IT CAME, IT WENT

Aren’t we all in a hurry? Everything seems to be in a rush or rushing to catch the tail end of something. Tail end of a moment? Now, that will be a feat to watch. A moment is what I believe to be wa-a-a-y faster than a second. So, can you imaging trying to catch it’s tail end? I think a dog, running in circles, trying to catch its tail is more likely to succeed though the odds are stacked against that from happening. Compared to us trying to catch the tail end of a moment.

We were waiting in anticipation for the weekend to come, because it was the “Merdeka” weekend. Malaysia’s 67th Independence anniversary. Though some purists will tell you that it was to be Peninsula Malaysia’s (Malaya in 1957) Independence. Sarawak and Sabah got theirs a few years later, what is now known as “Malaysia Day”.

Also, it was the first time that we, the Batik Influencer, Jeannie; and I, would be manning a booth at Amcorp Shopping Mall’s Flea Market starting on a Friday and ending on Sunday.

Friday came. We were at our designated booth on the 1st Floor by 11.00am, set up and displayed the things that we hope would have found new owners by this weekend. At first, we only expected the people traffic flow to be from the office crowd since Friday was a working day. The crowd was good, with a good mix of those still working and those who were not.

The first two of JEANNIE’S OWN Batik Cape Creations were quickly snapped up by these two ladies.

There was a D.J. / M.C. this weekend. He was good. We weren’t at our booth for too long before the M.C. (let’s call him that for the rest of the article) made his way to out booth and interviewed the Batik Influencer. He promoted her batik capes (Jeannie’s Batik Capes under the lable of JEANNIE’S OWN) over the air. I met him, but we did not recognise each other).

The M.C., Denis; getting to know about the Batik Influencer’s Batik Cape Creations under the JEANNIE’S OWN label.

A while later, I saw my cousin, Darren Atkinson, walk by. When he heard the M.C.s voice over the speakers, he said that was Denis Lim. I said it couldn’t be because we met each other earlier. However, I did not recognise him, and vice versa. No names were exchanged at that point of time.

Darren went looking for the M.C..

Friday was soon over, and Jeannie and I headed for home by about 5.00pm. We wanted to avoid the office crawl (literally). It is the usual time when you can see snails move faster than us. Looks like I’ve been influenced by “Turbo”.

The Batik Influencer demonstrating the multiple ways of using the JEANNIE’S OWN Batik Cape Creations.

One of the first people to visit us on Saturday morning was the M.C., Denis. Now, I knew who he was and vice versa; after Darren. We were all connected through the youth of Assumption Church, Petaling Jaya. (1) We reminisced of the great times we had when we were the youth (we still are…depending on how one looks at it😉😂) of the 1970s and 1980s.

My cousin, Chris; stopped by, too. We had a good chat since our last coffee meet up a few weeks ago.

We had many people come see us during the three days we were at our booth. There was never a time the Mall was quiet. The M.C. did a fantastic job, keeping the crowds entertained and updating them on where there could find great bargains for the bargain hunters. He also advertised the products of all the booths had to offer.

Emir visited us, and so did his sister. They picked up a few things of ours for their use. My Fujimi brand e34 BMW 535 SOHC unbuilt model kit which I bought in 1989 and kept all this while, has now found a new owner, who apparently does not intend to build it, but to keep it like how I kept it. He has a real “Mazda red” (colour) e34, double vanos model, as his daily use. He loves it.

More of my Hotwheels collection have found new owners, leaving me with barely 10% of my original collection left. They all must have new owners.

The Batik Influencer met with more fashion industry people and talked away about batik and how it is a growing powerhouse in the international arena. I met many more people who have become followers of http://www.leatherpotato.com. They have wished me well on the upcoming book and have indicated an interest in getting a copy each when it reaches the book stores in Q1, 2025. For, you, readers; a multiple number have indicated that you want a copy, it is coming real soon. It was supposed to be out for the Christmas holidays. However, due to a slight delay, it will be out in Q1, 2025 (not too long from now). I am excited to see its fruition.

We headed home by about 5.30pm. But first, we stopped by at Kwai Sun for dinner…

NOTES:
1. Petaling Jaya is a city in the state of Selangor, Malaysia.

THE BOOK: ITS NEXT PHASE

The book moves into its next phase of development. This is one of the toughest stages – what goes into the book from the raw manuscript. Totally exciting!

