Its Tuesday, and we know what that means!! Monday is over. Yay! But we're not really any closer to the weekend T___T

Just like any other corporate droid *beep*, it helps to get through the week if there's something to look forward to at the end of it all.

Thursday isnt exactly Friday, but it can be if you want it to!

The best Thursday of the month is coming round, with Time Out KL's Comedy Thursday night this coming Thursday!

w00t

At the last Comedy Thursday I went to (my virgin moment), most of the acts werent too polished, but it was pretty alright. I'm expecting better this time!!

Mostly because I'm prepared to just laugh at anything and make those awkward silences a wee bit better for the brave fellows on stage.

Off I go again to Little Havana this Thursday at 9pm!

One must not forget the 50% discount voucher so that one only pays RM10 instead of RM20 for stand-up comedy acts!!

Because one is cheap that way.

This whole work thing really is turning my life upside down. As if I wasnt already cheap enough before.

Right in the middle of my first week at work, it was fun to have something to look forward to, which definitely helped calm the nerves and tame those jitters.


So last Wednesday after work, the bunch headed down to No Black Tie (which was absolutely packed) for Time Out KL's "On the Up" showcase which featured some very talented local acts whom half the crowd had never heard of (and were probably there because its the best option to be had for RM10 on a drizzly Wednesday night).

Which was unfortunate as most of the performers really deserve their dues.

Attendance list : David, Kel Li, Nigel, Aaron, Joshua, Yatz, Josephine, Dillon, Celine, Fuzz & mates.


I am absolutely in love with No Black Tie's dark woody interior which reeked of artsy-fartsy snobbery, but still managed to conjure a very intimate setting.

Partly due to the fact that its a really small space and all the seats are really close together (which also makes it easier to throw empty beer bottles and coasters at performers who offend you wtf).

Ze bunch.

But first things first,

There you go.

Now we're in a musical mood!!


The first band up was An Honest Mistake, whose lead singer looked terribly familiar. Then it hit me. He was that guy at the Gossip 08 event who bounced off the speakers on stage with another band -_____-

Their music was pretty good and their set had me listening intently all the way. Emo rock-ish feel, just the way I like my music served.

Plus points for female guitarist.


However, most of their songs sounded almost the same, so I couldnt really tell much of a difference between them. Interesting lyrics though.

Oh well. I guess when you're emo and about to slit your wrists, My Chemical Romance would probably sound like Andrea Bocelli anyway.

Friendly reminders.

Commercial break. Mysterious videographer silhouette.

The next performers up were the Bassment Syndicate. I like names with a play on words. The duo consisted of just a guitarist and a bassist. And a drummer for good measure. Because we can all use abit of banging now and then.

#1

And #2

No vocals for this one. Just a lot of strumming all the way.

Rather jazzy, this. It was nice to listen to at first, but they dragged the songs on for far too long and it became a wee bit repetitive for me and had me turning around looking for someone to talk to while they finished up the song.

They also tried some creative freestyle which was alright here and there, but it made me cringe at certain bits when their coordination went out the window.

Commercial break.

I was feeling really sleepy by then. My body still hasnt gotten used to this phenomenon sweeping the nation called "work". Geez louise.. How do people do this for a living??

Anyhoo, the name of the next performers were more than enough to wake me up for abit. It was time for Alaling + The Kaya Koks.

Sounds good to me.


They really are as happy clappy as their name sounds. Adorable songs with a not too OTT singer are a good combo for a Wednesday night.

Strum strum.

I've seen them perform once, and they were pretty memorable. With a name like that, one does not forget a band so easily.

I was really enjoying the night, but I was far too tired to pay attention anymore after that, so David and I left just before the 4th act, Rendra Zawawi, came on.

Which was unfortunate, because I watched videos of their performance, and they were awesome T__T

They even had KokoKaina as a guest performer T____________T

Curses. This "work" thing is totally cramping my style.

A nightcap.

Well, guess I'll have to wait and see what the next "On the Up" session next month offers, and hopefully I'll be able to make it all the way through!! I'm only 21 for crying out loud. So embarassing.

