Today's Quote
Dance like no one is watching,
Love like you'll never be hurt,
Sing like no one is listening,
Live like it's heaven on earth.
-William Purkey
Friday 29 June 2007
Bienvenue
'Bonjour, comment allez vous?'
The first french sentence I heard, and my love story with the language began. In the four short weeks being immersed into the language and the culture, I could understand why french is la langue d'amour. From 'Je m'appelle Beatrice' to having a conversation, French was simply facinating. What started as a 4 weeks course turns into a 9 months love affair and at the end of it, I felt as if I were one of elite ones :-) That was many years ago, I don't feel so elite now.. haha
As for the pretty pics above, no, unfortunately, I haven't been there :-) but I would love to do so one day, to stroll along the La Seine, window shopping along the Avenue des Champs-Élysées(also known as La plus belle avenue du monde - The most beautiful avenue in the world), enjoying a visit to the Louvre or climb le tour d'Eiffel, eating a baguette while sipping a cup of hot café au lait. La Vie en Rose in Paris, the city of love - I would love to be there one day..Want to come along???
'Bonjour, comment allez vous?'
The first french sentence I heard, and my love story with the language began. In the four short weeks being immersed into the language and the culture, I could understand why french is la langue d'amour. From 'Je m'appelle Beatrice' to having a conversation, French was simply facinating. What started as a 4 weeks course turns into a 9 months love affair and at the end of it, I felt as if I were one of elite ones :-) That was many years ago, I don't feel so elite now.. haha
As for the pretty pics above, no, unfortunately, I haven't been there :-) but I would love to do so one day, to stroll along the La Seine, window shopping along the Avenue des Champs-Élysées(also known as La plus belle avenue du monde - The most beautiful avenue in the world), enjoying a visit to the Louvre or climb le tour d'Eiffel, eating a baguette while sipping a cup of hot café au lait. La Vie en Rose in Paris, the city of love - I would love to be there one day..Want to come along???
Thieves steal car, can't drive it!!!
Good news for those who own a manual transmission car!!
In the news today, two men in the US failed to getaway in a stolen car ( a Honda Accord, hmmm.. expensive) because they did not know how to drive a "stick shift" vehicle *chuckle*.. a manual transmission car, that is :-) What do you think of that?? Imagine a couple of thieves sitting inside the stolen car, thinking to themselves, "Brilliant, we've got ourselves a car!! A sleek one too.. but.. oh, oh.. wait a minute, how do you start this thing???" poor thieves... they were still trying to start the car when the police arrived. I guess it is just not their day.
Good news for those who own a manual transmission car!!
In the news today, two men in the US failed to getaway in a stolen car ( a Honda Accord, hmmm.. expensive) because they did not know how to drive a "stick shift" vehicle *chuckle*.. a manual transmission car, that is :-) What do you think of that?? Imagine a couple of thieves sitting inside the stolen car, thinking to themselves, "Brilliant, we've got ourselves a car!! A sleek one too.. but.. oh, oh.. wait a minute, how do you start this thing???" poor thieves... they were still trying to start the car when the police arrived. I guess it is just not their day.
Thursday 28 June 2007
In search of a photo folder
It all started with my colleague looking for a cardboard that we can slot a photo in (we didn't know what it is called :-)),like these
Ok, something like that, shouldn't be that hard.I've seen it before. Just call a photo shop and they should have it, right?? Well, that's what I thought..hehe... What I didn't expect was to spend a good part of my morning and the afternoon looking for a place that does sell it!! Unbelievable?? Haha.. I surf the yellow pages, white pages, google and nobody has the product. Some even asked, 'You mean an album??' or 'What's that?' I had to explain what it looks like.. 'Err..you know, a piece of cardboard that you can slot a picture in? Like the ones you get when you take pictures at the zoo.." It was sooo hard trying to explain something you do not know the name of. Finally, after surfing for hours, I found a website that shows the product that we wanted, 'a photo folder'. Aha!! Finally indeed!! I called them yes,they do make phot folders and yes, I can order from them. I was so happy I quickly made the order and told my colleague that it was all done!! Or so I thought.
Half an hour after placing that order, I received a call from the lady whom I put my order through. She apologised, saying that they couldn't accept my order because I only wanted 11!!! The minimum order was 200!! My happiness was shattered!! I was back on the searching game. The lady was kind enough to suggest another type of folder - a two photo book
The only problem was they only have white ones (we wanted black ones, and as usual they always seem to run out of colours that you want). Told her I would consult my boss and call her back. Meanwhile I continued searching on the net, hoping against hope that I would find another company that makes them. I just couldn't believe that no one else makes them apart from this company. Well, as expected I didn't have any luck. I scanned through the website again, looking for other products that I could use. They have all sorts of things, frames, magnetic fridge frames, etc etc.. and then something click.. perhaps we could use mats with meaning
It's a long shot but it could just work. So I called the lady again and asked if I could use the mat with meaning, and instead of the writing if I could replace it with a slot for a picture. She put me on hold to ask her boss, and when she came back online, she said, 'Yes!! We would make it for you.' Imagine the relief I felt.. :-) And the price she quoted wasn't that bad either.
