The Power of Voices

I grew up listening to his voice. I used to wonder what kind of man was he. With a voice like his, was he tall? Dark? Handsome perhaps? Was he the kind of man that we women would swoon at and unfortunately could only be found in romance novels?

Sadly, we would not be able to hear his voice again after this. Not unless they do re-runs of previous movie trailers.

Don LaFontaine passed away on September 1st, 2008 at the age of 68. For the past three decades, he has been the Voiceover Master in Hollywood, The King of Trailers, The Voice of God, the man who made the phrase "In a world...." famous. His work ranged from movie trailers, commercials and radio spots. With almost 5000 movies credited to his voice, he could be, "... perhaps the single busiest actor in the history of SAG (Screen Actors Guild)"-- http://www.donlafontaine.com/.

In my line of work, I deal with a lot of individuals and mostly through the phone. They say, you can tell a lot about a person just from hearing their voice and of the way they speak. Is he bold or timid? Strong or weak? Outgoing or shy? Mature or childish? Although this will enable us to see the personality of a person without being shadowed by their appearances, but is it possible to know of a person's physical looks just by the mere voice? The saying goes that if the person on the other line has an 'attractive' voice, chances are they lack the same attributes in the physical form. I honestly believe it takes more then physical looks to describe beauty. Beauty, as they say, is in the eyes of the beholder.

Once I took a call on behalf of my colleague - 'S',who was not in the office. The caller was an old school friend. He was looking for 'S' through his office number as he had lost his mobile number. I don't remember how it happened, but the next thing you know we were having a wonderful conversation as if we were long lost friends ourselves. He told me of his days with 'S' from school up to university , where he is now and what he was doing. In return, when asked, I told him a little bit of myself although I was still being careful with whatever information I passed to him just in case he is not who he said he is. The conversation lasted about 20 minutes but he left a great impression on me. They way he spoke - in such an articulate manner, proper and the way he expressed his opinions - it was very impressive indeed.

In my opinion, voices and speech communication plays a vital role when you speak. I have always believed in good manners, and marvel at the ability of a person to relay a message accurately and without profanities. I believe in the saying, "If you have nothing nice to say then don't say it at all". It is not that I reject the naked truth, but I feel that perhaps it can be told with a little sensitivy in mind. After all, what is wrong with wanting good manners? It makes the world a better place to live in, does it not?

I found this clip by NBC about the famous voices of Hollywood. We may not know how they look like but we do know how they sound like. They are indeed the "voices in our head".

A couple of months back, my company decided to upgrade our telephone system. It came with a pre-recorded function so that when callers call in they can choose from the menu available and connect them directly to the person whom they wish to speak to. As I was the only lady present on the day during the installation (others were away on assignment), naturally I became the 'victim'. According to the contractor, it is nicer to hear a woman's voice on the phone rather then a man. Plus, it is more soothing and does not make waiting a 'tedious' task. After the installation, for a brief moment, I became the 'talk' of the office. They were excited with my "professionalism" and kept calling the office again and again just to hear my pre-recorded voice. One even professed to calling the office at night just to hear my 'squeaky' voice. However, my aunt was the best of all. She used to call me in the office and had to go through the receptionist to get to me. After the new system was installed, she told me " Eh, got new receptionist is it? She sounds just like you la!! ".

*Sigh, pensioners - they can be so adorable sometimes.

Come to think of it, should all effort fails, and if I don't end up in the legal career after all, perhaps I could look into working as a Voiceover actor in Malaysia?? Who knows, maybe I could just be the next Don LaFontaine??

What do you think? ;)

Ni Hao Ma? 幫助我!!

It is a requirement for all undergrads in my uni to undertake at least one foreign language in their syllabus. As the choices were limited, I opted for Mandarin hoping to impress my family and friends with my linguistic capabilities. Anna, my 7 years old niece is very fluent in the language as she had been studying it since her kindergarten days and I plan to do a bit of "showing off" to her, to let her know that her 'old' aunt has still got what it takes.

However, I find myself struggling a bit with the language. Unlike Lea, I am not as proficient as she is. It would take me quite a while to grasp the vocabularies and I find the task of translating sentences very daunting indeed.

We have a test coming soon in two weeks time. This would be my final Mandarin paper. I barely passed my previous 2 exam papers and by god, I will not fail this one either!! In order to 'motivate' myself, I have decided to embrace everything that is Chinese to help me achieve my objective. For the past couple of weeks, I ate halal dim-sum, I drank hot Chinese tea, read the history of People's Republic of China, and religiously watched every game and reruns of Beijing's 2008 Summer Olympics. Taking my efforts to next level, I am currently watching the re-run of Bodyguard from Beijing and listening to songs by famous Hong Kong artist - Leon Lai . I have been a fan ever since my high school days when I first watched him in the TVB Series "The Breaking Point" back in 1991/1992. The series was shown on the local channel for one hour weekdays between 6-7pm. I can still remember how we girls (back then I was in an all girls boarding school) will sit close together and often fight for the best spot in front of the television just so that we could capture all the romance and drama.

video courtesy of KTPhimbo.com

*Sigh, those were the good ol' days when my only concerns in life back then were to make sure that I pass all my exams and whether Leon Lai and Kathy Chow would end up together or not.

Well, I hope my efforts will pay off. Here's crossing my fingers and praying for the best.

*p/s: Lea, as usual, you are my walking Mandarin dictionary. I am "reserving" you until our exams are over, thank you very much , heheheheh ;)

Knights In Shining Armour

I have often thought that chivalry, especially among the younger generation is more of a myth rather then the truth. Fiction rather then fact. In a modern world where women are more vocal in voicing out their rights and of equality, somehow some has managed to misinterpret feminism as the need for women to eliminate men and their functions at all. Men with courteous manners are fast extincting species indeed, if you ask me.

An acquantaince of mine, whom I met through a mutual friend once said, " Well, you women, always asking for your rights la, hak sama rata la. Bile kitorang lelaki lebih sikit, kata male chauvinism la, sexist la. Bile kite puji dan appreciate you ladies, kata sexual harassment la. Cam ni, better not to exert any chivalry at all. Buang masa dan tenage aje". (You women often ask for your rights and equality. When we men are better then you, you call it male chauvinism. When we appreciate you, you call it sexual harrasment, sexist. Best not to be chivalrious at all. It's a waste of time and effort).