*pics courtesy of David*

Work work work. Wow I still cant get used to that word rolling around on my tongue as I tell people what I'm doing now and where I'm doing it (to the people who do know what and where, i say, no discounts. wtf).

The office is pretty interesting and somewhat interactive at times. But I still feel like the new kid in class whom everyone stares and points, and tries to figure out some flaw to pick at. I still get jumpy when assigned something to do, only because I assume that there may be a specific way that the Powers Above would like it done - and my way isnt it. I'm paranoid that way.

There's just so much to take in at one go, with several things going on simultaneously, all needing the same attention, cc-ed emails and their own space in a notebook of Things-To-Do that I'm slowly filling up. I still get fidgety and there's that nagging presence in the back of my head that I'm not doing it right or that I'm missing an important detail out. Sigh I hate being paranoid that way.

And just last night, I almost let the nice old man in the shop convince me that a Moleskine would make me feel better about everything - the answer to all my insecurities and a place for my thoughts.

But, its only been my first week.


P.S. Dont get me wrong. I'm having a blast at work ;)


Stuck in my head - "Keep the Car Running" by The Arcade Fire

Good live local music acts (wow what a mouthful) are pretty hard to come by, so I think its gonna be pretty worth it to check out Time Out KL's next event "On The Up" this coming Wednesday at No Black Tie!

Too much music is not bad for you.

Just like the Comedy Night I went to last Thursday, its a bargain with 4 acts for the price of.. Less than 1? Yea, entrance is RM20, but once again, they're counting on the cheapskate-ness of the people. For to entice them to come, 50% off the entrance fee is guaranteed like fleas on a hobo if the ticket printed [here] is presented at the door.

Cheap cheap cheep. How can one resist? My scrooge-tendencies are legendary. No discount? No go!

Anyhoo performers lined up for that night are Rendra Zawawi, some emo acoustic alternative-rock group called An Honest Mistake (totally sounds like my kind of thing), new band The Basement Syndicate and happy-clappy Alaling + The Kaya Koks - who i've seen perform live at the Nuffnang Nokia Silent Halloween party recently, and they're as chirpy as their name sounds!

Google them if you havent the faintest idea who any of them are!

At least its something interesting to do on a Wednesday night. Gets you all pumped up for Friday! Starts at 9pm, folks! Be on time! Lets go syok sendiri together-gether =D

And, also because I've never been to No Black Tie before so I just wanna nosy around too.

1. I attended the KL Hip Hop Festival 08 at Modesto's, Sri Hartamas, last night for reasons unknown. Most likely due to the free passes Joshua furnished David (on an unrelated note, do you know who David Furnish is? haha) with. It was an absolutely dismal scene! A factor of low publicity and high ticket prices methinks.

2. Tis officially my last day as a full-time bum! I start work tomorrow and once again, I can look forward to dreading Monday's and greeting Friday's with a bear hug, instead of having my weekedays and weekends meld together in a blur of happy ignorance as I blissfully get days and dates mixed up. As I have been doing for exactly 3 months. Sigh.. I shall miss the bumming life. It was fun while it lasted. Not once did I even wish for my extended holiday to end, nor complained of boredom. It was that good.

Wish me luck, folks! Sigh I'm actually really nervous but I dont want to say anymore about it because it probably isnt helping my nerves one bit.

3. I think three is a good place to be =)


Stuck in my head - "Mad World" by Gary Jules

Its terribly cliched to say things like "I never thought this day would come" or "I've been dreaming about this all my life", so I shall be honest and say the only thing that was running through my mind last Friday was "If I trip on stage, I shall have to change my name and move to Alaska."

Its time for graduation!!!

Boo. Dont wanna go to the real world.

The ceremony was held in the main campus at god-forsaken Nilai. I wasnt looking forward to putting on the robes and getting my degree. I was more excited at the prospect of seeing all my friends again because, oh how I have missed them so!

And I dont think any of them missed me -____-"

Very sad story la. Highly unlikely I'll be seeing most of them ever again, and with the ones whom I'm close to starting work and all, time's a killer.

Because its too hot to stand outside and take a picture with the real building.

I got there pretty early, at about 12.30pm with David, and started running around saying hello to any familiar faces and taking pictures to laugh at later about how ridiculous we look in our robes.

