise session, skipped the Sept dance show's practise, didn't finish much at work today. Did manage to get the thing that was driving me nuts last night to work this morning though, so I did accomplish something. What else did I slack off? Hmmm ... my adequacy article which I've skipped for months and months. My blog.

Well, about the blog, there really isn't much to blog about when all you do it oh so routine. Especially when it's mostly work, work, work. Can't really just post up "Worked!" and be done can I? Rather just skip the whole posting if it was just that. Plus, I might pity myself should I read those later in life ... of how boring I was (I hope it's gonna be an 'I was' instead of a 'I still am') *fingers crossed*

Oh yes, finally talked to Brian over the phone. Brian's a guy I first chatted with back in 96, if I'm not mistaken. We're been emailing each other occasionally (occasionally cause it sometimes takes me weeks or even months before I actually replies his emails) over the past few years and he called on Monday. He sounds like a nice person. Well, even know we've 'known' each other for such a long time. I must say I still have no idea what sort of person he is. I guess, emails are just not effective enough in trying to get to know a person. Face-to-face meets are still more effective. My opinion anyways. I mean, I think my virtual persona is a tinge different from my real life's. Can't help it, the idea of the other party living far far away with an extreme chance that the two will ever meet kinda makes it somewhat easier to blurt out things that you might not have had you met them in real life. Is it just me? Maybe but that's me. *shrugs*

Which flock do you follow?

this quiz was made by alanna

404 ERROR ... ROTL :))

o sole mio ...

Well, nobody sang that but when there was only one, a single, uno, male singer competing in the classical category, did I really expect to hear that? Of course not. And I didn't. All the songs were great. From the solos from the classical category and the contemporary category to the songs sung by the groups. Some sung very well and some ... not so well. I wouldn't say they were horrible, who am I to critise when I don't have the guts to enter it myself? :)

Have to say that I didn't agree with the end result of the competition. Especially in the classical category. I totally do not agree that Gan Lisan, the second place winner should even get a place. She wasn't bad but she just wasn't good. The song she sang, 'Art is calling for you', is so unsuitable for her. The song's character is suppose to be for a diva and she was so not diva! Hello! She looked bewildered more likely than diva looking and her movements were limitted to to palms cupped low and sometimes the left hand would separate and move towards the side. ??? Anyway, didn't think the guy who won top placing should have won first as well. He was good. I personnally would have given him the third placing and the first placing going to either Evelyn (who got third) or Janet, someone who the judges totally dismissed to be replaced with the oh-so-lacking-in-stage presense Lisan. Yes. I'm being mean again. :P

I'm quite happy with the result of the contemporary section. Kathleen who won top prize was excellent. Didn't manage to watch her second piece though cause I was busy bringing the next contestant backstage to prepare. Heard she was having lots of fun flirting with the judges. :) Good onya, Kath!

The group section was okay with two of the groups lead by a member of the phil winning 1st and 2nd. Not sure if I agree with the third placing - Fancy Poultry (what a name!). Heard their first piece entitled 'Cailin Og' which ended as soon as it started. Yes, it was that short. Plus I couldn't hear what they were singing. It sounded really odd. Their second song must have been their saving grace cause I heard that they did very well for that. So, I guess, it's okay that they got third then.

On the production and organisation side, Cris really missed out on some things. Firstly, we needed tickets so that we can identify who's paid and who hasn't. I suggested that they use the society's stamp as a substitute since we don't really have any other choice but to prevent people who've paid from going out of the hall. Of course, since I've suggested it, I had the 'honour' of stamping everyone with the society's stamp which read 'Property of the Philharmonic Society of Selangor'. Yups, everyone belonged to us for the entire 4 hours of the competition. :)

Secondly, Cris wanted the contestants to come in from backstage. Fine ... but, she didn't tell the contestants about it. Told her to announce it after the first contestant went finished but for some reason, she just doesn't want to. Not that she forgot cause I was there jumping and telling her to announce it but she just didn't want to do it. I still don't know why. So, I told her that I'll take the contestants backstage. Left the task of stamping people to Susan who was in charge of collecting entrance fee and began the escort service.

A very good turnout for a first competition, I think. Maybe we'll do it again next year and maybe in another hall cause this one was quite small and warm ... someone increased the temperature to 26 degrees celcius. That's warm for a small hall with lots of people.

Bought the whole set of Sex and the City. Seasons 1, 2 and 3. 4 and 5's not out yet which is why I didn't buy them. The whole thing cost me RM57. The VCD lady gave me a RM2 discount. Quality of the VCD's pretty good except they come with subtitles. I don't like subtitle if I actually understand the language. Plus this one wasn't really subtitles but more like the script. It was whatever they were saying. Why's that there? Are they afraid that we wouldn't understand the accent? Odd.

Paintball on Sunday was good. Our team won all games but one, the one where they only had to grab one of the two flags. And I think that was about the only time the other team manage to get a flag. The were a bunch of cowards. All hiding behind the barrels and coverings and just plopping their guns out to shoot aimlessly. Which of course, worked to our advantage but it gets boring after awhile.

Especially for my position.

I was covering one of their flag, so that they won't be able to get it. There I was, aiming everywhere near the flag, there's usually someone behind the barrel near that flag but they never tried for it. So, I'd get bored and start shooting the other end of the field. At least that gave me something to do and something to shoot at.

I got shot several times. Once on my gun, on the mask, one each on the left and right calf (I've got bruises!) and once on my stomach. The stomach shot shouldn't be there anyway cause I was at home base to touch it before going out again after being shot. You aren't suppose to shoot at people at the home base or even people who have their arms high up in the air after being shot! Maybe the other team didn't understand the rules. Maybe didn't see due to all their hiding. Maybe they were just a bunch of cheating pussies. Whatever the reason, we still won. :)

Help wanted!

I need a topic to write for my Dateline: Malaysia column in adequacy.net. Haven't submitted a new column for months now; which probably explains why my article is at the bottom of the list. Someone please suggest me something. Anything and everything will be considered.

Thank you.

I need a dictionary just to read moby's blog. The words he uses. Man! How does he know all those words? Does he, like Rory from Gilmore Girls, study the dictionary? Or is it just me and my lack of vocabulary? Maybe I need to try reading the dictionary sometimes.

Anyway, new word learnt from senor moby (for my anyway), is vitriol. In his context, I guess he meant 'bitterly abusive feeling or expression'.

The three stooges here is getting really excited over the paintball game that we're going for this Sunday. They've been planning tacticals and all that. Haha ... so serious. Can't help but laugh at them whenever I hear them talking about it. Somehow they've gotten it into their little heads that I'm super fit and therefore will be one of the runner gunning for the flags. Geez! And here I was just hoping to not get shot just as soon as I the game begins. This should prove to be an interesting Sunday. Ooo! Which reminds me. I need a long sleeved t-shirt for Sunday. I don't have any yet. Must go out for it tomorrow then.

what's in a name?

Callista

---

Your name of Callista creates an intense desire for association with people and new experiences, many of which have been rather bitter. This name has given you a gregarious personality and a quick-thinking, creative, and versatile nature, but one that is unstable emotionally. You desire change and travel and would enjoy opportunities that allowed you to be creative and to act independently, rather than to conform to system and routine. However, this name does not allow you to complete your undertakings, as farther fields always look greener. Although you may appear confident and positive, you actually lack confidence and feel self-conscious at times. This name spoils patience and depth of thought, and weakens your stand in matters of principle. You are too open to suggestion, and thus you could become involved in detrimental associations which could lead you into by-paths of thrill-seeking or emotional indulgence. Any weakness in your health would appear in the fluid functions as kidney, bladder, or circulatory problems. or in a sensitivity affecting your stomach.

wooo ... that's eerie. Sounds a lot like me! Does a name really affect who you turn out to be? Does your name reflect who you are?

the affair of the necklace

I bought this book a few months back and only managed to read it two days ago. I must say that I am quite dissappointed with it. Everything seemed so vague and surface. Character developement is almost at a minimum. I cannot find it in me to feel compassion for the cause of Jeanne de la Motte-Valoise (the protagonist) nor the hate widely corrupt Cardinal Rohan. The story is nice enough but I felt that it should have had more depth. More explanation, more feelings, ... just MORE.

