The four dots

Okay. I've been thinking hard to produce a post and I am now resigned to this. It's not only lame, uncreative, but also rather obnoxious (at least to me). However, I am desperate to fill this blog with something, anything, or whatever thing that crosses my mind, and so.. here goes.

You see the map below?

[caption id="attachment_55" align="aligncenter" width="570"] The four green dots[/caption]

It has four dots. Those dots signify about RM600 worth of airline tickets already purchased to visit each of those places in the coming future. It will be only my second trip outside of Malaysia, wait... make that the third, and I'm feeling very excited.

The plan would be to skip main cities, and bask in the glorious beauty of nature and water, while using major cities only as a transit point. Through the trip, I'd be passing KL three times, and money is indeed wasted by moving through KL. However, with no direct flights (or rather not many), I'm left with no option.

Probably some of yo u are thinking RM600 for airline tickets is a little steep, with some saying there's always the RM0 rates by AirAsia.

However, such rates do not come by easy, and my job in particular does not allow me to enjoy such rates, well most of the time. To be frank with you, all the rates were obtained with great patience with the last connecting flight (Phuket - KL) obtained just today, after days and days of checking the AirAsia site for a low fare rate. Oh, the rates are all-inclusive.

Anyway, for those of you still wondering how much are the tickets, put it this way...

KCH-KL RM99
KL-PHUKET RM99
PHUKET-KL RM113
KL-BALI RM99
BALI-KL RM99
KL-KCH RM99

So yeah.... holiday looms after one of the most hectic years I've ever experience by far. It would be LEGEND..wait for it.. DARY!!

My House: Suggestions, and kitchen plans

Having a new house is indeed exciting, and I have this one feeling that that particular joy also rubs on to those nearby. For the past few months, I have been constantly listening to suggestions made by numerous people, be it from friends, family members, neighbors and of course random strangers whom happen to pass by the house.

Don't get me wrong. I do appreciate these advices, and do often take a mental note of what was suggested. However, it does get rather annoying when what I have already done, gets negatively remarked, with words such as 'You shouldn't have done that, but should have done this'.

It makes me wonder who really owns, or pays for the house.

Yes, I know most of these people are concerned about the decisions I make in managing the house, particularly when it comes to changing this and that, but didn't it figure that I am the type of person who actually thinks way ahead before making decisions?

Take for example the kitchen plans below. It's the fifth I've drawn up so far, and while it does look confirmed, there's of course room for changes before the construction actually starts. This period (before construction starts), I call - 'Suggestion period'. I'd listen to anyone's opinion, take a mental note, and consider what was suggested. I think those with experience would have their fair share of knowledge, and as a newbie, I'd best at least, think about them.

[caption id="attachment_40" align="aligncenter" width="500"] The 5th kitchen plans. Any comments?[/caption]

However, when the 'Suggestion period' is over, and construction starts with plans already finalized, last minute suggestions are hugely unwelcomed because it's just annoying and troublesome. In case you didn't know, on top of consulting friends, family members and also random contractors on what could be done, I also Goggled up everything just to know more. I also consult on people I deem as 'local experts' before finalizing any details, just so that I know what I'm doing is right - like the kitchen, I asked mum and Dinah for advices since they are the ones knowledgeable enough when it comes to kitchen and how it should be designed. Of course, all their suggestions need to be adapted within my budget.

So people, if you have any suggestions, please do it before something is finalized. I'm all ears. However, once it's confirmed, please hold your peace, so that I can also have mine.

[caption id="attachment_41" align="aligncenter" width="500"] This is what my fortune cookie says. Truth?[/caption]

Trust me, if there's something which could be wrong with the finalized plans, I'd know about it later, and I'd be happy to take the blame and repair it because at least I do not have to live with the self-guilt of not listening to 'your very last minute' suggestions.

P/s: Suggestions on the current kitchen plan (extention works) are now open until end of February =P

Valentine yang 'menyesatkan'

Hey there.

It has been indeed a while. If you have noticed, you are now in a new address, known as 'blog.cyrildason.com'. The change is not entirely intentional, but rather due to the fact that I single-handedly messed up the codes in the 'cyrildason.com' domain, resulting in errors I myself could not explain. Talk about being a self proclaimed 'geek'.

Apart from that, I felt the old domain was rather 'heavy', and unorganized... so this one, would be much better, and I hope (cross my fingers) would work better than the previous one. I sure hope it (this blog) loads much faster compared to the previous one too. Do tell if you experience something out of the ordinary.

[caption id="attachment_23" align="aligncenter" width="500"] Ehem... ;P[/caption]

Also, 2012 was the start of a new beginning, so this new domain somewhats re-reinforces the amazing new life I've found ;)

Anyway, tomorrow is Valentine's day, and it's the one day restaurants and flower prices, particularly those which are directly connected to 'love', sky-rocket to the roof. I personally think the day is over commercialized, and I pity those with demanding love ones. Hey, not everyone is a millionaire bah.

[caption id="attachment_21" align="aligncenter" width="498"] Fireworks in the pocket due to exorbitant prices during Valentine's Day[/caption]

But despite that, it does not mean that I'll be in any way joining those extreme people from PAS who wants the celebration gone for good. I believe there are more things in the world which can 'menyesatkan' if compared to Valentine's day.

Blargghhh!! After years of hearing the same tune from these guys (in PAS), I'd rather waste my time watching How I Met Your Mother, than write a post giving as many points as I can to discredit them and where they stand. At my new found age, I guess I've learned to ignore what's less-important, and focus my attention to real issues.
[caption id="attachment_20" align="aligncenter" width="499"] Met your prince charming?[/caption]

Now, back to the 'big' day, which celebrates love.

Well, for what's it worth, love has never been about what you can get for your significant other, but rather more for what you can achieve when you are together. A prince charming may seem interesting, but if he's not beside you, what's the point of all the wealth?
[caption id="attachment_22" align="aligncenter" width="495"] Waiting for 'that' silver lining?[/caption]

Bet some girls may disagree with me, but yeah, those dazzling expensive presents would mean nothing if you aren't treated right, or even worst... always alone and lonely. I doubt there's a silver lining if you are not treated right in a relationship. Just saying.

With that said, Happy Valentine everyone, and as a dear friend said "Learn to LOVE, not fall in love because everything that falls, usually gets broken.".