My Miscellany: In the Company of Me

I already know the things I would love to have for Christmas. Last week, I told you about Wii.
Then as I watched telly at home, my attention was turned to the discolouration on the upper left hand side of the telly. And then it struck me, betchabygollywow! our television is but near the end of its life :(

Oh noes!!! Houston, we have a major, major problem!
How can I enjoy my Wii bowling when half of the screen is blue-green? Or worse, I cringe at the thought of playing tennis against the husband soundless, without the taunts and teases when playing Wii tennis? Where's the excitement there?

My husband and I agreed that it's about time we get a new telly and the old one to be put to retirement soon. 

A friend told me that this month is the perfect time to buy a new TV set, flat screen or otherwise, because many department stores will hold special sales promotion to coincide with the Water Festival in the Penh. Okay, it's not like the Black Friday in the US but there will be great discounts and deals and also we can bargain well once we know the prices in other stores =)

Dear Santa and/or Sheriff (whoever reads this first! hahaha), please give me one, please?

I'm baaccccck!

Finally, my work is done. Finished. A month and a half ago, I got myself a short consultancy job for an international NGO here and got totally sucked up in it the whole time. That's just me - when I am working, I give it my utmost attention. So I stopped posting for a while since it was difficult to keep up with all the consultancy stuffs and my house chores at the same time.

But I'm back again, slowly creeping into the blogging groove. After more than a month of quite, this blog is buzzing again. And I'm doing this break-dance step, the head spin thing.. woooohooooo. 

And what's to expect? Just don't expect anything hahahahha. You'll never know what you're going to read when you visit. I just hope I'd be able to make it a fun and interactive experience for my readers (i.e., if I have any! *lol*)

I will be tweaking a couple of things in the coming weeks but will update posts to get this going in the meantime, and perhaps, old friends might come back.  So dear friends, just sit back, refresh your screens, and get ready for a fresh round of blogging straight from the Penh!

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Today we ripped this meme not from a blogger but from you, our players and friends. We asked for original questions last week. And did you guys deliver! We believe we've got everyone in the credits. If we missed you, let us know! The star players who submitted questions were: Hooting Anni, Niko, Wendy, Melanie, Ace, Bambie, Zoan, Dixie Chick, Lynette from a Blog from the Rough, The Gal, Katie, Hazel, Me, Mark from An Erie Tapestry, Mamo Ko, Cat, Noelle, Kwizgiver, Shakaku, Catch Her in the Wry, Brandt, Debster, ZH3en22, Americanising Desi and Kathy. Link back to us at Sunday Stealing!

Today we ripped this meme off a blog written by a group of high school students. The blog is called Eternal Fireworks. The writers are Michael, Kynan, Alex, Kenny, Chris, Leo, Shelley, Athy, Bam, Tina, Bnita, and Athy (yes, there are two). There is no statement to where it came from. But, it was probably stolen from there as well. So, of course, that will be as far as we go. Tracing back our theft's thieves might take some time. It is a long meme and we shall do it in two parts. Link back to us at Sunday Stealing!

Today we ripped this meme off a blog written by a group of high school students. The blog is called Eternal Fireworks. The writers are Michael, Kynan, Alex, Kenny, Chris, Leo, Shelley, Athy, Bam, Tina, Bnita, and Athy (yes, there are two). There is no statement to where it came from. But, it was probably stolen from there as well. So, of course, that will be as far as we go. Tracing back our theft's thieves might take some time. It is a long meme and we shall do it in two parts. Link back to us at Sunday Stealing!

Sunday Stealing: The Majorly Personal Meme, Part Two

21. If you were to live your life without your  best friend, what would change?
I lost my best friend when my family moved to the province. I found some new friends but I still was yearning to find my childhood friend. Thanks to Facebook, I recently found her after more than 20 years!

22. Tell us an era of your life that you really miss?
My university life! Most people say their high school life is the best time of their lives but I beg to disagree. I had the time of my life when I was studying in uni.

23. Have you ever been betrayed by someone that came as a complete surprise? Without revealing the person, if yes, tell us about it.
No, not really. I don't let my guard down so easily and I can see danger signals soon enough, before anything nasty is done to me.

