bits

It's been awhile since I've blogged about anything other then my dancing... then again, my life is all about work and dance nowadays, and since I'm not really allowed to disclose information about my work, it leaves me no choice but to talk about dance.

Still... it also might be cause I'd rather not talk about other aspects of my life. Things are sometimes too personal or complicated for me to put on my blog and since people read this blog, I'd rather keep them private. If not I'd feel too exposed.

But what else can I talk about then? HhMMm... I want to get a credit card.... does that count? The one I'm looking at would give me a 20% discount on Genki Sushi.. so that's a major plus.. haha.. Unfortunately I dont qualify for the Celcom one yet, so we'll wait and see...

Life is so strange... things change too much too fast. I find myself longing for the comfort of my past, struggling with my present and dreading my future. Is this really my life? Isn't it too short for me to feel this miserable? Why am I not contented? I still have my ups and downs.. tho I have to say there are less downs nowadays... Nevertheless, growing up sure is tough. Doesnt help that I'm always so bloody broke all the time... trying to dampen the problem by getting dance gigs... tho it isnt really the season...

Anyway, last Saturday was the 2nd anniversary dinner of one of the studios I dance at. We were told in advance that they wanted us to do a performance. By virtue of being the only couple who compete in ballroom (albeit beginners), we were asked to dance a waltz. On Thursday I choreographed a waltz according to the 32 bars of the music... we were supposed to be given the choreography but the principal was tooo busy.. Friday, we discovered we were given the wrong music, so I had another 20 bars to add... luckily, we managed to throw enough crap together to fake the performance. However, most of the attendees were dance people.. urghz...

For the Jive performance however, I literally melted two pairs of pants when I blazed down the dance floor. :-s!!!!!! I melted the first pair during the practise. My choreography called for me running towards my partner who woudl already be on the floor and slide half the way there on my knees. The heat generated melted my pants and again in the other during the performance so I have two pairs with holes at the knee area :-( I'm so bloody annoyed... the audience loved it tho... but my precious pants are ruined!!! argh!!! and we're not even paid for the performance!! ARGH!!!

Sigh... anyway, I'll try to get pics to post 'em up. Hopefuly people got good pics of the performance. Would be quite cool if they have one of me sliding on the floor...

Competition No. 3 with Kelly

The inaugural KL International Dance Festival was held at Berjaya Times Square between the 4th and 10th of June. In the week-long event, there were workshops, performances and competitions. Most importantly, it held the 1st MALAYSIAN IDSF OPEN WORLD RANKING DANCESPORT CHAMPIONSHIP on the 9th of June.

The preliminaries were held on the LG floor of Berjaya Times Square at the Concourse. A floor had been installed and everyone from all levels could watch competitors battling out on the dance floor. Furthermore, it was free viewing for the afternoon events! Can you imagine the crowd that attended? First you've got the competitors and their supporters... THEN you get the Saturday afternoon shoppers... CRAZY!!

I competed in C and D categories again... unfortunately Mr. LYS didnt think we were ready for B despite winning D in the last competition. Then again, that was only a month ago and this was going to be an international competition... couples from over 16 countries came to compete. PO wanted us to compete in B tho... oh well..

Anyway, in our category, there were couples from Sg(Phil+US), Taipei and HK too.. and obviously other Msian couples.. There was electricity in the air... was such a different feeling. So many spectators and the spotlight... blinding.. but was essential for my top to sparkle.. haha... Competing with international couples was certainly an experience. I dont know to explain it, but the international couples were everywhere! You could feel the difference in standards when competing against international competitors as opposed to only local competitors.

Anyhoo... parents, sister and friends came to support. Was a really good feeling. I've never had such support before. To know that your family and friends are there watching and supporting you is sweet. Always tried to position myself near them.

We danced in our prelims of the 2 events (C and D categories) in front of Berjaya Times Square... amazing feeling... and managed to fight our way into the finals! We were the only couple from Msia who made the finals which was rather surprising cause that meant we beat a nemesis of mine who has always beat me to-date. Partner was ecstatic.. but it is probably a fluke. In the eyes of most judges, they are better then us... they were probably unlucky and were not noticed.

