This is one rare post close to midnight.
It's been loads hectic, with my accounts ressurecting at the same time. I'm running around for an ice-cream launch, a free zone management and a property company. What a combi. Sounds, so non- typical.
Everything seems to be happening at the same time, with afterwork recceing of suitable places to hold events, gosh, i'm doubling up as an events person. Used to do it with choco, but now I get to do it with ice cream. Mind the lingo, I have colleagues (you know who you are =), and maybe bosses! or the stumbling upon of clients, like what they mention on Voldermort - he-who-must -not -be -mentioned.
Hahaha.....
I've got a thought though - it's been bugging me.
There's been 2 deaths/ 3 deaths that i know of, whom I know of ..wait it's four deaths now in less than 2 weeks.
The youngest being an 18 year old which I featured in one of my photo shoots. Never made the connection till I read back on the parents signature form which I got her to sign - and I realised the name in the newspaper column which they wrote about on her - matched the full name on the piece of paper she wrote for me.
Two others being the older generations in my church, with one dying on his wife's shoulder and uttering " I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race"....and another, ....I'm not too sure how. But peacefully I'm sure. Makes me realise how the older "foggies" as I may affectionately know them as, they request ALL the old hymns and songs which are so not easy to play, and I absolutely do not like to play.
Sardonistic, or rather - morbid as I may sound, I'll play to the best of my abilities, especially hymns as of now, since realistically, every visit to church could be their last! And the least that I could do is to be God's vessel of playing some really nice, pleasant hymns - though most times, I like to funk it up a wee bit with some weird timings & jazz chords!
Catch all those singing with some off guard, non- conforming beats!
Another death would be one of my friend's father. I haven't had the opportunity to send my condolences, but I want to get around doing it. I'm sorry to hear about your dad's death, if you're reading this...
Being busy keeps one in denial about death doesn't it?
.......
-jade-
ps: On a lighter note, some photos of Al & Me when we did a facial in Adelaide. =) DIY!
Monday, November 14, 2005
Friday, October 14, 2005
Post Mortem on Ballet: Six Months After
It's been almost six months since I started ballet. Perhaps, even less.
I couldn't touch the floor in April. But now I can.
I couldn't get my body to do things that I wanted it to do - eg: balance more, get that muscle to pull in that way, this way. But now, I kinda get the hang of it.
I was almost afraid of ballet, given the bad experiences I had at my initial trial class at FAB. The teacher there was only interested in finishing the class, going through the motions which I absolutely detest.
I like creativity, free movement and most of all - self expression.
Good thing is that I made two good friends through ballet. Sarah, my partner in crime in dance. She's fresh too! And Staphanie, the dance teacher!
It's been fun going to ballet, though we can't get some of the advanced steps, and my releve is still "loose", as in, I bend my legs instead of straightening it to give the illusion of super long legs.
But I realise that I need to push myself even more.
I find myself laxing. Where has that 'kiasu' side of me gone to?
We're set to take the exam next year. That should be a great push.
Can't wait to go on pointe, but only get to do that if we get our basics correct =)
Else, I'm enjoying the ride.
One of the list of things which I wanted to do all my life.
More updates soon.
-jade-
I couldn't touch the floor in April. But now I can.
I couldn't get my body to do things that I wanted it to do - eg: balance more, get that muscle to pull in that way, this way. But now, I kinda get the hang of it.
I was almost afraid of ballet, given the bad experiences I had at my initial trial class at FAB. The teacher there was only interested in finishing the class, going through the motions which I absolutely detest.
I like creativity, free movement and most of all - self expression.
Good thing is that I made two good friends through ballet. Sarah, my partner in crime in dance. She's fresh too! And Staphanie, the dance teacher!
It's been fun going to ballet, though we can't get some of the advanced steps, and my releve is still "loose", as in, I bend my legs instead of straightening it to give the illusion of super long legs.
But I realise that I need to push myself even more.
I find myself laxing. Where has that 'kiasu' side of me gone to?
We're set to take the exam next year. That should be a great push.
Can't wait to go on pointe, but only get to do that if we get our basics correct =)
Else, I'm enjoying the ride.
One of the list of things which I wanted to do all my life.
More updates soon.
-jade-
Bisexual Me & Indian gods
Yes.
You read the headings correctly. My company decided to tailor each of us associates a suit, given that my boss insisted that we dress better,therefore it would start with each of us owning a decent suit.
The tailor, a supposed Mr Shiva (and mind you, isn't that supposed to be the name of a god?), well - he did something pretty miracalous for me.
He created an artificial crotch for me.
Mr Shiva @ demi god originates from the old school Sparksman's Shop and decided to come out on his own to make his own cash. He's one smooth talker, with slinky hairdo, bright-Darlie smile and always manages to convince you to go for the most expensive cloth, even when you don't need it.
Anyway, I tailor made a high waisted pants, and somehow, with the second fitting round - when I actually sit down - I have a CROTCH ! It's the guy pants " zip" that sticks out so obvious, that I simply can't wear it to a clients meeting, lest they think I'm BI!
No offense to BI's but I'm straight out all the way - a girl!
Not to mention, that I tailormade a long coat - something like the trenchcoat style. If you notice Zara's designs, it's supposed to be rather elegant looking, sharp but still feminine with cut in waist and all - but I look like a MAN when I wear it!
There goes my respect for any demigods in general - Shiva to that effect.
But somehow, to the credit of worshipping Hindu's with Deepavali around the corner, Annalakshimi still gives me a good impression, especially with the vegetarian restaurant in Mid Valley which serves DA BEST, most tasty, spread of vegetarian.
You get your fresh yogurt, that tantalizing dried chilli (hot to the core!), mixed spice rice, ladoo, just right texture kinda dhal, vegetarian curry - anything that suits the Indian banana leaf streak in you!
