THE ALLURING JALAN ALOR

There are many places to get good food in Malaysia but if you ask, "where can I get food food in KL?" to any KLites, perhaps you'll find one place that gets a unanimous support of everyone is...Jalan Alor!

Throughout my 4 years in KL, I've heard the sizzles about the delicious food along Jalan Alor, especially the 'siew kai yik' (chicken wings). I guess I did my taste-buds injustice for not bringing myself to Jalan Alor for the food there. That is until my boss decided to treat us all to some super juicy siew kai yik!

Well it's not like I've never been to Jalan Alor before. Previously, when I was working as a production assistant, the film crew actually did a few scenes nearby Jalan Alor. It's just that I don't have the time to go there to enjoy the food although I practically pass by that place every single day and even went a couple of times to the cyber cafe there to print stuff. My dad and I went for breakfast along Jalan Alor before, but seriously, Jalan Alor during the day is equivalent to a vampire during the day....erm....get the picture? It lacks the 'umphhh'...the Alor-ness.

So Jalan Alor is to KL what Gurney Drive is to Penang. Oh well, in sort, these are food paradises...So two days ago, that was where we were headed.

As we approached the famous street, we first feasted upon the sight of beautiful multi-colour lighted stalls, each one of them emanating their own unique scent that worked like hooks that pulls you towards the source of food action. It really did not help curb my hunger and  I was already picturing the mouth-watering chicken wings in my mouth.

I think besides the food, Jalan Alor gives us something more - a uniquely Malaysian feeling. Malaysia is truly Malaysia when you see the colours of Jalan Alor. I know many would hate the crowds that cramp the place, the noisy buzz and the pungent smell of smoke that chokes along the road, but I just love that kinda atmosphere. I love to be part of such unique sights and sounds - a melting pot of various cultures.

Finally the moment I've been waiting for....

The wings were served and we winged it...I do not want to dramatized my first bite, like those food programmes where the host usually eat the food as if that piece of roti canai is the most divine food in the world. So no 'eyes closing', finger licking moment for me. I mean the wings were good but I won't described it as a heavenly experience because I was so hungry I basically just grabbed it and chunk it in my mouth but no doubt those wings were delicious. Sadly, the rest of the food were only mediocre. 

I must say, you have to at least go there for a bite. I'm on for the food challenge already!! 

I think I'm gonna gather friends and try to explore the rest of Alor!!!

Sadly, I'm not really a photo blogger, mainly because I can't even afford a camera. 

My phone's camera, which is supposed to serve me, has a lousy weakness - it takes forever to FOCUS...and thus, I don't really have  the chance to capture moments fast enough. I mean imagine 6 hungry tigers ready to pounce on the first food in sight...and there you are taking out the camera, saying "WAIT LET ME TAKE PICTURE FIRST" and then take up a few minutes of people's makan time because your camera takes forever to focus...so, better not create such fuss right?

So mission failed and I don't have any pictures to show you. But I can still 'steal' some pictures la ahha....

Photos courtesy of Michael Yip (I don't know who he is but I just got this pic online)

And yes, the chicken wings REALLY LOOK THAT GOOD!!

That I won't lie

Then as my colleague was sending me home, we passed by Pudu!!! 

The bulldozing works were on and we saw many snapping their way with their SLR cameras. It's amazing and heartbreaking at the same time to see Pudu being reduced to shatters of tiny pieces and ashes.  

If you ask me if we should tear down this historical landmark, I am actually really kinda against it. I mean, Pudu prison has its own historical value, which had captured within its walls (and in fact, on the walls itself because of the murals) so many stories but  now, they are physically erased by a few buzzing tractors. Oh well, I guess some people might argue that the history that lies in it will live on in other fixated forms like writing etc etc.

But that being said, how can you say that this 100-year-old building is not a heritage?

source: http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2010/6/20/nation/20100620175830&sec=nation

Plus, how can you say that the Pudu Prison is of no use when I believe a lot of Pudu "ghosts" are residing there...okay that was meant as a stupid joke but yeah...sorry. But on a serious note, the artistic work fixated on the walls, which once set the record as the longest mural will be sacrificed in the name of road widening. Fantastic. Do you actually think that is justifiable?

I don't know, but I'm the kinda person who appreciates historical monuments, buildings and anything ancient because I love the kinda stories that comes with them. That's why I love European countries because their streets are lined with amazing architectures that preserved the historical flair. And I like it even better when there is someone who shares with me the background of the building. 

Many argue that Pudu prison is a huge "stonewaller".

But seriously, I'm very doubtful that the destruction of the Pudu walls, to make way for new roads is going to help much with the traffic. I mean, most of us knows where the problem lies, and it's not really them roads, if I were to be honest.

