Day 10

Almost a week since i last blogged. so much for being a seasonal blogger.. haha. things just freezes up when i'm on holiday. thankfully, i'm really enjoying myself here. it's a really great experience, and great fun to be away. however, there are still some 'not-too-good' moments that i guess i'll have to endure.

was in brighton over the weekend. ah, brighton, the lovely capital for the alternative lifestyle. here, you can be really out of the norm, and still fit in. anyway, was there during one of the biggest event in town: Brighton Gay Pride Parada/Festival. yes, it was the pride. yes, i was there... and sadly, no, i missed the whole event. reason: rainpour, and i'm with family.. so, they don't really wanna drive me into town, and of course, i just can't say 'see you guys, i'm gonna go partying tonight'.. haha. however, did manage to catch some of the night scene. and when we tried to catch up the next day, the festival was all over.. haih.

after brighton (down south), it was all the way up to the north (ok, ok.. not that far off north), to frinton, clacton and coulchester. the beach in frinton is really really beautiful (and different) due to the 'posh' neighbourhood. i really want to own a house here..(hehe..secretly wishing to win the lotto)!!.. then, it was to clacton, where it was more of a public beach,and yet, so beautifully managed and maintained.. really put the Penang beaches to shame.. hehe. then, it was off to coulchester.. the earliest recorded town in England. established by the Romans, this town dates back to the time of Ceaser, and there are still remnants of the Roman empire in town. really really amazing to be able to step back in time, and feel what the romans felt.. simply amazing.

then, it was off to kew gardens this morning. it was one of my missions to be at kews this trip. i was really looking forward for it, and yet, it was magnificent. mere words cannot describe the beauty and splendour of this place. all you would want to see for a botanic gardens, it is in kews.. amazing. i actually spent about 3 & 1/2 hours there, and only managed to walk about 85% of the gardens. i really wish that they would have an opening for me.. (hehe. again, secret wish to boss so that he'll send me to kews for training)..but i guess, eventually, reality will set in, and i'll be back at my desk come the 17th..

another trip is scheduled tomorrow. tomorrow, i'll be off to kensington, and also to oxford st, doing some shopping. time to lead a little 'high-life', and feel a little loaded for a while.. hehe. probably drop by Harrods for a visit.. and then to Louis Vuitton.. hehe. really wanna be the fashion socialite, but i guess my current position will not be encouraging enough.. hehe.

just a little 'feel-good' moment. was in leicester square earlier this evening, and accidentally walked into the red-carpet premier of 'the ugly truth', with katherine heigl and gerard butler expected to be there. joined in and watched for a little while, soaked up the atmosphere, and felt so good. at least, now i can say that i was once at a film premier and red-carpet.. haha

ok, enough for now.. am trying to conserve some energy before hitting the road again tomorrow. now, am planning to go to london zoo, and then, to catch a musical. probably may want to watch 'priscilla, queen of the desert'.. supposed to be a good, camp musical!! hmm.. no wonder dr dave loved it.. haha

ciao

The Greatest Challenge

I finally realised what is the greatest challenge i have to face in the coming months: I have to save up and stop spending.

It finally struck me when I went to Prangin Mall for lunch, and was so tempted to get some clothes..However, I had to walk away, and it wasn't easy for me to do that..

I guess time and patience granted on me will give me greater boon in the near future.

shopaholics unite

'walking around with load of bags'.. i believe, that would be the greatest satisfaction for any shopaholic. and it was exactly what i felt when i went shopping for my new year clothes. with all the bags, and watching money being converted into apparel, the euphoric feeling is just to great to contain inside. anyway, bought myself quite a number of things.. new levi's, new t-shirts, new workout pants and all.. haha. it was the best feeling in the world.

and i guess it all didn't end there, cos i just ended up paying another huge sum for a pair of shoes.. those boots were irresistable.. and heck! those boots were made for walking.. hahahahahah.

as mentioned in my previous blog, am now on holiday for CNY. but again, the addiction got the better part of me, and am now seated in coffee bean, with my msn and facebook turned on.. haha. anyway, the holidays will do me bad, cos i kinda put on weight (am at 65 now.. bad number).. must try to reduce to less than 60. haha

anyway, gtg now. am gonna catch yet another movie!! oh, btw, inkheart is really nice! it was really what i have in mind, when story books come to life. in fact, it's like a metaphore to what i always experience, when i pick up a good book..
up next: bride wars..haha

ok, really have to go.
ciao

what am i blogging on??

haha, was asked this question by a fellow blogger moments before clicking on this page. well, i guess there is no specific topic that i want to blog. just same old, same old.. random thoughts that just spring out of nowhere.. hehe.

