My poor baby...

Had a look at the damage on my car yesterday. Worse than I thought. See for yourself. Initially I thought it was only on one panel but it's actually on both the back and side bumpers. Grr! Don't know what else to say. *SiGh* My poor baby... As you can tell, i'm pretty gutted. :S What's worse, I still haven't heard from the security guys. Maybe I should sit there and view the video myself. Argh! So frustrating! How much do you reckon it's gonna cost? $200 - $400? ...





I had a late start to my day today, only sleeping at 6:30am. I won't go into what I was doing... Nothing dodgy obviously. But I must admit that sleeping this late is really bad! Bad... bad... bad! You wanna know what else is bad? Shopping! OooOOOoohHHHhhh... That one is REALLY bad! Cuz the credit card bill goes very high! High... high... high! Haha...

Woke up this afternoon and felt so "kek tiok" when I read an e-mail from a friend, Emily, regarding Penang durians! OMG! Are you trying to kill me? ... My favourite fruit of all time!



A selection of branded durians in a plantation in Balik Pulau, the durian centre of Penang

Durians of Balik Pulau

In Penang, Malaysia, the best place to get good durians is in the town of Balik Pulau , on the southwest corner of Penang Island. Balik Pulau is a 30 minute drive over the main range and has a lot of durian estates. The following is a selection of branded durians photographed during the 2004 and 2006 AsiaExplorers Durian Feasts.

D11

"Number Eleven" is a very popular durian in the 70's. It has creamy yellow flesh with a pleasant taste and a subtle smell.

D604

The D604 was first cultivated by the late Mr. Teh Hew Hong of Sungai Pinang, Balik Pulau. The flesh is quite sweet, and has some "body" to it as the seed is small.

D600

This durian originates in Sungai Pinang in Balik Pulau. The flesh has a bittersweet taste to it, with a touch of sourness. The one that I documented is a bit hard.

D700

The flesh is darker than D600, like chrome yellow. Also slightly hard. Crispy, but the smell is not very strong.

Ang Sim (Red Heart)

Ang Sim is a durian with flesh which is quite soft and very sweet, and dark yellow in colour. It also has a nice aroma.

Khun Poh

This durian takes the name of the late Mr Lau Khun Poh, who first budded it. Khun Poh has beautiful orangy flesh with a slightly bitter-sweet taste and a heavy aroma.

Hor Loh (Water Gourd Durian)

The flesh of the Hor Loh is very soft, dry and quite bitter. It has a sharp smell to it. Hor Loh was first cultivated at the Brown Estate of Sungai Ara. It got its name from its appearance resembling a "Hor Lor" pumpkin. If the durian hits the ground hard when it falls, the flesh tends to be bitter thereafter.

Ang Heh (Red Prawn Durian)

Ang Heh originates from Pondok Upeh, Balik Pulau, and has a round-shaped husk. The orange reddish flesh is highly aromatic, very soft with a bitter-sweet taste.

Xiao Hung (Little Red Durian)

Xiao Hung, whose name means "Little Red One," originates in Sungai Pinang, Balik Pulau. The flesh has a bittersweet taste to it, with a touch of sourness. The one that I tasted for this write-up is a bit hard. There are only one or two seeds per section, but the flesh is thick.

Yah Kang (Centipede Durian)

Yah Kang is one of my favourite durians. Although its flesh is whitish, the taste is superb, milky, like very sweet, melting chocolate. The name "yah kang" means centipede, and accounts for the number of centipedes found at the foot of the tree, hence giving it the rather unusual name.

Bak Eu (Pork Fat Durian)

Bak Eu has a slightly acidic aroma. The flesh is whitish while the taste is quite bitter but nice.

The following are some of the durians at Peng Siew Durian Estate in Titi Serong, Balik Pulau, on the AsiaExplorers Durian Feast, 17 June, 2006 .

D17

D17 is dark cream flesh. The taste is slightly dry but sweet. It is a tasty durian.

Coupling

This durian is gets its unusual name because it looks like two durians joined together, one big and one small. When split open, you almost thought the two halves belong to two different durians. Coupling has whitish flesh which is slightly dry but tastes good.

Ooi Kyau (Tumeric Durian)

The name Ooi Kyau (tumeric) describes the colour of the bright yellow flesh of this durian. It is very sweet and tasty.

Chaer Phoy (Green Skin Durian)

Chaer Phoy is shaped like a small canteloupe. The skin is bright green, giving it the name which means "green skin". Chaer Phoy has creamy white flesh which is a bit dry, not too sweet but tasty.

Ang Jin (Red Yoke Durian)

As the name suggests, Ang Jin Durian has deep orange flesh. It is very sweet and tasty.

