My World of Jas Joy

Gong Xi Fatt Chai

2012-01-06T10:21:00.004+08:00

A Kay Poh Chi Shih Tzu

2011-12-28T22:09:00.012+08:00

Angel loves cats.
We always teased her by saying CATS CATS CATS and
she would shoot off to the kitchen, smelling for cats
and peeping for them thru the grill door.
And when Angel sees them, she would be so excited,
barking non stop until the cats moved out of her senses & sights
Sometimes we carry Shorty Angel to have a good look over the grill door so that she is satisfied there are not more cats in the backlane

This morning, while cleaning my kitchen, Angel was busy barking and jumping, hoping she can see the cats.
And me being occupied with my cleaning, had no time to carry her for a peep.

Improvised, Angel can have the backlane view to her satisfaction & heart content.

Presenting KPC Angel..

standing on a stool, looking out to the world

trying her hardest to hold on to dear life with her front paws

and looking at the drain to see if the cats are hiding under them

she one real KPC dog...

Levian Bread House @ Jalan Delima, Kuala Lumpur

2011-12-17T15:11:00.009+08:00

It has been a quite awhile since we found time to have a nice breakfast together. With the girls growing up and having their own life & activities, our time out together sometimes just does not meet everyone's schedule.

Moreover, with Angel around, we had to properly house-train her first. She does not like to be alone for long.

Anyway, today we managed to get/sneak out for the morning, drove down to Kuala Lumpur and have a brunch at Levain. This place is housed in one of those old bungalows, renovated to look like a Parisian cafe.

The moment we stepped into the shop, the aroma reminded me of those bakeries at Europe. Perhaps it because the bread & pastries are baked in stone oven.

With Chrismas just roun the corner, of course there must be some Christmassy stuff on display.

Pastries ...

More yummies pastries & salad

cute looking bread

Macaroons ....and cakes

ok..I got to go enjoy my brunch now...

GUIDE FOR DRIVERS IN MALAYSIA

2011-12-17T10:05:00.003+08:00

I was checking for guidelines on driving.

Stumbled upon a gem of story on this webpage, contents of which I have reposted as below.

http://www.backpackingmalaysia.com/stories/a-guide-for-drivers-in-malaysia

Aptly worded. Humourous as the article may seem, it is really a shame that's the way we Malaysian drivers are seen nowadays.

Driving in NZ was a wonderful experience. On uphill roads/terrain, bigger truck/lorry and slower vehicles actually stopped at the side of the road to allow the faster/smaller vehicles to overtake. We definitely would not see such discipline driving manner here.

Happy reading and let's try to make KL a better & safer place to drive.

Malaysians are the most friendly people but put behind the wheel they become MFMs (Me-First-Malaysians). As a traveller just keep in mind, people drive on the left side here and look to the right and the left before crossing the road (lots of one-way-streets) The following is from a funny email I received recently. A humorous way look at how people drive in Malaysia. Enjoy.

What is the most important rule of the road in Malaysia?

The most important rule is that you must arrive at your destination ahead of the car in front of you. This is the sacrosanct rule of driving in Malaysia. All other rules are subservient to this rule.What side of the road should you drive on in Malaysia?A: 99.7% of cars drive on the left hand side, 0.2% on the right hand side, and 0.1% drive in reverse (be on the look out for drivers reversing at high speed in the left hand lane of freeways, having just missed their exit). Therefore on the basis of 'majority rules', it is recommended that you drive on the left. However, be aware that only 90% of motorcyclists travel on the left hand side - the other 10% ride in the opposite direction or on the sidewalk. Fortunately, motorcyclists traveling in reverse are rarely seen.

What are the white lines on the roads?

A: These are known as lane markers and were used by the British in the colonial days to help them drive straight. Today their purpose is mainly decorative, although a double white line is used to indicate a place that is popular to overtake.

When can I use the emergency lane?

You can use the emergency lane for any emergency, e.g. you are late for work, you left the toaster plugged in at home, you are bursting to go to the toilet, you have a toothache or you have just dropped your Starbucks coffee in your lap. As it is an emergency, you may drive at twice the speed of the other cars on the road.

Do traffic lights have the same meaning as in other countries?
Not quite. Green is the same - that means "Go", but amber and red are different. Amber means "Go like hell" and red means "Stop if there is traffic coming in the other direction or if there is a policeman on the corner". Otherwise red means the same as green. Note that for buses, red lights do not take effect until five seconds after the light has changed.

What does the sign "Jalan Sehala" mean?

This means "One Way Street" and indicates a street where the traffic is required to travel in one direction. The arrow on the sign indicates the preferred direction of the traffic flow, but is not compulsory. If the traffic is not flowing in the direction in which you wish to travel, then reversing in that direction is the best option.

What does the sign "Berhenti" mean?
This means "Stop", and is used to indicate a junction where there is a possibility that you may have to stop if you cannot fool the cars on the road that you are entering into thinking that you are not going to stop.

What does the sign "Beri Laluan" mean?
This means "Give Way", and is used to indicate a junction where the cars on the road that you are entering will give way to you provided you avoid all eye contact with them and you can fool them into thinking that you have not seen them.

What does the sign "Dilarang Masuk" mean?
This means "No Entry". However, when used on exit ramps in multi-storey car parks, it has an alternative meaning which is: "Short cut to the next level up".

What does the sign "Pandu Cermat" mean?This means "Drive Smartly", and is placed along highways to remind drivers that they should never leave more than one car length between them and the car in front, irrespective of what speed they aredriving. This is to ensure that other cars cannot cut in front of you and thus prevent you from achieving the primary objective of driving in Malaysia, and that is to arrive ahead of the car in front of you. If you can see the rear number plate of the car in front of you, then you are not driving close enough.

What is the speed limit in Malaysia?
The concept of a speed limit is unknown in Malaysia.

So what are the round signs on the highways with the numbers, 60, 80 and 110?
This is the amount of the 'on-the-spot' fine (in ringgits - the local currency) that you have to pay to the police if you are stopped on that stretch of the highway. Note that for expatriates or locals driving Mercedes or BMWs, the on-the-spot fine is double the amount shown on the sign.

Where do you pay the 'on-the-spot' fine?
As the name suggests, you pay it 'on-the-spot' to the policeman who has stopped you. You will be asked to place your driving licence on the policeman's notebook that he will hand to you through the window of your car. You will note that there is a spot on the cover of the notebook. Neatly fold the amount of your fine into four, place the fine on the spot, and then cover it with your driving licence so that it cannot be seen. Pass it carefully to the policeman. Then, with a David Copperfield movement of his hands, he will make your money disappear. It is not necessary to applaud. But isn't this a bribe? Oh pleeease, go and wash your mouth out. What do you want? A traffic ticket? Yes, you can request one of those instead, but it will cost you twice the price, forms to fill out, cheques to write, envelopes to mail, and then three months later when you are advised that your fine was never received, more forms to fill out, a trip to the police station, a trip to the bank, a trip back to the police station, and maybe then you will wish you had paid 'on-the-spot'.

But what if I haven't broken any road rules?
It is not common practice in Malaysia to stop motorists for breaking road rules (because nobody is really sure what they are). The most common reasons for being stopped are: (a) the policeman is hungry and would like you to buy him lunch; (b) the policeman has run out of petrol and needs some money to get back to the station; (c) you look like a generous person who would like to make a donation to the police welfare fund; or (d) you are driving an expensive car which means you can afford to make a donation to the police welfare fund.

Does my car require a roadworthy certificate before I can drive it in Malaysia?
No, roadworthy certificates are not required in Malaysia. However there are certain other statutory requirements that must be fulfilled before your car can be driven in Malaysia. Firstly, you must ensure that your windscreen is at least 50% obscured with English football club decals, golf club membership stickers or condo parking permits. Secondly, you must place a tissue box (preferably in a white lace cover) on the back shelf of your car under the rear window. Thirdly, you must hang as many CDs or plastic ornaments from your rear vision mirror as it will support. Finally, you must place a Garfield doll with suction caps on one of your windows. Your car will then be ready to drive on Malaysian roads.

What does a single yellow line along the edge of a road mean?

This means parking is permitted.

What does a double yellow line along the edge of a road mean?This means double parking is permitted.

What does a yellow box with a diagonal grid of yellow lines painted on the road at a junction mean?

Contrary to the understanding of some local drivers, this does not mean that diagonal parking is permitted. It indicates a junction that is grid-locked at peak hours.

Can I use my mobile phone whilst driving in Malaysia?
No problem at all, but it should be noted that if you wish to use the rear-vision mirror to put on your lipstick (women only please) or trim your eyebrows at the same time as you are using a mobile phone in the other hand, you should ensure that you keep an elbow free to steer the car. Alternatively, you may place a toddler on your lap and have the child steer the car whilst you are carrying out these other essential driving tasks.

Is it necessary to use indicator lights in Malaysia?

These blinking orange lights are commonly used by newly arrived expatriate drivers to indicate they are about to change lanes. This provides a useful signal to local drivers to close up any gaps to prevent the expatriate driver from changing lanes. Therefore it is recommended that expatriate drivers adopt the local practice of avoiding all use of indicator lights. However, it is sometimes useful to turn on your left hand indicator if you want to merge right, because this confuses other drivers enabling you to take advantage of an unprotected gap in the traffic.

Why do some local drivers turn on their left hand indicator and then turn right, or turn on their right hand indicator and then turn left?

This is one of the unsolved mysteries of driving in Malaysia.

Angel & Durian, the Fruit King

2011-12-12T07:21:00.001+08:00

Our little Angel ..whom we adopted on the 15th day of the 8th lunar month..Sept 12, 2011.

When my MIL was told the meaning of ANGEL, she called her 'DEVIL' ..and yea, I would agreed fully..cos Angel is definitely one..
devilish clever, devilish naughty, devilish delightful, devilish playful, devilish emo and definitely devilish GREEDY !

