Beware!

My dad just got robbed this morning, around 7am.
He went to the Maybank Kawanku, located at Damansara Jaya - just few minutes from Atria Shopping Center to draw out some cash from the ATM machine.
He was alone, and when he was almost done with the withdrawal - he noticed a man with a motorcycle helmet on his head standing behind him.
The man in the helmet, held a knife to my dad's back - and asked my dad to withdraw more, since my dad only redrew RM100.
He also asked my dad for his car keys, in which he threw to the side.

Before my dad could redraw again, another civilian came into the center.
The robber panicked, and he quickly fled with his accomplice who was waiting outside on a motorcycle.
My dad tried to follow him, but he threatened my dad with the knife again.

Thankfully, my dad and the other civilian wasn't harm in anyway.
My advice to all is to NOT visit any ATM centers during EARLY MORNINGS and at NIGHT.
I know it is most convenient during those times, because there are hardly or fewer people around - more parkings available, no long queues etc.
But your life is not worth sacrificing over these few insignificant conveniences.
And please be always aware of your surroundings.

P.S. Dan, no more late night banking for you, promise? I love you too much, and don't make me worry ok?

Of Dan, Food and Heels

In my previous post, I'd mentioned that I would take a week break from baking. However that wasn't the case *hee
Since I'd leftover ingredients, which were easily perishable - I decided to bake another cake on Tuesday by using the similar recipe for the Apple Cinnamon cake, but I replaced certain ingredients in the recipe. For example; I substituted cinnamon with vanilla essence, and chopped apples with raisins.

The outcome? Taste vice, it wasn't as good as the Apple Cinnamon cake. Majority preferred the Apple Cinnamon cake recipe.

Applesauce Vanilla Raisin Cake - name courtesy of darling Dan :)

On another note, Dan and I went on a date yesterday to celebrate his early 'graduation', since he is finally done with all his FYPs. I'm so happy for you hubby! :)

We went over to One U to catch The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian movie. Before the movie, we had dinner at Robert Harris. It was our first time there. Price vise, it is very affordable. However in terms of taste, I would rate it mediocre. I can't remember the exact name of the dishes that we had. My memory hasn't been doing so well lately *hee

Dan had Lamb with Herbs Rice. The lamb was stewed with lots of herbs and spices. The meat was tender and juicy - it was really appetizing. On the contrary, the herbs rice was a disappointment - no evidence of herbs could be detected by our taste buds.

I'd the Seafood platter, which consisted of 2 mini pieces of calamari, mussels, fish, and shrimps. The french fries that accompanied the seafood was soggy. Overall, the seafood and coleslaw wasn't too bad. However there is still much room for improvement.

Before Dan picked me up from work, one of the strap on my heels snapped! The heels are only a few months old, and I got them at a rather cheap price - RM20. Thus shorter life span *hahaha

When we arrived at One U, Dan and I searched high and low for a replacement. We went to a number of shoe shops, but our search was pretty unfruitful. The designs that I fancied somehow were always out of stock. I actually gave up, and told Dan to forget about getting one today. However Dan was persistent, and we finally found a pair that I like at Voir. Special thanks to Dan for being extremely patient and for sponsoring me a brand new pair of black heels :)

I wanted and still want to get a non-black one, but its hard to find one in my size =_= I'll be patient and wait, since it is not a necessity.

Anyway, I'm contented with what I have. Thanks Dan darling for always making me feel special, its definitely going to be a lonely weekend without you. I miss you already.

Have a little faith in me

Being a musician is totally not fun all the time,
I speak for myself and myself first,
I suffer a lot from social handicap,
When it comes to meeting real ppl like Cass' friends.
I also have to face a lot of doubting,
In situations that I'd try to make her understand,
But it is me to first be placed in her shoes,
And in reality make sure I don't bend.
Sometimes I wish what I do is not what I do,
And places and ppl just pass me by,
That time and the universe doesn't notice me at all,
Make me nothing but dust unseen to all.
But then ppl will not notice me,
And gigs I might not have,
A living I might not make,
And neither is this something I choose to take.
Is there an easier way?
For doing things unseen in a feasible way,
Is there a method of proportion,
Perfect confrontation, rejection, acknowledgment and ambition.