The international entourage! Thailand and China represent yo.

Unfortunately, I soon realised several things:

1. The Nilai campus had far more graduates from the School of Business than the Subang campus did, so we were outnumbered and I barely knew anyone in the hall.

2. All my friends were late.

3. Most of my close friends that I hang out with regularly in college are either in Engineering, the American University Program or also in Business but in different semesters.

=(

Sigh. But I shall make do with what I have and make David take pictures of other random things around me.

In the sports hall.

So after signing in and being handed a pink slip with my name and a number on it, I made my way to the Sports Hall where the group picture sessions were to be held before the ceremony begins.

Chaos!

Robes, flowers, bags and pins were flying everywhere as clueless graduates (yours truly included) and their flustered parents tried to make sense of the complexity that is putting on a graduation gown and hood.

Did you know...?

The hood (that piece of cloth worn over the black gown) has different colours that each represent a different meaning. The outer body of the hood (that i had on) is made of grey material, which is the shade of the University's grey. And the inner lining of silk, which the cowl is turned back to display it, helps distinguish the degree held by the wearer. For a Bachelor's degree, the inner lining is white watered silk.

Got all that from the back of the programme booklet =D

And of course, the tassle hanging from the mortarboard on your head is also a sign of your rank. Dangling on the right means you're not yet a man not a graduate yet. After receiving your scroll, you proudly move the tassle to the left side of the mortarboard to show the world that you've arrived.

Mirror check with creepy extras in the background.

Helping hands.

Official Photographer.

And since no one was making use of the backdrop provided, I decided to hog it.

People, people everywhere, but not a face I know.

Oh here's one! Hello Jin Menn, who I bumped into earlier that morning at the Drive Thru McD's at Centerpoint (wtf so random). I shall miss your random smart aleck quips, all delivered in a very blur and sleepy voice (note the bed-hair).

Gary, Gary.. Who later obliged to bend over abit for another picture.

Hobbit playing dress-up.

Marketing ftw!

That's my programme btw. I'm assuming the 'B' is for Bachelors. 'MA' for Marketing and 'UH' for the University of Hertfordshire which is where I stole my degree from. Just replace the 'MA' with 'FI' for Finance, 'AT' for Accounting and 'BD' for Business Administration.

Mr Photographer guy patiently standing on his ladder while the rest of the world dilly-dally's along.

Kechun who recieved some special Marketing award and a cheque for RM1000!!!

I hate him *dengki*

Marketing chickies! Yeng Yee, Moi, Wai Mei and Ai Fang. Crazy times!! =D

More waiting.

Anxious parents waiting on the sidelines to catch a glimpse of their prodigious offspring.

Baa, ram, ewe.

Spot the not!

The Marketing class of 2008! Nilai and Subang campuses combined.

*melancholic music in the background*

One for the books!

All the Business graduates.

Me! Me! Pick me!!

Must.. Take.. More.. Pictures..

Ok, group picture session over. Its time!!

The main hall. By invitation only. Snobs.

The walk of fame. If there were gallows right at the end, it wouldnt seem so out of place.

Forward, march!

Your future boss.

Lecturers and important people up on stage in gowns.

I forgot why we were made to stand up.

Ok ok we're here! My big moment!! Pay attention now!! =D

Handing my slip to the person announcing us and making sure he gets my name right.

As I was walking up the steps next to the podium, I couldnt believe how nervous I felt! My heart was pounding and I was taking deep breaths to calm down. Someone standing at the corner helped adjust my robes and told me to smile and enjoy that special moment of my life.

Thank you, someone.

Shaking hands with the man himself, and hearing some whoops and cheers from the crowd.

Then we had a conversation. On stage. With all eyes watching us. Displayed on 2 giant projector screens on each side of the hall.

"So, got lots of friends and family here eh?"
"Yeap, got a few."
"I see you have a lot of fans too."
"Err.. I'd like to think so." *nervous laugh*
"Embarrassing isnt it?"
"Nah.. You get used to it."

*smile and pose for the cameras in front*

Haha!

In the act of smiling and posing.

Can you see me? Can you? Can you? For your viewing pleasure, I have provided visual clues to aid you.