Maybe the movie was better but I have not been able to find it anywhere. None of the pirates here knows the show. Nobody seems to have heard about it. Granted, it is not a blockbuster hit but to not have a single soul that I know hear about this movie/book before is quite remarkable to me. Makes me wonder how I got interested in this book in the first place.

new dance project

So, last night I went to the Actor's Studio Academy to meet Michael Voon and to attend the dance practise for the project he's planning. There wasn't any audition or anything. You just go and you're in! I'm quite surprised. I walk into the studio, introduced myself and he handed me a maternity dress asked me to try it on and climb onto Shaun's (one of the dancers there) shoulder. Huh?

Anyway, the session was quite good. Everyone seems to be impressed with my 'technique'. I didn't even know I had 'technique'! I don't remember being taught technique when I was studying ballet, Plus, the last time I did ballet was 10 years ago.

However, the balletic movement is still with me. Which is a cause of some frustration for me. Why? Well, Michael originally wanted my to start by doing a four count run into the center of the stage. So, I ran. Too balletically (is that a word?). He wanted a happy child run and here I am pointing my toes and all. Urgh! Why can't I run normally? Told him I'd work on it but in the end he changed it. Now, I'm skipping.

Should be pretty cool. Project is scheduled to open September 21. Doesn't give us a lot of time does it. *fingers crossed*

the bitch on the express lane

One of the things that ticks me off are the people queuing int the 10 items or less express lane who are not suppose to be there. Normally, if someone in front of me has more than 10 items, I'd just say 'Gosh! Can't people read? It's an express lane!' aloud. Hoping maybe it'll embarass them and then think twice the next time they do that again.

Last night however, I, somehow managed to create scene.

We were at Carrefour queuing at the express lane after getting a few items and I started telling her about the time when I was queuing in the express behind a Malay guy and his family who had more that 10 items and how I hate it when people do that. As I was doing that, the Chinese guy in front of me (also with his family) started unloading his cart. While queuing behind him, he didn't seem to have more than 10 items in his cart but it seems like he actually had much more than that when he started unloading. So I asked my sister if she could confirm and she said he does indeed have more than 10 items.

The Chinese guy then turned and stared at me. I don't know what he was expecting of me but I said, "This is an express lane."

"There's two of us what. I pay for half and she (pointing to his wife) pay for half-lah. Not more than 10 items each what!", he barked back rudely. His eyes all squinty and his voice raised.

"Yes, but you're paying together so that makes it more than 10 items and this lane is for people with 10 items or less.", I replied.

"Okay. So we pay separately lah. Why you so busy body?", said the four eyed ass.

"But that's not the point, you came together and you were going to pay together.", said I. "Had I not opened my big fat mouth!", I thought to myself.

"We pay separately lah. Why you so busy body?", he repeated and to the cashier he said, "Bill it separately." and turned back to stare at us.

"What does that have to do with anything?" I retorted. At that moment the reply, "It is my business when you are slowing down my line because you have more stuff to pay for!", didn't come to mind. I was still reeling from the guy blaming/attacking(?) me for speaking out my mind.

My sister spoke then to say to nobody in particular, "Some people are just not civic minded."

The guy then switched to Cantonese and said sarcastically, "I know you are very well educated."

Fuck! "What the hell does that have to do with anything? Why? Your parent's never sent you to school? What sort of school did you go to that you didn't learn about civic mindedness." I replied incredulously. He didn't look like he didn't have an education. He looked as though he had finished high school, in the least.

Right then the cashier asked him if the rest of the items on the counter was his and if she's to check those as well. Dumb cashier. Didn't you fucking hear what we were arguing about and what he said about paying separately? Check it out separately for fuck sakes!

But what he did was he pushed his stuff toward the cashier and the dumb cashier checked those out. He paid with a credit card which again slowed down the queue but since the lane is not for cash paying customers only, I didn't say anything about it. Just stared at him.

A short while later, after I've paid for my stuff, we saw him waiting for us and staring at us again. He didn't have long to wait anyway, we had less than 10 items which was why I was in that queue in the first place. He then walked off with his cart. I was told by my sis later that he was mutterring something in Cantonese as he walked away. I don't know what he said cause I didn't hear it and my sister's Cantonese is even worse off than mine so she couldn't translate it.

Cor! If he hadn't been such an ass hole then everything would have been fine. If he had only just paid for his stuff and then walk away quietly none of that would have happened. If he had turned around, smiled and apologetically said, "Sorry." then none of that would have happened.

But he did and so that happened.

Oh he so fucking pissed me off. If only I could, I would have just smacked him and said "Fuck you! You're in the wrong here and you fucking dare raise your voice at me? What fucking examples are you setting for your kids here yelling at two girls?" Didn't I mention it? He had to children. What a fucking fine example of a father he is! Plus, I hardly say fuck in public only to myself. I still remember when I first used it. It was during SPM (final high school exam) but that's another story. ;)

My sister told my dad about it when we got home and I think I heard him say something like 'Don't try and make trouble'. I knew they'd (my parents) say something like that. If I had gone to the shop with my parents, that would have happened.

But it did.

Tell me, did I make too much of a little thing? My only thought whenever I que in the express lane was that it's great for people who just came for a quick grab and go off and that the management should enforce this ie. make the cashier ask people who don't comply with the 10-items-and-less rule go que at another counter, especially so during peak hours when all counters are occupied.

Tell me. Was I being a total bitch?

Is my Blog HOT or NOT?

mmmm ...

Utterly enjoyable night. Went out with Az last night to the clubs. Original plan was to head to Modesto's grand cafe but that was so lame that we got out and headed to Nouvo across the street. Good choice. R & B tunes all night long. Lots of people to watch. Lots of really good movers as well. A standout was this guy with a gorgeous bod who's really confident in what he's doing added with a dash of arrogance. I like to see that when people dance. Confidence and arrogance. Good combination producing excellent watch.

Imaging my surprise when he came over to dance with me. I didn't know what to do. I'm not good with dancing with people (in the club scene way) so I just did my own thing. After awhile, he left. I think he got a little bored with my lack than enthusiastic response. What was I to do? I know he's hot and all but then I have this preconception that all these gwai lo (yes, he was a gwai lo) wants are one sex and night stands. I'd rather not lead them on thinking they might get it than to lead them on and then dissappoint them at the end of the night. Might as well let them go see greener pastures, right?

Someone please convince me that when guys come over to dance with you in a club, all they want is just that - to dance? Nothing more, nothing less.

Any gwai lo (foreigners) guys or guys, in general, reading this? What do you expect from girl if she lets you dance with her really close? You know, the regular R&B method, bodies really close, gyrating to the music kinda thing? Do you really just want to dance? Or are you expecting something more?

The human race is doomed through stupidity

In case you needed further proof that the
human race is doomed through stupidity,
here are some actual label instructions
on consumer goods.

On a Sears hairdryer: Do not use while
sleeping. ( and that's the only time
I have to work on my hair).

On a bag of Fritos: .You could be a
winner! No purchase necessary.Details
inside. (the shoplifter special)?

On a bar of Dial soap: "Directions:
Use like regular soap." (and that would
be how???....)

On some Swanson frozen dinners:
"Serving suggestion: Defrost." (but, it's
"just" a suggestion).

On Tesco's Tiramisu dessert (printed on
bottom): "Do not turn upside down."
(well...duh, a bit late, huh)!

On Marks & Spencer Bread
Pudding:"Product will be hot after heating."
(...and you thought????...)

On packaging for a Rowenta iron: "Do
not iron clothes on body." (but
wouldn't this save me more time)?

On Boot's Children Cough
Medicine:"Do not drive a
car or operate machinery
after taking this medication." (We
could do a lot to reduce the rate of
construction accidents if we could just
get those 5-year-olds with
head-colds off those forklifts.)

On Nytol Sleep Aid: "Warning: May
cause drowsiness."
(and...I'm taking this because???....)

On most brands of Christmas lights:
"For indoor or outdoor use only." (as
opposed to...what)?

On a Japanese food processor: "Not
to be used for the other use." (now,
somebody out there, help me on this. I'm
a bit curious.)

On Sunsbury's peanuts: "Warning:
contains nuts."
(talk about a news flash)

On an American Airlines packet of nuts:
"Instructions: Open packet, eat
nuts." (Step 3: maybe, uh...fly Delta?)

