25 September 2010

This Hari Raya season we didn't get much open house invites, surprisingly, unlike last year when we couldn't even cope with the overwhelming invitations. Today my company had our own Raya open house at the boss' place.

Although nearly a quarter of the staff were absent, that didn't damper the mood of the occasion. There were lots of food and everybody looks forward to the hampers lucky draw. I didn't give much hope to that because I'm like the most unluckiest person in the whole world when it comes to lucky draws and stuff. But today though is my lucky day because I won the biggest hamper in the house. I'm sure that won't likely repeat again in the future. It's like one in a millionth thing. Next time I win something like this is when an asteroid hits the earth.

5 September 2010

My brother Faiz has had fever since last Wednesday. So he went to the Serdang Hospital to get himself checked. He waited for 2 hours for his turn to come but they never did. So angered and exasperated, Faiz drove all the way to the Putrajaya Hospital next. It took him less than 30 minutes to see the doctor who also took his blood sample for further tests.

Today Faiz got admitted into the Putrajaya Hospital because they suspect he's been infected with dengue. My family members from near and far came to visit him today who looked really weak and can barely talk. To say that Hospital Serdang suck would be an understatement. I have heard numerous complaints from many people who had some kind bad experience or another there. Top of the list would be the ridiculously long waiting time. I took my 2 year old son there once because he sprained his shoulder and we waited for nearly 2 hours to see the intern. First class infrastructure but third world mentality would best describe Serdang Hospital.

26 July 2010

Earlier today, Mia had her final check up at the Seri Kembangan community clinic. Thank God for that. After dropping the kids at their nursery we went to Mutiara Damansara to catch a movie. Inception has been receiving glowing reviews from film critics the world over therefore I simply must see this film.

I don't want to bore you with the details but this is without a doubt, the best movie I've seen this year. Hell lot better than Avatar, Iron Man 2 etc-etc. I was glued to the seat the entire 2 hours of screening. Yeah it is that good. Go see it!

Afterwards, we visited Tesco nearby to do some groceries. But before that, I stumbled into Fahrin Ahmad the actor at Cineleisure - with his brand new girlfriend! She's definitely not an artist or celebrity because I've never seen her anywhere before. And after Linda Onn & Sharifah Nor Azean, this one looked refreshingly ordinary. A change of taste there buddy?

Anyway I didn't stop by to take pictures or anything because I really needed to go to the restroom at that time. Wait, since when did I stop to talk or take pictures with celebs? That's right, neverrrr! They're just ordinary human beings just like you and me. Besides, I'd like to respect their privacy.

That's all for now. You know you love me.

XOXO

Gossip Guy

5 July 2010

Right in the heart of Taman Puncak Jalil, near the Esso service station you can find this little steamed rice stall beside the road.

Steamed rice is a true Kelantanese delicacy. Steamed rice with fried spiced chicken and a special gravy. It is one to die for. RM4.50 a packet with choice of chicken or quail.

13 April 2010

Back in my hometown in the east coast, Muslims go to the mosque on Fridays for only one reason that is to pray and hear the Friday sermon. They don't go there to eat or to shop. When I first came here to the west coast, people goes to the mosque for that and also to have lunch and do a little shopping at the many stalls set up around the place.

I suppose different places have different cultures. Perhaps the city folks have little time on Fridays to have lunch because of work. Hence the took the opportunity to eat first before going to pray and return to work afterwards.

Anyway the beef soup stalls here is always good. I hope the sellers do join us for Friday prayers also.

3 April 2010

It's been a while since I've last been to KLCC. To be honest KLCC is not the first place that will come up to mind when I want to go somewhere. I mean the average Malaysian definitely don't do their shopping there cause everything is so expensive and high class and there's nothing much new to see once you've been there a few times before.

Unless of course you'd like to enjoy walking and playing at the beautiful and free KLCC park or even take your kids for a bath at their artificial "waterfall". The waterfall/pool is more like the poor man's version of the waterfall with chlorinated water and not-so-natural falls. In the evening you can watch the little fountain show at the entrance while romancing with your loved ones. Be careful though not to overdo it or you'll be ambushed by some overzealous and crooked City Hall officers.

And of course you can always visit Petrosains discovery center like I did with my family last weekend which costs less than 2 packs of cigarettes.

31 January 2009

We visited IOI Mall in Puchong today, the first time in 5 years I think. Last time we went there, Linda is still carrying Adam in her tummy and we went there to eat some pizza at Pizza Hut. Although IOI Mall has added a new wing and a whole lot more tenants, I still don't find them as classy or as desirable place to visit compare to say Alamanda or Mutiara Damansara. They have to hire a much better interior designer.

