The list..

Okay, so I finished work today at 7:49pm and have lots of time before going back. The past days were rather okay but at the point of returning home, there were still things left pending that required attention. Not today. Well, except for that payment to that hotel for that guest. Lets hope they give me free parking :P

I've been wanting to write about my gastronomic experience for the past 2 weeks month but like I said, things just kept up, eating away my private blogging time that stopped me from blogging, REAL blogging (like this one? :P) since early July.

Oh, I'm 32 now! :D

For the month of July, I've had the opportunity to dine at these places:

1. Bread and Olives at Lookout Point, Hulu Langat
It's an Arabic eatery/restaurant strategically located at the lookout point atop Bukit Langat (or what official name they have for that hill). This is a new discovery for me although I've been to the lookout point before. The food was good and the price was deserving for an Arabic meal. The view however was breath taking but it's only pretty at night, when no camera can do justice since all pictures will turn out dark-ish.

2. The Atrium Cafe, Sunway Resort Hotel (Pyramid Tower), Bandar Sunway
Had my 'breakfast' and lunch here twice when attending to guests, courtesy of The Management of Sunway Resort Hotel. The meal was quite alright but I adore the lamb so very much. Juicy succulent lamb can make me drool no matter the situation or surrounding. It wasn't really a breakfast, thus the inverted commas, since it was just some pastries and a cuppa tea. Which I didn't really eat because we had some other business to attend to. Also had sushi (although a very bad combination considering the other spread they have) and lots of ice creams. Oh, the tummy didn't agree with my choice of food :P Only Danish pastries were for breakfast and all others mentioned were from lunch. TWICE :D

3. The *something*something*, Hotel Istana, Bukit Bintang
This was a dinner that wasn't meant to happen. We went to the hotel to confirm some stuff and initiate contact with the people there (they visited us a few days before that) which ended up with us having dinner. Blame it on the reception for taking tooooooooooo long to process our request and before you know it, it was already a decent time for dinner! I wanted to eat well but felt self-conscious primarily because I wasn't prepared to be there and also because I was expecting to have dinner at home. The spread also included sushi as well as lobsters, salmon, Malay dishes, and some other mix I cannot remember. I didn't really indulge in the varieties on offer because we were accompanied by a few hotel staff so malu la nak buat muka tak malu.. haha..

4. Strawberry *something*, Taipan, USJ
Chanced upon this place while browsing Taipan and ate fish and chips. And realised that I've been to another outlet with the same name before but in PJ, near MBPJ. The dish was alright and the ambience just nice although the price of drinks were.. surprising.

5. Zucca Pizzeria+Cafe
Courtesy of Mama for the July-borned babies in the family. We had a good mix of almost everything on the menu and also multiple doses of fried calamari, garlic bread and garlic bread with cheese. Also had spaghetti with meatballs, lasagna, pizza, lamb shank, and and and and.. hahaha.. I'd be a fool not to be full! ;)

6. Uncle Lim's, Berjaya Times Square, Bukit Bintang (or is it Pudu?)
This used to be our 'station' whenever my father and I go out for lunch. I think it got too much into our pockets as we now bring sandwiches from home, hehe.. Well, actually, my pocket was already shallow to begin with so the pain was more in my father's. Uncle Lim's serves killer bubur nasi, chicken chop, laksa asam and mi cendawan. PERGH! Must try, if you haven't.

7. Bread Talk, Berjaya Times Square, Bukit Bintang/Pudu
This was courtesy of Abdul, for Ahmad and I. Ahmad's birthday is *surprise!* on the 24th! It's a small world afterall.. We had green tea cake, very mildly sweet so much so that Abdul took a second helping (never seen him do that before!)

