Seems that I been day dreaming and living in fantasy-world too often recently. After writing the post about One Month To Live, I just can't help thinking about what I can do to make my parents live more comfortable. Not that they are suffering now. It just that I want them to have a more relaxing and luxury life. Of course, my dad might never be able to stop working and just enjoy life. I got this feeling he will work and work no matter what.
When I was younger (yah yah, I am not THAT OLD), I often give my mom a child-like promise that when I grow up and have a job, I will buy them all the luxuries in the world. Give them things so that they will never be wanting for any material things. Buy them a BMW with a driver. Buy them a great big house with lots of servants and staffs to take care of them. Give them enought money so that they will be able to buy anything their heart desire (within reasons of course:P) . Yap, the innocent promise of a naive kid that does not know anything about the fact that I might never earning enough to catch up with the inflation.
Now that I am actually working to earn a living, I realised that I might never be able to achieve the above without suddenly striking the lottery. It is either that or I marry a Tan Sri son or something. So, my what if question today is:
What if you win a million ringgit, what is your fantasy?
I know, I know, this is not a very original question but it has been my fantasy for a long time and I am going to share with you what is the fantasy. So here goes,
1. Pay off all my debt - current car loan, housing loan, credit card, etc including my parents
2. Renovate & redecorate my current house
3. Hire maids/staffs that will do EVERYTHING so that my mom & dad dont have to
4. Buy my parent a BMW/Merc and a hire a driver to go with it
5. A garden wedding at the amphitheatre or a beach wedding at Damai(thanks Janice's Mom for putting this idea into my head)
6. Buy my babe a car
7. Quit my job and move to KL to be with my babe while I look for job there.
8. Invest in babe's ASB & save for the future
9. Donate to one chosen charity
Alright, my list can actually go on and on but I think that is the limit of what one million ringgit can do...
So, what would you do if you are suddenly a million ringgit richer???
Sunday, January 6, 2008
Saturday, January 5, 2008
CC Speech 7: Research Your Topic - Melting Chocolate Myths
I was doing some thinking and research for my Toastmasters Competent Communicator Manual Project 7 whereby the one of the objective was to research the topic that will be presented. After serious and hard thinking (yap, the whole 10 minutes of it! That is very hard & serious thinking ok!) I suddenly remember a book that I read last year about the myths about chocolate. Apparently, the chocolate industry has become so profitable that those in the industry tries to find ways to ensure that it remain that way. With the world being more health concious, the chocolatier (yah, that should be a good name for those in the chocolate industry) are scrambling to find ways to 'proof' that chocolate is actually healthy and good source of nutrient.
Well, to be very frank, anyone with an ounce of education and health consience will be able to tell you that it is impossible. True, there are minimal health and psychological benefit from chocolate but like any sweet sugary high calories food, the risk outweight the benefits (my personal opinions yah). So, the following are some of the things that I found while surfing the net and doing my research on the myths of chocolate:
Truth supporting chocolate:
Myth: Chocolate is one of the major cause of tooth decay
Truth: The main reason for tooth decay is poor oral hygiene. In other word, cavities are the cause on tooth decay when the food consumed contain fermentable carb got stucked between the teeth for too long.
Myth: Chocolate is high in caffeine
Truth: The amt of caffeine in one piece of chocolate is actually significantly lower than that in a cup of coffee, tea or cola drink. For example, a cup of instant coffeee contain between 40-108mg of caffeine where as 1 oz chocolate milk bar contain as low as 6mg of caffeiene.
Myth: Chocolate is the major cause of obesity
Truth: Any food consume in large uncontrollable quantity will cause weight gain and this is including chocolate. "Candy, in moderation, can be part of low-fat eating. In fact, an occasional sweet treat helps you stick to a healthy eating plan." - Annette B. Natow, Ph.D., R.D., author of The Fat Counter and The Fat Attack Plan.
Truth against Chocolate
Myth: Chocolate helps prevent cancer
Truth: This myth came about based on the fact that chocolate contains high levels of certain antixidants, Chocolate MAnufacturers Association's website commented that eating a few Hershey Kisses is almost like eating a bowl of salad as it claims that the antioxidants clean up the free radical that may trigger the cancer cells. But do you realised that there are hundred on studies on human that links diet that is high in fruit and vegetables helps to lower the risk of cancer but no human studies on chocolate and human?
Myth: Chocolate Protects the Heart
Truth: The chocolatiers claimed that there are growing evidence that chocolate helps to prevent heart diseases. Well, it is true that choc contains stearic acid, a saturated fat that does not raise the cholestrol level but what about other fats in the choc???
