Hip Hip Hooray!!! Justifiedformen.com Rocks!!

There's a new online retail site for the trendy urban male who is constantly on the look out for the latest 'in' fashion wear... I'm just going to keep this update short, do stop by and have a browse through Justified For Men at www.justifiedformen.com. Not only do you get attractive, good value stuff there, all items sold are meticulously check for defects before onward dispatch to the customers and there's also a *free delivery service (please check with the team for areas of coverage on that)

The best part is that in view of the coming Chinese New Year celebrations and Justified For Men turning a month old, there's a promotion going on for all purchases.. So do check it out before items you've been fawning over are no longer there... Justified For Men indeed brings a new dawn to men's fashion... ;)

A Blue Monday - Perhaps not??

Well, I guess this is another update to the Boonster's blog, I can already hear some of you saying finally...

After the running around a few weeks back coordinating logistics for the company's participation in the WCIT 2008 here in Kuala Lumpur, I decided to take Monday off, basically to have a bit of a lie in to catch up on lost sleep. Somehow, things don't always have a habit of working out the way you originally intended it to.

What eventually happened was that I had to make a run to the JPJ office in Wangsa Maju, as one of the cars in the family is nearly as old as I am, most of the space in the registration card had been filled. Went to the Customer Service counter and asked for assistance, since this was my first time encountering this situation... I was pleasantly surprised by the efficient-ness of the service levels there. Got the form from the friendly guy there, went upstairs to another room which does registration stuff (Folks, this is where you would go to get your new car registration numbers... while I was there, tenders were opening for WRM registrations which should hit the roads towards the end of the month.)

Waited for a short while, less than 20 minutes, for the counters in front of us to process the 20-odd people that were in front of me. Approached the counter when my turn was called, the lady was pleasant and courteous indeed. Took the old registration card along with a form and a copy of the IC, in less than 5 minutes I received the brand spanking new registration card. The bonus here is that I need not go back to the ground floor to get the road tax, unbeknownst to me, that can be done here as well. After the exchange of RM800, I received the roadtax for the car. I was a happy bunny ;)

Did some errands for another friend later that day. And eventually headed to the gym. I'm guilty, Your Honour... Haven't been going for classes as much as I used too. Though no complaints on the physique, I've always wanted to ensure that I don't put on the pounds that I've worked so hard to loose.

So.... In anticipation of the coming Fitness First Miracle 2008 event on 21 June 2008, me and some friends have been trying to get into shape (read previous blog entry, though that seemed to look like an eating outing :p) and it was decided on Monday that we should do a follow-up pre-event drill. Since I was at home, it only made sense for me and another friend to go to the Fitness First at Menara Manulife in Damansara Heights. First on the list was a bodypump class which was at 4:45pm. This Les Mills' programme is certainly one of my pet classes, the other two being, Body Balance and RPM. I've had some tough classes in my time with the gym, but this one really takes the cake... Towards the end of the class after numerous sets and reps of working through the muscle groups, I was sore on my upper torso.

As if this wasn't enough, the RPM Challenge class that followed at 6:45 that evening was no better. Somewhere along the line, I feel that my stamina is not like what it used to be. Thankfully the instructor chose his track songs well, which made the hour long class pass slightly faster, without any of us asking the ubiquitous 'Are we there yet? :p' After the final stretches and cooling down, as I came off the bike I could sense that my legs were almost in a jelly-like state.

It's no better today as I can't reach for things placed on higher shelves etc and when squatting can feel the muscles tightening up. Again folks, its not a complaint, just a reminder to get in shape and to work that body into a lean, mean defined machine :D:D:D I for one certainly felt good despite the 'hard' effort put into the sessions, Bring 'em on, is what I would like to say now...

Cheerio for now folks...

'twas destined to be a healthy weekend... NOT!! Food Glorious Food instead

Well, I guess The Boonster's blog is now reawakening from its long slumber, at last hehehehe...

