Dinner and Dance 2008

Another Architectural Dinner and Dance. For the second year I actually joined Agnes for her D&D. This time round, it was being held on Jan 11 at G Hotel. Cool. I was thinking it was the Gurney Hotel but actually it wasn't. It was much closer to Gurney Mall and it's just G Hotel.

By Rachey Rache on Flickr

By weibep on Flickr

I as usual, a little excited. Dunno why. Probably, we dun have such functions for the Mechanics. What a pity. But great news is somebody is organizing it this year. I'm looking forward to it anyway. Though I dun think it would be as nice as this but I wish the organizers of the Mechanical D&D all the best. That'll be held somewhere later after CNY. So be looking towards it too.

Back. So after class I grab some stuff and hurried to meet Agnes. Eager. She wasn't feeling too good though. Aw.. Having some trouble with her running nose. As I myself was having some tummy problem earlier. Still wandering what i ate the day before, as I ended up in the toilet almost every hour. Rested for a while, took a shower and we left a little early cause the Agnes and her friend needs to get their hair done.

We went to a shop some where near Gurney to do it. It was a bridal studio actually. But they too does hairstyling, makeups etc etc etc. Quite a nice studio. So the girls were in a room while the me and YC had to wait outside for them. Occasionally we would peek inside to have a look on their transformation. *cheeky grin* They started with the make up, then the hair. hmm. That's all my knowledge about it.

We were a little restless waiting outside. So we just played with our hp. The workers were doing some wedding photos. And I curiously just be nosy about it. Then I started walking around. Looking at stuffs, photo albums, and whatever that can kill my boredom.

Back in the makeup room, I saw Agnes got her makeups done and working on her hair. Hmm.. You can actually do wonders with long hair but not short.

Then TaDa. Finally done. Hmm. Girls after transformation sure looks superbly pretty.

Mi bonita novia

We are done in the studio and head off to G Hotel. Straight to the function hall. One of the nicest I've seen. But we were having some trouble finding for the restroom at first. Cause still need make sure everything was done perfectly which includes myself. Trying to look to the best and be gorgeous for the night.

ME!

The function area sort off consist of two parts : The hall in it and there's a little space outside the hall where food will be served, buffet style.Usually the food is served in the hall itself. Quite classy I should say.

the outer hall

Chef ensuring the displays are in order

Then we were asked to gather in the hall. Then they have some opening events.

stage

Then we were ready for the food. Hmm. Lots of delicious food being served. Beef rendang, Lasagna, fish fillet, roasted chicken, pasta, mushroom soup, desserts, etc etc. They just delicious. But there are still rooms for improvement. I'd give a 8/10 for the food.

the food

Then performance after performance ( singing, dancing, b-boys, magic show, slide shows ) . Not left out is also the free dance session. Too bad I didn't really get to dance this time round.

Photo taking is definitely can't be missed. Everyone was dressed in their most glamourous, elegant, charming, beautiful way. Though I'm more left out in this. As I dun really know much people around. So pity me. But still there are,just me and my dear. *happy* After everything was quite over, we continued our photo session in the lobby. A very nice interior indeed. Several sets of sofa of different designs, a mini bar, and more sofas. Hehe.

...

te amo

Then everyone was tired. We went to chill out somewhere outside Gurney Hotel, grab a drink. My energy level was already reaching critical level. Sleep my way back in the car. Reached back home, took a nice shower and jumped into bed.

Super Exhausted Day...

Thurs was a public holiday. I'm sure for what but it's a holiday. No Lectures for the day. That's the best part of it. But will be suffering towards the end of the semester. =(

So the night before it, we've decided to go picnic. Bought some food and snacks to be brought there when Ryan and me went shopping the night before. We decided to depart at 8am.

Woked up early, threw some clothings into the bag and ready to go. We decided to ride to a waterfall somewhere in Serdang, about 30 mins ride away. We had 3 bikes on the move. Vvrooomm.. Let's go. Enjoying a little of the morning sun. Quite a journey, enjoying some paddy field, oil palm estate, small towns and finally we reached our destination.

The shopkeeper of the little stall down hill was getting ready to start his day. We grabbed our stuffs and headed up. It wasn't a big waterfall like the one in Lata Kijang. But it's a pretty nice place to go for a picnic and to have a dip in the cool water. On the way up, we actually met some friends' friend. In short, campus mates. I guess we were not as early. We just continue headed to the higher area. Cos usually the water would be cleaner as compare to that down below.

It's wasn't really high. We just followed the steps for about 500m or so. Satisfied enough. As we couldn't really find another route to go higher. So we just clear off some space to settle down. Everyone was eager. Within split seconds, everyone was ready to get wet. The location was pretty nice. It had a water fall, and a pool like area. It wasn't deep. Probably about 3 feet, sufficient.

