2009-2010 Christmas

Submitted by ClearlyChosen on Sat, 01/09/2010 - 16:18

general

Christmas 2009 - New Year 2010

19 December 2009

Left for Geelong from Sydney - left early this year to be in time for Fatty's 50^th birthday bash. 10 hours drive. Pete drove, Klutey stood semi-alert, I chatted. Had simple dinner (or "tea" as they call it) at Joy and Russ's. Karen and Garrie came over.

20 December 2009

Fatty's birthday at his place. Fatty has broken toe, courtesy of son, Sam. Good time but drank too many varieties of alcohol (7 to be exact) and had to "make friends" with the toilet bowl, face to face, at 4am. Overall - was very good time.

Managed to have a chat to Mary Smith and met Marie Clifton - who was a surprise to me. She is quite lovely.

25 Dec 2009

Christmas day. Brekkie at Karen's & Garrie's. Lunch the same. Everything was lovely.

27 Dec 2009

MAS flight to KL. Pete and me. Arrived 8:40pm local time - in time for mum-mum.

28-29 Dec 2009

Got to spend some time with Xav who is leaving shortly for home/JB. However a lot of "down time" for Pete. Luckily he is so adaptable. He has been reading a lots of novels to fill his time.

30 Dec 2009

Xav, Audrey, and 3 kids left for JB.

January 01, 2010

Well, the new year has arrived and I surely hope that things - for one and all - will be on the good and up.

Pete and I are currently in KL, Malaysia. Today, after the normal waiting around according to Malaysian rubber time syndrome (MRT), we played tourist with Christina and Graham Gillett. We spent out afternoon at Putrajaya.

Putrajaya architecture, Malaysia

Putrajaya looks amazing. The streets are wide and clean. The fauna is well maintained, lush, and beautiful. And most of all, the architecture is truly amazing. Malaysians have done a superb job in creating such large, well designed, eye-pleasing structures while maintaining a unique Malaysian charm and authenticity. And though the architecture and style are all varied, the overall effect is extremely pleasing and harmonious - hopefully, a symbol and indication of continuing harmony within the multi-cultured nature of the Malaysian society.

Putrajaya architecture, Malaysia

Speaking to some of my family later that night - in other words, speaking to some locals who have much better knowledge than us "touristy types" - we were told that the place might look good on the outside ... but such praises cannot be heaped on the interiors where reputedly, leaking/cracking roofs have been sighted many a time and things may not work as they should on the inside.

Nonetheless, I remain surprised, pleased, and in awe for the harmonious splendour of the place. It is unfortunate that, if true, the interior workings of the buildings still leave much to be desired, however the look and the finish on the outside is still a major achievement. Definitely a very pleasing place to visit.

Putrajaya also offers a Tuesday and Friday wet/dry/multi market every week. What can I say but "It is Great!" Prices are great. Everything is local with their inherent local charm. Products on sale range from wet market items (fresh fish, fruits, vegetables, and meats), dry market products (packets of herbs, spices, canned foods) to clothing, shoes, bric-a-bracs, household goods, etc. Wonderful!

Dinner

And of course, there is food, food, food in Malaysia. Food is one of Malaysia's most enduring love and obsession. There is yummy food just about all the time and I suspect food is thought about as much as, if not more, than sex over here!

We had dinner at home - home here being my brother, Alex's place. Mom cooked and prepared just about all day - forgoing the pleasures of an outing just so that she would have prepared yummy delicacies and home-cooked meal for her offsprings. Unfortunately Xavier and family have already gone back to JB. We had Mommy, Graham, Christina, Christopher, Thin Sin, Peter, Syl, Alex, and myself at dinner. The food was very yummy and even better - there was one of my favourite soupies ("Old Cucumber soup"). The company was great. I hope everyone had a good time. I know I did. If I have one regret, it would be that I felt too knackered to take photos of the occasion - which is a shame as it is surely not everyday, and not even every year, that so many of my family members are gathered in one place.

For me, the first day of the new year has been a most satisfying start to 2010.

Tuesday, 5 Jan 2010

Pete left for Melbourne today. Flight at 9:55am so we were all up at about 7am to go to the airport. Alex kindly drove us there which was great as we thought that Pete would have to take a taxi to the airport himself.

Wednesday, 6 January 2010

Pete drove home from Melbourne to Sydney today, with Klutey, who according to Pete, was not overjoyed to see him. Typical!