Myth: Eating Choc DOES NOT make you fat (This is my favourite myth!!)
Truth: Chocolatier claim that "there is no scientific evidence that chocolate consumption is associated with obesity". They also claimthat "no single food causes obesity or weight gain". Sigh, I wonder if the chocolatier thinks that we are all idiot or are all uneducated lot? Choc is one of the food that contain high fat and sugar. Furthermore, choc is easy to overeat especially when small quantity of choc is packed with lots of calories. Combination of this and all the fact that we are brainwash to think that eating choc create the feel good factor is one of the major contributor to weight gain.
Myth: Choc is addictive
Truth: Choc itself is not addictive. But human by nature love sweet things. And hence cocoa with lots of sugar is addictive. Even more so when we are constantly being bombarded with advertisement that state choc equal to taking a break (kit-kat advert), happy marriage (ferraro rocher) and many other advert that aim to brainwash and influence you psychologically.
HHhhhmmm...I dont know about you but I think consumer are getting smarter now and can think for themselves to judge and differentiate between myth and truth (I hope!). For me, anything food, should be harmless as long as taken in moderation. Even fruits which is suppose to be good for health, if taken in large quantity can be harmful and ultimate cause varies health problems.
Well, to be very frank, anyone with an ounce of education and health consience will be able to tell you that it is impossible. True, there are minimal health and psychological benefit from chocolate but like any sweet sugary high calories food, the risk outweight the benefits (my personal opinions yah). So, the following are some of the things that I found while surfing the net and doing my research on the myths of chocolate:
Truth supporting chocolate:
Myth: Chocolate is one of the major cause of tooth decay
Truth: The main reason for tooth decay is poor oral hygiene. In other word, cavities are the cause on tooth decay when the food consumed contain fermentable carb got stucked between the teeth for too long.
Myth: Chocolate is high in caffeine
Truth: The amt of caffeine in one piece of chocolate is actually significantly lower than that in a cup of coffee, tea or cola drink. For example, a cup of instant coffeee contain between 40-108mg of caffeine where as 1 oz chocolate milk bar contain as low as 6mg of caffeiene.
Myth: Chocolate is the major cause of obesity
Truth: Any food consume in large uncontrollable quantity will cause weight gain and this is including chocolate. "Candy, in moderation, can be part of low-fat eating. In fact, an occasional sweet treat helps you stick to a healthy eating plan." - Annette B. Natow, Ph.D., R.D., author of The Fat Counter and The Fat Attack Plan.
Truth against Chocolate
Myth: Chocolate helps prevent cancer
Truth: This myth came about based on the fact that chocolate contains high levels of certain antixidants, Chocolate MAnufacturers Association's website commented that eating a few Hershey Kisses is almost like eating a bowl of salad as it claims that the antioxidants clean up the free radical that may trigger the cancer cells. But do you realised that there are hundred on studies on human that links diet that is high in fruit and vegetables helps to lower the risk of cancer but no human studies on chocolate and human?
Myth: Chocolate Protects the Heart
Truth: The chocolatiers claimed that there are growing evidence that chocolate helps to prevent heart diseases. Well, it is true that choc contains stearic acid, a saturated fat that does not raise the cholestrol level but what about other fats in the choc???
Myth: Eating Choc DOES NOT make you fat (This is my favourite myth!!)
Truth: Chocolatier claim that "there is no scientific evidence that chocolate consumption is associated with obesity". They also claimthat "no single food causes obesity or weight gain". Sigh, I wonder if the chocolatier thinks that we are all idiot or are all uneducated lot? Choc is one of the food that contain high fat and sugar. Furthermore, choc is easy to overeat especially when small quantity of choc is packed with lots of calories. Combination of this and all the fact that we are brainwash to think that eating choc create the feel good factor is one of the major contributor to weight gain.
Myth: Choc is addictive
Truth: Choc itself is not addictive. But human by nature love sweet things. And hence cocoa with lots of sugar is addictive. Even more so when we are constantly being bombarded with advertisement that state choc equal to taking a break (kit-kat advert), happy marriage (ferraro rocher) and many other advert that aim to brainwash and influence you psychologically.
HHhhhmmm...I dont know about you but I think consumer are getting smarter now and can think for themselves to judge and differentiate between myth and truth (I hope!). For me, anything food, should be harmless as long as taken in moderation. Even fruits which is suppose to be good for health, if taken in large quantity can be harmful and ultimate cause varies health problems.
One Month To Live??