The other day, the whole family was enjoying durian and this little lady walked up, smelled and sniffed around.
Probably trying to identify that 'funny weird' (maybe foul) smelling aroma

And my doter decided to test if this is a MALAYSIAN dog..

gave her a little bit of durian flesh

Angel : emm..ok,..one small bite first of this funny stuff

Angel : the taste not bad leh...boleh tahan woh

Angel : Not finger licking good..
TONGUE LICKING GO000ODDDDDDD

Angel : Can I have a bit more PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE

Angel : Burrppp...DURIAN ..my favourite fruit for now

Life

2011-12-08T10:33:00.000+08:00

How do you console a friend when she tells you that she only has 6 months left?

Tell her to be positive, live her life to the fullest, realises her dreams, where possible?

It’s definitely easier said than done. When life dealt one with such cruel blow, does one goes against it?

Try to fight it or accept that your Maker loves you more and wants you Home with Him.

Yes, definitely depressing for me when I ‘bumped’ into my friend and knew her situation.

She has been a gutsy fighter, going for repeated chemo treatments, taking up different classes to improve her health, faithfully following strict diets but unfortunately, these provided no remedies.
Maybe she has more than 6 months or less.

What would I do if I have 6 months left?

What kind of legacy would I leave behind for my family?

Money or memories?

Perhaps less of the former and more of latter, good loving ones.

Would it be too late to make amends for all my wrong doings?

Whatever is it, I guess the best is live life to the fullest now for you never know what tomorrow may or may not bring.

Depressing piece for the year end, for I can empathise with my friend. Of her preparation for her school-going kids and their future when she is not around to see to their needs.

Confession of a Bagaholic at Bandung

2011-12-06T13:49:00.016+08:00

B FOR BANDUNG
B FOR BAGS
B FOR BUY BUY BUY
B FOR BYE BYE MY RUPIAHS

I have a weakness for bags, big or small, formal or leisure

At Bandung, I was in bag paradise..

Stores and stores of bags...

Different designs, colours, sizes and brands...

and most importantly, darn affordable

would have bought more, but lack of rupiah notes held me back and some smaller outlets do not accept cards..

3 in one Bag (no brand)

supposingly to be made from cow skin. The size is just 'gam-gam' for me, not to big or small.

it has a smaller bag, which can be used as stand-alone, as well as a coin-purse

price : RP390,000 (RM140.00)
for this price, it's really a good bargain

complete set

Three in One Back Pack / Hand Carry Pouch

I love this bag too, it's a 3-in-1 carry bag. My doter has taken ownership meanwhile

Price : RP250,000 = RM90.00

Another nice back pack. Was tagged at RP344,900, tat about RM125.00. Was deciding to buy or not for at least 30 minutes....temptation was too great and I decided to give in lah willingly..is there not a saying..if you cannot 'beat it, join it'

At the cashier, was informed that the price was wrongly tagged, actual price RP190,000 = RM68.40. My GF jumped with joy on hearing that and grabbed the remaining piece.

A purse for myself ..I think it was less than Rp 50,000 = RM18.00

Hermes Reversible Bag
Price :RP35,000/pc = RM12.60

comes with a pouch inside

Sling Jean Bag

also at RP35,000 = RM12.60/piece

Last but not least Chloe bag (all bags are imitation lah)

material synthetic leather

Price : RP250,000 = RM90.00

I AM JUST A TYPICAL WOMAN, WHO LOVES BAGS

Bandung - A Woman's Shopping Paradise

2011-12-04T16:43:00.012+08:00

Our 4 Days/3Nites Bandung trip was superb hilarious and truly rewarding.

Now I realised that my shopping kakis could buy almost anything, even lesong (yes..lesong tat goes tom tom) ..

One kaki bought enough bras&panties that she could change different sets everyday and still has new

and

until the next millenium

Another kaki bought enough slippers that she can easily open a store

One kaki has new bags for different days of the week
(hi hi tat's me..the guilty one)

Because it's super duper reasonably priced!

Bandung..I will be back ! Yes, I"ll definitely be back..even with all the horrendous jam !

WE WILL - HASTA LA VISTA BABY

Tangkuban Parahu & The Lesong - Bandung

2011-12-02T22:13:00.003+08:00

Today our day started with a trip to Tangkuban Parahu, dormant volcano crater, located some 30km away from Bandung town.

Pak Yuyun got us thru the 9curves 13corners road upto the parking on the rim of this 'must-see' tourist attraction.

Last eruption was in 1959, Tangkuban Parahu means 'overturn boat'. There is a folklore about this place, so if you are interested to know more, go read wikipedia. After reading, please do donate to this e-encyclopedia.

Unfortunately (or fortunately for other tourists), this place hold little or no interest at all to my tour kakis.

Wandering around, we spotted something that caught our attention !

like moths drawn to the light, all the ladies (ahemm,..including that one male) made our way to this stall

no it's not the weaved mengkuang stuff, or the carved items

Wanna know..scroll down

more

some more lah

PRESENTING THE LESONG

made from volcano rocks

Pak Seller :

Mari, saya demostrasikan

Ni Bagus, goyang-goyang, tumbuk-tumbuk semua kau tim

ada gaya ada ummmppphh

My gf : Bawa sini, saya mau cuba, saya lagi ada gaya

My gf (scratching her head): to buy or not to buy

(US : after having a EGM over this

in one unison voice)

BUY LAH

My gf : Ok ok lah I buy...naH Pak ambil these uang before I changed my mind

And she would go home happily with her lesong in tow

Sometimes, there is no happy ending to some stories, and this is one of them..

She did not buy
Instead only this happy lady got HER ROYAL lesong ..
good bargain for a 20cm cir lesong @ Rp70k = RM25.00

We flew Garuda, so no need to mentally calculate the extra luggage costs..

DON'T WORRY BE HAPPY

Either she was over stressed from the walk or losing her mind because no lesong, so she decided to do the Para para dance ala Bandung style

and the winner said..no,..this is the way to do it..

hand up up in the air

ya ya ..i got my lesong

the lady in the mid: ahhemm..i tink your ketiak got bau already lah

end of the story..,,

stay tune for our next stop update !!!

Lake Wakatipu - Queenstown

2011-10-26T14:22:00.001+08:00

context taken from wikipedia :

15,000 years ago during the last ice age, a huge glacier moving from the north west carved out what is now Lake Wakatipu. The lake is relatively thin, but the mountains run straight into the lake, forming a deep canyon, 399m at its deepest point.
Lake Wakatipu is the second largest lake in the Southern Lakes District, covering 290 square km. At its widest point Lake Wakatipu is five kilometers wide, and the total length is 84km.

Maori Legend
The Maori legends state that the giant Matau was burnt to death in his sleep after he abducted a chief's daughter, burning a massive hole in the ground and melting the ice and snow of the surrounding mountains, forming the lake. The lake is a large "S" shape, like a giant, curled up and sleeping on its side. Matau's head rested at Glenorchy, at the north of the lake, and his feet south in Kingston. Queenstown sits on Matau's knee.
One of Wakatipu's mysteries is the rise and fall of the lake by about 12cm (5") every five minutes. Legend states that a Giant's heart is impossible to destroy, and causes this rise and fall, while science says it is due to fluctuating atmospheric pressures. But across the lake from the town below Cecil Peak is a little island visible only from up close, from above, or from a different angle. Some say Hidden Island is the still beating heart of the Giant Matua...

The Maori people first inhabited the area in a search for food, ponamu or greenstone, and the flightless Moa. The north of the Lake is one of six of the country's main sources of greenstone.

The Earnslaw
Queenstown's famous "Lady of the Lake" has been in operation since 1912, when it first set off on its Maiden Voyage from Kingston. Originally designed to carry sheep, cattle, and passengers to high country stations around the lake, today the Earnslaw runs tourist cruises to Walter Peak high country station.

The beautiful steamship was refurbished in 1984, when the 12m high funnel was painted bright red, and the hull a brilliant white. And living up to the town's name as being fit for the Queen, in 1990 the Earnslaw carried Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Phillip.

Dunedin to Queenstown/Passing thru Alexandra

2011-10-25T07:02:00.016+08:00

Today, we leave Dunedin for Queenstown, a drive of about 290km via Highway 1.
Passed thru Alexandra Town..yes, you got it, that's the surname of dwellers in this town.
It was founded during the Otago Gold Rush in the 18th century.

The 1958 steel truss arch bridge carrying State Highway 8 across the Clutha River at Alexandra. Beside it, stands the remainding towers of the wooden bridge that was swept away by flood.

Alexandra town from across Clutha River

Our brunch at Cafe Rossi on the main street

Yummy but fattening leh

Still on H1, we stopped at this gorgeous river, or known as the Kawarau in the Moari language.

Dunedin -Larnach Castle,Sandfly Bay & Baldwin Street

2011-10-24T22:25:00.053+08:00

Labour Day is celebrated on the 4th Monday of October, so that it would be a Mondayrised public holiday.

We did not really get to see Dunedin much as the weekend when we were there, it was their Labour long weekend. Most or should I say, all the shops were closed. Except for restaurants, the city was kind of quiet. We walked around this main shopping belt, practically window shopping.

barely any traffic on the road

Taking the light traffic situation, we decided to drive over to Dunedin penisula to see the only castle in Australasia.

Driving up the hilly & windy lane to Larnach castle is scary due to the steep narrow road, barely wide enough for 2 vehicles. My salutes to HB and his driving skill. If it was me, I definitely would have detour and play safe.

Larnach Castle, built in 1871 by Mr william James Mudie Larnach , a banker of Scottish descent. This is the only castle in NZ.
Entry to the castle & ground = NZ$27.00/pax
Entry to the castle's ground only = NZ$12.50/pax

We have seen castles/palaces in Europe, decided only to tour the ground/garden.

Anyway, in case we changed our mind, we can always pay the difference to view the castle interiors.

Was given a brochure, where informative details were given about the garden and its' plants/flowers.

suggested route to view/tour the garden

view of the bay

converted old stable into accommodation.

front facade of the Castle

The garden was in full bloom..pictures can be found in 'Colours of Spring'.

We continued on to Sandfly Bay, hoping to see some seals in action.