I almost strangled that "la" man. Thank god for public places and to my family who taught me the importance of good manners. Else, I would have "choked-slammed" him and squashed the tiny man into a squidgy pancake. Safe to say, he and I remained just as what we are and should be, a mere acquaintance.

After class last night I found myself stranded at the desserted car park of the faculty, with a flat tyre. I wish I could say that I am indeed a "Jack of All Trades". Unfortunately, I am neither a Jack nor a Jill in this matter. One thing's for sure, when it comes to automobils, cars and mechanics, I am utterly lost. I was standing there contemplating my next course of action, as to whether I should call for help - which only God knows when they will come as it was already late in the evening, or just dumping the car there and catching a ride back home with Lea and dealing with the matter first thing tomorrow morning, when a 'knight' who just happened to be my classmate, stopped by and courteously offered his assistance. Next thing you know, he had called upon his other 'knights' and together, under the supervision of "Princess Lea", the mini entourage managed to change the flat tyre to the spare one within 20 minutes (unfortunately, when asked, I was ignorant enough not to know that I have a spare functioning tyre in the trunk. How embarassing!!). The task was made a little bit difficult as I had parked the car on a hillside, so there were concerns of the car sliding down the road and of the passing motorists whizzing by as if being chased by the devil himself plus the apprehension off being knocked over under the poorly illuminated road. I was then put in charge of manning the traffic and also became the designated camera-woman for the day.

"Apo ko buek tu, Man??"

Ever so cheeful Pian - Kluang man

Knights (and a Princess) of the Flat Tyre - (from the left) Pian, Izaini, Man, Lea and Hasib

The culprit. What in god's green earth is that?? !!!

It is a wonderful feeling indeed to know that all is not lost. That there is still hope for us (women) to find men whom we thought exists only in romance novels. A James Bond and Paul Bunyan all rolled into one - a gentleman with a courteous conduct, intelligent and manly at the same time.

Now, here comes the million dollar question : How many future-to-be-lawyers would it take to change a flat tyre? Ahhaakkkss ;)

Diary of a Pastaholic : Fettuccine Shrimp Fra Diablo

Among my family and close friends, I am well known for my obsession for anything and everything that is to do with pasta. Baked, fried, sautéed - my addiction for it has no boundaries. There are times when I will travel to uncharted territories just to find the ultimate pasta dish (although most definitely Italy is not within the range where I can travel to at this point of time).

One of my favourites back then was a dish served in Italiannies, One Utama. However, it has been recently taken off the menu for reasons unknown, even when I made enquiries with the staff. Ever since then, I have been looking high and low within the Klang Valley area, dragging my "mobile bank" with me and subjecting him to many pasta tasting sessions when in fact, he is not even a pasta fan at all (yes, I know, I can be cruel sometimes). After many frustrating expeditions, in which I have failed to acquire the same dish that I crave for, I finally decided to make it on my own. Hence the current post.

Here comes the recipe :


Fettuccine Shrimp Fra Diablo
---------------------------------


Ingredients:
--------------
1 packet 500gm fettuccine (cooked as per instruction on the packet)
3 tbs. Olive Oil
12 Large Peeled Shrimp (deveined and leave the tails intact)
3 tbs. Chopped Garlic
1 large Bombay (yellow) Onions - Diced
1/4 cup Blanched Asparagus
1/2 cup Raw Spinach
3 tbs. Toasted Pine Nuts ( raw pine nuts can be bought in selected supermarkets then fried without oil at a low heat until they turn golden brown )
6 Diced Large and Juicy Tomatoes
2 tbs. tomatoo puree
1/3 cup Cream
2 tbs. sweet soya sauce
3 tbs. light soya sauce
1/4 cup Crumbled Goat Cheese (feta cheese)
1 tsp. Chopped Parsley & Spring Onions
2 tsp. paprika
Pepper to Taste


Method:
----------
1. Preheat pan and add the olive oil and shrimp. Add some paprika and sauté until pink and opaque on the outside. Once cooked, remove from pan and set it aside to rest.
2. Add the garlic, onions, and some pine nuts. Add a dash of pepper. Sauté until fragrant or onions became trasparent.
3. Add the tomatoes. Cook until it resembles a sauce. Add tomato puree followed by the cream. Reduce to medium heat and simmer until slightly thickened.
4. Add the light and sweet soya sauces - to taste. Add the asparagus, spinach and the remaining pine nuts. Lastly, add the cooked shrimps. Cover the pan for 2 minutes or until spinach stars to wilt.
5. Add the cooked fettuccine and allow the pasta to heat for one minute while stirring gently to heat the pasta evenly.
6. Lift the pasta out of the pan. Top with the sauce, crumbled goat cheese, a dash of paprika and
chopped parsley with spring onions.
7. Best serve hot.


*Note : I often use soya sauce to substitute sugar and salt. It adds an Asian twist to it.



Result wise?? I believe I have satisfied many hungry tummies that day, although I can't be too sure whether the compliments received were genuine enough - they are afterall, my family. They have no choice but to support me anyway ;).

I know they say that a picture paint a thousand words. Well then, let's have them speak for themselves, shall we ??



**P/S : My apologies for the low quality pictures. Obviously I require a camera with a higher resolution in order to obtain better results *Cough, cough* Am a Libran...**hint, hint ;)

The Most Famous Section

Last night, I had an interesting conversation with my friend, the future "YBhg Tun", concerning Malaysia's Penal Code. Instead of displaying his interest for the next coming subject in our class, just as most of our male population did, he claimed that the most "hap-Pening" section in the Penal Code is not that of section 375, but is actually section 377 instead, in particular the sub-sections a, b and c respectively.

According to Malaysia's Penal Code, under Unnatural Offences, it is stated that :


Carnal intercourse against the order of nature

377A. Any person who has sexual connection with another person by the introduction of the penis into the anus or mouth of the other person is said to commit carnal intercourse against the order of nature.

