Awards For and Against

Chapter 1
Marzie thinks the Genie King is a Superstar! Isn’t that great…well it is an honor to me! I really don’t know if I am but I’m not going to doubt an expert on the matter. Being a Superstar blogger herself she’s certainly an authority on the subject.

Thank you Genie Princess that was a very pleasant thing to do! I wish I could give this to other bloggers but this is your award to give!

Congratulations to all the other recipients of the Superstar award too!

Chapter 2
Since it's supposed to be better to give than to receive I’d like to take this opportunity to give out an award that I received from the Genie Princess some time back. I’ve been saving this for a while along with a few others that I’ve been hoarding but shall pass around in due time.

Please come up as your names are called to receive the award…acceptance speeches should be kept to a maximum of five minutes or you’ll be thrown off the stage. LOL

Jackie, Bobo, Ann, Ladyjava and Nihal deserve this...

Chapter 3

Oh wait...Marzie just gave me another award as I was preparing this post...the Shibumi award, which looks pretty! I have been skipping my Japanese lessons and didn't know the meaning of Shibumi so I copied this from Marzie's site 'Shibumi is a Japanese term which used in the following context is a noun. Its meaning refers to a ‘particular aesthetic of simple, subtle, and unobtrusive beauty” which can be applied to almost anything.' Wow one word says a lot doesn't it! Thanks Genie Princess! (Hope I picked up the right award... there were so many there LOL)

And the five people up there (namely Jackie, Bobo, Ann, Ladyjava and Nihal )...are also my recipents of this award...not bad two for one day at First Time Dad!

Chapter 4
Oh well while I'm at it, Mariuca also tagged me on the 5 Things Meme a few days back. And I told her that I'd do it...so I'd better or I might face the wrath of the Genie Princess! hehehe Good thing she tagged me early...because I'm planning on starting a MeMe FrEe MoNtH soon!! Probably in December! Who's with me??? LOL

What is a meme free month? Well I've been getting tagged pretty much every week and sometimes I feel that there are too many tags going around. Unfortunately, one of those tags was started by me and the Genie Princess with the help of our trusty Genie Buddy! Don't get me wrong...I don't think tags are bad but just want to take a little break for a month. This way folks will know not to tag me and if they do I'll only do it later! Of course I may like some so I might do those...okay okay...It's just thought so i have decided on anything yet!

What about you guys? I know you get tagged a lot too and I know some people also don't like doing tags too. What do you think about the idea? Please let me know even if you think it's the dumbest idea ever!

Anyway back to the meme Marzie tagged me with...what was it again...oh the 5 Things Meme...here goes...

5 things found in my room:-

My Wife...err does she count...I guess people don't count right...only things...let me start again...

1) King Size bed anything smaller and I'd fall off LOL
2) Bed for daughter because she doesn't want to sleep in her cot anymore yet sleeps with us!
3) Wardrobe and dressing table
4) A/C
5) Carpet

5 things I’ve always wanted to do:-
1) Go to Europe
2) Open a restaurant called Eddie's Hot Pot!
3) Go to Liverpool and watch a match
4) Tap Dance
5) Be an actor

5 things found in my bag:-
Sorry! I don't carry a bag so I don't have to answer this do I!! Nyah Nyanyah Nya Nyah

5 things found in my wallet:-
1) Money...sometimes
2) Credit cards
3) Daughter's photo
4) Lottery tickets (one can hope)
5) Gym membership

5 things I’m currently into:-
1)My daughter
2) Losing weight
3) Chess with my computer
4) Blogging
5) Liverpool Football Club

Oh dear...now I have to tag five poor unsuspecting sods! LOL Can I have a show of hands please as to who would like to do this meme...okay...you, you...yes you...you in the back is your hand up or is it up your nose...ewww...you in front with the tie on...and lady quit jumping up and down ....I see you! Okay you're all tagged! thank you very much for volunteering! Hope to see your posts up soon! :)

You know what...the five people (Jackie, Bobo, Ann, Ladyjava and Nihal ) up there that I passed the awards to...I'm gonnna tag you with this too...I guess nothing in life comes free LOL

Cheers guys! (Now who's the laziest blogger? hehehe)

Chapter 5

Marzie...

He’s Back!

My old trainer is back! We had our first session on Saturday afternoon. Boy did I wish I was having my afternoon siesta at that time but instead I was hard at work burning calories. Why at such an odd hour? Well due to his commitments and responsibilities after his promotion to a fitness manager he is really strapped for time and restricted in his movement from his center in Subang to my center in PJ.

I made it clear to him that I wanted him to be sure that he could take on the added responsibility…hey I’m high maintenance okay! LOL because I didn’t want him to quit on me halfway…I’ve had enough of that! He said he could! However, it was the timing and location that was a problem now. We reached a compromise and we’ll split the traveling time, one time in PJ (where I live) and one time in Subang (where he’s based). More so because I prefer to train in the morning and that can only be done in Subang, in PJ he can only come in the late afternoon. Yeah, it’s a little complicated but the bottom line is I have no more excuses not to succeed.