What if one day, your doctor tells you that you have a incurable disease and will die in 1 month's time. What would you do (besides wanting to die then and there!!)? After you pass the initial stage of shock, self-pity and unbearable sadness, how would you cherish the final moments in your life?
I was watching something on Astro last night about a lady working in a departmental store as the sales assistants for 10 years. She started out with many dreams and even created a scrapbook called Book of Possibilities where she keep all her dreams and wishes. She even started to save money and invest in rather profitable bonds. Everyday, she will go to work and work real hard trying to get herself promoted and climb the career ladder. Going in to work early and leaving work late. Hardly have much time for socializing. Hardly have much time for dreams and love. (sounds like anyone you know????)
However, one day, her doctor told her that she has brain tumor and have 3 weeks to live. It was then after passing the initial shock that she realized that she has not lived her life to the fullest at all. She has been to timid and to scared at what life might throw at her if she let herself go and enjoy life once in a while. Instead, she has been scrimping and saving for the future (which she does not have now except the 3 weeks) and constantly pushing the things that she really want to do in life to another day and another and another. A day become a week, and then a year and finally 10 years! So she decided what the heck, I am going to die anyways. She sold all her bonds, quit her job and left for a luxury skiing resorts where one of the restaurant feature her idol - an internationally reknowned chef. (Oh, forgot to tell you that her dream is to own her own restaurant bistro style).
With the knowledge that she is going to die, she dared to live her life to the fullest. And because of this, people start to notice her and she become someone that everyone respect because of her new attitude for life. Even the love of her life finally realized how precious she is to him and how much he love her! Of course, the movie had a happy ending because it turns out that the CAT scan machine was faulty and she does not have brain tumor at all. (yah yah yah, fairy tale but nice mar!).
What I am trying to say is, most of us live our life like what she did before she knows that she only have three weeks to live. We are either to busy to live the life to the fullest or to scared to do it. We spend our live constantly chasing after more material things and more money so that we can have a good future. Yes, planning for the future is important but what about now? Sometimes, I feel that it is irony what we do.....we go to work everyday to earn a living but we are not actually living for now because we are saving for the future. Sometimes, we even forgotten that we are actually alive NOW and should be living for NOW too!
I am not saying that you shouldn't plan for the future. I am saying that while you doing this, remember to enjoy your life now too. Spend more time with your love ones, QUALITY time. And spend more time on yourself too especially if you have already worked so hard for so long. Take some time off to pamper yourself and you will be a better person because of it!
p.s: I think I am getting Nick Phillips habit of writing long lengthy posting.....
I was watching something on Astro last night about a lady working in a departmental store as the sales assistants for 10 years. She started out with many dreams and even created a scrapbook called Book of Possibilities where she keep all her dreams and wishes. She even started to save money and invest in rather profitable bonds. Everyday, she will go to work and work real hard trying to get herself promoted and climb the career ladder. Going in to work early and leaving work late. Hardly have much time for socializing. Hardly have much time for dreams and love. (sounds like anyone you know????)
However, one day, her doctor told her that she has brain tumor and have 3 weeks to live. It was then after passing the initial shock that she realized that she has not lived her life to the fullest at all. She has been to timid and to scared at what life might throw at her if she let herself go and enjoy life once in a while. Instead, she has been scrimping and saving for the future (which she does not have now except the 3 weeks) and constantly pushing the things that she really want to do in life to another day and another and another. A day become a week, and then a year and finally 10 years! So she decided what the heck, I am going to die anyways. She sold all her bonds, quit her job and left for a luxury skiing resorts where one of the restaurant feature her idol - an internationally reknowned chef. (Oh, forgot to tell you that her dream is to own her own restaurant bistro style).
With the knowledge that she is going to die, she dared to live her life to the fullest. And because of this, people start to notice her and she become someone that everyone respect because of her new attitude for life. Even the love of her life finally realized how precious she is to him and how much he love her! Of course, the movie had a happy ending because it turns out that the CAT scan machine was faulty and she does not have brain tumor at all. (yah yah yah, fairy tale but nice mar!).
What I am trying to say is, most of us live our life like what she did before she knows that she only have three weeks to live. We are either to busy to live the life to the fullest or to scared to do it. We spend our live constantly chasing after more material things and more money so that we can have a good future. Yes, planning for the future is important but what about now? Sometimes, I feel that it is irony what we do.....we go to work everyday to earn a living but we are not actually living for now because we are saving for the future. Sometimes, we even forgotten that we are actually alive NOW and should be living for NOW too!