Explanation—Penetration is sufficient to constitute the sexual connection
necessary to the offence described in this section.



Punishment for committing carnal intercourse against the order of nature

377B. Whoever voluntarily commits carnal intercourse against the order of nature shall be punished with imprisonment for a term which may extend to twenty years, and shall also be liable to whipping.



Committing carnal intercourse against the order of nature without consent, etc.

377C. Whoever voluntarily commits carnal intercourse against the order of nature on another person without the consent, or against the will, of the other person, or by putting the other person in fear of death or hurt to the person or any other person, shall be punished with imprisonment for a term of not less than five years and not more than twenty years, and shall also be liable to whipping.



Right, I can understand subsection's (b) and (c), having taken into consideration factors such as from the religious point of view, also that from the hygiene and individual rights perspective. However it is sub- section (a) which I am just a little bit concern about at this moment. Based on the said section, after further analysis and also, digesting of information, I do believe that most of the adults that I know, who are currently pursuing a healthy and legitimate sexual relationship could be, or am almost certain to be that of a habitual offender!! I can't say much here as I do know for a fact that there is a certain "minor" who reads my posts regularly, but I am quite sure most of the adults know what I am referring to.

Call me liberal, but in my opinion, with regards to heterosexual relationships, if it is consensus and if the purpose of such acts is to enrich one's sexual life, without causing harm to others and does not exceed public indecency, then it should not be much of a big deal, isn't it? As a friend commented to me just now, " What ? After everything that has been going on, even our 'holes' are now controlled by the government??!!"

I do hope they have enough space allocated in the prison cells to put these "offenders" in place. Should the lawmakers intend to completely abide by the rules, then believe me when I say that I am quite sure - no, positively sure that they will certainly be needing it. A lot!! *LOL* ;)

Bagaimana Untuk Menggembirakan Seorang Wanita

Another forwarded email.

How To Make A Woman Happy
----------------------------------

It's not difficult to make a woman happy. A man ONLY needs to be:

1. a friend
2. a companion
3. a lover
4. a brother
5. a father
6. a master
7. a chef
8. an electrician
9. a carpenter
10. a plumber
11. a mechanic
12. a decorator
13. a stylist
14. a sexologist
15. a gynaecologist
16. a psychologist
17. a pest exterminator
18. a psychiatrist
19. a healer
20. a good listener
21. an organizer
22. a good father
23. very clean
24. sympathetic
25. athletic
26. warm
27. attentive
28. gallant
29. intelligent
30. funny
31. creative
32. tender
33. strong
34. understanding
35. tolerant
36. prudent
37. ambitious
38. capable
39. courageous
40. determined
41. true
42. dependable
43. passionate
44. compassionate

WITHOUT FORGETTING TO:

45. give her compliments regularly
46. love shopping
47. be honest
48. be very rich
49. not stress her out
50. not look at other girls

AND AT THE SAME TIME, YOU MUST ALSO:

51. give her lots of attention, but expect little yourself
52. give her lots of time, especially time for herself
53. give her lots of space, never worrying about where she goes

IT IS VERY IMPORTANT:

54. Never to forget:

* birthdays
* anniversaries
* arrangements she makes








HOW TO MAKE A MAN HAPPY

1. Show up naked
2. Bring food


*LOL. I wonder, should the two requirements above be executed independently or concurrently... ;)

Cuppie Cakes

With the visit from Aunt Flo, came the cravings.

I have been craving for a slice of Belgian chocolate cake for almost a week now. Been driving him up the wall with my constant wailing and sulking. I can be quit picky sometimes, especially now.

And I can be a pain in the arse too. "No, I don't want a whole damn cake. Only a slice. And no, not any chocolate cake will do. I want BELGIAN CHOCOLATE CAKE. Get it??!!"

*Sigh, it's a wonder why he still tolerates me. I know I wouldn't.

The other day, daddy brought home some cupcakes. It is not a substitute to my belgian chocolate cravings, but it will simply have to do for now.

Anyway, they're so cute. Can't resist them. I like!! :)

Facebook-ing

"Based on a popular social networking site, the term "facebooking" has emerged as a verb to describe the activity of logging in to Facebook in order to create a profile, share personal information, and meet other members...." -- netlingo (www.netling.com)

I would simply call it as an 'addiction'.

It began during last semester break, after the exams were over. Naturally, a couple of my friends and I had made plans to celebrate our so called 'freedom' and would reward ourselves by going for a mini-break to Kuala Selangor to see the "kelip-kelip". Unfortunately, due to some 'oversight' on the finances department, our planned trip to the homestay did not materialize. We all ended up 'staying at home' instead, confining ourselves to our own rooftops, forcing ourselves to discover our creative sides and fulfilling our time with activities which preferably, does not include much spending.

I took this opportunity to check on my long, and much neglected personal email account. You know what they say, absence makes the heart grow fonder. In my case, my heart skipped a beat when I saw the number of unread emails that I had only to realise after that most of them were only spam mails (and there I was thinking that it could be mails from my fan club, sigh...). As I did some maintenance work cleaning up the account, I found a few invitations from friends to join Facebook (hereafter known as "FB"), all dating back as late as October 2007. I have heard of this new phenomenon, from other friends and advertisements on the television, but I have yet to try it out for myself. Looking at that moment, as I had some time on my hands, feet and brain capacity to use, I told myself then, "Sure, why not?".

And I have been hooked eversince.

I find myself going crazy over the many applications that FB offers. There are quizzes to take (most of them are more ridiculous then another, but still fun to take though), games to play and you can even listen to music online. There is even a application called Flog Blog that links FB to your existing blog so that everyone in your list is notified whenever your blog is updated. Also, one could send pets, plants, beautiful roses, teddy bears, starbucks coffee, donuts, chocolates and ice-creams, birthday cakes, versace goods, coach handbags, even sexy 'dudes' as gifts to their friends and it is all for FREE!! WooHHooo!! I like, definitely!!!