Thank you, everyone; for all your kind words, encouragement and support. Thank you to the multiple people who have already made pre-bookings. Wow!

Email: leatherpotato6188@gmail.com

Links to the lead up until now:

F1.01 BOOTH, THE YOUNG GIRL AND THE LITTLE TEDDY BEAR

The weekend has fast approached us, slower for some, faster for others. The weather, Formula 1 and the Paris  Olympics, among others; have been dominating the news.

What is great about this weekend is that we, the Batik Influencer, Jeannie; and I, are going to be at Amcorp Shopping Mall, in Petaling Jaya, or “PeeJay” as it is more commonly known.

We are operating a booth in the east wing on the first floor (our booth number is F1.01, by the escalator).

We are excited to have our booth opened as this gives us the opportunity to meet with many new people and our friends, too. Amir, is one of those many friends. He texted me to ask when I would be at Amcorp again. He was happy when I told him that we will be there this weekend.

There was one young girl, aged between 10 – 12 years old; who stopped by our booth several months ago and showed an interest in a little teddy bear we had on sale. She asked how much we were selling the bear, and I told her the price. At that particular time, we had a stream of people visiting us, requiring our attention. I thought she would hang on for a while until I settled with the person who grabbed my attention first , and I would have given the teddy bear to her for free. Ever since then, I have reserved the bear for her. I have been looking for her, hoping that she would come back to visit us. The look in her eyes said it all, and I am quite sure the little bear would have found a worthy owner. Let’s hope she comes over this weekend.

The Batik Influencer has a new selection of her renowned Batik Capes for you to choose from. The number of pieces in this new range is very limited. Eye-catching designs and vibrant colours, the Batik Cape Creations under “JEANNIE’S OWN” LABEL, oozes style, charm, sophistication, under statement, comfort, pleasure…the list goes on. Come early to get yours.

Some of the latest from the label, “JEANNIE’S OWN” by the Batik Influencer.👆

I am putting up my Insta360 Go 3 for sale. This is absolutely the action camera (even for those with not much action like me😁). Just in case you want to action action when you carry or / and use this camera in public, you can. This is tremendously the best camera for everything. Film your own sci-fi movie or anything else, including stills photography.

I have only used this Insta360 Go 3 twice. Why am I selling it? Valid question. I just don’t have the time to spend with it. It is still brand new, so to speak. I purchased a Harvey Norman extended warranty for it. The warranty extends right to December 2028.

We have multiple new items up for grabs / sale.

I am looking forward to meeting as many as possible – followers, subscribers, readers of leatherpotato.com. I had many interesting conversations at our Amcorp Mall booth sessions in the past. I am sure this weekend is going to be just as good. The topic of my book will come up. It is shaping up, going through its due process. I have had many suggestions on what my next book should be. One is to write a serious book based on my past experience as a Financial Planner. I see it as a short book that would help the customer invest their money in protective assets. I am giving much thought to it.

Come over to Booth 1.01, First floor. Tomorrow, August 10th, we will be there from 12.30pm onwards. Sunday, August 11th, we will be there at 10.00am. We, the Batik Influencer, Jeannie; and I (the Hatted Writer), look forward to meeting with you all there.

Amcorp Shopping Mall,
Booth 1.01, 1st Floor, West Wing,
8, Jalan, Persiaran Barat, Seksyen 52 Petaling Jaya, 46050 Petaling Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia
Date: August 10 and August 11, 2024
Time: 10.00am to 5.30pm (can be extended to 7.00pm)

MAXIMIZING MINIMIZING

As the “Energise” vapour rises like smoke from the onion-shape air diffuser with a thin funnel on its top; The Blueair air purifier has its blue light (which is also its logo) stare aimlessly and without expression; diagonally, at the opposite end of the living room from the D’Natural air diffuser. “Energise”, is an essential oil that is supposed to create a soft calmness, feeling, while energising and re-energising us, especially if we have had a long, tiring day. Well, at least that is what the salesperson who sold me this, said. 🤔

Having dropped Laura off at the gym, we; that is, Jeannie – the Batik Influencer and I; headed back towards home. But first, “What shall we have for dinner?”

Hardly an option of whether to eat or not – dinner. Jeannie and I unconsciously or subconsciously practise (the red squiggly line appears under the word indicating that the spelling is wrong) (1) intermittent fasting. (2) We decided on Star Bhavan. It’s the place where all the stars meet? 🌟🤔I guess. We find it quite a convenient stopover / break journey.

