Swirls and Twirls: November 2008

Sickly Me

Spent the weekend being sick, yet again! I wonder why I'm so prone to sickness this year. Actually, the sick part only happened when I started on my current job. Ming suggested that it could be a sick building syndrome.

I've used up all my MCs for the year and I had to have leave on Friday because I wasn't feeling too good. I've got no more leave (saving for SG) and no more MC! What's next? Unpaid leave? Gosh... that's bad.

I gotta boost my immune system. I was such a strong kid, but am now a weakling. After my last bout of the flu, I've been upping my vitamins, going easy on gym and sleeping more... but here I am on a Sunday night.. feeling like crap with my nose blocked, throat whacked and fever teasing me. Sipping hot milo to take with the flu pills (leftover from the last visit with Dr Julie). SIGH. Is this a sign of aging? A weaker body. Urgh. I'm only 24!

Enough of ranting. Time for bed. It's a Monday tmr :(

Happy Birthday Dear Sara!

Last Sat, we had an early birthday makan for my cousin Sara. She's the one smiling like a dungu in the picture. Ok wait. There's two dungus smiling away... okay, she's the one in black on the right! :D

I've known Sara.. all her life (haha). I don't remember much of her birth, maybe because I was too young myself. But I do remember us growing up together. The school holidays spent at our grandparents place in PJ were idyllic times. Sara was a pretty little girl who has turned into an even prettier young lady. Aww. Sob sob. She used to be a ray of sunshine, but now she's dark with a spin of light. Ok, corny.. I know!

Happy 20th Birthday Sara!

I love you, cuz!

People have said that Vonnie and Sara look alike. Do you think they do? Both pictured here trying out the slutty pose. Kids nowadays. Sigh!

My bro so shy.

I also like this picture. One of the best 'silly face' photos I've taken. Not only do all of us look silly, but we look good looking silly. That's rare.

Food from the Fogal Meat Market Deli and Cafe, Plaza Damas

Sun Hunt 2008

The hunt was weeks ago, but I've been kinda busy... so here's the long overdue post.
We started to day early in the morning (6am) and the picture above is of Erik praying that we will do better this year than we did the previous year.

Ok, don't laugh at my hair. I just had it done the previous day, so it still looks like crap. Plus, it was really early and I didn't get enough zZz hence malas to style. The girls above: Ming (munching on her McDee's burger), Me, Angie and Anansa. Also, please forgive the ugly green or whatever turquoise colour t-shirt.. we did not have a choice. Given a choice, it would have been in PINK! :P

Ming still eating burger.

Paparazzi mode.

Team Ken-Lari Returns. Vic malas to wear the shirt. Hell, If I'd known it were a option not to wear the shirt, I would have worn something else!

On to the hunt! We arrived a few minutes after the finishing time and were penalised a few points.

Ming not happy

Ming is happy

Ming is 'reserved'. LOL!

After the hunt, we went home to ZzZ and returned to the Sime Darby Convention Centre for dinner and the prize giving session.

The food there was surprisingly not bad!

We came in better than expected at the 67th place out of 120 over hunters in the open category. This is not bad considering the last time we took part we were in the 9th spot out of ten teams that were in the closed category.

WE LOVE OUR RICE COOKERS!
All of us took home a 1.8L Philips rice cooker.

Overall, it was a great experience. Vic turned out to be a better hunter than he looks. :) We await the next hunt!

Lauren the Cutie Pie

One of the cutest babies around :)

The naughty Lauren

It's a Stupid Wednesday Already!

The reason I'm saying this is because my Mother, whom I love dearly... just told me that she thinks I'm chunky!

How can this be?

I've been gyming my ass off AND watching my diet

but,

The weighing scale does show that I put on weight (COULD BE THE MUSCLES!!!!!!)

but, but

My clothes do feel looser

but, but, but...

Why does Mom say that I'm chunkier?

Unless... unless... I AM chunkier?

She says my thighs are like ... larger than hers... and my back (yes, my back) is fleshy!!! Beat that, I've got a fleshy back.

Sigh...

This is going to be a great Wednesday. Chunky ol' me and my fleshy back has gotta go to work now.

Where Did My Weekend Go?

I feel cheated of my weekend. It disappeared before I could savour it and now, all I am left with is a faint memory. *drama* There just isn't enough time in a day to do all the many things I want. I want to gym. Eat. Sleep. Read. And not work. I have tons and tons of photos to edit. Must make time this week.