And best of all - we PAY what we want to PAY.
There's no fixed ceiling or floor price, it's what you want to give, as a contribution at the end of the day.
Check it out here: http://www.midvalley.com.my/shop/annalakshmi.html
-jade-
You read the headings correctly. My company decided to tailor each of us associates a suit, given that my boss insisted that we dress better,therefore it would start with each of us owning a decent suit.
The tailor, a supposed Mr Shiva (and mind you, isn't that supposed to be the name of a god?), well - he did something pretty miracalous for me.
He created an artificial crotch for me.
Mr Shiva @ demi god originates from the old school Sparksman's Shop and decided to come out on his own to make his own cash. He's one smooth talker, with slinky hairdo, bright-Darlie smile and always manages to convince you to go for the most expensive cloth, even when you don't need it.
Anyway, I tailor made a high waisted pants, and somehow, with the second fitting round - when I actually sit down - I have a CROTCH ! It's the guy pants " zip" that sticks out so obvious, that I simply can't wear it to a clients meeting, lest they think I'm BI!
No offense to BI's but I'm straight out all the way - a girl!
Not to mention, that I tailormade a long coat - something like the trenchcoat style. If you notice Zara's designs, it's supposed to be rather elegant looking, sharp but still feminine with cut in waist and all - but I look like a MAN when I wear it!
There goes my respect for any demigods in general - Shiva to that effect.
But somehow, to the credit of worshipping Hindu's with Deepavali around the corner, Annalakshimi still gives me a good impression, especially with the vegetarian restaurant in Mid Valley which serves DA BEST, most tasty, spread of vegetarian.
You get your fresh yogurt, that tantalizing dried chilli (hot to the core!), mixed spice rice, ladoo, just right texture kinda dhal, vegetarian curry - anything that suits the Indian banana leaf streak in you!
And best of all - we PAY what we want to PAY.
There's no fixed ceiling or floor price, it's what you want to give, as a contribution at the end of the day.
Check it out here: http://www.midvalley.com.my/shop/annalakshmi.html
-jade-
Friday, September 23, 2005
Jade Turns 24 & Got Conned BIG TIME!
Alright folks. This post is long overdue, but Alvin made my birthday the best I ever had with a detour from La Fite, of The Shang to the Mc Donalds of Centre Point, BU.
" Jade, I need to send a very important agreement letter to my uncle in BU before we go to the Shang" says Alvin.
"Ok. Vin. No problem with me" said Jade, without SUSPECTING A HINT OF deception!
"Uhh..." *ring ring* "tons of people are calling his number*
And I'm like " Vin, why's your uncle calling you every single minute and why are you SMSing him so much?" says a rather irritated Jade.
"Oh..the kids, Josh & Ellie, they want to go home already so I'm telling them that we're just really nearby"
"Right" I say.
Alvin starts being a bit irritated with the traffic, and looks rather agitated.
" Darling, don't worry....Vivid booked La Fitte for us the whole night so don't worry about being late" I say, pacifying him.
"Yeah..it's just the stupid traffic jam" says Alvin, with his eyes darting around and finally breaks into a very, fake smile (Now that I look back on it)
*The traffic light turns green and Alvin drives straight in Mcdonalds with one hand still on the wheel and the other dialing for Jason*
" Oi Jade, Jason said he might pop by after our Shang dinner. Is that ok?" he asks me.
"Sure" Jade replies , thinking she would really be having a 4 - 5 star treatment at The Shang. Hmm...
We pull up to the driveway but Alvin REFUSES to park at the back of Mc Donalds with a lame excuse that it's dangerous.
So, we do another BIG round and we turn back into Mc Donald's, after like waiting 5 minutes for the lights to turn green.
Once again, HE REFUSES to park inside Mc Donalds, Centre Point but decides to park further away. And I'm like:
"Alvin, why in the world are we parking when we just need to run up to pass the agreement to your uncle" I remarked in disbelief.
" Oh darling, Joshua & Ellie really wants to see you and me. And they want to wish you a happy birthday as well" he replies back.
Yeah right. I roll my eyes in disbelief, and to add to the mystery - I saw two of my friends cars being parked there.
"Mebe, they're seeing each other" Alvin remarked!
"Yeah right, Vin! Impossible!They don't even know each other. And they would surely tell me if they are going out together" I said.
Alvin rushed me into Mc D's and subsequently told me to open the envelope just to verify whether "THE AGREEMENT" was there.
Yeah, an agreement with the title "Jade" in BOLD - JADE.
Before I could even piece things together, there was a loud "HAPPY BIRTHDAY, JADE" orchestrated by friends who I believe, some were there at least 1- 1 1/2 hours earlier.
Thank you guys for coming! Thank you Alvin for being such a sweetie =)
Will post up the photos on Flickr.com for all to see.
Till then, thanks again!
-jade-
Saturday, August 20, 2005
Periodic Silence
It's been months since I've actually updated my blog and it feels so foreign! Blogspot has so graciously added in a new tool which allows me to upload pictures using the icon on the menu bar, and not use an external programme - like Picasa. It's quite good actually!
Pretty happy with the blog access, features - and I would say features better than xanga though I still miss the community at xanga! Xanga's features and the level of changing your blog facade, etc is too html jargonic for me.
It's been a hectic 3 months or so, and it still is. Going to have lunch with a couple of friends soon which I have not seen for the past: 3 - 6 months! I miss them so much! Girls, girls talk this afternoon! Shall we go to Bakerzin or that new organiz shop? Hmmm...
Pray tell...I'll decide, throw them a few options and see where we go.
Ok. That's it for now!
-jade-
Pretty happy with the blog access, features - and I would say features better than xanga though I still miss the community at xanga! Xanga's features and the level of changing your blog facade, etc is too html jargonic for me.