Technology and publicness like Facebook can be so fatal and deadly. You'll never know if what happened was alright till your better half thinks it's alright. No i'm not talking bout justification for a cheating act, and i'm definitely not talking about the green-eyed monster of jealousy every woman becomes in certain situations. I'm talking about controversial issues such as having a picture taken with someone else from the opposite sex. Well, most of you may think its alright...u'r free to go scr*w yourself. I won't bore u with my theories. But to u guys who have gf's like that & know what i'm talking bout, well guess what? Telling your gf what happened and that it didn't mean a thing won't help! But fear not,...just follow the format below and perhaps it'll work out:

"I, Daniel Foong Koon Wah solemnly agrees that Cass is entitled to feed me with hallucinogen pills until I do something that would so cost my body parts if Rules below are not kept,

Rule#1 : No pics alone with anyone from opposite sex ever, unless permitted by Cass or is my family member, or, is a common friend that she trust fully will not sabotage my *ss.
Rule#2: Any pics taken with someone from the opposite sex in conjuction with Rule#1 will be taken at no closer that 20inches.
Rule#3: Body contact of whatsoever is strictly prohibited.

Cass, if this doesn't make you feel any better...i dunno what else would. God pls help me, Amen.

Let me say it again: Being a musician is NOT glamorous

Being a musician is not glamorous. If you think i'm one of those that plays for free or for very little money for reasons like 'exposure' and 'experience' in places like Laundry Bar, you're wrong. I've been playing professionally since i was 18. And i have definitely taken sh*t from many many ppl including musicians.
Ppl like to get the most for less but it's not like that. It's not like we enjoy ourselves performing, get easy money and go home. It has been hours, months and years of practice before musicians could actually do what you see them do so easily. You're actually paying for our time, effort, talent and uncountable hours we put in to perfect our craft. Even so, senior musicians are also groups that intimidate, bully, take advantage and enslave (us) younger musicians. In addition to people who wants to hire us for the cheapest rates, con our time and make use of us as much as possible, we are actually having a huge 'company dispute' amongst musicians as well!
While there are ppl who think that being musicians are glamorous, easy work or stress-free (all of which are untrue), there are also ppl who think that musicians are dumb, willing to get any amount of pay just to play, spoiled brats or the lesser economic society. Why is that???!!!
Like today, I played for a corporate function involving a press conference for a development company. We were clearly told that we only need to play 2 sets for RMxxx amount. But sadly that wasn't the case. We were asked to play an extra set earlier which wasn't in the deal. After our actual set (2 sets already including the first one) ppl were leaving already after the press conference and makan. Normally in cases like this, the organizers would have dismissed us. But this idiot had to ask us to play one more set (3rd set) to just a few ppl including waiters, ppl packing furnitures and of course the 4 corners of the wall. 2 sets for RMxxx means 2 sets for RMxxx. Which part of that sentence did he not understand??? Even the fellow musician that sealed this gig did not object to unscrupulous demands like that. It's fine if you like working for more than you get but you are accountable to other musicians as well!!! I also hate that ppl deal gigs without making sure if there's sufficient equipmet, lunch/dinner provided and scheduling. That ain't professional at ALL!!!
Which reminds me...i had a housemate once that moved out without settling the bills which we always divide equally. When i asked him for it, he accused me of cheating him! That son of a %$@*%@$!&(@*. Also, what bout housemates who don't clean up after themselves... living in a zoo or what? Waiting for zookeepers to clean up your sh*t.
Sidetracked a bit... ... Basically, my job is as stressful and tiring as anyones. I'm sure they have their office politics, backstabbing, datelines, sadistic bosses, etc. I have mine too... I've seen many things especially when i play for functions. The high society, the rich and famous, the royalties. Money doesn't make them better. It makes them worst. If they think playing music is not a real job and we're doing it for free cuz it's fun, then perhaps they outta think twice about the music when they watch the tv, go to cinemas or listen to the radio. They get so drunk and ridiculous sometimes that you'll wonder if becoming rich affects your IQ poorly.
Maybe i should consider working as a zoo keeper since zoo negara is kinda nearby my place.

Children

Children,
They teach us patience,
A lot of tolerance,
Especially the brats of your relations.

Children,
They teach us humility,
Moderation in vanity,
While giving you insanity.

Children,
They teach us respect,
Just when they attack,
You're not allowed to strike back.

Children,
They teach us discipline,
To do and not be seen,
To be cute and hopefully clean.

Children,
They teach us to be strong,
When they come along,
There's not right or wrong.

Children,
They teach us love,
From heaven above,
Even if they always get on your nerves.

My broken car plate

Some not-so-smart dude broke my car plate today. Found out about it while I was still in class, through a friend who coincidently walked pass my car, which was innocently parked outside of uni, and not to mention in a proper car park box. *sigh..

My little kancil already looks ugly from all the dents and scratches that were caused by my sister's previous accidents. Now, it looks uglier with only one half of the front plate number *sob sob..

Well thankful the car wasn't harm in any way. Hmm..my parents aren't home. Thought of calling them. I think I'll just surprise them later*tee hee