Don't you notice that the closer it gets to year-end, the faster the days fly by? Today is Monday and soon it will be Thursday... and Friday. Then, another weekend. ZOOM. December comes. Christmas. New Year. 2009.

I am looking forward to XMAS in Singapore. Will be there for a week and a half. :)

2008's Christmas Carol

I got this in the mail today:

You'd better watch out
You'd better not cry
You'd better keep cash
I'm telling you why:
Recession is coming to town.

It's hitting you once,
It's hitting you twice
It doesn't care if you've been careful and wise
Recession is coming to town

It's worthless if you've got shares
It's worthless if you've got bonds
It's safe when you've got cash in hand
So keep cash for goodness sake, HEY

You'd better watch out
You'd better not cry
You'd better keep cash
I'm telling you why:
Recession is coming to town!

Finance products are confusing
Finance products are so vague
The banks make you bear the cost of risk So keep out for goodness sake, OH

You'd better watch out
You'd better not cry
You'd better keep cash
I'm telling you why:
Recession is coming to town.

While, I don't 100% agree with the message that everyone must hold cash right now, the cliche that CASH IS KING still holds water. It's important to have enough for your daily spending and as well as a safety net in case you get retrenched *touch wood*. But, there is no better time like now, to get into markets. When else can we cherry pick stocks at cheap prices?

Oh, sorry for the dry week. It was a busy weekend. On Saturday afternoon, I had my first ever experience MC-ing an event. THE HORRORS! Sat night was a special one. Also, the family photoshoot was on Sunday. Busy, busy, busy. No time to do my laundry. But, amazingly... Gym Time was not compromised. Weekends are oh so precious and gyming is a TOP PRIORITY for the weekend.

I am happy to report that Vic claims to have lost 2kgs! Way to go,VICKY!!! On the other hand, I did not lose any weight. :( sniff sniff

*UPDATE: Vic insists that I clarify. He did not lose 2kgs. Vic says:"Weight is a personal thing". So, for the record, Vic lost XX kgs.

Local or foreign?

I'm in a dilemma. I want to an MBA specialising in Finance. But what I don't know or can't decide is whether to get a local MBA or a foreign (available locally) MBA.

The price diff between the two is more than x2. Local universities' MBA are going for RM19k to RM22k, while the foreign ones being offered here are RM45k++.

Why do I want a foreign MBA? Well, because both my diploma and degree is from USM and it thought it would be fitting for me to have a foreign MBA. I'm not saying that the local unis aren't as good as their foreign counterparts, but there is a certain prestige having graduated from a good foreign uni. A quick search, revealed that most of orang corporate have a foreign MBA or phD.

Why do I want a local MBA? Well, if you can get something just as good for half the price, wouldn't you?

I have so many questions, but the ones which keep playing over and over in my (confused) mind are...

Is a foreign MBA really worth paying extra for?
Does it really matter where your MBA comes from?

The local uni that I am keen on is UM, while the foreign ones are Uni of Nottingham and RMIT. At the end of the day, I know that I would have to make my choice based on:

1) Where and what time are the classes. No point if its cheap cheap cheap and all the way in Bangi. How am I going to make the 6.30pm class on weekdays when I get off work at 6pm?

2) The reputation and credibility of the uni to offer business programmes. If the local one if more well known for its business school than the foreign uni, I'd forgo the 'prestige of a foreign qualification' and go for local.

3) Payment methods. I am no millionaire. I need funding and would probably take up a loan for this. The institute of higher education tht I choose should allow for that.

Sigh. Dilemma, dilemma, dilemma.

Anyone with any advice?

Also, there this fear that I would suck horribly in subjects with a lot of maths. ARGH! I am also dreading the hectic schedule of juggling between classes, studying, work, gym and LIFE. But, I know I have to make sacrifices to get ahead. So, bring it on!

Road Bully Bastard

I'm so pissed off right now. I need to blog this out.

On the way to work this morning, the motorbike in front of me abruptly pulled to the side of the road and wanted to stop. The bastard DID NOT USE HIS SIGNALS!!! and if I had not braked in time, I would've rammed both him and his fat wife down (maybe she ain't fat, maybe she's pregnant which makes him an even bigger asshole because he does not care enough for the safety of his unborn child!). Yes, I know we are supposed to keep a safe distance from the vehicle in front and that's what I was doing because I managed not to make pancakes of them both.