As we got to the restaurant, we had to make two rounds, looking for a car park. Generally, finding a space is fairly easy. On our second round, we found a slot a short distance walk before the restaurant.

As we walked towards Star Bhavan, we passed a store that looked different from the rest of the shops around there. Looking through its window, it was brightly lit, racks and tables of multiple things – definitely different and so inviting.

We went in to have a look. As we got in, I, for a moment, got a shock! Yang Berhormat (Y.B.) (3) Michelle Ng greeted us. My shock: how come our Subang Jaya State Assemblyperson was working here(?). We were greeted by a sweet, friendly person, whose name we soon got to know, Jane.

Jane looks exactly like Y.B. Michelle, like her twin. I bumped into Michelle at a cafe, the day before that. Michelle is a super-amazing, friendly person, who always has more than a full work schedule. Yet, whenever she can; she will try to make time for you.

You can be forgiven to think that Jane and Michelle are twins. For one, they’ve got the same welcoming, smile.

Jane, together with her husband started “Minimize Zero Waste Store”, 3 years ago. They are strong believers at working towards zero waste. Their multiple products on sale are based on that. For instance you can buy corn flakes, or cookies and stuff like that, however, bring your own containers. This encourages less wastage going towards packaging. I think that is a super-excellent idea.

There is a wide spectrum of things that are available at Minimize at affordable prices.


Another thing that Jane believes in is helping promote local products wherever Minimize can. However, the products have to fit the idea of zero waste.

With amazing Jane.

With amazing Jane. She’s got a nice flower tattoo on her arm.

Minimize helps people who want to sell their products like bags and clothes. These products have to be in line with the theme of “Minimize, zero waste”.

You can spend hours going through all these wonderful and affordable items in Minimize, that’s for sure.

Minimize has so many products that it has something for everyone of all ages. This is the place to find it. Jane is a super nice person. For sure, Jeannie and I will be back for multiple visits.

We got to Star Bhavan later than planned. We first ordered Nescafe Ais (ice) and a dish of chickpeas, while waiting for our main meal orders to come. The chickpeas dish was unusual. It came mixed with other beans and some spices in it. It looked convincingly spicy. It was not. This chickpeas dish was a great way to start our dinner.

NOTES:
1. My computer is configured to British English, or the late Queen (now the King’s?) English or English English.
2. Intermittent fasting is an eating plan that switches between fasting and eating on a regular schedule. Research shows that intermittent fasting is a way to manage your weight and prevent — or even reverse — some forms of disease. http://www.hopkinsmedicine.org
3. Yang Berhormat or YB, in Malaysia, translates to “the honourable”, is used by members of parliament and state legislative assemblymen. Finally, YB hg, meaning “the felicitous”, is a style of persons with a noble title.

ANOTHER THRILLING DAY

Just as one is published, another becomes due. An essay just published recently, COFFEE SHOP AT PARAMOUNT, somehow took more time than usual to complete and publish.

Or are the days losing its value by becoming shorter? There are several theories floating that each day made up of 24 hours or 1,440 minutes or 86,400 seconds, are actually losing it’s value in terms of time. Maybe, a couple of seconds or so, every 50 years… Whether these theories and studies have merit, is left to be seen.

I have mentioned this before. Maybe, we, as individual, ordinary people, cannot control the shortening or lengthening of time. But what we can control, is what we put into that given time.

I didn’t have a good enough sleep last night. I thought that since I was so tired, I would have been out like a lightbulb switched off. But I wasn’t. Toss and turned, got up several times, so, yeah not the best of nights. Night went and as usual, the next morning showed up as always, on the dot. Maybe, the night was too warm. I don’t know if it is just me, but the past few nights have been unusually warm. However, the early mornings become very cold. Same thing happened today. By time it was 8.30am – 9.00am, the temperatures started climbing and the humidity bringing with it – perspiration.

Ain’t nothing gonna spoil my day (not exactly the Queen’s English [have not heard the phrase “King’s English”. I wonder if it is referred to that as such]). We were about to leave for Amcorp Shopping Mall. I had a quick brekkie – had two vadai (one made from beans and the other, a donut [American spelt version of doughnut]) which we bought from Star Bhavan – the latest Indian restaurant craze of Subang Jaya.