The weekends have always been something that I look forward to more than anything else on the calendar.. Most people, including yours truly, would make it the time to catch up with family, loved ones, friends, outdoor activities, gym and the like..

The plan this past weekend was to hit the gym at least once, that we certainly did, and a double whammy too... For the gym freaks, a double dose of Body Pump and RPM had was on the books.

A prelude to what happened before the gym session... Since it was Mothers' Day weekend, healthy amounts of food were gorged the evening before and on Sunday morning I had this dogged determination to wake up early to finish chores around the house for my dear mother and get brekkie for everyone. Soooo, ladies and gents, this is where the part about Food Glorious Food starts ;)

I set upon the journey for morning grub... Went to the Imbi area to pick up some Pork Ball Noodles and Nasi Lemak, both of which are truly scrumptious. Also wanted to pick up some of the famous See Kee Curry puffs' but the stalll across the road wasn't open, so picked up some Siew Pau which had just been freshly baked, smelt and tasted good. Next, wandered across to Chinatown to pick up the said curry puffs. Must say that I do love a good curry puff :D

The end result of all the food bought was enough to feed an entire army :LOL: Dropped off the food at home and when to see J and C who were joining me for the gym session. One of the main reasons for the takeaway was to have saved some time and do more at the gym. Breakfast at J's was quickly done and rested for a short while before going to downtown KL.

J had a hankering to go to Charn Kee located along Jalan Alor for their Dry Curry Noodles (available only on Sundays), this was something I introduced to him a few weeks back. This was also C's first visit there, and she seemed intrigued by it after both our rave reviews. I guess having eaten a bit before this sort of mixed the taste buds.

It was indeed off to the gym after this... Got into KLCC and walked over to Menara Maxis where the Fitness First outlet is located. Didn't bargain to run into a 'mini' version of the Hindraf demos that happened a while ago. Still precautionary barriers and police (FRU included) were all there. Thankful that we were all early for gym so there were no delays. Got changed and stepped into the Body Pump class, love the way it just works the muscles in your body and 'hardens' them up by the end of class. First timers can expect some sore muscles for the few couple of sessions after which they would be quite addicted to it ;)

After the hour long class, we decided to chill for a bit waiting for the next class, RPM at 2:00pm since we had worked hard through the class. 'Booked' our spots prior to class, when we came back to class after that, bumped into our long-time buddies, JZ and SS, both of whom were surprised to see the three of us there. Certainly made for an interesting class.. JZ was seated where the fan and AC controls of the room were situated, didn't really noticed that the AC wasn't switched on till the mirrors fogged up. Must have gotten to J as well as the instructor, W, who asked JZ to immediately to switch on the AC! Poor J was finding it quite a challenge to get through the class due to the stuffiness and I was in a similar position too, heavily breathing to get as much of O2 into the body.

By the time we were all showered and done at the gym, it was close to 3:30pm, no where I could think off except for Soo Kee Char Siu in Jalan Ampang, was just going there to try our luck. Luck seemed to be on our side... Ordered some Char Siu, Roast Pork, some vegetables and a soup. The Char Siu was excellent as usual, one shouldn't bother asking for lean Char Siu here coz it will taste like cardboard.

Truly this felt like a roadtrip day, going all over to do stuff, gym and eat... Next stop was Chinatown, haven't been there for more than a year since my German friend came to KL. Was packed to the gillls with people from all over. It's always an amazing experience walking throught his part of the city, the sights and sounds of people going on with their daily activities..

After the trek through Chinatown, it was off to Pandan Jaya for some Steamed Fish done in Thai style (it's a corner shop restaurant, the name escapes me now :p), a serve of marmite Chicken and some local veg dish (Paku shoots). In all, such a great way to spend the weekend, couldn't ask for better company to do it with and enjoy the camaraderie of friends. Can't wait to repeat it at some point of time in future. After all, life is short, we should all kick back and chill if only for a short period.

Have a great week ahead folks!

ps. Pardon the lack of photos, got too caught up in the moment and didn't have time to snap
any...