24. Do you ever think that it is a good idea to hide your feelings?
Well, there are certainly times that it is best to keep your feelings to yourself.

25. Tell us about your favourite year when you were a student.
That would be 1993 - when I was doing my media internships!

25. When was the last time you were in a very good mood? What caused it?
Yesterday, it was perfect! We did our usual errands and just stayed at home, chillaxing. And then we got a word from my in-laws about our anniversary present from them! My in-laws rock!

26. Have you ever had a romantic relationship with a sibling of a good friend?
No, never. I always thought it would be kind of incestuous. *lol*

27. Tell us about the last thing that you did that you truly regret.
Picking up a fight with my husband over a silly, silly thing. That was months ago. I'm glad I can control myself now.

28. When did you laughed today?
Just after breakfast, after walking the dogs. My one-year old dog, Joe, had his zooming moment, running around the house like there's no tomorrow and for no reason at all. It lasted for about a minute. My husband said it's the exuberance of youth!

29. Do you trust easily?
No, my walls are always up, especially with strangers.

30. What do you care about that most people would?
Tolerance, I guess.

31. Is it easier for you to go without food or without sleep?
Without food! I am such sleep-hungry, if there's ever a word like that.

32. What non-alcohol beverage do you enjoy drinking the most?
Coffee

33. When you walk into a room full of strangers, generally how is your confidence?
I'm alright but a bit self-conscious as not to make any boo-boos like walking into a glass wall or something.

34. Does talking about sex with anyone but your lover make you uncomfortable?
No. It's a subject that was explored when I was in university so we tackled it academically. Outside school, I had friends who are quiet open and candid about sex and it's something that I am not shy when it is being discussed or talked about. I don't, however, volunteer information, unless I'm asked! hahaha

35. Do you tend to believe members of the opposite sex mostly behave the same way?
I don't. Each of us react differently, depending on our life's experiences, and regardless of sex. And it is also not good to put certain people in a box or label them as so-and-so just because they are behaving this and that.

36. Did you drink any alcohol this week? If yes, what?
Yeah, we are celebrating a milestone so we had beer last night and probably will be opening a bottle of red tonight =)

37. Would you ever consider being a vegetarian?
Probably not. I mean, I can, for the longest time, be without meat and all but I would never be a 100% vegetarian. It's because I love fish, shrimps, and other seafoods as well.

38. Do you believe there's always a room in your heart for someone?
Yes, I believe that. The only thing my heart doesn't have a space for is hatred.

39. Do you believe in the concept of soul mates?
Do you believe in souls?

40.  Last week we had a few players criticise our victim's questions. Which is fine to do and we value your opinion. Would you ever consider writing questions for Bud and me to post on Sunday Stealing?
What, and in return I'll be criticised, too? *lol*  Just kidding. Anytime =)

My youngest sister -- although she wouldn't care to admit it. We have the same mannerisms, length of hair and cut, her boyfriend once mistook me for her one time. The boyfriend only stopped from sneaking up on me was when he noticed I was shorter. Tee-hee-hee. 

Seen somewhere along the Sisowath Quay one early morning ...

Today we ripped this meme off a blog written by a group of high school students. The blog is called Eternal Fireworks. The writers are Michael, Kynan, Alex, Kenny, Chris, Leo, Shelley, Athy, Bam, Tina, Bnita, and Athy (yes, there are two). There is no statement to where it came from. But, it was probably stolen from there as well. So, of course, that will be as far as we go. Tracing back our theft's thieves might take some time. It is a long meme and we shall do it in two parts. Link back to us at Sunday Stealing!

Today we ripped this meme off a blog named Creative Bold. There is no statement to where it came from. But, it was probably stolen from there as well. So, of course, that will be as far as we go. Tracing back our theft's thieves might take some time. It is a long meme and we shall do it in two parts. Link back to us at Sunday Stealing!

