Chinese Rice

This morning the India office lady suddenly asked me how 'old' I am..

Frankly I do not believe in hiding my age ,,,what do you have to gain?

Told her that I am already approaching 50 (born 1965)...

She stared at me in disbelief ,...not sure if it was disgustingly that I look old or
admiringly that my appearance belies my age (cough cough cough)..



I do strongly strongly believed she was admiring my youthfulness (yada yada self praise no praise)..

and she asked me what food do I take

told her  CHINESE RICE ...and that made her cracked up

July 2012

Sometimes I do not know weather to

LAUGH

be

ANGRY

or

 ANNOYED

How someone who is in early forties, a parent, can tell me that he/she only realised there is  31days in the month of July   THIS YEAR!!

HAIZZZZZ

Maybe I should ask that person to do this !

to clear the brain cells .


NICE WEEKEND !

Breakfast, Durian Ice Cream, Laundry and Housekeeping!

This morning I had to wake up early as HB is away and it is my turn to be school driver for junior doter.


Started with preparing breakfast of ham & egg sandwich for her breakfast as well as during school recess. It’s better to bring her own bites as the school canteen does not really provide healthy food.



Then it was off to school with junior. Darn that guy who parked his car in front of my house. Can’t reverse out with the flow, so had to do a big round via playground to school..Go park in front of your own house lah..I would have the same problem later when going to office. Haiyah..mah fun people



MIL reminded me yesterday of my overdue durian icecream. Not that she want to eat them. Had some leftover durian from previous week. Pulped the durian, puree with sugar and a little cream, whipped the remaining cream until stiff, dumped the pureed durian and then transferred to Tupperware for refrigeration. Hope it would taste good since this is my maiden ice-cream making voyage.


Then it was bath time for Angel. Emmmm that naughty girl detests bathing , dogs lah..they hate to get the head wet. After giving her a good shampoo & scrub, and lots of clean water, she smelled ‘FRESH’ and no more of that BITCHY odor! Angel wanted to play ‘MATADOR’ but sorry lah, I had more chores to complete ..in went the laundry of jeans, pants and bottoms in dark colors. I admit that I am very particular with my laundry. I tried to wash them color coded & material wise, perhaps that why sometimes my laundry basket overflowed. Oh ya, I have started being GREEN, (not turning into a SHE HULK ).. no more detergent for my laundry, I just threw in this magical laundry ball. But I must have SOFTLAN softerner (if I can remember lah to add during the rinsing cycle) for the smell and texture.
Oh yes, I got this laundry gizmos very very very very cheap..!

While the laundry was churning and swooshing, swept and moped my floors..ahhhhh…love the squeaking sound when my soles touch a clean floor.

Felt good as I do not have to worry about this and that…tonite I can goyang kaki and continue to goyang until the next chores cycle starts.

Weekend Cooking!!

My weekend was occupied with lots of time in the kitchen..
it's not something that I complained or very accomplished at..
when the mood is there, cooking is actually a destress activity

Saturday was Chinese lunch ...fried lotus with spicy sauce, which I toned down with less chilies,
steam Siakap Teo Chew style, 3-layer pork with Coffee sauce..and Gau Geh with fish balls soup

sorry no photos taken cos everyone was hungry and just walloped the dishes..


On Sunday, it was ITALIANO day..

HB tried his hand on **SEAFOOD Spaghetti..  prawns, squid, cuttlefish and cheese.. the base was from the prawn shells's stock, grounded fresh tomatoes sauce

** we missed the dish we had in Mestre...it was heavenly yummy


OINK OINK LAGSANE with lots of fresh tomato sauce, pork meat, garlic, carrots

MUSHROOM CHICKEN SOUP
emmm..photo also missing as we were all busy slurping the hot hot soup ...

Delicious without MSG



Lagsane topped with cheesy smash potatoes



Hoping for some 'donated' Italian food

No such good luck..better sleep and dream about my food !

She Did A Good Job

My doter, whom, I would said ‘slightly pampered’ since she is the first born grand child & daughter, has done a good job working every day 12 hours for the past 10 days to earn her pocket money for Taipei trip.


She definitely has grown up, mature and knows that money does not grow on trees.

Her job was to promote health drink. She had to approach customers for product testing and convince them.

Shyness has make way for courage and determination to achieve sales target.

She would succeed in life if she continues with this streak of hers.

GUIDE FOR DRIVERS IN MALAYSIA

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.

Anniversary Quote from 1 Corinthians

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

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

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...

ELBA Oven

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.

All I Want For Christmas

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!!

STRESS STRESS STRESSOO

Under tremendous stress now......

hope everything goes ok !!!!

Chinese civilisation is more than 4000 years old

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/

Farewell to My Sunday Dancing

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.

Futterwacken

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

Where is my Sunday?

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?

WEEKENDS MENU

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.

My first Nuffnang Cheque

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..

Moms Know Best

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.

AA and their Free Tickets

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%