Ah Ling's blog.

*All photos were taken using a Blackberry*

I wanted to cry when my camera died-ed.

To update really quickly, I left my previous company, October 31st was my last day at work. Joined a new company on November 1st, and on November 2nd, I went for a work trip to Copenhagen, Denmark as the new company's HQ is there.

Anyway, i brought my Nikon DSLR, and guess what, on the day I wanted to use it, the lens just died-ed. Yes, that's right. Camera unusable *sigh* So i was left with my Blackberry, and as we know, Blackberry cameras leave much to be desired.

Copenhagen is a pretty interesting and nice country, reminds me a bit of Amsterdam (water canals and architecture), but I feel the people are nicer here. Had not many problems communicating with the locals, and they are generally quite helpful.

The company booked me into the Copenhagen Plaza hotel, a 4-star hotel there which has much history (google it! apparently many celebrities have stayed there. In fact, in the lobby, there is a list of celebrities who have stayed there). There is also the Library Bar (not to be confused with Library bars in Malaysia), with loads of books which can be read during the day even, and it is done up with heavy wood paneling.

Generally the cost of living there is freaking expensive! Example : 15-minute taxi ride to work from the hotel cost approximately 270 Danish Kroner (about RM 160) wtf. Travel tip: Taxi fare is payable by credit card there! Joy!

Luckily all expenses are borne by the company (and charged to our corporate credit card), if not i'd be bankrupt in no time.



Some memorable moments in Copenhagen:

1. Visiting the Little Mermaid statue:





Yes, my Danish colleagues warned me that she would be really little, and they were not joking. Dunno why but I thought she would be bigger. Felt a little bit cheated, sort of like when u chat with someone online and he/she sends you a picture which shows a good-looking person, but when you meet the person in real life, they turn out to be NOTHING like the picture. Yep. That feeling (not that I have ever had this experience). Apparently last year the statue was away in the Shanghai exhibition, and the statue has been defaced (head gone missing etc) before. Makes you wonder what notice/board they put up on the rock when the statue was away. 'Gone to China BRB' or 'Out of Office'? Hmmmm...


Got lost walking in the park on the hunt for the Little Mermaid. Travel tip: Do NOT ever ask tourists for help. Ever.

On the way back at the Osterport train station there was a flasher next to me and I didnt realise wtf. Fucker I hope your prostate gives you problems since you like having it out in the cold. I would have pointed to his 'wedding tackle', laughed and said "so small!" had I realised.




2. Taxi ride to Radisson SAS Scandic Hotel

Went with my two colleagues from China there for dinner at the Blue Elephant, a Thai fine dining place. One of my colleagues who has been to Denmark many times before asked the taxi driver if he knew which Radisson Hotel it was as there are two in Copenhagen. She told him it was the one with the casino. And he was like yes, there is only one casino in COpenhagen. Later she asked him whether it was safe to walk back to our hotel after dinner as we initially wanted to walk back. He paused, then said yes, Copenhagen is very safe, even if you walk back at 2-3 am.


We realised during dinner later that the taxi driver probably thought we 3 Chinese people must have wanted to visit the casino, and also thought we could win money and walk back later. (which explains why he said it was safe to walk back at 2-3 am when my colleague asked whether it was safe to walk back AFTER DINNER).

We did not visit the casino though. And we didnt walk back either (too damn cold).





3. Candy shopping:




None of it are for me btw. I just got myself 2 chocolate bars.



A few other memorable occasions there like visiting the Department Head's absolutely fucking huge and awesome house for a welcome dinner, getting separated with absolutely no contact whatsoever with my colleagues in Fields department store, dinner with colleagues and so on.

Too tired to continue, need to sleep now to offset my jetlag.

Thanks for reading, apologies for not updating as often as I would've liked.


xoxo,
ah ling

Labels: Blog, musings, photos, self, shopping, travel, work, WTF

Posted by Ah Ling at 1:22 AM | Permalink | Comments

It's not only you in the whole wide world who have principles and abide by them. So do I, boss. So do I.

As the mysterious, flickering flame of the candle as it consumes its wick, thus the candle burns while shortening simultaneously. (ah ling's metaphor for certain circumstances)





Let's put it mildly ; I for one have never been the person who 'lets the candle burn into nothingness'. 'Nuff said.