In my time with the trainer who just left I did not lose any weight but I did gain 9 kilos of muscle mass and lost the equivalent fat mass. So you could that that was good. You see that’s another thing that’s different…we never had a weigh in session like before although I kept asking, he kept postponing.

His main flaw was not addressing my main flaw. I needed to be checked on and that’s why I needed a trainer…to monitor my progress not only at the gym but to remind me frequently, to motivate me. Hell if I could have motivated myself I wouldn’t be in this positioning the first place and certainly wouldn’t need a personal trainer, now would I?

The irony is that this guy who left actually trained my favorite trainer. He taught him how to follow up with clients and all. I guess that he just was not focused anymore on “work” but more focused on his new business venture. I hold no grudges but instead wish him well and success in his endeavor.

Now, back to basics!

Not Just a Walk in the Park

We've been meaning to take the little one to the park for quite a while and decided to do so when we woke up early this morning. However, it started to drizzle before we even got to the car...and we thought that our hopes would be dashed.

Anyway, we decided to stick it out. So we first went for a quick little breakfast at our favourite Indian restaurant...we had thosai, apam, roti chanai and vadai with coffee, teh tarik and milo! (alien sounding names for some of you but look it up on Google if you want to know more LOL). Daughter was all upset when we reached there and asked "Where is the playground?" but we said you have to eat first and surprisingly she was okay after that.

By the time we finished our meal the drizzle had subsided and we were all set to go. When we got there we were pleasantly surprised that there was some new features in the park. In addition to the old play set they had a few new additions. It's nice to see our taxes put to good use sometimes.

This is what we did...

As you can see the little one had a ball...in fact in the last picture she looks like she is in a ball!

After that we went home to rest because I had to go to the gym a little later too.

Today I also decided to make curry puffs! Thats a tasty fried treat that is filled with curried meat (usually beef or chicken) and potatoes! It's delicious for tea time or as a snack. Today I've made the filling (beef because its my favourite) and the dough and I can tell from the smell wafting through my room from the kitchen that my helper has started frying the puffs...

Woo Hoo...In a few moments I'll be digging in with a nice hot mug of black coffee by my side (GP and LJ sorry can't share lah). But hold on a second...I didn't forget you guys totally...I'll be leaving my curry puffs for you to enjoy too...I mean some pictures of my curry puffs! hehehe

Talk about live"feed"!!!

Happy Halloween!

Today we had our office Halloween Party. We are encouraged to decorate our offices and even dress ourselves up! Yeah my office is fun...to tell you the truth (not boasting) we usually win the prize for best decorated (both Halloween and Christmas)

I do enjoy decorating the place and coming up with new and exciting ideas. The theme for our office this year was Arabian Nights! One person in our little section could not make it so were were a little short and we didn't decorate much because we were busy too but we still had an Arab Sheikh...which I promptly named Sheikh Yourbooty! hehehe We had Princess Jasmine in a cute pink bellydancing outfit. And we had a visit for the mighty Genie King...err me of course LOL

This is what we looked like! (Turn away now if you have a queasy stomach hehehe)

As you can see it was pretty hard to stand on a real flying carpet...had to keep my balance or I'd have fallen off! Some folks though I was a pirate...and at first I wondered why...hey I don't have a full length mirror in my office okay! (and I didn't want to wander around looking like that either) And don't anyone dare ask me about the earrings, okay?!!!!

I actually assembled my costume myself. Had someone sew it though! I did buy the material (with wifey of course) and bling bling! Would you believe I was actually shopping for earrings and pendants and shiny wrist bands...but the wrist bands are way too small LOL I also got a sword and the only thing I didn't have was a turban...so I tried to make one (as you can see it didn't turn out that great because they are hard to make).

Happy Halloween to all those who enjoy the "spirit" of it! :)

Guess What???

My new trainer is quitting!!! Yes, the trainer I’ve been having trouble with is quitting! He said something about starting his own business and will be leaving in November! The worst part is on the last day I really felt we were making progress and was quite happy until he broke the news.

He asked me who I wanted to replace him and I said that I only want my former trainer, Isaiah, back. In fact he knew that that was what I’d want and he’s already talked to Isaiah. So on Thursday I’m supposed to meet them both to discuss the transition! Woo hoo!

I guess that this solves my problem. Now I don’t have any excuses either! I hope that I get my full momentum back and my weight loss program will be back on track.

In memory of...

A friend of mine has lost a brother today...

and although I did not know Ng Beng Hwee personally, I have followed his struggles as his sister Janice and her family have watched him literally fight to live. In the end, he faught a good fight but God has bigger plans for him in heaven.

"Think not of death as an end but as a new beginning..."

Our prayers and condolences are with Janice and her family.