Afer hiking down about 30minutes (and chasing goats as well as stepping on their 'droppings'), we arrrived to an deserted beach and the roaring ocean.

The wildlife only comes out to play during dusk :-(
this sand dune is caused by the strong ocean wind that carry the fine particles inland. The dune is about 200m inland and still growing.

these boys are going sand-surfing

these rocks have names, but cannot recalled them :-(

fresh dung

So up we went back the same trail, with sands in our shoes and dungs in my soles

I did the most unthinkable and unmentionable thing here in the bush, the wind was blowing, I was darn urgnet and there was none to be found.

When you are in Dunedin, the must see is BALDWIN STREET

According http://www.dunedin.nz.com/baldwin-street.aspx
This street is recognised by the Guinness Book of Records as the steepest street in the world. The street runs up the northern side of Signal Hill, a prominent hill overlooking Otago Harbour, at slopes of up to 1:2.86 (for 2.86m horizontal distance, a rise of 1m).
The steepness was unintentional; grids were laid out by surveyor Charles Kettle without proper regard for the terrain.

There are a couple of annual events held at Baldwin street, one being the Jaffa Race at the annual Cadbury Chocolate Carnival, where 30,000 Giant Jaffas, hard orange candies with a chocolate centre, are rolled down the street.

Another major event is the Baldwin Street Gutbuster, a race to the top and back down again.

If that sounds too much, walk up in your own time. It takes about ten minutes, just to walk about 350 metres! But don't worry, there's a drinking fountain at the top.

it's recorded and recognised

emm..tat would be more than 45deg angle

No, did not take the route up the road just to enjoy the free water fountain. Was just happy to look, gawk and enjoy the road from mine end of it.

Dunedin Railway Building

2011-10-24T18:55:00.000+08:00

Dunedin Railway Building has a long history. Built in 1906, at a cost of 40,000pounds, it was the country's busiest station during the earlier years.

Only a handful of trains are used today due to the reduction of rail transport.

Dunedin Railway Station is served by daily sightseeing trains to Middlemarch or Pukerangi via the Taieri Gorge, and to Palmerston.

Interior of Dunedin's most photographed building

LEITH TOURING PARK - DUNEDIN

2011-10-23T23:16:00.000+08:00

I was quite apprehensive when booking this place initially as it was located some distance out of town and not much info was available. Nevertheless with the good ratings from tripadvisor, I took the chance and went ahead. Glad I did so as our little timber cabin was lovely and very cosy. Situated right next to the stream and wood, we could hear the birds chirping and stream gurgling by when having breakfasts with hot coffee out on the veranda. Oh, yes, we spent only 10 minutes breakfast outside on the first day and rush into the cosy warmth of our cabin...cold crisp chilly wind brrrrrrrrrr..

As like every holiday park, there are different types of accommodation to suit every budget. While we were there, the World Cup Rugby final was played. A busload of high school students had their camping activities here and they definitely make themselves heard loud and clear when the Kiwis won the cup.

Some photos on our Dunedin accommodation.

Basic cabin for 4 persons

the cabin we stayed - No 7

cosy settee

comfy bed/mattress

full kitchen facilities

wardrobe, flat screen TV and heater

view from the kitchen window

the stream next to our cabin

Dunedin-Otago

2011-10-23T22:51:00.010+08:00

The road to Dunedin was like a roller coaster, going upwards and then downwards due to the undulated terrain situation. After driving for about 4 hours, we arrived in the town centre at almost 2pm.

Entering the town, speed limit is 50km

Tummies growling for food, we went hunting for late lunch

Popped into the Craic Irish Tavern in the Octagon. HB ordered antipasto set at NZ$36.00/set. Emmm..definitely not to my palate.

Giving ourselves some exercise, we walked around the area nearby Octagon. It was Sunday, traffic was minimal and best part - PARKING WAS FREE...

The 1st church of Otago, built in 1848.

Plaque inside the church, in dedication to Rev Thomas Burns.

The first bell of Dunedin, whom also double up as the 'alarm clock' of the town during the early days.

One of the first & earliest hotels in Dunedin. When this hotel was built in 1884, it was situated beside the harbour. Now the surronding areas has been reclaimed from Bell Hill's rocks. With 150 bedrooms, the Leviathan was then reputed to be the largest hotel in Australasia. The name Leviathan originates from the book of Revelation in the Bible and is used to describe a huge creature usually of the sea.

On the 3rd floor, it was reputed there is a ghost of an unknown lady. Spooky..

Public demonstrating against the current government by camping at the Octagon.

The police and fire engine were there, just to monitor the situation.

One of the most photographed buildings of Dunedin.

The Railway Station.

Feeling tired, we went looking for our accommodation.

Leith Holiday Park.

New Zealand - All Blacks

2011-10-23T22:17:00.000+08:00

Watched the final of the World Rugby Cup ,.
Although I know next to nothing about rugby and their rules. definitely was interesting to watch those hunks defending and ramming each other..!

Yaya...All Blacks Won!!! Tight at 8-7..still victory !!!

All Blacks table lamp in our room
At Dunedin

The Haka! It is the pre game Maori War Dance done by the "All Blacks", the New Zealand Rugby Team!

The All Blacks perform the haka with precision and intensity which underpin the All Black approach.

The words go as...

Ringa pakia
Uma tiraha
Turi whatia
Hope whai ake
Waewae takahia kia kino

Ka mate, Ka mate! Ka ora, Ka ora!
Ka mate, Ka mate! Ka ora, Ka ora!
Tenei te tangata puhuruhuru
Nana i tiki mai whakawhiti te ra!
A hupane, kaupane
A hupane, kaupane whiti te ra!
Hi!

Translation

Slap the hands against the thighs
Puff out the chest
Bend the knees
Let the hip follow
Stamp the feet as hard as you can!

It is death! It is death!
It is life! It is life!
This is the hairy person
Who caused the sun to shine
Keep abreast! Keep abreast
The rank! Hold fast!
Into the sun that shines!

Haka Origin

According to Maori ethos, Tama-nui-to-ra, the Sun God, had two wives, Hine-raumati, the Summer maid, and Hine takurua, the Winter maid. The child born to him and Hine-raumati was Tane-rore, who is credited with the origin of the dance. Tane-rore is the trembling of the air as seen on the hot days of summer, and represented by the quivering of the hands in the dance.

Haka is the generic name for all Maori dance. Today, haka is defined as that part of the Maori dance repertoire where the men are to the fore with the women lending vocal support in the rear. Most haka seen today are haka taparahi, haka without weapons.

More than any aspect of Maori culture, this complex dance is an expression of the passion, vigour and identity of the race. Haka is not merely a past time of the Maori but was also a custom of high social importance in the welcoming and entertainment of visitors. Tribal reputation rose and fell on their ability to perform the haka (Hamana Mahuika).

Haka reflected the concerns and issues of the time, of defiance and protest, of factual occurrences and events at any given time

Moeraki Boulders at Koekohe Beach

2011-10-23T21:27:00.010+08:00

After leaving Olive Grove, drove to Koekohe Beach to see the Moeraki Boulders.

The Moeraki Boulders are unusually large and spherical boulders lying along a stretch of Koekohe Beach on the wave cut Otago coast of New Zealand between Moeraki and Hampden

Parked at the designated area, and had to walk quite a distance

HB going thru a rickety make shift 'bridge'

Source : Wikipedia
Local Māori legends explained the boulders as the remains of eel baskets, calabashes, and kumara washed ashore from the wreck of an Arai-te-uru, a large sailing canoe. This legend tells of the rocky shoals that extend seaward from Shag Point as being the petrified hull of this wreck and a nearby rocky promontory as being the body of the canoe's captain. In 1848 W.B.D. Mantell sketched the beach and its boulders, more numerous than now.

The Moeraki Boulders are concretions created by the cementation of the Paleocene mudstone of the Moeraki Formation, from which they have been exhumed by coastal erosion.
The main body of the boulders started forming in what was then marine mud, near the surface of the Paleocene sea floor. This is demonstrated by studies of their composition; specifically the magnesium and iron content, and stable isotopes of oxygen and carbon. Their spherical shape indicates that the source of calcium was mass diffusion, as opposed to fluid flow.

The larger boulders, 2 metres (6.6 feet) in diameter, are estimated to have taken 4 to 5.5 million years to grow while 10 to 50 metres (33 to 165 feet) of marine mud accumulated on the seafloor above them. After the concretions formed, large cracks known as septaria formed in them. Brown calcite, yellow calcite, and small amounts of dolomite and quartz progressively filled these cracks when a drop in sea level allowed fresh groundwater to flow through the mudstone enclosing them

a cracked boulder, noticed the septaria linings

To me, they looked like some aliens eggs..anytime I expect them to burst open

and some cutey ET babies would come wriggling out

this show clearly the size of these boulders

these boulders are more inland and slowly being eroded/exposed by the waves and wind

We left as the high tides came rolling in, so that our 'makeshift' bridge would still be passable.

And off we went to Dunedin, where Willy Wonka has his chocolate factory.

Olive Grove Holiday Park - Oamaru

2011-10-23T15:05:00.010+08:00

I loved this holiday park.

Given more time, I would have love to stay a night exra, to enjoy the tranquility.

main homestead, where the owner & his family lived

one of the permanent resident

Outside the room we stayed

Kim, the owner

leaving the farm, we continue to Moeraki and then Dunedin

Oamaru : Watiki at Dusk

2011-10-22T23:26:00.000+08:00

To Oamaru for the nite at Olive Grove Holiday Park

ensuite room

Was recommended to visit Katiki Point to see the yellow-eyes penguins in their natural habitat.

We spotted 2 penguins on the beach, 1 more near the nest

& seals resting on the rocks

By the time we came out from the viewing hut, night has really set in and it was pitch dark.

Stopped by one of the local restaurant to fill up our tummies. Blue Fish Chips & Potatoes - one the speciality here in Oamaru

Today was tiring day as HB has driven 350 km from Fairlie->Mt Cook->Oamaru via H8/83.