There's this huge seed of anger in me right now and if I don't get rid of it soon, it will soon 'explode'. And I really don't want that happening because it will take me 3 months to escape el shitholdo.


xxx
*a very cranky ah ling*

Labels: Blog, musings, self, work

Posted by Ah Ling at 3:09 AM | Permalink | Comments

Malaysian police raid SAPP HQ because the signboards had the word 'bersih' and was yellow WTF.


A friend of the boyfriend got stopped by police for driving a yellow Limited Edition Kelisa. (True story)


Police taking particulars of people wearing yellow clothes.


A friend's registration ceremony at the temple postponed to next weekend because of this.


We (friend whose wedding was postponed included) don't blame BERSIH 2.0. We blame the ruling powers that are. A democratic country this is supposed to be, and a democratic country it is NOT.

KNNCCB.


IF, at all, the elections are fair and clean, wtf are you getting your panties knotted in a bunch for?


For those who walked today (and knew they are most probably going to be arrested), we salute you. It takes a lot of courage. Good on you. The pictures in Malaysiakini, Malaysian Insider, Malaysia Today and Free Malaysia Today show Malaysians in an act of solidarity fuck, I'm not going to use the 1Malaysia word here and that is really touching.


On the other hand, I digress. Today, the Federal Highway was super empty. I could have gotten down and rolled around and I would have been fine.



March on BERSIH!! (Click here to find out what the bloody fuss is over a word which means 'clean' in Bahasa Malaysia and the colour YELLOW.

Labels: BERSIH, Blog, musings, self, WTF

Posted by Ah Ling at 4:26 PM | Permalink | Comments

Not many people @ Grand Imperial in Plaza Damas when we took the family out for Father's Day Makan. Hmm. Why-ah?

Is it because people brush Father's Day off as any other day? True, we shouldn't wait for all these over-commercialized occasions to celebrate. It should be everyday. OK, every other day. Pokai-lah liddat wtf

Btw.....


He said it's from HERE. Go figure. It will look like this, apparently:






OMFG, what a 'shitty' love it symbolizes wtf






To understand what I'm talking about, read more BY CLICKING HERE




We'll see what happens.



xoxo,
ah ling

Labels: Blog, life oh life, musings, relationships, self, WTF

Posted by Ah Ling at 11:57 PM | Permalink | Comments

What else?


Ended up in a brothel (no kidding!), saw white tigers climbing trees, komodo dragons, crashed some strangers' party, went to the rock bar in Ayana, saw floods, examined 2 squashed snakes, visited padi fields, ate street food and so much more. More later when I update my blog. Reason why I'm blogging so late is because I just finished work not too long ago, meaning I've been working for approximately 15 hours or so. *sigh*


Obviously I wish I was back in Bali. More details later.



xoxo,
ah ling

Labels: Blog, musings, self, travel

Posted by Ah Ling at 12:14 AM | Permalink | Comments

Received a very interesting present from the partner. Not 'naughty' interesting, just 'interesting' interesting.







He's taking me to Bali again *super excited* and most prolly we can go to the rock bar in Ayana *even more excited* =) Oh, and I got a 3-D pop-up card. Handmade. So creative and lovely! Me likey!! Thank you baby muaxxxxxxxxxx



------------------------------------------------


On another note, should be having a 'tissue box' party a.k.a celebrating the arrival of a new car. No more local, have chosen a brand which has gone global (or rather, Japanese to be more exact).



Test-drove it the other day and with 5 buffaloes in it me included, the pickup was still quite impressive. Then hopped over to the *cough*Proton*cough* showroom as a friend wanted to test drive the Proton Inspira. Wow. You'll never believe it.



They refused to let him test drive it because "Sorry bang,minyak sudah nak habis" (Sorry bro, the petrol is almost finished)*Smacks forehead with palm*



Profound words of wisdom which conveyed the utmost impression that (obviously) that particular salesman couldn't be arsed at all to take the car out and pump petrol so that my mate could try it out. Ok,Proton @ Glenmarie. You can keep your car WTF and shove it up your you-know-where sideways.