I was not feeling all that “awake” , yet it was almost 10.00am. Yes, we were still at home. Our neighbourhood contractor, Mr. Teoh; had some of his men come to out house to help repair the fencing. We left for P.J. shortly after that but not to Amcorp Shopping Mall. We had to make a detour to the hospital first where Jeannie wanted to visit a close relative. By the time we got top Amcorp, it was close to 11.15am. We set our booth up within a short while.

The Hotwheel cars, key chains and fridge magnets were top on the list today, as people seemed to have a renewed interest in these items. The Batik Influencer was as usual, entertaining and enlightening people on the “Why Batik? ” – old times, current times and the future – in vogue, always.

I got the opportunity to meet with two other writers, one focusing on ladies’ fashion; the other on food. They are establishing a foothold in K.L. and P.J.. Both these cities are so vibrant, that it would take a very long lifetime to cover everything. Come to think of it, not really. It definitely will take more than a very long life time, as K.L. or Kuala Lumpur and P.J. or Petaling Jaya, are both vibrant cities where the landscape for food and fashion are continuously evolving.

Hmmm…This looks interesting; they were both, thinking to themselves.

Looking chic in batik.

Bond’s cars, Swatch watches, a incredibly uniquely, rare Parker Duofold laquered blue, ball point pen.

The evening arrived faster than we realised. I think it’s because we were having fun as usual. In fact, we did not have much time catching up with our friends who were running the other booths. We plan to do so tomorrow. We got back home after 7.00pm. Just in time to think up of something new for future essays.

F3.08 – THIS WEEKEND

experiencing friendships…

It is the weekend again. It has been quite the week since last Sunday.

I think the highlight of the week was when I was momentarily airborne (I think). No, I did not say, “Up, up and away!”. You would have mistaken me for the guy that wears his red underwear over his turquoise blue leotards. That must have been some sort of punishment he had to endure his whole life.

And for some of you who may think just because I am writer, I would have pulled out a fountain pen from my pocket and shouted, “Shintaro akeh kusa” or something like that and transform to the giant plasticky looking guy, with bulging eyes, and sort a mohican blade hairstyle running from the centre  front of his head, all the way to the back. How many of you guys remember this – the crossing of his hands provides him the ultimate weapon. Yes, Ultraman.

The fall in Taipan, USJ; after that totally airborne moment or so; was quite a shocker. Jeannie rushed me to a clinic to get my wounds attended to. Now, into the third day, I am here waiting to get the dressing changed. The wounds are healing nicely.

We had so much fun last weekend at our F1. 03 booth. One of the many highlights of that weekend was when we met a Thai food Influencer. She did a short interview with the Batik Influencer, Jeannie. Thai Food Influencer & the Batik Influencer… hmmmmm. Maybe, a collaboration in the future?

This looks nice.

What do you think?
“Looks good on you. Go for it,”, her friend seemed to be saying. The gentleman in the red tee was browsing through the collectibles – many of them are hard to come by nowadays.

On the second day at the booth, I suddenly realised I left our house that morning without a hat. That only meant one thing – a visit to Mahmud, the hat and spectacle seller. As usual, he always has a super vibrant choice of hats and caps.

I tried on many and then came down to two choices:

This Gatsby
This flat cap

or

It was a tough choice. The Gatsby was more a laidback, versatile, U.S., U.K., Japanese or French (beret) style cap. Or The flat cap. Neat always, on the go for any occasion, more formal for formal and casual occasions.

Jeannie and our daughter, Laura; chose the same one as I had in mind – the flat cap. Love it. It is a very, very comfortable cap.

“I like this”, I hear her saying. After trying it on, she acquired it.

The “JEANNIE’S OWN” label Batik Cape, loo0ks fabulous anyway it is worn, for any occasion.

“This I want”, he said.

In the meantime, I met some people who gave me some more ideas of how my book should come about. At present, I am putting together a manuscript. So, that is how much closer to having my book published. Excited and at the same time feel the pressure building up as I am targeting a deadline to have the book go to print. The people that I had talked with over that weekend gave some constructive ideas to possibly further enhance the book further. I wish I could incorporate all those ideas. However…., perhaps my next book or so.

The Batik Influencer, sharing her passion of batik to this customer.

She bought.

We look forward to having fun yet again, this weekend. The Batik Influencer has got several new designs out. Be the first to come and grab them. Very limited numbers.

Batik is for any occasion.

There are more pre-loved items that will be up for grabs at ultra special prices, over the next two days.

Come and check us out. We are looking forward to meeting all of you. Let’s once again, be the livewire of Amcorp Shopping Mall.