I am not saying that you shouldn't plan for the future. I am saying that while you doing this, remember to enjoy your life now too. Spend more time with your love ones, QUALITY time. And spend more time on yourself too especially if you have already worked so hard for so long. Take some time off to pamper yourself and you will be a better person because of it!
p.s: I think I am getting Nick Phillips habit of writing long lengthy posting.....
Friday, January 4, 2008
My Fortune for the Year 2008 *Rat Year!
At the beginning of every new year, within the first few days (and even the last few days of the year before), it is unavoidable that you will start to receive email with the subject: Fortune for Year XXXX. So, I being a typically common and sweet mannered (pretend you did read the post abt the KFC thingie~) of course will be in that mailing list. Or is it because the mailer felt that I need some boosting in the supernatural aspect? I really don't know to believe or not to believe is such fortune telling but I guess I too adhere to the paradigm that it is better to know than not to know. So, here goes. My fortune as someone born in the year of Snake some 30 years ago and my fortune for this year, the year of Earth Rat.
General
This year is a better year than the last, but there is still a lot of instability lingering around. On the bright side, there are many people who will help you or give you the opportunities along the way. However, there are also rather severe people problems this year. There are many back-stabbings, betrayals and even direct confrontations. You will have very good wealth luck this year, but at the same time you might suffer from an obsessive and compulsive behavior when it comes to making purchases. You tend to get obsessed over certain items and do not mind overspending or engaging in impulsive shopping sprees. Due to this behavior, it is going to be difficult to accumulate wealth this year. Another aspect to take note is that there is a high probability of falling ill this year.
Jenjen's comment: Oh man~! The part about a compulsive spender worries me (and my babe) more than anything else, including falling ill! Backstabbing and betrayal, well, guess I cant avoid this since I am very very very very CUTE and intelligent!! HAHAHAAHAHA!!! (Couldn't resist that!)
Career
Office politics can prove to be rather painful. Even when there are opportunities given to you to implement your plans or when you have nearly reached your goal, there will be someone who will try to block you from success. Be careful of how you deal with them. Avoid direct confrontation and try to get more support instead.
Jenjen's comment: Since when office politics are sweet? Avoid confrontation......right, so the KFC-scene is a big no-no.
Wealth
Though your money luck is good this year, you will tend to overspend this year. You will find yourself easily engaging in impulsive purchases or indulging in shopping therapy. Try to have a good look as to how you spend your money. You might have difficulty in accumulating wealth and even spend more than you earn. Be aware that it is always good to save for rainy days.
Jenjen's comment: Yipeee....money luck this year for me! ppsstt...shall I start buying the lottery???
Relationship
For those who are attached or married, there is a high tendency of quarreling or going into cold wars. It may be partly due to the high stress caused by your work. Another possible cause of disputes is due to gossip or people who want to place a strain on your relationship. Ensure that you have good communication with your partner and do not get into a quarrel due to hear say. For those who are single, you might not be in the right state of mind or emotion to be in love. Hence, even if the love of your life appears, there will be great hesitation on your part and you may miss the opportunity.
Jenjen's comment: Alamak, this is not good. I took a peek at my babe's horoscope about this part. This is what is said:
This is a very good year in terms of relationships. Those who are attached will have a high chance of getting married this year. There is a strong chance that singles will meet the love of their lives. For those who are married, the passion in their relationship will be burning bright. <--how come so totally opposite of mine!! Health
Not good. You tend to have injuries such as sprains or fractures this year. You are also more accident prone than usual. If you need to drive, please ensure that you have adequate rest.
Jenjen's comment: OK..memang already clumsy. Nevermind lar. If sprain or fracture anything, got someone to sayang me:P
People
There are severe people problems this year. There are many irritating people that might obstruct you from your goals or make life more difficult for you. Beware of betrayals, back-stabbings and misunderstandings. Avoid getting into direct confrontations with others and always appear to be nice. Your temperament may be very unstable this year and will attract more people problems. Try to control your temper.
Jenjen's comment: sigh....again, control temper. This is really making me regret that KFC-scene!!
Actions
Place a Vanadinite in your wealth sector. Put a metal gourd in you health sector. If you are driving, you need a Chan Chu Wealth Toad for your car.
General
This year is a better year than the last, but there is still a lot of instability lingering around. On the bright side, there are many people who will help you or give you the opportunities along the way. However, there are also rather severe people problems this year. There are many back-stabbings, betrayals and even direct confrontations. You will have very good wealth luck this year, but at the same time you might suffer from an obsessive and compulsive behavior when it comes to making purchases. You tend to get obsessed over certain items and do not mind overspending or engaging in impulsive shopping sprees. Due to this behavior, it is going to be difficult to accumulate wealth this year. Another aspect to take note is that there is a high probability of falling ill this year.