My Movie and My Mistake Memes

I was just tagged by Lady Java on a double meme. To tell you the truth I'm a little tired of memes right now (memed out) but this one looked like fun so what can I say? LOL The first one is "What Classic Movie" I am and the second one on most common writing mistake we make when blogging. I took the 18 question test becaue I was lazy but it turned out pretty accurate. SO waht movie am I.... taa dahhh!!

What Classic Movie Are You?
personality tests by similarminds.com

I don't own a motorbike and never have but I do love cars with sunroofs and convertibles...Does that count?

Now on to the next meme:

-start copy paste-

What is my most common writing mistake?

Instructions:
To play this game, all you must do is explain what your most common writing mistake is. Then, you simply tag five individuals for the meme. Those five people will, in return, tag five more people. Ultimately, readers should see a tapestry of common grammar and spelling mistakes. Therefore, anyone that is feeling ashamed of their errors will feel a bit more confident and secure.

Copy the person and persons names who sent it to you and add your own at the bottom of the list. It really helps build community.

Here's the answers:

Shine with Grace : Mixing the word “from” with “form” all the time
Trinity's most common mistake : I sometimes feel confused to use past tense or present tense when I share my stories.
LadyJava : typing too fast that sometimes I miss words in between
Genie King: I type too fast too...always end up with "tot he"...when it should be "to the"

--- I think we better list down the tapestry here so add your link and answer here---

- end copy paste -

Okay here are the people I want to tag...let me know one you've done it so I can add you guys!

BoBo Janice Jean Speed Spiff

Alien Invasion

Okay okay...so the aliens are not invading...but I just liked this picture of this new species of jellyfish that was found in the deep trenches off the Phillipine seaboard. I always love it when they find new and exciting species. AND Tell me honestly...it does look like a Flying Saucer, right?

Unfortunately, it has nothing to do with what I was going to post about!

What I really wanted to post was a little something about my "trainer"! Yes, my new trainer! I haven't been updating you on my exploits at he gym after my last trainer, now have I.

Well that's because my new trainer is different. His training methods are different. His style is different, His concern is different. His motivational methods are different...nil to be exact. His attitude is different. So this took a little getting used to! At first I was still reeling from the loss of my old trainer because of the bond we had so I couldn't really evaluate the new guy fairly. Like I said he's different and that too took getting used to. Besides he's not the most punctual guy but thats not bad.

One day he didn't show up for training at all. I checked around and was told that he did not arrive. When I asked him at our next session he said that we had trained that day. Boing! Duh...I wasn't sure what to think...so I told him that he was not there...and that most of the other trainers also did not see him! Wierdly his recollection was that he had trained me. Usually I'd say something nasty at this point! But because it was fasting I thought that maybe he had passed out...to give him the benefit of the doubt. Afterall he could have said he had a flat tyre and been done with it. He still has no recollection of that period. What do you think? Is he crazy? Or am I crazy to believe him. I don't know...but the fact is that I'm really losing my momentum, nah...I think I have lost the momentum built under the old trainer. Don't get me wrong...his training methods seem okay and he gives a great massage/stretching after our sessions but his motivational skills are lacking. I need that extra push otherwise I would have hired a trainer!

So once again I'm at a crossroads!

BUT This story is also not just about this trainer...it's about someone else too! She helps to train me each day and is a real task master. Firstly she makes me run, then she makes me carry weights, then exercise, then run some more, then carry weights and do push-ups and then makes me jump up and down...and even dance. You're probably wondering what kind of trainer this is...well this is someone I've been wanting to write about for a while.

Yes, it's my little daughter! She is a little fitness nut or it just that 2 year old energy pack that she has. Always on the go and dragging wifey and me to do her little routines. You see when we first started to go to the gym we used to tell her where we were going. Strangely she has her own little exercises which sometimes fit our gym routine! I keep saying to myself that I probably don't need a trainer and just have to spend my time with her and that would be enough! LOL By the way when we ask her what daddy's name is she purposely says Jim (gym)! A regular clown she is!

She loves to run around the porch and she'll ask us to run with her, or to do jumping jacks or carry her (she loves that) up and down. She also loves to sit on my back and ask me to do push ups. The other day we were watching High School Musical 2 (that show reminded me of the those Hindi dancing films, don't you agree?) and she asked us to join her and dance. She loves dancing whenever they have a musical number. We even managed to record her little 2 and half year old girl dance routine too. Maybe I'll post it one day once I figure out how, that is!

And so the adventure continues!

Simply Magical!

I've just been awarded the Magical Golden Blogger Award!! This is an exclusive award, given only to a few select "MAGICAL GOLDEN" people by the kind and generous Magical Golden Cat and I'm happy to have been selected to receive it! Sorry folks can't pass this one around...it's mine to keep!

Check out my new Awards Plaque which has all my other awards new and old, if you have a moment.

The Community Blogger Award

I have been awarded the Community Blogger Award by my dear friend Ann of A Nice Place in the Sun. I sincerely enjoyed receiving this award because it means that I'm doing something right and am proud that Ann thought of me when presenting this to her deserving bloggers! Thanks Ann!