Althought it was freezing cold back at our room, it was nice to cuddle up under the many layers of blankets on the soft bed and slept like babies.

Mt Cook/Aoraki National Park

2011-10-22T23:20:00.000+08:00

Day 04/22nd Oct
Mount Cook / Aoraki NP

It was sunny as we drove along Mount Cook Road.
The journey along Lake Pukaki to Mount Cook Village was spectacular but alas a long road, going on and on along the shore.

The Southern Alps range was awesome. It looked just like a black and white movie reel running parallel along side our car.

At Mount Cook Village

Hermitage Hotel (old/new)

Sir Edmund Hilary's statue at the Alpine Centre

Dedication to the great adventurer/mountaineer

On the way to Oamaru, we passed through Twizel, and saw many antique cars..perhaps because there was a vintage car museum nearby

There was a carathon to Mt Cook to commemorate a special occasion.

this lady is 88 years old -the car lah

Retiring in NZ in such homestead would be a dream

ALTAVADY farm

Lake Tekapo and Pukaki to Mt Cook Park

2011-10-22T22:31:00.004+08:00

Day 04-22nd Oct/Saturday

Started out before 9.0am, we drove to our intended destination for the day.
This drive thru SH8, is about 130kms.

This the indicative driving time from the internet :-
30 minutes Fairlie - Lake Tekapo
1hr 15 minutes Lake Tekapo - Mt Cook

Burke's Pass, on the top of the Pass-2500 feet above sea level- a grand view of the Mackenzie country or basin.

Note: The basin was named in the 1850s by and after James Mckenzie (or in his native Scottish Gaelic: Seumas MacCoinneach), a shepherd and sheep thief of Scottish origin, who herded his stolen flocks in what was then an area almost totally empty of any human habitation, After his capture, the area was soon divided up amongst new sheep pasture stations in 1857.

background is Mt Cook/Aoraki National Park

One hour later, at Lake Tekapo
magnificient view ..photo does not justice to the real beauty

Church of the Good Shepherd

Built in 1935, it as a humble stone building to glorify God and in memory of pioneers.

Momument of the ever famous 'must photographed' tourist attraction on the lake.

Collie dogs, which without, the cowboys will become insane, chasing/rounding up sheeps/cattle in the pastures yonder.

Continuing on, we arrived at Lake Pukaki.

Wikipedia:
Lake Pukaki is the largest of three roughly parallel alpine lakes running north-south along the northern edge of the Mackenzie Basin on New Zealand's South Island. The others are Lakes Tekapo and Ohau.

We were really awed by this sight

The 3 peaks as seen above are
La Perouse (3079m). Mount Cook at 3764m & Mount Tasman (3,497m).

In case you are wondering why I am so smart to know the mountains and their heights, just please refer to the below tablet, found at the lake side, just in front of this magnificient view, for dummies like me

Mount Cook from Lake Pukaki

On way to Mt Cook Village
These mountain range looks black and white, like from the movie.

Journey to Fairlie

2011-10-21T18:59:00.001+08:00

Day 03-Oct 21/Friday
Christchurch-Fairlie
Departed Christchurch late morning to start our first destination.
Fairlie, known as the Gateway to Mackenzie Country.
220km and approx 2 hours drive away, for non-stop driving on SH8 motorway.

Toilet cum leg stretching stop at Ashburton, a nice quiet town.

Of mountains, sheeps and farmhouses

It was cloudy and abit chilly drive from Ashburton to Fairlie, with rain coming down half way through our journey.

3 hours later, we arrived at Fairlie, a little nice town.
This was our rest for the night, Aorangi Fairlie.
Motel was run by an lovely retired couple.

Room with cooking facilities, heated floor and e-blanket to keep warm. It was really cold that night as it was drizzling all nite.

We drove around Fairlie, a town of old buildings

Quiet&peaceful, after a shower

noticed how clean the roads are

Venturing further, we crossed this river, with exposed stony bed. It was beginning of spring and the snow has not melted.

Lake Opahu
one of the many many lakes in NZ.

Tat's our western home-cooked dinner

Tomorrow was going to be a long day as we would be driving to Mt Cook/Aoraki NPark.

New Zealand - Colours of Spring

2011-10-20T16:36:00.000+08:00

Spring is such a lovely time
Colourful flowers blooming every where

from far, this tree looks green, which the eyes may deceive as leaves

but it's actually flowers in green

Sojourn to South Island-New Zealand

2011-10-20T11:26:00.002+08:00

Ten months after we bought the tickets, we finally left for our 2 weeks holiday to South Island, New Zealand.

Day 01-19th Oct/Wed
KL/Christchurch
Departing @ almost midnite, the uneventful flight was less than 10hours. We have pre-booked on board meals, which was served twice during the journey. For more leg comfort, we had the Hot Seat.

Day 02-20th Oct/Thursday
Christchurch
Arriving just before 3pm local Christchurch time (NZ is 5 hours advanced), immigration was swift. Only had to show our homeward bound tickets and were given 3 months visa.

Collected our rented car, and we were off to our rest for the night.
Btw, no need to apply for international driving licence. Just get an English extract of your local driving licence. Fees = RM10.00/licence. Document validity same as your local licence.

Room at Holiday Park @Meadow Street.

The unit comes with 2 rooms, full kitchen facilities and can sleep upto 6.

Early rest today as we were tired due to no good sleep on the plane and the next day we would head out to Fairlie.

New Zealand is one damn CLEAN & COURTEOUS COUNTRY !

Malaysia Day 2011 @ Chiling Waterfall

2011-09-16T10:40:00.005+08:00

Today, being a holiday, thanks to whoever lah, we planned a picnic trip at Chiling Water Fall.

First stop was the Dam..

nothing interesting lah..

group photo of all the pretty ladies in a row

Then to Chiling Waterfall

splash time

water spa

This lady decided to stay dry by staying put at the pondok

So we decided to give her some WET HUGS

ONE HUG..not enough to wet her

two wet hugs ...hope it does the job !

Enjoying the company and food after splashing time

more splash time

more makan

bee hoon slurping good

she was our F&B lady, making sure no lalat or bugs invade the pondok and food. Nvm, just wanna make her feels she is useful, indispensable and priceless.

Bandung Bandung - Shopping Haven

2011-07-28T12:48:00.009+08:00

Have always been wanting and planning (read it again - PLANNING) to go Bandung for some therapies.

And I have always been checking on airlines that were having promotions to Jakarta or Bandung.

2010, March it was about Garuda , in June, it was about Malaysia Air. Alas, unfortunately I was not able to fly off. What the heart desires does not materialises, most of the time.

This time, zillion thanks to my girlfriend, Miss R. Her travel bugs have really give her a terrible itch. She initiated the whole trip with a call to me, another shopaholic, the window type, my coffer is almost to Level E.

Ten clicks here, another ten clicks there, a phone call here, another 20 phone calls there, and viola..Bandung, we are coming.

Garuda is having their promotion till end of 2011, KL-Jakarta return sector for less than RM360/pax, all inclusive, meaning MOB, luggage 20kgs, seat allocation and twice daily flights.

Personally, not only women are hooked on shopping, have a look at the guys you will find while shopping in Bandung, pictures below taken from the net.

Superman zooming out after a quick spree

spiderman squatting for a quickie ....!

emm..they definitely need a complete RE DO

And Jasmine flew in with Aladdin..

wonder if I can get the magic carpet at FO here?

Key to the Heart

2011-07-08T07:08:00.006+08:00

Anniversary Quote from 1 Corinthians

2011-07-07T11:48:00.012+08:00

Today is my 20th wedding anniversary and I text him (ya, I am very in, and also very out of human touch) an anniversary message. At the end of the message, I wrote cheekily ‘SO WHERE IS MY GIFT AH?

Two seconds, he called me and asked me ‘Yes, what do you want?’ Typical Chinaman him, to ask the wifey what she wants…aiyaa, no surprise gift, flowers (delivered to the office maybe), pre-arranged romantic candle-light dinner for two, with a nice bottle of champagne to celebrate this special milestone. The best part, he said 'GO BUY YOUR OWN GIFT'..my dear, it's a GIFT, so you are supposingly to surprise me with the BIGGEST DIAMOND your wealth can allow you to buy!

What to do, been stuck with this unromantic guy for the last 22 years, so I should have known what to expect or not to expect should be the better choice. The last time he brought me flowers was in Cameron Highlands more than a decade ago. And the reason he bought it was because it was cheap. See, he has to even tell me the truth, in this case, was not actually the best policy,

For whatever that he will or will not, we will walk together till the end of our road.

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails.

The Bible1 Corinthians 13. 4-8

TELEKOM, STREAMYX & TELEMARKETING

2011-06-29T11:46:00.005+08:00

Most of the times, I get really annoyed with those telemarketing calls, especially when I am in one of my foulest mood, which can be quite frequent.

I get calls from finance companies, offering me loans. Sorry, but I do not need your money and get myself into debts around my waist (hutang sekeliling pinggang). Btw, my waist not that big also loh.

I get calls from people selling hotel progammes, like you pay $xxx, get 1 night free stay at the hotel, 4-6 vouchers of 50% discount on their sisters/brother properties, meals vouchers, discount cards, etc etc.

I get calls from medical centres, telling me that no amount of wealth can equals to good health. Definitely loh, will they give me free check up meh, if I don't have money to pay them?

I get calls from credit cards companies, offering me more credit cards. Even if they are free, ello, I still have to pay for the RM50.00/card govt tax annually.

I do sometimes entertained calls from telemarketers, whom know what they are offering, since they are only trying to earn an honest living.

Getting calls from those whom don't do their homework, really gets on my nerves, cos they never bother, with the tidak apa attitude. Just hentam saja and then they kena hentam from me.

Received a call on my mobile this morning from a 019 - xxxxx.
Conversation goes like this :-

019 hello, ini …………………….? (is this ……………….?)