Look at the Jalan Loke Yew that leads me to my Cheras home. It is amazing that after about 3 years of road widening, and with the project considered completed, I'm still experiencing slow traffic. Hmmm.....okay I guess I should be happy with the word "improvement". 

Oh well, I'll leave you to ponder if Pudu Prison should stay or go - not that it makes any difference anyway because as I'm writing this, Jalan Pudu and Jalan Hang Tuah is piling stone dust due to the demolishing of the walls. I am saddened by this actually. Sigh...another tourist attraction gone. 

Good nite people!!

Exhausted and tomorrow is another day.

Going to expect a tiring weekend because this Sunday spells work.

With Lotsa Love,
TammyC

NOT SO BIEBER-FEVERISH AND NOT SMILEY ABOUT MILEY

I'll juice up this installment of my blog by squeezing out some celebrity gossips, or rather, my personal insights on one or two of these sordid buzz that seemed to be circulating the air currently.

I added "Galaxie magazine" as a friend on Facebook, and although it's great that I get a lot entertainment updates, sometimes I find the quotes by certain celebrities freaking annoying..

First of all, I'm most irritated by the 15-year-old mushroom-haired, blond  named Justin Bieber who somehow managed to spread his infectious Bieber fever worldwide and gets credits for it. This lil' tyke (although 16 years old but he really still looks like a kid to me) who loves his "eenie-meenie-minie-mo-baby-baby has managed to make girls whose ages range from north to south, all crazy over him. 

Don't get me wrong. I'm not immune to his powers. His songs are so freaking catchy that it does have effect on me as I find myself screaming along the lines of "MINE, MINE, MINE, MINE, MINE!!!! TIME TIME TIME TIME TIME!! Baby you're my eenie meenie minie more lover.....Baby you're my ...." and meanwhile I'll be engaging in a series of strange body movements known as freak dance.

But seriously, what is the deal with this Justin Bieber man? Can somebody with sense tell me? Can Usher tell me? 

Besides catchy songs, which I believe aren't even written by him, he is really just another boy stricken by a bolt of luck. Like some say, his voice hasn't even mature yet. What the ...

The Bieber was still bearable until last week's rumour about him and Kim Kardashian. I mean, did his hair messed up his brains? Like dating a 30-year-old would spice up his career.

CHECK THIS OUT: 

http://justjaredjr.buzznet.com/photo-gallery/373476/justin-bieber-kim-splash-01/

Sadly, I truly feel that it is another publicity stunt. For God's sake kid, don't you have enough front covers and cover stories already? Your face is EVERYWHERE. If it were really true love blossoming, like Ashton and Demi, then I guess I can't judge your love for each other. But Bieber and Kardashian? Seriously, if Bieber is trying to pull off another Ashton, it seriously ain't working for me. It is so obvious that it is just a fling and it is ridiculous.

Okay, one may ask me to "chill young lady,...he's just a kid and he's just trying to have some fun..."

Oh alright, let me pop a few chill pills. I'm sorry I don't get the wild lifestyle and all those having fun fling thingy. Very sorry I'm a dinosaur that way.

Then there's Miley Cyrus who has turned into this unrecognizable animal that 'can't be tamed'. She could be the next Britney Spears for all I know. I mean, I used to love Britney Spears but I just don't approve of her behaviour. 

Miley is like the mutated country girl and yet proud of it. Oh well, it is her rights to be slutty and therefore, can she blame if people judge her for that? I mean, being a celebrity means that you've automatically signed up for a life of public interrogation. So please blaming others for judging you for not wearing your bra, your underwear etc etc. Although some may argue that those are fake etc etc but let me say this, when there's no smoke, there's no fire right?

Check out the face of the girl behind Miley lolx!

It's like she's thinking "what the hell is this girl with the pole doin' in front of me? I don't remember Miley Cyrus into pole dancing?"

This is fake Miley,apparently

I mean, if you are decent enough, it would be more difficult for people to link you up with a sex tape or naked pictures. Even if they did, the flames will die down easily because the way you behave speaks for itself.

I admit that there are some Miley Cyrus songs that I actually really love but I guess it ends there.

And I think it is very hypocritical of Miley Cyrus to come out with the Hannah Montana movie - about her going back to her roots and going all country and all but now coming out with an album entitled "Can't be Tamed" and then going with that new provocative image. I don't know how wrong I'll be but I am seeing her turning into another teen singer going down the ditzy drain. I don't understand why even with Lindsay Lohan and Britney Spears as striking examples down there, Miley can still opt for that waste pipe. I mean, right now, she dress a bit sexy, but before you know it, she'll turn into a dirty chick. Oh okay. I won't judge so early.