anyway, am already in the mood for x'mas (heck, i was in the mood since last week). my leave is approved, and i get about 10 days off from work. i guess this is the best gift i can get from the company.. after all, i don't think i can work when i'm in the holiday mood.. hehe.

oh, am so glad that my last event for the year is over. i have to say, i managed to set quite a high benchmark for my future events. the response was great, everything that i feared would go wrong didn't go wrong.. and i just love the publicity. imagine that, seeing my name in the newspapers.. hehe. and then reading the press coverage of my event (such great coverage in the chinese press).. and the best part, actually heard that my event was publicised over the radio.. yes!! it was on air (mix.fm), and i managed to hear it as i was driving home on friday nite.. haha.

on other matter: saturday shopping.. simply fantastic. bought myself another pair of nike.. hehe. and it was for a bargain (who could resists good bargains??.. certainly not me).. and yes, managed to get myself coloured contact lenses.. hehe. it shall make its debut soon.. now, i think i should get myself some work clothes, perfume for mum, and also party wear for x'mas eve..

i guess i shall stop here, as i am leaving for gym now.. gonna help them set up x'mas tree.. hehe..

ciao
ben

am wishing all a blessed christmas..

10 days.. again

10 days have passed since i last blogged. am so busy with work lately that i could barely blog anymore..

anyway, watched quantum of solace already. seriously, it's not worth it!! wasn't good, and left me leaving the cinema feeling very dirty, grimmy, disgusted and hot. daniel craig have lost his charm here.. instead, he's just like any other rogue killer. didn't see the 'machoness' in James Bond anymore.

Next up will be Madagascar 2!! i just can't wait to watch it.. (and move it move it). haha. seeing those psychotic penguins in the thriller really makes me wanna go and laugh my head off in the cinema. well, will schedule it for this weekend then.

Finally achieved magic in my bodybalance.. haha. it was ethereal. and mind u, it was only half class. was in such a good mood, that i've actually connected so much that i didn't even realise about it. well, it was just beautiful..and the euphoria after that was even better..haha

anyway, like any mallrat in penang, popped over into gurney plaza new wing on saturday. beautiful.. but kinda cold again. probably because i've gotten so used to the old wing, and the comfort it brings.. now, it's kinda cold.
but then, they do carry really good labels there.. nearly bought a CK bag for like, 500++ bucks. but sound judgement prevailed, hence sparing me a lifetime of poverty..haha

went hiking yesterday, all the way up to penang hill. now, i can proudly say that i have conquered one of the most iconic places in penang..by foot!! yes!! i made it!! it was beautiful up there.. and exploring all those bungalows..simply beautiful. even went over to the old crag hotel. built in 1929, it was abandoned a few decades ago.. such a sad sight. if i'm filthy rich, i would surely restore it to its original splendour.. oh, and am so happy to see the giant black squirrel, and also a dead paradise tree snake.

finished writing my proposal for an international grant... am wishing that boss will be pleased with it. spent a lot of time thinking about it, k!

ciao
Ben

shopping addict

so, i'm a shopaholic.. it's a well known fact. retail therapy helps alot, and comes really handy when there's an event round the corner. anyway, my retail therapy for the past weekend totals up to 1500MYR. yes, i've spent that much in less than 48 hours.
firstly, i bought myself an ipod... yes. after all these years of being a loyal creative user, i've decided to switch to ipod for my convenience. partly because i've maxxed out the space in my creative. and also for my convenience in the future, as i will be using the ipod for my bodybalance training and classes..so, there goes 2/3 of the amount mentioned
the remaining 1/3 were spent on clothes, clothes and other apparels. well, since i'm going to start work next month, i decided to get myself some work clothes. hence, i managed to get 3 long-sleeved shirts, socks and also a pair of pin-stripped pants from padini. completing the look, i also decided to get myself a pair of work shoes and a leather walllet..haha. see..there goes all the money
oh, some were spent on getting a pair of track bottoms and a cap (for no reason)..haha. so, there u go...confessions of a shopaholic.
seriously, if i have all the cash in the world, i could be the ultimate shopper. it just feels so good to shop and shop..and besides, i had good company for shopping..thanks ya..
haha

ciao
je t'aime
ben

malaysian timing

if there is one thing that i learnt over the past few days, it'll be that malaysian timing doesn't differ much. i may not be well known for my punctuality, but others really put me to shame. yesterday, i was supposed to have a lunch meeting in KL sentral at 1pm. i was there by 12.50, but my friend was so amazing that he only arrived one hour after me. next, in case u decide to travel using the commuter, don't even bother about the precision of the timing on the board. the train may either arrive too early, or really late. while i was heading out, the train arrived like 10 minutes ahead of stipulated time. while returning, i had to wait for 35 minutes of delayed service, and worse, waited another 10 minutes before the train driver decides to leave the station.