Look, you can call me a cheapskate if you want, but hey, it is the thought that matters, right? ;)

However my most favourite activity is re-discovering "old" friends. Former work colleagues, my housemates during my overseas days, friends from uni, college, high school, tuition, the "mafia square" pasar malam gangs and even the "play-badminton-at-gina's-house-to-see- abang-uitm" gangs. And through the "6 degrees of separation" theory, I even found my old primary school girlfriends whom I last saw them 17 years ago. To my pleasure, they all remembered me still. Well, actually most of them remembered me as "Siti" the girl who liked to draw a lot, but who cares? All that matters is that they remember and that they did not mistaken me for a crazy nutcase who wants to add every tom, dick and harry as their friends in FB!!!

Seeing all of them here, makes me proud to know that I have had the pleasure of being in their company once upon a time. To see all of us grown up and have been successful in many ways in our life made me realize just how far I have come from whenst I came. The journeys I made. The people I have met. The good times. The bad times. The memories.

I say, Kudos FB!!! Without it, I may never have found all of them again.

The girls from both primary and secondary school are planning for a re-union. I do think that I may have to re-look at my diet plan again. Thank god Ramadhan is coming. Need some 'trimming' here and there, if you know what I mean ;).

Got Tagged

...by the ever resplendent K.Ina. I have no clue how to go about doing this so I am just going to start praying and jump straight into it (with all fingers and toes crossed! ).

5 Presents ( as in 'gifts' ka? ) :

1. Ma Familia
2. Amor Mio
3. My buddies
4. My good fortune
5. Myself
   

5 reasons for the above:

1. For their unconditional love and support for which without it, I would have never survived this long.
2. He accepts me the way I am, my good and bad, my strengths and weaknesses, my rights and wrongs. Thank you for never giving up on me.
   
3. The "3- suku" gangs and the "otak-kering" gangs. You know who you are. It has been an absolute pleasure being in your presence and taking this journey with you.
   
4. I have had my share of trying times but still, I believe most of the time I have certainly been blessed.
   
5. Do I need a reason for this?
   

5 characteristic I like in the person I admire:

1. Wise
   
2. Humble
   
3. Intelligent
   
4. Compassion
   
5. Hygienic

Best thing he ever did:

To forgive without prejudice.

5 things you do when you are bored:

1. Read – books, newspaper, magazines, blogs, printed advertisements, etc (you get the general idea)
   
2. Watching tv (when I have the time)
   
3. Surfing the net
   
4. Cook
5. Write
   

5 great inventions:

1. Internet
   
2. Electronic Devices/Gadgets - Mobile phones, Camera, TV, Radio
   
3. Literature - all forms
   
4. Automotive
   
5. Human being (err, I think this one doesn't count laaa. Silap 'kategori' ni....)

5 most hated:

1. The darkness
2. Hypocrites
3. Society without manners
   
4. Braggarts
5. Self-Professed Liars
   

5 people to be tagged:

Aiiyaaaa....mana mau cari orang untuk kena 'tag' ? Anyways :

1. Hadi Tonet
   
2. Dino
3. Dianne
4. Cynthia
5. Najjua
   

That Certain Je Ne Sais Quoi....

I have just started my new semester at the Faculty on Monday. As it is still only the first week, we are still in the midst of sorting out our classes and dealing with the never ending registration issues. Despite the lesser number of attendees, it is still good to see all the familiar faces again and to know that we are still in the 'game'.

During one of the classes, I have been asked by friends on my plans for this semester. How many papers are you taking? How do you plan to prepare for this semester? How do you feel about passing your previous exam?

How do I feel? Relieved. Contented.

Absolutely ecstatic!! :)

My good friend Lea told me last semester, right before the final exams, " Noreane, kalau kite lepas yang ni, confirm kite boleh sampai ending" (Noreane, should we succeed in this attempt, we are confirmed to be able to reach till the end).

The previous semester had been challenging indeed, for both of us especially. We had personal issues to handle on top of the normal intricacies of life. Alhamdullilah, with our diligence, the sacrifices that we made plus the never ending support and prayers from family and friends and of course, not forgetting, god's will, we are still here today - to continue our journey.

This semester, I have the privilege of attending the class of the following professor. Up until yesterday, the only thing I that knew about him was of his reputation and through the articles written about him in blogs and newspaper. First appearances can be very deceiving indeed. At first glance he looked unapproachable. A private man. But all initial perception I had of him went out the window as soon as he started his lecture. Speaking pleasantly in a gentle voice, I was mesmerized by his humbleness, his ideologies and of his frankness. Plus, he is very, very polite.
He talks with such sincerity and from there I could see that he is someone who has a passion for knowledge and education. He believes that the goal, when it comes to studying, is not to produce results in a commercial sense, e.g. monetary value and recognition, but to study for the sole sake of studying itself. All of us, he said, are entitled to our rights, our equality and not just because of the differences in gender. As a human being, no one can give us our rights as we are borne with it, however rights can be taken away. We do not have to necessarily agree with each other. Differences in opinions and disputes is a good way to broaden our knowledge, however it is best done with sensitivity at mind and respectfully.

He also said failure is when you fall, you stay down.

It is a rare finding for me, to be able to find someone who in a way, echoes my thoughts which I nowadays keep it mostly to myself, due to many reasons. He has that 'certain something' which I highly respect and look up to. Some of the things he said affects me deeply. In a way, I was able to relate them to the experiences that I have gone throughout my short stint at adulthood.

I can see why many are awed by him. I think I will, most definitely, be joining the fan club soon enough. You don't need to use big, ambiguous words to send a message or to leave an impact. Bloody hell, throughout his lecture, I did not even take eyes of him and tried not to blink too much until my eyes dried out for fear that I will miss even a single sentence emitted from his lips. When our eyes met, I did not even break eye contact with him and I think, at times I may have scared him a little bit with my grim look. God, I sincerely hope my mouth was not hanging open as well ( apparently, I do a lot of 'that' these days. Sooo, not attractive!!Uurrrgghh ).

Pak Lang, my uncle, who is one of the nicest man I have ever known, once told me, " If you have nothing nice to say, then don't say it at all". On this matter, so far, all I have on the Prof is very good indeed.

I bought his book recently. He promised to sign it later for us as a momento.