The community award originated with Cellobella at the Sultana blog, who said, "I wanted the award to say - this is a person who reaches out and makes my blogger community a better one." I think that is so kind and I'm thrilled to be in the position to pass it along as well as be included in the blogroll. Cellobella asks that nominees of this award e-mail her at (cellobella at gmail dot com) so that she can add your nominees to her blogroll.

The Genie King would like to nominate the following people who he thinks deserve this award for their contributions to the blogging community!

NafaSG for really taking the time to help the community!

Jackie for her role in spreading the love via her Candy Canes and much much more!

Emila for her lovely illustrations and generosity!

Mariuca for her kindness and contests that keep people happy and buzzing with excitement !

Janice for her wondrful posts about her family that makes the whole community smile!

Jean for her lovely recipes that keeps us wanting more!

Nick for his great stories that just makes you want to read more!

Eric for making blogging so much fun and exciting with his humor and wit!

Zubli for his dedication to making blogging better for all!

Bobby for all his techno tips and ideas in trying to make us all like him!

Bobo for her truly amusing and quirky blog that is great for everyone!

Barrett for his great deeds in helping people in real life!

Congrats to you all!

A little celebration

Last night we hosted a little BBQ. It was for no real reason but just to celebrate the long holiday we had for Hari Raya. It was also a time to get together with family and friends! It was not unlike the recent BBQ we had at my place to celebrate my other best friends upcoming marraige...sort of like a bachelor night for the bum.

This time though we had no reason but that didn't stop us. I've been really wanting to get the family together for a while but everyone has been busy with work and other commitments. Even my nephews are doing their internships at local hotels right now and were almost unable to make it but thank goodness they got the morning shift yesterday!

Taking a lesson from our previous BBQ I decided to start the fire an hour early. You'd think that it's easy to get a fire going when you have all the right ingredients but alas that was not so. When my good buddy Nick arrived (minus his family who was supposed to come too) the fire was still a little lame...the coals were only smouldering. We put our best impressions of fans and fanned the flames for the longest time until we finally got it good enough to burn meat!

There is something about the outdoors and the open flame and burning raw meat that brings out the caveman in us guys! LOL We started getting the meat cooking right away. We had chicken marinated in yoghurt and spices. Pork marinated four ways black pepper, chili, sweet sauce and also a little tandoori style! Large prawns with lime and spices! Chicken sausages was the last item. We also had some wholemeal garlic bread loaves but they turned out to be a little hard. Wifey conjured up a little salad with some roasted meat inside! As a filler before everything started we also had curry puffs (beef and potato filling) but they were not as spicy as I should have made them. So there was a lot of food. Oh and wifey also wanted some fish...err me is not a fish person especially when it comes to BBQs but you gotta please the wifey sometimes LOL

I got a little worried because my brother, my sister and my favourite cousin (and their families of course) were supposed to come between six to seven but only turned up at seven. So thats when the party really began. In a way it was good because some of the meat was coming off the fire already bu then. So things worked out fine.

We had fun talking about the good old times and exchanging jokes. The kids were playing with something or another and it turned out to be a great night and well worth all the effort. Sometimes you don't need an occasion to have a good get together. The reason of meeting up and sharing a meal with good company is good enough. What do you think?

Journey to the Land of Broadband!

Ever since I started blogging those dark lonely nights in May. I've been using my old dial-up modem to connect to the internet. Believe me the speed on that thing was slower than a tortoise on razors! I could not get much done every night apart from a post once in a while. Whenever I tried to visit any other blogs it would take literally ages to do and when I got there and wanted to tried to leave a commet it'd just go blank. It was oh so frustrating!

So this went on for all those months. I had been planning on changing my old PC too for ages. That trusty old faithful thing should really have been mothballed but I was so out of touch with the world of IT that I didn't really know what to get. So I looked around for a good system and also for a good deal.

So as my daughter like to sing "A hunting we will go" for a new PC that is. I finally found a Dell system and an offer I couldn't refuse. I won't go into details but it's superfast and has a ton of memory too. The best feature was the 20" widescreen that came with the package. (me being me and never satisfied opted for the 22" screen and was in for a shock when I opened the box)

Madre Dios it was huge , almost twice the size of my old faithful! Woo hoo!! Anyway I was so excited to order it but I still had my old dialup system. I had been trying to get broadband for a while too but because I still had my old system procastinated as usual. Once the new system arrived I was spurred to get my broadband service and tried to go online but was advised that I should go to the outlet for faster service. So I went on a Saturday...it was also the day before their promotion ended. Procastination!!!!! So went there bright and early to to my dismay the outlet was closed. But they told me over the phone that'd be open I kept repeating to my wife as we drove home!! Arrgghhh. So nevermiond, I decided to log on and register online...afterall it was a broadband service provider wasn't it. So I did! Successfully I thought.

