Wednesday, May 27, 2009

A Cook Blog

Basically the reason of creating the new blog, which probably will come with the name 'fein-kuchyne.blogspot.com' which means 'fine cuisine' has to do with the interest of my godmom, her son and myself, we love cooking, baking and make up new recipes. So the decision was set and we are in the midst of creating a new header and of cause start posting!


It will be mostly about cooking and new recipes, but I will also share some of my own experiences about restaurants that serve fantastic foods or drinks.


So look out for the news update here about when is the blog ready for viewing and please log on to fein-kuchyne.blogspot.com for who knows you might need to cook a lovely meal for your love someday! Ciao~

Monday, May 25, 2009

My First Company Getaway...

...yes, after so many deferral we got to enjoy the fruits of our harvest, last years hard works finally paid off, although it came a bit late, by the time they announced the trip and double confirmed the venue, accommodation and flights, many had either dropped out, reluctant or opt for a personal trip, rather some said. Initially, we were offered 3 destinations: 1) Perth (You would think, 'yeah, I know it's a 3 day 2 night company trip, you get to breath the fresh air of Australia and the next thing you know, you're boarding the returning flight', but we still have high hope for it like we don't care as long as we get the highest vote for Perth) and 2) Manila (Eeww who would want to be there, that's the responses we've got) and the last 3) Hanoi (We had the 2ND highest votes for this, as we think it would be plan B if we didn't make it to Australia). So, the MD stepped up on the podium during our Annual Dinner and announced the winning destination, Hanoi! Here we go...






This was not the hotel we stayed in Hanoi instead the 5 star hotel in Bangkok, and it is located in the heart of Bangkok, just 10 min walk to MBK the famous shopping paradise in Bangkok.



How it turned out to be Bangkok? We didn't board the wrong flight or the pilot needed to pee and landed in Bangkok but what happened after the announcement, a few issue arises and needed urgent attention and the trip was postponed, we were fine with that, later another issue came up, Hanoi is apparently not a suitable venue with certain reasons: 1) AirAsia only schedule 1 flight per day to Hanoi and could not cater to our need of carrying more than 350 people in 1 flight. 2) The hotel in Hanoi cannot accommodate the number of people too 3) We already paid the deposits and made arrangements.



The only solution to such problem not only change flight, but change venue to a more practical and cheaper venue, so there is Bangkok.



I think staying in the 5 star hotel was the compensation to our disappointment, but then again it could be other reason.


Nevertheless, I still have to blog and brag about it LOL. We could find other excitement in Bangkok too, first let's marvel at the new 5 star VIE Hotel huh...














Now we look into my room and let's see what we've got...










How about the view from my room window?





Oh I forgot about something, I noticed there were some landscapes at the entrance of the hotel which really captured me and I like it the most from what the hotel featured. Take a look.











The plants were rooted in the wall, beautifully and stunning.


Upon arrival we were given a brief time to check into our room and refresh, and meet at the lobby where all of us got into 2 coaches to go to Chaophraya River for our dinner on the cruise.











A Thai dancer performing as the mark of welcoming the guests on board and the opening of our dinner.


After the so-so dinner buffet, I went up to the open deck to snap some scenery, they didn't turn out good due the cloudy and drizzling weather, so I didn't post them here. It was an exhausting night, the minute I got into my room, I just dropped dead...



I went to MBK the next day with my boss and colleagues, as we were entering the mall, I smelt incense burning and joss sticks on the altar, many worshipper were busy mumbling and praying to the Gods, I was not sure what name are the Gods but among them were the Elephant God, the one with four faces and one with many arms...









Well I managed to snapped a few before got chased by the security guard.



After a long and hustle shopping like a shopaholic, we finally settled down and headed back to our hotel to get ourselves cleaned up and proceed to the next agenda which I never regret going and it was a memorable one in my life.



We watched 'The Miracle of Siam', it was spectacular and amazing, every bit of it was perfectly done. It's totally exceptional and we were all in awe too, we didn't even know there was a water river on stage until an actor jumped into it and took a bath, in addition, a monk on a boat came into screen on the water and blessing the villagers, I can't literally explain unless you experience it yourself. It was just unexpected. A definitely must see show in Thailand.











Before we enter the theatre, we were guided to a huge dining hall where we had our dinner buffet, which was a satisfactory, the tom yam kung and noddle soup were prepared on the spot and everything's delicious and fresh.