Wow! That’s a nice contrast of yellow / orange flowers, with deep green leaves; against a lucious pink back.
This is how it is folded.

Booth F3.08, 3rd Floor,
Amcorp Shopping Mall, 8, Jalan Persiaran Barat, Seksyen 52,
46050 Petaling Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia
Date: May 25 and May 26, 2024
Time: 10.00am to 5.30pm (can be extended to 7.00pm

BETWEEN THE TAJ AND THE KING; WE CHOSE THE TAJ

Morning came, then, afternoon, then early evening. We, the Batik Influencer, Jeannie; and I, the Hatted Writer, ques sera, sera-ed at Amcorp Shopping Mall.

Interesting (or at least, we thought it interesting) fun facts at the mall. We parked our car, in the basement, this time at a different location, not too far from where we used to park the last couple of weekends we were here. This time round, we parked nearer to a different lift (elevator, for some), what seems like the one used by most people. However (not in replacement for the word “but” this time), the lifts to the carpark from the first floor, did not seem to get me back to the carpark.

The basement carpark is divided by multiple walls, why, I don’t know; so much so that when you think you’ve got on to the same lift you came up with, and it turns up wrong; then you will need to hunt for your vehicle. When you do get to your vehicle, you will find out that there was a wall in between your vehicle and where you were at, when looking for your vehicle. These walls simply make no sense. So, take multiple pictures and create a trail, so that you can “connect the dots back to your vehicle” from where you are. This works for any circumstance.

The Batik Influencer was busy with her JEANNIE’S OWN label Batik Capes, talked to many new people, shared batik’s beauty with everyone and made many new friends.

The Hatted Writer made many new friends, too. I started being more assertive as to the aim of having my book published within six months from now (that is an estimated deadline). I am putting the manuscript together. It does look like it is going to take more than just “soon” to have the manuscript ready. I am happy It is moving in the right direction.

More details on our outing at Amcorp Shopping Mall is on the cards. Today, seemed to have sapped all the energy out of us that we were eager to pack and be on our way home.

It was nearing 6.00pm. Jeannie this morning suggested that we try out a new Korean restaurant in Puchong. “We can take a Grab there and then, back home after that, instead of you having to drive.” I liked the idea of not having to drive and was game for it. But now, that we are at the hour for dinner, we were not up to travelling too far from home just for dinner. We were more for a quick bite and chill the rest of the evening.

I was willing to settle for Burger King or local Indian cuisine at the Taj, which was a few doors away from Burger King. Our requirement was that the restaurant had to be air-conditioned. I was more inclined towards the Taj, as we had dinner at the Scottish restaurant yesterday. Jeannie was ok for the Taj, too.

Surprisingly, we managed to slot our car in a parking lot which became empty a few moments before us. Otherwise, we would have been doing the wild, wild west “wagon circle” (sort of) until we find a car park slot available.

Passing the food counter, the Indian style fried chicken, and egg omelet looked tempting. I told Jeannie we will order these two side dishes. I proceed to get a table in the aircon (local for air-conditioned) dining area. Harmann, the waitress; came to take my order. I ordered two roti canai and a Limau Ais (Iced Lime water) drink. I asked her how she was doing, she said “fine”. Jeannie came to the table, carrying her food order which was a rice set, with a couple of different vegetables and a little bowl of what was chicken curry gravy.

I took some pictures of the food (below) and got Harmann to take some pictures of Jeannie and I. I tried to persuade Harmann to include herself in the pictures, but she declined. I took a couple of shots of her, but she told me she didn’t want pictures of her taken, so I deleted them. Most likely she is shy. You can always go to the Taj Curry House in SS12, Subang Jaya, to meet her. She is a sweet looking lady. You can’t miss her, as she is the only female employee there (I think).😀

Jeannie’s rice set (above) and my roti canai with fish curry and dahl(the yellow gravy and beans).

Our meal came pretty fast. This is an example of what fast food should be in terms of time. One of the things we soon noticed was the room was quite warm. The air-conditioning was on. However, we think they lowered the temperature to 24ºC to counter the rising cost of electricity.

On the rice plate (on top), notice the egg omelet and the potato cutlet. The photo seems slightly blurry. I was trying out the “food” option on my Samsung S23 ultra.