I then waited...and waited...and waited some more. Now I've been warned before about the "service" of this broadband provider and it made me wonder. If this was the service before I even received it what ws it going to be like when I did. I decided to call a few days later and enquire about my application and to my dismay they said that they had no record of
my registration. I asked for their supervisor and waited for so long that I hung up...I was mad as hell! I had missed on the great package because of thier ineffiencies. If you advertise that the package is available until the 30th of September then you should be able to receive applications until the last day, right!

By then my new system had arrived. I removed my trusty old faithful PC for the last time. Then I unpacked the new system and carefully removed the components from their boxes and placed them where I wanted them. Then wifey and me set it up. She used to work with computers before so I was not going to waste her expertise. Besides all the wiring had to fit in tiny slots that my large fingers were not too fond of! It looks great I must say! But alas still no broadband...so I rummaged for the old dialup modem and tried to log on. Couldn't get a signal! I was preplexed. Stumped even!

Tried again the next day...and the day after! Finally on Saturday called Dell helpline. They were very professional and so helpful...not forgetting to mention polite. So this is how that conversation went.

Me: I'm having problems using my modem.
DELL: Okay sir please try this and please try that. Okay now lets try to install your software again.
Me: Uhuh...No...err.no sitll can't...nope...what was that...no that didn't work either.
DELL: Sir is your modem plugged in to the right place...
Me: Yes
DELL: Sir is your modem plugged in this place...
Me: Yes...
DELL: Sir that is the network slot for your broadband...for your dialup there is a slot below for the line...
Me: (DOH! red faced already) Err...but I tried the other place and it wouldn't fit.
DELL: Sir please try to turn the jack around...
Me: (DOH Again) Ohhh...no wonder...I tried to do it the other way...(I guess I must have had DOOFUS written in large bold letters on my comment card back at DELL HQ)

I really wished I had the powers of a Genie King and could wish away the embarassment LOL

After several tries...it still didn't work properly (managed to get in once but that was it) so they actually did a conference call with my dial-up service provider to try to fix the problem! Still no go! They said they'd look into it and call back on Monday! Me wasn't happy cause got no internet over the weekend...but what could i do. My beautiful new toy was a lame duck!

I called my good buddy Nick to come over...we've fixed many a problem together in the past and I had more confidence in us than in DELL (even with their great service). So my trusty buddy comes and we still can't get fully connected after trying! I'm totally frustrated by now. We make an evening out of it and have some garlic bread and wine to drown my sorrows. LOL

On Sunday night I finally managed to get hooked up after deleting all previous connections and starting from scratch. I was happy but was clocking 28.8 kbs. But that was normal for me at home so I didn't care. The next day we were off so I decided to try other service providers. We went to a mall that we knew for sure had another service provider.

My luck was running thin because I went to the first one and they didn't have a line in my area. they directed me to another service provided...but this one also didn't have service in my area...although they keep advertising about their great service...it's like putting the cart before the horse...no service don't advertise so much until you do! So there I was again...with no broadband service!

We roamed around the mall and even asked information if they had any others and they said no. So we went to the supermarket to get a few items. After that as I waited for wifey who had to go for a pit stop...i wondered when I'd get my broadband service. I decided to walk over to the restrooms and I saw her smiling gleefully. I was wondering what she was up to.

Wifey: You saw it ah?
Me: "Yes"...but we were on different pages...I was thinking of the roasted meat they usually sell at Chinese New year but were now selling for Hari Raya albeit the halal version.
Wifey: No, the Broadband counter...
Me: Broadband counter?
Wifey: You walked past it.
Me: No lah...where got?
Wifey: There...
Me: (DOH! AGAIN!) I didn't see it lah...

So we see the guy (Ali) and he said he has still got the package I wanted (although it expired a week earlier) but that I'd have to sign up before 2.30 pm...it was 1:30 pm!! I wasn't too sure and though it might be a sales ploy but hety he was giving me my broadband service at the special promotion price I wanted....woo hoo. The guy even fixed everything for me and told me all I had to do was wait a couple of days and then could log in. I had finally done it...got my broadband! But the story doesn't end...That night as I was watching tv the guy calls...

Broadband guy: Mr. Adrian you left you IC in the shop...
Me: (DOH to the power of 4) Okay okay...thanks for calling...I'll pick it up tomorrow...

So the next day I pick it up and I see the signs advertising the offer are no longer there, so he was telling the truth and not up to salesman type tricks. Good!

The following day...I get a strong signal and am now able to use my broadband. Or so I thought, because I try logging on but keep getting error messages. I try and try repeatedly but still the same. I try the CD too that came with it but that doesn't work either. So I call the broadband guy.
Me: Ali...I can't get into my broadband lah...I've tried everything but can't get it...
Broadband guy: Did you activate your account?
Me: (DOH!!!!!!! for the last time I tell ya!) Oh yes ah...I have to activate my account...okay thanks I'll give them a call now.