I spent a day looking for a photo folder!!! Haha.. what an adventure for an otherwise boring day!!
It all started with my colleague looking for a cardboard that we can slot a photo in (we didn't know what it is called :-)),like these
Ok, something like that, shouldn't be that hard.I've seen it before. Just call a photo shop and they should have it, right?? Well, that's what I thought..hehe... What I didn't expect was to spend a good part of my morning and the afternoon looking for a place that does sell it!! Unbelievable?? Haha.. I surf the yellow pages, white pages, google and nobody has the product. Some even asked, 'You mean an album??' or 'What's that?' I had to explain what it looks like.. 'Err..you know, a piece of cardboard that you can slot a picture in? Like the ones you get when you take pictures at the zoo.." It was sooo hard trying to explain something you do not know the name of. Finally, after surfing for hours, I found a website that shows the product that we wanted, 'a photo folder'. Aha!! Finally indeed!! I called them yes,they do make phot folders and yes, I can order from them. I was so happy I quickly made the order and told my colleague that it was all done!! Or so I thought.
Half an hour after placing that order, I received a call from the lady whom I put my order through. She apologised, saying that they couldn't accept my order because I only wanted 11!!! The minimum order was 200!! My happiness was shattered!! I was back on the searching game. The lady was kind enough to suggest another type of folder - a two photo book
The only problem was they only have white ones (we wanted black ones, and as usual they always seem to run out of colours that you want). Told her I would consult my boss and call her back. Meanwhile I continued searching on the net, hoping against hope that I would find another company that makes them. I just couldn't believe that no one else makes them apart from this company. Well, as expected I didn't have any luck. I scanned through the website again, looking for other products that I could use. They have all sorts of things, frames, magnetic fridge frames, etc etc.. and then something click.. perhaps we could use mats with meaning
It's a long shot but it could just work. So I called the lady again and asked if I could use the mat with meaning, and instead of the writing if I could replace it with a slot for a picture. She put me on hold to ask her boss, and when she came back online, she said, 'Yes!! We would make it for you.' Imagine the relief I felt.. :-) And the price she quoted wasn't that bad either.
I spent a day looking for a photo folder!!! Haha.. what an adventure for an otherwise boring day!!
Wednesday 27 June 2007
Culinary experiment
Yeap, that's right.. experiment.. hehe..
Last night I attempted cooking curry chicken for the first time. Now how does one cook curry chicken? I have seen my mother done it a million times, but having not done so myself, this is indeed a 'great experience'!! So,what do you do when mom is not around to give some instructions?? Find a friend who knows!!! and who better to ask than my good friend Vandana. Vandana gave me a variety of ways but I told her.."No, no.. just the simplest way please!!!" :-) And this is what she said, "Brown the onions, put in the chicken, add the curry powder, make sure the chicken is cooked then add some water. Add other ingredients that you like, carrots, potatoes etc and finally add the coconut milk." Easy peasy... or you would think..haha
First, I needed to cut the chicken into pieces.. hmmm.. pieces.. a chopping knife came to mind, the huge one that mom uses.. hehe.. I don't have that. I look at the chicken and thought very hard.. no chopping knife, now what??? I have a small kitchen knife and a pair of kitchen scissors, and thought it might just work. After much effort, voila!! it's done.. not bad :-) Next, I prepared the rest of the ingredients and I was ready to start my 'experiment'.. ok, I won't detail what happened during cooking time but it came out quite OK :-)
Was it delicious?? Well, Martin said it was good :-) (Thanks Martin) I think for a first timer at curry chicken, it was not too bad, could use with a little more curry powder though ..haha ..
Next experiement - drunken chicken!!! This time I think I have to call mom!!! haha :-) then maybe I will try a hand at roast..hmm.. which reminds me, I need to clean the oven (has planned to do so since I moved in!)
Yeap, that's right.. experiment.. hehe..