Hmmm, I wonder, if it is possible to frame a book with nearly 800 pages and hang it on the wall??? ;)


"Our greatest glory is not in never failing, but in rising every time we fall"
--
Confucius, 551-479 B.C.

In My Head

My current obsession. It's like as if there is a deejay in my head, working on overtime and with a broken record. I can hear this song being played repeatedly again and again (in my head), day in and day out.

Sweet. Sultry. Haunting.

Simply beautiful.

The "Frog" Flu

Just drabbling here a bit.

Over the weekend I was introduced to the world of Sergeant Keroro through the Animax channel. Fascinating indeed. The anime is about Keroro, who is a frog-like alien sergeant whose initial plan was to invade planet earth with his friends. However, this is one Sergeant who I doubt will ever make it alive should there be a' real' war (touchwood!!) between two worlds. Despite being an alien, he is just like any other ordinary person. He can be emotional, sometimes disoriented, often contradicts himself and his sanity is questionable at times. His antics are very entertaining, and I sometimes find myself either laughing out loud or just staring dumbfounded at the television with my mouth hanging open (hmmm, that doesn't sound too 'appealing' on a woman now, come to think of it). And as a hobby, he likes making models of robots from the Mobile Suit Gundam anime series. Quite unusual for a war like alien I should say. But then again, what isn't with this story?

I am for one, not that much of an anime fan. However, ever since I have started studying again, and that with the great turbulence in the local political scene plus the demoralizing cost of living nowadays, I find that I do need some sort of a temporary diversion so that I would not succumb to my depression and ended up being a 1st class, psychopath b***h. I need to find a way to ensure that at the end of the day, I am able to retain that sense of humour that I have always had with me and not to let it be overpowered by my newly sarcastic and sceptical personality that is so...not attractive.

The series currently shown on Astro Animax is dubbed in English with Malay subtitles as an option. Talk about multi language. The opening theme song is another thing that tickles my fancy. Very catchy tune indeed. With ridiculous lyrics such as ..." Saya lupa menanak nasi untuk makan dengan nasi kari" and " Apabila saya menutup pintu tangan saya tersempit", how can I not enjoy myself of this experience of watching a tiny frog trying to achieve the impossible while looking absolutely cute about it.

Kero! Kero! Kero!

*p/s: "kero" is the sound the frogs made in japanese as opposed to "rebit" in english.



Opening Theme Lyrics - Kero! To March (English Translation)
---------------------------------------------------------------
3 2 1 Fire!

Kero kero kero
C'mon march foward, the invasion has just begun
Kekero kero
When I take an umbrella, it always some how stays sunny.

Soldier! grit your eyes
I forgot to make the rice for the curry!

When I closed the door I got my finger stuck!
And when I got on a plane, it went off the wrong way!
My Platoon took a vacation at Planet Kero
Ah, I guess it is cheaper just to buy dinner

Gero Gero Gero
Shout loudly the signal of victory
Gegero gero
When I dashed to the phone, it was only just a fax

Today is the end of the Hensei era and is only the beginning of the Kero era DE ARIMASU
Sweep in a space circular
Fidgeting, sweating, crying

For tooth paste strawberry is the one to use
Planet Kero is the best in the universe probably
Ah 5 minutes from the station turned out to be 15
Ah well oh well I guess a job well done!

The New Dictionary

Received one of those 'forwarded' emails from a friend today. I am quite sure this has been circulating over the web for quite a while, but just for the sake of my sanity and the fact I am in great need of some 'cheering' up, I shall post the contents of the email here :

DICTIONARY FOR WOMEN'S PERSONAL ADS

40-ish................................49
Adventurous.....................Slept with all your friends
Athletic.............................No boobs
Average looking................Ugly
Beautiful............................Pathological liar
Contagious Smile................Does a lot of pills
Emotionally secure..............On medication
Feminist............................Fat
Free spirit..........................Junkie
Friendship first...................Former slut
Fun..................................Annoying
Gentle..............................Dull
New Age...........................Body hair in the wrong places
Open-minded.....................Desperate
Outgoing...........................Loud and Embarrassing
Passionate........................Sloppy drunk
Poet.................................Depressive
Professional.......................Bitch
Romantic...........................Frigid
Voluptuous........................Very Fat
Large frame.......................Hugely Fat
Wants Soul mate................Stalker
Widow..............................Murderer

WOMEN'S ENGLISH

1. Yes = No
2. No = Yes
3. Maybe = No
4. We need = I want
5. I am sorry = you'll be sorry
6. We need to talk = you're in trouble
7. Sure, go ahead = you better not
8. Do what you want = you will pay for this later
9. I am not upset = of course I am upset, you moron!
10. You're very attentive tonight = is sex all you ever think about?

MEN'S ENGLISH

1. I am hungry = I am hungry
2. I am sleepy = I am sleepy
3. I am tired = I am tired
4. Nice dress = Nice cleavage!
5. I love you = let's have sex now
6. I am bored = Do you want to have sex?
7. May I have this dance? = I'd like to have sex with you
8. Can I call you sometime? = I'd like to have sex with you
9. Do you want to go to a movie? = I'd like to have sex with you
10. Can I take you out to dinner? = I'd like to have sex with you
11. Those shoes don't go with that outfit = I'm gay

And finally.....

A recent scientific study found that women find different male faces attractive depending on where they are in their menstrual cycle.

For example, when a woman is ovulating she will prefer a man with rugged, masculine features.

However when she is menstruating, she prefers a man doused in petrol and set on fire, with scissors stuck in his eye and a cricket stump shoved up his backside.

*LOL* Absolutely love the last bit. Somehow (not surprisingly), I can actually relate to that very much - including all the 'gory' details.

Hmmmm, does that mean 'Aunt Flo' is coming to pay me a visit soon??