The finals were held at Berjaya Hotel in the Manhattan Ballroom.. beautiful hall and they had installed an excellent dance floor. The C Latin finals was the first to be showcased.... exhilarating! We were the ONLY Msians on the floor.. it felt so competitive and the adrenaline rush...unbelievable. I managed to sneak my parents in for the D Latin finals... bouncers were getting tired I think...

Unfortunately, we were placed last in the finals of D Latin which was a little disappointing cause all we were hoping was not to come last in the finals... but we still took it all in our stride.. we were still the only Msians to have made the finals afterall.. The same couples had also made it into the C category finals... so it was rather strange when we weren't last in what is supposed to be the tougher event... and we did not com in 5th... and not 4th.. but third!!! I was quite surprised! We didnt expect to do so well! We didnt even expect to make finals for C. But I have to say, the usual competition from the local circuit and also the Thai couples were not there...

Whatever the case, we've managed to convince our coach that we belong in the higher categories.. but it also means we're going to be in a dry spell for awhile cause competition in B is so much higher.. but we'll be concentrating on C for now I guess. Hehe... more hard work and hopefully we'll establish ourselves as dancers deserving to be in the B category!!

The little dot...

2 weeks ago:

Big sister : I'm late...

1 week ago:

Big sister : A little stick told me I'm positive... but I'd rather get a professional opinion...

yesterday:

Big sister : doc said that the dot on my scanned pic is 6 weeks and 3 days old :)

The More Loving One

Looking up at the stars I know quite well,
That, for all they care, I can go to hell,
But on earth indifference is the least,
We have to dread from man to beast.

How should we like it were stars to burn,
With a passion for us we could not return?
If equal affection cannot be,
Let the more loving one be me.

Admirer as I think I am,
Of stars that do not give a damn,
I cannot, now I see them, say
I missed one terribly all day.

Were all stars to disappear or die,
I should learn to look at an empty sky
And feel its total dark sublime,
Though this might take me a little time.

W H Auden

I'm listening to Grace Kelly (MIKA)... what else you wanna know???

So here I am again... blogging... this rare white elephant of an entry... It was so much easier for me to blog when I had access at home.. sigh.. oh well...

So what has been happening... lets see... I've completed my chambering.. getting called to the Bar on the 17th of May 2007... WOO HOO... but that's about all I want to say about my professional life... *sensitive*... Afterall, my second life is so much more interesting!

The hottest news (which compelled me to blog today) has to do with (what else??) dance! Went for the Malaysia Team Dance Sport Championships 2007. The day before I was literally bed ridden with a high fever and had only soup. Was terribly weak, but I still had to get up to re-stone my latin top and iron my ballroom shirt, yada yada yada. Got up at 6.30am to get ready and fetched Kelly (my partner) and made our way to the hall.


We were competing in the beginners waltz and beginners quickstep in the Ballroom section and Novice and Pre Amature in the Latin section. My partner has only been dancing ballroom for 2 months so she was a nervous wreck!!! It was quite difficult calming her down. And we kinda screwed up the quickstep in the finals.. haha... I kept messing the routine up, but the way she just followed me was fantastic.. hahaha... I kept whispering figures and at one point she was like "is this the beginning??".. hehe... we ended up laughing it off when we took our bow before we left the floor.


Still.. somehow we won both ballroom events.. which poses a problem cause we wont be allowed to compete in the same category again in the up coming comp in June and we'd need 2 Open routines (Waltz and Tango) for that comp... so it is unlikely we'll be competing there... oh well...

With fellow finalists, the lovely Stephanie and Vehn.

As for the Latin section... by a stroke of luck, we won the Novice category (Cha and Rumba). Kelly was ecstatic. We both did not expect it. We were hoping for a top 3 placing but to win it was a whole different thing. Also, we made the finals of the Pre Am (Cha, Rumba and Jive). Came a respectable 5th placing... weird judging considering we lost to a couple we beat in Novice but who cares.. hehe...

Again, we're posed with the problem of having to upgrade to a higher category.. since we're already competing in the Pre Amature category, we will have to start competing in the Amature as well... SCARY.. and Kelly is having to learn the Samba... think it'll take a some time but YAY!

p.s. I'm SO naked in my new Latin top!!!