Ten minutes later I finally get broadband at home! LOL The first song I hear is from my blog and it's Bing singing "White Christmas" (remember I love Christmas) One of my favs...my daughter and wifey come over to inspect the noise and we play her little computer game called "Purble Place" on the PC.

Call me crazy, call me doofus, call me sentimental...I don't care I was happy!

SELAMAT HARI RAYA

I'd like to wish all my Muslim friends especially Zubli, NAFA, Joezul, Emila, Nihal, Yasmin & Marzie a SELAMAT HARI RAYA AIDIL FITRI!!

For those of you who are not familiar...

Muslims celebrate the festival of Aidilfitri – popularly known as Hari Raya Puasa, or simply Hari Raya (Day of Celebration) in Malaysia – to mark the culmination of Ramadhan, the holy month of fasting. It is a joyous occasion for Muslims, as it signifies a personal triumph, a victory of self-restraint and abstinence, symbolising purification and renewal.

Fasting during the month of Ramadhan is compulsory or wajib, whereby Muslims are required to abstain from satisfying their most basic needs and urges, daily, between sunrise and sunset. It is one of the five tenets of Islam; as is the paying of zakat (alms tax for the poor), which must be tithed by the end of Ramadhan.

In Malaysia, the period of fasting ends when the new moon is sighted on the evening of the last day of Ramadhan. The actual sighting is conducted by state appointed religious officials at various vantage points (usually at hilltops) throughout the country. If the crescent is sighted, the following day is then declared the first day of Aidilfitri, which is also the beginning of the 10th month of the Muslim calendar Syawal.

A time to forgive and forget Aidilfitri is celebrated for the whole month of Syawal, but in Malaysia, only the first two days are observed as public holidays. It is widely common however, to see Muslims taking the first week off from work. Urbanites make their annual pilgrimage to their hometowns (this is popularly referred to as balik kampung), to be with parents, relatives and old friends. Thus, cities like Kuala Lumpur get relatively quiet during the festive season of Aidilfitri.

The Muslim community ushers in the first day of Aidilfitri by congregating at mosques for morning prayers. Everyone is usually decked out in their traditional best to mark the special occasion. Men are usually dressed in Baju Melayu, while the Baju Kurung, the quintessential Malay attire for females, is the prefered choice for the fairer sex. Then it's usually breakfast at home with the family, followed by a visit to the cemetery where deceased loved ones are remembered; graves are cleaned and cleared of overgrowth, and prayers are offered to Allah.

This is also a time to forgive and forget past quarrels. Asking for pardon is done in order of seniority. The younger members of a family approach their elders (parents, grandparents etc) to seek forgiveness, to salam (Muslim equivalent of a handshake), then kiss the hands of the older person as a sign of respect. The usual greeting (that is uttered with the salam) during Aidilfitri is “Selamat Hari Raya”, which means “Wishing you a joyous Hari Raya”. Children and old folks are given duit raya or gifts of money, in small envelopes.

In recent years, many givers have opted for the Chinese practice of putting the money in ang pow packets; however instead of the usual red, the packets are green in colour. Although the first three days are celebrated on a grander scale, many Muslims hold “open house” throughout the month, where friends and neighbours of other races are invited to join in the celebrations.

The joy of Hari Raya Puasa actually begins before the first day. A week or so before the big day, excitement mounts as the house is readied for the celebration with new furnishing and decorations. Of particular interest are the last 10 days of Ramadan, where many keep vigil for Lailatul Qadr (The Night of Decree), the night when the Quran was sent down. It is believed that angels descend and shower blessings on that particular night, so homes are brightly decorated with oil lamps or pelita. Mosques, as well as government and some commercial buildings, are also decorated and brightly lit to mark the auspicious day. The most predominant colour seen in decorations during this season is green which is commonly associated with Islamic items. It is often combined with yellow or gold. As for motifs, by far the most frequently used symbol is that of the ketupat (rice cakes wrapped in coconut leaves); it is invariably used on Hari Raya greeting cards, hanging decorative items, and as a promotional image for the season. The ketupat is traditional Hari Raya fare and is often served with beef rendang (beef cooked with spices and coconut milk) and/or satay (grilled meat on a skewer). Other festive delicacies include lemang (glutinous rice cooked in bamboo tubes), serunding (dessicated coconut fried with chilli) and curry chicken.

Source: http://allmalaysia.info/msiaknow/festivals/rayapuasa.asp

Me Desktop

Spoof...err I mean Spiff the Spaceman...the intergalactic oddball hero who is currently residing in downtown Balaipolis tagged me with this one ages ago. I just found the time to do it so I must apologize to the Spaceboy before he turns me into a pile of smoking dust with his laser ray or whatever it is that shoot out of his posterior! hehe Sorry my desktop is pretty empty but it's new so sue me! LOL I chose the turtle because my daughter loves the creatures under the sea. The clock is ther because my wife wants me daughter to learn how to tell time too and that's it!