Ayam Kari Kapitan

This post is dedicated to my buddies, Ina & Mir. God know's why you guys are 'addicted' to it....
Recipe (for 1/2 a chicken) :
------------------------------
Chicken (obviously...) , cut into pieces

Grind/Blend
---------------
3 garlics (bawang putih)
5 small onions (bawang merah)
7 stalks of dried chillies, previously soaked in hot water
1 cm ginger (halia)
3 cm fresh tumeric (kunyit hidup)
2 stalks lemon grass (serai)
1 inch galangal (lengkuas)
3 candlenuts (buah keras)
1 cube chicken stock

Combine with:
----------------
1.5 ( one and a half) boxes of 200ml coconut milk
Juice of 2 limes (limau nipis)
4 kaffir lime leaves (daun limau purut), torn

Seasoning:
------------
Salt, sugar & pepper, to taste


Method :
-----------
1. Heat about 3 tbspn of oil in wok. Once hot, add in the blended ingredients until fragrant. Add in some of the torn kaffir lime leaves at this point.

2. Add in chicken. Let it cook for a while. Add a little bit of water if it is too dry.

3. Add in coconut milk. Let it simmer.

4. Add lime juice, salt, sugar and pepper.

5. Throw in the rest of the kaffir lime leaves for decoration.


Note to all : It looks somewhat similar to 'Ayam Masak Lemak' but the tastes differ as the lime juice adds some sourness into the dish and helps to breakup the 'lemak-ness' from the coconut milk. Not recommended if you're on a diet, though. The meal is quite 'rich', if you know what I mean ;)


*p/s: Recently, father got me a personal trainer to help me with my exercise routine at home.

Oohhh gawwwdd, I feel like a dog!!! :(

The Interview

Last night my nieces, Icha and Anna, who are both five and seven years old respectively, came over to visit us at home. It has been a while since I last saw them and we (my aunts and I) took this opportunity to ask them (more like 'interrogate' them really) about their school - Icha currently in kindergarden while Anna is in primary one, on exams, friends and basically anything and everything that has been going on in their life so far.

The following is a snippet of my conversation with them on school and friends :

Me : Soooooo, how's school?

Ica : Ok Aunty Jene. I am not schooling today.

Anna : Cuti sekolah, laaaaa.....

Me : I know, I know. Saja tanye tak boleh ke? (girls giggling) How are your friends? Any cute guys in school?

Ica & Anna : AAADDDAAAAAAA!!!!! (answering with such gusto)

Me : Wow, what are their names?

Ica & Anna: A@#$%^*?!!!! ( at this point I could not hear them well because the television was blasting away in the background. For ease of identification, let's call Icha's - Mr. X and Anna's - Mr. Y)

Me : So Icha, Mr.X handsome boy ahh? How does he look like?

Icah : Like a boy la, Aunty Jene. Tapi cute laaaa....

Anna : Mr. Y also cute. Tapi die hitam (dark)!!!

Me : Okla tu. Women should be fair and men should be dark. You know the saying, ' tall, dark and handsome men '?

Icha & Anna : Huh???!!!!

Me : Nevermind, you girls are underaged anyway. Sssooo, are they rich?

Icha : I dunnooooo.....

Anna : How to know dia 'kaya' (rich) ke tak Aunty Jene?

Me : Well, ahemm ahemmm, you're talking to an 'expert' here(me sounding smug). Ok, let me teach you girls. Dia datang sekolah naik apa??

Icha : Van sekolah.

Anna : School bus.

Me : Aiseyman....ok, nevermind. There's still hope. They are still young anyway. We must give them room to grow and develop. Now school bus, later proton, last sekali bmw!!

Icha at this point looked very much like a confused child. She scratched her head and gave Anna a look that says, you sure she's related to us, aaaahh??

Me : So, parents die kerja apa?

Icha : Tak tau. Tapi Mr. X ada water bottle yang besar!! Ada gambar Thomas lagi. Siap boleh letak makanan kat bawah tau!!

Me: Haaaa??Water bottle aje??!! Hmm, Thomas?? Thomas mana ni? Thomas cup ke?

Anna : *Sigh .... No laaa Aunty Jene. Thomas & Friends laaaa. Cartoon train yang dalam Astro tuh, Channel 611.

Me : OOhhhh, yelah kan. Budak-budak. Mestila kartun. Takkan pulak die letak gambar bola badminton(shuttle cox) kat watter bottle dia kan? Hehehehehe ......

At this point Anna smacked her hand over her forehead and just shook her head.

Come to think of it, I think I am worrying for no reason really. Apparently these kids are growing up just fine. I use to have this fear that these girls would not be able to adapt themselves to this new world of modern technology. That they would not be mature enough to handle the pressures, the harshness and the ugly reality of life. That I would need to be with them at all times to ensure that they are properly guided while taking baby steps, venturing further into the world that is mysterious and full of adventure.

Perhaps I have been worrying about the wrong person all this while. It very much looks like the one who may in need of great guidance and with questionable maturity would not be them, but in actual fact - is me after all..... ;)

The Maniac

This morning, a friend read to me an article from one of the local newspapers concerning the shocking revelation of child mathematic genius, Sufiah Yusuf and her involvement with prostitution. The paper  interviewed a consultant psychiatrist with Hospital Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (HUKM), Prof Madya Dr Osman Che Bakar who said that Sufiah could be
suffering from a psychiatric illness - " psikiatri mania ". 

According to the article, the doctor said, and I quote, 

“.... kemungkinan Sufiah berhadapan dengan masalah mania yang antara simptom penyakit itu adalah keinginan seks meluap-luap, hiperaktif, terlalu ceria, berkeyakinan tinggi, berfikir dengan pantas, bertenaga, hilang keinginan tidur dan terlalu peramah...."

Sufiah probably suffers from a psychological problem -  a 'maniac' , with symptoms amongst others, a great need for sex, hyperactive, too cheerful, great self- confidence, speed thinker, energetic, lost the need to sleep and too social.


My friend then turned to me and asked " Well, aren't you worried Noreane?"

Confused, I replied " Why? Should I be?"

"Well, I know I would. You're already showing some of the symptoms
 highlighted by the doctor. Especially the cheerful bit. Excessive happiness, you know
 - just like the movie Patch Adams. I don't have many friends. And I sure don't want my friend to turn into a maniac after this, touch wood!! "


Hmmmmm, now this is a tough choice.