Last night I attempted cooking curry chicken for the first time. Now how does one cook curry chicken? I have seen my mother done it a million times, but having not done so myself, this is indeed a 'great experience'!! So,what do you do when mom is not around to give some instructions?? Find a friend who knows!!! and who better to ask than my good friend Vandana. Vandana gave me a variety of ways but I told her.."No, no.. just the simplest way please!!!" :-) And this is what she said, "Brown the onions, put in the chicken, add the curry powder, make sure the chicken is cooked then add some water. Add other ingredients that you like, carrots, potatoes etc and finally add the coconut milk." Easy peasy... or you would think..haha
First, I needed to cut the chicken into pieces.. hmmm.. pieces.. a chopping knife came to mind, the huge one that mom uses.. hehe.. I don't have that. I look at the chicken and thought very hard.. no chopping knife, now what??? I have a small kitchen knife and a pair of kitchen scissors, and thought it might just work. After much effort, voila!! it's done.. not bad :-) Next, I prepared the rest of the ingredients and I was ready to start my 'experiment'.. ok, I won't detail what happened during cooking time but it came out quite OK :-)
Was it delicious?? Well, Martin said it was good :-) (Thanks Martin) I think for a first timer at curry chicken, it was not too bad, could use with a little more curry powder though ..haha ..
Next experiement - drunken chicken!!! This time I think I have to call mom!!! haha :-) then maybe I will try a hand at roast..hmm.. which reminds me, I need to clean the oven (has planned to do so since I moved in!)
Monday 25 June 2007
“I would ask for still more, if I had the sky with all its stars, and the world with its endless riches; but I would be content with the smallest corner of this earth if only she were mine.”
— I Would Ask For Still More, Rabindranath Tagore
An interesting article in The Star today about a young man who expressed his love for his country, Malaysia. Studied abroad for 3 years, then decided to go home, for his country is where his heart is. He said 'To call this beautiful country my home, I put up with these limitations.'Just what are these limitations he was talking about? 'Limitations such as to what extent I can voice my opinion, behave with my loved ones in public and succeed in my career path.'As a Malaysian myself, I understand what he was trying to say, and it is true that living in Malaysia, there are certain limitations as to what one can do. Coming from someone who left Malaysia to pursue a better quality of life, I may sound very impersonal towards my own country. Unlike this young chap who chose to return, I chose to leave after spending 36 years of my life there, well almost... 36 years. Started working at the age of 21, I have gone through 14 long years of working life. Ahh life was much better during the university days!!! :-) I had everything, a good career, a house, a car, a not too bad life, and if I had stayed, I have no doubt that one day I could hold a higher position in the teacher community. I may not be able to afford a luxury car, or big mansion, but still my life would be comfortable enough. So why did I leave?
I left for many reasons I suppose. Not because I do not love my country anymore. Not because I do not love the people there or the values or the culture. I left because I wanted something more for myself. I don't want to look back 15 or 20 years from now and see myself doing the same thing, or asking myself 'What have I achieved??' It may be hard for some people to understand that. Some friends asked why I was taking this drastic measure to change my life, i.e to uproot and go. Why throw it all away? Why Australia? Why not Kuching or KL? Sometimes I ask myself the same thing.
So why did I leave and come to this country, and suffer the hot/cold weather, the high tax cut in salary, a life where there is no family and close friends around??? A country where a nice plate of 'kon lau mein' or 'Char Siu Fan' is hard to come by. You see I asked for a second chance at life, to do the things that I could have done, to atone for actions I shouldn't have taken and try to make a difference - and my prayers were answered. This is my second chance at life, of doing things the other way and hopefully more meaningful. Like the young chap in the story who is still discovering who he is, I too am still on the journey of self-discovery. Being here has shown me that there is whole new world out here just waiting for me to explore. I am not saying it is easy, these past 11 months have not been easy. There were times when I felt like giving up and go home. It does get better as days go by, and now I am more settled in my life. I met and make new friends, good friends, I do things I wanted to do and I do it my way, I enjoy the quiet life.. sometimes boring.. but it's ok. I enjoy doing 'nothing' sometimes and don't feel guilty about it. In time I will explore other activities, maybe do my Masters degree or do other courses, or maybe find a second job, who knows.. there is a world of possibilities out there. Why Australia? I suppose it could have been any other countries, Singapore or Canada..Truth is I like Australia, it's a lovely country..
So, I still love Malaysia, I love the values, I love the culture.. but if I were given a chance to do it all over again, I would still chose this path, the road not taken.. ahh.. but now it is...
— I Would Ask For Still More, Rabindranath Tagore
An interesting article in The Star today about a young man who expressed his love for his country, Malaysia. Studied abroad for 3 years, then decided to go home, for his country is where his heart is. He said 'To call this beautiful country my home, I put up with these limitations.'Just what are these limitations he was talking about? 'Limitations such as to what extent I can voice my opinion, behave with my loved ones in public and succeed in my career path.'As a Malaysian myself, I understand what he was trying to say, and it is true that living in Malaysia, there are certain limitations as to what one can do. Coming from someone who left Malaysia to pursue a better quality of life, I may sound very impersonal towards my own country. Unlike this young chap who chose to return, I chose to leave after spending 36 years of my life there, well almost... 36 years. Started working at the age of 21, I have gone through 14 long years of working life. Ahh life was much better during the university days!!! :-) I had everything, a good career, a house, a car, a not too bad life, and if I had stayed, I have no doubt that one day I could hold a higher position in the teacher community. I may not be able to afford a luxury car, or big mansion, but still my life would be comfortable enough. So why did I leave?
