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Thursday, November 29, 2007

Traditions

For me Christmas is a time for traditions and remembering the old while enjoying the new. Every Christmas I usually think back to the past and remember the Christmases of yesteryear. Call me sentimental but that’s what I love about Christmas…the nostalgia and the romance that is what to me is the most wonderful time of year!

When I was young we used to stay in my grandparents (I never got to meet them for they passed away a few years earlier) place. Come Christmas time I remember all my uncles and aunts come there to join my parents. They used to chase out us youngsters and have us play outside while they closed all the windows and doors and secretly decorated the house. Once the doors were opened we’d all be amazed at the beautiful tree and ornaments that adorned the house.

Before that though we’d be anxious and excited . I remember trying to peek through the window but because I was too short (my nickname back then was Shortfella LOL…thank God I grew up to be tall) I’d have to pull myself up to the windowsill to peep. While trying to pry open the window I actually slipped and hurt my jaw and still bear the scar on my chin to this day. However, every time I rub the scar it takes me back the past and my wonderful memories of my childhood.

I remember going for midnight mass at St. Anthony’s church with my mum and dad. I remember feeling so sleepy for I was a wee lad of just five or six then. I don’t think I stayed up the entire mass and am sure my father would have to carry to the taxi for we didn’t have a car until later.

After mass all the family would gather and we’d have a big feast. There’d be sausages and ham, roast beef and pies, turkeys and chicken and everything good to eat but I can’t remember what because I was so young then. Everyone would be merry and having fun until the wee hours. My uncles were great singers back then and they’d sing carols with gusto. Once our neighbor commented that she woke up and thought she heard angels singing LOL

Then came the best part for us kids…the presents. We’d be so excited and tear open the wrappers and dig in to our new treasures. I really can’t remember what we received then but with all the planning and preparations stuff I’m sure it was good.

Later years after my father passed away and we moved to our own home Christmas was still special. My Mum had to take care of us three kids all by herself while holding on to a job but she still managed to make Christmas special. I can never forget the smells that came from the oven as she baked cookies and cakes at night. She’d be sewing something be it a set of new curtains or a dress for my sister on her sewing machine while we’d be playing in the living room and the Christmas tree would be lit in the corner. I can’t forget that scene.

Christmas Eve we’d get ready for church all dressed in our Christmas clothes…every single item of which was brand new. We’d go for midnight mass as usual and then return home to feast on a pie or bangers and mash or a leg of lamb or something special (my mouth is drooling just thinking about it). Of course the other Uncles and Aunts by them had families of their own so we celebrated alone. It was still fun. We’d have hot cocoa together with our meal and then it would be time to go on to the living room and open our presents.

On Christmas day we would have an open house for our friends. Mum would have prepared all the ingredients and condiments for cooking the night before. And she’d slave in the kitchen to prepare a lovely meal for the guests. We’d get the cake trays ready and the cookies and cakes and murukku and tarts (mum made the best tarts and I kid you not).
Around noon the first guests would arrive and we’d entertain all day and all night until all the guests had come and gone.

The next few days we’d spend visiting our Uncles and Aunts homes and they would in turn come to our house on December 27th for our bash for the family. Again Mum would cook some of her specialties and we’d get all the goodies ready. More presents would exchange hands. After dinner there’d be singing and dancing and a lot of merry making till the wee hours. This would go on until New Year’s Day for every day we’d visit an Uncle or two and all meet up over and over again and have parties’ non-stop. It really was the best time of the year for us for Christmas was a special time for us all. I guess know you know why I love Christmas so much.


My home this year...I will post more pics to highlight my Santa collection!


After a few years everyone started to move on. Families grew and then there were marriages and births and even deaths and pretty soon all the traditions died away. I really miss those days.

I still try to maintain my Christmas party but not everyone does anymore. I long to bring back the joy and merriment of the past so that my little one wil be able to experience what I did. Unfortunately, everyone has branched out and have their own commitments. "Whatever happened to Christmas?" That song has just started to play on my pc…the song is from a cd by Frank Sinatra. How apt…

Anyway I know that one tradition will not die and that is my pre-Christmas bash (PCB) with my two best buddies Nick @ Mr. Over-Sensitive and Sean. I just managed to confirm that our PCB will be on this Saturday and pie is on the menu! Wooo Hooo I just love Christmas!!!!!!! More good news Mr. Over-Sensitive just called to say that he is also having a Christmas party this year...Woo Hoo again...things are really begining to look up and I haven't even posted this yet LOL

Cheers!!