Should I hug and thank her for her concern over my state of health - body, mind and soul? Or should I just spank this woman for her ridiculous but somehow, worrying thoughts????!!!


*Sigh* Thank you god - for giving me such 'supporting' friends.....

Hakuna Matata

I first heard the phrase "Hakuna Matata" while watching Disney's The Lion King, back when I was in high school. Did not know what the song really meant at the time, except Simba was a handsome lion and that the song had a very catchy tune. The phrase is actually Swahili's which literary translates as "There are no worries here". Indeed, if I was asked to create a tag line for daddy's Orchard, I would say just that.

Noooooooo, not Hakuna Matata, silly. I shall coin it as "Orchard, there are no worries here". (*Hint* Daddy darling, I believe this is the part where you should say, "Baby, that's a wonderful idea. Why don't I reward you for your efforts". I know, I know - just pushing my luck here :)).

Frankly speaking, I am a city girl who is used to the hustle and bustle of the hectic city life. So when I first came to the Orchard, I found it to be a little bit intimidating for me. There was a vast of land overlooking the lake. Lots of trees, plants and live stocks. All the sounds and smells that were emanating from the orchard is anything but, citylike. I remember thinking to myself, bloody hell,how in the world am I going to sleep tonight since there isn't any aircond??

However, over a period of time, I find myself looking forward to our weekly/monthly visits to the Orchard. The thought of the green, green grass and the clear blue sky with the orchestra of chickens, geese and ducks playing in the background actually comforts me. I can't begin to describe the feeling that I have when I am over there, surrounded by nature. But all I can say is that, when I am there, it's as if I have finally found peace. For that short moment in time, I am without any worries. Nothing to weigh me down. Nothing to hold me back. I am able to just relax, sit down and enjoy life while bonding with my family.

We went to the Orchard again during the Chinese New Year break. Arrived at 10:30 on a Wednesday night, we were welcomed by the fresh air and the cool breezy wind. At midnight, there was a display of fireworks presumely from the town centre, which was visible from where we were.

We spent our days chatting, eating, chatting, taking walks, cleaning up the old garage, chatting again, target practice (daddy calls me "trigger happy people" ;) ), gardening and more chatting. Yes, we love to talk, especially the ladies in my family. We could talk for hours!! Long after all the men have gone to sleep, we will still be gossiping away, giggling and laughing - sometimes sitting close together in the darkened room, talking about the good 'ol times, the present and of the future. Father once asked me how could we talk and talk for hours and not get tired of each other - talking endlessly, sometimes repeating the same story over and over again. To the question, I replied, " Ayah, us ladies - if we don't talk, we will certainly die!!". Not everyone, particularly the men in my family, would be able to understand this. Well, all I can say is that, you wouldn't know now unless you try, right? ;)

I took the opportunity to take some pictures - using my humble camera phone, so that when I am back in the city, I will still be able to remember the beautiful orchard.







Before we went back to the city, father asked me, if I would consider staying here at the Orchard - permanently. He plans to retire there, amidst the serenity and tranquility that is just divine. To finally enjoy the fruits of his labour - his reward for all the hard work he has done for most of his adult life. His blood, sweat and tears.

What is that?? Moi?? Stay here at the Orchard??

But of course!!!

..... errr, provided KLCC is just around the corner, preferably just outside the entrance to the Orchard..hehehehe ;)

Sorry daddy, but alas, I am afterall, a city girl at heart. I don't think I could live there knowing there isn't any McDonalds within the vicinity should I need to indulge on my McMuffin cravings at 4:00 am in the morning!!

But then again, having said that, who knows? Perhaps the calling of 'Hakuna Matata' in the future might just be the 'it' factor to propel me to ...have a change of heart ?? ;)

What's In A Name?

I was recently asked by an acquaintance of mine, who asked me the origins of my name.

" Your name is quite peculiar for a Malay. Are you of mixed parentage? " he asked.

Peculiar? Never gave much thought about it, really. The name was associated with me since my birth and to this day, I have never question the meaning of my name. Of course, I have previously asked my family, in particular my parents, on the reason why they named me so. According to my mother, it was my father who chose the name. Perhaps he acquired it during one of his overseas trip, back when he was younger and was always on the road, she said. My father's response was somewhat more along the lines of practicality, really. His exact reply, and if I were to remember accurately was,

" Entah, tak ingat la. Tak salah ayah masa tu belum decide nak bubuh nama ape, pulak tu nurse tu ugut ayah kalau ayah tak bagi nama, dia akan bagi nama die sendiri." ( Can't really remember why. If I am not mistaken, I have yet to choose a name for you at that time and the nurse had threatened to name you herself if I fail to do so).

Frankly, I was hoping for a more 'romantic' version. Being a romantic that I am(I totally blame it on Mills & Boons for this), I thought perhaps, just like the movie 'Becoming Jane', the name was picked by father because it reminded him of the girl he met but wasn't able to pursue a relationship with, due to the many obstacles that he faced. A lost love - which was doomed from the beginning by a cruel twist of fate. My late grandmother had offered a more 'interesting' version to it. She claimed that back then, in the roaring 60's, my father was a huge fan of both the movie, Lawrence of Arabia and that of the Italian actress, Sofia Loren and that is how he came up with my name. Seriously and truly, till this day I still cannot find the connection between those two given facts and of course the rationality which links them together, but what the heck, this 'version' DEFINITELY sounds a whooolllleeeee lot nicer then the explanation that was given to me by my father :).

So I decided to conduct my own research, through the limited resources that I have. After 'googling' it over the net, this is a basic summary of my findings -facts on the origins and meaning of my name :


1. A female's name;

2. Definitely not associated with the Malays;

3. Origins of name most probably is from Ireland. Used mostly by the English and Irish;

4. Closest meaning I could fine is "Norene" and according to babynamer.com, means :

Meaning: Its source is Eleonora, an Italian name meaning "Compassion"

Narrative: It developed as a short form of the names Eleonora, Honora and Leonora.

Though Nora is not Gaelic in origin, it has come to be especially associated with Ireland, and in Scotland is often used as a feminine form of Norman.