Jenjen's comment: Oh man~! The part about a compulsive spender worries me (and my babe) more than anything else, including falling ill! Backstabbing and betrayal, well, guess I cant avoid this since I am very very very very CUTE and intelligent!! HAHAHAAHAHA!!! (Couldn't resist that!)
Career
Office politics can prove to be rather painful. Even when there are opportunities given to you to implement your plans or when you have nearly reached your goal, there will be someone who will try to block you from success. Be careful of how you deal with them. Avoid direct confrontation and try to get more support instead.
Jenjen's comment: Since when office politics are sweet? Avoid confrontation......right, so the KFC-scene is a big no-no.
Wealth
Though your money luck is good this year, you will tend to overspend this year. You will find yourself easily engaging in impulsive purchases or indulging in shopping therapy. Try to have a good look as to how you spend your money. You might have difficulty in accumulating wealth and even spend more than you earn. Be aware that it is always good to save for rainy days.
Jenjen's comment: Yipeee....money luck this year for me! ppsstt...shall I start buying the lottery???
Relationship
For those who are attached or married, there is a high tendency of quarreling or going into cold wars. It may be partly due to the high stress caused by your work. Another possible cause of disputes is due to gossip or people who want to place a strain on your relationship. Ensure that you have good communication with your partner and do not get into a quarrel due to hear say. For those who are single, you might not be in the right state of mind or emotion to be in love. Hence, even if the love of your life appears, there will be great hesitation on your part and you may miss the opportunity.
Jenjen's comment: Alamak, this is not good. I took a peek at my babe's horoscope about this part. This is what is said:
This is a very good year in terms of relationships. Those who are attached will have a high chance of getting married this year. There is a strong chance that singles will meet the love of their lives. For those who are married, the passion in their relationship will be burning bright. <--how come so totally opposite of mine!! Health
Not good. You tend to have injuries such as sprains or fractures this year. You are also more accident prone than usual. If you need to drive, please ensure that you have adequate rest.
Jenjen's comment: OK..memang already clumsy. Nevermind lar. If sprain or fracture anything, got someone to sayang me:P
People
There are severe people problems this year. There are many irritating people that might obstruct you from your goals or make life more difficult for you. Beware of betrayals, back-stabbings and misunderstandings. Avoid getting into direct confrontations with others and always appear to be nice. Your temperament may be very unstable this year and will attract more people problems. Try to control your temper.
Jenjen's comment: sigh....again, control temper. This is really making me regret that KFC-scene!!
Actions
Place a Vanadinite in your wealth sector. Put a metal gourd in you health sector. If you are driving, you need a Chan Chu Wealth Toad for your car.
To Do or Not To Do
As CNY approach, the typical conversation goes something like this:
A : Oooi, already get your new year clothes or not?
JenJen : Nolar, get abit abit nia.
A : Hahaha, same here. Get abit abit but already wear one time
JenJen : SAME!! haha! You going to do anything to your hair?
A : Ermm..still thinking lah. Maybe go highlight only.
JenJen : Think want to highlight my hair also. But the saloon price already increase lehhh because almost CNY liaw.
A : Yalor yalor! Some increase to almost double already!!
JenJen : Then I go do my hair after CNY lar!
Sigh~~!! Sometimes I really don't understand how did the 'tradition' of increasing prices closer to any festive season (esp Chinese New Year) come about. I mean, did the saloon taukeh niu (lady boss) woke up one day and decides that I will 'slaughter' my customers when it is nearer to CNY??!?! And how come we as the customer accepted readily the explanation for the price increase of the business owner as CNY liaw mahhhh....
Are we so vulnerable and timid that we just accept whatever that is thrown our way. I mean, why in the world did we not fight back and go on strike. Boycott those businesses that mark up their price just because it is festive season. Lets all not have our hair done for this CNY and just let everything hang natural! After all, God gave us beautiful natural hair. So why in the world do we want to change it???? Not only that, imagine all the chemical that is splattered on your head (where the brain is!!). And we are wondering why we are getting more and more stupid and absent minded!
Yar yar yar, I know, I am being idiotic and mumbling nonsense. But read between the line and you will see that there are some truth in what I said.......
Disclaimer: To all business owner, if you don't like what I have said above or feel that it is untrue, I would like to say .....................WHO CARES WHAT YOU THINK!!! BLUEK!!!