Me being pissed off and obviously shocked, I honked the bastard. He then flew into some sorta rage and proceeded to honk and show all sorts of uncivilised hand gestures befitting someone of his standards. Fine, I drove on. What do you want me to do? Stay there and participate in the hand and finger flying?

I went on straight and had to stop for the lights at to the corner of Jalan Sultan Ismail/ Menara Standard Chartered. That bastard decided he did not like being honked or corrected by a young woman and needed to boost his bruised ego, so he followed me and whacked the front passenger window. Again, a whole lot of vulgar hand gesturing... and shouting. His wife (I assume the best of all women) was so ashamed by her husband's disgusting and stupid behaviour that she hid her face and refused to look at me. Divorce him, if he can do this to a stranger... what more you?

I was panicking. Stuck in traffic. What if this bastard breaks my window? What if he hurts me? So, I took out my mobile phone and aimed the camera at him (but my Nokia N73 hanged as usual). At that time, the lights turned green as well. So, he had no choice but to move on because he could not bully me when all the cars were moving. I had to turn right into the office parking and so, he knows where I work. Walking to my office, I kept looking around for an Indian man with a moustache and specs.

I am afraid. But why? I am INNOCENT. I did not run him down. All I did was honk and even that because he deserved it. Inconsiderate prick thinking that just because he drives a small vehicle, he can stop it anywhere at anytime without any indication. My hands are cold as I am typing this. I have his number plate - WDW 4956.

ROAD BULLY ALERT! Look out for this motorcyclist WDW 4956! Look out for this motorcyclist WDW 4956! Look out for this motorcyclist WDW 4956! Look out for this motorcyclist WDW 4956!

I am fed up with people who turn or stop without giving proper indication. USE YOUR SIGNALS! It's there for a damn reason. If you can't do it to alert others, do it to ensure YOUR SAFETY. Honestly, if I were driving faster... I would not brake in time and he or his wife could be DEAD now. I wish people like him would realise this. Be thankful, instead of taking offence believing that they did no wrong.

Please my friends, use your indicator lights. If not for others, do it for yourself.

Before I hit 25!

Every time I met up with old friends.. we always reminiscence about secondary school and how time just flies by. When we were 14, mIRC was all the rage. I think my screen name was allisonic. Anyway... for those of you too young or too old to know what IRC is... here's Wikipedia's definition:

Internet Relay Chat (IRC) is a form of real-time Internet chat or synchronous conferencing. It is mainly designed for group communication in discussion forums called channels, but also allows one-to-one communication via private message, as well as chat and data transfers via Direct Client-to-Client

So, messages from random people would just pop up, followed by the customary...

Hi, ASL (age, sex, location)?

Back then, being 14 I'd think anyone above the age of 20 would be 'too old' and here I am hitting 25 next year. (Yes, I know my birthday is a long time more, but this is not a post soliciting for presents!)

It seems like only yesterday that I became legal @ 21 and next year I'll be 25. That's like half of 50! and almost 30! *gulp* Yes, yes... I AM SO OLD, right? (sarcasm) Well, no.. that's not what I'm getting at.

I'm 24 now. Single (I'm not married la, but not really single single!!). Living with my parents. Minimal savings. Even lesser investments. Not a lot of debt. A fairly all right career.

If I were to die tomorrow, what would I have achieved? I bet if you guys wanted to write me a long tribute in my honour, it would be on quite a small piece of paper. I can't help but feel that I've yet to accomplish much. When I grow up, I want to be just like Hayden Panettiere and save the whales. But seriously, save what whales? I need to save myself!

I've decided that 2009 is going to be MY year. It is going to be the year when I do my best for myself. I will go to the gym at least three times a week. Eat healthy. Save money. Buy shares (IOI, Gamuda, Tenaga, IJM ... please don't go up!). Read more good books. Get a tattoo. Pierce my tongue (not sure on this, but definitely if my tubby tummy trims up, I will get a belly ring!). Get more rest. Fall sick less. Clean my room more. Spend more time with family and friends. Etc, etc.

Another thing that I wish to do next year, but may or may not go ahead with is to pursue a higher education. I am seriously thinking about it and will be going to the local universities to check out the details. I can't afford to go abroad for a sabbatical, I need the moolah and I know that the process of applying for a scholarship is tedious and is especially difficult in times like this.