The main reason I even came her in the first place is to get something from this Daiso store here. Daiso is a store where they import stuff from Japan and sells everything for RM5.00. Whether it's a big China plate or a small pencil case, they're all 5 ringgit only. Yes the concept is nothing new but since everything is said to be from Japan, they've had a steady stream of customers since it's inception last year.

The funny thing is, all of the products sold there is actually made in China (you can check the labels). Whether the goods ever set foot in Japan or is imported directly from China is anybody's guess. Whatever it is, one thing you can learn from Daiso is, you can make a lot of money just by sticking some Japanese labels on stuff since people is going to think they're cool, imported things.

If you're looking for some unique, cheap birthday or wedding present then Daiso is the place to go. That said, you can always go to that cheap 2 ringgit store in a neighbourhood near you which sells the same made in China stuff. Your pick.

27 December 2009

Today we left our kids at my Mom's place and went for a date at Alamanda Putrajaya.

This picture tells of a story about:

a. This guy is showing off his new hoodie
b. He would like to have an iPhone 3G very much but he can't afford it
c. This is just a random picture in a shopping mall
d. None of the above


There Linda met her old friend from school who is still single and currently works in Putrajaya. Linda also bought a Meg Cabot book to read (whoa!)

We spent 2 hours in a freezing cold cineplex watching a really mediocre movie.

Then we ate Ipoh chicken Hor Fun and springy noodle with chicken ham and egg at Oldtown White Coffee. The End.

12 December 2009

To be honest, I almost changed my mind a few times before finally deciding to go ahead with this trip. Kuala Terengganu is not exactly near and the travel cost would be prohibitively expensive for my liking. Then again, it's not everyday that my good friend get married so in the end we decided to go anyway.

I drove no less than 700 kilometers today. First all the way to Tanah Merah for a brief stop at my family's place before heading south again to Kuala Terengganu. We didn't arrive at the Solehah guest house which belongs to Safuan's family until nearly midnight.

Early the next morning we left Kuala Terengganu and drove another 100 miles north to Besut where Hajar lives. The akad nikah ceremony was to be held at a mosque in the district. We did wait for a while before the bride arrive. Maybe she'd like to look her really best today hence the delay.

Since we didn't get the chance to have any breakfast and my kids were screaming for food already, we went to an eatery nearby to have a late breakfast. Little that we know the eatery serves expired cakes, ant infested paus and other rotten food at their place. Yuks.

But today is not about us. It's Safuan's big day so empty stomachs and prolonged waiting time are really no big of a deal for us. The important thing is Safuan's wedding goes smoothly as planned.

We didn't get to eat a proper meal until after 2:00 in the afternoon so understandably all of us we definitely ravished by then.

After the ceremony we returned back to the guest house and rest for a while before going out again, sight-seeing in Kuala Terengganu. Believe it or not but the last time I stepped my foot in Kuala Terengganu was at least 20 years ago when I was just a little kid. Actually we wanted to find a clinic because Adam is coughing really bad today but unfortunately since Saturday here in the east coast is like Sunday from where I cane from, all the clinics is closed for the day.

So in the end we just bought some cough syrup from a pharmacy and hope for the best. For dinner we stopped by a restaurant facing the Teluk Ketapang beach. Not only we had to wait for ages for our food to arrive, we also had to pay a cutthroat price for the average-tasting food. Moral of the story is: if you eat anywhere near a beach, be prepared to pay for the "sea breeze tax".

I do hope Adam feels better tomorrow. Poor guy threw up half a dozen times already this evening.

21 November 2009

To think that we almost skipped this event and send Adam packing with his Grandma back home to Pasir Mas. It would have been the miss of the century. First of all Adam's mates will be one member short, he'll miss all the glamor and prizes awarded to him and most of all, he won't get to have a really good time with his friends and teachers.

I'm so glad that we actually go there in the end. Cyberjaya Lake Community Club is quite a beautiful place. Located next to the Multimedia University, it's got a lake and a park, a driving range, a go-kart track and of course the main club house itself. Cyberjaya the town on the other hand is really a shame.

Although situated just next door to Putrajaya, the place is not as beautiful or shiny as it's famous neighbour. Somehow it lacks the charm and organization of Putrajaya. The signboards and sidewalk is dilapidated and lacks some TLC and even the lamp posts are quite ugly ordinary. In a nutshell, Cyberjaya the centre for Multimedia Super Corridor is like the ugly step sister of Putrajaya, the administrative capital of the country.