Me ya (yes)

019 saya panggil dari Telekom (I am calling from Telecom)

Me ya

019 Boleh tanya di rumah cik ada servis Streamyx? (do you have Streamxy service at your house?)

Me You panggil dari Telekom, you tak tahu kalau saya ada streamxy ka tidak? Pergi cek lah.
(You calling from Telekom, how come you don’t know if I have streamxy. Go check your record

019 she just hung up

See, basic telemarketing procedure pun tak tau, how to sell lah.

Angry Bird for a very Reluctant Patient

2011-06-02T14:14:00.012+08:00

An Angry Bird for a Angrily Reluctant Patient in Hospital Sungei Buloh.

This is for my doter, whom has been warded since last Friday - 27th/May.

She has been having fever on and off since April 20.

Suspected : salmonella thypi..caused by poultry.

Now she can get her revenge on the source of her sufferings.....by murdering/killing the bird everyday over and over and over...

Jogjakarta - Here & There

2011-06-01T12:00:00.004+08:00

Scenes from Jalan Malioboro,.

Tourism Office

clothings

leather wares

local arts

Jogja-Layman's Food

2011-06-01T11:56:00.007+08:00

eating steam banana with peanut for breakfast is definitely not what I would have normally

our first meal - nasi padang, where many many type of dishes will be served.

just eat what you fancy,

Malaysia has nasi lemak, they have nasi bungkus, with even a big statue in Malioboro street

fresh juice vendor

tit bits vendor

es (ais / ice ) durian. I did not try it, takut my tummy cannot take it.

Heard that the es durian is similar to ice-kacang, just that they have durian or other fruits in the serving.

Cupcakes for Teachers' Appreciation Day

2011-05-27T14:18:00.003+08:00

Today, being the Teachers' Appreciation Day, my jr requested me to bake cupcakes as gifts for her favorite teachers.

Being a working mom, it meant that I had to bake these cakes during the late evening and decorate them during the night, ready to be given to some truly hardworking dedicated teachers the next morning.

I made 3 different type of cakes
carrot cake with cream cheese frosting
moist chocholate with ganache
lemon cake with buttercream

Appamlicious

2011-05-25T22:17:00.005+08:00

After reading all the comments/feedbacks on the deliciousness of this dessert, I had tried my hand on making them. Reason :I don't wanna pay some $ for stuff I can home baked.

Appam with blue berries filling.

Taste - average only loh..

Would I do it again? Probably will for a gathering cos it's easy, convenient and very very economical ..

my appam not so colourful since it's for self consumption, no need to be rainbowly.

Mount Merapi - Kaliurang

2011-05-08T15:13:00.005+08:00

Kaliurang is a small town located about 25 km north of the town of Yogyakarta. It is on the southern slopes of Mount Merapi.

After the 2010 eruption, villagers living on the slope were relocated to the temporary settlement.

Their livehood as shepherds, cow-herds and farmers, together with their homes, were obliterated by the eruption.

Pak Mbah Marijan, the octogenerian spiritual guardian of Mount Merapi, was buried under ash spewed from the volcano he served. His son is now the guardian of Mount Merapi.

Scenes of Mt Merapi's might

On the way to Kaliurang, more than 5km from Mt Merapi

coconut trees dying ..... from the heat of lava

houses covered with ash/lava

new steel bridge under construction

(the old wooden bridge was burnt/destroyed by lava river flowing below)

river of lava/ash

harvesting lava rocks

burnt skeleton of motorcyle at Kaliurang

remain of house and charred trunks

Candi in Jogjakarta

2011-05-06T15:02:00.009+08:00

Aside from Prambanan and Borobudur, there are smaller candi (temples) in Jogjakarta. As they are not Unesco proclaimed, not many people will visit them, hence a lower entrance fees (RP1,000-Rp2,000 per pax).

Candi MENDUT

Mendut is a ninth century Buddhist temple, located in Mendut village, Mungkid sub-district, Magelang Regency, Central Java, Indonesia.

The temple is located about three kilometres east from Borobudur.

During the Wesak celebration, devotees would start their ritual walk from this candi to Borobudur.

CANDI SEMBISARI

Sambisari is a 9th century Hindu temple located at Sambisari hamlet, Purwomartani village, Kalasan, Sleman regency, Yogyakarta. The temple was buried about five metres underground from the ash/lava during one of Mt Merapi earlier eruptions (not the 2010).

Original temple have been excavated . The temple is located about 8 km east of Yogyakarta. It was discovered by a farmer, whom struck the top of the Candi with his hoe. (tat's how the Terracotas were discovered too in China).

Taman Sari Water Castle aka Royal Bath

2011-05-06T14:51:00.018+08:00

This is the royal bath/or swimming pools.

One pool was for the concubines / gundeks, the other for the royal kids

The Sultan would watch his concubines from the cubicle at the top of the building, choose the one he likes or fancies. The lucky lady will share his private pool on the other side of the wall

After the bath. they will retire to their bed room for their siesta time.

Borobodur Temple

2011-05-06T14:41:00.015+08:00

Borobudur, or Barabudur, is a 8th-century Buddhist monument.

The monument comprises six square platforms topped by three circular platforms, and is decorated with 2,672 relief panels and 504 Buddha statues. A main dome, located at the center of the top platform, is surrounded by 72 Buddha statues seated inside perforated stupa.
The monument is both a shrine to the Lord Buddha and a place for Buddhist pilgrimage. The journey for pilgrims begins at the base of the monument and follows a path circumambulating the monument while ascending to the top through the three levels of Buddhist cosmology, namely Kāmadhātu (the world of desire), Rupadhatu (the world of forms) and Arupadhatu (the world of formlessness).

Each platform represents one stage of enlightment.

Narrative panels which tell the story of Sudhana and Manohara are grouped into 11 series encircled the monument with the total length of 3,000 meters (9,843 ft).

The final gallery was not open to tourists as it is being clean from the volcanic ash of Mt Merapi's eruption.

Prambanan Hindu Temple - Jogjakarta

2011-05-06T14:36:00.012+08:00

Prambanan Temple is a ninth century Hindu temple, built around 850AD.

It is dedicated to Brahma, God of Creator, Vishnu, the Sustainer and Shiva, the Destroyer.

The temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the largest Hindu temple in Indonesia, and is one of the largest Hindu temples in south-east Asia. It is characterised by its tall and pointed architecture, typical of Hindu temple architecture, and by the towering 47m high central building inside a large complex of individual temples.

Get a local tour guide service at the entrance, it is only Rp60K. It will definitely made the visit a vast different, with a better indepth knowledge of this historical site. Prambanan also known as legendary as Roro Jonggrang, a fair maiden forced to marry a man not her choice and was turn to stone.

These are the smaller temple surrounding the main temple, which were built for the guardians of the gods.

Main shrine dedicated to Shiva, the Destroyer.
As this is the era of the Destroyer (with more than 4,000years to go), more importance is placed on Shiva to appease him.
The two smaller shrines next to the main shrine.
The left shrine is dedicated to Brahma, the creater while the right shrine is dedicated to Vishnu - the sustainer.

Hotel Goldener Pflug

2011-05-04T16:32:00.007+08:00

Hotel-Goldener-Pflug
Hotel Golden Plow - Weinheim, Germany

brings sweet memories of my first visit

a charming hotel, housed in a more than 400 years old building

rooms completely renovated and so comfy

we had a room at the attic..so romantic with view of the church and garden beyond

Breakfast was heavenly..home made German bread, fresh fruitsalad and homemade "Müsli"

Easter Cupcakes

2011-04-26T23:20:00.000+08:00

Just for fun, I baked and decorated some cupcakes for Amanda, my little mischievous niece.

She likes the 'easter eggs' only.

My Birthday Celebrtion

2011-03-29T22:24:00.001+08:00

This year, my friends surprised me with a birthday treat at TGIF Puchong.
We were lucky that V Tamura was back home too, escaping the trauma of the
Japan earthquake and tsunami.

What a blast we had at TGIG Puchong..my buddies sure make lots of noise.

thanks LYK for remembering !!

M on the Clouds

2011-03-21T11:04:00.003+08:00

Me over the Mt Everest..honey bunny actually complimented me on my bakings..

Class with Lynn Hassan

2011-03-21T09:46:00.014+08:00

Finally, I took up a deco club with Puan Lynn Hassan..

Voila..presenting my creations at the end of the day.

worth all the ooohhs and aahhhs from my family..

May take her continental cakes class soon.

more of Puan Lynn Hassan on her webpage : www.mysugarclass.com

Beautiful Sunday

2011-03-17T09:50:00.002+08:00

The many tales of 4 ladies and their eight kids, whom spent a wonderful Sunday in the shopping mall
Chatting (more like shouting) their hearts out and losing their voice as a result.

Chinese New Year 2011

2011-02-14T10:12:00.011+08:00

What I did during my CNY 2011 :

Master my skills in mahjong sessions :-

Makan makan here and there

Found a little wee bit of time between makan and mahjoing to do cupcakes for my friends little girls :-

I just love Chinese New Year...

I truly enjoyed every moments of spending this time of the year with my family, relatives, friends and having a merry good time.

ELBA Oven

2011-02-08T12:39:00.004+08:00

Today, after having my Elba Oven for about 2 months, I discovered the actual correct methods to control/use it.

Managed to bake 2 types of cakes in an afternoon- no burnt, no half baked and definitely edible.

My Girl Turns 14

2011-02-01T15:16:00.002+08:00

My junior turns 14.

And her home-baked, home-decorated birthday cake.

Giving me opportunity to horn my skills abit.

Fondant Cupcakes

2011-01-09T19:46:00.007+08:00

My cupcakes with buttercream and fondant deco

Fondant Rose

Made without cutters

Fondant Bear

made with instructions learnt from YouTube

Malacca Riverside

2011-01-04T16:25:00.011+08:00

Photos from my recent trip to Malacca

Tan Kim Seng Bridge is the most important bridge across the Malacca River. It joins Jonker Street to the Dutch Square. It was named after the early 19th century Malaccan born Hokkien philantropist, who donated it to the town.