Oscar Hammerstein II : "Do you love me because I'm beautiful or am I beautiful because you love me?"

Kissing Purity Test

Your Kissing Purity Score: 46% Pure

You're not one to kiss and tell... But word is, you kiss pretty well.

Kissing Purity Test

have I dont this before? I might have.. hhhmmm..

Dungu, your cat's a Tugger

Who knew a cat could tug at your emotions like that? Your cat's always doing things that get you right there in the heart. But that shouldn't be surprising considering their personality. There's just something about the way they roll over for a belly-rub, or race to the front door to greet you after a long day that's so endearing!

Oscar Hammerstein II once wrote in The Sound of Music, "Love isn't here to stay. Love isn't love till you give it away".

I Can't Make You Love Me - Bonnie Raitt

Turn down the lights, turn down the bed
Turn down these voices inside my head
Lay down with me, tell me no lies
Just hold me close, dont patronize - dont patronize me

Chorus: cause I cant make you love me if you dont
You cant make your heart feel something it wont
Here in the dark, in these lonely hours
I will lay down my heart and Ill feel the power
But you wont, no you wont
cause I cant make you love me, if you dont

Ill close my eyes, then I wont see
The love you dont feel when youre holding me
Morning will come and Ill do whats right
Just give me till then to give up this fight
And I will give up this fight
Chorus: cause I cant make you love me if you dont
You cant make your heart feel something it wont
Here in the dark, in these lonely hours
I will lay down my heart and Ill feel the power
But you wont, no you wont
cause I cant make you love me, if you dont

What's Your EQ (Emotional Intelligence Quotient)?

Your EQ is 153

50 or less: Thanks for answering honestly. Now get yourself a shrink, quick! 51-70: When it comes to understanding human emotions, you'd have better luck understanding Chinese. 71-90: You've got more emotional intelligence than the average frat boy. Barely. 91-110: You're average. It's easy to predict how you'll react to things. But anyone could have guessed that. 111-130: You usually have it going on emotionally, but roadblocks tend to land you on your butt. 131-150: You are remarkable when it comes to relating with others. Only the biggest losers get under your skin. 150+: Two possibilities - you've either out "Dr. Phil-ed" Dr. Phil... or you're a dirty liar.

What's Your EQ (Emotional Intelligence Quotient)?

Why do we get married?

"Because we need a witness to our lives. There's a
billion people on the planet. I mean, what does one
life really mean?

But in a marraige you're promising to care about
everything. The good things, the bad things, the
terrible things, the mundane things. All of it, all the
time, every day. You're saying your life will not go
unnoticed because I will notice it. Your life will not
go unwitnessed because I will be your witness."

Mrs Clark, Shall We Dance

The Five Factor Value Test

Your Values Profile

Loyalty: You value loyalty highly. You're completely devoted to your friends and family. Even if they totally screw up, you're still there for them. Just make sure they're equally loyal to you! Honesty: You don't really value honesty. You do value getting your way, no matter what. And if a little lying is required to do that, no problem. A few white lies never hurt anyone (at least, that's what you tell yourself!) Generosity: You value generosity a fair amount. You are all about giving, as long as there's some give and take. Supportive and kind, you don't mind helping out a friend in need. But you know when you've given too much. You have no problem saying "no"! Humility: You value humility a fair amount. You tend to be an easy going, humble person. But occasionally your ego takes over. You have a slight competitive streak - and the need to be the best. Tolerance: You value tolerance highly. Not only do you enjoy the company of those very different from you... You do all that you can to seek it out interesting and unique friends. You think there are many truths in life, and you're open to many of them.

The Five Factor Values Test

Your Love Life Secrets

Your Love Life Secrets Are

Looking back on your life, you will have a few true loves. You're a little scarred from your past relationships, but who isn't? You expect a lot from your lover - you want the full package. You tend to be very picky. In fights, you are able to walk away and calm down. You are able to weather the storm. Getting over a break-up doesn't take long. Easy come, easy go.

Your Love Life Secrets, Revealed

My nephew is SO INCREDIBLY CUTE!!!