All Hands on Deck :D:D:D

Hey there folks...

Well, Kuala Lumpur or KL as its affectionately known has recently been awash with sailors hailing from the USS Kitty Hawk.. Certainly a welcome sight from the usual scenes around the KLCC area where I work at...

Me and my best buddy certainly had a good time looking at buffed up and cute hotties... Shameless indeed.. :p

Something about men in uniform that makes us all weak knee'd :D:D:D

Bali... and its aftermath...

Well folks, this has taken a fair amount of time to put up no thanks to my busy schedule lately, both at work and personal life. Folks, have a gander at the fun that we had in Bali. This also happened to be the first time I flew on Air Asia, it's ok and surprised that our flights were on schedule bothways. Anyhow, I just love Bali and perhaps hope to retire there someday. An air of calm seems to engulf you the moment you get off the plane, ever since my first trip last year, i've been addicted to this isle. Anyway folks, pics below...

Me, with Eric and Joyce having our first meal at Warung Made's at one of the side roads of Kuta. Enjoyed the meal..

Our quaint, rustic Ida Hotel in the heart of Kuta, the pool is perfect for lazing around on those hot, sunny days.

Our first stop was to a Kopi Bali factory, on further exploration by the intrepid gang, we found various captions of the locals rendered from ground coffee, interesting stuff eh... We somehow felt 'pressured' to buy the coffee since the took the time to explain, the poor tour guide never knew what hit him after Booker gave him a piece of her mind :) Serves him right for not listening to our simple request.

One of our stops at a silverware factory, I found this nicely carved door and had to get a pic taken.
Seems that most houses in Bali are built on alignment to the 4 points of the compass.

One can only enter a temple once suitably garbed in a sarong... Pity the colour was a bit off, that shade of blue doesn't agree with me :p

Another shot of the gang at the Temple.

A shot of Mount Batur, was a very misty day and the camera couldn't focus onto the surroundings there. As luck would have it, we feel victim to another tourist trap, courtesy of the bumbling tour guide...
60,000 rupiah for a lunch buffet which would have been better spent elsewhere...


A shot from the van with us surrounded with ladies balancing trays of grub and offerings to deities at the temple as it was one of the lunar festivals.
Finally made it to the renowned Tanah Lot, also one of the stops in the inaugural Amazing Race Asia.
Another shot of the temple in Tanah Lot, managed to get across as the tide was low, couldn't enter as we were not 'saronged'

Enjoying our exploration of Tanah Lot, pic below, Booker capturing me in a pensive pose, nice reflection... :D

Sunset at Tanah Lot, fantastic views...



The Bali Memorial for the bomblast victims.. Thankfully the tourists seem to be coming back to Bali.
Who could complain when sunnies only cost the equivalent of RM6...
The yummiest Manggo lassi ever, surrounded by avocado juice and strawberry shake.
All freshly squeezed, better than anything I can find in KL...
Sunset at Kuta Beach, me with Booker.... Pic below, anothe nice sunset at Kuta.
Look at the clear waters, I don't normally see my own feet at beaches in Malaysia, this was just amazing :D

The evening before we came home, we splurged on rather decent Japanese nosh, suddenly everyone developed the typical Japanese syndrome of cameratitis, sudden onset of rapid snapshots on digital cameras. Never have more flashes gone off within a 5 minute period. The people around us must have wondered if we were 'mad' paparazzis taking shots of celebs :p
After Oriental dining, we decided to go try this joint out, it was enroute back to the hotel...
As you may already have guessed, this eaterie is based on the movie Forrest Gump.. The following signs on the table have a very important task to perform... Normally, you'd stick the sign as follows..
This is when you want to order your food, drinks, dessert or even ask for the bill.. Of course both of these signs come with accompaniment of the staff shouting,... you guessed it Stop Forrest Stop or Run Forrest Run (at the top of their lungs I might add!)


