Good times in Malaysia

Finally a vacation, a break from reality that is work, Canada, not enough sleep. Being in Malaysia where it's warm (shorts and tank tops everyday) and relaxed I'm trying to remember what I was up to before I left. Let's see, I tried riding my bike to work in 30 degree weather. It's been a while since I've ridden my bike but like they say, once you know how to ride you never forget. Unfortunately I forgot how uncomfortable my bike seat was. It was like sitting on a cinder block for 2 hours. Needless to say I couldn't possibly ride my bike the next day, not to mention all the uphill climbs and jarring bumps on the way back home. I also saw a policeman stop a biker for riding on the sidewalk so I must become more brave and ride on the street instead before I ride again.

What else...I went to the dentist because I had a sensitive spot and thought I was getting a cavity. The new dental hygienist, James, informed me that I hadn't been there for almost 2 years. That's totally not my fault because they had always called to tell you if you are overdue for a check-up. Anyhow I don't think I've been in so much pain from the dentist's since the last time Marina was busy and this other new lady butchered my mouth. Blood everywhere. I've had 8 teeth pulled and fillings done without freezing, but now I really know why people dread going to the dentist: to avoid painful mouth-cleaning.

I played in my last fastball tournament of the summer. I'm missing provincials this weekend so I can be in tropical paradise! We played in Brampton and we had some good games. Although we lost 4 of 6 games, we were very much in those games. I know I'm just trying to sound optimistic, the coach must be rubbing off on me, but ball is all about timing and who can capitalize at the right moments. The 2nd last game was fun, it was a play-off game and we beat Windsor 2-0. 2nd base is so much fun, too bad Dad wasn't there to take pictures that game. Then we got an ass-whooping served to us on a platter by Team Ontario. Damn 18-year-olds being superstars.

Great quote from my mom: "You know, those clits..." Mom, they're cleats. CLEATS!!! Bahahhahahaha!

I finally found a roommate. He happens to know Ken from badminton. After having Pete bail, it was a mad rush to find somebody to take the other room. It's so interesting to meet people for the first time under these circumstances.
"I don't like animals and I'm allergic to cats...Is your boyfriend going to be over all" the time?" She's out.
"Do you care if I have guys over on weekends and overnight?" She's a slut. Rob observingly nicknamed her Thunder-thighs.
You must be blunt and to the point. I thought that finding a roommate after finding an apartment would be easier, but it turns out that the apartment hunting was a much smoother ride. The more I think about it, guys are easier to live with because they are less picky and also less complex to get along with. The new roommate assures me that he is accustomed to cleaning and taking care of himself so all I have to do is learn how to take care of myself.

OK, onto Malaysia. It was a long flight to get here. The sun was out for most of the flight here. I tried not to look at my watch to make the time go faster. I was really disappointed that Air Canada didn't play any new movies and for a 13+ hour flight only 3 movies were played. The only one I really watched was an old Audrey Hepburn and Gregory Peck movie called Roman Holiday. Those old movies are so simple and do not focus on having a happy ending. It was enjoyably nostalgic. I sat beside a nice Philippino lady who was visiting family in Manila. I got to complain to her that my seat wouldn't recline and that some lady who appeared to be a flight attendant on vacation got 4 seats to herself and sprawled luxuriously across them all. I'm bitter. But they did feed us 5 times. Even free beer and wine, but I didn't take advantage. The lack of sleep has helped me to get over my jet lag quickly. The second leg of the flight was much faster, probably because I was excited to get there. Boon picked me up from the Singapore airport and I got a nice big hug. Boon, you really have been eating a lot haha!

So far I've experience a lot of good food myself. A majority of the stores here are in fact food stalls and they stay open late. The roads are confusing. You rarely turn where you want to go. Instead you need to go straight past the turn and make u-turns. Oh right, and people drive on the opposite side of the road. I've gotten mosquito bites because the houses here are "open air". Six so far, averaging about 2 a day. I happened to buy some garlic pills in Canada to test the theory that they deter mosquitos from biting. Mosquitos like foreign blood though. I've been warned several times to watch my purse because of thiefs. I've grown accustomed to not carrying much with me now as my meals are graciously paid for. I told Boon that if someone were to take my purse he must run after them. But then he told me that people do drive-by snatchings from motorcycles. Darn. Ok, what would happen if I threw a durian at the thief's head? Surely he would be hurt badly.

Speaking of durians, I had my first taste of a fresh durian yesterday. Boon's family all gathered at his cousin's place to have a durian opening. It's quite a skill to have I hear. His family is all very nice. There were 6 siblings there (I think) on Boon's father's side, a big family much like my Dad's. I was open-minded to eating it but the first bite bit me back first. I had such a hard time swallowing the durian that I needed some water to wash it down. The relatives had a good laugh out of it. It looks like raw foie gras. It tastes nothing like fruit should taste to me. Boon's chubby little cousin Tong was especially cute while he gorged on the "king of fruits".

Next it's onto Pulau Redang, a resort island. Beaches, sun and food. I am sooo excited.

I must start to take pictures soon, learn how to listen to Malaysian English and visit Singapore!

Same old thing

Nothing too blogworthy right now. I am tired. Always tired. Although it is the summer and I don't have many worries, I haven't been sleeping well lately. Zzzz's might be somewhat hampered by the Wimbledon championships (darn time difference) and the need for me to watch Federer kick some ass. By the way Federer out-classed all of his opponents including today's, Popeye, to win the championships. Other than that, I think I worry too much in my dreams...what am I worrying about? Any psychoanalysts out there? I'm sure midnight phone calls have also affected my sleep.

Played a game tonight. We won 10-0 (2 for 2, bunt, single, walk. 3 runs). The other team didn't seem to care much so it almost was a waste of our time. I hate ambivalence. Also played golf earlier ie 9-hole golf course. Grrrsh darn blisters on the hands. For my first time, it was sew sew. I lost 4 balls. Unlike some people, I am not instantly obsessed with it now. It was a really nice day today, warm but comfortable with an intermittent breeze. I did however get my shoulders burnt. Probably because they haven't seen the sun in a year.

I found a great apartment, I just need to sign the lease. The place seems like a student haven. It might end up being like residence. Since I never got to stay in residence in my first year, it might be pretty interesting. I had a roommate all lined up for this 2 bdrm set-up, but it sounds like he's not going to attend UT anymore so it's time for a roommate search. I'm not sure exactly how the roommate situation will turn out in the end but I have to get things wrapped up before I leave for Malaysia. I posted an ad for a roommate and I already have 2 interested. If only I can get to Toronto and organize a lease-signing and showing on the same day.

Less than 10 days until I leave for Malaysia. I'm so excited!!!!

"Body trumps the face."