Lynn, Joey, and I at Bangkok Jazz... Sunday, September 09, 2007
I arrived about 15 minutes early, at the Bangkok Jazz, so I decided to sit and wait at the comfortable-looking bench outside, until I got chased by (what I hope are not Aedes) mosquitos. Lynn and Joey arrived, and we made our way into the place.
The Bangkok Jazz
It was a rather nice place, and comfortable (Joyce would love this sort of setting), but upon entering, it seemed like every table was booked. That was until the nice waiter showed us a table (or rather, sofas) for 3, right up front! Front row seats, though not exactly centre. I had the pleasure of meeting Yi Ning, the violinist of the band, who studies in Nottingham UK.
Yi Ning and Joey Lynn and I (after measuring, my head IS bigger, no doubt about it) The 3 of us...
The prices were rather alright, and the pandan chicken,tasty (the chicken meat was tender, which is more than I can say for a lot of places).
No prizes for guessing which drink is mine Pandan chicken which takes 1 hour to cook
Soon, the band came up to bat, and the show started with a guitar and vocals piece called "Nasi". It had a rather folksy vibe to it, which soon got everyone's feet tapping to the rhythm. The night progressed with the lead singer crooning away, while we chatted (it was a bit hard to hear though, since we were seated so close to the amps). After about 6 songs or so, I had to leave, and couldn't catch the next set, but I'm sure it would have been as great as the first.
Rendra Zawawi : Live! Rendra Zawawi and Unusual Suspicions
Good food, great music, fantastic company. =)
On the whole, a very pleasant experience.
Posted at 02:23 pm by IsaacCheah
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Of Cockroaches and Fish Head Curry... Saturday, September 08, 2007
The shifting season is upon us again. Two weeks before university classes began, the Nottingham-ers rolled up their sleeves and started hauling furniture about. Now, since no one actually stayed in these houses during the holiday period, we more or less expected our abodes to be in a rather shabby shape. We were far from disappointed. A layer of dust cloaked everything, and we could smell dust (and perhaps dead insects) wafting from every corner of the house.
But, this takes the cake.
Hmm.. La Cucarachas
I wanted to take a shower, and, lo and behold! I spot the 4 Musketeers congregating to organize their next coup. Since I was in no mood to smack them and leave entrails all over the walls, I poured liquid detergent on them. Its actually quite effective, as can be gathered by the way they just flipped over, wiggled, and died.
And that was the 4 that I killed. 2 more drowned themselves in the toilet bowl. Rather odd behaviour, that.
Kohi and Josh.. Carrying what looks like big blocks of tau fu..
The bedframe was quite light... the cupboards weren't..
It was no easy task, carrying cupboards and bedframes up and down the staircases...
... which was why we treated ourselves to sumptious fish head curry right after that.
After that was over and done with, I paid a visit to Shanti and managed to get my inaugural tour around the new Desa Amal Jireh building, in Semenyih, and watched the kids over there practice a dance for an upcoming performance. Pretty cool, that.
The following day, I drove back down to Subang to pick up Sonia, and we headed to TGIF, The Curve, to do some catching up with Ek Ming, Sue Ann, Nizam, Joshua, Kohilan, and Zhao Heng.
At TGIF, The Curve...
We spoke about the good 'ol days (the good 'ol days being our college days), and realized just how fast time is flying by, and how difficult it is to get together like this nowadays.
PE3 gathering, anyone?
After coming back from The Curve, I stopped by Sugath's place, to feast on barbecued food, and to celebrate his birthday.
Here he is.. the Sri Langkan turns 21..
Me, Sugath, Joanne.. (no, that is NOT their child)
With the mandes after the meal... I don't think you actually read blogs, but anyway, happy birthday man.
And thats the week in review...
Posted at 01:27 am by IsaacCheah
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Monday, September 03, 2007
*Warning: This post has a large amount of photos, which may result in slow loading times. Thank you for your patience.*
Blog readers may have wondered at the lack of entries for the past few days. To clear the confusion, I have been away, and without Internet access, in the quiet town of Taiping.