Thursday, 7 Jan 2010

Sis was my life-saver. Took me and mommy to Seremban. Went to see mommy recommended dentist, Dr. Siva. Extracted my innermost molar (right side) which had become inflamed and impossibly painful.

Unfortunately, after dinner back in Alex's place, sis and Graham discovered they had lost their GPS which to them now is not just "necessary" but "essential".

Friday, 8 Jan 2010

Syl took mommy and me to Tropicana City. Short sit down at Bad Ass cafe. Mom had invited Kai Kei over for dinner here at Sg. Besi. Had dinner with him, mommy, sis, and Graham. Mommy cooked. Tina cooked and brought over fish and meatballs.

Ah Kei brought over a wine which was quite good: "Shelley Beach", a 2007 Cabernot Merlot from Western Australia - smooth and light.

Heard about the burning of one and attacks on 2 other Catholic churches here in Klang Valley. The tinder spark seems to be the current issue about the permissibility over the use of the word "Allah".

9 Jan 2010

Brekkie with Mom & Syl. Lum Mee and Prawn mee. Then over to Syl's Cheras place for short visit to pick up some things. Syl back to his house to do some house-cleaning.

Arvo - Tina and Graham over here to Sg. Besi ..

Sunday, 10 Jan 2010

sis, g, Alex, syl, mom - tropicana city, haus, dinner at sis. Mom stayed over at sis and I went home with Alex. Watched "Vengeance" DVD with Alex

Monday, 11 Jan 2010

Picked up around 9am by Sis to stay over at their place. Putrajaya for breakfast. Then shopped a bit in Mydin. Could not connect to internet due to some network security level issue. Pete was trying much of day to contact me. Watched "Vengeance" DVD again. This time with mom and sis, after dinner. Had dinner at Sri Kembangan with sis and mom.

Graham came home around 1 something a.m. and set up the correct security so I could connect to the internet.

Tuesday, 12 Jan 2010

Gotta go back to Sg. Besi for some more clothes to stay an additional night at Putra Jaya.

Wednesday, 13 Jan 2010

Christina drove mom and me back to Sg Besi. Met up with Syl. All 4 of us to brekkie. Sis went to see doctor after and then she went home to Putrajaya while the 3 of us went on to Subang Jaya for various chores including dealing with the "dexion" bin.

Finally resolved what I thought needed no resolution. Apparently family thought I had left the "dexion bins" for anyone to use, take, sell, whatever. Only a small portion had been thus employed. The rest has been stored in a number of large boxes in Subang Jaya - requiring mom to repack, recover, re stack them over time. My very clear understanding was that Xavier had wanted all of them and I had given ownership totally over to him. However, much to my chagrin and shock, I was the only one who had that particular clear understanding. Seems as if I need to be much clearer and more direct with my family.

Now, after SMS-es with Xav, which was read out to both mom and Syl and later communicated to Alex, the general understanding now is that Xavier is the current owner of those bins and I no longer have anything to do with them. Let's hope this time, what I understand and what they do is in full accord.

Family dinner. Alex's shout. In Puchong Lama - Fish Head curry. Mom, Graham, Christina, Syl, Alex, and myself. Alex bought durian home which was consumed as dessert by the family, bar Graham.

American Idol started today. Was alerted by Pete who has now become quite a good SMS-er as his SMS can be quite long. What a pleasant surprise as he was still unable to SMS at all prior to the start of our holidays.

Poor Petey has also been in the wars after returning home as he came down with tonsillitis which must have been quite bad as he has been to the doctor's twice and had his sleep badly disrupted. Two clear signs that it was quite serious. He is now on the mend.

Thursday, 14 Jan 2010

Had a (relatively) early night last night and was kinna disappointed that I slept so long. Woke up after 12pm. So no Indian town for Sis and me today. Have to try and get some work done.

Was hoping to get started with mom's computer lessons today but cannot view the wireless networks in range on her computer.

Drupal sites updates

Need to do Drupal core updates and Module and Theme updates - both indicating they are not secure.

Sigh. Didn't do the updates. Got to be too much reading for an over-cooked brain and a too-well-fed tummy. Resorted to watching a DVD instead and after that, pretty much the whole day was gone as time just wore on.

Christina cooked some dinner and mommy cooked some dinner, and the Gilletts brought food over so we had a family dinner in Sg. Besi (Mommy, Christina, Graham, Syl, Alex, and myself). Another good-time family session.