Maybe we were being biased because of all our personal experiences with Proton, but if you have a chance, go check the car out. Our grouses are that the passengers at the back does not have enough leg-room, the fittings inside the car look so cheapo and the boot is not big enough. But don't take my word for it and don't agree with me, just go to any Proton showroom. Smart guys get the Inspira, smarter guys get the Lancer.



Oh, and girls, when visiting car show rooms in Malaysia please make sure you wear jeans/trousers or at least black undies unless you don't mind flashing others. Found out that the floors of many showrooms are too polished and clean, hence the floor acting as a mirror which gives others a lovely upskirt look WTF.



P.S: Thank you BB for helping me pay half of the car *kisses*

Labels: Blog, musings, self, shopping, WTF

Posted by Ah Ling at 1:39 AM | Permalink | Comments

Yes, because I can! *woohoo! throws confetti and hamsters* When we were in UK, we didn't want to buy Thomas Sabo products because we were thinking what a waste of money it would be. In fact, my charm bracelet + charms are a present from the boyfriend. And then, coming back I regret not buying more -__-"" so now shop for more-lah!





Also I am slightly constipated and cranky. It's all the carbs, I'm telling you


Having a slightly confusing experience sorting out the paperwork for the new 'toy'. It's DONE. I've signed for it. We are about to start paying for it too. Yes, we are legally the new owners of an apartment. At the price we will pay for it, 1238 square-feet is such a bargain! I love going into the basement parking; there's natural forests around. Better savour the amazing green sight before it is gone.



xoxo,
ah ling

Labels: Blog, musings, random, self, shopping

Posted by Ah Ling at 10:57 PM | Permalink | Comments

Really. I wasn't lying when I typed the above (and I'm still not lying now!).

Today, I'm going to share a recipe for a lunch box which is CHEAP, healthy and simple to put together.

See, a colleague of mine eats super healthily, everyday, his mum actually packs his lunch for him which not only tastes good, but is sure appealing to the eyes as well. Of late, I've been motivated to bring food to work (more healthy, and it sure beats going out in the blazing hot sun).

Was googling bento box recipes, but I think I would fail in assembling the food into cartoon characters (think Hello Kitty!) etc. actually I can't be arsed cutting vege and fruit into little bits

So with bento boxes NOT being an option for me, decided to head to Tesco and got:

1) Chicken pieces (the breast part) - RM 4.30 (two pieces)
2) New potatoes - RM 1.09 (A little more than 500 grams)
3) Sweetcorn on the cob - RM 3.50


to make Pan-fried chicken with garlic and herbed new potatoes with corn-on-the-cob.





Pan-fried chicken:

Ingredients:
Chicken breasts
Pepper
Salt
Garlic powder
Brown sauce(HP)
Sugar
Worcestershire sauce (Lea & Perrins)
Tomato sauce


1) Marinade it at least half an hour before. I used pepper, salt, garlic powder, brown sauce, pinch of sugar, Worcestershire sauce and tomato sauce in mine. For a saltier taste, omit sugar/ up the salt or brown sauce. For a sweeter taste, omit salt/ up the sugar or add honey (it will caramelize the chicken). To make it a little bit sourish and tangy, add the juice of quarter of a lemon to the marinade. Personally, I prefer the chicken to be sweeter but hey! It's your chicken!

2) Poke holes in the chicken before drowning it in the marinade or make small slits all over using a sharp knife. This helps the chicken 'absorb' the marinade better. I like to put the chicken pieces in a plastic bag. Tie the bag and shake it so the marinade spreads evenly.

3) Pan fry the chicken. Add a bit of oil if you like, I pan fried the chicken without any oil, letting it sizzle in its own juices and fat. Make sure chicken it cooked through. Check by cutting chicken to see if meat is still raw. Pour any remaining marinade onto chicken when cooking to make a bit of gravy if you like.

4) Remove chicken from pan. Put aside to cool.


----------------------------




Garlic and herbed new potatoes:

Ingredients:
New potatoes
Mixed herbs
Garlic powder
Butter
Salt
Pepper


1) Wash new potatoes throughly. Scrub with brush to ensure all mud is removed. Remove eyes with sharp knife or just leave them on (I do, and I'm still alive and blogging hoho)

2) Boil water. Water level should be more than enough to cover the amount of potatoes you are cooking. While waiting for water to boil, cut potatoes into halves or quarters (depending on your preference). Add potatoes to boiling water. To check if they are cooked, poke with fork. Once fork comes out clean, potatoes are ready to be drained.