I was the Research Manager for a rural ICT (Information and Communication Technology) project funded by a Canadian research organisation. The idea is to collaborate with the Cambodian government, private companies and individuals, NGOs, academia, and local communities in designing a participatory approach to implement universal access to ICTs. As the RM I led the project teams in undertaking participatory researches and monitoring and evaluation of project activities in the communities, making sure that participatory approaches, methods, and processes were in place and were properly documented.

If you know me all too well, you would know why I haven't updated the past few days.

The ATP Rogers Cup in Toronto is underway! Finally, after more than a month of waiting since the Wimbledon championships, we now have photos and presses and tennis action from mi amore Rafael Nadal. Never mind the time difference between Toronto and Phnom Penh tee-hee-hee. And the Canadian press are totally in love with Rafa:

- The Star, Rogers Cup major tune up for world No. 1 Rafael Nadal

The tournament kicked off with Rafa participating in the tournament draw held at the CN tower. Prior to this, my friend Ana sent me a link to the lovemeansnothing.ca site. It is Tennis Canada's site promoting the live webcast of the tournament's draw with Rafa in attendance. And it got me excited --- I wondered what kind of Rafa action was going to happen (aside from taking part in the draw, of course)? Will he jump off the CN tower afterwards?

Anyways, Rafa did appear but no jumping off the tower happened. He was given a hockey shirt (looks good on him but not really the kind of shirt we want to see on him, do we?hihihih) and a mini-replica of the the CN tower. After the draw, he was whisked away by a helicopter and taken to the York University's Rexall Centre, the site of Rogers Cup, for a practice session.

Okay, I've gotten over the initial surprise about Rafa's teaming up with Novak Djokovic for the doubles matches. According to tennis record books, Rafa-Nole (coined by the press as Rafole), it is only the second time in tennis history that the #1 and #2 players have teamed up - the first was in 1976 with Jim Connors teaming up with Arthur Ashe. But Rafole was denied a win by the young Canadian team. Despite missing the match (I spent hours and hours looking for a live webcast) I agree with Ana that although the Rafole team up created quite an excitement and huge interest, the first round loss was a blessing in disguise so that the two could better concentrate on their singles games.

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A fancy dinner plate used in Boat Noodle Restaurant.

Today is a red-letter day in the Kingdom, for it is THE day when the UN-backed Khmer Rouge Tribunal hands down the historic verdict against one of the Khmer Rouge's notorious leaders.

Case Number One is the case against Kang Kek Iew, alias Commander Duch, a former schoolteacher-turned-Tuol-Sleng prison Chief. He is the first known KR leader to be tried, and convicted, for crimes against humanity, war crimes, premeditated murder, and torture. He was slapped a 35 year imprisonment. 35 years for brutally murdering more than 10,000 people!!!! 

His trial lasted several months, beginning in March 2009, was widely followed by the Cambodians most especially those who were carrying the scars experienced during the regime. During the said trial, he recognised the crimes he committed under the atrocious KR regime and used it as a platform to ask for public forgiveness. In a surprise move, Duch demanded the court that he be acquitted.

Four other Khmer Rouge top leaders who are already in government custody will also be put to trial next year. 

Today we ripped this meme off a blogger named Kuda Girl of the blog named Kuda Girl's Journal. Kuda Girl explains that she ripped this off two bloggers Slay Me Softly and Dragon Fly Lady. But, it was probably stolen from there as well. So, of course, that will be as far as we go. Tracing back our theft's thieves might take some time. It has 65 questions, so we'll do it in parts. Link back to us at Sunday Stealing!

45. Favorite color?

Blue and brown

46. Have you ever slapped someone?
No, and I hope I don't get to slap someone at all.

47. Is your hair curly?
Nope.

48. What was the last CD  you bought?
A copy of the Hollywood series, The Medium.

49. Do looks matter?
Unfortunately, in reality, it's a YES.

50. Could you ever forgive a cheater?

Not easily, but I can forgive. I don't forget easily either.

51. Is your phone bill sky high?
No, but my electricity bill is astronomical!

52. Do you like your life right now?
Yes, but I wouldn't mind some more travels with the husband and savings and/or investments. 

53. Do you sleep with the TV on?
When I was single, yes... now, no more.

54. Can you handle the truth?
Most of the times, yes!

55. Do you have a good vision?
Not anymore :C

56. Do you hate or dislike more than 3 people?

I don't even think about them at all.