Maybe it's because they're under different owners and administration. If that's so then Cyberview Sdn Bhd really sucks and don't know how to manage a town.

20 November 2009

Although Chinese New Years is still a million years away, McDonald's popular Prosperity Burger meal has already made an appearance at an outlet near you this week. My wife for example is a big fan of this Prosperity Burger so she insisted that we eat this burger like right away.

Well I love this burger too. They're made from a processed beef patty dipped with a special Campbell black paper sauce and served with some onions. That's it. You can probably find the beef patties and the onion at the store but the special Campbell black pepper sauce is not available for sale anywhere. I know, I've looked for them at all hypermarkets I've been to. I remember I used to eat this burger a lot when I was working at that McDonald's restaurant in KL and even used the special sauce as a dipping. Simply yummy.

Now a Prosperity burger meal wouldn't be complete without this limited time only curly fries made from a specially seasoned and battered fries.

On route to McDonald's, Mia have been complaining of a little tummy ache. She felt better while we were eating but towards the end, I smelled something spectacular in the air (and it's not love). True enough, I found out Mia had pooped on my lap. Well If you already had a child of your own you'd probably know by now that shit like this do happen (pun intended). It's quite normal. There's nothing to be ashamed of.

If you're visiting this McDonald's restaurant in Equine Park, stay clear of the second table from the play area. And also look out for the special Big Mac sauce on the floor ;)

14 November 2009

The last time I went out on a date with my wife was some time in July last year at Aeon Cheras Selatan. We went to eat at Old Town White Coffee and watched a lousy movie title 'Get Smart' starring Anne Hathaway and some guy. A few days after that our house got broken into and most of my valuable possession were gone. After that we didn't get to go out together, just the two of us anywhere again. Time and budget constrains were the main culprit plus we didn't have any place to leave our kids for the whole day.

So when Exabytes offered 2 free movie tickets to watch 2012 at GSC One Utama and my Mom sportingly agreed to look after the kids, we jumped at the opportunity. We went window shopping around the mall first and then grab something to eat, curiously also at Old Town White Coffee (I pray that our house is not broken into again tomorrow). It was great to be able to go out together again, just the two of us.

One Utama does change a bit since the last time we went there like 3 years ago when we were still living in Kota Damansara. There sure is a lot of people there on weekends. The same reason I hate going to Mid Valley, parking space is almost non-existent here at One Utama. And since they don't have a parking light guiding system like Sunway Pyramid or The Mines, we had to circle for ages to find a vacant parking spot. The only consolation is, we had no problem finding our car again because the parking lot numbers is truly well-designed.

Too bad I had to tell something untrue to Adam before we get to go out sans him and Mia. What choice do we have? He'll absolutely would want to tag along had we told him where we're going. Sorry buddy but Papa and Mama had to work err extra hours today ;)

4 September 2009

Did I said I don't like going to buffets? I must have meant paid buffets only! If I don't have to spend a cent of my money then it would be alright. That said, I still think buffets are really a waste of money and food. Look at the amount of unfinished food that you see on the table. Ramadan and fasting is definitely not about this. You take just what you can finish and not take each of everything spread for you at the buffet table.

Free foods aside, this buka puasa event is the closest thing that my company had for a get together for its staff this year. Previously we've heard of family trips to the beach, Genting, some theme parks and other wonderful far away places being planned but unfortunately that never got any where. Maybe the circumstances didn't permit it. Who knows. But the most important thing is, no amount of get together of trip would compare to a month bonus that every body's been waiting for, right guys?

IOI Mariott not halal? I tried to Google about this and nothing close to it came up. Hmm. Maybe just rumours or a competitor trying to badmouth the hotel.

9 August 2009

Yesterday my friend Rizal asked me to join him for a jog at the Wetland Park in Putrajaya. Since he personally offered to pick me up and drive there, I just couldn't refuse. We went around 5:20PM and the park is largely deserted except for a few visitors. To be honest, I think Taman Bukit Jalil is a much better place to jog and exercise and it is much more happening there.

We ran for about 2 kilometers or so before we took a break on top of the watch tower. Beautiful view from up there.

8 August 2009

It is now time to do my assignments. And where better place to do them other than the library? That's why I spent nearly 4 hours at the National Library today, looking for articles and notes in books, journal and reports. It's time like this that I wish I had a laptop so that I can just type in all the notes instead of writing it down manually by hand which is so tiring.