Lin Fong Jiau

This durian is named after Lin Fong Jiau, aka Mrs Jackie Chan. I wonder whether it is indicative of the relationship of the celebrity couple, for Lin Fong Jiau is a bittersweet.

But here's something random for you to think about...

Why is it that when a couple are out shopping in the mall and then the girl decides to enter into a womens store, the guy refuses to enter and just stands outside (looking like an idiot) waiting for his girlfriend to come out? I mean, come on! Don't you think if you're mature enough to handle a relationship, you should be mature enough to enter into a womens store? It's not even lingerie! Not like you're going into the changing rooms or something... (although that would probably prompt more men to enter) but where's the shame in shopping together with your girlfriend in a womens store? I think it'll look dodgier if you went in there alone without your girlfriend, no?! If it's not about maturity, then what is it about? I just don't understand. I don't see the harm in a guy entering a womens store. Seriously... Come on people... Grow up!

Staying indoors...

It's been a long time since I stayed at home the whole day - it wasn't so much by choice but rather the inability to walk around properly forced me to be kept indoors. Yes, my right ankle is buggered and once again, i'm stuck with wearing an ankle guard when i'm up and about. Maybe I really should get it checked out by the physio.

Physio... I won't hesitate to say that my encounters with physios in the past year or so have not been great. I mean seriously... asking me to rate the pain from 1 - 10 as they twist and turn my leg to find out exactly where the pain is coming from and to what extent? All that rubbish? Bleh! Then they diagnose the injury by saying "strained ligament". Uh huh! So clever ah you... Kuci kuci koo! Rubbish!

Regarding the damage on my car... I have no idea how bad it is. Didn't even want to go outside to see my car today. Right now I have a piece of the paint that fell off in my wallet. My poor baby. Wish I could go to sleep, wake up and it'll be back to normal. Whoever banged into me, I curse you until you die! Argh! OK la... Maybe not to such an extreme but repairing it will cost money!

If you ask me about insurance? I'm not insured. Why? I don't think insurance would even cover this if I was on 3rd party right? Not only that, the premium would go up if I did claim. So what? It's a lose-lose situation. Argh! I'm just frustrated. Maybe i'll take a look at it tomorrow. Meanwhile, i'm still waiting for the UoC security guys to give me a call. Let's just hope for the best.

It's strange to have spent a whole day at home. I guess it wouldn't be so bad if I could move around properly... that way I may have actually gotten a lot of things done like doing the household chores, etc. Instead, I cooked, did some ironing, and watched TV. So unproductive. Hopefully my ankle will be better tomorrow and i'll be up and about like usual again.

Thursday... The Bourne Ultimatum is released. Finally, after waiting for it for so long. I should be going to watch it on Friday night. Who's in? Blueks~! Hehe!

Finally, to Ronald... Hope you have a safe trip back to Malaysia and have a mighty fine time in Japan too! Update your blog daily, ya? And... You know what to bring back for Mark! Haha! :)

Alrights people. Good night. Time for my daily dose of The Sopranos! :)

The price we pay...

Wasn't it just an absolutely beautiful day today? Looks like spring's coming!! It officially starts on 1st September eh? Yay!! Then all the spring flowers will start popping up... I'll start my constant sneezing but still insist on going to the Botanical Gardens or Monavale! Wahaha!! I can't wait... :)

Anyway, finally decided to change my Vodafone plan to You Choose simply because text seems to be the "in" thing now and I can't keep up with the 200 text messages allocated under the Motormouth plan. I will however, miss the 200 anytime minutes! :( Sometimes I feel like calling instead of texting but I can't do that anymore under my new plan. Well, I can... it'll just end up costing me a bundle! :)

So yeah, I finally got myself on You Choose after my phone bill kept coming in over $100... So what do I get now? Choose 20 call plan ($19.95) + Your Time 200 ($11.95) + TXT 2000 ($9.95) = $41.85. Not bad huh? I went under a 24 month contract so I get an extra 5 anytime minutes every month. But even if I did break the contract, it would still be worth it... only $40 if I break it and that would decrease according to how long I had left till the end of the term. The other option I considered was to revert back to Prepay but that would mean losing my number. The price we pay for what we like huh?

That aside... 2 weeks ago I decided to join the gym in hope to lose weight and start looking hot! BLAH! So I joined the University of Canterbury Recreation Centre. Thank goodness i'm considered an affiliate (i.e. a graduate). So what would normally cost a UoC student a whole year's membership to sign up during enrolment week ($90) is almost the cost of my 3 month membership - $70! *OuCh*! I suppose that's the monetary cost of looking good. The more costly price is the muscular pain we suffer the day after the workout! But like they say... "no pain no gain"!