Where last year's camp was in the Cameron Highlands, this year's BLC Church Camp was held at the Legend Inn, Taiping. The sleepy little town which saw rain every day was probably chosen for that very fact; it was quiet and sleepy, perfect for a relaxing getaway.
Read about Taiping here..
Day 1: 31st August 2007
So, it was about 10.00a.m. when we (being myself, Li Jian, John, and Su Shen) left Subang for Taiping. The journey was rather uneventful, (since I was asleep most of the time anyway) In short order, we were having our lunch in one of the many small coffeeshops/foodcourts that littered the place. The food was dem cheap I tell you wei. Where can find Du Kha Pui (Pork Leg Rice) for RM3? The makan was followed by our checking in to the Legend Inn, Taiping's finest hotel. Not long after, the entire bunch of us went to the Taiping Lake Gardens, where we had icebreakers. This session immediately led to dinner, at a place called the Buffet Island. Guess how much THAT cost?
Quaint little town...
The Legend Inn, reputedly the best hotel in Taiping
They even have The Store! (like Semenyih)
After walking around a bit more, we stopped for a cup of joe in town, before we finally adjourned to the hotel for a shower, then bed.
Day 2: 1st September 2007
The morning began bright and early, with everyone happily congregating at the hotel lobby, waiting for each other to start hunting for breakfast in Taiping town.
Eagerly waiting for breakfast
After a sumptious breakfast at one of the nearby foodcourts, we adjourned to the hotel for the first sermon session. This began with worship, with Li Jian and I serving as guitarists, Su Shen and John at the helm, songleading. The sermon was presented by Dr. Voon, from STM.
Pastor Sivin Kit...
We had our lunch at Restaurant Chuan Chiew, another restaurant near the hotel.(you may have noticed that we tend to eat at places nearby. This is largely due to the fact that everything is nearby... the town is that small)
Lunch time...
The time came for everyone's favourite time of the day; The Free and Easy Session. This was basically Do-What-You-Want-As-Long-As-You-Don't-Kill-Yourself time, and most people opted to sleep. Being the restless fellow I am, I didn't really feel like sleeping the day away, so, together with a bunch of equally restless people, I wandered into town to grab a bite.. along with a hot cup of tea..
 Myself, Michelle, Mo Fong...
We had quite a few cups of tea/coffee
Night finally came, and as usual, dinner was a splendid affair.
After dinner, we had a sermon, followed by Expression Night, where the pre-allocated groups were to present a short skit/play.
Not content with dinner, we decided to head out for supper, where we ordered almost everything they had at the Lake Gardens Food Court..
Mo Fong, Jessica, Alvin
Day 3: 2nd September 2007
After two days, the camp finally drew to a close. Breakfast this time round had significantly less people than before, due to the late hour that everyone (or almost everyone) kept the night before.
There's a Hokkien Association!
From left, Janice, Grace, Tricia, Mo Fong, Jessica, Vicky (shes Korean!), Masaki (shes Japanese!)
I'll probably only be seeing these ladies again next year...
I didn't go for the RM25 foot massage promotion..
With the final sermon ended, and group photo shot, we bade Taiping farewell, and started the journey home at 2.00p.m.
I reached home at 8.00p.m.
 This was the culprit...
A rather relaxing camp, this time round.
Posted at 04:03 pm by IsaacCheah
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Appropriately Ending on Merdeka Eve... Thursday, August 30, 2007
Well, the time for me to log off my terminal for the last time has come again. After 2 and 1/2 months traveling to and fro from Subang to KL, I can finally swipe the access card to the office for the last time. Having placed my last call, and gone over my handover checklist, I said farewell to my colleagues (who were in a rather happy mood, what with the next day being Independence Day *holiday*).
Here are some of them.
My BIL manager, Frances.. ..and my manager's manager, Ms. Ho. Chee Kong, the friendly MIS guy. He has lots of DVDS of dramas and series'. Junie, one of the first managers I had lunch with, at the Estana... ...and her/my part-timer/colleague, Ruby. Alicia handles hardcore customers who defaults on loans. This is Karen! She never fails to be bubbly and fun. And she has a rather cute dog. I actually sat next to Long on my first day, just watching him do his work. I must have irritated him to death.