The food today was pretty standard, a bit towards salty. The fried chicken, egg omelet and vegetables went well with the roti canai. Jeannie’s meal of long grain rice – cooked with some Indian spices, was good to eat on its own; according to Jeannie. She’s in the food business, she should know.

We soon finished our dinner (we were hungry), and made our way home, looking forward to a chill-out, relaxing, evening. Not quite the way we envisioned it to be: Jeannie is getting another of her JEANNIE’S OWN Batik Cape creations ready for tomorrow; and I, I’m working on this essay. This is our way of chilling out. Haha🤔😂

Picture taken by Harmann. Though I was holding the S-Pen, Harman took this shot. Our total meal cost is US$6.50.

NOTES:
1. At night, or when threatened during the day, the wagons would stop moving. The drivers then would line up all the carriages in a circle. This was a way of protecting the settlers from attack. They would keep their cattle and other animals within the circle.

BREAKFAST AT TAIPAN’S NEW NANKING

Thursday

A morning after the half way mark of the week. I offered to take Jeannie, my wife, the Batik Influencer; to Taipan for her dental appointment.

We decided that we would have breakfast at one of the coffee shops in Taipan, the one that we patronize most often: New Nanking. There are quite a few coffee shops in Taipan, but New Nanking is the most convenient for us, somehow. “Restoran” (Malay for “restaurant”) New Nanking – “stylo milo, (1) dun play play (2)” name is fancy. New Nanking is called a restaurant or kopitiam (3) these days. It would have been referred to as a “coffee shop” as in the old days, before the turn of the century.

We look for convenience, comfort – it has to be comfortable enough for us to have our meal relatively decently, clean, bright, with easy parking (though this is not the case most times, especially during peak hour times. However, we can live with it…at times), and there has to be a good variety and selection of food. I am as some say… quite fussy with my food. However, I tend to look at it as I am quite careful with what I eat.😀

At a typical Chinese coffee shop. “Restoran” New Nanking.

Our breakfast is ordered. Now, Jeannie and I wait.

One of the main reasons that drew us to the New Nanking was to have Tai Poh mee for breakfast. This is amongst the best breakfast choices in Subang Jaya.

🎼🎵Why are waiting? Why are we waiting?♪♪🎶🎶😅😁Just kidding.

Tai Poh mee is a very popular meal at New Nanking, so much so that it is usually sold out during lunch. It is delicious. With the noodles comes minced pork, a few slices of char siew, (5) some vegetables, a small bowl of soup, and a little container of their version of chili sambal. Each item in the meal complements the others.

The meal comes in a generous size / portion. What we like about it most is that it does not make you feel bloated after finishing it.

An outdoor view of part of Taipan in the morning.

Tai Poh mee with its condiments. Yummy!

The soup with a couple of pieces of bean curd that came as a set with the noodles.
Tai Poh mee with its condiments.

The people who run this Tai Poh mee stall are the Cheang brothers. They have had this business for several years. They take pride in the meals they prepare and serve customers. Their food has been consistently good all the time. When you are next in Taipan USJ Subang Jaya, drop by and visit the Cheang brothers’ Tai Poh meal.

A genuine authentic porcelain Chinese tea / coffee cup & saucer set.

Jeannie ordered a hot tea. It was served in one of those traditional Chinese tea / cup & saucers sets. I ordered a ….oh, this is a toughie, an kopi peng kaw. (4) We were done with breakfast within an hour and headed on to the next item of our planned day.

My breakfast almost finished before I remembered to do the Asian thing: take pictures of our meals.

Everywhere must take picture. In the old part of Subang Jaya…

A view from one side of New Nanking. The Waitress with red lipstick. She will look much prettier than she is now if she smiles more often.😀

Some of the food stalls in New Nanking.

More food stalls at the restaurant. Some stalls only open in the evening to c ater for the dinner and supper crowd.

The Cheang brothers, having a short break from the daily, usual early morning breakfast crowds.

The famous and popular Cheang brothers Tai Poh Mee.

The Cheang Brothers – both chefs in their own rights; at work, cooking up a storm.

Ever ready to have their picture taken.

A couple of the most important ingredients, if not the most important ingredients, is smile and friendliness.

