Coolcat's Jottings

As I prepared to leave for a long weekend away, I realized that I should make amends with a loved one before I leave. Anything can happen and I wouldn't want the last memory of our interaction to be a sour one. It wasn't easy but as we talked, I realized that it takes two to tango. And as much as I assert inwardly that "I'm just human, there's only so much I can take!", the other person was thinking the same, too.

So what does one do?

Swallow down whatever pride one has, and ask for more grace from God to see things His way. Seeing things from the other person's point of view helps to a certain degree. But it can cause false guilt and shame to be piled on you. And seeing things from our own myopic view is not usually the best thing to do. After all, it's only one side of the story. And friends, no matter how objective they are, will almost always be on your side. Again because they are only hearing one side of the story. And it's their role to support you no matter what. As for therapists/counselors, they are there to help you process your thoughts and feelings. Sort things out so that you can see the situation more objectively and to own your contribution to the problem. But only when you are ready to face up to them.

Oh, and it also helps to communicate constantly. This goes a long way to dispel untruths, doubts and suspicions from creeping into the relationship. Not many people are blessed with naturally rosy, smiley faces. Time and again, you'd be surprised to note that the person you thought to be a sour puss is actually someone very sweet and amiable on the inside.

In short, we are all humans. We are all at par with each other. To expect the other party to change first before we do is to expect the mountain to go to Muhammad. To change and to grow ourselves is so much easier than that. Less frustrating, too.

Apparently, across the airwaves today, this question was posed:

"Only losers stay at home on Friday and Saturday nights. True or false?"

Annie, Twinnie and I were outraged at this question.

"What kind of juvenile thinking is this?" we asked. And it's true. Just because someone decides to stay at home on those two nights doesn't make them a loser. It's just another valid way of spending time.

I've lost count of the number of times I stayed at home or wished that I was at home on those 'sacred' nights. After a long hectic work week, all I want most is to chill out. Unwind. Hang loose. Not go out dancing at some seedy and smoky discotheque with some hot friends thinking, "Wowee, this is so cool! I'm so glad I'm not at home on a Friday night like some loser!"

Annie and Twinnie thought the same. There we are - the three of us, hanging out in our favourite Indian restaurant. On a Friday night. But the fact of the matter is, we didn't feel like we were out. The place feels like home to us. We've been there so often that the waiters know our usual standard orders, how Annie likes her Masala tea and even Annie and Twinnie's names. They only know me by face, because I haven't introduced myself to them. I don't normally give my name or become too chummy with restaurant owners and waiters. It makes it easier not having to explain to them if I haven't visited them for a long time or if I'm caught enjoying the dishes of a competitor. To put it simply, I prefer our relationship to be carefree, easy and guilt-free.

"Technically, we are out. But don't you guys feel like we are at home unwinding?" asked Twinnie. At our nods, she went on to say, "So, does that mean we are losers??"

Definitely not. Not in a place where everyone (well, almost!) knows your name. So tonight, I did something that I should have done years ago. I introduced myself to our waiter. I don't have to hide behind a mask of semi-anonymity anymore. I'm home. On a Friday night.



Photo Credits

You know you lack sleep when people start commenting this:

"What happened to your eyes?"

"Why, what's wrong with it?"

"You look like you haven't slept in days."

I got that exact same remark twice this week. Enough is enough. Slept early like a good girl last night. Although being a good girl tonight might be a little difficult. It's Friday night after all.

TGIF, everyone!

A follow-up from this entry.

After many calls from the Chek Hup sales person to locate where I was - the poor thing was unfamiliar with my territory, I finally got the precious package yesterday. Here it is in its full glory!

I can't emphasize enough how elated I feel. Thank you, Chek Hup for making a good day even better!


Wow, this is HUGE!


My first glimpse of the goodies stashed inside


Ta da!!!

For as long as I could remember, I have always been intrigued with the mystery behind Kellie's Castle. And so last weekend, I finally got my chance. Tim, Annie and I went for a long-awaited for road-trip to Ipoh. Food, white coffee and photo taking of Kellie's Castle were the agenda for the day. And we managed to complete them all in spite of the on-and-off rain.

Needless to say, the white coffee at Jalan Bandar Timah was to die for. My first ever authenticly brewed White Coffee that doesn't come out of a packet. Was it better than Chek Hup? You bet!

Do enjoy the pics taken of Kellie's Castle and one of HSBC, Ipoh. There was quite a crowd of people visiting Kellie's Castle that day. Good to know that it's still attracting people from all over Malaysia - spotted lots of Wilayah and Selangor license plated cars there.



HSBC, Ipoh. It's one heck of a majestic building.


My first glimpse of Kellie's Castle from the car park.


This pic somehow gave me the goose bumps...


Welcome to Kellie's Castle




The Moorish influence on the architecture was really apparent throughout the castle's ruins


There was a sense of sadness at the abandoned castle. There were so many rooms and plans for it that just wasn't meant to be. This courtyard is just one of the many symbols of Mr. Kellie's broken dreams.




Look at this... I can't help feeling like I was in Spain!