BS Blog

Tommy Chong January 11-13

2007-01-14T11:53:00.000-08:00

Chong and his wife preformed this past week. He was well received. Five sold out shows and I bet you could guess the state of the audience.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!!!

2007-01-01T12:05:00.000-08:00

Unfortunately, I had to work on New Year's Eve. The staff tried to make the most of it.

This is box office Brandy. She makes me feel very unoriginal.

This is Lyndsey. She strut around all night. She knew she looked hot.

This is our manager Cody. We all take him very seriously.

Ashley, Yuconda, Lyndsey and Ryan. Yuconda isn't very nice.

I hate noise makers!!! Drunk people were having horn contests.

Hello girls...

2006-12-29T17:30:00.000-08:00

A photographer asked to take some shots of me. Three hours and 300 pictures later... he sent me this one. In 300 there was bound to be a good one. I will see the rest this weekend.

MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYBODY!!!!

2006-12-25T21:30:00.000-08:00

This is Ashley on Christmas Eve, the night of our annual seafood feast. She's excited about her new purse. The rest of us were ecstatic about the food.

We started with fried, breaded oysters. Not very picturesque but quite tasty.

Next were the escargo. I know I know I'm taking pictures of food, but I missed this night two years in a row. Had to be done.

The girls were quite happy. Notice the high-chair from 1972. Seriously. We have to use a neck tie as a seat belt so Samantha doesn't slide out. Not because we're cheap so much as nostalgic.

Between courses two and three, I needed a break. We started eating at 5:00 and finished at 8:00. I took a nap part way through.

I awoke to bacon wrapped scallops.

Brendan, Carmen's husband, didn't want his picture taken or on my blog. Too bad, Brendan. Too bad.

What a cutie. Sam got tired of watching us eat.

Crab legs... yummy.

O.k. by this time I was having some difficulty.

However, Carmen and Ashley were still looking forward to our main course. They're doing the lobster dance. You can do it too. Pretend you have claws, stick your tongue out, and bounce.

The only other food group, besides meat, represented at this meal was the milk group. We dipped a couple courses in butter.

My dad, Carey, was responsible for this fine meal.

This is now Christmas night. Ashley is a little bit of a girly girl.

We're a little more traditional on Christmas day. BBQ'ed bird.

Sam Sam trying to eat my camera strap. What a sweetie.

Luckily, my dad is just pretending to sleep. He may have dropped her otherwise.

This is my mom after she had finished three glasses of wine. I'm so kidding, mom.

Merry Christmas!!!

Update Sept 1 - Nov 1

2006-11-03T19:39:00.000-08:00

I have been neglecting my site lately. Below I explain why. I also lost the cord that hooks my camera up to my computer. Made it a little difficult to transfer pics.

I got a job at the beginning of September!!! Yah! My new school is out in St. Albert (burbs of Edmonton). This is Kim. She teaches in the same programme. I'm her sidekick, as she has been with these kids for a couple years. Kim is very fun and knowledgeable.

I am also the industrial arts assistant. Why not? I spent the first couple weeks learning how to use the machines. I like it a lot. I feel all powerful n stuff.

At the end of August, I picked up a job at a comedy club in Edmonton. I really like working there. The place is extremely laid back and often doesn't feel like work. This is Ryan, the guy who hired me. He is the bar supervisor and will occasionally go on stage. Ryan will only date models.

I also have been home shopping. I finally found a place at the end of September. It is GREAT!!!! The market here is crazy but I was lucky enough to buy a condo just off of Jasper Ave downtown Edmonton. There were four other offers on the place. I was sooooo nervous.

I moved in last Saturday. I had the most effiecient moving crew ever! Kim headed up painting. Greg was in charge of taking pictures. He is so lazy. Just kiddin, Greg. Everyone was fantastic!!

Carmen and my cousin, Jason, slowed progress a bit with their wall drawings/obsenities. They also managed to drink the majority of the beer. Hence all the touch ups I had to do the following day.

This is the entrance area. The condo is 1100sq/ft. Just big enough for all my stuff.

My cat, Alex, moved in on Tuesday. She was crying at my parents place cause she thought I had ditched her again. Poor kitty. She is now very happy with the view over 109street.

I made that T.V. stand!! Crazy hey. I make my own funiture. Actually I had a bunch of help from Martin, my shop boss, but I was still very proud of myself. Next a bookcase...but a cool one.

Found a place for my Bali painting, blue clay Malaysian horse and my pipe from Dubai. My place is just a touch eclectic.

I even put a metal gecko in my kitchen. I heard they're lucky. I like this one better than my Malaysian gecko. It doesn't crap all over my walls.