On a child's superman costume:
"Wearing of this garment does not enable you
to fly." (I don't blame the company.
I blame the parents for this one.)

On a Swedish chainsaw:"Do not
attempt to stop chain with your hands or
genitals." (..was there a lot of
this happening somewhere?)

Now that you've smiled at least once,
it's your turn to spread the
stupidity and send this to someone you want to
bring a smile to (maybe even a
chuckle)...in other words send it to
everyone. We all need to smile every
once in a while.

Note: I took this one straight off an email I received. All comments were made by the person who sent it and not by me.

oh, happy happy joy joy.

just broke my own personal best in minesweeper. it's a fluke i know but it's still great nevertheless. plus, it hit below the 3 digit mark at 99 seconds. that should count for something right?

long lost friend and birthday wishes

:) Got a call earlier this morning. A guy started belting out the birthday song soon as I said 'Hello'. The voice was oddly familiar, which is why I didn't stop him and tell him that he had the wrong number. You see, it's not my birthday. In fact, it's there's almost five whole months more before that day comes. And that's what I told Tim, my ex-landlord, now friend. Was nice of him to call all the way from Melbourne for the greeting, no matter how off the mark he was.

Later at about noon, while I was rushing for changes requested by the boss for a demo, a conversation bubble from MSN Messenger popped up with a greeting from someone named 'liz' going 'How are you doing woman?'. It's long lost Liz! I'd almost forgot I added her in my list in case she ever got Messenger. I only had her email address and she never did reply my mails. Finally, I found out that she's still alive and well and still studying in the States. The last time I spoke to her was when I called her when she was there three years back. Gosh! Time really flies.

Didn't really finish my conversation with her though. Kinda got logged off by Messenger. Must have looked really rude of me to log off in the midst of a conversation. Her icon indicates that she's away right now. Maybe I'll talk to her later.

It's been awhile. Haven't written anything of substance ... not that I write a lot of those anyways. :P

Anyways, nothing much was missed. Less frustration at the work place now cause we've decided to just start programming with the old engine. We will never know when the new engine will be completed; only the idiot does. So, am currently in the process of getting the database up and then begin Java. Hopefully, I'll will have something to show the client when they come in for the weekly progress meeting scheduled for every Friday at 3pm starting from this Friday. Great! Will start working on that soon as I finish this blog.

The HR Ministry's computer was sent back to them on Wednesday. The lady I deal with was pretty happy with the application. When I say pretty happy, I meant she didn't go 'It sucks!'. She follows my instructions pretty well and did things as she was supposed to ... while I was there. Hopefully she'd be able to use the application even when I'm not there. The application is pretty intuitive. Nothing fancy. Pretty easy to grasp. I don't forsee any problems unless some piece of coding turns out to be buggy.

On the non-work-related front, there's plans for a paintball weekend with some of the people at work (idiot excluded of course!). That should be good. I've been wanting to try that for ages. Ever since I've heard about it. Missed the one organised by the Malaysian Student Society back in Monash and was waiting for them to organise another trip for the second sememster but that didn't happen. :( So, to get to finally play it ... I only hope I'm not dissappointed and also that I won't turn out to be a dissappointment for my team. GO TEAM!

Finally bought the Java study guide. Yeps! I'm finally going to start studying for the exam. Exam's scheduled for 26/Aug, so that means I have about a month for preparation. Hope that's enough time. Otherwise, I'd just have to post-pone it ... yet again. I'm currently at page 12. A few hundred more pages to go. Then I'll have to look for mock tests and see how well I do on those. If I could beat the scores of those two co-workers from Cambridge who has taken the exam, that would be sweet. No easy job though, they both scored 88%.

What am I thinking? With the amount of time I think I'd be able to scrape up for study time. I'd be happy just to pass the exam! Much less beat the two smarty pants!

Hmmm ... I keep thinking about food. Keep wanting to eat. I'm making myself hungry.

I wanna have 'bak kut teh'.

I wanna have banana fritters.

I wanna have Mamee Szechuan flavoured instant noodles. (which I actually have in my drawer right now ... hmmm, should I?)

Hopefully I'll be able to get the first one for lunch if everyone else agrees. *pray* *pray*

:) At this rate, I'm gonna be extremely vertically challenged, as you PC folks would put it. Me, I just say FAT!

HOT or NOT Official Rating 8.7 based on 444 votes Check out my picture! My raw votes: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 How HOT are you? - www.hotornot.com

Oh yes, I almost forgot!

I'm stuck with a programming problem. Anyone who've used JavaMail with JDBC please help me. I've posted the SOS at the Sun's forum but nobody's answered my plea as yet. Read the SOS here. Thanks.

the wedding gig

Well, just got back from the wedding gig. It was actually a complete disaster but since none too many of the guests knows much about Latin dancing they thought it was great! Multiple mistakes. Chunks of routine cut off, had to improvise so as to restart rountine, forgot routine after turning - froze for a sec! Steps completely went out of my head for a moment. Again ... nobody noticed. They thought it was brilliant. Good job then, eh? :)

Told mum about me wanting to apply for the Aussie PR. Surprisingly, she's quite supporting. However, she's got this idea that I should learn the line dances from the CD she got from a friend so that I could teach people on the side when I get there. Yups! The same idea when I told her about the working visa to the UKs. Not sure how practical that would be. How do I actually get people to teach? I can't just go to a park and then just start dancing. I'd look like a mad woman. Don't you think?

Anyways, need to find more information about the application. I know about the application fee but I've heard that you also have to deposit a certain amount of money to the govenment/a bank as surety that you have enough money to live for awhile when you get there? This information wasn't available in the immigration page nor the high commission's page. Guess I'd have to email/call them one day.

Besides that, did more whining about how much I hate my job - something I've been doing a lot, a lot, a lot this past few days.

I've been a total bitch at work to my idiot colleague this past few days. It is mainly due to the fact the deadline for my project is fast approaching and nothing concrete has yet been done for the project. When I say nothing concrete, I mean no application code has been written ... NONE AT ALL!

Why haven't I written anything?

Well ... the company's project for this line of application that we're pushing is suppose to be based on a framework. The old framework written by a colleague, who have since left for his PhD studies, is too rigid and limitting. We had to hack and find work arounds to get it to do the things we need. Not a very productive appication building process. Therefore, after we've finished with that project (app based on old framework), the idiot decided to modify/redesign/recode the framework.

I had at first thought that it would be a fabulous idea and even gave him input on what I'd like to be able to do with the new framework. What I didn't expect was for him to try to write everything by himself and not informing the rest of us on what he's up to, how far along he is, what features would be in it. Since he didn't tell us anything, I thought that he would have taken my input in and built the framework with what I have requested. BUT ... that is not the case, which I had the pleasure of finding out on Monday at approximately 6.30pm.

Feeling the pressure of a deadline and not being able to do anything with no framework, I had requested a discussion with the idiot to check on his progress and whether I should still wait for the new framework. Of course, I had checked with him prior to that on his progress almost weekly but everyweek was like 'I'll have something that you can code with by Friday'. That went on for several weeks with him not giving me anything at all. No interface, no class definitions, no function definitions ... no nothing! I had told him to at least give me the class and function definition so that at least I can have something to code with even though I can't test it as yet. It would be much faster and more productive to have something coded for the application while waiting for the framework to be completed so that when the framework is completed, we could test the application codes. Now, we're just sitting there WAITING.

It's true that most of us have other tiny projects at the same time and that we're not actually sitting on our buts staring into space but this is another one of our project and most importantly, a project for an outside client with a deadline of the end of July. Which would you prioritise? Impending deadline with income project or completing minor non-income earning projects?

Anyway, back to the discussion with the idiot.

So, I found out that the new framework wouldn't do what I had expected it would do, which is also the main reason I had been waiting for the new framework instead of the old one. Had I known this, I would have modified what I had wanted to do and did the project with the old framework. Fuck him for this! When asked when he would be able to finish the framework, he-who-always-ask-me-for-a-deadline-for-finishing-a-module-he-requested, said that he doesn't know. How dare he! I almost exploded. But instead I told him that that was not acceptable and that he has to give me a timeline otherwise I would have no idea how to proceed. The idiot replied that I can't push him for a timeline cause he doesn't know. Heck! I don't fucking know when I am able to finish modules as well but you pushed me for a freaking date and then don't accept it when I said I don't know and I had to give you one anyway and then I have to try to finish it be then. Why do you fucking expect me to accept an 'I don't know now?'