Isn't he just precious?!

You Are 48% Addicted to Love

You Are 48% Addicted to Love

Might as well face it, you're addicted to love. You've been a fool for love many times - but are you the wiser for it? Your needs should come first, both in and out of relationships. Because you're the only one who can look out for yourself!

Are You Addicted to Love?

How much pride do you have?

Your Pride Quotient: 53%

You have your proud moments, but you're also likely to be a little ashamed of them. Don't be too hard on yourself. It's normal to want to make a stellar impression.

How'>http://www.blogthings.com/howmuchpridedoyouhavequiz/">How Much Pride Do You Have?

Dream A Little Dream Of Me Lyrics - Elliot Mama Cass

Stars shining bright above you,
Night breezes seem to whisper, "I love you";
Birds singin' in the sycamore tree;
Dream a little dream of me...

Say "nighty-night" and kiss me,
Just hold me tight and tell me you'll miss me;
While I'm alone and blue as can be,
Dream a little dream of me...

Stars fading, but I linger on, dear,
Still craving your kiss;
I'm longing to linger til dawn, dear,
Just saying this:

Sweet dreams til sun beams find you,
Sweet dreams that leave our worries behind you;
But in your dreams, whatever they be,
Dream a little dream of me

Stars fading, but I linger on, dear,
Still craving your kiss;
I'm longing to linger til dawn dear,
Just saying this:

Sweet dreams til sun beams find you,
Sweet dreams that leave our worries far behind you;
But in your dreams, whatever they be,
Dream a little dream of me

Part 3 - The Director's response

Dungu,

Thank you very much for that resume'.I will ask for you in KL I think getting a lady partner is much easier than the other way around. I am getting the DS to organise classes for a select group of dancers for competition as oppose to social dancers. By that I want this select to prepare for competitions. I hope you can prepare for the Grade B or C competition in January 2007. With a proper partner, I hope you can create some upset and interest in the local dance scene. Once you have your partner sorted out, your aim must be 2009 SEA or Asian Indoor or 2010 Asian Games in Guangzhou.

Mr Director

*fingers crossed for a good partner*

my reply...

Dear Mr. Director,

I actually have only been dancing for approximately 4 years. I started dancing as a beginner when I was studying in Uni along with LKJ and received my Latin dance training from DB and LK. However, I received limited coaching from them as they were always away competing and performing.

After completing my studies at University, I moved to London to further my studies. There, I started dancing for the U of London and received my Latin dance training from the head coach, GC. I was with her for 2 years before returning to home.

During my time in the UK, I competed predominantly in inter-university dance competitions. In the 4 years I was in the UK, I competed in a total of 26 inter university competitions (including 4 National level Inter Varsity Dancesport competitions) and 3 open circuit competitions. At the Inter University competitions, dancers were split into 4 categories, namely beginners, novice, intermediate and advance. In my last year dancing on the University circuit, I was competing at the Intermediate level. I also competed in very small open circuit competitions last year and competed at the Pre champ and Amatuer levels for latin. However, it must be noted that these were very small competitions with limited competition.

In my 4 years of dancing, I have had 5 different partners, mostly due to partners completing their studies. However, I have had my fair share of unsuitable partners. I also dance ballroom, but I have always performed better in the Latin section.

From experience, I understand the importance of finding a suitable partner as Robin had indicated. My dancing is very much affected by the kind of partner I get as reflected in my results at dance competitions. I am actually quite interested in getting back onto the dance circuit in Malaysia, but I feel that finding a suitable partner will be quite a task.

Nevertheless, I will continue to try looking for a partner I am comfortable with, and hopefuly start competing soon.

I hope this brief description of my dance experience is sufficient. Thank you once again.

Yours truly,
Dungu

National Athlete?! LOL!!!

"Dungu, As sports director I want the best to represent the country. You move pretty well, your priority is to get a suitable partner now. For the Games like SEA & Asian , yes Dancesport in the Olympic family Games above, your partner must be 'sian. In the IDSFAsian series your partner may be of other Nationality, but she must elect to Dance for M'sia. Tell me more about yourself and your experience"

Email I received today... it's rather amusing! hahaha..