The first touch of the water was like it's freaking cold. Slowly dipping our legs and in to the water. *shivering* COLD!ＣＯＬＤ!COLD! My brain almost got frozen. But after a while, it wasn't as bad as our body had adapt to the water temperature. Then the fun began!

gushing water

Water starts splashing everywhere. There's no escape! Art of splashing. Single handed splash, double combo, scissor leg splash, gang splash.. Ryan and me started getting on rocks and logs and started jumping into the water. We then proceed towards below the waterfall. That's the best part. Sort of like a free massage. You can really feel those heavy volume of water falling on you. COol...

Repeat the above paragraph.. hehe. That's what actually happens most of the time. Not forgetting phototaking. Trying all our best to get into each and every picture. hehe.

Got a little hungry. We came out of the water and hunger for food. Everyone was tired and hungry. Bread we ate with tuna. Munch munch munch. Everything tasted good as we were just hungry.

the picture WAS perfect =P

We continued playing for a while more as we were already quite tired. Then packed up, changed and head home.

****Then we came across a tortoise on the way bk home... but too bad it's dead in the middle of the road... with it's shell crack open. n u can see the red flesh inside... yummy... ****

Intruded by Ryan while I was blogging.

We stopped by at Tmn Pekaka and packed lunch before heading back hostel. I can't wait to go back to my room, shower and lie on the bed.

However, the exhaustion doesn't ends here.

We planned to play badminton later in the evening. But the courts were fully booked for the day. On our way back, we met a course mate who asked us to join them for badminton in 15 mins time. Er.. sure.. We throw our stuff back to the room, changed to sports attire, grab our rackets and Badminton here we come.

2 hours of continuous games. Tired indeed. My bones feels like shattering. My limbs feels like stopping their function and just stay where it is. Finally I can go back to my room.

What I need now is a cold shower!!!! A quick shower then took my lunch while watching movie.

My whole body just refuses to move. There I sit till dinner.

Hello 2008 !!

Brand new year! It hadn't been a great start to kickstart the new year.. but now i think things are getting better and everything seems to be going just fine .

My first post of the year. Again I'd like to welcome 2008. Just hope things will be good and get even better.

A New Year celebration in Juru was something different from the previous years. This time, we went for Tambun for a seafood dinner. Too bad my dear agnes was too busy and couldn't join in the fun. Wished she was there. The food were really great. We had crab, lala, tofu, vege, and balitong? ( it's another type of shell type food which you need to suck it out ). We even brought 4 bottles of red wine along. That's the tough part. I really had low alcohol limit. But it was fun and enjoyable cheering and drinking together! Bottoms up! The bill came up to about 20plus per head including the wine. I think it's still reasonable.

Later we headed for Autocity, Juru. On the way there, my head already started to feel drowzy. My tummy already started feeling weird and bloated. Toilet i went and puke a little.
My vision is fine just that it isn't as perfect. Just after we parked our car at the Autocity I started throwing out again. Gosh. Bad bad. I guess I'm really bad at it. At most i only had 1 glass max. But after throwing out it really helps. I began to feel a little better and getting hold of myself again.

However, someone else had a worse experience than me. Oops. I'll not talk about it here.
Anyway, there was a mini concert going on and some local artiste invited. None were familiar to me except Phatfab the emcee which is one of the DJ from Flyfm. But I was a little disappointed as everyone were just staring at the stage. Common people, it's new year's eve and there's a concert going on. Move it people and make some noice. The crowd just stood there as if they were watching some street performance. Only some people here and there were giving some response.

We hanged out till midnite, and watched the firework display. It wasn't very grand but i think it's good enough. And really boost the New Year spirit.

Good Bye 2007!!

It's been really fast to see how actually time flies. Scary at times. Come to think of it back then when it was just the beginning of 2007, now it's time to move on to 2008. The brand new year, brand new resolutions, brand new semester and lots more. Can hardly believe it that i'm going to have my training next year and it's going to be final year after that. And some of my friends who are having their final semesters, good luck and enjoy your last semester, which also goes to my dear Agnes.

Lots have been done and lots haven't been done. Hopefully I'll make full use of the next year and do the most out of it. Blah blah blah..

Just trying to pass my time and post up some last few words for the year! I'll be counting down tonight in Autocity, Juru. Yippie!! I'm sure i'll bump into lots of friends there. Well the more the merrier.
Done !
Done !
Done !
for the year...

Everyone, see you next year.

Ho! Ho! Ho! Merry Christmas!!