(Wicked, eh?!!) ;)

5. Name was most popular during the early 1900's;

6. ...which means most of the people with the same name are either old or already dead !!! (found a lot of obituaries for the same name....huhuhuhuhu).


So, I ask ye again, what's in a name? ;)

Ramblings of A Confused Woman

It is exactly 12:27, on a Friday morning, the 18th day of the first month for the year 2008.

I have just realised that I actually have a follow-up checkup with the good doctor today concerning my previous 'over-acting' visits to Mr Potty. Truth be told, my tummy is all upset again and now since I have very well forgotten to apply for leave, and it's a bit too late to reschedule for a new appointment, therefore I wouldn't be able to see the doctor and do anything concerning this problem of mine now.

Oh, bugger it.

I. Am. Legend? No. Depressed is more like it.

Have you ever hoped and prayed for something so hard, and you wanted something so bad, that sometimes you feel that your whole life depended on this one miracle and that you have done everything within your means to ensure that all your harwork and efforts will at least make an impact and that most of all, it was not for a worthless cause? And then, just when you think that all that was wrong before, is now just starting to get better, only to find yourself in the same gutter all over again, just like the one before and to finally realise that perhaps, despite all the hopes and dreams that you desperately want to believe and hold on to, that it is time for you to let go and just perhaps, it is time for you to just....

Stop.

Hoping.


Do you get my drift here? No? *Sigh*

It's ok, the title of the post says it all.

I am afterall, but a confused woman.

On Mr Darcy

Upon reading my earlier post, my good friend, Dino approached me, just as I was about to leave the office, with a great enquiry. He asked,


" Noreane, what's a Mr Darcy? Is it a toy?? "


I did not know whether to scream with laughter or just knock my head senseless on the workstation. Furthermore,he had looked at me with such innocence and with great intensity when he posed the question that I was so tempted to reply to him " Yes darling and it's battery operated!!! ".

I can still remember the look of confusion and wariness on his face as I went through a series of " facial exercise /face lift workout " for him. First came my look of sheer horror, then came the look of pure disbelief - then followed by me laughing hysterically until there were tears rolling down my cheeks (thank god big boss wasn't around or else he would be wondering if my appraisal form for last year's performance was properly assessed. Perhaps he should have recommended a visit to the nearest psychiatrist for an assessment on staff's mental state instead, hmmm?? ).

Poor Dino. He must have been traumatised by my reaction. Bet he was just confirming his all time suspicion that I am indeed, afterall, a sad case of a coconut head!!

I don't blame him for not knowing who Mr Darcy is. Really. After all, he is a MAN. I don't even think dear hubby would have known who in god's-green-earth is Mr Darcy until I came into his life and introduced him to the world of Jane Austen.


*Sigh* Men, they can be so adorable sometimes, can't they? ;)

Believe Me When I Say.....

... that I have been extremely busy and haven't been able to find the time to update my blog. There's simply so many things to do and achieve in so little time.

Truly, deeply, frankly......

...just a whole load of crap.

Keep repeating to oneself over and over again, and you are bound to believe your own lies, so much so you would find it quite impossible to differentiate between what is fact and what is fiction. However, truth be told, I have been very busy. Year 2007 came and went in a flash and the next thing you know, 2008 is already upon you - in all its glory!!!

Oh yes, before I do forget and get carried away with my myself ( which I have been told my by SOMEONE out there of my tendency to do so), I am very happy to inform you that I have indeed passed all the papers which I took last semester and am now, very well on my way towards my 3rd semester in the uni. Very proud of myself and frankly, very relieved as I had actually made a deal with my father. The deal was that he would buy me the books/materials that I would need for my studies and in return, I was to ensure my entry for my 3rd semester and pass ALL of my papers, or else, he would take all the books and have them boiled for me to drink, with hopes that this method would be a fool-proof however, yet non-traditional way of achieving the desired effect - short cut to speed reading and en route to being the ultimate genious!! .

His exact words, if I remember correctly were,

" You better make sure you pass. Or else, aku ambik buku kau, rebus dan paksa kau minum air dia..."


*Phew* Thank god for miracles !! Wouldn't want me to fall sick with "book poisoning" now , would we daddy? :)



In other related news, a quick recap of my 'hap-Penings' for year 2007 :

1. Got enrolled in uni - pursuing a degree in legal studies ( and this is coming from someone who has a vast collection of cheap dvds...hehehehehe ;) )

2. Got new friends, met up with the old ones.

3. More friends joining in the *Young Wives* Club ( not referring to bini muda ye, thank you ).

4. Moved into a new crib (temporarily of course. Love the amenities though!! :) )

5. Dearest, dearest grandmother passed away in May. She has always been the family's pillar of strength and our guardian angel.

6. Passed both my 1st and 2nd semester exams with *surprising* results (wwooHHHoooo!!)

7. Celebrated my 28th birthday at Jake's with family -yummy lobster thermidor and lip-smacking escargot ( yupppp, it was deeellccciioouussss!!!) - Thanks daddy !! :D

8. Went for a holiday *sehelai sepinggang* - literary. Imagine going overseas not even knowing the currency exchange rate (melampau!!!)

9. Spent the new year's eve in , where else, the kitchen of course!! Then spent the morning of the new year in the dark (we had power failure - terlebih guna electricity kot) - by the pool with hubby, cousin and aunties...chatting away, and finishing off the pint of Hagen Daaz white macadamia ice cream (needed to save the ice cream from jadi 'mangsa keadaan' since the fridge was out of order. Would have been a waste of good ice cream ...sayang ...) :)

10. Introduced the family to the wonders of breakfast at 4 am at McDonalds (parappapapapaaaaaa, I'm loving it!! )


Anyway, these are some of the things I did/ happened for the year 2007. Can't very well write everything down here , can I? Not enough space anyway :).

Hope it is not too late to wish all of you a Happy New Year and may this year will bring all of us much blessing and prosperity and may all our hopes and wishes would come true.

Wait, what is that? What do I wish for, you ask??

Just one.

A Mr Darcy behind the wheels of a black, shining new 2008 Toyota Camry, thank you very much!! *sigh* :)