After the dinner, the guide lead us to the Thai Village, where we got to know the hill tribe people, their lifestyles and some of their delicacies which was very unique.





It was said that every house in the hill hang this fishes made from dried leaves bring good fortune and wealth, it is an auspicious sign.


After the tour, it was show time, so we got to our seat and enjoy the show. You have to watch the show yourself in order to get what I meant, I can' explain it here. No words could describe the awesome-ness. Hmmm after the show, you just feel sleepy watching this little one, they have it around the hall outside...how sweet.



Photo Slides from HK Trip

Finally, I put everything into slides, yeah and I knew it was a quarter (3 months) ago, I guess everything will explained through these photos. Need no explainations. And with that amount or number of photos, it took me hours just to pick, insert and make into slides, although it's not hard, but it pained my eyes, I am still giddy after done. Anyway, hope you enjoy watching them. Happy Viewing!




























Friday, May 22, 2009

Passion for the dream job

It is a 'passion' I started picking up again recently as it was where I dropped it temporarily last time, the Sign Language. It was like a reunion for me to re-join the group at Level 2 class which held every once a week on Thursday, 7 PM - 9 PM at the Young Men Christian Association (YMCA, Brickfields).



Before I proceed, I'd like to explain a little bit of how and when I got myself into the world of the Deaf. I also did mentioned them before in my older posts that I have passion for the Deaf, especially the language they use to communicate, the Sign Language.



My first encounter with the Sign Language was more than 5 years ago where I worked in a McDonald's outlet in Penang, when I have to use hand signs and body language to communicate to my Crew Leader, he was the person-in-charge of the kitchen, quality and quantity of the products were under his control during his shift.



Slowly and gradually I was 'lured' in or attracted to its beauty, the language of communication. I would ask him a few words a day, or everytime I met him during my shift, and from then I've always look forward to work in the same shift as his. He would patiently teach me the correct signing, the placing of the hands in order to show / perfect certain signs. But he was very strict in his work, no one got pass him with an extra packet of chili, sometimes he could notice you stealing burger or a drumstick from the waste bin from far and throw things at you in order to get your attention, or make noise so he could talk to you.



It was him that aroused my interest and love towards Sign Language, he brought me to the association's AGM one day, I dropped my jaw and didn't even blink my eyes, I only see signs and hear silence in the conference room. That was amazing, I said to myself.



From there, I began to pick up the Sign Language myself without the help of an instructor or teacher, I learned from the Deaf, I would follow them to their regular activities and then wait at the favorite meeting point (usually a hawker stall or food court) after the activity, to chat that was.



At the beginning, I was the only hearing person in the crowd, my eyes were just rolling, up and down, then left and right seeing them responding to each other's commands, it's a scene for me! Even I don't understand a single sign. Then after a few meetings where I got a bit more acquainted to them, I would budge in or cut in and stop their signing, then I would ask them what were the signs meant, and I would jot it down, they were curious at first, probably thinking I was a weirdo, but they saw my perseverance and hard-working, they willingly offer classes to me and even 1-to-1 class to teach me Sign Language, some offered me some books on Sign Language.



So I began my work, contribution and commitment to the Deaf society, I socialize with them practically everyday, I didn't get tired of it, I even wanted a Deaf partner that time! I remembered one time I signed the whole night, just plain signing with a bunch of Deaf and we were laughing and enjoying the 'chat'.



When I walked into the class room in YMCA, that day, immediately it brought me back when and where I was learning like the beginning, it just happened in the same room, but it was much quieter now, the students and the teacher were no where in sight! I went back downstairs to check the schedule and re-checked with the receptionist again, it was correct, the class commercing at 7:00 PM. Then I walked out and waited outside hoping to see someone I knew.



There, the YMCA Laundry remains, fully owned by a Deaf and runs by the Deaf as well, I stepped in and waved 'Hi' to the lady worker, who didn't realise until I told her that I've worked here before with the teacher who's being late for class today. We were laughing and a hearing couple came in, handing her a windbreaker, wanting a dry wash for it, the Deaf lady took a look at it and look at the customer again and shook her head, and she was signing 'The machine is not working, it was broken...', the hearing couple found difficulty understanding her signs, then I politely talked by their side and explain the situation to them, apparently the shop hasn't found any man to fix the machine because there weren't any man nearby who knows how to fix the machine, so the worker told them to go look for other laundry shop, after apologising to them and seeing them walking out the laundry shop, I saw my teacher shouldered in between the couple and she saw me.