On Christmas' eve, I ended up following HL over to penang. Suppose to join him in Gurney but had some other plans with Agnes n her friends. So ended up in NewWorld. Erm.. It's sort of a .. I'm not sure what to call it anyway. It's a place like a food court but higher class with lots of nice restaurants, Starbuck,Old Town, pubs and some stalls and there's even a little stage with some mini performance going on. What to eat? That's always the main problem. I'm hungry. Debate n discussion going on. Finally it had been decided. Manhattan Fish Market it is.

So we headed of to MFM. Quite pack. The waiter served us, and we had to hold on as there wasn't space for 10 person. Waited for a while and finally got our seats. Took a while to decide on what to eat. I can't remember what we've ordered anyway. A photograph says it all. Hungry. Can't wait to feast.

Food!!!

*drooling*

Food is served. Wow. Looks good. Yummy.. Everyone dig in cos all were hungry after all the waiting. True enough it taste just as good as it looked. There was one which came, and just before serving the waiter actually took out a mini flame thrower

and burn up the food. Hehe. Just kidding. Sort of toasting it a little i guess. The first one was served on the other end of the table as we ordered 2 of those. So I was trying to enjoy the flame throwing perfomance, but before i actually had a good look it was done. Oh my. What the heck. Nevermind. We had another one. So I was getting ready with my W810 trying get a video out of it when the next one being served. I was waiting for it. and waiting. Oops. A bit restless, and eager. Looking on the other end of the table. The waiter was there again ready to fire up again. Hei! Over here ler. Disappointed. Just had a peek or two. Didn't capture any video. Sad sad. And the waiter was about to put down. O that side got already hor. Then walk to my end. I was like!@#%!$. Now only come to me. Can burn again a? =_=

Product of burnt food


Hmm.. what was that?

Just enjoy the food lor. Then after dinner we just hanged around a little. It's almost midnight. The emcee on the stage started counting and it's midnight.

Merry Christmas!!!!!!!

2 lost reindeers only one had a red nose *giggle*

And little kids started to sing the kiddie version of christmas songs. Probably sung by kids so sounds kiddie. Then we just took some photos, and exchanged some gifts. There weren't really full of people there as compared to Gurney which was like sardine packed. But I think it's quite a nice place to spend my Christmas eve.

Maxwell Hill

I was back in campus on Monday. Unpacked stuffs and getting everything ready for the new semester. The next day, first day of class. Almost had to be fined for late registration but thanks to our very understanding deputy dean, which excused us for that.

Back in class, Guey Yong discussed with me of going to Maxwell Hill on the next day. I was like huh? I was planning to go back home. But in the end I thought it wasn’t a bad idea after all. And we did some last minute booking and right after class on weds we headed off to Taiping.

On arrival, we went to get our tickets for the jeep ride up the hill. And the unfriendly guy in the office keep insisted that we hadn’t book any. And we insisted that we called up and confirmed our booking and blah blah blah. Somehow in the end we called up the room reservation and they called down to the guy and we finally manage to get on the jeep. So what’s the point of that guy argueing when he could have just be more friendly and allocate some place for us.

The ride up was the roughest I’ve ever taken. Narrow road with superwinding and sharp corners. The drivers must have practiced a lot. I almost felt like throwing out after the ride.

inside view of the jeep

Checked in, got our keys, put our stuffs and we went walking around a little. Trekked a little and took some photos.

trekking

er.....

The fog is creepy

Back in the evening, we showered and tooked our dinner at the only café there. The view was great from where we were sitting.

Smile..

Taiping view i guess

Enjoying our food while watching the evening view of Taiping. We sat, chatted, ate junk food, and lastly opened our bottle of red wine which we brought up. Not long I felt a little effect of the alcohol though I hardly had a full cup.

Trying to open the bottle.. we are just beginners

I'm sober..

Gulp gulp gulp...

Cheers !!

Then we walked down the hill a little to a little playground and view tower to enjoy the night view. We continue sitting and chatting a while. Then hiking up back to our little chalet. Sat in a common hall, watching Harry Potter, and I fell asleep.

The next morning, woke up early, just before sunrise, enjoying the last few moments of Taiping night view before the sun shines. The street lights began to fade off slowly. And the sun shines began to cover more and more of Taiping. The view is just magnificent. Breathing in fresh cool air. Did some light exercise and just enjoying the clean, fresh air. Walked around the garden, took photos of some flowers scenaries.

Cassini

Finally it’s almost time to go. Grabbed our stuff and the jeep is there waiting for us.

In da house

one last one

really last one..

Another one of a kind ride down hill.