57. How often do you talk on the phone?

Not often. I send SMS more than talk on the phone.

58. The last person you held hands with?
My husband :)

59. What are you wearing?

Errm, oversized shirt and short-shorts (my favorite sleeping attire).

60. What is your favorite animal?
Tiger....roooaaaaaar!

61. Where was your favorite picture taken at?
At the ancient ruins of Bayon Temple inside the Angkor Wat complex :)

62. Can you hula hoop?
Oh yeah! I was the hula hoop champion in our neighbourhood when I was little!!!

63. Do you have a job?
Part-time or full-time? hehehe

64. What was the most recent thing you bought?

A bagful of yarns for only $5 at a secondhand shop. What a bargain! An expat who left town recently donated 12 balls of yarn at this secondhand shop run by a local NGO and I grabbed it right away. Woohoo!

65. Have you ever crawled through a window?
Hell no!

This is how I remember Kep, our favorite weekend getaway, the last time we were there about two months ago.

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Looks great, isn't it?

I felt it is about time to retire my old, dependable bag and find a suitable replacement. For several weeks now, since regaining my purchasing power recently (thanks to the man I call Sheriff!), I've been browsing the net for tote bags, or any kind of bag, that is comfortable for everyday casual use. When I saw this at my blogger-friend Josiet's blog, I knew right there and then that I have finally met THE bag for me. It's not the kind that has screaming logos on it (no offense to monogram lovers) but it kind of prompts you to look at this bag twice because of the simple clean of lines of the design. The size is just right, big enough to carry my daily essentials, and most of all, the price doesn't burn my wallet.

So I asked a huge favor from Josiet and arranged for her to purchase it on my behalf as she goes to Manila this week. I am so glad that she kindly agreed, even if it means having to squeeze in her already-tight schedule a trip to the Megamall, or wherever the GAP store in Manila is.

Today we ripped this meme off a blogger named Kuda Girl of the blog named Kuda Girl's Journal. Kuda Girl explains that she ripped this off two bloggers Slay Me Softly and Dragon Fly Lady. But, it was probably stolen from there as well. So, of course, that will be as far as we go. Tracing back our theft's thieves might take some time. It has 65 questions, so we'll do it in parts. Link back to us at Sunday Stealing!

26. Have you made a prank call?
Yes - many times for fun but there was one time when I felt so guilty after I did it :C

27. Ever been on a train?
Many times on both the slow train and the modern metro trains. I love the old-fashioned train more though. I used to take the train from the border town of Aranyaprathet (close to Poipet in Cambodia) to Bangkok that took 6hrs of my time. Bus takes only 3hrs but I just love the train.

28. Brown or white eggs?
It doesn't matter to me.

29. Do you have a cell-phone?
Yes, I have.

30. Do you use Chap Stick?
No, I don't.

31. Do you own a gun.
Nooooo, but I tried my hand in target shooting before.

32. Can you use chopsticks?
Yes.

33. Who are you going to be with tonight?
My  husband, of course!

34. Are you too forgiving?
In a sense, yes, but at the same time, depending on how much havoc or mess had been done,  I don't easily  forget.

35. Ever been in love?
Duh! This is soo high school slumbook! *lol*

36. What is your bestfriend(s) doing tomorrow or the next soonest day?
I have no idea but one thing's for sure, we will all meet on Thursday, them with their kids in tow, for a swimming party.

37. Ever have cream puffs?
Yum!! I love cream puffs.

38. Last time you cried.
Can't remember now... perhaps 4months ago...

39. What was the last question you asked?
To the husband who is in charge of the kitchen on weekends: Is there anything I can do to help?

40. Favorite time of the year?
When my husband is off from work.

41. Do you have any tattoos?
No, but I have a birthmark that everyone mistook for a tattoo.

42: Are you sarcastic?
It comes out naturally.

43. Have you ever seen the Butterfly Effect?
Is that with Ashton Kutcher? I think I have.

44. Ever walked into a wall?
No, but I once walked into a glass door and hit my head. The embarrassment! :(