This is the view off my balcony. Unfortunately it was snowing when I had time to take the picture. Not very clear. Cold but not clear. Damn it's cold here.

Ang and Island August 21-25

2006-08-25T10:35:00.000-07:00

This is Ang. She is GREAT!!! Angie was my partner in crime during high school. We hadn't seen each other in 4 years. We ended up talking for three days straight.

Ang and her boyfriend, Danny, live in North Saanich, so we stayed downtown Victoria one night and went club hopping. This is Ang, Danny, and Tao in the back.

There are bears everywhere. We didn't pay much attention to them until our walk back to the hotel. Then Angie was grabbing on to everyone we passed. I was laughing so hard I couldn't walk.

By this time, Tao was taking the pictures. I could not stop giggling. Unfortunately, he couldn't work the camera that well.

This was our hotel, The Empress. I guess its a pretty swanky place. $23 grilled ham and cheese kinda swanky. Danny's sister got us a super good deal on a room for the night. We felt like a bunch of rowdies coming back from the bars at 4 in the morning.

This is as touristy as we got. I shot this as we were leaving the hotel.

We also went to Danny's family cabin at Lake Cowichan. I have come to the conclusion that I MUST live somewhere pretty!!!!

Back at Ang's place in North Saanich.

She had never played with a digital camera before. This is me posing before we left for the airport. She will be picking up a new computer, camera and ipod soon.

Angie with her kitty PJ. We were all sooooo tired by the time I left. I'm not leaving my bed this weekend. But one of the best vacations I've been on. Thanks guys!!! Have fun fishin this weekend.

This was on the plane ride from Edmonton. The oxygen masks flew out of the ceiling, but only the ones over my seat. The flight attendent told us not to touch them but the business guy beside me, who hadn't said a word for an hour, started to ham it up. Unexpectedly funny.

Vegas Vacation August 17-20

2006-08-21T12:03:00.000-07:00

This is Jean, Steve's mommy. She was kind enough to fly seven of us down for the weekend.

The girls - Diana, Erica and me.

The boys (all brothers)- Greg, Bryan, Mike, and Steve.

Various hotel shots. I have never been on a vacation quite like this one. It seemed to be completely based on hotels.

Diana making out with a dragon at Excalibur.

Taking a break. The boys needed really big margaritas. It was over 40 there all weekend. Though it still didn't feel as warm as Malaysia.

I usually don't give people money on the street but I wanted to take his picture.

Me with a bunch of costumed strangers. I love people in costumes. Favorite commercial holiday - Halloween.

Obviously, this is Fremont street.

We watched an extremely, almost painfully, patriotic video on the big screen. Then went to the strippers.

We saw two shows: a Wayne Brady improv show and Mystere, a Cirque du Soleil show. This was after Mystere. I loved it!!!

Before taking off on Sunday, I got my tattoo redone. This is Riz. He kept calling me honey and sweetheart. I hate that, but he was writing on my skin with a needle so I let him get away with it.

Also went on a crazy ride at the Stratosphere.

The biggest sandwich I have ever seen in my entire life.

Bryan trying to fit the biggest sandwich in his mouth.

O' Alberta

2006-08-02T17:31:00.000-07:00

How many Canadian/Albertan items can you find in this picture? Clue - my cousin, Jason, is fresh off the rigs. That's one.

My NEW CAR!!

2006-07-23T16:58:00.000-07:00

Right... my EPF just couldn't cover it. The Grand Prix was in town this weekend. This is me at a Pre Grand Prix party. I thought it would be better to hit some races here since I found it too hot in KL. However, Edmonton reached record highs all weekend. So it was just as hot.

O.k this is my new car. Its a cute, blue Honda Accord. I guess I shouldn't have included the first picture. Poor little Honda. Its just not that impressive anymore. Needed something to get around. It will do.

My Family

2006-07-16T22:03:00.000-07:00

I have been upgraded to Auntie B!!! That's huge. Last year I was the strange lady who brought lots of gifts and wanted hugs. Now Ashley calls me Auntie B, and she says it often. I'm pleased.

This is daddio grillin up some chops.

This is my older sister Andrea with her daughters, Ashley and Samantha. Taking a picture of Sam is more difficult than those pesky dolphins in Bali. If she's smiling, she doesn't sit still. I will get a good one yet.

This is my baby girl, Alex. That's right, she has a he name. She recognized me when I got home but was mighty mad. She still loves me though.

This is my baby sister Carm Carm (Carmen) posing with her Pilsner. Carmen is trouble but is also very fun.