It's been a hectic 3 months or so, and it still is. Going to have lunch with a couple of friends soon which I have not seen for the past: 3 - 6 months! I miss them so much! Girls, girls talk this afternoon! Shall we go to Bakerzin or that new organiz shop? Hmmm...
Pray tell...I'll decide, throw them a few options and see where we go.
Ok. That's it for now!
-jade-
To the MGSians
Dear All,
For those here for the very first time, welcome welcome! Have posted up the reunion pictures and hope all of you like it. I'll feature some of it here, and will put the rest up on Flickr.com which is the small little photo album on the left side of the screen. Feel free to click on it, to see more photos.
Regardless, always good to see old friends, be it seniors, same age or juniors. At the end of the day, when we actually graduate from high school, we're not going to be termed seniors, juniors etc but - MGSians =)
It was truly refreshing to see the teachers - especially Ms Lau, Mrs Peter (remember there was a rumour that someone saw her in mini skirt and a tight top, my gosh, that is so untrue!) ;Mrs Peter is currently teaching at the Methodist school in Sentul, and she looks the same!
What happened to the other teachers? I for one, still see one teacher who lives in Bangsar and frequents the Bangsar pool. I can't remember her name, but she used to be the teacher in charge of the "badminton" society and she taught either History or Geography.
One thing for certain is that she is still one tiger of a lady! She scolds people who swims into her lane, and everbody swims into everybody's lane, because it is - a Malaysian Public Pool!
Hope all of you are doing well, and here's me signing off for now! Take care all!
-jade-
Monday, July 04, 2005
Five Letters
Dance.
Now that's five letters to an expression of sorts.
Write.
That's also a five letter word to that effect.
Paint.
Another one in that category.
Whoever thought of these words must have had some type of numerical mind organizing to categorize such beautiful human expressions to just - five letters.
In these five letters, we find ourselves somewhat longing to express, to somehow project our innermost beings- to something, we've always wanted to become, or fail to be, or should be. The possibilities are limitless.
The five letter word - Dance resonates deeply in tonight's performance at the newly built KLPAC, Sentul. For those who have not been, it's beautiful. Walking into KLPAC , actually - just driving into the vicinity was like being in a whole different country by itself.
The space, the generous use of space, of translucent glass made the whole place look welcoming, unique and beckoning to be explored - in a nice way. Not those weird infrastructures which leave you thinking " My gosh, what does all this mean? Bleeehhhh"
Anyway, it was the Ballet & Jazz nite at the My Dance Alliance version of Living Heritage 2005.
Inspired me to continue with ballet though I don't get my teachers constant ramling of:
Jade:
"Turn out more!"
" Point more, how are you going to be on pointe if you don't point at all"
"Your body has two triangles, one at the top and one at the bottom.I don't see no triangle in yours"
" Come on now girls, two spot lights at each corner of your hip! Get it straight!"
" Stretch........more more!"
And the list goes on. Not that I am complaining, yes in a way, haha. But more of the frustration of not knowing what she means by all this terms. Turn out? What the? Turn left, right, straight I get it but not, turn out??
Or, spotlights? Ah well, it all comes with practice at which I lack, and have been demotivated for some time until......tonight..
Watching the dancers (who are mainly students), trying out the ballet, tap, contemporary and modern pieces was refreshing.
Especially the one by DanceSteps which included the Steven Curtis Chapman song. So good to hear a Christian song being used in a secular setting.
The music they used went like " God...is God ..and God is great..He can only understand......"
And.."Holy..Holy Holy...."
I teared a bit when I heard the proclamation of just the usage of "God". Because I knew that the song talked about Someone I knew. And to see the dancers (I assume some are Christians and some not) perform, they used so much angst, facial expression, joy to just act out the song.
Realised that I've been so far away from Him. Had to see a dance, and a song proclaim the Sovereign nature of God for a doofus like me to get it.
Shucks. Isn't that bad?
Time to sort things out with Him
-jade-
Now that's five letters to an expression of sorts.
Write.
That's also a five letter word to that effect.
Paint.
Another one in that category.
Whoever thought of these words must have had some type of numerical mind organizing to categorize such beautiful human expressions to just - five letters.
In these five letters, we find ourselves somewhat longing to express, to somehow project our innermost beings- to something, we've always wanted to become, or fail to be, or should be. The possibilities are limitless.
The five letter word - Dance resonates deeply in tonight's performance at the newly built KLPAC, Sentul. For those who have not been, it's beautiful. Walking into KLPAC , actually - just driving into the vicinity was like being in a whole different country by itself.
The space, the generous use of space, of translucent glass made the whole place look welcoming, unique and beckoning to be explored - in a nice way. Not those weird infrastructures which leave you thinking " My gosh, what does all this mean? Bleeehhhh"
Anyway, it was the Ballet & Jazz nite at the My Dance Alliance version of Living Heritage 2005.
Inspired me to continue with ballet though I don't get my teachers constant ramling of:
Jade:
"Turn out more!"
" Point more, how are you going to be on pointe if you don't point at all"
"Your body has two triangles, one at the top and one at the bottom.I don't see no triangle in yours"
" Come on now girls, two spot lights at each corner of your hip! Get it straight!"
" Stretch........more more!"
And the list goes on. Not that I am complaining, yes in a way, haha. But more of the frustration of not knowing what she means by all this terms. Turn out? What the? Turn left, right, straight I get it but not, turn out??
Or, spotlights? Ah well, it all comes with practice at which I lack, and have been demotivated for some time until......tonight..
Watching the dancers (who are mainly students), trying out the ballet, tap, contemporary and modern pieces was refreshing.
Especially the one by DanceSteps which included the Steven Curtis Chapman song. So good to hear a Christian song being used in a secular setting.
The music they used went like " God...is God ..and God is great..He can only understand......"
And.."Holy..Holy Holy...."