There. See?

Dozens of names later, a ridiculously long speech by a long-winded ex-politician (10 minutes stated on the programme does not equal 45 minutes in real life!), another speech by the valedictorian, and it was all over.

I'm a graduate!

Family portraits *stress stress*

With Ann, the next in line.

Darling Yim Wah! One of the first few people I made friends with in college. Glad she made it to the end of the journey with me =)

Bachelor of Arts (Hons) in Marketing, 2nd Upper Class yo (chewah show off).

Outside the hall, looking for more people to take pictures with.

Kit Ming!! My music buddy! We shall continue to share our playlists online yes?

That's not my name. Oh wait, that one is.

Gorgeous white lilies, sunflowers and a bear with a stick up his ass from mum.

With Huan Yi and Jill! Also in the same bunch of people I got to know in my first few days at college! Sigh I can poke fun at them and bug them tons and they still want me around.

Wai Mei, ever reliable classmate since day one (and gossip mate too) =D I'll come disturb you in PJ!

Sunset after graduation.

Your future accountants.

The boys!!!!

Hahahhaaha I've lost count of the number of times they've made me laugh till my stomach begged for mercy! And all the crazy stuff we did like skipping classes, taking extra long breaks to have lunch at McD's midway during class and overnighting in college to study wtf. That's Kit Ming, Kiu Fung (first class brain) and Kenneth.

At the end of every semester, we'd set up camp in the library till it closes, then continue studying in the concourse or reading room till 2am, only borrowing reference books and compiling notes the week before the paper (how did we even graduate, i do not know). And then go for supper/pool/foosball at Asia Cafe. Semangat! They've seen me panic my ass off for every subject while studying and know all too well how to reassure me and shut me up. I know I can rely on them for anything. And I mean ANYTHING.

Like giving me rides to and from the KTM station hahahhaa.

Sigh..

Janice, another first class brain!

We're done!!

Unfortunately, I couldnt stay long after the ceremony as I was running late for an appointment back in KL =(

One fine day, I shall go through my archives and reminisce about all the awesomely fun times I had in college with the craziest bunch of people I have ever met. They've seen me grow into a different person than I was back then and I probably wouldnt recognise myself now.

I'm going to miss college! I think I probably miss the act of going to college and hanging out with my friends and doing the most random things at the oddest hours of the day and wasting all the time in the world - just because we can.

Well, not anymore.

World, here I come!!!

*pics courtesy of David*

P.S. Guess what? Come this Monday, I'm employed! Its gonna be sweet! ;)

I enjoy a good laugh as much as the next person (unless said person happens to be a guy stuck at a shoe-sale). Even more so if the laughs come cheap. I've always quite fancied watching stand-up comedy and the only ones I've seen so far have been confined to a Youtube window. I have a list of some favourites and there have been several times when dad walked into the room and caught me laughing hysterically at the screen (and call the nice men in white to take me away).

So when the bunch pulled me along last Thursday for a stand-up night in KL featuring local talents, I figured it was definitely worth a look-see. Well, its something different innit? Clubbing nights and birthday parties have been dominating the scene, and I always figured that it looked cool to be sitting in a bar or something with a small stage and watching some stand-up acts while enjoying a drink (like water).

Time Out KL organises "Time Out Comedy Thursdays" on the first Thursday of every month at Little Havana on Changkat Bukit Bintang. I suppose quite a number of people have heard about it, because the place was absolutely packed that night!

All you need for a good night of comedy. That's on the 2nd floor of Little Havana.

I think more people would probably show up if it was renamed "Tonight Is Thursday Stand-Up" or TITS for short. Put that in a men's mag and see what happens.

Kel Li and I downstairs admiring the quaint interior.

Adding to the crowd.

The night kicked off with host, MC Matt Sally, getting the ball rolling (football, not soccer ball, coz he's from the UK. haha gettit? wtf) with the introductions and some witty lines of his own.

You bet he can deliver that good time.

Gotta pay attention for this one. That accent and fast tongue made some of his jokes abit hard to catch, but oh well. The train doesnt wait for everyone. Its either catch or miss.