3) Drain water. Put potatoes into large bowl. Add a bit of butter, mixed herbs, a bit of pepper and garlic powder. Mix potatoes so all the ingredients coat potatoes evenly.



----------------------------




Corn-on-the-cob:

Ingredients:
Sweet corn


1) Boil water. Water level should be enough to cover the corn. While waiting for water to boil, de-husk corn and get rid of the 'hairs'. Cut corn into 2 or 3 parts evenly. When water comes to a boil, add corn.

2) Cook for around 8 minutes, ensuring corn is thoroughly boiled. Boil the corn longer if you would like the corn to be softer.


-----------------------------



Look at my lunch!





Total cost:
Chicken (RM2.15) + Potatoes (RM0.55) + Corn (RM 1.25/2 = RM0.60 because I used half a piece of corn) = RM 3.30 (approximately 68 pence wtf)





Note: If you're cooking this the day before like I did, I heated the chicken (only the chicken) up the next day before eating my lunch. If you can't stand eating cold potatoes or corn then I'd suggest packing the lunch into a microwavable container and plonking the entire container into the microwave right before eating. Happy cooking! Share with me how your attempts were like IF you do try my recipe out okay?



xoxo,
ah ling

Labels: Blog, food, photos, recipes, self

Posted by Ah Ling at 11:57 PM | Permalink | Comments

Yes, I do own animal-print clothes.

So here's a picture as my token of a photo offering instead of a proper blog post *bows head in mock shame* Sorry peeps, but it's nearly 12 am and I have to finish up some more work for tomorrow








Dress from Miss Selfridge (i think!) btw.






xoxo,
ah ling

Labels: Blog, musings, photos, random, self

Posted by Ah Ling at 10:56 PM | Permalink | Comments

For certain reasons, the boyfriend and I have decided to house hunt No, marriage isn't one of those reasons. I guess waiting to inherit a property from my parents is one of those reasons.

Anyway.


Driving around his housing area sometime last weekend, we spotted this block of apartments. And there was a banner with an agent's number on ONE of the windows. Cut a long story short, we are seeing that place this weekend (ok, I admit! we went into a unit which was unlocked. The key words here are UNLOCKED and UNOCCUPIED), or to be more specific, that PARTICULAR unit). Will also be looking at another unit where the partner currently stays. Depending on how much the unit can be rented out for, I can safely say we are looking at 5-6% returns. Not bad for the amount of investment required, me thinks.


Wish us luck!


xoxo,
ah ling

Labels: Blog, house hunting, musings, self, shopping

Posted by Ah Ling at 1:03 PM | Permalink | Comments

to remind me that even though we are only mere mortals and as all who are born shall one day die, some have to take it with more shit and uncertainty than the others.

On another unrelated note, we are going for a road trip tomorrow, I do hope that with every passing day acceptance comes easier.



xoxo,
ah ling

Labels: Blog, musings, personal, self

Posted by Ah Ling at 12:02 AM | Permalink

After nearly half a year of not working (and what a great blessedly long period of time it was!), it's time to start slaving working again.

Let's see how it goes.

Pray for me and wish me luck?


xoxo,
ah ling



P.S: I nearly killed a mofo with shit for brains just now. Which idiot stands in the MIDDLE of a darkened road at night, and chooses to stand in a spot right AFTER a bend? KNNCCBTNSMCPHKL okay!! Luckily that bastard jumped back in time because the partner and I sure as hell didn't see him until it was too late. He damn well nearly got killed. I know this is really bad of me, but after our initial shock (which took us a while to calm down), I couldn't help wishing I had run over his foot. Pffffttttttt.

Labels: Blog, musings, personal, self, work, WTF

Posted by Ah Ling at 12:49 AM | Permalink | Comments

..doing things this way.

I am feeling very tired of many things at the moment, god knows when this feeling will pass.


Sorry, not in a proper frame of mind to blog about random stuff.