I left for many reasons I suppose. Not because I do not love my country anymore. Not because I do not love the people there or the values or the culture. I left because I wanted something more for myself. I don't want to look back 15 or 20 years from now and see myself doing the same thing, or asking myself 'What have I achieved??' It may be hard for some people to understand that. Some friends asked why I was taking this drastic measure to change my life, i.e to uproot and go. Why throw it all away? Why Australia? Why not Kuching or KL? Sometimes I ask myself the same thing.
So why did I leave and come to this country, and suffer the hot/cold weather, the high tax cut in salary, a life where there is no family and close friends around??? A country where a nice plate of 'kon lau mein' or 'Char Siu Fan' is hard to come by. You see I asked for a second chance at life, to do the things that I could have done, to atone for actions I shouldn't have taken and try to make a difference - and my prayers were answered. This is my second chance at life, of doing things the other way and hopefully more meaningful. Like the young chap in the story who is still discovering who he is, I too am still on the journey of self-discovery. Being here has shown me that there is whole new world out here just waiting for me to explore. I am not saying it is easy, these past 11 months have not been easy. There were times when I felt like giving up and go home. It does get better as days go by, and now I am more settled in my life. I met and make new friends, good friends, I do things I wanted to do and I do it my way, I enjoy the quiet life.. sometimes boring.. but it's ok. I enjoy doing 'nothing' sometimes and don't feel guilty about it. In time I will explore other activities, maybe do my Masters degree or do other courses, or maybe find a second job, who knows.. there is a world of possibilities out there. Why Australia? I suppose it could have been any other countries, Singapore or Canada..Truth is I like Australia, it's a lovely country..
So, I still love Malaysia, I love the values, I love the culture.. but if I were given a chance to do it all over again, I would still chose this path, the road not taken.. ahh.. but now it is...
Saturday 23 June 2007
Another heartwarming email I wish to share with you...
From my heart to yours....
PEOPLE COME INTO YOUR LIFE FOR A REASON
People come into your life for a reason, a season or a lifetime. When you know which one it is, you will know what to do for that person. When someone is in your life for a REASON, it is usually to meet a need you have expressed. They have come to assist you through a difficulty, to provide you with guidance and support, to aid you physically, emotionally or spiritually. They may seem like a godsend and they are. They are there for the reason you need them to be. Then, without any wrongdoing on your part or at an inconvenient time, this person will say or do something to bring the relationship to an end. Sometimes they die. Sometimes they walk away. Sometimes they act up and force you to take a stand. What we must realize is that our need has been met, our desire fulfilled, their work is done. The prayer you sent up has been answered and now it is time to move on.
Some people come into your life for a SEASON, because your turn has come to share, grow or learn. They bring you an experience of peace or make you laugh. They may teach you something you have never done. They usually give you an unbelievable amount of joy. Believe it, it is real. But only for a season.
LIFETIME relationships teach you lifetime lessons, things you must build upon in order to have a solid emotional foundation. Your job is to accept the lesson, love the person and put what you have learned to use in all other relationships and areas of your life. It is said that love is blind but friendship is clairvoyant
To all my friends who are reading this, Thank You for being a part of my life,
whether you were a reason, a season or a lifetime.
From my heart to yours....
PEOPLE COME INTO YOUR LIFE FOR A REASON
People come into your life for a reason, a season or a lifetime. When you know which one it is, you will know what to do for that person. When someone is in your life for a REASON, it is usually to meet a need you have expressed. They have come to assist you through a difficulty, to provide you with guidance and support, to aid you physically, emotionally or spiritually. They may seem like a godsend and they are. They are there for the reason you need them to be. Then, without any wrongdoing on your part or at an inconvenient time, this person will say or do something to bring the relationship to an end. Sometimes they die. Sometimes they walk away. Sometimes they act up and force you to take a stand. What we must realize is that our need has been met, our desire fulfilled, their work is done. The prayer you sent up has been answered and now it is time to move on.
Some people come into your life for a SEASON, because your turn has come to share, grow or learn. They bring you an experience of peace or make you laugh. They may teach you something you have never done. They usually give you an unbelievable amount of joy. Believe it, it is real. But only for a season.
LIFETIME relationships teach you lifetime lessons, things you must build upon in order to have a solid emotional foundation. Your job is to accept the lesson, love the person and put what you have learned to use in all other relationships and areas of your life. It is said that love is blind but friendship is clairvoyant
To all my friends who are reading this, Thank You for being a part of my life,
whether you were a reason, a season or a lifetime.