I teared a bit when I heard the proclamation of just the usage of "God". Because I knew that the song talked about Someone I knew. And to see the dancers (I assume some are Christians and some not) perform, they used so much angst, facial expression, joy to just act out the song.
Realised that I've been so far away from Him. Had to see a dance, and a song proclaim the Sovereign nature of God for a doofus like me to get it.
Shucks. Isn't that bad?
Time to sort things out with Him
-jade-
Friday, June 03, 2005
Headless Chicken Or Captain of My Own Ship?
Yup...that's the feeling I get today - actually, for the past two weeks when I have to rush my designers for a sticker we're suppose to put on at least 50 - 100 k lids of yogurt cups.
I finally get the experience of running around - like a headless chicken - getting approvals, a flurry of e-mails and trying my BEST to communicate CLEARLY to my outsourced designers.
It's the perpetual "Is this ok?" question always asked to Clients. Reminding Clients to check their e-mails, their whole measurements of the art work and trying to be nice to your designers to - get them to do a better job than the last time!
Ok...now I know...
At least in PR, I decide what pace I want to go and I come up with my own creative piece (press release - whatever creative juice that is left, of course).
I still like the writing bit, seeing the words come out - seeing the angle - seeing it being published. Yummy!
But...I also realise that ...I love sketching..especially with just a pencil.....shading...trying to caption a thought and explain it further using visuals.
I may be a writer but hey - a picture paints a thousand words!
I envy all those who can draw...
God..am I being too selfish if I asked You for the gift of being cerebrally talented with colors, tones, designs and 3D?
Anyway..it's been awhile since I blogged so this is - HI! from me...
Leaving...now!
-jade-
I finally get the experience of running around - like a headless chicken - getting approvals, a flurry of e-mails and trying my BEST to communicate CLEARLY to my outsourced designers.
It's the perpetual "Is this ok?" question always asked to Clients. Reminding Clients to check their e-mails, their whole measurements of the art work and trying to be nice to your designers to - get them to do a better job than the last time!
Ok...now I know...
At least in PR, I decide what pace I want to go and I come up with my own creative piece (press release - whatever creative juice that is left, of course).
I still like the writing bit, seeing the words come out - seeing the angle - seeing it being published. Yummy!
But...I also realise that ...I love sketching..especially with just a pencil.....shading...trying to caption a thought and explain it further using visuals.
I may be a writer but hey - a picture paints a thousand words!
I envy all those who can draw...
God..am I being too selfish if I asked You for the gift of being cerebrally talented with colors, tones, designs and 3D?
Anyway..it's been awhile since I blogged so this is - HI! from me...
Leaving...now!
-jade-
Thursday, May 05, 2005
Late Jade Seeks to Be Punctual
If they had a tardiness anonymous - I would have been the first one to sign up.
Was given the title "Late Jade" when I was in university because I was infamous for going to meetings * cough cough* at least half to one hour later.
But - since starting work, I've been much better. I try to be punctual with my client meetings (I am actually one of the more punctual ones in my office!) and I try my best not to keep people waiting for more than 15 minutes.
I hate it when I have to wait for people - but - I suppose the same yardstick does not apply to myself.
Every morning is a struggle when I wake up in the morning. Somehow, the bed seems so much more inviting and comfortable when the alarm clock rings and when you know you are going to be late for work!
I think - if anything - one of my major revamp of myself is to get up earlier.
When you see me getting up earlier means - perhaps, my life would be more in order.
My list of to do's (and please, keep reminding me)
1. Wake up earlier
(Accomplish more by waking up earlier)
2. Try and exercise in the morning
(But I worry about security in my area. A friend of mine nearly got kidnapped. I probably got to do one of
those Paula Abdul videos! Home bound...)
3. Get my quiet time on track.
(Ok..this is the desert period. Let's hope for an oasis soon)
4. Keep my room clean
(The state of your room depicts the mental state you're in)
5. Find more means of earning money ( legal ones that is)
( Since paying for my car loan, I see my savings increasing slower than the interest rates in our local savings account)
God changed Saul to be Paul.
The power of God can help change me too? Yes?
Was given the title "Late Jade" when I was in university because I was infamous for going to meetings * cough cough* at least half to one hour later.
But - since starting work, I've been much better. I try to be punctual with my client meetings (I am actually one of the more punctual ones in my office!) and I try my best not to keep people waiting for more than 15 minutes.
I hate it when I have to wait for people - but - I suppose the same yardstick does not apply to myself.
Every morning is a struggle when I wake up in the morning. Somehow, the bed seems so much more inviting and comfortable when the alarm clock rings and when you know you are going to be late for work!
I think - if anything - one of my major revamp of myself is to get up earlier.
When you see me getting up earlier means - perhaps, my life would be more in order.
My list of to do's (and please, keep reminding me)
1. Wake up earlier
(Accomplish more by waking up earlier)
2. Try and exercise in the morning
(But I worry about security in my area. A friend of mine nearly got kidnapped. I probably got to do one of
those Paula Abdul videos! Home bound...)
3. Get my quiet time on track.
(Ok..this is the desert period. Let's hope for an oasis soon)
4. Keep my room clean
(The state of your room depicts the mental state you're in)
5. Find more means of earning money ( legal ones that is)
( Since paying for my car loan, I see my savings increasing slower than the interest rates in our local savings account)
God changed Saul to be Paul.
The power of God can help change me too? Yes?
Saturday, April 30, 2005
Freelance Writer I AM
Please fund this worthy cause. I promise that this will not in any way - be linked to terrorist activities or cause detrimental effects towards society.
Anyway, for the heck of it. Here's my profile.
-jade-
Jade Wong Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia (http://www.writers.net/writers/39912)
Email: soyabeanmilk@gmail.com
I get published weekly, in various newspapers and magazines, though my name is not visible. Call me a phantom writer - but I am the mouthpiece of organizations who can't put pen to paper.Ok. Spill the beans. I am in the business of Public Relations.