Tuesday, November 27, 2007

It's begining to look a lot like Christmas!

It's Christmas time! Wow all the shopping malls are brightly decorated with Christmas trees and lights! Everywhere you look you find sales going on to tempt you to spend for Christmas.

Not to be left behind wifey and I have started working on our Christmas list already. On Sunday we found the perfect gift for the little one at Toys R Us and it looked huge in the picture. Unfortunately when we wanted to purchase the item we were told that it was out of stock. I asked them to check around with other outlets and pretty soon the manager said that they had only two more units left but it was at another mall called Bangsar Village. He also said that they would only hold it for 24 hours. Boy talk about pressure LOL

The next day was Monday of course and I had go to the gym at 6.15 to meet my trainer. I was also swamped at work and couldn't get off early either. So after work we rushed down to Bangsar Village. At first I didn't see it there so I asked for the guy who was supposed to hold the item and he said he had it in the store! Phew!! We actually wanted to see it first before buying because all we had seen before this was the pictures.

So off he went to the store and after a few long minutes I see the makings of a huge box appear with the guy slowly pushing it from behind. You'd think Toys R Us would have enough staff.

Anyway, I help the poor fella open the box and inspect the item. It looked good and we said okay we'd take it! He said that it was the last one. It seems that after we booked ours the night before someone had come and purchased the other set. Another branch had called to ask if they had it too and he said that he had told him no...keeping his promise to save the toy for us. Nice guy huh? Well we paid and of course the box was too huge to carry all the way across the mall so for the first time in our lives we asked the sales staff to help us carry the item with a trolley. Good thing I have a small SUV and push downs seats because I'm pretty sure that it would not have fit in a car!

After that rushed to take it home and still managed to make it in time...well just a few minutes late for gym.

You'd think that the story ended there right...but being a long winded wind bag I have to also say that we were supposed to go to the gym again today. BUT!!!! Yes there is always a but...realized that it was the start of the Metrojaya sale. Good thing gym was just a routine cardio workout so wifey and I bailed out and headed for the Metro. Yes more shopping! THe thing is we usually argue about what to buy for the family. She'll have her ideas and I'll have mine. Then we'd spend a ridiculous amout of time shopping and looking for the perfect gift for everyone. We love giving pressies at Christmas. Seeing the joy in the faces of young and old as they unwrap their presents is worth every penny! :)

Today though, uncannily, we both had the same item in mind. So that spurred us to go. So within a half hour we'd bought everyone their gifts. What we usually do is get a his and a hers item for the guys and gals in the family. This year we consolidated and got a large item for both. And that item came with some gifts that were large too...two in fact per item. So suddenly we were facing another carrying crisis. Well we sent the items to be wrapped and did a little more shopping for a few other folks and wifeys cosmetics. By the time we finished we had another two bags...although small to contend with.

I must say before I go on that this time there were a lot of freebies. Basically (sing to the tune of the twelve days of Christmas LOL)...we got

10 white balls in a box,

90 minutes waiting for the gifts to be wrapped,

8 free pillows,

70% off,

6 free vouchers for Gloria Jean's coffee,

5 nice paper bags,

4 large presents,

3 free multi purpose canvas bags,

2 free Citibank watches

and a pair of high heeled shoes for wifey!!!

So after all that shopping (it was only around 7.30 pm) we had to get help from the store to take the stuff to the car AGAIN! LOL I guess when it rains it pours! LOL


We still have a few items to go for my nephews and niece and maybe we'll try go go somewhere where we can Save Buckets of money like we just did today. I saw a site that goes by that name and judging by the vast array of electronic goods from MP3 players, portable hi-fi set and other gadgets and gizmos I'm sure I'll be doing just that if I make my purchases there. Check out this cute MP3 player I just found that is in the shape of a whale which I think my niece will love! I might also get a new digital camera because mine seems to be giving me a little trouble lately...or maybe I'll give it to wifey as a pressie LOL

Okay time to hit the hay now and dream of a white Christmas...

Zzzzzzzzzzzzzzz yawn...What it's morning already???....hehehe

Found this over at Marzie's place this morning and since it's not a tag nor is it December I did it PDQ....join in th efun to see which reindeer you are too?