A friend sent me this not too long ago..
MOMENTS IN LIFE
There are moments in life when you miss someone
so much that you just want to pick them from
your dreams and hug them for real!
When the door of happiness closes, another opens;
But often times we look so long at the
Closed door that we don't see the one,
Which has been opened for us
Don't go for looks; they can deceive.
Don't go for wealth; even that fades away.
Go for someone who makes you smile,
Because it takes only a smile to
Make a dark day seem bright.
Find the one that makes your heart smile.
Dream what you want to dream;
Go where you want to go;
Be what you want to be,
Because you have only one life
And one chance to do all the things
You want to do.
May you have enough happiness to make you sweet
Enough trials to make you strong,
Enough sorrow to keep you human and
Enough hope to make you happy.
The happiest of people don't necessarily
Have the best of everything;
They just make the most of
Everything that comes along their way.
The brightest future will always
Be based on a forgotten past;
You can't go forward in life until
You let go of your past failures and heartaches.
When you were born, you were crying
And everyone around you was smiling.
Live your life so at the end,
You’re the one who is smiling and everyone
Around you is crying.
Don't count the years - count the memories
MOMENTS IN LIFE
There are moments in life when you miss someone
so much that you just want to pick them from
your dreams and hug them for real!
When the door of happiness closes, another opens;
But often times we look so long at the
Closed door that we don't see the one,
Which has been opened for us
Don't go for looks; they can deceive.
Don't go for wealth; even that fades away.
Go for someone who makes you smile,
Because it takes only a smile to
Make a dark day seem bright.
Find the one that makes your heart smile.
Dream what you want to dream;
Go where you want to go;
Be what you want to be,
Because you have only one life
And one chance to do all the things
You want to do.
May you have enough happiness to make you sweet
Enough trials to make you strong,
Enough sorrow to keep you human and
Enough hope to make you happy.
The happiest of people don't necessarily
Have the best of everything;
They just make the most of
Everything that comes along their way.
The brightest future will always
Be based on a forgotten past;
You can't go forward in life until
You let go of your past failures and heartaches.
When you were born, you were crying
And everyone around you was smiling.
Live your life so at the end,
You’re the one who is smiling and everyone
Around you is crying.
Don't count the years - count the memories
Friday 22 June 2007
Today's Quote
Change your thoughts, and you change your world.
-Norman Vincent Peale
The mind is a powerful thing. Think of beautiful things, and you will be beautiful, think evil thoughts and you will have the evil look.. haha.. A friend once told me a story of a girl who wanted to marry a handsome rich man, live in a huge mansion and drives a luxury car. So she put up a pic of a handsome guy, a huge mansion and a luxury car and she looked at them every morning. She set her mind to her goal and to cut the story short, she achieved her goal not long after that :-) See how strong the mind can be??? Ah well, I tried that and it has never worked for me!!!! hahaha.. Moral of the story is - it only happens to certain people.. :-) or maybe I am just not that fortunate.. hmmmm....
Which brings me to my next thought - some people have all the luck while others have to work extra hard.. why is that?? Is this the case of the grass being greener on the other side? Maybe..For example, my married friends envy me for my single status, and I envy them for their double status.. haha.. not that I don't want to have someone. Hey if I were, I wouldn't be here now!!! :-) Anyway, coming back to this luck thingy, I have friends who hop from man to man, finding a man for them is no complex challenge. I say challenge coz I also have friends who tried and tried and still haven't found the one. Well, it is a challenge to me too :-) I find a hot sexy handsome one, and he is not available, I find a rich one and he is old..or worse, married.. hahaha.. Friends say I am too picky, well who wouldn't when it comes to a man you love, yes? Sometimes it is sad, but then like they say, if he is yours,he is yours. Who knows I might meet him tomorrow, if I put my mind to it :-)
Ahh but all is not lost in my world, I am also lucky coz I get to come to this beautiful country to live and meet some beautiful people, the people you see in this blog :-) And I am thankful for them..everyday
Change your thoughts, and you change your world.
-Norman Vincent Peale
The mind is a powerful thing. Think of beautiful things, and you will be beautiful, think evil thoughts and you will have the evil look.. haha.. A friend once told me a story of a girl who wanted to marry a handsome rich man, live in a huge mansion and drives a luxury car. So she put up a pic of a handsome guy, a huge mansion and a luxury car and she looked at them every morning. She set her mind to her goal and to cut the story short, she achieved her goal not long after that :-) See how strong the mind can be??? Ah well, I tried that and it has never worked for me!!!! hahaha.. Moral of the story is - it only happens to certain people.. :-) or maybe I am just not that fortunate.. hmmmm....