Saturday 16 Jan 2010

Went with Gilletts to Chow Kit and Lamar. Bought lining fabric for felt bags and one baju for Christopher's and Jackie's upcoming wedding on 21 February, 2010. Unfortunately as it turned out, the baju was way too large. And it was all my "fault" as I didn't try it on. We bought it from a little hot small shop and I felt I could not bear to put on the new baju to try as I was already over-hot and sweating furiously. Oh well.

Alex took mom and me to Seafood BBQ, next to Tempurau Fish restaurant. The place was great - very reminiscent of the feel of a Bali holiday restaurant. And despite being next to the highway, the restaurant still retained the feel of being away from the hustle and bustle of hectic working life.

Best of all, the food was EXCELLENT at very reasonable prices (Alex paid). Must tell Pete about this place as we are sure he will love it. It even offered Black Pepper crab in two varieties - full black pepper seeds and black pepper paste.

News from Petey in Sydney - he is feeling much better after his bout of tonsillitis and resultant sleepless nights. However he had a shit day on the horses and our loft-stairs fell down. Luckily no one was hurt (he was showing the place to Ferg and Simone) but it did entail him having to climb out of the house via the side.

Sunday 17 Jan 2010

The Gilletts took me to Chow Kit area again (under the kind pretense that Tina wanted to buy some curtain materials) so that I could change my beaded baju what was too large (was XL).

Had lunch near Sri Kota - indian restaurant with Gilletts, Chris and Thin Sin, Mom, Syl, and Alex. Graham shouted.

Came back to Sq. Besi. Gilletts went home. Chris and Thin Sin went home, Alex went into office.

Syl stayed behind as he and mom were going to evening mass. As it turned out, they didn't make it there as he had remembered the time incorrectly. But it was a golden nugget as it gave him and me some quality time to have a good talk.

Monday 18 Jan 2010

Mommy made Mee Siam. I set up mom's new Gmail account and local pc Links page. In the evening, went to Mid-Valley with Syl, Mom, and Sis. Syl had meeting with a lady called Michelle and the rest of us jalan-jalaned in Cold Storage, Carrefour, and Justco. Bought some oxtail from the latter - which was fairly pricey at about RM30. Hope to make some ox tail soup for the family this weekend.

Tues 19 Jan 2010

Started another round of sessions with mom. Had a word with her last night and came to some agreement re. both of us setting aside a specific time in the morning so that the needed lessons can actually be done.

Unfortunately I myself was a bit late getting up this morning (half hour late) and so I was the stumbling block to our new plan. However did get some computer time in and started on email lesson for her; using Gmail. All fingers crossed that by the end of my stay here, she will be much more comfortable with the internet and computer.

Wed 20 Jan 2010

Syl drove us (Mom, Tina, and myself) to Leisure Mall on his way to work and took us home after lunch.

Thu 21 Jan 2010

Went out to brekkie with Syl and mom. Not too good a session. One of the results was the JB trip being totally cancelled after exchange of some emphatic opinions. Also this must be the 4th or 5th time I have offered some time to go through a clarification process with Syl. I must be having slow comprehension coz obviously it is not wanted and I won't be offering again.

Had dinner at some hotpot place. Alex treated mom, Tina, Graham, and myself. Was lovely and also very very HOT! Alex sprouted a fountain at the top of his head, Tina had tears coming out and running mascara. Mom really enjoyed it. And Graham was a stoic sport. He too seemed to enjoy it though the consensus was that maybe next time, they would not ask for "Hot Hot Hot" and will settle for "Hot Hot" only.

Fri 22 Jan 2010

Pete smsed me this morning that Karen and Garrie arrived last evening. They went out for dinner and so he did not get to watch American Idol. Told him he did not miss much. Was not a good episode. AI seems to have changed some of their format this season 9. They have more dramatization which is pretty lousy, unentertaining, and pathetic. They also tend to show more of the interactions amongst the judges, and more general show-the-town-and-crowds kind of shots. All very very unentertaining and boring. What is lacking is showing more of the actual contestants singing, or their attempts thereof. I hope their will not carry on with this boring, failing format for the entire season.

Had a good meditation last night. Have been doing that a bit more regularly. Must honestly say that I am not seeing any truly discernable benefits yet. However I do seem to be sleeping very deeply and for very long hours.

Alex's friend, Sharon, will be coming over tonight to stay. She is flying in from Singapore. Pete and I met her that night when we went out with Alex to the roof top restaurant.

Heard from sis that she is not very well today. Looks like she only woke up late in the afternoon and is now resting again. I hope she is all right.