Hanging by a moment - Life House

desperate for changing
starving for truth
closer to where I started
chasing after you

I'm falling even more in love with you
letting go of all I've held onto
I'm standing here until you make me move
I'm hanging by a moment here with you

forgetting all I'm lacking
completely incomplete
I'll take your invitation
you take all of me now

I'm falling even more in love with you
letting go of all I've held onto
I'm standing here until you make me move
I'm hanging by a moment here with you

I'm living for the only thing I know
I'm running and not quite sure where to go
and I don't know what I'm diving into
just hanging by a moment here with you

there's nothing else to lose
there's nothing else to find
there's nothing in the world
that could change my mind
there is nothing else
there is nothing else
there is nothing else

desperate for changing
starving for truth
closer to where I started
chasing after you

I'm falling even more in love with you
letting go of all I've held onto
I'm standing here until you make me move
I'm hanging by a moment here with you

I'm living for the only thing I know
I'm running and not quite sure where to go
and I don't know what I'm diving into
just hanging by a moment here with you
just hanging by a moment
hanging by a moment
hanging by a moment
hanging by a moment here with you

Robin Sewell Workshop

I paid RM360 for a 9 hour Latin Workshop last weekend... conducted by Robin Sewell... ex partner of Nicole Cutler. I didnt know she already retired.. I only saw them at IVDC in March performing.

The workshop was ok I guess.. Aimed at serious competitors but there were a couple of instructors who attended.. 6 Filipinos who were instructors from Brunei too. However, I dont feel I benifited much from it. Could say it was a little of a waste of time cause 80% of the time we were on our butts sitting on the floor listening to Robin talk about things I already kinda knew. I have to say, I did learn a few new things, but it still wasnt the best of workshops. Plus, there were not enough gals, I had to dance with a guy :-S!!!

ANYWAY, that's not really the story I want to share. On Sunday (the second day of the workshop), there was a gentleman walking around taking photos of the workshop being conducted. I didnt really know who he was. Anyhow, there was an hour break at 4pm. Most of the others left for some food and to get refreshed. I decided that I wasnt doing enough dancing, so I put on a CD and started dancing and working on my own technique. It was fun. Been awhile... of course I paid the price yesterday when I ached all over (in particular my feet, muscles around the knees and hips from all that gyrating).

However, I did ask the person with the camera if he could forward me the photos he had taken which he was happy to do. He asked me if I competed and I explained my situation to him. Later, during a 2 minute break, he called to me and introduced himself as the Director of the Malaysian DanceSport Berhad/Council-ish body... He wanted to introduce a girl from the workshop to try out. He mentioned he liked the way I moved, and that he wanted me to find a suitable partner as soon as possible and train for the local selection for the SEA Games team. I was quite suprised. He did say maybe try competing in the lower categories first and see what happens but still, I was quite flattered.

He emailed me today informing me of his intentions and again stressed the need for me to look for a suitable partner. Unfortunately, though I've not yet contacted the girl from the workshop, I really doubt I want to dance with her. I danced with her briefly but she's not very good and I feel I'd be downgrading too much. I'm not saying I'm good, but I'd like someone slightly better and maybe more experienced. Then again who knows.. I'll just have to try dancing with her and see what happens.

Anyway, work work work.. catch ya later!

Rain - Madonna

I feel it, it's coming

Chorus:

Rain, feel it on my finger tips
Hear it on my window pane
Your love's coming down like
Rain, wash away my sorrow
Take away my pain
Your love's coming down like rain

When your lips are burning mine
And you take the time to tell me how you feel
When you listen to my words
And I know you've heard, I know it's real
Rain is what this thunder brings
For the first time I can hear my heart sing
Call me a fool but I know I'm not
I'm gonna stand out here on the mountain top
Till I feel your

(chorus)

When you looked into my eyes
And you said goodbye could you see my tears
When I turned the other way
Did you hear me say
I'd wait for all the dark clouds bursting in a perfect sky
You promised me when you said goodbye
That you'd return when the storm was done
And now I'll wait for the light, I'll wait for the sun
Till I feel your