Which brings me to my next thought - some people have all the luck while others have to work extra hard.. why is that?? Is this the case of the grass being greener on the other side? Maybe..For example, my married friends envy me for my single status, and I envy them for their double status.. haha.. not that I don't want to have someone. Hey if I were, I wouldn't be here now!!! :-) Anyway, coming back to this luck thingy, I have friends who hop from man to man, finding a man for them is no complex challenge. I say challenge coz I also have friends who tried and tried and still haven't found the one. Well, it is a challenge to me too :-) I find a hot sexy handsome one, and he is not available, I find a rich one and he is old..or worse, married.. hahaha.. Friends say I am too picky, well who wouldn't when it comes to a man you love, yes? Sometimes it is sad, but then like they say, if he is yours,he is yours. Who knows I might meet him tomorrow, if I put my mind to it :-)
Ahh but all is not lost in my world, I am also lucky coz I get to come to this beautiful country to live and meet some beautiful people, the people you see in this blog :-) And I am thankful for them..everyday
Thursday 21 June 2007
Saturday 16 June 2007
British English vs Malaysian English :-)
Personally, I think this is quite true :-)
Of course not all Malaysians speak this way.. but these sound so familiar don't they.. hehe
WHEN GIVING A CUSTOMER BAD NEWS
Britons: I'm sorry, Sir, but we don't seem to have the sweater you want in your size, but if you give me a moment, I can call the other outlets for you.
Malaysians: No Stock.
RETURNING A CALL
Britons: Hello, this is John Smith. Did anyone page for me a few moments ago?
Malaysians: Hello, who page?
ASKING SOMEONE TO MAKE WAY .
Britons: Excuse me, I'd like to get by. Would you please make way?
Malaysians: S-kew me
WHEN SOMEONE OFFERS TO PAY
Britons: Hey, put your wallet away, this drink is on me.
Malaysians:No-need, lah.
WHEN ASKING FOR PERMISSION
Britons: Excuse me, but do you think it would be possible for me to enter through this door?
Malaysians: (pointing the door) can ar?
WHEN ENTERTAINING
Britons: Please make yourself right at home.
Malaysians: Don't be shy, lah!
WHEN DOUBTING SOMEONE
Britons: I don't recall you giving me the money.
Malaysians: Where got?
WHEN DECLINING AN OFFER
Britons: I'd prefer not to do that, if you don't mind.
Malaysians: Don't want la...
IN DISAGREEING ON A TOPIC OF DISCUSSION
Britons: Err. Tom, I have to stop you there. I understand where you're
coming from, but I really have to disagree with what you said about the issue.
Malaysians: You mad, ah?
WHEN ASKING SOMEONE TO LOWER THEIR VOICE.
Britons: Excuse me, but could you please ! lower your voice, I'm trying to concentrate over here.
Malaysians: Shut up lah!
WHEN ASKING SOMEONE IF HE/SHE KNOWS YOU.
Britons: Excuse me, but I noticed you staring at me for some time.. Do I know you?
Malaysians: See what, see what?
WHEN ASSESSING A TIGHT SITUATION.
Britons: We seem to be in a bit of a predicament at the moment.
Malaysians: Die-lah!!
WHEN TRYING TO FIND OUT WHAT HAD HAPPENED
Britons: Will someone tell me what has just happened?
Malaysians: Wat happen Why like that....
WHEN SOME ONE DID SOMETHING WRONG
Britons: This isn't the way to do it here let me show you,
Malaysians: like that also don't know how to do!!!!
WHEN ONE IS ANGRY
Britons: Would you mind not disturbing me
Malaysians:Celaka u
Personally, I think this is quite true :-)
Of course not all Malaysians speak this way.. but these sound so familiar don't they.. hehe
WHEN GIVING A CUSTOMER BAD NEWS
Britons: I'm sorry, Sir, but we don't seem to have the sweater you want in your size, but if you give me a moment, I can call the other outlets for you.
Malaysians: No Stock.
RETURNING A CALL
Britons: Hello, this is John Smith. Did anyone page for me a few moments ago?
Malaysians: Hello, who page?
ASKING SOMEONE TO MAKE WAY .
Britons: Excuse me, I'd like to get by. Would you please make way?
Malaysians: S-kew me
WHEN SOMEONE OFFERS TO PAY
Britons: Hey, put your wallet away, this drink is on me.
Malaysians:No-need, lah.
WHEN ASKING FOR PERMISSION
Britons: Excuse me, but do you think it would be possible for me to enter through this door?
Malaysians: (pointing the door) can ar?
WHEN ENTERTAINING
Britons: Please make yourself right at home.
Malaysians: Don't be shy, lah!
WHEN DOUBTING SOMEONE
Britons: I don't recall you giving me the money.
Malaysians: Where got?