Set up Twitter and Skype accounts for mom yesterday. Spent hours setting up details, the behind work, and setting up web server space and folders for her. Must admit that this morning again it was partly my fault as I did not get up in time and by the time I did, and got talking with Alex, mom's mood passed. And this whole day is probably another lost computer day as far as her training goes. Oh well. I think I have done the best I could but it is beyond me to generate motivation and interest. Alex and Chris are the only kids who have bothered to write to mom's gmail account so far to give her some practice. Alex is the only one who has willingly agreed to have a Twitter account - which is meant to be a private family account so that it would also be another spot of interest for mom. Tina flatly refused. Syl's mood is too temperamental for me to ask willy-nilly. Have not asked yet asked Chris and Xavier but I must confess to feeling more and more deflated in trying to generate interest - which after all, is to help mom out. Another "Oh well" I guess.

Alex picked Sharon up from the airport. Shortly after, heavy rains set in and we had to wait for it to abate. Consequently late dinner. Went to a Nyonya restaurant in SS2 for dinner (Alex, Sharon, Mom, and myself). Was pretty good.

Was going to the Sky Cafe that Alex and I came across some years ago for yummy Durian puffs and coffee but unfortunately, I think the cafe did not survive the years as it could no longer be found.

Watched the movie "Invictus" with Alex and Sharon at home. Mommy went to bed prior to the movie. Not a bad movie. Personal rating about 6½ out of 10.

The 2009 movie "Invictus" was directed by Clint Eastwood and stars Morgan Freeman and Matt Damon. It tells the story of Nelson Mandela (M.Freeman) while he was president of South Africa after the fall of apartheid and in particular, Mandela's support of the S.African rugby team during the 1995 Rugby World Cup. New Zealand and S.Africa met in the finals, with the latter achieving an unexpected and close victory.

But from the movie, finally found out that "Invictus" is the poem that holds those famous 2 lines:

I am the master of my fate
I am the captain of my soul.

"invictus" is a Latin word meaning undefeatable or unconquerable. The poem itself was written by Willaim Ernest Henly, an English poet who lived from 1843-1903..

Sat 21 Jan 2010

Alex took Sharon, mom, and myself to Golden Sun club for yum cha. The Golden Sun is a club that kind of stands out like dog's balls in Puchong and on our way to Sg. Besi from the city. Its looks both attracts and repels as we drive by and as a consequence, is always a bit of a must-go kind of curiosity place. As it turned out, the yum cha was pretty good and better yet, better than the road side yum cha we have gone to a number of times which, according to the locals, is kind of "famous" for thier yum cha food.

SMS-ed Pete about it, as it was an unvisited place of curiosity for him as well. He tells me that today, Sydney is a stinker with temperatures at around 39°C.

Alex and Sharon have gone to spend day and stay overnight in the city. He said that they will be staying in Traders, which is a small boutique hotel he once recommended in passing for Pete and me to try out.

Sharon Wong is a lovely person. And very much a people person. So much so that I was awokened this morning by the chatter that was going on in the dining area. I woke to the sounds of, predominantly, my mom's voice telling Sharon story after story about this and that. Sharon certainly has the knack of making people feel comfortable enough to trust her with all kinds of titbits and events.

Syl came over in the evening to take mom out to jalan-jalan. Mom cooked some dinner for him and herself. And then Gilletts rang and came over and mom cooked more dinner for them. So we had a bit of a sit-around chat and no jalan-jalan. Sis was hoping for some yum-cha but home food was better for her as she has just recovered from 1½ days of queasiness.

After they left, mom and I watched Chinese movie "Brothers". Then went to bed.

Sun 22 Jan 2010

Syl and mom went to 11:30am mass. Came back. Some upsets and going-ons about mom's phone not working properly and also not being able to ring to sis's mobile or their landline via any phones. The 2 of them have now gone off to brekkie and peace, work, and I have stayed behind.

Today set up Twitter account for Xav and informed him via email as well as sms. Hope someone actually uses the family twitter group.

Pete sms-ed this morning and said he cooked the best snapper he has ever cooked last night for him and Garrie and Karen. And that Garrie cooked some great mussels. And that he wished I was there and was missing me :)

Biggish blowup with Syl and then with mom. What a day.

Mom cooked dinner for the Gilletts. By 8:30 pm they were still not here and I was very hungry so mom and I ate. By 10:15pm, Alex woke up for dinner and the Gilletts were still not here. He rang. They not coming.

Mon 23 Jan 2010

A stay at home day. Just doing some work on NetWebbing and chatting to mom.