i remembered, back in london, there's no such thing as this. even the bus were on time. and there is no such thing that a train stopping in the middle of its tracks, or a train idling at the station just to wait until it's filled before taking off. i seriously don't know what's wrong with the malaysian services here.

so, yesterday was another day of aimless wandering, across town. this time, we headed to so many malls, and yet got nothing out of it again. i guess i just don't know how to shop here anymore. probably also because there is nothing that i need from here. at least not at this moment...

celine's concert is in 4 days time. passed stadium merdeka yesterday and saw them getting ready the place. i just can't wait for the concert date. but then, it's only last one night. one night of memories..and that's the end. haih. well, here's a weird thought. considering that she'll be here for at least 2 days, which hotel will she be staying in?? will it be here, in this super posh gardens? or will she be in the hilton? gosh.. beats me to figure out where she'll be..

ok, gotta go for now. until another time then...a new day will come

ciao
je t'aime
ben

and oh.. am i enjoying this.. i did nothing the whole day except lingering in the hotel room, and now coming online in starbucks in borders, the gardens. the view here is also beautiful.. perfect for a bored guy to come online...hehe

the gardens..

here i am again, seated in yet another starbucks outlet, enjoying a cup of frappucino while surfing. but this time, i'm about 400km from home, in one of the posh malls in the land of the crowded (KL for the uninitiated). yes, i've landed safely (the flight was fun).

well, yesterday was a blast..in the city of entertainment. since mum wasn't working, we decided to head up to genting for a day trip. the weather was actually ok, but then again , we spent most of the time indoors. more specifically, in the casino. call it beginners luck, but genting is subsidising 90 bucks of my trip this time.. yup, kinda struck the mini jackpot with the first machine that i played.. haha. but then again, burswood was my first time, and i didn't win anything then.. well.

as for today, just finished rounding up two malls in less than 2 hours. finished midvalley and the gardens. honestly, i don't really know what to shop for.. i wasn't really in the mood for shopping, and the only thing that i think i am getting is a pair of track bottom from nike (not that i can't get that from penang).

was disappointed with a few things though.. firstly, the front desk ppl of my-yoga doesn't know what's going on in their club. i went over to inquire for a one day yoga, and they are not sure. gosh, they are not sure of everything, even whether bodybalance was from lesmills of not.. haih

next, midvalley is not that big. maybe because i'm used to queensbay, therefore, i don't really see what's the hype with midvalley. besides, we have most of what they have.. and it's not the sale season. went into pets world, and was so disappointed. there's not many pets there, and the dog pen stinks. they should really take a good look from cty in penang. the only thing that facinated me was the chameleon there.. haih.

marks and spencer.. another disappointment. probably because i've been to the ones in UK, but seriously, it's really really small in here. and robinsons..haih. there's nothing there for me. am i really picky? or i guess there's just nothing right for me here. what's worse.. i'm tasked to look out for souveniers for my two besties.. and i couldn't find anything interesting here to buy. gosh. i have another 3 more days of aimless wondering. let's hope that it'll be better.

tomorrow, probably i'll head away from the malls and go into town. after all, it's only a few stops away. but just don't get me started about the komuter and monorail service here. it's as if that the Kl-ites have lost all their manners.. and it's just ridiculous. i find it rather perplexing that i have no problem travelling around london and perth all by myself, but here, i guess it's a different story all together.

guess i'll sign off from here now. and in case u are wondering.. no, there are no eye-candy in this area too. haha. will try to upload pictures when i return (i've forgotten to pack in my usb cable).

ciao
je t'aime
ben

x'mas cheer

it's christmas eve now. i know i haven't been blogging for a long time...so sorry for that. have been really really busy....nearing the point of physical and mental exhaustion. but thankfully, there are always ppl around me cheering me on, and keep me going

so,it's the time of the year now...where we contemplate on what we've done... and plan our next step. it's the time where ppl gather to celebrate the year that passed...and to welcome the coming one. it's also the time to remember the birth of a lord, a shepherd amongst ppl....but for me, it's the time when i hope to take a break...be surrounded by friends and family...and to rejoice..ah..x'mas

now, back to more personal things....finished my x'mas shopping...but the gifts are still lying around unwrapped. the worst part.. i'm now stuck in my lab, and will only be able to go home after 6. gosh... i must really take a break soon...

enough of my thoughts for now....will keep updating soon...ciao
merry x'mas and happy new year
je t'aime