I estimate that a masters programme in one of the local Unis would set me back anywhere from RM20,000 to RM25,000. Of course, not at one go... but it is still a huge sum for me to be repaying over the next three years should I sign on. What more... I've been warned that my social life would be close to ZERO. I would not have the time to go out as much or the liberty to spend one whole day in sloth mode. I believe that I can cope with all of this.. provided I know that my sacrifice (read: torture) is worth it. Hmm. Let me stew over this further.

If all goes as planned, 2009 is set to be a tiring, but fulfilling year.

** Update: The University of Nottingham's MBA programme costs RM46,000!!!!!!!!! x.x

Happy Birthday!

Whee... Another person getting older... this time its Lim Chze Hong ! Happy Birthday, dude! When I called him to wish him this morning, he said he doesn't look forward to birthdays because he doesnt get many presents, only bday greetings (got ppl wish good enough, right?)

Anyway, here's a big present! (don't ask me what's inside... cos I don't know either!)

and a cake..

I am such a good friend! :D

Sook Ting's birthday was this week too and here's a picture of the birthday lunch :) Hope you liked the XXX gift!

Random Food in October

More food. And yes, I can read your minds. Here I am saying I wanna lose weight and regain my fitness, but.... here are photos of delicious food. What if I said I just took those photos, but refrained from eating?

HAHA! That my dear friends.. would be a complete LIE! Anyway, enjoy ze food photos because I enjoyed eating em

Look at the paper cup for the name of the restaurant

This is Vic's favourite place to eat

He is under the impression that the food here is 'chek dak' and yummy. I agree with the yummy bit

Yogur Berry!
A heart made out of fake roses
Apart from serving my fave yogurt ice cream (top), they also have cupcakes in Yogur Berry

Pasta De Gohan, Sunway Pyramid

Vic is NOT HAPPY
I, on the other hand.. enjoyed the food there

(Top) Soup Pasta! (Bottom) Unagi Spaghetti with Egg - Yummy!

Another reason why Vic HATES the place - Parmesan Cheese that's not fresh!

House of Fishball (HoF), SS15

(Top) Fried fish cake, (Bottom) Angel Hair Noodles - Very good!

Restaurant Ho Boh, Taipan Business Centre

(Top) A traditional Hakka dish 'Suen Poon Chee' (Bottom) Liu Char Pan Mee

Ramen Ton Chan, Wisma Cosway (Top) Saba Fish, (Bottom) Mashed Potatoes
Ok. I said Ramen Ton Chan, right? Well.. I've posted the ramen photos before so I thought it was time to post something else and their Saba Fish rocks. So does their Green Tea Ice Cream with Red Beans - must try!

Some mamak we went to after Elaine's RPM class
Chicken Tandoori is what I'd like to believe as 'healthy'

Yut Kee
The BEST pork chop. This is one of my favourite places to go and eat. Love love love their Pork Chop. Also love their butter cakes!

Some random Nando's lunch
Look NO FRENCH FRIES! *gasp!* Controlling my diet!

St Moritez, Cold Storage Solaris Mont'Kiara

Words of wisdom on the wall, couldn't be any truer!

MY GREATEST LOVE!

Roast Pork! You scream, I scream.. We all scream for Roast Pork!

Yong Tau Foo in Cheras

Pumpkin Chawan Mushi @ Sakae Sushi

Imbi Road Famous Hokkien Mee

Malay rice @ Pavilion Food Court

Ledang Briyani in Taipan Business Centre

Ikea!

Some restaurant in SS2

Fried pork. This good!

BURP!!!

Who's Wondrously Pink Blog is This?

Mine, of course!

McAllie ( a nickname I came up with not too long ago) is a crazy girl with a love for food, the colour pink and photography. To her (yes, I refer to myself in the third person), blogging was a reluctant pastime that became a passion.

See? I'm crazeeeeee!

Her humble slave Vittorio, is the co-author of this blog and together they aspire to eat their way to happiness.

P/S: I know my blog is no longer pink, but I can't be arsed to change this section.

Still at it!

The IOI Charity Run is still being promoted and people are encouraged to participate. All this despite registration being 'closed'. Sheeeesh.

Middle Eastern Food

This was quite some time back, when I did not have this ridiculious bangs

Vic and I were scouting around for a good bite when we were driving along Changkat Bukit Bintang and spotted this quiet Middle Eastern joint called Al-Baghadi (not too sure on the spelling) and decided to pop in