Labels: personal, self

Posted by Ah Ling at 2:04 AM | Permalink

To Plants vs. Zombies, that is.

Now all I want to do is water the plants in my Zen Garden and go to people's houzes to eat their brainz.

Labels: Blog, musings, random, self

Posted by Ah Ling at 2:28 AM | Permalink

Somehow most of the time when couples stay together, problems arise. In our case it's the total opposite. How is this remotely possible?



"BB, 我爱你每一天." (Hope I got it right.)



xoxo,
ah ling

Labels: Blog, personal, photos, random, relationships, self

Posted by Ah Ling at 2:43 AM | Permalink | Comments

All from my dear boyfriend and friends *keeps muttering 'I love my friends. I love my friends'*


Boyfriend today on my 'interview shoes' (4 inches of closed-toe torture) - *pointing to my shoes* "I can hear your toes screaming."

Boyfriend in ah Ying's house during Earth Hour (Earth Hour was when kind, environment-caring people were meant to turn off all lights and electrical appliances etc.) - *Him going round her house turning off lights in doorway and lamp* "We have to follow the rules."

Boyfriend today as well watching me put on makeup - "I want to wear mascara too."


And to quote someone "Knocking on the panda's door and asking if it wants to buy insurance" -__-""



Please tell me how much more randomness one can take. FML.



xoxo,
ah ling

Labels: Blog, friends, life oh life, musings, random, self

Posted by Ah Ling at 12:24 AM | Permalink | Comments

Okay, so far I have turned down many interviews, a couple of offers (i feel that the amount they offered me is too low), I have a contract sitting in my inbox waiting for my approval, but I consider my job-hunting days to be far from over.

I guess the saying 'a bird in hand is worth more than two in the bush", but I have to ask myself ; Do I really want to be doing something like what I'm being offered, and would I have the strength to last in this industry?

God knows. How-lar liddat?! I have to give my answer too soon as well. Damnit, I need time *SCREAMS*




xoxo,
a much in need of guidance ah ling

Labels: Blog, life oh life, musings, personal, photos, self

Posted by Ah Ling at 12:04 AM | Permalink | Comments

Here's to us!




And to Ee-Von on her graduation; Congrats!!



xoxo,
ah ling

Labels: Blog, events, friends, musings, photos, self

Posted by Ah Ling at 11:56 PM | Permalink | Comments

Our maid's contract is up for renewal soon, and so I have been put in charge of ensuring she gets her medical checkup done ASAP, if not the contract will not be renewed thus leaving us maid-less, which means I will be the maid. If we let the maid agency do this on our behalf, they charge approximately RM 400 wtf.

Anyway so far, I've bought a postal order for RM 190 (it's RM 180 if it's for a male foreign worker). Bank drafts or money orders work fine too, as long as it's made payable to : Fomema Sdn Bhd.

Then you have to download the form found HERE and fill it in before bringing it there. When choosing which doctor to go to (list of doctors can be found in the website above), I'd recommend that you choose a clinic with an x-ray facility if possible, so you don't have to go to 2 different places). Also the front page of the worker's passport, and the entry permit pages has to be photostatted.

Then the boyfriend and I went to Block G in Pusat Bandar Damansara. Please look for the Fomema signboards. We actually went up to the old office in the same block, and was surprised to see it locked up -__-"

There, we handed in the:
1)Form
2)Postal order
3)photostatted copies of passport and entry permit



Today I've already taken my maid to the clinic behind my house for the medical checkup, and so now, we have to wait for the results before being able to proceed.
10 working days, baby. And results are also checkable online.



-----------------------


More on other stuff later, I'm just sleepy now *dozing off*




xoxo,
ah ling

Labels: Blog, self

Posted by Ah Ling at 12:32 PM | Permalink | Comments

But I really should be cleaning my room sleeping.

Yes.




Random saying by my brother's friend (his friend happens to be a member of the Indian race, btw):


"Life is like a black guy's left nut ; It's not fair, and it's not right."





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On another note, I would just like to say that I don't think it's very polite of people to communicate in front of others in another language that not everyone there understands. RUDE.


Pfffttt.




xoxo,
ah ling

Labels: Blog, musings, random, self, WTF

Posted by Ah Ling at 11:40 PM | Permalink | Comments