What really got me interested was the fact that there were 5 acts lined up that night. What a bargain!! My first time popping this cherry and I get 5 at one go. Awesome.

As facial expressions go, some can be pretty darn misleading ;)

Funny stuff! Most of the time anyway. There were some "crickets chirping" scenes when the audience didnt get the jokes, and some delayed laughter when the punch-line finally sank in 2 moments later. But I felt it was a pretty good night out because its a new experience for me.

Moi, Yatz, Kel Li, Nigel, David, Joshua, Aaron and Simon. Hooray for sharing laughs (literally)!!

It was pretty interesting in my opinion. Definitely something different to check out for those who are looking for something new to try. Shame that its only done monthly, but we cant have our sweets all in one day.

I think I'm gonna check out the next Comedy Thursday Night I'm hoping TITS will catch on hahaha when it comes around.

Beer bonding.

Oh, and the answer to the burning question on everyone's minds! How does someone as cheapskate as I am, go for a stand-up comedy night? Only when its RM20 and I get more than one act for my money *bargain hunter mode on*

What can be more awesome than that? A discount! Discounts make my world go round =D Apparently by printing out a ticket from Time Out KL's website, one is entitled to a 50% waiver off the entrance fee! 50%, good number no? Just RM10 for a night out doesnt seem so bad right? [click here] to check it out! Mark your calendars for the first Thursday of every month, folks!

Ok, let me get back to trying to recall some of the jokes and laugh at myself (again).

P.S. Graduation last Friday was awesome!! I somehow ached all over, sweat my arse off under the robes and had a bad case of mortar-board-hair after that. Super excited!! Pictures up soon-ish! I am officially depressed T__T

*pics courtesy of David*


Stuck in my head - "Blueside" by Rooney

I'm back online!! And it tastes so good.

And to start things off.. A list!! Because it makes me feel somewhat organised.

• Canon Goes Green
• Old Skool Party
• Malacca Trip
• Indie Film Gathering
• Nuffnang Nokia Silent Halloween Party

Sweet. A shitload of things to talk about.

The 19th of October dawned bright and sunny as I headed down to Padang Kota Damansara with the bunch to show our support for the Canon Goes Green Movement. Many thanks to Nigel's friend Melissa for the invites!! *waves green thumbs*


Who knew we had a forest reserve in Damansara! Smack in the middle of the city, bordering the main road and busy shoplots, was a lush forest reserve. With real trees. All 10 acres of it.

What Canon has been busy doing for the past few months or so is drumming into the heads of the public about the importance of being extra nice to Mother Nature because we've all been giving her the finger dammit.

And so with the help of the friendly EnvironMENTALS to spread the word and create awareness, it all came down to the Tree Planting Event at Padang Kota Damansara.

What a turn-out!!

With some help from the Selangor Forestry Department, a variety of 2500 tree saplings were planted throughout the reserve by volunteers to create the perfect arena for educating the surrounding community about the importance of the environment.

Score one for the tree huggers.

Green, green, jelly bean wtf.

Nothing but green grass and blue skies all around!!

I'm trying to paint a really nice picture here by leaving out the stinking brown mud that we all slipped and slopped in as we tramped across the field.

Recycle! Use both sides of the toilet paper! =D

Because Mother Nature doesnt take too kindly to your contributions of au naturel fertiliser.

Delightfully green!

Canon came up with a pretty catchy jingle that was playing throughout the event and refused to leave my head for hours after that.

Green hosts Hansen Lee and Elaine Daly.

Important people sitting at the important people's table looking all important and such.

Teaching kids to eat their greens and to recycle all things green.

*disclaimer - does not include boogers or snot, no matter how green they are*

There were a ton of activities lined up for the folks who took the time to make it happen. There was face painting, a photo kiosk with free picture print-outs, colouring contests for the kiddywinks, various organisations who set up exhibition booths to enlighten us all and some pretty cool performances!

Oh, and did I mention the free food? Canon definitely delighting me =D

Nothing shows support better than glittery butterflies!

I hope you remember where the recycling bin is young man.

Everyone's got the feel-good vibe! Its a great day for saving the earth, folks!

So the message sticks.

Just in case someone missed the memo.