So, now, I still don't know when he's gonna finish. One thing I did was push him to give me the interface so that I can have something for the rest of the team to begin with. His deadline is today. By 5.30pm this evening, I'm expecting to see the interface. If he doesn't have it, I don't know what I'm going to do. I'd put the blame on him but since I'm in charge of the project, I'm to blame as well right?

*sigh* This is why for my next job, I just want a lowly programming job. Just tell me what you want coded and I'll code it for you. No thinking. No decisions. Less responsibility.

Finally saw Minority Report last night. Still can't decide whether I liked the show or not. High cool factor but ... I don't know. Something is keeping me from coming to a decision.

ling finds me inspiring. Too bad none of my younger sisters seem to think that. I'm such a piss assed lousy sister.

Hey, ling, jason, you guys ever heard of MEETUP? I've sent in a suggestion to start a MEETUP in Malaysia yesterday so I don't know when it'll be approved or rejected. It would be lovely to meet up with you guys.

Ling, we have so much in common! I'd like to ditch the 'working' part and travel the world too. Work to me is a necessary evil!

While sending my sister off to the Equatorial earlier tonight, we had a long chat. To her it would probably have sounded more like a lecture but I was just telling her what the parental unit's fretting about.

Basically the whole conversation was about me asking her what she's planning to do, what she's up to. She's quit school and she didn't even complete a semester (I thought she had!). She says that she has approached a sportwriter for help in securing scholarships from Ivy league schools. I told her that it's kinda difficult to get scholarships from such schools as I've read on Princeton's (I think) site that they do not give out scholarships, especially sports scholarships. Then I hounded her on whether she's looking for any scholarships on her own and not just relying on the writer. I couldn't get a straight answer from her.

Conclusion was that she doesn't really know what she wants to do except that she'd like something that involves the study of the body - biology. According to her, she couldn't find any information about science courses, which is surprising cause that's usually the courses that I see when I surf University sites. I don't know what site she's been looking at.

I advised her to take a basic science based pre-university program so that at least moms and pops won't get on her case so much. She mooted the idea saying that she can't concentrate on studies if she doesn't know what she's studying for towards the end. Told her that the sort of pre-university programs that I've suggested doesn't really require her to have an exact field of study but she said that not how she works. *shrugs*

She also went on about how the family doesn't support her squash and her school achievements. It's true, my family's not big on compliments. But she knows this and I know this. All the sibs knows this so why does she have to be so sensitive about i? If they don't gush about your achievement, why get so dissappointed if the react as they always do? So, I told her not to get so worked up if they don't go ohh-ahh. I should know, after almost 25 years, I've had my share of non-compliments. All my ballet honours, my As in art have been for nought cause those are just not what they consider important. Not what will support you in your adult life. Not practical.

I told her that sometimes, you have to sacrifice things that you like to do (things that won't kill you if you don't do it) for things that your parents think you should do (that won't kill you either and that you don't really mind too much). Basically be practical. That's what I have done. If this had been an idea world, I'd have been a dancer and an artist. Since it isn't, I've given up art (something I found I don't mind just doing for fun) after Form 3 to take do the science stre am for the rest of secondary school and continued on to do computers in uni. Dance, I had a 6 years hiatus (due to financial dependence) until I couldn't stand it any longer and just had to take up some kind of dance form or I'd go mad. Latin isn't my first choice, I'd have rather gone back to ballet but cause my mom didn't like the idea, I didn't do it. Didn't want the cold war that might happen if I'd gone against her wishes. My sister says she couldn't do what I did. She can't just give up squash for she might regret it later if she had.

So, this made me think about what I have given up and whether I do regret giving up those things that I loved. I DO! I regret it a lot. What could I have done? I didn't have money to continue with classes. I was 15. Nobody hires 15 year olds. I had to give ballet up! As for art. How was I to study that if my parents won't pay for it? Malaysia does not have a scheme where you can just go to university almost free and then repay it after you've graduated and got a job. She has the luxury to continue squash cause she gets paid to play.

*SIGH*

This makes me feel ... I don't know ... like I'm conforming a lot a lot. Just doing what my parents tells me to do - almost. Sometimes I do resent my parents for not allowing my to do what I really want. But I've never told them that. I'm thinking that I have to take responsibility for it as well. I mean if I didn't want to do as they asked, they probably wouldn't have disowned me or thrown me out or anything like that. If I had taken a stand and really insisted that I really trully want to do it, the might eventually relent. I think I just did as they asked cause I could throw it back at them if I really hate what I do eventually and blame them.

*SIGH*

I would really like to, just once, do something life changing that they might oppose but I'd do it anyway. I might fail or I might succeed but at least I know it was all me. I made the decision. ALL ME.

puter's kaput

News from the homefront. Papa just called asking if I'd used the puter last night (I did) cause he can't seem to start it up today. The puter starts booting and the at percisely 27%, it hangs. He's tried it three times with the same result. Oh oh!

Must check it out soon as I get home.

post-mortem

After ballroom class last night, went through the latin routine SM for a short, really short, time. He's trying to get a gig for us for his bosses sister's something. The last gig we had was slightly after the March competition ie. early April.

It was his birthday yesterday and some people at the studio bought cake and we celebrated.

Coach came in after most of us ate the cake (thank goodness!) and while we were looking at the pictures taken on Sunday. Lots of pictures on the ballroom couples and not too many on us latin couples. I think there are about three more with me in it - all pictures of my 'lovely' back and gorgeous hair.

So, the coach, while having his cake, started disecting our moves based on the pictures. Lots on the ballroom couples cause they had more pictures.

A few comments on our pictures:
- picture not included Need to straighten my arm when we're both facing opposite sites, back-to-back but with hand hold. Required to feel position of partners' body.
- refer top picture SM looks like he's doing social dancing while I was trying to go all out.
- refer bottom picture SM too straight and need rounder arms. Me, right knees 'rest' on top part of calf just below the back of the left knee plus don't turn out supporting leg so much.
- no pictures but seen by all My stumble after my spins! They said I did that twice but I only really remembered one. Even at that time I was thinking 'Shit! What the heck happened?! Did I put too much force in my spins? Did SM pushed too hard?' I couldn't figure it out at that time and I still don't know what happened. Maybe I just lost balance. Spinning and then stopping is one of my weakest moves. Why in the world did the coach put so many of them in our routine is beyond me. Anyone with tips on how to stop really solidly after spins, feel free to email me or leave a comment.

other matters
Got a call earlier from Anne. I've been drafted again to play squash for the company. She called to inform that training will begin in August and that the company games is on Oct 26 & 27. *sigh* Haven't played any since the last company games. Oh yeah! Most likes, I won't be playing number one ladies for the team this time. They've got Carrie Yeo to join. She was one of the national players way back when I was playing juniors. Didn't even know she was with the company but then it is a really large company ... I mean, group of companies.

Have been thinking again of just packing and going off somewhere far far away for a long long time. Maybe just work as a waitress somewhere and not have to think so much. Thing is, I don't think waitressing would pay for all the lessons that I still want to take. So, still need a good paying job. Location options right now are 1) get an Aussie PR and go back to Merlbourne (yups! still dreaming of going back!) and 2) get the working-tourist visa to UK, bum around for about 2 years then come back. Problem with option 2 is that I can only work 25 hour week. How am I going to get enough money for rent and food? Option 1, what if they reject my application? That would be a few thousand down the drain.

Really should do something about it rather than talk, think and yearn about it. I figured, I need at least RM25,000 before I can seriously consider those options. That would take me a few more months? A year?

If I really, really can't stand this company anymore, I'd say 'FUCK IT' and just resign. Bleeding company requires 3 months notice! Can you believe it?

Some pictures from the competition






P.S: Jason, so, was I the fat girl that you were laughing at during the Millennium?

Oh yeah! If anyone reading this (are there people reading this???), was at the competition yesterday? There was a jive song that they played and the singer sounded a lot like Scotty Morris of the Big Bad Voodoo Daddy. Can anyone confirm? Just curious.