I've been 5 times so far. Missed my session on Sunday last week cuz of my ankle. Not quite sure whether it was from gym or badminton last Wednesday but I was walking with my ankle guard on until Sunday night. I thought it was getting better, but after tonight's session, it seems to have gotten worse again. :S I think I just need a new body!

It's common knowledge that making such a commitment is more psychological than physical. For now, i'm trying to stay focus... Damn it! I haven't even eaten KFC, McD or BK for so long! Like Tung says, it's all about balance - diet, strength training and cardio. Did I get that right? Keke! There is a habit I really need to get rid of though... and that's having late night suppers! But i'm so used to it... So I guess, some exercise is better than none? Hmmm...

Last week Mark and Nik forced me to show them a photo of myself when I was in 6th form. I didn't know what their intention was until after their reactions! I mean, see for yourself... I used to be so skinny!! I couldn't get over it for the rest of the day... Then just before, I decided to look through old photos again only to realise that the photo wasn't of me in 6th form but rather in 2003 - 1st year Uni!! OMG! That's worse! It's only been 4 years... have I put on so much weight?! I guess after looking at that photo, i've found even more motivation to get back into shape... I mean, it's possible right? After all, i've been that size before. I'm sure it'll be easy to get back into shape, no?

This discovery actually made me wonder what happened in 2001 until now to make me put on so much weight. It may have been because at the end of 2003, I went back to Malaysia and was pigging out on all the food, expecting to get food poisoning again... but I didn't and then came back with all the excess fat? Or maybe it was from everything that seemed to go wrong ever since I entered Uni that affected me? Or maybe it was the depression and stress from last year? Gosh... I dunno! Maybe i'm just making excuses for my bad eating habits! Haha~! All I know is that I have to lose that weight! It's a good thing i'm not going to Malam Malaysia this year. Otherwise i'll just burst out of my dress!

Talking about Malam Malaysia... I hear it's going to be held next Friday (31st August) at Hotel Grand Chancellor. I truly hope it will be a success. Just to make things clear, it is nothing personal that I and most probably, my group will not be attending this year. Personally, I feel that we have supported the club more than enough this year by participating, volunteering, and supporting everything to do with Bersatu Games 2007 that included not only financial sacrifices but a lot of time and effort. Frankly, we're all beat!

On a happier note, went to watch the Ligers Football Club team play on Sunday. They needed to win in order to stay in contention for the title for their division. They were 1 - 0 down at half time and up until probably the 40th minute in the second half when Azmir suddenly scored. Running on the adrenaline of Azmir's goal to even up the score, Kelvin scored a superb goal which somehow curved into the net in slow motion to give them the win --- 2 - 1! 2 goals in 5 minutes. Not bad at all! They were all so ecstatic over the win that Wilson insisted on taking photos. Luckily I had my camera in my bag. You never know when you're going to need it. :þ~ Hehe!

Unfortunately earlier on tonight, I heard that the Ligers team is facing a contentious issue having 3 points deducted for allowing a non-registered person to play which will evitably put them out of the running for the winner in their division. All I can say is... keep your hopes up! Hopefully everything will turn out fine. You just have to believe! :) ... And probably pray very hard too! :þ~ I'm sure it'll be fine... Or else, look on the bright side... there's always next year?

More bad news... While I was at the gym today, someone decided to do a hit and run on my car. They banged into the left back/side bumper of my car. I noticed that something was strange when I walked out after gym but I thought my eyes were playing a trick on me. I was probably hoping that, that was the case but when I went to touch the damaged area, a piece of paint dropped to the ground. It was real alright. My heart sank. Another problem to deal with.

What's worse is that when we went to the security office, we were greeted by some old guy who when asked how his night was responded that it had been great so far until we lot showed up because it meant that he actually had to do something. If Mark wasn't there and butted in, I probably would have thrown a fit at him! Here I am, having just had my car knocked and he complains about having to do some work. OMG! Stupid old fart! Argh... Maybe i'm just still pissed off. Why do such things have to happen to me huh? Why why why...

On a different note, i've reverted back to "babymay" on MSN instead of "EMObel". That's a good thing I think. Apparently i'm more positive these days. Really? I don't know why and no, it doesn't have to do with anyone. Just because i'm single doesn't mean that whatever life changing event that happens to me has to do with another person of the opposite sex ok? C'mon! Life has more to do with relationships and whatever rubbish. No doubt it'll be nice to have someone there for you but if it's not meant to be, don't push it! Get what I mean? And maybe i'm not even ready for it?