Desktop Free View Instruction: Upon receiving this tag, immediately perform a screen capture of your desktop. It is best that no icons be deleted before the screen capture so as to add to the element of fun.

You can do a screen capture by:
Going to your desktop and pressing the Print Scrn key (located on the right side of the F12 key). Open a graphics program (like Picture Manager, Paint, or Photoshop) and do a Paste (CTRL + V). If you wish, you can “edit” the image, before saving it. Post the picture in your blog. You can also give a short explanation on the look of your desktop just below it if you want. You can explain why you preferred such look or why is it full of icons. Things like that. Tag five of your friends and ask them to give you a Free View of their desktop as well. Add your name to this list of Free Viewers with a link pointing directly to your Desktop Free View post to promote it to succeeding participants. People who have already bravely displayed their desktop so far:
Francine of La Place de Cherie Chez Francine Chez Francine Bloggishi Unchained Melody Lady Java's Lounge Mariuca Spiff, The Spaceman Emila's Illustrated Blog Revellian Dot Com Desktop Rolando Brown Baron Ordinary Folk The Kat House Trinity West Virginia Blogger Promthep MeAndMyDrum Elena's Photos MAX Amel's Realm Choc Mint Girl Madhur Kapoor Mother's Home! Consuela Aaron Cook Dot Com Vincent Chow I Was Born2Cree8 Janice Ng Diamondssapphire Adrian add yours here after doing this tag. Ok, now here are my picks to post this and who I hope are going to have to reveal their desktops to me and the rest of us ...

Emila Joezul Auntie Dar Bless Christy

But don't fret if you can't we'll understand...and if you see the blogpolice knocking on your door you'll know who sent them! :):):)

The Questions 38

I was tagged with this meme from Bokjae, the nice friendly blogger with the 38 Random Questions about yourself! Usually I'd take a week to do this but I just got my broadband and feel like celebrating! Woo Hoo

1. Name one person who made you laugh last night? My daughter

2. What were you doing at 0800? Working

3. What were you doing 30 minutes ago? Getting my broadband activated

4. What happened to you in 2006? The same old thing

5. What was the last thing you said out loud? Whats her tempreture (daughter feeling a little warm)

!6. How many beverages did you have today? Grapefruit juice and some water!

7. What color is your hairbrush? Black with blue accents

8. What was the last thing you paid for? Paid for my lunch

9. Where were you last night? Midvalley Mall to pick up my ID card which I inadvertantly left at the broadband registration place. Doh!

10. What color is your front door? Maroon

11. Where do you keep your change? Usually in a piggy-bank!

12. What’s the weather like today? Too darn bloody hot if you ask me!

13. What’s the best ice-cream flavor? Chocolate & Chocolate with more chocolate

14. What excites you? Right now my new PC and my new broadband service

15. Do you want to cut your hair? Yes, actually

16. Are you over the age of 25? Unfortunately

17. Do you talk a lot? No, I think a lot more than I talk and when I talk I don't think! :)

18. Do you watch the O.C.? I try my best to avoid it

19. Do you know anyone named Steven? Yes My Uncle

20. Do you make up your own words? Are you coocoobananas? Neslo and a few others

21. Are you a jealous person? Yes, unfortunately

22. Name a friend whose name starts with the letter ‘A’. Adeline

23. Name a friend whose name starts with the letter ‘K’. Kevin

4. Who’s the first person on your received call list? The guy from my broadband service

25. What does the last text message you received say? Discount ticket for Disney magic

26. Do you chew on your straw? NO!

27. Do you have curly hair? Slightly

28. Where’s the next place you’re going to? Work tomorrow

29. Who’s the rudest person in your life? I don't like to tell on people...

30. What was the last thing you ate? Dinner

31. Will you get married in the future? Happily married now...

32. What’s the best movie you’ve seen in the past 2 weeks? Can't remember

33. Is there anyone you like right now? I like everyone

34. When was the last time you did the dishes? Ooohhh thats a hard one...no comments

35. Are you currently depressed? I'm always depresssed so I don't know when I'm not LOL

36. Did you cry today? No!

37. Why did you answer and post this? I am feeling happy

38. Tag 5 people who would do this survey. Rolando, Spiff, The Spaceman, Sam, Joezul & Jay

Come and get it and if you don't or if you've done it, it's okay I won't bite! LOL!

It's a small crazy world after all.

I got tagged by Bobo... at first I thought it was easy but Bobo was right a it's a pretty difficult tag really. Something that needs brains...which I lack. LOL Anyway here it goes :)

INSTRUCTION: I will tag you a Question and you Post your answer on your blog. After that you make another question and tag other bloggers. Easy Mah? Let’s get it on!

This was Bobo's question:

You woke up in an alley robbed of all your clothing and stuff. Yes you're absoluely naked and famished. But the thief had a sliver of conscience and left a tiny bit of money for you. You enter the only shop you see and you found that your money can only buy you one of the following...