Okay so, nothing seems to be up for the next few months. Time to catch up on my movies. Dying to watch 'Minority Report'. Time travel, one of my favourite topic, and Tom Cruise ... how bad can it be? ;) Also, that French flick at the International Screen, 'The Taste of Others' I think it's called. Sounds interesting. Hope it's still playing.

semi-finals ... again

Competition yesterday was utterly tiring for me and I'm only doing two dances; cha-cha and jive. Outcome wasn't too bad. Managed to get into the semi-finals of the Novice category. I'm happy enough ... at least we didn't get kicked out in the heats! :)

So, this time around, we had to dance in the heats, the quarter finals and the semi finals. As compared to the Millennium competition back in March where we danced only twice, the heats and then the semi-finals. Must try and get into the finals the next time round.

The day was great even though I was tired before we even began, thanks to the 5 hour hair braiding that I did for my hair which ended with me finally going to bed at 3am. Then waking up at 8am. *yawn* Dance floor was much better than the one at the Istana Hotel, although a little sticky but the Ballroom was much better at the Istana, looked grander, so was the washroom. Washroom at the Wisma PGRM (venue) is not very make-up friendly, too dark, dim. It's lucky that I brought a mirror along so the girls could put on their make-up at the changing room (a hall on the opposite side on the competition hall) instead of in the washroom.

Plenty of people = plenty of people watching opportunity.

My favourite watch would be one of the adjudicators. While all of the other adjudicators would be serious, standing still or walking about looking at the competitors, this one was tapping his foot, moving to the music and even once, I caught him mouthing to the song that was playing. :) One thing I noticed, where the other adjudicatos usually take turns in judging the competition, he judged almost all the competition save a few in the afternoon. He definitely judged all the competition in the evening. Poor guy. His feet must have hurt from standing all day. Well, at least he looked good doing it. He had on a beige jacket for the afternoon session and the a quick change into a jacket with mandarin collar with some sort of cravat? or kerchief tied around the neck. Very nice. Very stylish. Mucho yummy!

Anyway, Darren Bennett and Lilia Kopylova was back again. So, I had an eyefull of gorgeous dancing by the couple. Also had fun watching couple no. 1. I don't remember what their names were but they were really good too. I really liked their paso doble. Really strong and with brilliant dramatic expression. In my opinion, they did better in the paso than Darren and Lilia. However, I really like Darren and Lilia's samba. Boy of boy can Lilia really shake that hip of hers. Amazing.

Lastly, I do not agree with the decision of the judges on one of the finalist in the Amateur Latin section. It was an Australian couple and their dancing was not that great. Several of the other asian dancers were better than them but they got in. I don't understand it. Or rather I do but I don't agree with it. Judges here seems to like putting foreigners into finals no matter if the other asians were better. If the asians were not significantly obviously better, chances are, the foreign couple would make it to the finals.

But hey! What do I know? I'm only a Novice.

I like this. Go read it.

I think I will stop tinkling with the PHP app now. Otherwise it's never finish. I keep going ... "hey! It'll be nicer this way wouldn't it?" and "hey! Let's try it this way." and "let's add this in". Keep trying to improve upon it non-stop. Guess I'm very much an end-user huh? Always asking for more.

As theendoffree continues on reporting all the freebie sites that are converting to fee-based sites, the real world seems to be going in the opposite direction. This past week, from out of nowhere, I received two freebies.

Freebie 1 - A translucent covered cheque holder and a JUMBO pen from my bank. According to the accompanying letter, it was an early bird gift. I don't remember being an early bird when I started that account a couple of months ago but it's great. Keep the freebies coming Maybank.

Freebie 2 - This one's totally unexpected. My colleagues and I were sitting at a kopitiam (coffee shop) at Taman SEA having lunch when all of a sudden, a hoard of females promoters barged into the shop with their white t-shirt tied on the waist to show some skin and tight black miniskirts and started to hand out something encased in a thin layer of plastic to everyone in the shop. The parcel was a pair of sunshades. It's a promotion for a beer. I don't remember which. Anchor? Heinneken? Carlsberg? I don't really drink beer so I don't remember which it was. Thing is, I was just talking to Vi from the studio about sunshades on Sunday, about how she's got loads at her office and I don't have any in my car, and here I am being handed a pair on Tuesday.

Wow! Easily pleased aren't I. Heh heh. If you only knew. But freebies are always great. So keep them coming. Can't wait to see what else I'll be getting next week.

Deadline's come and gone and I'm still not done with the codes. Well, not as done as I like it to be anyway. Need to do some cleaning up and then sort of test it.

I'm not very familiar with testing programs. Not sure what to test it besides making sure everything suppose to come out right and limits tests. All the stress test and performance testing stuff; I haven't a clue. Should try and get a clue though.

'sides that, practise still going on in the dancing front. Only five more days before the competition on Sunday.

Still not satisfied with my routine. I need to learn how to stop after spins!!! And there's so many spins in my routine? I don't know what my teacher was thinking when he choreographed it. I know it's nice/flashy to have spins but what good is it if you can't do it well?

Dress rehearsal for all competitors tomorrow at the studio.

Oh yeah, if anyone's going to the competition, scream for couple number 47 ... or was it 46. I think it's 47.

I'm gonna take a break from PHP codes for awhile.

Maybe for the rest of the day.

Can't escape if for too long though, have to finish the project by Monday and I have two more modules to finish.

Just that I'm going blind looking at code.

I'm Ctrl-S ing everything after I've typed something. Even in my putty screens and the I'd freak and wonder why nothing's happening to my screen even if I'm furiously typing in it. Even after I added a link into my template just a few minutes ago.

Break time.

Empress, wipe that silly grin off your face!

:D :D :D

I can't help it. KB and the idiotic colleague is having a heated argument which sort of further instills my belief that Cambridge grads are a weird lot. Something about getting KB to draw out a complete design of the base table which KB says wouldn't help in whatever discussion that they'll be having. But idiot colleague wants it anyway for no apparent reason ... at least none that I managed to eavesdrop.

Talking to idiot colleague just makes you want to bash your own head against the wall just so that you have an excuse to excuse yourself. Bleeding head IS a good excuse ... right?

I am truly passionate.

Find your soul type at kelly.moranweb.com.

You're excited about life and in touch with yourself and nature. Tell me, do I have this straight?

Virtues: You appreciate humor like none other. Puns might even spark laughter in you (TEHY R FUNNI). You seek adventure and connection with your surroundings. You seek friends who will not only share laughs with you but actually form a deep bond of trust and empathy beneath the surface. You look for adventure and courage in people, and variation is necessary to keep you under control. You see yourself as multi-faceted, so you need people who can see you in your many lights. You're constantly trying to figure yourself out while analyzing the people around you. Silly, silly people.

Aspirations: You can't decide what you want to be yet, but you know you want it to be adventures and interesting, with constant changes. You don't know what love will do for you yet, but it's competing with adventure for a place in your heart. An internal conflict has begun: can you be a successful worker, lover, and parent all at once?

Quirks: Noise of any sort is irritating when you're in the mood. Smacking gum, loud chewing, humming- it's about as pleasing as bodily noises. You dislike emaciated people because of jealousy and just plain disgust. You're a procrastinator but a hard worker, too.

Factors: You need constant attention and support. You're high-maintnence, but a great, reliable friend. Nature needs you and you need nature; it's helped thus far, so keep in touch with the outside world.

Future: Who knows! You absolutely need constant change, so vacationing is surely in the cards. Will you settle down or not? Love will find you eventually, as it does to everyone. Will you choose the sweet home life or the rewarding busy-bee life?

Email from an audience about 'Opera di Tutti Frutti'. :)

Thank you Mr. Yanagida.

DATE: Sun, 23 Jun 2002 07:45:40
From: Masao Yanagida <xxxxx@xxxxx>
To: xxxxx@xxxxx

Dear PSS Choir Members,

My name is Masao Yanagida.
I'm a Japanese businessman staying in Kuala Lumpur.
Last night I went your concert "Tutti Fruitti".
It is first time to see your performance for me,
I spent really happy time to enjoy your performance.
And also I'm very appreciate of your effort to practice that songs.
It is very good night and very good experience for me.
So thank you very much your great performance.