It's been 3 years since I last went to this library and the place has changed considerably. First they don't use library cards anymore, you just show your I.D to borrow books. New registration is only 5 ringgit and renewal is free every 3 years. All you have to bring is a copy of your identity card. When I first went in, I couldn't find the regular books and shelves that I was used too. Apparently they moved them all upstairs. The ground floor is now filled with a few dozen computers where kids use to play online games or visit social networking sites. Quite a waste of resource if you think about it. But if it gets these kids to come to the library, at least that's a good thing.

18 July 2009

Today we visited our good friend Yusmani at her home in Putrajaya. We haven't got the chance to see her yet ever since she got her first child last year.

This is Irfan her 5 months old first born. His dad is hardly ever around because he works for the MACC (jeng jeng jeng!).

So this is life at a government quarters in Putrajaya like. Quiet nice. Don't mind living here with my own family someday.

13 July 2009

Today is yet another one of our scheduled appointment for Mia with the Seri Kembangan community clinic. We left home early to avoid traffic and the possible long queue at the clinic. We successfully escaped both when our time at the clinic was no longer than an hour.

After dropping off Mia at her nursery we headed north to Mutiara Damansara for our special date, just the two of us. The haze is crazy bad today but that didn't stop us from going there anyway.

First stop - The Curve. This place has changed a lot since I last went there. For example there's a new McDonald's outlet in the mall which is about to open it's doors very soon. Who cares if another McDonald's restaurant is only a few feet away? We all love McDonald's round here.

Linda has got something special to buy and no amount of haze is going to stop us today. It's supposed to be very hush-hush but let me give you a hint: it rhymes with Bing and King. I know-I know, it's a tough one.

Next stop - IKEA of course. Haven't been here in a while too. The decorations and show rooms changed a little but everything else is essentially the same. Did you know that they will charge for every plastic bag you take? 20 or 30 cent a piece I think. Bloody cheapskate. Don't you try to hide behind that save-the-earth campaign thingy. Your plastic bags is perfectly bio-degradable so there's no harm done. And for the first time you can see Malaysians voluntarily bringing their very own shopping bags to save money.

We stopped by the IKEA restaurant for lunch. Had this whole chicken leg with lemon & herb sauce which is fantastic as always. Wifey had the usual 10 pieces Swedish meatball with fries.

In case you didn't notice, we both wore all-reds today. This is me wearing red and also full and happy after lunch. Ahem, excuse my poyo face.

This is Linda also wearing red, playing with the equally amazing iPhone.

While waiting in line to buy lunch, some guy in front of me was sneezing like crazy. Everybody quickly stepped away in a safe distance from him including me. But then, I was not so fortunate to queue right behind him so there's not much space between me and him. Bloody stupid idiot. You just have to go out today, in public with your condition. Some people just don't care about others. Maybe it's the haze (I hope), but my nose is not feeling so good right about now. So I drank about 3 cups of coffee this afternoon, hoping that this itchy feeling my nose is having will go away. It worked for a while at least.

We didn't buy anything from IKEA but bought some groceries from Tesco instead. I think this should be my last post here in bloggerland for a while. Believe it or not but I need a break to *drum roll, please* study! No, I'm not kidding. Seriously, my class starts next week and I haven't read anything both online and offline. If my future posts come few and far in between, you'll know why. So, until then. Au revoir!

12 July 2009

A long time ago when I first used the north-south highway when I was still a kid, I thought someday I'll stop by this overheard bridge and eat there. It's not like the food or drinks there tastes better, it's more for sentimental reasons.
Today 10 years later, I finally get to do that, together with my family some more which made it even more special. Some times it's these little things that make your life more meaningful.

11 July 2009

Aaaah nothing like the cool sea breeze gentling bellowing to your face while you enjoy some fine home-made spicy barbecue chicken while listening to Jason Mraz in the background, watching the coconut tree swaying gently, on a fine Saturday morning. Well all of that except for the Jason Mraz part. Jason Mraz and picnics and beaches is so cliché.
Actually I wanted to go to a different beach today because we've been to Teluk Batik like twice already? But since our host chose to crash here, we didn't have much choice. So Teluk Batik it is. Nice beach they've got here. Not as crowded as Port Dickson and there's ample public amenities for the visitors to use. Next time maybe we'll go to Pangkor island? Jom!

27 June 2009

It was a boys only day out. Time to spend some quality time together.

I remember the last time I went to the Lake Gardens, Adam wasn't born yet.