Carmen's husband, Brenden, with Steve and dogs, Hervy and Leroy (AKA Reroy as Ashley can't pronounce properly).

Last Week in Malaysia

2006-07-11T19:21:00.000-07:00

This was Thursday, July 6. We had a going away party for Paule and Jason. These two fine ladies are Karen and Paule.

Rani and Jason.

Our director, Rosemary, and her husband, Robert.

I really can't tell you what happened here. Sideways group shot. Yes, I did try to orientate it differently. Nothing worked. I swear.

This is Saturday night at TSB, a bar in Bangsar. Everyone was trying out his or her sexy look. With Liam

With Karen and Barry.

The new guys need more practise.

Mark's got it. I love the hair over the eye. Will have to try it.

Too much hair?? I'm really not sure what you call this move.

Sunday morning and afternoon I recovered with Barry at the pool.

Hee hee hee hee hee hee

Sunday night was Las Carretas, Mexican restaurant and World Cup Final till 5 in the morning.

This is Ryan, the most hospitable person in Malaysia, (AKA server at L.C).

Monday we went back to Las Carretas for their 10th b-day celebration. Here we are with Caroline and Salina. They are very smart and extremely fun women. I met them at the pool two months before I was coming home. Pity, but we had a lot of fun in tiny amount of time.

Oh ya, there was free beer.

On Tuesday, Rani and Sharath took Aimmie, Steve and I out for some Indian. It was Aimmie and Nathan's last night:(

Wednesday we said goodbye to our cleaning lady, Sheila...

and some more teachers...

and students too. Then we really had to start packing.

Our last day, Thursday, we went out for lunch with our landlord, Thoo (above) and then for seafood dinner with Karen and Barry. For most of the week I was a giant puddle, crying everytime I said goodbye to someone. Manny told me this was because I had such a great experience. He was definitely right.

SPECIAL POTATOE RECIPE
Here is the recipe:

1kg peeled potatoes (cut into small cubes)
500ml sour cream
2 cans creme of chicken soup
1-2 large onions
8oz sharp cheddar cheese
salt/pepper

Fry potatoes until brown. Combine all ingredients. Before going in the oven pour 1/4 cup melted butter over the top (spread it around). Top with crushed cornflakes. Cook uncovered for 45 minutes at 350. Also works out in the less powerful toaster oven.

ENJOY!!

Redang & Perhentian Islands, Malaysia June 26-30

2006-07-01T02:39:00.000-07:00

Red Box Karaoke

2006-06-25T03:38:00.000-07:00

We went to karaoke! It was actually quite fun. I was pleasantly surprised. We had our own room, tv and system. I am merely posing with the mic. I did not sing into one. I am not delusional about my voice. From the left is Jason, Rani, Paule, Steve, Yvonne, and me.

Ubud & Lovina Bali June 19-23

2006-06-25T02:26:00.000-07:00

This was our hotel in Ubud. I like it here. We have stayed three times.

On the Wednesday, we went north to Lovina.

Friday morning we went on a dolphin safari. It was nearly impossible to get a good shot. Those dolphins are fast.

So I resorted to taking pictures of boats. I counted twenty. We were all following the dolphins around. I found it a touch ridiculous at times. It was as though the dolphins were playing games with us. The drivers were all over the place.

And then Steve got the shot.

Chiang Mai, Thailand June 12-16

2006-06-16T04:25:00.000-07:00

Chiang Mai is the second largest province in Thailand and located in the north. It is quite a laid back city. In five days, I had 3 massages.

After our first massage, we went shopping. I was attacked by a dog in the first shop. I haven't pet a dog in sooooo long. I miss having a pet.

One of Chiang Mai's biggest draws is the Night Bazaar. There are streets full of vendors. I bought braclets from this lady. She wouldn't smile for the picture. I was even making faces.

More braclets. I have a serious jewlery buying problem. For an early birthday present, I received the most amazing silver and amber pendant and chain from Steve. Yahh!!!! Don't worry, we didn't buy it at the market.

Some tourists get mobbed by the sellers. This guy couldn't get rid of them. I found it entertaining.

We went down a bar street to catch a World Cup game and perhaps a show. They had the game Connect 4 on every table, so we played.

The show we saw included several lady boys. They were actually very attractive.

If I have a strange look on my face, its because one of the "ladies" grabbed my butt as the pictures was being shot.

The same stage was shared by Thai boxers.

On the Wednesday, we went for a drive up north close to the Myanmar border. We stopped at a cave on the way.

Here are some people pictures. I felt weird taking pictures of everyone, yet it was encouraged. It was like a people zoo.

Steve put on a magic show for a couple of the kids.