You Are Dasher

You're an independent minded reindeer who never plays by the rules.

Why You're Naughty: That little coup you tried to stage against Santa last year

Why You're Nice: You secretly give naughty children presents.

Tuesday Tickles

Okay it's been a gruelling few days with tons of work just pouring in. At home I have loads to do with Christmas just around the proverbial corner too! Combined I haven't had time to blog and have just been in and out a little. So when this came about today I just knew I had to post it and I hope you enjoy it as much as I did!


NEVER GO TO HR FOR HELP

After 2 years of selfless service, a man realized that he has not been promoted, no transfer, no salary increase no commendation and that the Company is not doing any thing about it. So he decided to walk up to His HR Manager one morning and after exchanging greetings, he told his HR Manager his observation. The boss looked at him, laughed and asked him to sit down saying. My friend, you have not worked here for even one day.

The man was surprised to hear this, but the manager went on to explain.

Manager:- How many days are there in a year?
Man:- 365 days and some times 366

Manager:- how many hours make up a day?
Man:- 24 hours

Manager:- How long do you work in a day?
Man:- 8am to 4pm. i.e. 8 hours a day.

Manager:- So, what fraction of the day do you work in hours?
Man:- (He did some arithmetic and said 8/24 hours i.e. 1/3(one third)

Manager:- That is nice of you! What is one-third of 366 days?
Man:- 122 (1/3x366 = 122 in days)

Manager:- Do you come to work on weekends?
Man:- No sir

Manager:- How many days are there in a year that are weekends?
Man:- 52 Saturdays and 52 Sundays equals to 104 days

Manager:- Thanks for that. If you remove 104 days from 122 days, how many days do you now have?
Man:- 18 days.

Manager:- OK! I do give you 2 weeks sick leave every year. Now remove that14 days from the 18 days left. How many days do you have remaining?
Man:- 4 days

Manager:- Do you work on New Year day?
Man:- No sir!

Manager:- Do you come to work on workers day?
Man:- No sir!

Manager:- So how many days are left?
Man:- 2 days sir!

Manager:- Do you come to work on the (National holiday )?
Man:- No sir!

Manager:- So how many days are left?
Man:- 1 day sir!

Manager:- Do you work on Christmas day?
Man:- No sir!

Manager:- So how many days are left?
Man:- None sir!

Manager:- So, what are you claiming?
Man:- I have understood, Sir. I did not realise that I was stealing Company money all these days.

Moral - NEVER GO TO HR FOR HELP!!!

PS That's why I love my job...in HR! LOL

Oh and I'm also thinking of having a meme/tag free month in December! yeah everybody loves memes right and I must be out of my mind to want to refuse memes but it's only for a month and then I'll be back to my old meme generating ways! LOL

I'd like to invite anyone who is interested in my Tag Free Month Movement to put up the cute badge below too! Awww come on....you know you wanna do it!!!

Join the Movement!

Wednesday, November 14, 2007

Mugs, Memes & Awards




Whats that? Another mug!! It sure is...Emila the Genie Buddy said that she'd make me a mug sometime back and now she has!! It's a really wonderful mug that has the masthead of my blog painted on it! What a gift!! I really happy to get it too...Thanks Emila you're the best! :) Now I have two of her wonderful creations for my collection!! :)


Now for some awards that I've recently received ...

From Lady Java

From Diamond Sapphire


From Zubli


From Jackie and Sugar Queen's Dream



From MT

From Colin aka Cotojo



From Mel


I'd like to thank each and everyone of you for these awards...it just makes my blogging journey fun and also gives me encouragement to continue! I am truly appreciative of each and everyone of these awards! :) And shall pass them on in good time! :)

I'd also like to award these last two cute little "pet" awards to the ladies, namely Janice, Jean, Marzie, Emila, Bobo, Ratu, Ann, Sugar Queen Dreams, Mauniejames, DiamondSapphire and Lady Jave and of course anyone I missed is more than welcome to take one or two too! Cheers ladies! :) (sorry I'm playing games here with my daughter and can't get your links up just yet)

Meme Time!