WHEN DECLINING AN OFFER
Britons: I'd prefer not to do that, if you don't mind.
Malaysians: Don't want la...
IN DISAGREEING ON A TOPIC OF DISCUSSION
Britons: Err. Tom, I have to stop you there. I understand where you're
coming from, but I really have to disagree with what you said about the issue.
Malaysians: You mad, ah?
WHEN ASKING SOMEONE TO LOWER THEIR VOICE.
Britons: Excuse me, but could you please ! lower your voice, I'm trying to concentrate over here.
Malaysians: Shut up lah!
WHEN ASKING SOMEONE IF HE/SHE KNOWS YOU.
Britons: Excuse me, but I noticed you staring at me for some time.. Do I know you?
Malaysians: See what, see what?
WHEN ASSESSING A TIGHT SITUATION.
Britons: We seem to be in a bit of a predicament at the moment.
Malaysians: Die-lah!!
WHEN TRYING TO FIND OUT WHAT HAD HAPPENED
Britons: Will someone tell me what has just happened?
Malaysians: Wat happen Why like that....
WHEN SOME ONE DID SOMETHING WRONG
Britons: This isn't the way to do it here let me show you,
Malaysians: like that also don't know how to do!!!!
WHEN ONE IS ANGRY
Britons: Would you mind not disturbing me
Malaysians:Celaka u
Tuesday 12 June 2007
Down Memory Lane
Today I was browsing through some blogs and I came across one written by my ex-student. While reading her blog, I found out that she is now married and is expecting her first baby. Reading her thoughts in the blog has brought me back many old memories, back to the time when I was still teaching in the convent school.
She has always been a brilliant student and I remember being her biology teacher then, she always had interesting questions to ask when it comes to the chapter on 'reproductive system'. I remember one day I was teaching her class about birth control, the usual text book stuff. After going through all the usual birth control methods and devices, she put up her hand and asked,'Teacher, what about the new blue pills? Are they good?' Blue pills???? heheh.. what can I say??? what blue pills??? I was thinking at that time, 'Gosh!! I don't know any blue pills!!!' hehehe.. so how does a teacher answer a question that she has no answer to?? I was speechless for a moment or two, or was it three. Goodness! These girls were more advance that I was !!Yikess!!! Now I couldn't tell her I didn't know about any blue ones (obviously I know about pills, but the new blue ones??), that would make me very 'uncool'. So I gave her that teacher look and said,'I'll find out and let you know.' :-) The bunch of girls that I taught that year has since left school and made a name for themselves in the world. Some are doctors, lawyers, accountants and herself, a radio presenter.
Looking back I recall the passion I had for the profession. Teaching was my life. My aim was to teach, to make sure that my students get the most information they can, to guide them on a career path so that when they left school they have a clear idea of what they want to be, etc etc. The best time of a teacher's life is when her students come back and thank her for being such a guidance to them.The best time is when your class has done very well in the exams. The best time is when your school is announced as the best school in town. On the other hand, I also had students who were not as successful. I remember one student who was very weak in her studies. I met her many years after she left school wandering around in the shopping complex. She told me that if she had listened to my advice when she was in school, her life would have been different. Told her it was not too late, she could still have a good life. As a teacher it is good to know that we have touched someone's life one way or another.
But like any other professions, it is not always sunny in the teaching world. Sometimes you get upset when students misbehave, you get stressed when there is a lot of marking to do, you get impatient when you try to get a message across and your students just wouldn't get it.
A friend asked if I miss marking papers. Truth is, sometimes I do. Will I ever go back to teaching? Well, I am keeping the options open :-)
Today I was browsing through some blogs and I came across one written by my ex-student. While reading her blog, I found out that she is now married and is expecting her first baby. Reading her thoughts in the blog has brought me back many old memories, back to the time when I was still teaching in the convent school.
She has always been a brilliant student and I remember being her biology teacher then, she always had interesting questions to ask when it comes to the chapter on 'reproductive system'. I remember one day I was teaching her class about birth control, the usual text book stuff. After going through all the usual birth control methods and devices, she put up her hand and asked,'Teacher, what about the new blue pills? Are they good?' Blue pills???? heheh.. what can I say??? what blue pills??? I was thinking at that time, 'Gosh!! I don't know any blue pills!!!' hehehe.. so how does a teacher answer a question that she has no answer to?? I was speechless for a moment or two, or was it three. Goodness! These girls were more advance that I was !!Yikess!!! Now I couldn't tell her I didn't know about any blue ones (obviously I know about pills, but the new blue ones??), that would make me very 'uncool'. So I gave her that teacher look and said,'I'll find out and let you know.' :-) The bunch of girls that I taught that year has since left school and made a name for themselves in the world. Some are doctors, lawyers, accountants and herself, a radio presenter.