Hehehehe.... These are shots of Booker trying on various Kebayas and Sarongs... All nice :D

Lo and Behold the stall next to where Booker was trying on her kebayas was this place selling wood carvings of urm.... you get the picture don't you :D:D:D:D:D:D!!

All this talk of Babi Guling nearly came nought, luckily the girls managed to find or rather sniff out that the famed Ibu Oka Babi Guling in Ubud was actually opened for business, at their own home no less,and by golly the crowd was fantastic! Eric and Marcus grinning like Cheshire Cats once we all managed to get a place to sit under the shade and waiting for the Babi Guling...

Trying iout the Sepia mode on my cam, Marcus and the girls...
Yummylicious Babi Guling, why can't we get this here in KL :(
The amount of Babi Guling that we polished off...
It's all Lurve Booker hunny... :D:D:D
That's just a small sample of the stuff we bought, more hidden under the platform where we were seated..



If we do head back to Ibu Oka's then we'd know if she ever raised prices... Heheheh!
The signpost outside the Ubud Market where we did a lot of shopping and sharpened our bargaining skills.. :D
Me in front of the market...
Another shot of me from a different angle...
The Girls can't get enuf of... oh well you get the picture LOL!!!

On the return trip from Bali, aboard AK905.
The seat on the plane just wouldn't recline no matter how hard I pushed that darned button. SO much for proper aircraft maintenance, perhaps I should write a note to an ex-colleague who now works there.

Well folks, hope you enjoyed the photoblog of the Bali trip. Somehow, life got a bit more challenging when I returned home on the personal front. The person whom I thought wanted to be a part of my life suddenly went cold. Perhaps it's good that we remain friends and that I learnt my lesson now rather than later. As I belief in the transitionary phases of life, the ups and downs no less... Something interesting could very well be happening and perhaps I may just take my time and explore things further before making any decisions. Mighty pleased to find out that I still have what it takes... :D:D Stay tuned folks!

The Light Rail Transit System in Kuala Lumpur - What Morons!

This topic has been a pet peeve of mine ever since I started work in the city. I used to take the train to and from work religiously, supposedly to save on my travel time if I drive to the office. However of late, the reverse seems more appropriate as witnessed by me this morning.

I was dropped of by my significant other at the Bangsar LRT station around 815am, I decided that should be just perfect... However upon reaching the train platform, queues of people were already lining up. To make matters worse the train didn't seem to adhere to the 3 minute peak hour duration. As a result, as soon as people cleared onto the waiting train, more people queued from behind resulting in things being back to square one. Not only that the RapidKL staff were deployed to ensure each train was suitably overloaded with people by cramming everyone into the last remaining square inch..

Have made a promise to myself that on days I don't drive, I will catch a cab instead, similar duration to reach my office and less hassle. People from RapidKL, you suck BIGTIME!!! How long does it take for you people to extend more trains to your service. ANother case of first class facility with third world mentality...

Gym Instructors...

I've been fairly active at the gym the past couple of weeks... Going into the various Group Exercise classes on offer at Fitness First Malaysia, I now have a sense of respect for the various instructors..

Majority of the classes that I go to have excellent instructors and am rather close to them and regularly hang out with them too. Through all this one learns that the instructors are human too and they are more concerned about each individuals wellbeing to what you may think.

Classes are scheduled at all times of the day, it's the early morning and late evening classes that make me feel for the instructors. One can't help but truly feel their passsion that makes them get up early in the morning and stay late for the classes in the evening and this keeps them going through the next day and so forth..

A recent research reported that people that participate in Group Exercise feel better about themselves, perhaps it's the interaction of the participants with the instructor and vice versa that holds the key to why this is so.. I for one certainly can vouch for this observation. Sometimes classes are really a riot when the instructor misses a cue, but it's all good and taken in stride.

Here's a toast to all the Group Exercise Instructors, my babe included for having this inexhaustible passion to continue teaching the various programmes on offer. Certainly makes life a more interesting proposition. People who say otherwise don't know what they are missing out on... Have a great day people! :D:D