Thank You For The Music

Michael Jackson is on the soundtrack to some of my best childhood memories. One of them being a sticky Sunday afternoon sitting around with my parents and listening to this song being played on Radio Brunei's english music hour on my dad's stereo. I was so pleased because it was one of the rare times that my mom let me have an ice cream while we all lay about complaining about the heat.

Happiness took a much simpler form back then.



I went downstairs to Shaz's office for a smoke and a coffee earlier and confessed that I was actually pretty upset upon hearing the news. So was she.

We compared notes and her generation got cute, sweet Michael - still in the Jackson 5 with that awesome voice. My generation got cool Michael who claimed that Bille Jean was not his lover. This was followed this the infamous glove, aviators and moon-walk soon after.

Thank you for the music and the memories Michael.

Temptation? What Temptation?

When it comes to the amber nectar, I am shameless in my pursuit of it. Much like how some men pursue women for sport. Or how some women salivatingly pursue the ultimate pair of danger heels.

Here I was, one hour ago, powering through work like the champ that I am. Being all good and thinking "Nah I'll just head straight home after work and catch up on some writing."

Then I spy V's phonecall. "Want to go to Firefly?" he asks.

Me: (without hesitation) "Okay."

And that was all it took for my plans to change in an instant.

Haha I'm shameless. And I can imagine Jeremy, Melissa and Yolanda reading this while rolling their eyes and going "So what else is new? It's Shan for god's sake."

Yep that's it. A nice end to a surprisingly great work day. I like these evenings when I feel like I've really earned a cold one. Anything to give myself an excuse aye?

A Postsecret That Describes The Real Me

The background image of this postsecret is totally not accurate however the crux of the message is 100% spot on.



What can I say? I'm shallow. I know it. And I don't really care ;)

So It's Like This

I promised you guys I'd update and I did. Some of the events that have kept me busy and out of trouble for the past 3 weeks.

Firstly we had the launch of LifeAndStyle - www.lifeandstyle.com.my - on May 23rd at Blue Note, Shangri-La's Tanjung Aru Resort & Spa.

The lovely people at Land Rover gave us the showcase vehicles to test drive for the weekend of our launch. I grabbed the Freelander, to which I already have a personal history with - having driven it during the Land Rover launch.

Having to return it on Monday morning was a little painful.

Caleb drove the Discovery 3. It's a much bigger ride but I was well happy with mine.

On Thursday I headed over to Firefly to take some photographs and to get some info for a feature on the magazine.

I took several highly important shots like this

And of course this. Crucial shot, this.
The girls came out to play and we had a couple of large Hoegaardens.
God I love Happy Hour.

After Firefly I went along to Cock&Bull Tj Aru and noticed this strapping bunch of fellas walk in.
Linton, Justin, Pat and Mark. They were pretty excited about Linton's party the next night at Blue Note which I was planning to go to. And Mr. Nickki Tay was in town too.

Chris got on stage and gave us a rendition of Hotel California. Not bad man.

The very next night after @mosphere's VIP Card launch I headed over to Blue Note for the retro party. Of course there were several familiar faces and more friends I'd not see in ages!

On Saturday I made my way to Langkah Syabas Resort for Sam & Chris Nielsen's leaving party by the beach. Sam's instructions to me were "Shan you're not allowed to leave until the alcohol's all finished."
To summarize; eating, drinking,dancing and a lot of laughing until the weeee hours.

This was probably the last time we'd all be together before Sam & Chris move back to Australia.
This is the complete Borneo Marathon crew by the way.
From left: Me, Christine Amos, Samantha Donaldson, Andrew Voon, Urs Weisskopf, Audrey Weisskopf and Carol Voon.
Seated: Simon Amos and Chris Nielsen

What else happened...let's see...Paul Cuenca was in town so we hung out for 2 nights. I hit the Secret Sunday Beer Club (copyright) on Saturday with two mates. Nice being out by the jungle with a couple of cold ones.
Tonight it's Christine's birthday at Kohinoor's North Indian down by the Waterfront and tomorrow it's Paul Tourle's birthday at Jeff D'Corner - Wednesday is Lamb Shank day you see.

The magazine is up and running smoothly and it's something I am very excited about. Things are progressing in the right direction. So far, so good.

And life?

Well it's moving on.