NOTES:
1. “stylo milo” is a local Malaysian slang for Stylish; fashionable.
2. “dun play play” means seriously; not joking; really.
3. The word “Kopitiam” – kopi means coffee in Malay, and tiam is the Hokkien word for shop. Hence, Kopitiam translates literally to “coffee shop”.
4. Kopi Peng Kaw is iced coffee with condensed milk, strong. This means more coffee is added to make the drink stronger, less sweet.
“Kopi” is coffee in Bahasa Malaysia.
“Peng” is iced
“Kaw” or gau means thick or strong.
5. Char siu originally comes from Cantonese cuisine, and the word chā sīu 叉烧 literally means “pork roasted,” which is a nod to the traditional cooking method of skewering seasoned pork with long forks, and placing them in an oven or over a fire. madewithlau

NOT AS YOUNG, SLIGHTLY OLDER THAN BEFORE

In the late 1970s, at one of the Christmas gatherings, when delicious super tender, hot and spicy beef rendang (1) was served, I thought that it would go well with chocolate. As it was the Christmas season, with lots of chocolate going around, I decided to try the combination of eating chocolate with beef rendang. Unusual combination of food – yes. I thought it was out of this world. It literally was! However, I don’t believe I went for that combination of a chocolatey, hot spicy beef rendang again. I wonder why…💭🤔Maybe, at that time I was slightly younger. Now, I am slightly older.

Many (you can’t use the word “multiple” here…it doesn’t sound like it will gel in this sentence) may ask me, “Why is being younger better than being older?” Good question. The perception could be is that when you are younger, you dare to do more things, that is walk the journey and then “connect the dots; not connect the dots first, then move along the connected dots”.

Maybe so. It could be because the young are brash and do things without giving it much thought. Like they would dare go bungee jumping, even though the other end of the cable he or she is attached to, is not secured to anything. I don’t know.

When my wife, Jeannie and I, first went to the U.S., yes United States of America, not the local U.S. (Ulu Selangor) (2); we had to do the touristy thing: We visited Disneyland at Anaheim. We stayed in Hollywood, at a hotel behind Holiday Inn. It kind of looked that we were staying at the Holiday Inn at that time, but we weren’t 😀. We caught a hotel shuttle that took us to Disneyland, Anaheim. I remember passing Knott’s Berry Farm, which was another theme park, that was close by Disneyland.

As we passed the theme park to get to Disneyland; I thought the name of the theme park was “GUTS”. If it wasn’t, it should have been named that. It was actually the Knott’s (for knotted guts after you’ve been on one or more [if you can take on more than just one ride. you have to be stark-raving mad!]) Berry Farm (a misleading name. You ain’t gonna find or pick berries there). Their rides definitely were not meant for the weak hearts a.k.a. normal people. And the people that went on these rides – they definitely got their thrills (terkejut [3]) and spills. We’ve got to give them credit.

From the road as we passed “the farm”, we could see the “Supreme Scream” ride I think, which had just opened a couple of days earlier. We could also see the Boomerang. Jeannie and I must have been way too young (underage, perhaps?) because we were not going to take one of those rides; not on your nellie. That meant that we were normal people.

What do normal people do? They go to Disneyland. Our first “ride” as we got inside Disneyland, was when we hopped (not literally, you know what I mean) on an open bus that that took us around the theme park. We had a barber shop quartet, dressed in colourful outfits, wearing perfectly round panama-style hats, stand on the steps at the back of the bus; and sing and entertain us, the passengers all along the route. We used Disneyland money to pay for things. We smiled and laughed a lot. We went back home smiling and happy, not scared out of our wits.

A barbershop quartet.

Now, that we are not as young as we used to be, which is slightly older than before; we tend to think or map all our moves out, leaving nothing to chance unless its Magnum, Toto or 1+3D (4) (for some people. The thrilling anticipation as the results come out…). I wonder why? All our moves are calculated, more or less. More more than less.

However….however, the younger will act on instinct…with the help of Google and the “in-thing” of today, Artificial Intelligence or ChatGBT. They are faster off the mark… they want quicker results…and get them. If the results aren’t up to their mark, them make adjustments and keep going. They seem to have topography of their ideas.

In the meantime, us that are slightly, just slightly older than the younger…we will go for coffee and scones.😋😉😁

result of veering off…

NOTES:
1. Beef Rendang is a Malaysian curry. It is the curry of all curries, mouth-watering delicious, all the time. It is a dry curry which means it is with very little or no gravy. The beef is ridiculously tender.
2. Ulu Selangor is a district in the state of Selangor, Malaysia.
3. Terkejut is a Bahasa Malaysia word for “shocked”
4. These are “games of chance”.

He found his thrills… The great Fats Domino, “Blueberry Hill”