Actually I'm also member of choir group which so call "KL Japan Club
Glee Club".
We are male choir group in Kuala Lumpur Japan Club where is at Taman Septeh.
Next month, we invite Japan top male choir group "Shingetsu Kai".

Today, I'm happy to inform concert of Japan top male choir group
"Shingetsu Kai"on 14 July 2002 8:30pm at DBKL.
I think it is good opportunity to you to see foreign choir group
performance.
I believe it is good experience for your group also.
So please come to see "Shingetsu Kai" concert which is FOC.

Detail information is as below (taking from brochure):

SHINGETSU KAI CHOIR CONCERT
14 July 2002 8:30 pm at DBKL Auditorium

Shingetsu-kai is one of the most prominent male choirs in Japan.
"Shingetsu" meaned a new moon and is derived from the emblem of their
alma mater Kwansei Gakuin University.
Since the establishment in 1934, they have continued creating glorious
history.
Almost every year they give concerts or participate in choir
competitions in Japan and overseas, and have been a winner over many
tirnes.
They will present twenty over songs from their vast repertories ranging
from classical and folk songs to modem popular songs of Japan and other
countries.

free admission

enquiry:
tel. 03-5638-3001 (Ms. Yamamoto)

http://www.my.emb-japan.go.jp/jfm2002.htm

Received email ultimatum deadline for PHP project from boss.

"... we must absolutely complete by this Friday, OK?"

Who the heck are we? There is no we. There is only ME.

Well, unless you count weird cambridge grad guy who set up the client's PC more than a month ago as part of the team then sure. It's a we.

Concert - done.

Post concert party - done.

Next up - latin dance competition.

Also, gonna have committee meeting on Wednesday to see what we will be doing for the next half of the year for the choir. Any suggestions?

Trying really hard to finish the PHP project. I'm so sick of it.

New items in auditions.

Cor! Freaking cool man! The Yoshi box is incredible.

Not that I'm a big gaming fan but ... shit! That is one cool box if I were!

Have been looking at some PC mod sites lately. Basically, I'm too much of a hardward idiot to try anything like mods but I'd like to be able to try it one day. Maybe just one of those casing mods to begin with, eh? Don't need to know too much about hardware for that and I love looking at nice things. Would be great to have a change from that ugly looking beige box.

I'm pretty sure that I can tell which is the casing although I'm not too sure of how to take it out completely. I have a HP Vectra and all I can do is slide the casing to the back to open it. Still trying to figure out if I can take it off completely.

One of these days.

Drained ... I am so drained.

4 hours sleep everyday for the past three days is simply not enough for me.

I simply don't have the strength right now to do any coding but I have to cause I'm suppose to finish this app by this week. Have a feeling it won't be ready by Monday though. Unless I pull an all nighter tonight and tomorrow.

Have to go over to Sally's to talk to the caterer's people who are going to set up the canopy later. Which means I might have to miss the zoo party - birthday for the grannies & meeting up with visiting gorilla from Penang. I'll try and pop in after I've finished at Sally's. Hope it won't take me too long. Really need some R&R time.

Anyways, Tutti Frutti the past two nights have gone well. Crowd turnout was quite dissappointing but not to the extent that there were more on stage than on the floor *thank god!*. Last night tonight. After this the calendar should be free-er, at least with the extra-curricular activities. Work wise is still as packed.

WHAT'S YOUR SEXUAL MO?


What's Your Sexual MO? Find out @ She's Crafty

You love to be pampered and romanced by your men and things like cuddling by a fire, having an intimate meal, or having a long, deep conversation can always put you in the mood. Sex to you is usually more about the man your with than the act itself. Not a one-night stand kind of girl, newness and disconnectedness just don't do it for you. The mature, stable men you prefer to date appreciate your loyalty and big heart, but they especially love the way you inspire their more aggressive, protective masculine side.

WHICH BUFFY GIRL ARE YOU?


Which Buffy Girl Are You? Find out @ She's Crafty

WHICH HACKER'S CHARACTER ARE YOU?


Which Hacker's Character Are You? Find out @ She's Crafty

Things You Would Never Know Without Indian Movies

1. A man will show no pain while taking the most ferocious beating but will wince when a woman tries to cleanse his wounds.

2. If a large pane of glass is visible, someone will be thrown through it before long.

3. The hero cannot fall in love with the heroine(vice versa) unless they first perform a dance number in the rain.

4. Once applied, make-up is permanent, in rain or in any other situation.

5. A large group of goondoos can be shooting at the hero, but he will never be hit, unless of course he is attempting to save the heroine.

6. Enemies shooting the hero will always miss but every shot the hero takes from his small revolver will kill an opponent.

7. Two lovers can be dancing in the field and out of nowhere, 100 people will appear from god-knows-where and joins them in the dance.

8. The heroine will have time to change outfits several times in one song, however short the song will be.

9. If the hero start dancing in a field, everyone you bump into will know all the steps, and will be wearing coordinated outfits.

10. It does not matter if the hero is heavily outnumbered in a martial arts fighting - the enemies will wait patiently to attack him one by one by moving around in a threatening manner until he has knocked out his current opponent then the next one will follow up.

11. In the final scene, the hero will discover that the bad guy who he is up against is actually his brother and the maid who looked after him is his mother and the chief inspector is his father and the Judge is his uncle and so forth.

12. Key English words used in the movie (usually said out loud between sentences) are no problem! My God!, Get Out! Shut-up! Impossible!, Please forgive me!


Things You Would Never Know Without Chinese Swordsman Movies

1. Being the hero's parents will always be unlucky and will usually be killed by enemies when the hero is young, and the hero will become an orphan.

2. When a man is wounded and dying, he always manage to catch his breath and speak a few sentences to reveal the killer before dropping his head and declare dead.

3. When an old man is dying after being attacked by villains, while lying down he will ask the hero (kneeling beside him) to take care of his beautiful daughter (who will be crying).

4. When fighting with the enemy, instead of hitting each other, the villain and the hero will choose to hit each other's palm and stone there for sometime before pushing each other away..... and one of them will spill blood out of his mouth

5. Skilled people are able to fly over roof tops, up trees and across distances without any sweat. But when travelling to towns and villages, they still have to walk or ride horses.

6. When saying goodbye to other skilled fighters, they will cover their right fist with their left palm and jumping out of camera screen (assuming you know they actually fly off into the sky).

7. The heroes need not have to work for money, but will always have golds and silvers with them to pay for their dishes.

8. The inn is such an up-to-date information-centre that when having lunch at the inn, you can always overhear gossips of latest news on what's happening in the pugilistic-world. And usually the gossips come from a few goons at the next table.

9. Assassins seem to have some kind of agency for employments - they always wear the same standard uniform, black cloth all over revealing only the eyes.

10. The heroes and villains will meet each other very often no matter how big the country is and no matter where they are.

11. It's easy to immobilize someone - just touch someone with your fore finger and middle finger anywhere on his body and he will not move... but he still can curse and swear.

12. To cure an immobilization, just anyhow tap your fingers all over his body again.

13. Healing internal wounds in the body is as easy as sitting down cross-legged, palms on the knees and smoke coming out from the head.

14. People like to pass short messages on paper with flying darts to show off their darting skills.

15. When committing suicide, people are so lazy that they choose to hit the forehead with their own palm.

16. The villains have some kind of strange habit that they like to stay in a secret underground compartment just behind the walls of their room....usually opened up by turning a small statue.


17. When chasing someone, people tend to shout at the runner and order him to stop...as if he will obey.

18. Nobel's invention of explosives in 1866 is in fact useless. Highly skilled people in the pugilistic world during ancient times already know how to cause explosions with bare hands.

19. Highly skilled villains have the power to destroy rocks, but do not have the power to kill the hero.

20. Two highly skilled person are so nervous in their duel that they keep talking and criticizing each other before they actually start the fight.

21. People in the pugilistic world are so free that they don't have to work. They attend gatherings, meetings everytime and nose around other people's matter.

Finish a whole 100g bar of Tobleron milk chocolate with honey and almond nougat. On my own!

*yawn*

Sleepy after lunch. Not an unfamiliar predicament. However not advisable cause the boss is rushing me to finish the gov't HR application. *yawn* Probably shouldn't have ordered Curry Laksa for lunch just now. Some says santan (coconut milk) makes one drowsy. I say it's probably more the really full contented stomach and the time of day than anything ... but that's just me.