So ya...

Really enough about them. I love songs and music but recently am getting really tired of the promotions of these few celebrities. Give everyone a break.

Oh well, enough bitching. Need to get back to serious stuff and get my heads cracking.

take care peeps

With lotsa love

TammyC

WEARING IT DOWN UNDER & THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN HUMAN AND HORSES

Just 2 things worth sharing though the vision of my two small dopey eyes is coming to a blur. 

1: World Cup Undies

http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2010/6/9/nation/6431463&sec=nation

First of all, what the heck. 

*Photo courtesy of The Star Online

Wear World Cup undies while supporting your favourite football team?

The last thing we need are guys flinging their undies when their team win the game. 

So ya, I wouldn't pay 10 cents for a pair of undies with the South African or European flag design on it. The last time I check, wearing a flag down under isn't really respectful, especially when you are supporting the team, you want to wear it down there, between your...you-know-where.

Oooo perhaps you should wear the opposing team's flag down under. Now that would work. *huge proud smile for being a critical thinker*

Again, those underwear are just another one of those gimmicks which ride on the occasion to make fast cash.

All these gimmicks are norms that lead up to the one-month football competition which suddenly creates a major outbreak of fever among society. 

Glittering magazines with multi-coloured prints are lined up on the bookstore racks waiting to be owned by 'enthusiasts' who would pay good money for them. To be fair I know nuts about football but if you ask me, all them magazines are basically blueprints of one another - men in jerseys and long stockings, backgrounded by fields of green or a cheering crowd. Then bloody long articles analyzing games and profiling players...and the constant reminder that some of these footballers are young but making tonnes of $. Tell me, why should I spend on those magazines again? 

Then there's football-theme-glasses from which are designed to make you believe that you have the 'goblet of fire' or something when you own it and perhaps drink the elixir of football from it. 

At least this one is cute

Oh and there is also the packets of football players cards - you know, those in which you exchange with each other to make a card collection. Please forgive me, but I could be ignorant to the fun of the barter system, BUT I think buying these cards is THE ULTIMATE WAY TO WASTE MONEY. Top on my list man! I mean, WTF does one need those trade cards for la! Go to the internet, search for your handsome, cute, gorgeous football player, print out and trade lar if u want. 

Plus, they are sure going to make it super hard for you to get every single player, just so you'd continue spending your moos on them cards. Next time, think of me before you buy those cards okay? If you don't want your money, feel free to give it to me lar.

Cash incinerators 

And it's pretty amazing that now people include underwear to the list of things that defines the World Cup....

I guess one may argue that merchandises of these sorts are kinda creative sales or marketing methods that help create hype while earn some cash. Win-win also lar.

Oh well, all I know is, after this phase is the part where you will see a divide between the world's population. Half will be glued in front of the TV while the other half will look annoyed.

2: Genpets

Human's creativity can sometimes be both freaky and awesome at the same time.

I'm not sure if you know about Genpets but when my boss told us about it, I was really half awed and half freaked out by it. Lolx.

My colleague called it a 'toyol' and now, unfortunately, that is Genpet's nickname. 

Genpets are bioengineered pets. Okay ignore the fact that they are actually living and breathing, they even have personalities!!! 7 types!!!! 

WAT THE.................!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Exclamation marks alone is not enough to express the shock and excitement of this discovery. It is in other words, Genpets are actually the product of a whole lot of messed up DNA implanted into one 'toyol' body.

I think my boss mentioned that it is made from a combination of Horse and Human sperm or something. Hilariously put, my boss had said this, choking us all when we burst into literally teary laughs, "I really don't want people to think that it is okay to have sex with horses".

= 

So all this while we got it wrong?

 ≠ 

Half man, half human is not equal to a centaur.

Go figure

No offense horses are beautiful, but really...let's not be psychotic to that level man!

But then again, scientists had all this while been playing around with DNAs and genetics, generating not only innovative inventions, but also loads of controversial issues. 

This link might interest you:

 http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2005/01/0125_050125_chimeras.html

I've heard about the story/news above vaguely and it is the sort of issue that I'd say can be chucked into the gray area. It's difficult to really dictate whether it's right or wrong; just how we perceive it.

So Genpets? Awesome or not...it's really for you to judge.

7 types of personality - and I found myself thinking of which one I want..('=.=)

My colleague and boss have both decided that there's no way in hell that they are going to let this thing in their house, let alone pay about $US800 for it.