Teacher: Hey Joe! What're you doing here?



Me: Waiting for you, I thought the class starts at 7?



Teacher: Yes, sorry I was late.



So there we were distributed some papers and a booklet what seems like a thin text book to me. And I was browsing the assignments:



Assignment #1: Deaf Event, I have to attend at least 3 Deaf events, preferably not organized by YMCA, and at least 1/3 of the crowd is Deaf.



Assignment #2: Book / Movie Review, of cause it must be related to Deaf culture / society / awareness and so on...



Teacher: Ok, before we start, shall we introduce ourselves, start from Joe.



Me: Hi, my name is Joe and the sign is 'JO' and I am working in the Head Office of McDonald's...


Before I could finish...


Teacher: Alright, since you're the only male in the class, I should inform you guys about another thing about becoming an Interpreter, there are many male Interpreter in the world, most of them are either gay or, married to a Deaf wife. So what are you?



It was like I was struck by a frozen sharp razor, I wanted to turn and face the walls but I couldn't. With the tiny boldness I had, I swallowed and answered 'Yes...I am gay.'



Teacher: Really?! I knew it from the beginning ahahaha.



The rest were whispering, though they were only 5 of them.



However, there were no concrete facts that says gays like to be Sign Language Interpreter or gays are more eligible, dominant or capable in interpreting jobs, all I am saying is, Interpreter is a unique occupation, it's rare and it is in fact a highly paid career, and not for the soft hearted, as Interpreters need to work, sometimes very long hours, stressful situations and preferably a versatile person who would be able to switch in order to suit in the situation or vice versa.



When we were discussing the 3rd Assignment, the teacher suggested to me to cover a topic about Gay and Lesbian Deaf which interests me, I have thought of that but it is just too much of the effort to find out how many gays in the Deaf society especially in Malaysia. There are, I mean but they are more towards closeted ones, conservative and scared. It's a bit tough to conduct interview with them as Deaf are sensitive on certain issues than the hearings do. The rest of the assignments are not that hard to complete and we have about 2 months before submission which is great.



As I walked down the street towards KL Sentral after the class, part of my mind was heavy and part of it was light, a mixture of feelings, like happy yet sad. I had trouble figuring out what was I doing. I guess I just have to move forward, towards my dream.

Saturday, May 9, 2009

All in a day's work...

I thought I am going to spend the empty day alone, staying up late in bed and lie down again to go back to sleep, when suddenly "...please don't stop the music, music, music..." I grumbled as I answered the call, this was supposed to be a beautiful day for my pay-back beauty sleep...and moreover I hardly get sat-off, just because some idiots called off my shows in Melacca...




Me: Yello...*yawns



Sydney: Hey Joe! uhmm u got a min?



Me: Not if I go back to sleep, what's up?





Although Sydney has been my friend and classmate for more than 10 years, there were times we lost contact / communication, we went our separate ways, and he was in UK as well. When he came back to Malaysia a few years ago, we bumped into each other and that's how we are re-connecting back, well almost, as he is still a bit far from me though, he's working for Jefferson (Head Office in Penang) and I am working in KL. Both of us travel a lot for our work, making it difficult for us to meet up even for a cuppa...




Sydney: I am in need of an extra hand, for my show!



Me: Woah...hold on, I could lend you both if you don't mind if you tell me what show is that you're doing? And I don't illegal and hanky-panky stuffs ya know...



Sydney: NO lar! My fashion show!



Me: When did you become a model, I thought you still with LV?



Sydney: I don't have time for this, Joe, please come, see you at 2 PM.




So, by the time I hang up it's already quarter past 1 PM...what say you? I mandi kerbau lar! Luckily I put on a shirt before going out.




Sydney: Ohh gosh! Thank god for you, you are here...Marrrrrrrrry! Come! Please teach my friend, Joe to put the clothes according to the models' name...




That took another 1 hour or so, then finally everything was done, we pushed the hangers to the lift and then go behind the stage, into a backstage room, full of smoldering male models, my eyes were not blinking, but staring and screening through every bodies in there.




Sydney: Joe, your job here is to dress and undress them *pointing towards the models

Oh! Don't forget to double check them before they go out. Make sure they're wearing

correct suits and pants, according to the numbering.