Christ! What the heck is going on with the main power box? Something keeps popping on and off. The pops are even affecting my speakers. I hear them intermittedly through Royal Crown Revue's Park Place playing over my Winamp. Are they repairing the air conditioning again? It seems to be off now and I'm wearing my jacket. What the heck am I wearing a jacket now? Oh yes. I was cold.

Ramblings.

Watched RSC's production of The Merchant of Venice on Sunday. It was fab! Tonnes better than that stupid production by the Actor's Studio a couple of years back. Didn't make me feel like walking off in the middle of the play. Of course, since I've never studied Shakespeare at school, I don't really understand everything that's said. Didn't get some parts but most of it was funny.

Oh yeah! We sat three rows from the stage so that's really close. We were so close we could see the actors spit when they were delivering their lines. I think it was a good call though sitting so close cause a friend told me that their friend watched it from way back and could hardly hear the actors. Not sure if they were using microphones but I kinda suspect that they didn't. Their voice projection's great but it was a large hall so I don't think their voices managed to travell all the way back.

Next stop, Cats. Just reserved tickets yesterday. Cost me RM151 per for the RM251 tickets. 40% discount for Maxis One customers. Hurrah! That's the most expensive seat. I've been told that Cats is boring. Seen it once on the telly. Seemed alright to me. *shrugs*

destination UK

There are plans current for a visit to the UKs for the Christmas holidays. Hopefully this will go through. I'd love to visit UK or any other country as a matter of fact.

Looking at the calendar, I'm hoping to fly Friday night of the 20th if they have a midnight or close to midnight flight. Don't feel like flying on the 21st for certain reasons and if I fly Friday, I'll be in UK for that eventful date! Perfect pressie for myself. ;)

Plans while in UK. Spend a few days in Aunty K's in Liverpool until Christmas, possibly going over to London for a couple days then over to Aunty Kool in Dublin. While in London, hopefully will be able to meet up with Bren; who out of nowhere is suddenly actually leaving for London for his MBA. He's been considering it for awhile but didn't really do much about it. Now he's leaving in less than two weeks. Good on ya, mate!

Well, holiday plans looks good at the moment. Will have to talk to the parental unit to check who's actually going. I had originally thought that it was just gonna be me and sis S but mom said something about her and pa going as well *bummer*. Pray to God no! Just me and sis S would be good.

Hope they come up with a decision soon. Wanna get cheap flights.

Class was cancelled yet again last night. No room available. SM tried calling me at 7.55pm (class was suppose to be at 8pm) then texted me instead when he could get me. My battery was dead. I only found that out after I've parked near the studio and was transferring stuff from my work bag to another bag. Luckily V had a Nokia charger. I managed to retrieve that text ... but I was already at the studio.

Just when I had finished reading the text, SM called. We decided to practise anyway.

Showed our routine to some people who were still at the studio after we've practised and asked for their feedback. Here's what they said:

Cha-cha routine
"... not sharp enough. Cal's too soft."
"... hip movement part need to be more defined, ie. more evident slow-slow-quick-quick-quick."

Jive
"very nice. Better than the cha-cha."

Hmmm ... which is weird cause we haven't done anything with the Jive routine or done any Jive in class since the last competition back in March.

01. What time is it? 11:44 a.m.
02. Name as it appears on your birth certificate? C a l l i s t a C h u a h H u e i L i
03. Nickname : Shorty, Piggie, Sister Maria, Cinders
04. Parents names: Pa & Mi
05. Number of candles that appeared on your last birthday cake: 24
06. Date that you regularly blow them out: 21 Dec
08. Hair color: Really Dark Brown almost black ... my bio teacher once said my hair's not healthy cause it's not completely black, which is what a 'typical' chinese 'should' have. Makes me wonder if she should really be teaching bio in the first place!
09. Tattoos: none ... yet. Too afraid to get it. Argh! The pain. Maybe one day I'll get my chinese name tatooed somewhere discreet. :)
10. How much do you love your job on a scale of 5? 1 ... I hate the disorganisation.
11. Favorite color: anything but pastels!
12. Hometown: Kuala Lumpur
13. Current Residence: Subang Jaya
14. Favorite food: Assam Laksa, Italian, fast food, cakes, ice cream ...
15. Been to Africa? Nope
16. Been toilet papering? Do not compute! Wha???
17. Loved somebody so much it made you cry? nope.
18. Been in a car accident? Bumped some cars a couple of times (at the same spot) but didn't cause any dents. Nothing major as yet. *touches wood* christ! where the heck do I find wood in an office?
19. Croutons or bacon bits? Both
20. Sprite or 7UP? Hmmm ... 7UP I think.
21: Favorite Movie: Too many to mention! Moulin Rouge, Center Stage, LOTR, Stargate ...
22. Favorite Holiday: Don't know yet! Haven't done much travelling to be able to decide. I'll get back to you on this after I get the chance to travel. At the moment, I like Melbourne. I miss Melbourne.
23. Favorite day of the week: Sunday? but I'm busy then as well so really, don't have a favourite day of the week.
24. Favorite word or phrases: "I don't know." & "Bloody hell!"
26. Favorite Toothpaste: Colgate Gel
27. Favorite Restaurant: Dome's Cafe
28. Favorite Flowers: Gorgeous full bloom red roses.
29. Favorite beverage: Always coca-cola (sing it)
30. Favorite sport to watch : figure skating, rhythmic gymnastics, synchronised swimming, dancesport ... (see a pattern here?), tennis & baseball (hardly manage to watch it but I like it)
31. Preferred type of ice cream: Baskin Robin's Jamoca Almond Fudge
32. Favorite Sesame Streetman : The Count
34. Favorite Fast Food Restaurant: Nando's
35. When was your last hospital visit: a few months back
36. What color is your bedroom carpet? deep burgundy (if I had carpeting, which I don't)
37. How many times did you fail your drivers test? once but maintain that it's cause I didn't bribe the guy!
38. Who is the last person you got email from before this? The Selangor Philharmonic Committee egroup
39. Have you ever been convicted of a crime? What ... a goody too shoe like me? Never.
40. Which single store would you choose to max out your credit card? Homelife or a computer shop
41. What do you do most often when you are bored? Watch a movie
42. Name the person that you are friends with that lives the farthest away: Tim in Taiwan (originally from Aussieland)
43. Most annoying thing people ask or tell me: "When can you finish that program?" "Give me a timeline." - People! I'll finish when I finish okay? Get off my case!
44. Bedtime: whenever I get the chance
45: Who will respond the quickest? Don't even know who I'm mailing this to yet!
46. Who is the person you sent this to that is least likely to respond? Don't know.
47. Favorite TV show? Buffy, Caroline in the City
48. Last person you went out to dinner with: All by myself (know the tune?)
49. Last Movie you saw : Burn the Floor
50: Time when you finished: 12.07pm

It's gonna be busy this week.

Spent almost the entire day at the dance studio on Sunday. First it was practise for the Shasae dance group from 9.30am till 11am then practised the cha-cha routine with my dance partner, SM, for a bit before class begins at 12pm ... except that didn't happen. Mr L's alarm didn't go off. He just woke up when SM called him at about 12.20pm, so class is cancelled and rescheduled for today.

We continued practising for a bit more and then SM went home with plans to come back and practise some more at 4pm. Feeling lazy, I stayed back at the studio and just hung out. The thought of driving back home and then rest for an hour before driving back to the studio is just too tiring. SM took out his office's Palm and I borrowed that from him to wile away the wait time. I'm hooked on bejeweled now. :) Skipped Yoga to practise cause I think we really need more practise if we are to get beyond the first round of the competition.

After getting home, had to drive mom to the night market and the bank. I was half dead by that time. No Gilmore Girls that night but that's good cause Mad About Mambo was showing on Star Movies. Haven't seen that. It's good. Couldn't stay awake after that so *plop* I went to sleep.

Monday was a whole day at work and then choir practise at night. Loooong day. Dropped off posters and postcards of the concert at TGV Sunway Pyramid and Sunway Pyramid information counter during lunch. Oh, the soloists came in today for practise and I think the soprano's really good. She sort of overpowers the tenor during the Brindisi piece. Hopefully the tenor gets more courage and try to sing louder after more practise. Tired. So tired.