A : Oooi, already get your new year clothes or not?
JenJen : Nolar, get abit abit nia.
A : Hahaha, same here. Get abit abit but already wear one time
JenJen : SAME!! haha! You going to do anything to your hair?
A : Ermm..still thinking lah. Maybe go highlight only.
JenJen : Think want to highlight my hair also. But the saloon price already increase lehhh because almost CNY liaw.
A : Yalor yalor! Some increase to almost double already!!
JenJen : Then I go do my hair after CNY lar!
Sigh~~!! Sometimes I really don't understand how did the 'tradition' of increasing prices closer to any festive season (esp Chinese New Year) come about. I mean, did the saloon taukeh niu (lady boss) woke up one day and decides that I will 'slaughter' my customers when it is nearer to CNY??!?! And how come we as the customer accepted readily the explanation for the price increase of the business owner as CNY liaw mahhhh....
Are we so vulnerable and timid that we just accept whatever that is thrown our way. I mean, why in the world did we not fight back and go on strike. Boycott those businesses that mark up their price just because it is festive season. Lets all not have our hair done for this CNY and just let everything hang natural! After all, God gave us beautiful natural hair. So why in the world do we want to change it???? Not only that, imagine all the chemical that is splattered on your head (where the brain is!!). And we are wondering why we are getting more and more stupid and absent minded!
Yar yar yar, I know, I am being idiotic and mumbling nonsense. But read between the line and you will see that there are some truth in what I said.......
Disclaimer: To all business owner, if you don't like what I have said above or feel that it is untrue, I would like to say .....................WHO CARES WHAT YOU THINK!!! BLUEK!!!
Thursday, January 3, 2008
My CNY Baking List - Part II
ooo...suddenly tot of something else on top of the list I have listed the other day. You know those seaweed wrap in popiah skin and deep fried. I never make that before but I hear that it is pretty easy to make. I really like that but the ready made ones are rather expensive. Just a small packet can cost RM5. With the inflation rate, I think most likely it will go up even more! Ok, so adding that to my list under Others.
Cookies:
1. Pineapple tart
2. Cheddar Cheese
3. Melting moments
4. Shortbread
5. Choc chip cookie
Cakes:
1. Choc cheese cake
2. No bake cheese cake
3. Horlick Coffee Cake
4. Butter cake
Others
1. Fruit jelly
2. Seaweed popiah
Cookies:
1. Pineapple tart
2. Cheddar Cheese
3. Melting moments
4. Shortbread
5. Choc chip cookie
Cakes:
1. Choc cheese cake
2. No bake cheese cake
3. Horlick Coffee Cake
4. Butter cake
Others
1. Fruit jelly
2. Seaweed popiah
Another Year, Another Chapter
This is part II of Another Year, Another Chapter! sigh~! Yes, still feeling melancholic thinking back to the lonely New Year eve on 31 Dec 2007! I was on the road with my parents and sister for more than 10 hours! We drove from Sibu to Bintulu and straight from Bintulu to Kuching after that. We left Sibu at around 9am and reach Bintulu by 11 something. After dad finish running his errant, we went to tapau KFC to eat on the road for our lunch. We had previously spend a night in Sibu. We drove from Kuching at around 9.30am and arrived in Sibu at around 4pm. So, rather leisure trip as we stop a few times on the way for food.
I think it must either be the tiredness or me still sick (or combination of both) but I was really short temper. Imagine me shouting at the personnel in KFC for being slow and keep on making mistakes with my order. I usually don't do that because I believe that as customer service provider by profession, I must always maintain my cool and be calm. But that day, I was really really really impatient and geram! I am not sure what the manager/supervisor of that KFC outlet was doing placing two new person together to main a counter! One girl, I believe is the newer of the 2, will just stand there and look so blur. She will just do what the other person tell her to do and not more! I got so fed up that I actually had to tell her, 2 cups of soft drink, not one. Then she slowly take out another paper cup and fill it with soft drink. On top of that, the other guy (also new but not as new as the girl since he is the one manning the cash register), cannot even understand the order that I gave him!! I asked for Combo 1 with original chicken and rice snack plate Hot & spicy, please give me thigh and drum only. Simple right???? How can someone muddle up something so simple! geez!!! I was so fed up of repeating my order (with increasing louder volume) and thank goodness the supervisor FINALLY realised something is up. I still feel geram thinking about it!