The Hard Sell Bit...
Able to churn out press releases in a jiffy,tailoring the message to suit your objectives and also get past the editors knife.
Working on advertorials on specific topics - nutrition etc.
Able to write for leisure, creative is my forte.
You don't have to be published to be good. Just know that you are innately, absolutely, fully comfortable with your own writing.
Interests:
Attempts: Ballet, cross stich, flower design
Successful endeavors: Piano playing, writing, blogging, networking
Published writer: Yes
Freelance: Yes
Anyway, for the heck of it. Here's my profile.
-jade-
Jade Wong Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia (http://www.writers.net/writers/39912)
Email: soyabeanmilk@gmail.com
I get published weekly, in various newspapers and magazines, though my name is not visible. Call me a phantom writer - but I am the mouthpiece of organizations who can't put pen to paper.Ok. Spill the beans. I am in the business of Public Relations.
The Hard Sell Bit...
Able to churn out press releases in a jiffy,tailoring the message to suit your objectives and also get past the editors knife.
Working on advertorials on specific topics - nutrition etc.
Able to write for leisure, creative is my forte.
You don't have to be published to be good. Just know that you are innately, absolutely, fully comfortable with your own writing.
Interests:
Attempts: Ballet, cross stich, flower design
Successful endeavors: Piano playing, writing, blogging, networking
Published writer: Yes
Freelance: Yes
Deadline: Thirty
The rush hour traffic was horrible. Chock a block. Congested with Chinese men and women who wait impatiently in their cars. We were stuck on the bridge with our taxi driver spitting out on the road side.
"Ptoooooooooooooooi" was an extremely familiar sound.
More familiar than that was the harsh tones that they spoke to one another as well as the deep accented Mandarin. I was a banana in the land of Mandarin oranges. Too slim to handle and way too naive to know their conniving schemes for cheating me of another Renminbi.
Thank God for my translator - Mr Superman who could bowl over the Shen Zhen tigress who would shout and chase us away when we pushed the limits on bargaining.
Welcome all, to Shanghai - China.
The locals call it the Pearl of the Orient, ( I thought that was what we called Penang), but hey, this is one big massive pearl with the equivalent population of West and East Malaysia being crammed into one city. Every nook and corner was a standing or a squatting room for a - Chinese.
" See that lady carrying the baby on her back" said one of our tour mates.
"Mmmmhmmm" I replied.
" It's a syndicate. Nobody knows where the kids come from...but the kids the ladies carry to beg with them are about the same age. 3-6 years of age. Stolen, kidnappped most probably" she said matter-a-factly.
Her face was cracked, skin raw and red from the biting cold wind and she dodged the major highways to knock on the car doors of sleek Mercedes, MPVs and Toyotas to ask for alms.
Mr Superman kept his stare forward as she continued to knock on his car door.
I shuddered to think where the kid would go after he expired his years of begging.
The cars started to move and we slowly edged our way to getting home after a long, exhausting day in the city.
We had seen much, shopped much in those 5 days that we were there. Zipping around in the local taxis, we were able to bargain our way through at the "Copy Market". Shoppers heaven if you ask me. But of course, you need to be rather good natured and quick witted to deal with the crafty Chinese there. Plying their goods at an inflated Renminbi 450 for Nike sportswear, we were able to slash it down to Renminbi 75 which was at least 1/4 the price of the initial offer.
In the land of survival, only the fittest and the quickest will survive. I beg to differ, where you need some amount of good nature and negotiating skills without blowing up - to actually survive in this thriving city.
My cousin, Jeremy went with us for one of this bargaining trips and he commented that generally, people were confused.
China is developing at the pace of more than 8% GDP growth per year which surpasses many developing countries initial catch up syndrome. It's pulsating changes with investors coming in from abroad, has made Shanghai for one - booming with cheap counterfeits, cheap labor and head quarters for outsourcing goods. Financial institutions are latching on to China's open door policy to build their offices here - because, the next gold mine is - China.
You see expats, "Ang mo Lang" who speak fluent Mandarin being accompanied by Chinese SPGs (except that they wear the latest fashion labels instead of Sarung, or Qi Pao for that matter) in Xin Tian Di, which is the happening spot of Shanghai. The amazing thing is that they converted colonial, stone houses to accomodate to the night clubs, the pubs, the fancy restaurants and Zen like stores selling inflated Chinese ethnic products.
But....
The general sense of a Chinese young adult, 23 - 28 years old is one of running, keep running, you can't stop, keep up with the rest of the world, you need to be - seen, to be heard, to work hard, even harder to achieve at least 1 MIL by the time you're 30 years old.
" Notice how China for centuries was/is a tea drinking society. Look now, at how the young, the rich have become converts of Starbucks and Haagen Dazs in less than 20 years" Mr Superman said as part of his observation.
It's a deadline that sucks you in and keeps you wary about the Chinese. They're good. They're really good. Makes me wonder whether I am earning enough and working hard and fast enough to compete at an international level.
Makes my palms sweaty to think of such a life. Work. Eat. No time for sleep. Work. Work. Work.
Deadline: Thirty.
"Ptoooooooooooooooi" was an extremely familiar sound.
More familiar than that was the harsh tones that they spoke to one another as well as the deep accented Mandarin. I was a banana in the land of Mandarin oranges. Too slim to handle and way too naive to know their conniving schemes for cheating me of another Renminbi.
Thank God for my translator - Mr Superman who could bowl over the Shen Zhen tigress who would shout and chase us away when we pushed the limits on bargaining.
Welcome all, to Shanghai - China.
The locals call it the Pearl of the Orient, ( I thought that was what we called Penang), but hey, this is one big massive pearl with the equivalent population of West and East Malaysia being crammed into one city. Every nook and corner was a standing or a squatting room for a - Chinese.