The "village" felt very much like the market we had been to the previous night.

This girl was very sweet. Just so smiley.

We had a painting done for Greg and Erica. You can give these guys any picture to copy and they'll do it in two days. Pretty impressive. This painting isn't finished. The shading needed to be done.

Our last night we went on a dinner cruise. It was nice until the couple behind started scraping.

After dinner, we went for one last massage. I choose this location based on the fact there was a wine stand next door.

This was our tuk tuk guy.

Staff BBQ May 26

2006-05-27T04:11:00.000-07:00

Our director, Rosemary, organized a poolside BBQ for outgoing staff.

This is most of the staff. There are 9 of us leaving in July.

Steve has finished all of his marking. Can you tell?

Aimmie and Nathan brought good eats. Aren't they adorable?

Liam was our dj.

For every BBQ, I make a potato dish. If you come late, you don't get any. Mark is just posing. He would never lick a pan for real.

Chris is also posing. He never drinks.

Justin making a move on Jenn.

Aimmie, Myself and Paule.

X Games May 12-14

2006-05-15T05:24:00.000-07:00

This shot was taken on our way down to the park. The events were held right outside our balcony, so we watched the boarders and skaters from there. It was super loud for four days. Luckily, the music didn't suck.

We went down on the Sunday of our long weekend. Here's a martial arts demontration. These guys were great but I almost got hit in the head by a flying board. Not so great.

The event we were waiting for... the freestyle motorcross. Notice there are 2 riders in the air. We couldn't see this event from home.

Insane!!!

But I couldn't wipe the smile off my face.

Here are the shots from the balcony. While Kim and Greg were here, they forgot to take a picture from our condo. Here you go guys.

My buddy Kim invited me to the after party. Kim is from Toronto and works in film here and there. I always have a great time when we're together. The party was a lot of fun. We met some very interesting people.

Prom Night May 3, 2006

2006-05-15T02:19:00.000-07:00

Paule and I in our saris. I find them very uncomfortable, but they're so beautiful.

This is Rani. She is great! She is actually the one who took me to get the saree. She is the lecturer who won the Best Dressed Lecturer award. Well deserved.

This is Mark in his baju malayu. He is extremely fun and incredibly down to earth. Mark won the Worst Handwriting award. Also well deserved.

This is Yvonne. She is a math teacher in our programme. Yvonne didn't win an award but is still incredibly sweet.

This is Chris, the bio guy, and his girlfriend Augusta. Just nice people. We often go out on the weekend and then sit by the pool to recover the next day.

Siem Reap, Cambodia March 17-19

2006-03-21T06:49:00.000-08:00

Angkor Wat at sunrise. Greg was not pleased about getting up at 4:45 but he survived.

I put my hair up immediately after this picture was taken. I couldn't believe it, 7:00am and we were already sweating!! It got up to 45 degrees the Saturday we toured the temples. BLAHHHH!!! It's a good thing we started early. Right, Greg.

I love the saffron robes. Unfortunately, there weren't any monks wandering around. I tend to stalk them for a good pictures.

This is my favourite shot.

This is my favourite temple, Bayon. This place is great!! There are carved faces everywhere.

Carved faces.

I was really tired and warm, so I sat out while the other three went to a less impressive temple. Not surprisingly, two kids tried to sell me stuff. I said no, but they hung out anyway. We chatted for a half an hour while the others dragged their butts around in the sun. The girl's name was Lotte.

This picture was taken at Ta Prom. There were soooooooo many Japanese tourists I was getting a little upset. Fortunately, I was there in February 2005, so I have a few good shots from then.

Just cute.

My favourite Cambodian store, Happy Cambodia.

Langkawi TAKE 4

2006-03-21T02:04:00.000-08:00

We arrived in Langkawi Monday, March 13. Our original plan was to go to Redang but the trip fell through when the island's water supply sprung a leak. Seriously.

Greg and I on the beach for sunset.

We had dinner that night at the Lighthouse, a great seafood place on the beach. The group may look familiar (see Las Carretas below).

Of course we had to rent scooters. I almost got my own but chickened out last minute. I will attempt a solo ride on our next trip to Langkawi in April. That's right there will be a fifth installment.

Greg, Kim, Steve and I stopped at the Oriental Village on our way around island. We did a little shopping (Kim loves her shopping - Greg hates her shopping - I don't think he really understands) and then we went up the cable car.

Kim on the bridge.

Before leaving, we stopped for a creamy sandwich. Delicious!! Actually, we didn't have one but boy they look great. Maybe I'll ride my scooter over to the shop in April.