8. Living Room, The Westin Kuala Lumpur, Bukit Bintang
Ate here twice on the same day. Twice = The Westin, not Living Room. One was with a courtesy ala-carte coupon (limited at RM40, imagine, berkira gile! Macam tak ikhlas je nak bagi courtesy coupons). I was rather irked at the limit that they gave on the coupon. Nak bagi biar la bagi betul. To make it even sillier, they didn't even have anything worth lunching with that costs less than RM40, on the menu. Went to the table, they didn't have dining utensils, no side plates. Asked the server if we can take buffet and top up the difference (buffet was RM72++) which she responded positively. Then after we took our buffet, she said cannot. Kalau tak pasal my parents and my brother, I would've snapped. Then we proceeded to have lunch and she didn't even have the decency to lay our table. We had to pinch the side plates, forks, knives, spoons and the side plates from neighbouring tables. AND THEY CALL IT A 5* HOTEL. Can take all those stars and *()@($!)@(* In return, we ate our hearts out with MORE lamb, less rice and all the lauks we can feast our eyes on. And two helpings of ice cream. Well, they don't lose anything from our meal but we ate more than RM72++, if we ordered ala-carte. Also had dinner at the hotel, during a friend's wedding.

9. Aunty Mas' house, Taman Zaaba, TTDI
I mean, this is the one place you can find a Taman inside a Taman.. For the same wedding mentioned above, this was a prelude. Had more kambing here but unfortunately was interrupted by some duties before having the chance to enjoy the kuey teow goreng. Food was wonderful!

10. Chee Hor Chicken Rice Shop, Jalan Bukit Bintang, Bukit Bintang
Try and you'll understand.

Alhamdulillah, despite the current financial constraint, He has shown me the path of good food. Sometimes I wonder how single-incomed households manage to feed and clothe all under their care when I cannot even manage to do much with what I have, just for me.

I must have missed a few other eat-capades because I thought I ate at more places than these. It was a very good month with good food.

I should be more thankful..

Zucca, for the delectable delicatessen

and bountiful Italian spread.

It's now 4 minutes to 6..

And if JT and Madonna's right, the world will end at 6pm.. hahaha..

Today's been good. Everybody seems to be in high spirits with smiles and niceties abundant, everyone including the guy serving at the Mamak restaurant downstairs. I have not for the life of me known his name but I've always had him serve me drinks (on his insistance, not mine) and we've always managed to have a short chat. I've also just realised that he doesn't actually speak our language so I guess he's an Indian from India but that's no problem for me. I've worked with more Indians than I've ever met before that. Being amongst them helped me understand their life, their tolerance, their upbringing and their approach to life and social relations.

Anyhow, things just happened to fall into place today with no unsuspecting trap doors. Tonight pulak ada meeting organised by the company with a travel agent from Iran. I guess working odd hours comes with the territory, unavoidable and forever accommodating. Tambah pulak baru je merangkak, nak mula bertatih, tak boleh la pilih-pilih sangat masa. Mungkin bila dah besar nanti, boleh mintak orang lain kerja lambat, kita jumpa masa siang hari je. By then, we'd probably have a bigger office with a proper meeting room and a pantry..

Haha.. Pantry. Why of all things do I mention pantry huh?

It has been a wonderful day. Alhamdulillah..

The itch.. eee.. *scratch*scratch*

Jari ni sebenarnya gatal nak menulis tapi kepala ni tanya balik, "Apa yang kau nak tulis tu?" It must be the time of the day that slows down whatever mental capacity and redirects the blood towards the digestive system. Baru nak tersebut reproductive system tapi apekebenda la aku nak buat dengan banyak2 darah masuk reproductive system? haih.. Dah dah..

Yes, it's the tired brain talking here.. I'll see what's there to think of writing next.

Emo.. :-S

Really, it can. Like, for one moment, you're all focused and directed then in a blink of an eye, you become all messed up and things turn topsy turvy. Just as you could, from being dark and moody suddenly become cheerful, happy and smiling as you walk, counting your steps on the crooked and broken pavement.