The trip back from Bintulu was really really a long one. We left at around 1pm and reach Kuching at 10.30pm. We only made 1 stop and dad basically drove all the way back. We wanted him to let me drive but he insist that he was not tired and will get us all back to Kuching in one piece....(what was that all about?????) Anyway, along the way, we did make a few minutes stop at a patch of land with some durian trees. Seeing the big thorny fruit hanging on the trees like grapes really makes me wonder how in the world did God managed to think that up?? I did take some videos. Will try to upload them here soon.. hehehe...Apparently, that is on the land that my grandpa left for my dad!
Also, I noticed that along the way (especially Sibu -Miri road) there are really alot of wild orchids. I think it is the time they bloom? It looks really really really nice. Was kinda tempted to pluck some home to plant them but decided not to. I took some picture and videos too. Will post them also soon....Some of the orchid patches sure will look nice as the backdrop scenery for wedding photos..bluek!!!!!!!
I think it must either be the tiredness or me still sick (or combination of both) but I was really short temper. Imagine me shouting at the personnel in KFC for being slow and keep on making mistakes with my order. I usually don't do that because I believe that as customer service provider by profession, I must always maintain my cool and be calm. But that day, I was really really really impatient and geram! I am not sure what the manager/supervisor of that KFC outlet was doing placing two new person together to main a counter! One girl, I believe is the newer of the 2, will just stand there and look so blur. She will just do what the other person tell her to do and not more! I got so fed up that I actually had to tell her, 2 cups of soft drink, not one. Then she slowly take out another paper cup and fill it with soft drink. On top of that, the other guy (also new but not as new as the girl since he is the one manning the cash register), cannot even understand the order that I gave him!! I asked for Combo 1 with original chicken and rice snack plate Hot & spicy, please give me thigh and drum only. Simple right???? How can someone muddle up something so simple! geez!!! I was so fed up of repeating my order (with increasing louder volume) and thank goodness the supervisor FINALLY realised something is up. I still feel geram thinking about it!
The trip back from Bintulu was really really a long one. We left at around 1pm and reach Kuching at 10.30pm. We only made 1 stop and dad basically drove all the way back. We wanted him to let me drive but he insist that he was not tired and will get us all back to Kuching in one piece....(what was that all about?????) Anyway, along the way, we did make a few minutes stop at a patch of land with some durian trees. Seeing the big thorny fruit hanging on the trees like grapes really makes me wonder how in the world did God managed to think that up?? I did take some videos. Will try to upload them here soon.. hehehe...Apparently, that is on the land that my grandpa left for my dad!
Also, I noticed that along the way (especially Sibu -Miri road) there are really alot of wild orchids. I think it is the time they bloom? It looks really really really nice. Was kinda tempted to pluck some home to plant them but decided not to. I took some picture and videos too. Will post them also soon....Some of the orchid patches sure will look nice as the backdrop scenery for wedding photos..bluek!!!!!!!
Lonely Xmas Eve
Another year, another chapter of life. Sometimes, looking back, you wonder where did all the time go? Yah yah, I am feeling melancholic suddenly. Maybe it has something to do with celebrating for the first time, Xmas and New Year, without my babe. He also sent me sms on the eve of those 2 days that he is feeling abit depressed because we are not together for these 2 occasion for the first time in many years.
So, how did I celebrate my Xmas?? (I know, I know.... it's almost 2 weeks ago!!) Let me see~! Oh yes!! The company let us go off at 3pm. So, a colleague and myself decided to take the opportunity to go shopping. So happen that I am looking for baby clothes as present for a friend that will be having full month party on Xmas night. Went to this place 2-floor gift shop @ Jalan Keretapi (same row as UNACO). The ground floor basically sells lots of handmade gift and there have pretty nice accessories. I saw a really nice silver ring but rather pricey, more than RM100.
On the 2nd floor, you can see some really nice big fragrant candles. They were having sales in Dec, the stuff was rather cheap. For a really nice candle with lots of delicate design and in good size, it was between RM3-8. I think that is rather cheap. They also have some important children clothes selling at 20-70% discount. My colleague and I jump into the bundle that marked 70%. The baby gal clothes look soooo cute!!! Imagine tiny mini size skirt and sexy blouse for a little gal age 1-3 years old! Hahaha...I think I will spoil my baby gal rotten! We actually spent more than an hour at the place!
Then, that is it for Xmas eve! This year, no turkey, no cooking, no dinner outside, nothing... (booohoooo~!!!)