Portugese/Dutch/British Defence Fort

Kinci Air Zaman Kesultanan Melaka

Replica of Water Wheel used during the Malacca Sultanate period

Malacca River

Today, the Malacca River has been cleaned up and rehabilitated. Smart looking (and underused) cafes line its banks. There is also a Malacca River boat ride. The ride takes 45 minutes. The fare, at time of writing, is RM7 for adults and RM3 for children. The tour starts at the Malacca River Boat Jetty near the Dutch Square (Town Square). This boat ride is now quite famous, having even appeared in the American movie "Entrapment" in 1998.

it's like Venice in Equator

The newest hotel to be open in Jan 2011.

All I Want For Christmas

2010-12-20T21:32:00.005+08:00

Is a new Oven..

My old faithful Elba has finally decided to call it a day, after toiling for almost 10 years in it's crampy corner of my humble kitchen.

So hubby and me trudged to those electrical shops and we ended up in Carrefour, where I bought a new Elba oven.

Now I have to learn how to use those functions on their knobs. The instruction manual is one of the simplest I have read, so there will be lots of trial and error and most probably burnt food & cakes..

emmm...maybe I should wish for a handsome chef to come with the Oven!!

Santa Claus..can I have a second wish please!!

Merry Christmas

2010-12-16T15:15:00.004+08:00

I am already in the Chrimassy mood..planning wat to cook for the pot luck X'mas Eve's dinner at Uncle James Bond's place..yes, you did read it rite. My uncle like to call himself James Bond, so if the name pleases him, so be it.

Would really love to do some nice cuppies, decorated with fondant (since that my latest 'fever' now)..hubby & doters have banned me from tormenting them with my cupcakes. Each to his (or in my case), her own, I have stencilled some of my X'mas deco already, to be assembled onto the cuppies.

And today, these edible images caught my eyes...they will definitely make the decorating a breeze..

Mentally preparing to torture my cousins ...

My First Christmas Present

2010-12-13T10:59:00.005+08:00

Got my first 2010 Christmas present in Singapore yesterday!!!

thank you so much dear..

My First Fondant Cupcakes

2010-12-06T20:03:00.008+08:00

My first cupcakes with fondant decorations...

for Aeryn's full month celebration on Saturday.

Have to improve more on the stencil cuttings and free hand sculpturing.

Have set my target to (hopefully) do figurines for my next project.

EXAM & REWARDS

2010-11-23T09:04:00.006+08:00

Was listening to Mix FM on the way to office today, where the topic being discussed was exams, students & parents perceptions and of course, the dangling of carrots ..

That carrot part got me reminiscing about my eldest doter's PMR result. When she did better than we expected (to be honest, she is not stupid, only lazy), we as the 'kiasu' loving parent wanted to reward her and perhaps, she would be motivated, buck up and do better in SPM (which she did).

So we gave her RM1K.....and we wrote her a cheque for this amount..it's not safe to walk around with cash $$ in the pockets mah, rite

And we told her, she should keep the cheque to remind herself that this money was her hard-earned midnight burning (??) efforts. For self-motivation purpose..

So she gets to keep the RM1K cheque and we get to keep our RM1K..

We are HAPPY FAMILY ..

All the best to SPM sitters..

OF PICKLED VEGE & CUPCAKES

2010-11-23T06:09:00.012+08:00

Spend my deepavali weekend cutting, pounding, frying, slicing, pickling

and whacking batter & baking

all for charity!!!

Birthday Cupcakes

2010-11-01T06:28:00.000+08:00

For the little 'Harry Potter' birthday

Home Made Egg Tarts

2010-10-31T17:49:00.004+08:00

Tried my hand on baking egg-tarts this morning for breakfast. Friends' advices and the recipes made it look so simple to do these tarts.

The custard overdone as I left them in the oven too long. Next time, I will pre-bake the tarts shells before pouring the egg custard. Taste good though - no kidding!!

STRESS STRESS STRESSOO

2010-10-19T13:15:00.002+08:00

Under tremendous stress now......

hope everything goes ok !!!!

Chinese civilisation is more than 4000 years old

2010-10-14T09:56:00.001+08:00

good read for the day, coming from the horse' mouth!!

source : malaysia insider

http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/1-malaysia-has-caused-irreconcilable-conflicts-says-dr-m/

Venice of Malaysia (??)

2010-10-12T15:42:00.021+08:00

This is a common sight in Klang Valley whenever it rains or pours.

However, it was dry the night before in Teluk Intan, not a single drop of rain at all.

But the roads were flooded

as well as right upto the five foot way of some shop houses

The kopitiam were we had our breakfast

No one seems to mind the water around

life is as usual even in a flooded kopitiam

noticed the uncle on the background, sitting happily with his feet up on the chair

ok, the uncle told me that this annual phenomenal events happened during the first few days of 3rd, 6th and 9th lunar months. It's the water that back flow from the river nearby.

SITIAWAN IN A WHIRLWIND

2010-10-10T10:46:00.002+08:00

We were not prepared basically to check out Sitiawan food since it was an impulsive decision the night before. Armed only with a name of this seafood restaurant in Kg Koh Kg China, situated under the coconut trees, it was a good excuse to go burn some petrol.

So off we went to explore a bit of Sitiawan .

Kg Permatang, where fresh catch is sold in the morning market.

Swallows hotels dotted on the way

No need to explain further why it's named KG KOH

And then we saw it!

in a hut under the coconut trees
our early lunch of fried o-chien, stir fried choy tam with carrots
and steamed siakap
Total : RM54.00

This location is ear-marked for housing project. After CNY, they will shift to a new site about 1km away.

Teluk Intan for the Weekend

2010-10-09T10:08:00.036+08:00

This morning we drove north, to fetch Jas to her NS Camp in Chenderiang for the Hari Raya 'open house'.

After accompanying the girls inside the cafeteria, I came out and was pratically chased back by two attacking geese. Maybe these are the new security features to keep the next batch of trainees within the camp perimeters.

the geese going into attack mode

tat's me running back towards safety haven from two Mat Rempit Geese

We proceed to Kampar to jalan jalan cari makan. Some bloggers mentioned a char kueh teow uncle in the Kampar Food Court near the market, whom was worth a visit. This uncle will fry his wares sitting on a bangku. Walking 2 rounds, we could not find this uncle, so we opted for a more simple meal of porridge with home cooked style dishes.. it's been ages since I ate 'ham choy' cooked with cockles..

The stall is located opposite Food Stall No 34.

Total price : $9.00

Later in the day, we proceeded to Teluk Intan

Our very own Leaning Tower of Teluk Anson

We stayed at Anson Hotel, which was in the town. Room condition ok ok loh, nothing fancy, just a place to sleep. But beware of the swallows singing constantly as there are some of these shallows hotels nearby too.

A brief nap later, we were out hunting for food. This stall was located next to the hotel and we saw many customers while checking in. Popped over to fill up our almost empty tanks.

We had ABC, Honey Dew Similo, Rojak & Assam Laksa.

Except for the Rojak, the food was good, (maybe we were hungry). Hubby mentioned the rojak sauce was a bit too diluted. The Assam Laksa was darn hot & spicy.

Total dent : RM10.40

Our dinner @ 8 sumthing was at Sechuan Restaurant located at Route 58. We had the Pun Choy for 2 paxes @ $68.00/bowl.

Total bill : RM79.00, inclusive a plate of sweet potato leaves and pot of chrysanthemum tea.

Next on our list was the LIEW KEE (AH LEK) TELUK INTAN famous chee cheong fun. Ya, we were really stuffing ourselves silly.

Can't miss this as they are only opened at 5.30pm till early next morning. We only got one night in TI, it's now or never until the next trip.

That's was our super late supper before we call it a day.

Price : RM3.20/packet (3 rolls/pack)

Tomorrow, to Sitiawan to check out the food scenery there!

By the way, we had a very very unique experience at a kopitiam restaurant where we had our breakfast the next morning!!! Super super duper extra not so ordinary and we were lucky to have experience it, like the locals.

Farewell to My Sunday Dancing

2010-10-04T10:55:00.018+08:00

I am relieved to have made this decision. Probably it's the best.

In life, we have to make decisions & choices. Some of them effect only one self and in some cases, others.

I have made the right choice and decision and I am very happy about it!

I will definitely miss the LD kaki members, remembered all the fun, laughter, teasing, bickerings(??), LD parties at LakeView, Chiling waterfall trip, Sekinchan performance & many many other fun, emo, memo moments.

And Finger Made It Four!

2010-09-29T14:19:00.001+08:00

Don't ask me why she put her finger there!!! You have to ask the owner ....

We Came, We Saw, We Ate and

2010-09-28T13:17:00.001+08:00

Longan

unfortunately not in season

Sarawak Pineapple

Passion Fruit

Dragon Fruit (also not in season)

WE LAUGHED

Tanjung Sepat @ Dusk

2010-09-27T13:06:00.008+08:00

Goldcoast Sepang (or Sepang Goldcoast)

what I saw was not gold but grey coast

Photography Time @ Tg Sepat Beach

Carrot Cake for my Bunny

2010-09-27T11:16:00.004+08:00

The carrot cupcakes I made for my Bunny for his bIRThDay!!

Me tink the carrots are so so cute. Someone mistaken it for chili padi :-(

Everyone had a good time singing HAPPY BIRTHDAY at ................(those who went knew the rest of the event)

Lover's Bridge at Tanjung Sepat

2010-09-27T11:08:00.003+08:00

Restaurant Yu Ai - Seafood Noodles at Segambut

2010-09-22T21:50:00.007+08:00

The first day that the family was away on vacation, we vouched for a ‘cook-free’ Sunday.

After servicing the car at Proton Segambut, we had seafood noodles in Rest Yu Ai.

This restaurant, well-known amongst the locals, have been around for some years.

When it first opened, many many eons ago, the noodles were priced at RM8/RM10 per bowl, at a time when the normal hawker prices were not more than RM5.00.

The current price is RM15.00/bowl (ordinary servings), laden with prawns, mussels, cuttlefish and fish fillet.

The tom yam I had was spicy and sourish. My loh kong had the clear soup base.

Total meal cost : RM33.60 , including two drinks.

