Friday, July 13, 2007

Till Death Do Us Part

There have been no break-ups or separation in my family, which includes my aunts and uncles on both my parents’ side. That doesn’t mean that they don’t argue, coz I’m sure they do. But somehow the word ‘divorce’ is like a taboo. They’d rather stay with each other even if they’re doing two very separate thing. One would be at the golf course or hanging out with friends, while the partner would be doing over time at the office. When relatives come to visit, they’d play the role of a happy and normal couple, which I think is really weird. But separate? I don’t know whether the idea ever entered their minds.

Among my friends too, well close friends that is, not many of their parents are divorced. Their parents would have problems, but somehow, they’d stick together. I know of a friend whose father is really…err… a bit of a problem. He would have girlfriends and all, and hung out at few ‘dangdut’ spots. There was this one time, my friend’s boyfriend was playing (he’s in a band) at this particular dangdut joint and imagined his surprise when he saw his prospective, future father-in-law dancing with another woman who was not his wife. My friend was really upset but when she told her mother, her mother just kept quiet. The last time I heard, they’re still married but just not living under the same roof.

Sometimes I wonder why these couples stay together if emotionally and perhaps physically, they have already drifted apart from one another. Is it for the children? But what if the children have all grown up? I’m sure they would understand if their parents want a divorce. But come to think of it, would I be able to accept the idea that my parents are going to get a divorce? This is hypothetically speaking, ok. My parents are not divorced.

I don’t know. It’s hard to say. Some couples stay together for the sake of the children. But when the children have all grown up and are mature to understand what’s going on, they head for Splits Ville. I wonder what it’s like for those children. Would they be ok with it? Would they hate their parents’ guts? Would they have taken a different view if their parents were to have divorced when they were much younger?

It’s really nice to see some couples who not only stay old together, but are still loving and caring towards one another. The fact that they are not embarrassed to show the affections they have is even more remarkable. But alas, not many Malaysians are like that. Sad to admit it, but it’s true. I guess it’s the culture. Well, I pray that I am one of those couples. And I pray that my parents are one of those happy couples as well.

Saturday, July 07, 2007

Tagged For Charity

Actually, I don’t know how this meme helps me contribute towards the Darul Izzah Orphanage. But I guess there’s no harm in doing it, since I’ve been tagged to do it. Anyway, for more information, read the short note below:

The original meme sender, Bro Idham needed 100 memes by 26th August. Once this tag is done, please leave a comment on his blog to inform him that you have done the tag.

If you are tagged, you need to write an entry related to the meme. At the end of your entry you just need to tag as many bloggers as you like. You will then leave a comment in their blog to let them know they have been tagged. And to include this message, "By doing this meme you are contributing RM127 to the Darul Izzah Orphanage".

Then please copy and paste this rule somewhere in your entry.

The meme is about completing at least seventeen out of the following twenty seven sentences.

*These can be copied and pasted to your entry*

1. A person is only as good as ... his or her integrity, sincerity, manners and pure thoughts.

2. Friendship is always ... something important regardless of your status, age and surrounding.
3. To love is to... have someone to share your feelings, your thoughts, your sorrow, your happiness and everything else beyond that.

4. Money makes me... in a way, happy because I know I can afford to buy things and live comfortably, my way at least.

5. I miss ... single life where I can just do whatever I want without having to worry about the house, the kids, the husband.

6. My way of saying I care is by ... keeping in touch with those I care be it through the phone, or emails or making time to visit and meet up.

7. I try to spread love and happiness by... being myself by chit chatting, crack jokes, send long emails and quirky text messages, listen to people when they have problems and whatever else that those who love me know I would do.

8. Pick the flowers when... they are intended for me.

9. To love someone is to... share your feelings and thoughts, just like item 3 above.
10. Beauty is... subjective and depends on one’s eyes and perception.

11. When I was thirteen, what I remember the most was... the surprise party my classmates threw for me when they learnt that I was going to go back to Malaysia for good.