(chorus)

Here comes the sun, here comes the sun
And I say, never go away

Waiting is the hardest thing
[It's strange I feel like I've known you before]
I tell myself that if I believe in you
[And I want to understand you]
In the dream of you
[More and more]
With all my heart and all my soul
[When I'm with you]
That by sheer force of will
[I feel like a magical child]
I will raise you from the ground
[Everything strange]
And without a sound you'll appear
[Everything wild]
And surrender to me, to love

Rain is what the thunder brings
For the first time I can hear my heart sing
Call me a fool but I know I'm not
I'm gonna stand out here on the mountain top
Till I feel your

Rain, I feel it, it's coming
Your love's coming down like
(repeat)

(chorus)

Rain, I feel it, it's coming
Your love's coming down like
(repeat)

Rain

An overdue update

I'm only putting this update on for my own personal records... after all, this still is my own personal journal.

Anyway, since I'm wasting so much time in the office, I might as well waste a little more. After manchester, I went to Eastleigh with Jo to compete at the Eastleigh Open. Alison came along and Max who lives around the area met up with us. Me and Jo competed in the Students only Ballroom and latin, Basic Rumba and Foxtrot, Intermediate Ballroom, Pre Champ Ballroom and Latin, and Amatuer 5 dance Latin.

Results:

Basic Fox - 2nd (you better believe it!)
Basic Rumba - 1st
Intermediate Ballroom - 1st
Pre Champ Ballroom - 3rd
Pre Champ Latin - 1st
Amatuer 5 dance Latin - 2nd

No idea how we came 2nd in the Basic Fox... came second in amatuer latin! hehe.. of course, only 2 other couples competed.. at least we didnt come last.. and no one has to know that there were only 3 couples on the floor! hahaha..

Anyway, that was just a couple of weeks before I left my life in the UK behind to start my real life in KL. How depressing.

Went for interviews in KL. Was offered places in Lee Hish and Shearn... didnt feel too comfortable when I went to Shearn so decided to accept the Lee Hish offer. It's been alright so far I guess. My Master's been quite good to me. Intellectual Property has been... interesting.. not as boring as I thought it would be.

Just before I started work, I went on a food trip with Lyn. Was fucking great. All the food.. *drool*... After that took another trip with Jim, Amelia and Maithili. Again.. food food food!

Anyhoo, couple of weeks ago, Alison and Jo came over to Malaysia. I was real happy. Took Alison around and got her eating sea food! Jo came a little later and we took a road trip!! My fave... Went to Penang first... stayed at Paradise Sandy Bay-ish whatever Hotel... literally drove around the island the next day. Went up Bukit Bendera. Went to the night market at Batu Feringghi, and then drove back to Taiping. Following day, went up Maxwhell hill, the crazy white girls wanted to hike down the 6 mile road. That night, me and Jo gave a 5 dance demonstration to my parents and their dance class.. started with the waltz and quickstep, then a cha, jive and rumba. We were really exhausted after. The girls couldn't walk that night. Literally had to pull themselves up the stairs... It was hilarious...

Bukit Merah the next day... water themed park was good fun, then the orang utan sanctuary was not bad (though a little rushed cause we went on the last boat and had to come back right after). Karaoke on the following day... TGIFs for dinner and Steven's corner right after... these whiteys are crazy! They wanted Milo ais... Sent Alison to KLIA at 6am and came home to sleep. Took Jo for lunch at KLCC and a nice "quiet" dinner at SS2. She followed me to work the following day and I dropped her off at the coach pick up point for her to make her way back to Sg. Sighz...

[Colleague says: YOU SHLD BE WORKING! LAZY BUM!! YOU'RE GETTING FAT!!!]
[Dungu says: *gasp!* BITCH!]

So now I'm fat and lazy. I've yet to find a dance school. Been meaning to check out schools, but have been sooo busy lately. I'm always broke too, so having to watch my expenditure.. oh, I also got a car.. forgot to mention that. I think that pretty much sums up what's gone on since May. I'll put up pics some other time and I'll try to elaborate on stuff some other time. Jaring better get back to me soon about a broadband line if not I'm going to go nuts!!!