Back down Taiping, we bought our ticket, and took lunch just before leaving, one of the famous chicken rice in town. It’s nice, especially the char siew. Then me and guey yong went down KL while jin chin and agnes went back penang. Too bad agnes can’t follow me back.

Back in KL, followed Andy’s car back home.

EDMAT-30

One camp after another. I was just back from PELTAC, 2 days of rest and getting ready for EDMAT-30. Phew!

Date : 10 - 16 Dec 2007
Location : 12th College University Malaya

Another long week.

Day 1
Arrived in a rainy afternoon, did some registration and headed to my new room. But the sad news is there is only one key to the room and it's with my new room mate as he has arrived earlier. I ended up waiting for almost half hour. A little unsatisfied but I didn't blame my new room mate for that though. My new room mate, See Hon, from NUS. They separated us from our friends, it wasn't a bad idea though. Nice room mate he is.

Took a shower and quickly went down for briefing in full formal, with blazer. It's hot but i think they actually looks very nice. Everybody looked very smart. Then time for dinner, Luxurious indeed, 4 dishes. Something that we hardly eat back here. It would cost me twice the price.
After dinner there's group dividing and ice breaking game. It really not easy to remember each and everyone's name especially when there's like at least 90 of them. But at least i remembered half or more. So objective achieved. There were participants from quite a number of universities, UM, USM, UPM, UNIMAS, UMP, UTHM, UTM and even from Singapore, NUS and Indonesia, DIPONEGORO. Then group activities, thinking of names, cheers, group leader and stuff like that. My group was group PI for group 3 and my fellow group members : Firdaus , Bob, Steven, Ting, Sin, Fiza, Linda, Lusy, and Wong. Nice working along!
Day 2
Took breakfast in the cafe and headed of for the opening ceremony in the hall. Everyone is in their best formal attire. It's really my first experience of seeing such formal event especially when i'm one of them. VVIP, VIP were there giving talks and so on. Nothing much interesting.

USMers


Ryan n Me in our formal suit

Then after lunch we had a training session by Motorola by Mr Andy on how to solve problems creatively. Using a powerful tool, TRIZ. Continued a little on career talk, introduction to Motorola, overview, how to join them and stuff like that.

At night, we had a session with Mr Christopher Raj. Very nice speaker, interesting, too bad time was a little limited as there was some delay.

Day 3
Brand new day began with an aerobic session. Everyone was still semi closing their eyes while doing aerobic i guess. Hehe. It was tired but still manage to get through it. Took a shower and went for breakfast. Continuation of the motorola session part II. Did some group activities in solving some problems given. But everyone still puzzled and unsure. So we just crap our way through it.

After lunch there was a financial planning by Mark & Chermayne. Did some financial planning activities, estimating how we actually spend our money and a little on how to manage our money wisely. To me, I'd say it all began with savings from today onwards.

Next was outdoor challenge. Yippie, this is more fun!! We went kayaking and did flying fox at the nearby lake. I started with the flying fox.

B4 getting dip in the lake

It's sort of gliding down from one side of the lake to the otherside. For those heavier people like me ( after enjoying luxurious food at home ) well, there's no escape from dipping into the lake. It's kinda freaky thinking of dipping into the lake which look as if it's full of toxic waste. But i guess it isn't as bad. Then kayaking was next. Me and Ryan took a kayak and went kayaking. Meeting people nearby and greeted each other with lake water. Splash! Splash! Lucky enough our boat didn't turn over. Some actually did. Hehe. Then we joined our kayaks together and row along. Pity those at the side ( ME!! )

Kayak gang

Towards the night, we had a session with Mr Yau Chao Fong, an engineer and also the president of the toastmaster club of some district. Interesting, interesting and interesting. For those who haven't been to any talks by toastmaster, seek any opportunities available. You'll enjoy it. It's mostly about speaking and presenting.

Day 4
Tour day. Yippie, for once there no need to attend any talks. Hehe. Nah, it's just the fun of going out. Our first stop was to KLIA.

We had a tour round it and into some of the inner part of the administration. We went to the Flight Control Center. That's where they manage all the incoming and out going flights. They will prepare schedule, arrange slots, parking bay, and print up all the datas on the screens.

in FOC

It's interesting to view things from inside. They are also able to control the cameras looking at what's going on outside.

View from the Control Tower CCTV

Then we took the transit like to the Satellite, which is another take off area which is further in and only accessible to those taking off or landing from there.

In Satellite

In transit

A little tour and explanation then shopping for duty free chocolates and perfumes. I just grabbed some chocolates cause they seemed so tempting.