Actually, to a certain extent, I feel scared by the thought of it. Isn't it strange? This is the longest time i've been single ever since I started dating back in 1999. Gosh... I really must have been traumatised! Haha! Jokes! If it's meant to be... it'll happen. While i'm on this topic, let me get one thing straight. I don't need my friends to be cupids! 2 single people does not make a couple! *fAiNt*! Stop making it awkward... Aiyo!

Going in line with what seems to be the theme of this post, let me ask you this question... What price are you willing to pay to get what you want? I know it seems like a very general question but it's just been on my mind lately. I think it's a question that anyone can relate to depending on what stage of life you're in. Seriously consider the answer to that question and then sincerely ask yourself, will it be worth it in the end?

Something that is totally not in sync with my post and to a certain extent, quite contradictary to what I said earlier, is this quotation that comes from a series that I was watching until the season ended - 'Men in Trees'.

'When fantasy meets reality, you never know what you're going to get. Sometimes the reality falls just a little short of the dream and sometimes it exceeds all expectations. It takes courage to reveal your secret desires. Sharing them is a gamble that sometimes brings us closer together and sometimes tears us apart. Maybe that old saying is true "becareful what you wish for, it just might come true"'.

Men in Trees - Season 1, Episode 20

No one will probably understand this but yeah, sometimes I think about wishing but then I hold back and think, the price to pay may be too high to bear.

Bye Hui Min

At Uni now. Was suppose to come at 9am but ended up sleeping in until 11 something. Bleh! Once again, the day is ruined. Perhaps I should put myself first next time. Argh. The things I do for others. Screw that.

Went for lunch before. Heard that someone sent in over a hundred job applications before receiving 2 job offers. So what hope do I have after only sending in a couple? Chances not looking great.

Hui Min left yesterday morning. A few of us turned up at the airport. It was decided late the previous night so didn't have time to spread the news. Sorry. My fault. Was exhausted.

Mark sang. Yes, as promised, he sang a song to Hui Min at the airport. *fAiNt*! Luckily it was quite soft otherwise I really wouldn't know where to put my face.

Just the few of us before Hui Min had to enter the departure gate... (Photo totally stolen from Hui Min's blog --- I'm at Uni remember. My collection is at home. Duh!)



Didn't realise I looked so sleepy. :S

I must say though, I admire Hui Min's courage - going to a foreign land... not knowing the language... totally alone... She's got guts. I give her that.

If you do come by my blog, then this message is for you:

"Woman... Best wishes! Hope this experience is worth it! I suppose, maybe i'll see you in Sept '08 otherwise, see you whenever I see you! Oh, and if you're ever home sick... hug the bright pink pillow! :)"

More updates later.

Bersatu Victory Party

Just realised I haven't blogged about the CMSA Bersatu Victory Party which was held last Saturday night (4th August) at the Old Ilam Common Room. It was definitely long overdue but undoubtedly, necessary. Would have been nice if everyone had turned up but to those who did, good on you and personally, thanks for showing up.

There was no doubt as to why we were there. The overall Bersatu trophies were being proudly displayed and even passed around. Yeah, so it's been over a month but we're still proud of our victory! Haha! After all, it was a party to celebrate our victory right? Bleh...

As usual, no Malaysian event would be complete without great food and wasn't it all just full of flavour? Azmir's curry chicken... Aufa's spicy sambal telur that had everyone rushing for drinks... It was great. No food beats that which is cooked by your very own people. I'm not sure who else was involved in the preparation of the food but well done! I know what a daunting experience it can be but it was great to see everyone pull together once again.

And... following the tradition set from last year, there was a beautifully designed victory cake! On the left was a picture of a trophy which had all 44 participants' names + mine written inside it. I don't really know why my name was placed on there... but who's complaining? :þ~ Oh, and some of the names were spelt wrongly. *aHeM*! I wonder whose fault it is AZMIR! Wahahaha!! On the right, the words speak for itself and then there was the Bersatu sheild for CMSA this year. Awesome cake! Tasted nice too. :)

More importantly, above the delicious food was the people because without them, we would definitely not have anything to celebrate about. :)

Azmir's moment to glorify those who he thought performed outstandingly during the Games:

Fiqa - Best team (netball) and best captain (netball):

Nik - Best male athlete:

Yani - Best female athlete:

Finally, some unforgettable memories captured on camera... Enjoy!

Playing around with the trophy. Keke!

Did you notice I had a hair cut? Well I did, earlier on that day at Dr Cut. My hairdresser styled it nicely but after walking through the city in the rain, everything got flattened. Haha! Since then, i've dyed my hair "Cherry fever". Turned out quite nice - the colour of which can only be seen under the sun. I like it! Hehe!

Alright. More updates from the week just passed another time. For now, I bid you all good night. :)