" See that lady carrying the baby on her back" said one of our tour mates.
"Mmmmhmmm" I replied.
" It's a syndicate. Nobody knows where the kids come from...but the kids the ladies carry to beg with them are about the same age. 3-6 years of age. Stolen, kidnappped most probably" she said matter-a-factly.
Her face was cracked, skin raw and red from the biting cold wind and she dodged the major highways to knock on the car doors of sleek Mercedes, MPVs and Toyotas to ask for alms.
Mr Superman kept his stare forward as she continued to knock on his car door.
I shuddered to think where the kid would go after he expired his years of begging.
The cars started to move and we slowly edged our way to getting home after a long, exhausting day in the city.
We had seen much, shopped much in those 5 days that we were there. Zipping around in the local taxis, we were able to bargain our way through at the "Copy Market". Shoppers heaven if you ask me. But of course, you need to be rather good natured and quick witted to deal with the crafty Chinese there. Plying their goods at an inflated Renminbi 450 for Nike sportswear, we were able to slash it down to Renminbi 75 which was at least 1/4 the price of the initial offer.
In the land of survival, only the fittest and the quickest will survive. I beg to differ, where you need some amount of good nature and negotiating skills without blowing up - to actually survive in this thriving city.
My cousin, Jeremy went with us for one of this bargaining trips and he commented that generally, people were confused.
China is developing at the pace of more than 8% GDP growth per year which surpasses many developing countries initial catch up syndrome. It's pulsating changes with investors coming in from abroad, has made Shanghai for one - booming with cheap counterfeits, cheap labor and head quarters for outsourcing goods. Financial institutions are latching on to China's open door policy to build their offices here - because, the next gold mine is - China.
You see expats, "Ang mo Lang" who speak fluent Mandarin being accompanied by Chinese SPGs (except that they wear the latest fashion labels instead of Sarung, or Qi Pao for that matter) in Xin Tian Di, which is the happening spot of Shanghai. The amazing thing is that they converted colonial, stone houses to accomodate to the night clubs, the pubs, the fancy restaurants and Zen like stores selling inflated Chinese ethnic products.
But....
The general sense of a Chinese young adult, 23 - 28 years old is one of running, keep running, you can't stop, keep up with the rest of the world, you need to be - seen, to be heard, to work hard, even harder to achieve at least 1 MIL by the time you're 30 years old.
" Notice how China for centuries was/is a tea drinking society. Look now, at how the young, the rich have become converts of Starbucks and Haagen Dazs in less than 20 years" Mr Superman said as part of his observation.
It's a deadline that sucks you in and keeps you wary about the Chinese. They're good. They're really good. Makes me wonder whether I am earning enough and working hard and fast enough to compete at an international level.
Makes my palms sweaty to think of such a life. Work. Eat. No time for sleep. Work. Work. Work.
Deadline: Thirty.
Friday, April 15, 2005
Friday, April 01, 2005
The Yogurt Guru : '"Yummm..."
For the next 9 months or so, I shall be the yogurt guru.
Anything you ask about yogurt, yogurt drink and cultured milk drink will be answered by yours truly.
I will also be writing "planted" articles in The Malaysian Womens Weekly for my client.
Look at some of the questions I have to answer:
Q: Yogurt is part of “cold food”. Cold products are not good for your heart. What are your commments on this?
A: Some traditional beliefs have it that cold food may not be good for your heart. However, scientific research has not proven otherwise. So, until then - if you believe in science, it's still alright to consume "cold products" as long as it is taken in moderation.
Q: If I can’t finish eating it, will it work on my face or hair (like Sunsilk’s current promo)?
A: Never tried it. But if you do try, would love to know what happened.
Q: Could you get Mad Cow disease from taking yogurt?
A: No cases has been recorded thus far.
-jade-
Anything you ask about yogurt, yogurt drink and cultured milk drink will be answered by yours truly.
I will also be writing "planted" articles in The Malaysian Womens Weekly for my client.
Look at some of the questions I have to answer:
Q: Yogurt is part of “cold food”. Cold products are not good for your heart. What are your commments on this?
A: Some traditional beliefs have it that cold food may not be good for your heart. However, scientific research has not proven otherwise. So, until then - if you believe in science, it's still alright to consume "cold products" as long as it is taken in moderation.
Q: If I can’t finish eating it, will it work on my face or hair (like Sunsilk’s current promo)?
A: Never tried it. But if you do try, would love to know what happened.
Q: Could you get Mad Cow disease from taking yogurt?
A: No cases has been recorded thus far.
-jade-
Thursday, March 31, 2005
True Blue MGSians
It's been 7 - 8 years since I left school but school times were one of my most memorable times.
The following photos are some recent photos which we took of our batch: Class of 98.
We can't turn back time, but it was my utmost pleasure having known all of you.
Whether we've gone our separate ways now, or whether we've drifted apart - let one thing remain that we'll always be MGSians and our 5 years there in that very "colonial school" had some contributing factor to us being who we are today.
We're no BBGSians, no Assuntarians, no St Mary'ians...but true, blue MGSians...
-jade-
The following photos are some recent photos which we took of our batch: Class of 98.
We can't turn back time, but it was my utmost pleasure having known all of you.
Whether we've gone our separate ways now, or whether we've drifted apart - let one thing remain that we'll always be MGSians and our 5 years there in that very "colonial school" had some contributing factor to us being who we are today.
We're no BBGSians, no Assuntarians, no St Mary'ians...but true, blue MGSians...
-jade-
Wednesday, March 30, 2005
Tuesday, March 29, 2005
My Five Minutes of Sanity
It's about 6.44 pm now and I still have one press release to churn out for my workaholic boss. He should go home and spend time with his family.