The first round was smart casual, with a tee and a jacket or coat and all long pants...wait a minute, something was wrong with model number 3! His long pants and long sleeves was still hanging on the hanger, gawd! I immediately call out for Sydney, luckily the model hadn't went on stage yet, so I managed to rush the whole undressing and change into the correct pairs for him and then wowla, and let the show begin...correctly at the least I could do, Sydney was so thankful and grateful I was there.


There were 8 male models, and there were only 3 of us to handle them, sounded unfair, but somehow I was wishing for more at that time, what was I thinking, I was grinning all the time, that was so not me, so desperate! So pervert! But I was acting cool all the time, mind you, I don't even smile back when the model smiled at me.




Coordinator: Ivan! IVAN! It's your turn, where are you?!



Me: Ok ok go go it's your turn.





I am bad at names, couldn't remember whose pants I undid or whose fly I unzipped, but I remembered Ivan's, lol. He was doing the buttons on his shirt, and while waiting for him, I helped undo his jeans, pulled down the zip, but got stuck on the belt, I couldn't unleash the belt, suddenly I felt embarrassed, I was blushing, geez moreover that part was so hairy too, i almost hurt him by pulling his hair, ya know the hair that grows on the part between your pubic and on stomach, I don't know what to call that particular area. And they grow like a line leading from stomach to the pubic region.




Me: uhm..uh, hey Ivan I think you do it yourself...I..I get you your next...shorts.




He didn't say a word, didn't even look at me...just busy doing his....buttons...

So after a few round, it was finally reaching the end of the show and all of the models are to walk for a last round, we got extra time to tidy things up a bit, check and double check the outfits, the colours mixing and matching, sleeves, collars and so on. I was checking on Ivan, and he was sweating like a pig I tell you! Rubbing and wiping off sweats on his cheeks, sides and forehead, and he suddenly stared at me...'Erm...it's my turn now...thanks a lot'.



You probably have guessed and got excited about the job, get to look at naked men dressing and not only that, you get to undress them, you get the whole package there, but sadly to say this, you really don't have time to look at their dick ok, it was so time consuming and hustle, you don't even have time to pee.


You will be worrying about their clothes, the colour matches, was it the right belt or shoe, unbutton or button, tuck in or out, things like that.


By the end of the day, me and Sydney were exhausted, and we walked over to Pavillion and had a tasty-filling dinner of Sambal Petai and Nasi Lemak at Mdm. Kwan's. Hmmm irresistible.


After that late dinner, we went to a sauna nearby to have a nice stress-release lol. Didn't think I would ever enter that place again, well, who cares? It's just a retreat anyway...

Sunday, May 3, 2009

Love is confusing... (Part 7)

The message of LOVE

What is love to me seems to be a little bit different from what people think of it nowadays, I really want to know, just out of 10 guys, how many believe in true love, need not mention everlasting love or lifetime companionship but just the belief of relationship.




I know love is complicating, in fact love is almost everything including the negatives like, jealousy, hatred, selfishness, conservativeness, over-protecting, misunderstanding and the list goes on endlessly.



With the technology today, long-distance relationship is no exception in prolonging love, be it thru MSN, Skype, Emails, 3G, Edge, Voice Mails and whatever that keeps us contacting to the ones we love. And I know sometimes, with all these advanced devices, we still could see laggy visuals, deformed images of our partner showing thru the tiny screen in our phones, really frustrating huh. But yet it doesn't fail us from constant communication and endurance.



Another thing about love I want to share here is - kiasu, as in Hokkien it means 'afraid of losing' or 'I don't want to be a loser'. How does this implied in relationships. If you look closer, it is not about jealousy, quite close though. It is the same idea of having the things that other / your friends' having, for instance, fashion trend, you just can't stand just because your friend's wearing the new collection of Jaspal or Thomas Pink; everyone changing their phone for i-Phone and so on. You couldn't bear the feeling or thought of not having a boyfriend, you hate losing, you expect your bf would do not only the same as your friend's bf but more than what he did, you are comparing your bf with other friend's bf. In the other hand you couldn't care less about yourself. And that's love!



I believe in love knows no boundaries, it will go as high as the sky and as deep as the sea, you could run away from it but you could never hide from it...and ironically "Isn't love just a game.."