Greg and Kim in K.L.

2006-03-21T01:01:00.000-08:00

We started drinking immediately! Actually this is a picture from the second day. On their first day, Kim and Greg arrived in K.L. at about 2pm. We ended up swimming, eating, and drinking a couple beer. Then they passed out. Greg stayed up until 6:30pm and Kim lasted until 7:30. Great effort though! Real troopers.

We went shopping downtown on their first full day. This was March 11. Kim was able to accumulate quite the collection of purses. Very impressive.

Then we started to drink.

On Sunday night we went to Las Carretas, a local Mexican restaurant. Only Kim has been drinking in this picture. Greg and I are completely sober.

See if you can locate the Alberta licence plate.

We were accompanied by Liam, sitting beside me, and his good friends Jeremy and Laurel.

March 9 Storm

2006-03-09T06:57:00.000-08:00

30 minutes that spelt chaos
SUBANG JAYA: Residents in this densely populated suburb outside Petaling Jaya thought a hurricane must have swept across their neighbourhood when a freak storm that lasted 30 minutes uprooted trees, blew off roofs, toppled over lampposts and caused chaos.
The worst-hit areas were SS14, SS17 and SS18, where the residents described the blustery weather conditions that started at 3pm yesterday as “nothing like they had ever seen before.”
SRK Subang Jaya in SS14/5 had to summon parents to take the pupils home after the winds tore away part of the roof and sent tiles flying.
“We rushed all our pupils into the school hall just in time, before the flying tiles hit the classrooms, offices and cars,” said the school’s evening principal Rokiah Shariff. The school will remain closed until repairs have been made.
Besides houses and property ravaged by the storm, hundreds of cars were also damaged by flying debris and falling trees and branches. No one was injured.
The Meteorological Department, when contacted, was unable to explain the phenomenon.
In the aftermath of the storm, major roads in Subang Jaya and USJ were impassable due to uprooted trees and fallen billboards and street lamps, which blocked the way.
Subang Jaya Municipal Council (MPSJ) and Alam Flora contractors were later deployed to remove the obstacles.

We have had a couple of crazy storms lately. This latest storm occured during my sixth period class Thursday. I heard a lot of commotion but missed the action because my classroom is in the middle of the 4th floor. On the walk home, there were at least a dozen trees uprooted. They landed on cars, across roads and in the condo courtyard. This one was by the pool.

The Sunway leaf sweepers are going to be pissed. If you weren't aware, tens of individuals sweep leaves every morning.

Jasmin was spooked beyond belief. He didn't even want his supper. That's really weird. We had water in our main area and our balcony chairs were stacked against one wall. If this happens again, I would at least like to see it.

Langkawi February 1-4

2006-02-06T04:46:00.000-08:00

After spending a couple of days in KL, we took a plane to the island of Langkawi. We rented a local Proton and drove it straight to the island's cable car for a great view.

On our second night, we went on a sunset dinner cruise on the Andaman Sea. This is Steve. Surpriseingly, Steve is not posing. I caught him off gaurd. Ah, maybe a little.

Dad is driving the boat. I can't remember ever seeing him on a boat, but hey he's driving this one.

Well, here's a more familiar sight.

That's right, monkey sex.

Once home everyone, including the cat, needed to take a break.

After dad stole my Yatzee game, he tried to get Jasmine's chair.

Steve's 30th Birthday Party

2006-01-19T23:24:00.000-08:00

Steve turned 30 on January 12. Aimmie and Nathan held a surprise party for him on the 13th. He was actually completely surprised. I didn't think we could pull it off. Here he is enjoying his oreo cheesecake. Quite tasty.

This is Mark, Jenn and Justin. Very funny people. All three work at the school.

From the left we have Anton (back of his head), Karen, Shannon (hiding), Liam, Jason, Micheal, Nathan and Paule. A good time was had by all. Especially Steve as he received many games for his new Playstation. Spoiled Monkey!!!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!

2006-01-01T21:39:00.000-08:00

We went over to Paule and Jason's place for New Year's Eve. It was very fun. The theme was Middle Eastern. I wore my new belly dancing belt from Dubai and Steve wore a sheik head dress. Steve was taking all of the pictures, so we don't really have any of him. This shot was taken on the patio just after the lagoon fireworks.

The second picture is of Justin, Jenn's B-friend and lecturer. It is obviously near the end of the evening.

Jenn and I are in the last shot. She is a good friend and fellow lecturer.

Kenya December 15-26, 2005

2006-01-01T21:25:00.001-08:00

Dubai Pictures December 11-15, 2005

2006-01-01T20:03:00.000-08:00