It's been heck of a day for me. Starting with a note from my boss saying that my story isn't strong enough. Well, can't turn a marketing story to a news if I really don't have much to work with.
Like covering an elephant with a piece of loin cloth. Oooooohh!
"Chow Kong, ah!"
Ah well, let's try to whip some magic up - since it's for The Malay Mail. Argggh.
Clients acting like a princess.
" But they didn't carry the concept well enough!"
Heck woman, nobody cares about your marketing concept. As long as your news title came out correct. And there's so many other stories out there for the Editors to pick.
And, my learning for today. Alvin and I checked out Dragon-I at Cititel, Mid Valley. Looks super nice, but believe me - SERVICE is super bad.
Alvin chuckled when I said grace.
" Thank you Lord - for teaching us patience today..."
Hahaha. Pun intended. We waited for about 20 - 30 minutes for our food, excluding our wait for the table (That' s another 10 minutes).
The food was alright...but because service was so bad, I don't think I'll return again. I pity the waitresses and waiters, but it's no way to run a restaurant.
Ok..back to work for me.
-jade-
It's been heck of a day for me. Starting with a note from my boss saying that my story isn't strong enough. Well, can't turn a marketing story to a news if I really don't have much to work with.
Like covering an elephant with a piece of loin cloth. Oooooohh!
"Chow Kong, ah!"
Ah well, let's try to whip some magic up - since it's for The Malay Mail. Argggh.
Clients acting like a princess.
" But they didn't carry the concept well enough!"
Heck woman, nobody cares about your marketing concept. As long as your news title came out correct. And there's so many other stories out there for the Editors to pick.
And, my learning for today. Alvin and I checked out Dragon-I at Cititel, Mid Valley. Looks super nice, but believe me - SERVICE is super bad.
Alvin chuckled when I said grace.
" Thank you Lord - for teaching us patience today..."
Hahaha. Pun intended. We waited for about 20 - 30 minutes for our food, excluding our wait for the table (That' s another 10 minutes).
The food was alright...but because service was so bad, I don't think I'll return again. I pity the waitresses and waiters, but it's no way to run a restaurant.
Ok..back to work for me.
-jade-
Tuesday, March 22, 2005
What's Up?
Me Threeeee!
Ok...it's been awhile since I last posted. Been busy at work and this is my 5 minutes or more (break) to post something up. New year resolutions are still there - and not budging at the moment.
Gosh...I have to start doing more stuff. Easter is this week and it will be busy. Very busy.
One of the very hectic weekends with my over active church having events from Friday - Sunday, and the funny thing is that it's all totally different events! No repeats...
Should be interesting...
-jade-
Let's Win ME Some Pressies!
The following two entries are my valiant attempts at winning myself a brand new phone.
Fingers crossed.
-jade-
Fingers crossed.
-jade-
My Most Unforgettable Date – Love Hurts
He’d been down with suspected Dengue for about a week and was fighting off a raging fever. He looked feverish, couldn’t down solids but watery porridge and was perspiring heavily.
Regardless, being the loving brother he was, he took his sister to her favorite Italian restaurant as she was due to fly overseas in a couple of days.
His next thought was of me when he drove to my office and surprised me once again despite his struggle to fight off the fever.
He bought me a big piece of chocolate chip cookie and wrote a little note to me saying “Even if it hurts, I will always love you…”
Corny as it sounds, I thought it was so sweet of him to come despite being so sick. Every moment spent with him is a date for me, and he’s the sweetest thing that ever happened to me.
Regardless, being the loving brother he was, he took his sister to her favorite Italian restaurant as she was due to fly overseas in a couple of days.
His next thought was of me when he drove to my office and surprised me once again despite his struggle to fight off the fever.
He bought me a big piece of chocolate chip cookie and wrote a little note to me saying “Even if it hurts, I will always love you…”
Corny as it sounds, I thought it was so sweet of him to come despite being so sick. Every moment spent with him is a date for me, and he’s the sweetest thing that ever happened to me.
My Most Unforgettable Date – Birthday Blunder!
It was my birthday and I had calls coming in every 5 minutes. A friend from Aussie Land called and decided that it was going to be at least a 15 minutes call. He had to wait half an hour before I decided to go out.
And when I went out, he had in his hands – a bouquet of lilac flowers, with a hand wrapped book of “The Alchemist” which I had always wanted and a leather bag from British India. The guy had it all, but - the words to go with it. He was stunned and didn’t know what to say!
What made it worse was that he had two friends come along as well to “help” him out. They were seated in the car, and with the extra audience and pressure, he blurted out a weak “Uh…Happy Birthday, Jade. I get a pressie for a girl every year, so here is yours”.
I sure didn’t buy that but I graciously nodded my head. I suppose he imagined the perfect lines would come once he saw the girl, but it sure wasn’t! He didn’t capture my heart then, but after a few more practices – he got me alright.
Wednesday, March 02, 2005
My Sleeepy Colleague
This is my colleague. Ok. You can go figure her name. ( She's listed somewhere in my blog). I got this shot of her while she was in Dreamland. Hahaha. Couldn't stop laughing! She inspires me in my moments of looking around the office - trying to take a break!
Oh...and I did write a creative tribute to her. Posted it up in Xanga awhile ago. Here goes:
Will You Sleep?
Perhaps it was the cloudy skies that made her eyes droop a little. Perhaps, it was the drone of the air-condition that made her yawn - silently. No doubt, she tilted her head to the side and closed her eyes for that moment.
Maybe, she just wanted darkness to envelop her as it was a tiring week. Maybe, she just wanted that piece of what she needed that whole week - restful sleep. The sort which you wake up, knowing that it was a great eight hour stretch of nothingness.
Your mind not thinking of the various works and meetings to attend, your facial muscles that need not smile or freeze when you reluctantly flash that charming upturned lips, or just the simple, unhurried pace of a sleeping being - with the inhale of that precious air and the exhale - still pacing. That rhythm.