Reuse, Recycle, Reduce

2010-09-22T21:15:00.009+08:00

In order to practice the 4R: Recycle, Reduce, Reuse, and be Responsible, I made this small jeans bag for my young princess.

Materials used :

Bag : An old pair of my jeans, which were loose due to the expired stretchable properties.

Checkered inner lining - left over from bolsters cases.

Pink strip lining the handles - left over from cheongsam’s piping.

Small ribbon rose (made by me) - removed from my doter's Christmas dresses which they have outgrown long long time ago.

By sewing this bag, I get to occupy my evening, renew my sewing skills, made my doter happy now that she has a new bag to carry her school books and used up some of my many many left-overs.

Fruits Tarts

2010-09-20T22:48:00.004+08:00

My first attempt on fruit tarts.

Baked the shells couple of days in advance.

Filling made from cheese cream. Too sourish cause I added lime juice, which was not called for in the recipe. No worry, I shall try again..when am in the mood for some handy work & baking!!

I Touch I Lost

2010-09-13T13:59:00.006+08:00

Y'day, while at a mega shopping mall downtown, I over heard a mother asking her doter ' where is your I Touch'.. Mind you, the doter is only like kindergarten age and already own an I Touch phone. Children si pah ho miah nowadays. Parents si pah kia su also.

So I quietly told my hubby, 'I Touch I Lost'

Yada yada, just say I have sour grapes loh..

Strawberry with chocolate Tart

2010-09-09T22:32:00.002+08:00

Strawberries from Cameron Highlands. Kids complained they were a bit sour. Mom to the rescue.

Chocolaty fudge tarts with strawberry in them!

Pre Raya Ketupat & Goodies

2010-09-08T22:07:00.006+08:00

Today, putera MN brought me these yummies, all the way from T K :-

layered chocolate sandwich

Ketupat, rendang ayam & kuah kacang

all made by the mum.

We had them for our dinner..yum yum..long time since 2009 Raya ..

Thanks NM for the thoughtfullness and zillion thanks to ur mom !

SELAMAT HARI RAYA

MAAF ZAHIR & BATIN

Yello yello dirty fellow

2010-09-07T10:16:00.003+08:00

Good to be young and daring!

Lepak on Sunday

2010-09-05T22:13:00.002+08:00

Nothing more satisfying than to sit in the cafe,

with a cup of Jasmine tea
and sandwich with salad
after a day of walking & shopping with the family.

Futterwacken

2010-08-31T16:53:00.001+08:00

Futterwacken: The Underlanders’ dance of unbridled joy. This quote is from Alice in Wonderland.

Where is my Sunday?

2010-08-23T16:27:00.003+08:00

Where is my Sunday? Yes..ya..ja..where did it went yesterday?

Morning part was spent on some stuffs concerning the younger doter at Thean Hou Temple

Afternoon part was spent on some stuffs concerning the elder doter at Bandar Utama

So where is my Sunday?

High Waist Vs Low Waist

2010-07-20T10:28:00.009+08:00

2 days ago, my doter spotted me wearing my low waisted jeans. I actually don't know what got into me

to get a pair of these jeans that just hug on to your hips bones. It's may feel sexy when one is in them but it's also a pain to be making sure that it stays on the hips!

She casually told me that the latest in thing is for jeans with high waist.

Good, I told her, then I can rummage for my old jeans and make myself a fashionable with my 'in-season' jeans.

Jas made a remark that goes like this

'Just make sure you still can squeeze all your waist into the jeans'

WEEKENDS MENU

2010-07-16T14:28:00.007+08:00

Today I am already thinking what to cook for tomorrow's lunch..yadda yadda, I may not be a good cook or excel in any dish, but I do try to spoilt my doters (& my more than better half) on my off days. After all, that's what moms are for, to spoilt the kids rotten.. (hahha. and we always accuse the grandparents as the culprits).

Since it will be a market day, I can get lot of fresh products and cook up some nice dishes. Thinking of getting pig innards, for my chee yoke fun, drizzle with lards. Me salivating & drooling lioa. Instead of kueh teow, I will try it with Mee Fun Kueh instead. Add some prawns for the extra oooommmpps...and with some chili padi in soya sauce (slight hints of garlic perhaps too).

Ok, must write my 'to buy list' for tomorrow, o/wise I sure forget some stuffs.

BE HAPPY, DON'T WORRY

2010-07-13T19:54:00.007+08:00

Today my cancer-stricken friend told me she will be undergoing an operation to remove cancerous lymph nodes around her neck area.

FYI, Lymph nodes are found all through the body, and act as filters or traps for foreign particles. They are important in the proper functioning of the immune system (this is taken from wikipedia).

She has several recurrences and had done other surgeries to remove cancerous organs.

That led me to think that a healthy life is indeed important. One may have all the wealth but wealth does not equal health. With health, you can find more wealth but not the other way round. Wealth can only help to sustain a healthy lifestyle, or prolong one's expiry date.

Personally, I think the first step towards a healthy lifestyle is to be happy, don't keep grudges, inculcate good chi / vibes within oneself and family members.

Life is too short to be angry or disgruntled over petty matters. One never knows what tomorrow will bring!

My first Nuffnang Cheque

2010-07-12T14:51:00.003+08:00

After serving Nuffnang for ‘dokey’ years, ok ..not so exaggerated..’dokey’ months, I get to cash out my first payment ..lalalala..the amount is RM 56.98.

Emm..wonder what this amount can get me ..well, a pair of new shoes (or sandals more likely), another new dress (or a blouse or skirts).. or maybe a new trinkets purse ..nope too many of those already,. I shall try to keep my vow & resolution ..no buying of non-important & essential stuffs.

This amount shall then be spent on....emmmmmmmmm...still can't decide..

My First Pair of Bloch

2010-07-05T14:58:00.023+08:00

I am like a little girl whom got her first BARBIE doll. Having been line-dancing for 6 years (or more), I finally own a pair of BLOCH dancing sneakers. Been too kam siap (stingy) to get a pair from my LD instructors.

I have 2 pairs of Sasha (1 pair having gone to Sneakers Heaven) and 1 pair of OEM, all of them black in colour.

My cousin Feli in Mel told me Bloch was having discount at one of their outlets and this Slingshot model, available in Red & Black) was going at 50% . Ori price = AUD= 129.95 x 2.634 = RM343./pair.

I chose Red, cos it was fiery and hot!

Unfortunately, Red was no available in my size (I have dainty feet like Cinderella mah)..yadda yadda go far far away to puke..

So settle for Black ...my aunt & uncle, whom happened to be on vacation there, was my courier couple..thanks so much Feli & Uncle/Aunt!! It's nice to have connection ..

Feli, please look out for more good bargains for me & I don't mind another pair of dancing sneakers as X'mas gift..

Happy Feets are here..

Moms Know Best

2010-07-02T23:09:00.005+08:00

Jas is sleeping like a log now (or a pig, some may say so). She is so so tired out from her coco class y'day. Coco as in curriculum and not coco the chocolate drink or food..

She joined gym..thinking that she could tone some of her muscles and in the process maybe lose some weights, bits of it here and there.

Last week, she ran around the auditorium..this week, she had to do stuff like 'arm bridge' and hold on to that position for a minute to gain 5 points..

Well, this is definitely not her cup of tea. She is totally exhausted and look 'wasted'..hahaha..

Have told her to take contemporary dance. Thinking that this will only involved cultural dances and some boring movements, she chose gym.. And now she learnt that in contemporary class, the have hip-hops, break dance and salsa, latin...activities she like..

well, as the saying goes..moms always know best..so next time listen to your mum's advice.

Kami Tak Kow Tow

2010-06-29T21:17:00.001+08:00

another good read for the week.!!!

http://art-harun.blogspot.com/2010/06/kami-tak-kow-tow-kau-tau.html

The Power of Breast feeding!

2010-06-20T20:47:00.005+08:00

This article had me cracking up ..nice reading to brighten up the weekend.

I really really hope it's only a joke.

Image, one suckle and all become one big HAPPY family..

http://1426.blogspot.com/2010/06/saudi-women-use-breasfeed-driver-fatwa.html

Bandung with 5-Star Malaysian Hospitality

2010-06-16T13:05:00.009+08:00

MAS is promoting their latest or newest (or is it not) destination -Bandung, the shopping haven for those with weakness in shoppings & more shoppings.

All-inclusive one way fares from MYR 181. Book from 14 till 28 Jun 2010 • Travel from 16 Jul till 31 Dec 2010.

Have been giving myself plenty of excuses to go for holiday, so I sure cannot be left behind lah and was drooling already when I saw this promo..

So come June 14, I clicked on MAS webpage loh for departures in September..tralahahah..total fares (all inclusive) was RM311.00.

Being the 'kiasu' & 'see lai' person, I just had to compare this fare with the other carrier ...clicked for same departure & return dates. Wow, total RM328.00, and that does not include luggage, seat allotment, inflight refreshments.

It's truly an easy decision to make..

First Outstation Drive

2010-06-13T15:13:00.006+08:00

Today, 13th June 2010 marked a new milestone.

Besides it being the first charity event with my BRP LDs, Jasmine had her first outstation drive in her daddy's car.

She drove us from home until Seremban, where daddy took over cos the whole BRP gang was already at Port Dickson toll. We started 10 minutes earlier from home & saw their cars overtaking us before Sg Besi Toll gates. New drivers are always so law abiding..well, in her case, she had no choice but to abide the speed limit as Law Officer aka Daddy was sitting next to her.

On the return journey, she drove home from Seremban Lake Garden, that's after making a pit-stop at Puchong to fetch grandmother and a dinner stop in Taman Megah. Overall, I would rate her driving as 7/10.

she definitely has improved from driving this !

Now we can hand-over the chaffeuring chore to her ...

AA and their Free Tickets

2010-06-09T00:23:00.007+08:00

Here I am, sitting in front of the PC and trying to get free tickets from AA. Fat hopes lah..

I have logged in 1 min before 09 June and waited for the clock to strike 12, and I tried KL-Hangzhou sector for every day departures from Oct 11-Nov 14. 2010.