I am actually quite impressed by the creation but at the same time, feels a weird kind of fear. It's like we are really heading down the path of creating 'humans'. I mean, give this 'toyol' a few years and it will be refined. It will have longer lifespan and it will be nicely designed to attract people like my boss and colleague. It will one day look like a human altogether...

For a Mass Comm student who watch too much film, I can't seem to shove away the thoughts that go along the lines of movies like A.I. (though this is more on robots lar) and The Island.

  

EVERYTHING HAPPENS FOR A REASON

Things have been a bit hectic and overwhelming for me lately. 

I mean I know that it is really a blessing that I'm so busy with work because when I have things to do, then I'll have things to learn.

But with such workload, stress naturally becomes a huge part of my life because in case you didn't know, I'm even working in my head when I'm dreaming. What the hell, right?

It's hard even to find time to write and like I said in my previous post, I feel myself losing the ability to fixate my thoughts in the right expression of words. Gone were the days where I try to think of stringing humourous lines to entertain myself in my blog post (oh well, I presume that I'm the only one reading it anyway).  I guess my brain has gone into this mode in which it is so lazy to even function after a long day catering to clients at work.

No offense, but the thing about most clients is that they think that we function only to serve them alone, which sometimes is not true because we still have other clients whom we need to babysit. Oh well, again, that is what working is all about. Part of the fun I guess to deal with the pain in the arses. 

But I'm very grateful to have a chance to be part of the company I'm working in right now because I've learned so much from the job and the people there. I admit that I am not the best worker I wish I could be, which adds on to my stress because I really wish I can do better to contribute. Most of the times, I find myself making loads of careless mistakes, which I attribute to the stress, but I guess I should once again stop finding excuses.

Nevertheless my ultimate dream is to become a writer someday, and recently I don't know why but I very very very much want to be involved in travel writing, though I honestly don't travel enough. 

In pursuance of my dream, I'm still constantly trying to find out about freelance writing opportunities as well as any courses that can help me improve my writing skills as well as grammar. Seriously, I hate to admit it but my bag of grammatical errors can sometimes weigh as heavy as an elephant. 

So fate had led me to finding out about this writing course, which is going to occupy my Sunday afternoons for 2 months. 

Yesterday and today were the first two classes and I'm already enjoying them.

At first I thought I'm going to have to literally drag my heavy butt out the door of my house every Sunday for this workshop, but you know, it had been surprisingly easy for me and I'm already looking forward to next week's class. 

The workshop is organized by the Buddhist Gem Fellowship (BGF) and I somehow came across the workshop through the AWAM emailing list, through which I get loads of updates.

But I'm really glad to have been able to be part of this workshop because not only does it help me with writing tips and providing me a chance to meet people in the writing industry, it also enlightens me spiritually as the speakers are mostly Buddhists and relates some of their lessons with the teachings of Buddha, which is very very enlightening. I also get to meet so many different people there - a doctor, TARCians, and even nuns (and one is from Bhutan!).

Yesterday, I was privileged to be able to share Mr Thor Kah Hoong with about 20 other individuals for 4 hours. Just to give you brief intro of Mr Thor (if you don't already know), he is a freaking successful man in the writing industry as well as in theatre. He has experience in almost everything related to writing - be it proof-reading, ghost-writing or even publishing, he seems to know everything!! Thus, it was fantastic listening to his experiences - it's a real inspiration.

But today's speaker, Mr. Shivadas gave a speech that was an even bigger boost of inspiration - a real enlightenment.

As his introduction, he explained the process of creation - since our class is about creative writing.

There are 4 steps - thoughts, feeling, willing and action.

According to him, every creation originates from a source and a piece of writing stems from a writer's thoughts. A strong enough feeling and desire for the thoughts will then lead us to actions. He explained that we can have a million thoughts buzzing around our brains everyday but it is only the thoughts in which we have feelings for can trigger us to act upon it.

He said that the fact that we were all gathered there today means that we have the thoughts, topped up with the desire to develop our writing skills, to find out more about writing.

He added that when we keep thinking about something, things would somehow happen for us and we will find ourselves getting what we want. He then referred to the 'law of attraction' and then explains that everything happens for a reason. So we just need to be positive.

Okay, before this, I told my dad and basically everyone who cares that I do not believe in the 'law of attraction' because all this while, it has never worked for me. I keep thinking about things but I am always let down. So F 'law of attraction'.

However, after Mr. Shivadas's talk today, I'm actually kinda feeling the law of attraction.

And he reinstated in me something I forgot, neutralized by my recent negativity, and that is, everything happens for a reason. I used to always remember that, and it keeps me going and not blame circumstances but my rollercoaster ride was so bumpy for the past few months, that that philosophy slipped off. I started seeing things from a very negative point of view. I stopped believing in hopes and dreams, mainly residing in a hole of disappointment and complaints, forgetting how lucky I am.