12. When I was twenty one, I remember... the Girls throwing a small party just amongst us when we were in Dilston Road where they asked Kak Amy downstairs to bake a chocolate cake for me.

13. I am most happy when ... I know that those I love are happy and well and that I get to spend quality time with my husband and two kids.

14. Nothing makes me happier than ... knowing that the people around me are happy, well basically the same as item 13 above.

15. If I can change one thing, I will change... my salary, perhaps give myself a generous raise and a good bonus.

16. If smiles were.... contagious, I think all my face muscles would be screwed up coz I was smiling too much.

17. Wouldn't it be nice if we could... eliminate all the evil in the world so that the world becomes a safe and nicer place to live in.

18. If you want to ... gain people’s respect ...then you have to ... start respecting people.
19. Money is not everything but... considering today’s current living situation, having money and a lot of it, is very helpful indeed.

20. The most touching moment I have experienced is.... when I become Mrs Bie.
21. I smile when... I see anyone looking at me.

22. When I am happy, I... would be talking, smiling and laughing a lot.

23. If only I don't have to ... get a maid to take care of my children, but alas, considering the current arrangement, what choice do I have.

24. The best thing I did yesterday was... enjoy lauk sardin for the first time since my confinement period.

25. If I ever write a book, I will give it this title... " Unspoken Conflicts"
26. One thing I must do before I die is... ensure that my children will be well taken care of.

27. Doing this meme, I feel like ... deep in thoughts coz the meme opened my mind to some things which I have never thought about.

I have no particular person to tag.

Tuesday, July 03, 2007

Food Glorious Food






I love to eat and I eat all sorts of food. Bak kata orang, tolak batu and kayu je. And of course those which we’re forbidden to eat.

I love western food. I don’t know why. I guess the way the vegetables are cooked, or the way that the chicken or steak is grilled. They’re just so delicious. And the salad is just much better than the ones I do at home. I like Italian food as well, be it the normal pasta dish or lasagna, or fine dining food. I love them all.

I also like Thai food. I have eaten at quite a few Thai restaurants (except for Amarin Heavenly Thai at Mid Valley) but none of the dishes are as Thai and tasty as the D’Chengmai restaurant in Sungai Buloh. The Tom Yam is to die for, the best I have had so far in comparison with all the other Tom Yam I have tasted. The pandan leaf chicken is also delicious. The texture is soft and you can taste the ingredients right to the core of the pandan leaf chicken. And being original Thai, the dishes are filled with a lot of chilies. So yes, they are hot and spicy, but worth trying because they’re so good.

I also like Chinese and nyonya food. I don’t like much of the economy rice, but other hawker type of dishes are good. But it’s quite hard to find halal Chinese food unless I go to expensive restaurants and hotels. I have heard that a Mualaf has opened a Chinese restaurant somewhere in Taman Shamelin called Adam’s cafĂ©. I might check that out later. They say the food is also good.

I also love Penang food. I mean, what is not to love about Penang food. The best nasi kandar can only be found in Penang. I tried other nasi kandar here in KL but somehow the best is in Penang. And there’s also this rice dish called Nasi Dalca. Pun sedap jugak. They also say that the best prawn mee can also be found in Penang. Unfortunately I didn’t get a chance to check that out when I was in Penang (the best prawn mee outlet was closed when I went there) so I only eat prawn mee at Little Penang in Mid Valley. Ironically though, the prawn mee at Little Penang used to be so tasty. Nowadays, it’s ok. I wonder where I can get a really good prawn mee. That’d be great.

However, I’m not much into Japanese food. I don’t know why. Teppayaki is ok, but other than that, I don’t think I know how to eat them. Surprisingly though, I kind a like smoked or raw salmon. Weird eh.

All in all, I just love food. So, if anyone out there knows of a great eating place, let me know and I will try my very best to check it out.