While waiting for the cashier in the ChocshoP

Next stop was Dunham Bush factory. I hardly know what was it in the first place. Then there's still some briefing and a little lecture, they are actually dealing with heat exchangers, chillers and stuffs like that.

heat exchanger the making

great mind thinking

KLCC stop for dinner. Just ate something from the foodcourt. And took a quick walk around KLCC, as time was short and our next stop was The Eye Of Malaysia.

KLCC

Eye Of Malaysia

It was my first time though. So it was quite fasinating and eye catching. A ride which cost me rm15 for 5 rounds ride. It isn't that expensive i think. Too bad my dear is not with me. Hehe. And that's for the day.

Day 5
Poco-poco for the morning. It's a sort of dance I guess they come from Indonesia as I see my Indonesian friends who are very good at it. Interesting but still everybody is half awake. Hehe. After breakfast, it's another workshop. This time is by Mr Rizal. He's unique. A little different from the other speaker. He came in this red kungfu suit. Lots of equipments. ball, bell, powermac (ohh.. *drooling* ), chair, bangau? and other stuffs. It's very interactive. All sorts of activities to get people move about. Knowing others better, giving stars to ourselves, dancing to the music, how to ride a horse ? hehe , swichting places, make funny face ( that's one of the funniest moments, i couldn't believe what i did.. lol ), SALAM MESRA ( easier said than done, TIGA ). Well i guess all EDMATers will remember all these.

In the evening we had some forums going on. Sort of spontaneous speech. Just trying to get everyone to speak in front. Not a bad idea but i think they should actually divide the participants as it always ended up all on either side. It's always follow the crowd. Night station game was after dinner. It was a murder case and we were suppose to hunt for the murderer. And that's day 5.

Day 6
For the second last day, the feel of getting back increases but the feel of staying and enjoying the camp also increases. Contradictions. Karate for morning exercise. Just some basic steps and some warm up step. And what i've learned is, when in a fight, karate is not so much of use, steps and movements are not so much of a concern. What is important is grab whatever object which can be your defense, and run whenever possible. Jackie Chan steps are not applicable. Aim for weak spots, eye, nose, neck, kneecap, groins and even a clap on the ears will give you sufficient time to run.

7 habits of highly efficient people. It wasn't much of a talk. It seemed to me more like video watching session. Three hours is just not sufficient for a 3days course. Our speaker ended up presenting the first habit. Later we had some games, sort of awareness games, to be aware of

At night we had sort of treasure hunt games. We just missed by this little bit to find the treasure. hehe. But i still think my group really played everything well. Nice job again team !!

Day 7

The last day finally arrived. Enjoying the last few moments. We had a trip to an orphanage. Visited these really adorable kids. Really feel sad for them as some of them were abandoned by parents, on purpose or even due unavoidable circumstances, meet an accident, unable to support and lots more. They did some performance, and some of us also did some performance to entertain each other.

performance going on

Some of the kids actually got along very well with us. And it's really sad when it's time to leave.

After lunch we had some telematch games. It's a little hot though as some games were played under hot sun. However some are really wet, 5 cups of water to blow out each others candles and the committee only used one cup or should i say bucket.. i'll remember that. It's fun after all. And there were maths problems which i'm too lazy to think. Brain just isn't working as efficient. And song guessing games. And drawing without hands. That's tough.

Then the night that everyone has been waiting for. The Gala Dinner. Everyone rushed back to put on their best attire. Girls especially. Glitter and Glitz was the theme. But for guys there's nothing much different. But for girls, fancy clothings, really sparkling and eye catching. Girls are always girls. In short, the guys were gorgeus ( which includes me, hehe )

gorgeous guys

and the girls were beautiful. The bus lost it's way and we ended up at Vistana Hotel a little late. And FEAST!!! Everybody was hungry. While eating each group presented their presentation. *clap* for all. Then some other performances which includes one by our Indonesian friends and not forgetting the one by the committee. Wonderful night indeed.

Tiga

Back in UM we had our final session, sharing from everyone. And officially end of the 7 days camp.

Day 8

On the next morning we checked out and went to pudu to catch a bus. Hardly able to get tickets. Mostly were way late. Out of deperation we took the next earliest bus back to Butterworth and decided to get off at Juru toll. It cost us rm35 to get back. It’s so expensive. Usually we could just bought it at rm25 at most. And that’s not the worst part, we were guided from the bus station out to the streets, waited for sometime and there comes the bus. A SCHOOL BUS. WTH, I paid such expensive ticket to get on a schoolbus!!! Furious we were, but too bad, we have not much say in this. Everything is paid and we really want to get back as soon as possible. So just have to bear with it.

At last, Juru toll. We had to walk quite a distance with our luggage and finally we reached and was sent back by friends. What a day…