In Memory of 2008, Categorically

(And the award goes to...)




Movie of the Year
The Dark Knight. The villain was so acutely disturbing that during the movie I actually prayed he wouldn’t jump off the screen to wreck havoc in my City (coz let's face it, Cicakman is no match for him).

Song of the Year
David Cook’s version of Always Be My Baby. Oxymoronic, but what an original remake!

Book of the Year
John Grogan’s Marley and Me. (Although a 2007 publication, I read it only this year, so by this technicality it qualifies as this year’s.) I will never be able to describe it adequately to convince anyone what a rare gem of a book it is. Read it and you’ll know what I mean. I have a copy if anyone wishes to borrow it.

While on this category, I’d like to note two additional high points:

i. This year, more than ever before, friends and co-workers just came up to me to either give or lend their books, almost for no particular occasion. Strange but true. And so I read the dozen or so books with much gratitude and diligence. Book lenders and givers, you know who you are – I thank you for your generosity!
ii. This is also the year I exposed myself to chick lit. I was one of those who'd reject them haughtily, them being such frivolous works. But surprise, surprise, they're actually rather cathartic, and philosophical too. Have read a few already, and so far none are froufrou frivolous.

Material Possession of the Year
My trusty HP laptop bag. Which has a ripped right shoulder strap as proof of its sacrifice in bearing the weight of my daily belongings. Which has faithfully accompanied me to so many meetings, workshops, conferences, and trips for more than two years.

Eatery of the Year
Café Café, in downtown Kuala Lumpur (this place has been around for some time but was only frequented this year). The following comes to mind - Art nouveau. Delectable cuisine. Dramatic setting, but in a comfy sort of way. Lurve the dreamy crystalline suspensions. Ooh la la... me wanna hum La Vie En Rose thinking bout the place.

Travel Spot of the Year
Bali. It was a dry year, traveling-wise. Nevertheless, Bali easily wins this spot for showcasing its beautiful sunset at Ku De Ta and for affording the luxury of skinny dipping in Alang-Alang Villas’ private pool.

Event of the Year
My moving on to another place of work. Surreal, but happen it did.

Non-Event of the Year
My spending copious amounts of time at the (old) office and at home too, dedicated to conquering the mountainous piles of tasks, paperwork and whatnots. Only to be defeated. Again and again. It was A Dark, Depressing Period. Am glad the serotonin levels are back up to where they rightfully belong.

And finally...

Mantra of the Year
"We do what we can." I'd say 7 Habits' Habit #1 says it all. To focus on what we can control and bugger off with those that we can't.

Annus, Ex Post Facto

By the time I’m over the fact that 2008 had gone by forever more, the 12-tonne truck of 2009 would’ve sped by me as well. Time is passing far too quickly, especially so for yours truly who admits to having a perpetual snail-paced grasp in coming to terms with the end of yet another year that promised to be, er, so promising.

Oh 2008. How regretful I am to have squandered your youth, your potential, the abundance of your inheritance! Now, I have very little to show for, albeit for personal consumption.

“Tomorrow, tomorrow but not today, all the lazy people say.”
No more of this child's play, or I will dearly pay
So come what may, 2009 -
I will honour you, solemn and benign.

Wish me luck in reaping the most from the coming year. And wishing you a peaceful, progressive and health-wealthy new year.

Ordinately Organic

Twas my first meal experience at an organic food joint. I was recommended to a bowl of unconventional assam laksa – a preparation made of organic ingredients and is vegetarian to boot. Despite lacking the customary prawn paste, it tasted not unlike the original. I did miss the fish flakes though, which was replaced by soy-based nuggets.

Verdict: An unexpectedly refreshing version, worth having especially when in the mood for a healthier yet still familiar dish. A mental note not to rule out other organic (and vegetarian) options in the future!

The Green (as in Callow) Movement

It pains me that hotels claiming to be "Committed to a Greener Earth" are merely lip servicing. I have boarded in various hotel rooms bearing signs in bathrooms encouraging guests to support their cause but despite adhering to instructions to hang up towels for re-using, the cleaning staff consistently replaces them.

Could it be that they did try leaving the towels on the hooks only to be reprimanded by guests expecting a daily change? Therefore, do I have to write a consent note bearing the words “I hereby allow for my towels to be left alone” to provide some assurance to the chamber maid?

Whatever it is, if the hotels can’t walk their talk, the signs should come down. Otherwise, it would be so hypocritical, and Mother Earth deserves so much more respect than this.

A Viewful of Gratitude

It’s been almost two years since I had my near-sighted, slightly astigmatised eyes lasiked. Almost every day, if not daily, I utter my gratefulness for the unadorned fact that I can see so clearly, unaided, the things that appear before me. That no complication has arisen to date. That the Optimax staff took great care of me. That I was well taken care of post-procedure by dear hubby. I will be in appreciation of these, for a long, long time.