Meme One

LJ wanted to know what’s on my handphone. What else would I have but a picture of my little girl!! It's quite an old picture but I like it very much. In fact the phone is quite old too but I just haven't found one I really like...doesn't help to be fickle I guess LOL


Meme Two

LJ & Spiff recently tagged me with the Two things About you meme and well here are my two cents:



Two Names I go by - Adrian and Genie King
Two things I am wearing right now - Glasses and Shorts
Two things I want (or have) in a relationship - Good Conversation and Laughter (agree with ya LJ_
Two things I like to do - Playing with my daughter and watching TV
Two thing I want very badly in this moment - To sleep (but have to do this meme first) and a glass of water
Two things I did last night - Watch TV and Sleep (yeahI lead a normal life sometimes)
Two thing I ate today - Nasi Lemak and Star Fruit
Two person I last spoke to - My Wife and My daughter
Two things I am doing tomorrow - Going to work and look for a course to take
Two favourite days of the week - Saturday & Sunday (Doh the weekend!!)
Two favourite holidays- Christmas and New Year
Two favourite beverages - Coffee & Neslo (Milo with a dash of Nescafe)
Two things about me that you may not have known - I don't like to eat fish & I collect Santa Claus figurines
Two jobs that I have had in my life - Been at the same office for 20 years (does that count as two jobs)
Two Movies I would watch over and over - It's a Wonderful Life and Star Wars and Lord Of the Rings (Yeah I can count so whats it to ya? LOL)
Two Places I have lived -Kuala Lumpur and Petaling Jaya
Two of my favourite food - Anything spicy and Nehi Parapu LOL (Okay that is lentils with ghee...very yummy combination that is served only on Fridays at Indian restaurants)
Two places I would rather be right now - Europe and and anywhere that has snow right now!
Two persons I'm tagging Janice and Jean. If you've done it it;s okay with me!


Meme Three

LJ really had my number cause this is the third tag she left me before running off to Singapore. Just you wait LJ! LOL It's the 8 random facts about me (like as if anyone wants to know). but here goes nothing:

Like LJ, I also started wearing glasses since I was a a youngling, around 11 if I remember correctly;
I wanted to be either in the Army or an Actor when I was growing up;
I am scared of flying insects if you must know...a childhood phobia;
I hate to eat fish unless it's been processed into other products like crackers and balls and stuff;
I love the smell of rain and freshly cut grass;
I would rather listen than talk;
I am addicted to blogging

Here are the rules if you want to participate:
Link to your tagger and post these rules.
List eight (8) random facts about yourself.
Tag eight people at the end of your post and list their names (linking to them).
I'm not gonna tag anyone but feel free to tackle this one if you like and let me know if you do! :) And that number 8...I don't play by the rules all the time LOL


Memes Four and Five

Marzie tagged me with this one...well two but I've done one already. It's the Sorting Hat Test to determine which Hogwarts house I belong to. I ended up in Gryffindor because I must be a god guy LOL.

She tagged me on this fairly simple meme, which I found rather interesting! Here's how it works: Use the first letter of your name to answer each question. Must be places, names … nothing made up. You can’t use your own name for the boy/girl’s name question. If you get stuck, skip to the next one.
1. Famous Singer: Aretha Franklin
2. Four Letter Word: Abba
3. Street: Alamanda
4. Colour: Magenta (oops...forgot to erase that) Amber
5. Gifts/Present: Aeroplane Kit
6. Vehicle: Audi
7. Things in Souvenir Shop: Ashtray
8. Boy Name: Andrew
9. Girl Name: Amoreena (my best friend wants to name his child after the girl in the Elton John song of the same name)
10. Movie title: A bridge too Far
11. Drink: Anchor beer
12. Occupation: Architect
13. Celebrity: Ashton Kutchner
14. Magazine: Auto
15. U.S. City: Antioch
16. Pro Sports: Archery
17. Fruit: Apple
18. Reason for Being Late to work: A shomach ache
19. Something you throw away: Ash
20. Something you shout: Assho...oops...Alakazam! LOL

Again I'm not tagging anyone so feel free to help yourselves to this nice meme!

Monday, November 12, 2007

Weekend Review


It was another eventful weekend! On Saturday we had another wedding (I guess it's a good time to get married) to attend. Best part is was that he was also one of those folks that I have been waiting for to get married and both were a week apart. Talk about coincidences.