Looking back I recall the passion I had for the profession. Teaching was my life. My aim was to teach, to make sure that my students get the most information they can, to guide them on a career path so that when they left school they have a clear idea of what they want to be, etc etc. The best time of a teacher's life is when her students come back and thank her for being such a guidance to them.The best time is when your class has done very well in the exams. The best time is when your school is announced as the best school in town. On the other hand, I also had students who were not as successful. I remember one student who was very weak in her studies. I met her many years after she left school wandering around in the shopping complex. She told me that if she had listened to my advice when she was in school, her life would have been different. Told her it was not too late, she could still have a good life. As a teacher it is good to know that we have touched someone's life one way or another.
But like any other professions, it is not always sunny in the teaching world. Sometimes you get upset when students misbehave, you get stressed when there is a lot of marking to do, you get impatient when you try to get a message across and your students just wouldn't get it.
A friend asked if I miss marking papers. Truth is, sometimes I do. Will I ever go back to teaching? Well, I am keeping the options open :-)
Monday 11 June 2007
Friday 8 June 2007
Just a passing thought
Yangebub, Cooogee, Coolbelup, Dog Swamp - just in case you're wondering what these are, they are names of suburbs in WA :-) Imagine living in Dog Swamp. When I first heard the name, I actually thought that it was a piece of swamp land, hence the name 'swamp', but when I went past the area on the way to Lancelin many months ago, I found out that the 'swamp' was actually a thriving area in the City of Stirling. Sometimes I wonder how people come up with names to suburbs or street names. They probably choose words with special meaning, or words in the native language. For e.g Yangebup, located in the City of Cockburn, takes its name from the nearby Yangebup Lake.
Now, although some names are a little weird, they still can't beat some of the names of streets or suburbs in KK, and I know that for sure. After all I used to live in Lorong Muntahan 3 (translated as Vomit Street No 3) in Taman Chendawan (Mushroom Park)!!!
And talking about names, I found that people have problems when it comes to spelling my name :-) The spelling variations that I have encountered include Betress, Betris, Beatris and Beathris!!! Funny considering all you have to do is to put two words together to make my name - beat and rice... hahahhaha
Yangebub, Cooogee, Coolbelup, Dog Swamp - just in case you're wondering what these are, they are names of suburbs in WA :-) Imagine living in Dog Swamp. When I first heard the name, I actually thought that it was a piece of swamp land, hence the name 'swamp', but when I went past the area on the way to Lancelin many months ago, I found out that the 'swamp' was actually a thriving area in the City of Stirling. Sometimes I wonder how people come up with names to suburbs or street names. They probably choose words with special meaning, or words in the native language. For e.g Yangebup, located in the City of Cockburn, takes its name from the nearby Yangebup Lake.
Now, although some names are a little weird, they still can't beat some of the names of streets or suburbs in KK, and I know that for sure. After all I used to live in Lorong Muntahan 3 (translated as Vomit Street No 3) in Taman Chendawan (Mushroom Park)!!!
And talking about names, I found that people have problems when it comes to spelling my name :-) The spelling variations that I have encountered include Betress, Betris, Beatris and Beathris!!! Funny considering all you have to do is to put two words together to make my name - beat and rice... hahahhaha
Thursday 7 June 2007
Message from the Dalai Lama during his visit to Perth
“Anger and hatred is literally eating our human system.
“If our mental outlook is weak then even the best of (medical) facilities won’t bring us happiness in life. If you remain a compassionate person, honest and truthful, you will have inner strength and contentment no matter how others see you.
“I think everybody has the potential for compassion no matter the cruelty inside.”
“Anger and hatred is literally eating our human system.
“If our mental outlook is weak then even the best of (medical) facilities won’t bring us happiness in life. If you remain a compassionate person, honest and truthful, you will have inner strength and contentment no matter how others see you.
“I think everybody has the potential for compassion no matter the cruelty inside.”
Wednesday 6 June 2007
Monday 4 June 2007
Friday 1 June 2007
A Visit to another tourist destination - The Pinnacles
About 3 hours drive and 250 km from the city of Perth, the Pinnacles is one of the wonders of nature in WA. As you can see from the pics, it is a sea of rocks protruding from the sand, some have very very funny shapes (when you see the pics you'll know what I mean ;-) ). The beach is on the coast of Cervantes, also known as the Gateway to the Pinnacles.
These are pics of the windfarm:
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About 3 hours drive and 250 km from the city of Perth, the Pinnacles is one of the wonders of nature in WA. As you can see from the pics, it is a sea of rocks protruding from the sand, some have very very funny shapes (when you see the pics you'll know what I mean ;-) ). The beach is on the coast of Cervantes, also known as the Gateway to the Pinnacles.
These are pics of the windfarm:
<
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