In The Meantime

There is a lot going on as of late and I know I'm to put up a whole bunch of photos. However it's been crazy and I've not gotten around to blogging.

In brief, we launched www.lifeandstyle.com.my and a great time was had by all. I test drove the Land Rover Freelander all weekend and really gave it a good workout. I've discovered even more new watering holes. I've gotten back in touch with a whole bunch of old friends and made some new ones.

But for now, I'm gonna Blogthings it. Because this was freakily accurate :

Your Birthday's Wisdom is Individuality

Life has required you to go your own way and do your own thing. You've been taught to rely on yourself. You don't feel comfortable relying on others. You are highly motivated and aggressive. You have no problem getting things done and getting what you want. You feel like you have to look out for yourself, because no one else is.

What's Your Birthday's Wisdom?

Have a great long weekend everyone (in Sabah). Kopivosian Tadau Ka'amatan. Aramaiti!

The Wedding Invitation

So it's like this:

Hana was my dorm mate from boarding school days (and partner in crime for teenage misbehaviour).
To say that she is an old, dear friend who I consider to be family is an understatement.

One day Hana went to the states to get her Masters from Yale.
While there she met that handsome fellow right there, Antoine.

They liked eachother enough to get engaged some time later.

And their wedding is next month.

In Bali.

Oh man. How cool, right?

(but isn't Hana gorgeous in this photo though? Their kids are going to look amazing)

*photographs property of Hana Makarim*

For the past few weeks, Hana and fellow Jakartian and ex-UWCer Tania, have been checking in with me to see if I'll be able to make it or not. I tried my best to see if I could, but I can't.
Initially I was very upset after juggling dates, finding out that I couldn't make it.

A heavy heart was weighed down further when this card was delivered to my previous workplace yesterday. Picked it up from Kent after work.
It has to be said that this is by far the prettiest and awesomest wedding invitation I've gotten.

Further down I spied the rest of the itinerary over the days leading up to and after the wedding.

I've already told Hana I can't attend and at the risk of her following through on her threats of rethinking our friendship and possibly flying out here to beat me severely (nah she likes me too much to ever do that, really), I'm happy in the knowledge that one of my dearest friends whom I love to bits and little pieces, will be surrounded by people who love her as much as I do.

And while it hurts a little that I won't be there to see her and to meet up with other UWCers like Tania (whom I was supposed to be sharing a room with), I know she'll be having the time of her life.

And for now, just knowing that, is good enough.

Congratulations Hana and Antoine. I'll see you when you head over here to climb the mountain.

All my love Banana,

Dilsh

I Know, I Know

I'm not supposed to jinx anything but am really excited with the upcoming launch of our online magazine. Fingers crossed all goes well.

M'sian celeb appearance? - check

Flash invites? - check

The best venue in town? - check

Awesome guest list? - check

Will Shan be driving a hella cool vehicle in conjunction with the launch and for the rest of the next day? - check, check and check!

I heart you Land Rover Freelander!


I have to admit to allowing myself the tiniest, littlest pang of sorrow that the media list for the BMW junket tomorrow is full and I found out about it a little too late.
My only hope is that the journos and media reps that do get to drive those absolutely beautiful works of art and speed around for the better part of a day appreciate the car and most importantly, do a good job of covering it.
Please. Honestly. For my sake.
I really do want to read about it, not just a couple of waffly photos here and there. Give me information, something I can sink my teeth into - not just a copy and paste from the intro manual okay? :)

Call me more than a little biased but it's just that I am a beemer owner (1999 model 523i. Thank you Labuan Duty Free Status) and I have this thing about beemers. Yes I do like cars. Couldn't tell, could you?

So now that's off my chest and I can go back to daydreaming about next week where I'll be in a car that costs almost as much as a house.

*sigh*...I love my job (sneaky self-promotion plug : www.lifeandstyle.com.my - tee hee :)

And now it's back to acting normal and wiping that grin off my face.

I'm Torn

The good thing about the job that I do now is that I allow myself to daydream a little now and then and also web and blog hop for new reading material and of course as a source of inspiration.

For my quick 10 minute brain redux I decided to blog a little. I'm in a bit of a quandry you see, nay, a pickle really.