Apparently either some one is so much much faster than me or AA is not really giving any free seats.. Ok, I will give AA the benefits of doubt..

Changed destination to New Delhi (from where I can hop over to Agra to see the monument of Love - Taj Mahal).. That sector apparently has no free seats too on my randomly selected dates, which was like 5-6 days.

Nevermind, no China, no India, maybe let try the Land of Oz....enter Gold Coast..judging by the response, it not going to be good news....ok..i need to pay about RM 1,200 before tax, not including my luggage, and refreshments/meals on board, and I have also to pay for my seat..

I give up..better not to lost my lovely sleep over supposingly free stuffs.

NOTHING IS FREE IN THIS WORLD!!..now I believe that 150%

She is on Percubaan Licence

2010-06-01T09:55:00.007+08:00

Yes, she did it..my doter passed her driving test today. She did not have so much confident that she will get it over in one sitting as she was not so lucky with the undang-undang test.

Well, that means we have to get an additional car for her to shuttle between college and home, which indirectly meant more $$$ output. And since new drivers are so so keen to drive everywhere, we will make sure we will not smother her enthusiasm :-).

Below are some dos&don'ts that P licence drivers have to adhere to:-

courtesy of : http://www.mykakis.com/malaysia-life/driving/the-malaysian-probationary-drivers-license

The "Defensive Driving" or "Panduan Berhemat" in reality is an Australian concept of driving. It has proven to be an effective method in curbing accidents, especially in its country of origin.

Amongst the many rules and regulations of defensive driving is the use of the "P" stickers. But Malaysian "P" drivers are actually a lucky lot compared to Australian ones.

Australian "P" drivers, amongst other things are not allowed to:

i) Drive alone - During the probation period (2 years). They must be an experienced driver beside them.

ii) Drive at night.

iii) Must undergo another practical test after 1 year to ascertain their capability to drive.

iv) The necessity to stick "P" stickers in front and at the rear remains.
"P" probation period is 2 years.

Newly "passed" drivers for Class B2 (Motorcycle) and D (Cars) have to have the "P" emblem displayed in front and at the rear of their vehicles.

Failure to do so might result in the authorities giving you a "Summon". Getting such a summon is getting 10 Demerit Points, resulting in your license being suspended.

What is the colour of the "P" Sticker, one may ask. Car "P" stickers are slightly larger compared to motorcycle "P" stickers, where are smaller. Use the correct sized stickers or you will end up in trouble with the authorities. "P" stickers have the alphabet "P" in White with a Red background.

What must "P" drivers do during the 2 years probationary period?

a) Maintain a 0.00 alcohol content in their blood / urine / breath.

b) Have their "P" license along while driving.

c) Ensure "P" plates / sticker are affixed in front and at the rear of their

vehicle.

What happens if your car has only 1 "P" sticker and you are unlucky to be stopped by the Police , J.P.J. or other authorities? Well, its still an Offense. Believe me. I know because a "P" student of mine got a summon for it. He failed to realize the rear "P" of his vehicle had dropped off. The maxim seem to be - "Ignorance Is No Excuse".

Use the "P" sticker till your probationary period is over (2 years). Then convert your "P" license into C.D.L. (Competent Drivers' License) within 1 year.

AWWSOME WEEKEND !

2010-05-24T14:18:00.004+08:00

What an AWWSOME weekend..the spelling is intended as that.

I had the opportunity to work with kids during the recent weekend. Taking care of 10 kids, age ranging from 10-12 years old was definitely a whole new experience for me.

And I made many many new friends, and gain lots of experiences from the seniors.

AWWSOME !!!

Leng Zhai!

2010-05-20T09:27:00.003+08:00

My doter went for her orientation last week at TARC.

First impression she had of the college ..darn big
First impression she had of her course mates – no leng zhai !

So I told her we sent her to college to get education, not to ‘kap’ (see) leng zhai!

Her reply : Got leng zhai course mate only got more semangat & incentives to study mah!

SWT!!

Maybe it’s true also lah. If we have a handsome or leng zhai boss, I am sure our footsteps will be as light as feather on every working day, our output will be super duper efficient. We are suckers for some better-structured XY chromosomes.

And definitely no such statement as I AM SICK OF WORKING, I HATE MY BOSS blah blah..yadda.... you may not agree with me. To some or most, maybe $$ is the motivation to drag oneself to office and be a prisoner from dawn to dusk. But when there are leng zhai colleagues and more leng zhai boss, sure this will be extra incentives and bonus. Can feast eyes every day.

Take it from me, I have been working for the same boss for the last 12 years and this is my longest service.
One of the reason (beside the $) is he is super nice and leng zhai!!!

NO WORRIES..I SEE ONLY. I DON’T TOUCH!

Line Dancing for Charity

2010-05-16T10:41:00.008+08:00

Line dancers have, besides, tons of staminas and untiring happy feet, huge charitable hearts.

For this event, a total of RM6,600 was collected thru tickets sale. On the spot contributions top up the total to RM8,000.00 for Kiwanis Bukit Bandaraya's Breakfast-A-Child Project.

A BIG APPLAUSE TO US ALL!..

MALAYSIA AGAINST CHINA IN THOMAS CUP SEMI FINAL TONITE

2010-05-14T15:24:00.005+08:00

Ok..cannot decide now..sud I stay home to watch this exciting and 'kan cheong event' .. I noe i will bite my nails till they bled and shout & curse till I am hoarse..

or should I just go for my pre-plans..

decision decision....can't decide

I hope Malaysia will win. we have home ground advantage and if our players really put their mind to it, they can WIN tonite.

Note : after the Gamer
ok lah. so the Malaysian team did not get to go to the final. Well, some wins, and some loses. as long as the players played their best..

Recolor May 13

2010-05-13T15:06:00.001+08:00

thanks to :

http://letusaddvalue.blogspot.com/2010/05/lets-recolor-may-13.html

Happy Mothers Day

2010-05-08T16:08:00.003+08:00

Happy Mother Day to

1) My Mom..whom carried me for 9 months & took care of the whole broods the best she could

2) My Paternal Grand Mom - God bless her soul..for the responsibility of looking after me and my siblings

3) My Great-Grand Aunt - whom is in God's loving care ..for taking adopting me and putting up with all my nonsenses for 23 years

4) My Mom In Law..for taking good care of my two doters while their mother was at work, for those lovely home-cooked meals, for the support and guidance and most of all, for tolerating this 'LAZY & MONG-GAN DIL' whom after 2 decades of joining the clan, still cannot speak fluently the family dialect.

The children are blessed to have a grand mother to take of them.

They have definitely outgrown
1) the pose
2) the specs..
3) the attires
4) the hairstyles

Thanks for everything you have done -

WE LOVE YOU MOM!!!

AND WE PRAY GOD WILL KEEP YOU SAFE, GIVE YOU GOOD HEALTH & BLESS US WITH MANY MANY MORE HAPPY YEARS..

Malacca Here We Come Again

2010-05-06T11:21:00.000+08:00

We have a 'wind direction' in the family holidays.

In 2007 to early 2009, we always head north to Penang for our short vacations..for the food and the beach -- cancelled the beach part cos we are not beach people..we are more the food & city people. Sounds so 'in' rite.

From mid 2009 onwards, we were going south to Malacca..for the weekends night market at Jonker street, makan-makan @ satay celup, chicken ball rice, Peranakan cuisine and food here and there.

1st May 2010, we were at A'Formosa, for double celebrations. First, of course is Labour Day aka Workers Day, although I do not get the day off since I do not work on Saturdays, so rugi one day.

Second, it was my SIL wedding anniversary.

Rented one of those bungalows with their own swimming pool. It was nice since we could just jumped in and out of the water like no body business. Next time (if we go again) we can have BBQ there.

Some photos to share on our weekend at A'Formosa

the anniversary cake

anniversary gift

swimming pool

doter teaching papa how to float

Shooting Range

shooting with very very small plastic balls this BIL very good lah with his gun ..the machine is like 2 miles away and he is trying to be Jack Sparrow!

tat's the way to handle a gun..secure the handle under your armpit

learn from an NS trainee lah

see the vast difference here

training to be in the NS

my dear, the gun is to shoot, not to smell

GO-CART TRACK

If you wanna end up half-deaf and have free talcum dusting, by all mean get on one of these

end of Part 1...to be continued ...

Where, When, Whatever Lah

2010-05-05T15:06:00.010+08:00

I am having a terrible headache now..no, it's not the time of the month, neither is it because of the work loads..it's more to do with my leisure stuff.

First, I could not decide where to go.
Hubby made the choice.

Then, I could not decide when to go.
Hubby will also make the choice later.

Third, I could not decide where to stay.
Aihhh..let hubby decides also.

Hehehehehe..make him feels like he is the MAN OF THE HOUSE..and his COMMAND is definitely not my WISH

Lauf lauf

2010-04-22T09:07:00.001+08:00

Today I looked into the mirror, saw my image and something else that I always said to myself ‘nah,,it will not happened to me so soon’’..

Well, it did happen already.

I saw some very fine wrinkled lines at the side of my eyes..ooops…did I miss that part of my face on my ‘sometimes when I am not lazy’ facial regime…

These lines got me into a frenzy overtime of cleansing, toning, moistening and putting on that ‘night cream’ that I thought I will never ever need. Hubby must be wondering if I have someone special outside that I need to impress on ʘ‿ʘ

Well, after a week of hard work, they are getting less apparent. For prevention (which is better than cure mah), I shall not be so generous with my laughter (cos every laughter will create an extra wrinkle), I shall not read any humorous emails (which will make me laugh outrite) and I shall not talk too much.

But then life would be so boring to be so uptight & I would be a very very depressed lady. Imagine trying to stifle every muscle movement on the facial plateau, wow that really would be one HUGE MONSTROUS TASK for me.

To accept these lines graciously, I shall dedicate each line (& those to come) to every laughter I have brought to my loved ones & friends…is there not a saying

LAUGHTER IS THE BEST MEDICINE..