The same pavement that only one week ago was trodden in disappointment and frustration as you walk towards the Masjid, as a result of being scolded. At one time, I used to think that the most painful moments were the times that the teacher scolds you for doing/not doing something wrong/right. After years of surviving that belief, I realise now that being scolded at a later age is more painful since there's also this "tak pandai-pandai lagi ke? Umur dah berapa??" kinda thing hanging over my head.

But yeah. The same spot, different emotions, different pace although the same people.

This blog wasn't made to be about the pavement. It's made to talk about emotions. And it has been said :)

TOO MANYYY!!!

A Leo's Love Match

A Leo's Business Match

Cukuplah.. Look at them for fun, for enlightenment but not for guidance nor belief.

Now going GA!GA! over astrology..

It's detrimental to have so much time in your hands and have no idea what else to do.. Plus, I should've been a moviestar!! hahaha..


Dragon Personality

The Dragon is magnificent. He is flamboyant, attractive and full of vitality and strength. In China the Dragon is the imperial symbol, the sign of the emperor, or the male element Yang. The Dragon is the symbol of power and wealth.

It would be right to say that people born in the year of the dragon have a natural charisma and are certainly gifted with power and luck. It is unlikely for them to escape unnoticed from a party or to take a second place in a competition. The dragon person has an active mind and shows an unfeigned interest in the world around him/her. This person is also self-confident enough to know how to create a necessary impression. Because they are larger than life themselves, dragon people like to do everything on a grand scale. They are egoistical and ambitious, almost to the point of megalomania, and will stop at nothing to get what they want. Person born in this year wears the crown of destiny, and is capable of great achievements if he/she knows how to harness his/her tremendous energy, intelligence and talent. While these people enjoy being the centre of attention, they also have a brave and charitable side to their personality. If a dragon's friend faces a problem or dilemma he/she will be there to offer help, and when others leave the field of battle the dragon person makes a step forward to solve the problem with authority and dignity. These people set the high standard of actions for themselves as well as for other people and are surprised when others cannot cope with a task; they are so carried away by the process that fail to see other people's weaknesses.

The Chinese believe that there is a balance between heaven and earth in the life of people born in the year of the dragon, and successful follows them everywhere. Along with a good fortune, these people are also good organizers, who can step in at the right moment with an exciting or creative scheme. They can be quick-tempered and obstinate, and sometimes too outspoken, but there is usually good advice in their criticisms or suggestions. As a friend, person born in this year is often allows him/herself to be carried away by his/her needs to show everyone the way and neglects to solicit opinions and ideas from others. Yet no one could find a more devoted, open-hearted friend than this personality type. His/her vibrant, positive attitude is irreplaceable to have around and one can always count on him to support his friends unequivocally in times of need.

Dragon Love Affairs

These people are passionate, giving and totally partial when in love. They are blind to the faults of the loved ones and will shield the object of their affection against anyone or anything that could heart or threaten their love. Along with their inner power these people have an impressive presence and it is a usual thing for them to have a lot of admirers who are drawn by their charisma. On the contrary, the over-developed egos of dragons need constant attention and admiration from representative of opposite sex, and they will not hesitate to claim it if they feel they are not being sufficiently appreciated.

It is not difficult for dragon person to find romance, it is much more difficult for hi/her to settle down- there is often large quantity of love affairs take place at the same time in the dragon's life. The problem is that dragon person will soon be frustrated by emotional over-dependence or indecision, and will eventually set off in search of a new and exciting romance.

It is not a secret that these people treat love as a game at some point and it is rare for them to yearn for the past or harbor regrets. The situation is different when it comes to their ex-lovers who may carry a torch for the dragon lover long after the romance is over. It is very important to realize that people born in the year of dragon need a partner who would give them an opportunity to express themselves, someone who plays an active role but yet is not threatened by their irritable, stubborn and independent personality.

Dragon Career

A person born in the year of the dragon will be able to raise money for any venture and sound the trumpets far and wide. Being supported by a wide circle of friends he/she will selflessly work for the success of business.