So, tonight, dance class. Hopefully we don't stay back too long for practise. Want to catch Sex and the City on HBO at 10pm.

Plans for the week: Wednesday - choir practise, Thursday - Committee meeting (darn! I have to miss my regular Thursday 4 hour TV series session - Buffy, Angel, Angel and Popular|Dark Angel), Friday - check out venues for post-concert party, Saturday - nothing confirmed, National Choir performance? and the it's Sunday routine again.

Well, managed to rewire my brain circuits to take the alternate route to work this morning *grin* *pats herself on the back*. And no. I wasn't any faster. Part of that route was filled with traffic and traffic lights which made it a little slow and it being a slightly longer route, the smooth passage after the traffic didn't cut down any travelling time. So, I guess it's back to the old route. Old is gold.

Finally got back the PC from the HR Ministry. Sent that PC in for them to test the program almost 3 weeks ago! The plan was to have them test it for only a week. Anyway, I have it back now. Will have to do lots of modifications to the program (due to lack of information when building the program in the beginning! Hear that boss?).

Made a little stop at the new Tesco in Puchong on the way back. Was falling asleep at the wheel and tummy was doing a little song and dance, so I thought I'd stop over to grab a bit. Didn't have much of a lunch before that.

Tesco's not that great. The prices are pretty much the same as Carrefour or Giant. No biggie. Bought a bag of chips and a cup of cafe mocha (from San Francisco's). Spilled some coffee on the handle of my new Elle document bag. Now there's a stain. Wonder how I'm going to get that off. Should I soak it? Will the stain come off if I soak it?

Was thinking of working late tonight but once I got back in the office and hooked up the PC I brought back, didn't feel much like working anymore. Checked my mails, browsed my guestbook and browsed Moby's site; really nice site plus he has a T-shirt designing competition on right now. Only problem is, it's only open to American. Not like I was planning on entering it but that kinda limits the pool of talent a tad, don't you think?

...and now, I think I'll just go home.

Let's try another route.
Need to get to work earlier after that email from the boss.

I chanted and chanted when I woke up this morning.

Ready. Got in the car. Start the car. Reverse. Right. Left. Left. Driving. Driving.

Realization hits!

Bloody hell! Freaking went on auto pilot. Back on the slow, jam packed old route. Bugger it!

My choir's concert. Check it out. Doesn't the poster look festive?

Here's the programme order: CARMEN Georges Bizet (1838-1875) March of the Toreadors ALADDIN music: Alan Menken (b.1949) A whole new world lyrics: Howard Ashman (1951-1991) words: Tim Rice (b.1944) KERAMAT CINTA music: Adrian Lee (b.1958) & Sunetra Fernando (b.1966) Choral suite from Opera Uda dan Dara text: Usman Awang (20th century) IDOMENEO Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (1756-1791) Go diam la pace Sidonne spondie & Placido e il mar andiamo Scenda Amor DIE ZAUBERFLOTE Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (1756-1791) Papagena & Papageno duet FAUST Charles Gounod (1818-1893) Avant de quitter EUGENE ONEGIN Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky (1840-1893) Waltz scene LA FORZA DEL DESTINO Giuseppe Verdi (1813-1901) Rataplan NABUCCO Giuseppe Verdi Chorus of the Hebrew slaves LA TRAVIATA Giuseppe Verdi Brindisi INTERVAL (solo item - Student Prince) THE GONDOLIERS Arthur Sullivan (1842-1900) Then one of us will be a queen Once more Gondolieri WEST SIDE STORY Leonard Bernstein (1918-1990) A choral selection PRINCE IGOR Alexander Borodin (1833-1887) Polovtsian Dances

Spectacular! Spectacular!

I finally saw 'Burn the Floor' last night. Have heard about it from people at the studio, the rave reviews on my random searches about it and from jason. Then my dance partner said he had a copy but it was with a friend. When he finally got it back, it took him a few weeks to pass it to me. He keeps forgetting to bring it and one time he did bring it but forgot to give it to me. So, last Sunday, he brought it and I managed to watch it last night.

Well, I actually saw a pirated DVD copy selling on the streets of Penang during my holidays last week but resisted the temptation to purchase cause I was gonna get to watch it eventually. Damn my incredible willpower! Because of you I have missed on days of not watching the incredible dancing from the 44 couples on that show.

As I was watching the show, I first picked the cha-cha, samba, rumba sequence which was dance to a very industrial sound. The dancers looked like they came out of some futuristic movie. Y'know those where everyone looks like they're in rags with googles on their head and living in the sewers with steam puffing out of vents all over. Very Mad Max. Or is it Total Recall? Anyway, it was so cool. A total change from the flashy latin costume and shoes and into a modern clothes and sneakers. If I hadn't been watching carefully, I might have just missed that they were actually dancing the cha-cha, samba and rumba. It looks like any other hip-hop, modern day dance. Great sequence!

I thought that was going to be my favourite sequence ... up until the swing number came up. I have always had a soft spot for swing dance and music. In fact, I have several swing and rockability albums in my collection. Would actually be more if I could find them in the local stores and they didn't cost above RM75 a piece! Oops! Digressed ... As I was saying, I love swing and all the dancers looked very hep. I wanna learn to swing! Oh, they added a little bit of jive into the sequence as well. They danced to 'Jump Jive an' Wail', 'Transylvania 6500' (I think) and the classic 'Swing, Swing, Swing'. There was also a piece called the 'Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy' with three girls singing in old time bikini. So chic. :) I like the sound they made. Great voice arrangements.

So, those two sequences are currently tied as my favourite.

Fave couples from the who show would be Jason Roditis and Tonia Kosovich, which is featured on the cover of the VCD, and Matthew Cutler & Nicole Cutler.

Some pictures from Club Nite back in April 20th

Star Wars: Attack of the Clones was much better than Star Wars: The Phantom Menance. The script was still pretty corny and filled with dialog trying to inject a little humour into the film but it wasn't as bad as Episode 1. Hayden Christensen as Anakin Skywalker was just a tinge better than the little boy who played Anakin. Actually, I can't say that I like Anakin at all. It's no wonder he went bad. So, whiny. What in the world does Padme see in him? His good looks? His incredible potential of being the greatest Jedi ... ever?

Eesh! For lack of a better sentence, he sucks!

Funny parts, ... Padme running through the fields of Naboo. Looks like a scene from The Sound of Music. I can just imagine her bursting out in song. My sister couldn't stop laughing when we were watching that part and I sang (silently), 'The hills are alive, with the sound of music'. :)

Next up, after Ani found his kidnapped mother and she was lying there dying, she went 'I love ... *cough* *choke* ... I love'. Aunty Kool, sis S and I completed it with char kuey teow, chocolates and laksa, respectively. Don't know why we can't all feel sad and serious about that whole scene. Why do we find it funny? We're just plain cruel and unfeeling people. That or the scene wasn't convincing?

Throughly enjoyable film though. Wouldn't mind watching it again although I didn't like a lot of things in it. Probably the things that I did like made it bearable. Padme's wardrobe, gorgeous Naboo, Ewan McGregor ...

The drive back from Penang to Kuala Lumpur was less torturous than the drive there. Mainly cause everyone else has gone back to work on today (Tuesday) after the long weekend. Managed to have my assam laksa, my durians up in the hill, and some (all of 45 minutes) sun bathing done. Made myself sick by eating too much. Cor! What torture. I didn't know overeating can cause such pain. Felt dizzy, was sweating and even threw up a little. Felt better after the purging though. All of this plus some time for packing and cleaning up the apartment took till about 3.35pm before we left for the cemetary to place flowers on my grandfather and greatgrandparents's graves. Was feeling better by that time although I could still feel the food in my stomach.

Black sheep sister was suppose to meet up with us, she was staying with friends, but she didn't show until we were in our cars and getting ready to leave. She went with brother and company for lok-lok (raw/pre-cooked food on sticks sold from a van which provides pots with boiling water in which you cook the food) while the rest of us left straight for KL. Bought some guavas and mangoes on the way back but besides that, it was a smooth non-stop ride back. Slept most of the way. Managed to influence Aunty Cool into listening to Josh Groban. She likes. :)