I am torn between leaving the office for lunch, thereby getting myself well and truly stuck in some horrendous traffic while sweating my tits off (ala yesterday). The pro is that I can have a hot, freshly cooked meal.

Or should I nip off to the nearest fast food outlet for a burger (read; regurgitated fatty ugliness) or some such crap, suck it up and chow down, knowing that it's not the best thing for me - but simply the most convenient.

....

I think I'll brave the traffic. Damn you burning, searing tropical sun and ridiculously high humidity. Gah.

Thus, ranting done.

I'm In Such A Good Mood, However...

And I couldn't have said it better myself

Post Secret.

I Can Make You Feel It

I love discovering new tracks from relatively unknown (over here) bands that kick a high level of rear end.
Very few things make me happier than getting all excited about music I can't wait to download and bands I want to explore further.

I've always secretly wanted to be the person who is responsible for selecting music to go with television shows or movies. You know how it is, one cool scene is made even cooler with a smart, sharp piece of music that just completely does it all kinds of favours.

I usually pay attention to tracks on Entourage and more recently, Gossip Girl. The music directors for these two shows needs to be given huge massive hugs.

Some tracks that have turned my head from TV/Movies :

Paul Van Dyk - White Lies

Jakkata - The Other World (Instrumental)

Chris Lake - Carry Me Away

If I Ever Feel Better - Phoenix

Valeria - Girl I Told Ya

Whitehouse - Cuentan Que El

Basic Vocab - Come Get With It

Franz Ferdinand - No You Girls

J Dilla - Won't Do (Instrumental)

Keane - Spiralling


So going back to Gossip Girl, I will openly admit to being a huge Chuck Bass fan. I make no apologies at all so shaddapa your face. There is something about that character I just love.

I think it's his voice. Acidic barbs delivered in a calming monotone have never seemed sexier. And his classic "I'm Chuck Bass" excuse/statement for everything.

Like this, see :

Random person - "What the hell makes you think you can get away with that?"

C. B. - "I'm Chuck Bass"

Photograph property of some online fan website. Sorry I forgot where I got this from now.

And if I were to apply that smug arrogance...

Photo property of Cat Ford.

Random ninny - "What the hell makes you think you can drink All That Wine without throwing up?"

S.S. - "I'm Shan Sandhu."

Mmm. Sexy. I've gotta use that.

So it was while I was watching my latest d/l of Gossip Girl last night that I came across my newest love, I Can Make You Feel It by little known group Home Video - who apparently have this massive following in New York. I'm in the middle of d/lding a few more singles from them and so far everything sounds superb.

But back to fresh and tight electronica which I have missed out on for far too long : listenlistenlisten! Love when it really kicks in around the 3 minute mark.




Jeez I've not been this excited since I first discovered Royksopp.

If you ever hear something you like on telly and want to find out what the track is called, hit up www.heardontv.com - if you can't find it there a safe bet is usually to google the playlist according to season and episode.

A Moment Between Foodies

My favourite foodie virtuoso Terri went to Moon Bell and I got props!

I adore Terri of A Daily Obsession. Not only is she absolutely lovely in person (I always get a hug) - she is, from what I have heard, the 3rd most popular food blogger in Malaysia - Terri please do correct me if I am wrong.

And the most important thing about Terri? If she likes the food she'll say so. If she doesn't like the food, she will also say so. A very fair foodie. She is honest in her thoughts and opinions and doesn't gloss over trivialities like many of us so-called foodies are apt to do. She calls a spade a spade and that is why I take her refined taste buds seriously.

Each time I see her she has some small present for me or another. When we met up at Louis's photography workshop she gifted me with chocolate truffles and handmade soaps from her recent trip to Australia.

When we caught up at the first Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf blogger's menu tasting, the lady had bags of Stephen King/James Herbert-esque horror novels for me - I love my scary books, I do.

So yep. I am totally happy that Terri and I do agree on the Sandstorm/Stormsand chicken from Moon Bell :) And I can't wait to see her recipe for this dish when she does make it at home.

If you're not a foodie (or only claim to be but shun the thought of actually eating real food in a simple place/kedai kopi/non-airconditioned restaurant/ out-of-town joint because it doesn't fit your high standards) you won't get this post and let's be honest, it's probably not meant for you anyway.

Food is food is food. Embrace it all...

'Cept eggplant. I can't do eggplant.