It is in their nature to know how to gain respect, and being in charge or giving orders comes naturally; fortunately, most people accept their authority. It is important for them to have new challenges and freedom of movement. If they fell trapped by their career or they constantly have to follow other people's decisions, they would likely to pack their bags and leave.

They are high skilled specialists and have strong opinions on the planning and execution of projects. Their innate aggression and normal competitiveness may lead the whole business or even a company into dangerous waters, so it would be wise to hold the purse strings, tone down their expectations and unrestrained promotion as well as watch the legal aspects and exposure of the firm.

Ideal Job for the Dragon Include

Managing director, Salesperson, Advertising executive, Barrister, Film producer, Prime minister or President, Photojournalist, Architect, Astronaut, Artist, Film star, War correspondent.

Horoscope background

Lucky Numbers: 3, 4, 5, 6, 15, 21, 34, 35, 36, 45
Equivalent Western Sign: Aries
Element EARTH
Color YELLOW
Yin/Yang YIN
Direction EAST-SOUTH-EAST

Celebrity

Some Famous Dragons: Jeffrey Archer, Michael Barrymore, Count Basie, Julie Christie, James Coburn, Bing Crosby, Neil Diamond, Matt Dillon, Placido Domingo, Kirk Douglas, Michael Douglas, Marlene Dietrich, Tom Jones, John Lennon, Nick Nolte, Al Pacino, Elaine Paige, Gregory Peck, Cliff Richard, Martin Sheen, Ringo Starr, Shirley Temple.

Dragon Compatibility

Compatible with : Rat, Monkey, Snake, Rooster, Tiger
Less Compatible with : Dragon, Ox, Rabbit, Pig, Ram, Horse
Least Compatible with : Dog

Positive and Negative Capability

Positive: The Dragon can be vibrant, magnanimous, charismatic, principled, self-sufficient, discriminating, compelling, sentimental, accomplished, noble-hearted, healthy and prodigiously shrewd.

Negative: The Dragon can also be bombastic, dissatisfied, ruthless, demanding, opinionated, mawkish, egocentric, defensive, power-mad, foolhardy, wilful and pompous.

Revealing me..

Don't blame me for not understanding you, it's just my sign.. hehe..

The Lion
July 23 to August 22

Traditional
Leo Traits

Generous and warmhearted
Creative and enthusiastic
Broad-minded and expansive
Faithful and loving

On the dark side....

Pompous and patronizing
Bossy and interfering
Dogmatic and intolerant

23 July 1976

I feel famous just for being born on this date.

Hey, Omar Epps, Theo Van Gogh, DANIEL RADCLIFFE!! :D

No wonder my sister likes me.. hehe.. (at least I think she does)

It shows that I've not had much time for myself or the bloggers whose links I create on my blog. Nor had time to improve on the outlook of the blog although I do always complain that this template leaves too much room to expand and that the space provided for text and pictures are just too small.

But I did try today to move to a new template but they don't seem to fit well into my existing postings to the point that I will have to edit what postings I had before to make it fit. It was tiring enough to do that the first time, I'm not about to do it again so here's the same outlook and layout, for until I find a different courage and boost and probably a new blogsite too.

Speaking of which, I found out that there are more than just the templates listed in blogspot. Saw one from Queen's blog that made me stress to no end, trying to scroll through the archive. I scroll through archives very often to find out on news I've missed. That keeps me in touch with people I know.

Yes, there are also those who say, "Stop being like those typical bloggers who write about family and hubby and kids and etc.", which to them I say, write your own blog la dei!! This is mine and I write as I please.

Also found out that someone's been harassed (though I know not how and why) that resulted in her 'closing down' her blog and deleting her friendster account. Now I have one less featured friend on my list.

Also got to know that people moved, here and there and someone I know went light headed and had to be admitted. Little little stuff but helpful nonetheless.

I'm not about to vow to read my bloglist daily but I'm just happy that I started one. I don't have a blog counter and whatnots that would allow me to see the number of hits and where the hits come from and just still too lazy to add one.

Just had a conversation that killed the mood to write.