Mr. Shivadas said that the things that we want will gravitate towards us if we think about it enough, with desire. Things will happen and will somehow lead us there. 

Come to think of it, how true. 

My mind dwells on being a writer and out of nowhere, I saw this email about a writing workshop. Circumstances led me to work in a PR firm, dealing with loads of media and journalists - meaning that I'll be able to build a network. And all of this doesn't happen because of nothing. It happens because I wanted to be a writer and search for writing related activities. It somehow all gels together and makes sense. You want something, you search for it...you think about it, you attract it. 

So if I put in more effort and work harder towards my dream with positivity, I guess in no time, I might be able to do what I love - meet people of various cultures, write and travel!

Of course it won't be easy to shove off all negativity (see, this sentence already shows negativity haha) but LET'S TRY!! I really believe that God or whoever's in-charged of shaping my path besides myself, has set out a beautiful path for me and I just need to see it and take it.

Previously, I'm bummed because I didn't get the journalist jobs that I want. I want to write in magazines and newspapers but no publications would let me in and so I don't have a chance. I don't understand why some people can be doing their dream job but not me. But I guess I've come to a realization that not everyone has it easy and like Mr. Shivadas said, everything is set out for a reason. I'm doing the things I do and meeting the people I meet for a reason. 

So I'm just going to continue praying and learn to enjoy my life journey and hopefully, I'll realize my dreams soon. By the way, Mr. Shivadas had also touched on religion earlier today and that was another interesting lecture he gave, which I think I should save for another day.  

I told Mr. Shivadas that he really had touched me with his words of wisdom earlier, because at this moment,when I'm in such a clueless stage of life, all he said was what I needed to help find see the path again. And again,in this blog, I'd like to once again thank him for the booster he gave me. I think I can actually call him Dr. Shivadas. Besides my dad, he is another person whose wisdom just inspires me.

Right now I shall go to bed with my spirits lifted while I try to avoid thinking about how I should embrace tomorrow. I have yet to fulfill some clients' demands. Argh kill me...

Anyway, good night people!

I think this picture of Martin Luther King is enough to demonstrate the power of dreams....

With Lotsa Love,

TammyC

Dreaming towards achieving my dreams 

LIP ENHANCEMENT PROJECT GONE HAYWIRE

My lips are as red as roses...and that is not me bragging.

I feel so heaty and dehydrated that my lips are as swollen as a thick fat spicy sausage.

I mean many people sees red lips as beautiful, but you really should see mine. You wouldn't want those because it's like a lip enhancement project gone haywire.

On top of that, I have ulcers attacking me. 

So I am not feeling this thick-lips thingy...no...

Okay I admit that it is my fault that I keep feeding myself potato chips.

And the fact that I glue myself to the chair in the office is also not helping me get water from the water dispenser. 

Sometimes you just wanna get things done so bad that you just do not want to get up at all. Oh and I'm a coffee addict so I keep gulping coffee instead of water, which is bad, I know. So now I'm suffering the consequences.

Work has been as crazy as ever.

There is really no breather. Hopefully I can add 'yet' - no breather yet.

Once I thought I can, you know, relax, and the next thing I know, BAM WAM...something new pops up and I see myself pulling hair off my scalp again.

Oh well, it's good to be busy.

It's better than doing nothing. And you don't get paid doing nothing...

But it is really stressful and I realized that I do not have much time for the things I love anymore, which is actually pretty sad. 

By the time I get home, I'll be too drained off energy to even think.

I miss being able to blog every single night - about movies and music.

Movies...it's like forever since I wrote about movies.

It's like forever since I watched a movie in the cinemas.

I miss 'thinking' and 'analyzing' films (with no pressure what-so-ever),  or some might argue, vomiting wordy crap about a film. That is really fun. 

And I feel that I'm losing grip with writing. I don't have the inspiration to think and write like I used to and I just feel so sad that it is slipping away.

It is still my ultimate dream to be a writer - and what's best is to do travel writing. That should be super fun. But I guess I always only see one side of everything.

Nothing is perfect...once I get that one thing, I'll find something else to complain about. What the hell...

Anyway, hopefully tomorrow's writing class would be fun.

Really need some tips on how to improve on my writing skills. 

Registered for another early Saturday tomorrow.

Updates today:

Had a great time with old college buddies.

My God it's been forever. Miss them and it was great catching up.

I'm off to bed.

Take care peeps.

With Lotsa Love,

TammyC

Zap my ulcer away...