A long time ago there were also three of us in our group of cousins who were of the same age. Joey, Roland and I. We were always together during family functions and parties. Back in the old days.

Once we grew up we sorta drifted apart and with work sometimes taking priority we didn't meet up as often as we should have. Sadly as fate would have it Joey met with a terrible accident several years ago and although he survived he was never the same. They had to reconstruct part of his skull although he recovered there was always some sort of medication he had to take. A few years ago Joey sadly passed away leaving behind a young wife and two very young children. They moved back to her folks place in Sabah and I have not seen them since.

That left Roland and me. Now Roland was a shy sort of guy too and I'm so happy that he managed to finally tie the knot. I didn't participate as much in his wedding like I did for Sean's but inside I was quietly happy for him.
The funny thing was at the church when the priest showed up, he was in fact Joey's classmate whom I knew too. And that was what got me to thinking about the past and our old friendship and camaraderie! In a way I felt Joey was there too.

The wedding was pretty nice and I finally got to see my daughter dance. Well this time there was no dancing and no dance music but a singer and a backup she was really happy to dance. Go figure! LOL She was fun to watch and at the end of some songs she took a bow. My daughter continues to amaze me because I don't know where she learned that from. Unfortunately I didn't take the camera this time!

On Sunday we also had a surprise in store for the little one. We took her for the the Disney Magic show that is currently in town. Now I remember going for a few shows with my Mum (dad had died early) and those memories are still with me. It was fun then too. So on 11/11 (November 11) at 11 we watched the show. I think she was really excited and happy to see her cartoon characters come to life. Clapping and laughing along. I'm glad that we had taken her. Unfortunately, the organizers did not allow for cameras to be taken inside so again no photos. But the memories will live on I'm sure just like my memories of the first Disney show I went for. Those folks sure do know how to make a kid happy!

Friday, November 9, 2007

The Highlander

Before I start about the our little trip to the highlamds I want to say that after wedding of my other best friend's wedding we gave the little one a musical box for being a good flower girl.


She was simply mesmerized!!
And couldn't take her eyes away!
Still looking and probably dreaming of her musical box!

Cameron Highland's is a hill resort about 5000 feet above sea level. We didn't plan for this trip, it just sort of happened and we were there in a flash. We managed to get a good deal on the hotel rates and stayed at the Strawberry Park Resort (click for more pics...this is not PPP).

The weather was cold and wet (you can even see the mist in some of the pictures) ... EXCELLENT because that is just the way I like it and we had fun playing cards, eating (flambbe (a new attraction) steamboat, scones, hot chocolate) and visiting a strawberry farm, the Boh Tea plantation (which was even colder because it was on a hill (driving there was hard becauae it was on a one lane road that was winding and slippery moreover, each time you took a sharp corner you had to toot your horn because it was impossible to see up ahead) and also raining and quite windy - had to wrap up the little one like an Eskimo) and a fruit, flower and vegetable market. I don't know if any of you had this but when I ws growing up we used to have a toy grand piano that stood on thre legs...well I've been looking for it fro a while and I found it in Cameron's...I bought it for daughter because we didn't pack any of her toys (told you we were rushing)! Here are the other pictures...


Flower girl! and waiter with Flambbe steamboat

More steamboat dishes and view of the tea plantation.

Wifey's flowers (see the mist rolling in)

An insect in a white lily and check out the size of that hibiscus!

More flowers (in abundance here) and my flower!
On a little bridge at the resort and after falling into a puddle of mud! :(

Wifey and little one walking at the resort. Daughter and strawberries!


More flowers!

At breakfast and at the cafe on top of the hill



After seeing all my blogging friends join I've also decided to join PayPerPost and with all the money I'm gonna make I'm going to go for more trips around the country and if I really make big bucks I'll even start flying out for holidays! Woo hoo Besides with Christmas drawing near I will be able to get more Santa Figures for my collection too! Then again maybe I'll buy that Playground set for my little one that wifey ad me have been eyeing! Maybe I'll get wifey a surprise gift with the PPP money that I'll be earning! Oh the possibilities are endless!! Endless I tell ya!
Maybe I'll make enough money to buy wife another diamond earring and get the little one the pick of the toystore. On top of thta I'll throw a huge Christmas party and invite everyone to join in the celebrations and have a real good time. I'd cater of course, using my PPP money!
Errr that's all folks and the journey continues!