No dreams were needed. Just sleep. Pure sleep. Resting innocence.
She opened her eyes once again, and realised that she was and is, still at the office. The clock still 4.15 pm. Her work - untouched. My mind, my mind. When will it rest from this busy life?
" When your body is finally laid to rest, and your soul - never knowing fatigue. Because you slumber and sleep - undisturbed " she mused.
Inspired by a slumbering colleague. 4.20 pm.
Oh...and I did write a creative tribute to her. Posted it up in Xanga awhile ago. Here goes:
Will You Sleep?
Perhaps it was the cloudy skies that made her eyes droop a little. Perhaps, it was the drone of the air-condition that made her yawn - silently. No doubt, she tilted her head to the side and closed her eyes for that moment.
Maybe, she just wanted darkness to envelop her as it was a tiring week. Maybe, she just wanted that piece of what she needed that whole week - restful sleep. The sort which you wake up, knowing that it was a great eight hour stretch of nothingness.
Your mind not thinking of the various works and meetings to attend, your facial muscles that need not smile or freeze when you reluctantly flash that charming upturned lips, or just the simple, unhurried pace of a sleeping being - with the inhale of that precious air and the exhale - still pacing. That rhythm.
No dreams were needed. Just sleep. Pure sleep. Resting innocence.
She opened her eyes once again, and realised that she was and is, still at the office. The clock still 4.15 pm. Her work - untouched. My mind, my mind. When will it rest from this busy life?
" When your body is finally laid to rest, and your soul - never knowing fatigue. Because you slumber and sleep - undisturbed " she mused.
Inspired by a slumbering colleague. 4.20 pm.
Tuesday, March 01, 2005
Seven Deadly Transvestites
28 February, In the Mid Valley Lifts - God has blessed me with a sight to behold. I saw 7 transvestites - all at the same time - Men. Big, burly, some small, skinny but in tight - jeans, tight skirts - revealing their very "unwomanly" assets.
Was quite shocked - seeing all of them at the same time. They were Indians - all seven of them. Funny sight all of them. I contained my shock, then amusement, then laughter till they got out of the lift on the ahem - FIRST FLOOR!
Honestly, I have no qualms about transvestites. I don't want to discriminate - but this bunch looked like they had real families and were MEN! Was just that they probably preferred cross dressing for the day.
One of them that I remembered was blessed with much extra weight - and he/she wore a HUGE skirt! A huge blue skirt. I don't know how he/she got into it, but it was surely eye catching!
Forgive me for laughing after the 7 left, but it was quite hilarious. Especially after a hectic day at a media launch.
Ok. Comic Relief for me.
- jade -
Was quite shocked - seeing all of them at the same time. They were Indians - all seven of them. Funny sight all of them. I contained my shock, then amusement, then laughter till they got out of the lift on the ahem - FIRST FLOOR!
Honestly, I have no qualms about transvestites. I don't want to discriminate - but this bunch looked like they had real families and were MEN! Was just that they probably preferred cross dressing for the day.
One of them that I remembered was blessed with much extra weight - and he/she wore a HUGE skirt! A huge blue skirt. I don't know how he/she got into it, but it was surely eye catching!
Forgive me for laughing after the 7 left, but it was quite hilarious. Especially after a hectic day at a media launch.
Ok. Comic Relief for me.
- jade -
Sunday, February 13, 2005
Chor Yat Dinner
Chor Yat Dinner
The best sort of dinner is home cooked. Without fuss, without the stiff neck politeness and the Ajinomoto extremes. My sort of dining that suits me best.
Lunch At The Shang
Lunch Menu
The meals were specially selected by our in-house couth expert. The deal was that after a three part workshop on grooming, conduct and table manners, this was a "test" of a sort for us all (at my workplace), to practice what we've learnt.
Double click to see the menu listings!
The Cutlery
I like this picture. It's duo lighting effect. If all else fails, table manners western style requires you to eat from the outside to the inside. Notice the butter knife used. Now, that was taken from the left - most. As for the knife on the right side - most. That's the fish fillet knife.
Alternatively, for the drinks - we have three glasses. All of different shapes and sizes. I think we use the glasses from the right to the left.
Most of the time, I was looking at our in-house couth expert for directions!
Caesar Salad: The Three Step Toss!
The Art of Tossing Salad: 3 Steps
This was recommended by the chef. Can't remember his name but he said that if you did this, the salad would be well marinated and the lettuce won't be crushed.
Caesar Salad: The Making!
The Final Product: Caesar Salad
KUALA LUMPUR , February 3, 2005 - The first time ever I've seen Caesar Salad being exclusively prepared by a chef from The Shang. Everything was laid out nicely before him and all of us "Oohed" and "Aaahed" at the grand state of a big bowl of lettuce leaves, tons of condiments and a really nice wooden bowl.
Mind the limiting words to describe the moment - but it was quite nice being treated so well in a posh hotel. Not to mention, all the tongue twisting European jargons for olive oil - extra virgin that is, Worchester sauce, garlic, English Mustard, more oil, croutons and etc.
Tasted nice - very simple though. A tinge of pungent mustard - actually a lot of it and it's actually quite smooth with the olive oil being the base oil. Added on with the crunchy croutons....hmm....I think I had two plates of this. If you see how small the serving is - you'll understand why.
But good things come in small packages and thank God we had small small servings because the lunch lasted 4 hours and we were so stuffed!
-jade-
Thursday, February 03, 2005
This Valentines
My Avocado Half
Before the rose sky rockets to RM 40 per dozen and chocolates become a scarcity - here's wishing all you who have and have not - a Happy Valentine's day in advance.
Pictures sourced from online photo database - alt.TYPE eShop
-jade-
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