Leaf-ing green thumbprints on a giant canvas. Cute!

After the usual round of speeches from the VIPs, the event was finally in full swing!

They've got the whole world in their hands yo.

The Fly FM troopers were there for abit of fun and havoc too.

Pressing questions from the press.

And they were off!

Yay! More reminders!

More than 500 volunteers turned up to get down and dirty with the earth. Corporate organisations, families, schools, clubs (I spotted some Girl Guides mucking about) and your next-door neighbour all came together for a good cause. That's community spirit for you!

The folks were separated into groups and assigned a specific area of the reserve to plant their saplings in.

Taking the first step towards making a difference. Inspired!! *salutes*

Heigh ho. Heigh ho. Off to tree planting we go.

Trees as far as the eye can see.

Easy as pie.

Score two for the tree huggers.

More blue skies!!! Makes me feel all eco-friendly inside.

Over in the distance, I heard a comotion going on and wandered off to check it out.

Rubbish bin drums and glass bottle shakers?

Its an environmentally-friendly percussion unit from the kids at Yayasan Anak Warisan Alam (YAWA)!! And it was a pretty cool thing to watch. Superb coordination and awesome creativity.

Band leader.

Damn right they are.

Doing our part! Sort of.

By around 11am, all the tree saplings had been planted by the volunteers and it was time for them to have some fun.

Bring out Zainal Abidin!

Malaysia's most prominent tree hugger.

Zainal Abidin at an environment-related event is solid gold! You cant go wrong there!

Score 10000000000 for the tree huggers.

Apart from a sing-a-long to everyone's favourite save-the-earth song "Hijau", there were quizzes with delicious prizes from Canon.

The EnvironMENTALS! Botany Girl, Green Grin and Captain Green! Saving the earth one blade of grass at a time!

Us and Melissa. Thanks much!!

The bunch. Stanley, Nigel, Kel Li, Moi, David and Joshua.

The finished product of hundreds of green painted thumbprints on a giant canvas!! Very cool.

A job well done by Canon! The road to creating proper environmental awareness within the community is a long one, and by taking a step towards the right direction, we'll hopefully be able to see the results in the future. And those tree saplings that were planted too!

And that's a wrap for Canon Goes Green!

*pictures courtesy of David and Nigel*


Stuck in my head - "Angel or Devils" by Dishwalla

I are still living.

Albeit with sticky chocolate covered fingers right now which should be illegal somewhere because typing with my pinky is becoming most detrimental to my spelling *hits backspace for the millionth time*

Last weekend I braved through the wafting smell of baking mud and wet grass in the morning Sunday sun to join the throngs of nature loving tree huggers who set out to plant the future trees that they were going to hug at the Canon Goes Green event.

The smell of fresh nature certainly did me good. The same however, cannot be said for my mud-encrusted toes.

Alas, the computer back home is still under the knife, so pictures up when I get them.


I collected my robes yesterday for graduation which is coming up in a few weeks.

Wow. I'm there already?

Will someone please tell life to hold its horses. I'm not quite done with the grass on this side yet.

My computer has once again decided that life on this earthly world was too tough for it. So it keeled over and died.

Just when I needed it most.

Yes, I have since decided to become a (more) productive member of society by doing some active job hunting. I think its a sign from the heavens above that I am forever doomed to a lifetime of professional bumming and moping around because just when I finally had enough nerve to put myself out there, life takes a dump on me and tells me its a no-go.

And being the ever resourceful scrooge and leech that I am, I'm now at the college computer lab utilising the facilities that it has so wonderfully bestowed upon its paying students.

Yea, that college. I'm using the word "paying" and "students" very lightly here. And by that I mean I graduated about 2 months ago, stopped paying them a cent just around then too and lost all privelleges and rights to even be in the building.

Feels good to get my money's worth *uses toilets as much as possible too*

So while the computer gets a dose of therapy quite unlike the pie-maker in Pushing Daisies, head on over to Nigel's blog for a dose of video entertainment that'll make you wish all your friends had video cameras strapped to their foreheads 24/7.

Oh, and wish me luck for that whole job search thing. Know any inside scoops? Share² la. I need all the help I can get. Sigh..