1) a top which can only cover your torso
2) an underwear
3) 3 Krispy Kreme Donuts
4) a pair of heels
5) 100 ml of black paint

Which would you buy? My Answer is I'd buy the 3 Krispy Kreme donuts...I'd eat the first one and place the others over the areas that need covering up! TaDa!! hehe What would you do?

My Question is: On a dark stormy night you're driving alone on a narrow back road. You actually took a wrong turn and don't really know where you are and there are no familiar landmarks and neither are there any buildings. Suddenly you have a flat tyre....what would you do?
1) Stay in the car until daybreak
2) Get out in the rain and try to change the tyre
3) Walk to the nearest place to ask for help
4) Call someone to give you a hand (remember you don't know where you are)
5) Drive on with the flat tyre until you reach civilization

And good luck to the following buddies who've been tagged...
Emila, Janice, Jean, Nick, Marzie,

On your marks...

I received a wonderful surprise this morning from Jackie of A Painted Veil has generously awarded me this new award. I love getting awards they let me know that I'm doing something right! :) It also give me the opportuinty to pass something special on to fellow bloggers whom I like and enjoy!

CONGRATS TO MY FRIENDS BELOW!

Barrett! Speedy! Janice! Jean! & Nick!

Blogging Tips from Around the Globe

Morgan who owns The MiracleProcess tagged me with this one is all about blogging tips…

Here are the rules:

You are to copy the list, add your tip and pass it on. You are also supposed to add a star beside the tips that you like the best. Sounds easy enough, so here goes:

1. Look, read, and learn. http://www.neonscent.com/
*2. Be, EXCELLENT to each other. http://www.bushmackel.com/
3. Don’t let money change ya! http://www.therandomforest.info/
4. Always reply to your comments. http://chattiekat.com/
*5. Blog about what you know & love. http://sugar-queens-dream.blogspot.com/
6. Don’t use filthy language-buy a dictionary.http://shinade.blogspot.com/
7. Blog about something educational http://climateofourfuture.org/
*8. Be yourself; others will follow http://sfgirl-thealiennextdoor.blogspot.com/
9. Don’t have too many blogs that will become a chore to maintain http://cubicledenizen.blogspot.com/
10. Keep it simple, user-friendly, interesting and organized! http://erishaling.blogspot.com/
11. Keep the blog simple and sweet!! http://www.leslieho.com/
12. Share with others your thoughts and don’t be shy!
13. Never ask for link exchange. Blog hop to increase traffic. http://www.jessieling.com/
14. Don’t clutter your blog with ads all over the place. IT’S IRRITATING. http://oliviasy.blogspot.com/
*15. Don’t comment for the sake of commenting. Some looked too fake and its a big turn off! http://tagsnsuch.blogspot.com/
16. Share something interesting and you will gain more readers. http://judychow.blogspot.com/
17. Show that we care to all bloggers, treat each other as friends. http://mummyinvain.com/
*18. Pictures say a million words. Keep them coming! http://familyfriendsnfood.blogspot.com/
19. Blogging should be fun or you’ll get tired of it pretty soon. http://justmyrambling.com/
20. Don’t think people will come to your blog if you’re not willing to pay a visit to them. http://joshualai.blogspot.com/
21. Everyone loves read short posting and best, illustrated with a picture http://www.demoments.net/blog/
22. Try not to publish more than 5 posts in one blog a day. Even if it’s from feed reader, it’s quite hard to digest and catch up reading everything. http://montessorimum.com/
23. Blog, the other window to peek into people’s life, minus the trouble. keep a certain level of privacy to yourself. http://babyshern.blogspot.com/
24. Never tell your readers that you are going on vacation. That’s basically telling them to not visit your blog for a week. Instead, write several posts, and take advantage of the timestamp feature. http://www.bloggingwv.com/
25. Try and write with people in mind that are “somewhat similar to you”. Allow your audience to identify with your blog and feel “at home”. http://www.blogger.com/nodirecton.blogspot.com 26. The key to a good article is a good introduction. A joke, a question or a picture does wonders. http://behindthepage.blogspot.com
27. If you are looking to earn an income blogging read StevePavlina.com and Problogger.net, you will be amazed at what you can learn. http://www.christyscoffeebreak.blogspot.com/
28. Write for yourself first. Remember that it takes time, effort, patience…and above all, daring. The Laidback Buddhist
29. Don’t offer opinions that are not based in the realm of personal knowledge…share yourself and your experiences…they speak louder then words The MiracleProcess
*30. When you look make sure you SEE, When you listen make sure you HEAR, and when you talk make sure you SPEAK! First Time Dad

Now these are the next few whose wisdom and experience I would like to have a peek at… so I tag the following people because I know they will get a big kick out of finding out who they are too!

Janice Ng, Jean, Barrett, NAFASG and last but not least Nick! Okay, folks that is it for now…If you weren’t tagged don’t worry you will be soon enough!