See Shen here tends to visit banks during lunch hour. A very nice and quiet guy. Hayu, the Business Mortgage Manager... ...and part of her collection team, Stanley... ...and Valli. Last but not least, Pei Lynn, with whom I often have lunch and argue about Harry Potter with.
Although they'll probably never see this post (with the exception of Pei Lynn), I feel that its only fair that I express my gratitude over how patient and understanding these people were throughout my tenure in the company. I'm sure they must have gotten irritated with the geeky fellow in glasses running around, but they took it in their stride. And a thousand thanks to all the lunch partners who made meal times a lot more fun and relaxing.
The only thing lacking this time round would be the Esthers, Joshs, and Brians. (Josh, you missed the fun..haha.. you know what I mean). And I'm going to miss the coffee machine.
Goodbye StanChart...
Work is over! A very happy Merdeka Day to all of you Malaysian citizens!
And to myself as well.
Posted at 10:38 pm by IsaacCheah
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Tuesday, August 28, 2007
Zhao Heng's birthday was actually yesterday, on the 26th, but we all need to find reasons to get together for dinner, so, here we are, in Swensen's, Subang Parade. It was a rather long event, since people started arriving at 7.30p.m., and stopped arriving at 10.30p.m. Nevertheless, a fun event. The photos tell all...
Yijin
The Sourdough Special, at 50% discount, was only RM7.50. Guess what everyone ordered? Han Yang, about the XboX 360...
 Contemplation Jitfu, Kenneth, Kirsten Kwo Kuang looks happy Ang Sue doesn't need her 'angle' to look good.. right or not, Sue? Kenneth looks slightly ill here Kenneth, Kirsten, Zhao Heng, Johnson Kohilan's mind began to wander... "..ok Zhao Heng, after cutting the cake, then we go... what? You dunno bout the cake?"- Kohilan, accidentally revealing the surprise The Not-So-Surprise Cake What IS Johnson trying to light? Compulsory Group Photo: Take #1
Compulsory Group Photo: Take #2 Small talk...
Yenli, Sue Ann Li-Lynn, at her cake-cutting best... Zhao Heng's face blurred for undisclosed reasons Post-Party-Plan : Mess with Joshua's hair
Yup, quite a fun gathering indeed. Happy Birthday to you, Zhao Heng. May you never grow shorter.
Posted at 12:02 am by IsaacCheah
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Saturday, August 25, 2007
Alright, I've noticed that my last entry was light years ago. So, to make up for that, here's a summary of what happened this whole week.
Monday to Thursday :
Pretty much nothing.
Friday Night:
After 2 years of saying to Yenli, "Eh, one day we go to Sri Anggerik eat nasi lemak ayam..", I finally called her out for supper there. For the confused, Sri Anggerik is in USJ2, and used to sell fantastic nasi lemak, where the rice is so full of santan that you could make a coconut out of it. So, Yen, Lynn, Kwo Kuang, Zhao Heng, and myself met up at night during the Hungry Ghost Festival for a yamcha session.
The nasi lemak isn't that nice anymore though.
Saturday Morning:
I went down to Semenyih to show some family friends around Nottingham. They had a daughter and son that were still quite far from making a decision as to which uni to go to, but hey, I guess it doesn't hurt to have an early start.
Potential Nottingham Juniors
Lunch was satay, in Kajang
To the citizens of Semenyih (Semenyih-ians? Semenyih-sonites? Semenyih-nees?), take note. The uni looks different now. Ok, not really different, but the HAVE added new things to the place.
- remember that curvy road that leads to Nottingham? The one that we all know and love? Now, the new road is slowly coming up, and you can see parts of it already ready to use. The new road still looks curvy though.
- to futsal players, the old tennis court has been converted into a dedicated futsal court. Oh, and for tennis players, there are TWO new tennis courts.
- the pile of concrete in the swamp next to the library has turned into a giant semi-complete building, which looks quite cool.
- there is a THE STORE, somewhere in Semenyih town.
But, worry not, there are still 8 ducks in the lake.
Some things never change.
Posted at 11:07 pm by IsaacCheah
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