On Xmas day, went to J's open house around 11am. Sat there for more than 2 hours actually! Mostly having fun playing with a colleague's cute son. He is almost 2 and really really handsome! He was also having fun running around and playing with other visitors kids. Like all other kids, he was fascinated by the xmas tree! I actually managed to 'catch' him and place him on my lap and sit there so quietly eating muruku. His mom was happy for the temporary relieve from chasing him around! hahaha
After that I went to my babe's house (yah yah of course I remember he is not THERE! hahaha..visit the mom & sis & nephews cannot meh???) They are having open house too and actually I promised to come early but only managed to reach the house around 2.30pm. By the, I was informed by the sister that a big crowd has just left (Thank god! :P ). So, I can happily laze in babe's mom's air con room and chit chat. His mom suddenly say, Come with me to the so and so house for awhile. Go visit them.
I thought OK lor. No harm mar. After all, the house is pretty near and I went there a few times with babe before and basically meet most of them. They are babe's some distant relatives (not sure what connection..too complicated family tree!!). As we were sitting down in the kitchen (yah..upgrade liaw:P) babe's mom introduce me, this is my menantu (daughter-in-law). I think I almost fainted. hahaha...Babe's mom is sure very excited and happy about us getting married!
2 hours plus at the house then we went back to her house. I had to leave and pick up J as we need to go to another friend house at kampung (village) area and the drive will take about 45min to the outskirt. This is the friend is having the full month party for the baby.
At the end of all this, I am a very stuffed gal. So much meals in one day! Guess it makes up for some of the empty Xmas eve. Next year, I resolve to cook my own turkey. hahaha..so tempted mar after watching the cooking tips from astro channel 703!
So, how did I celebrate my Xmas?? (I know, I know.... it's almost 2 weeks ago!!) Let me see~! Oh yes!! The company let us go off at 3pm. So, a colleague and myself decided to take the opportunity to go shopping. So happen that I am looking for baby clothes as present for a friend that will be having full month party on Xmas night. Went to this place 2-floor gift shop @ Jalan Keretapi (same row as UNACO). The ground floor basically sells lots of handmade gift and there have pretty nice accessories. I saw a really nice silver ring but rather pricey, more than RM100.
On the 2nd floor, you can see some really nice big fragrant candles. They were having sales in Dec, the stuff was rather cheap. For a really nice candle with lots of delicate design and in good size, it was between RM3-8. I think that is rather cheap. They also have some important children clothes selling at 20-70% discount. My colleague and I jump into the bundle that marked 70%. The baby gal clothes look soooo cute!!! Imagine tiny mini size skirt and sexy blouse for a little gal age 1-3 years old! Hahaha...I think I will spoil my baby gal rotten! We actually spent more than an hour at the place!
Then, that is it for Xmas eve! This year, no turkey, no cooking, no dinner outside, nothing... (booohoooo~!!!)
On Xmas day, went to J's open house around 11am. Sat there for more than 2 hours actually! Mostly having fun playing with a colleague's cute son. He is almost 2 and really really handsome! He was also having fun running around and playing with other visitors kids. Like all other kids, he was fascinated by the xmas tree! I actually managed to 'catch' him and place him on my lap and sit there so quietly eating muruku. His mom was happy for the temporary relieve from chasing him around! hahaha
After that I went to my babe's house (yah yah of course I remember he is not THERE! hahaha..visit the mom & sis & nephews cannot meh???) They are having open house too and actually I promised to come early but only managed to reach the house around 2.30pm. By the, I was informed by the sister that a big crowd has just left (Thank god! :P ). So, I can happily laze in babe's mom's air con room and chit chat. His mom suddenly say, Come with me to the so and so house for awhile. Go visit them.
I thought OK lor. No harm mar. After all, the house is pretty near and I went there a few times with babe before and basically meet most of them. They are babe's some distant relatives (not sure what connection..too complicated family tree!!). As we were sitting down in the kitchen (yah..upgrade liaw:P) babe's mom introduce me, this is my menantu (daughter-in-law). I think I almost fainted. hahaha...Babe's mom is sure very excited and happy about us getting married!
2 hours plus at the house then we went back to her house. I had to leave and pick up J as we need to go to another friend house at kampung (village) area and the drive will take about 45min to the outskirt. This is the friend is having the full month party for the baby.
At the end of all this, I am a very stuffed gal. So much meals in one day! Guess it makes up for some of the empty Xmas eve. Next year, I resolve to cook my own turkey. hahaha..so tempted mar after watching the cooking tips from astro channel 703!
Wednesday, January 2, 2008
My CNY Baking List
Wow! How time flies. CNY is just 1 month away ( 1st day = 7 Feb) and was actually starting to think whether I want to bake or buy this year. Guess if my leave is approved, I will bake or else have no choice but to buy most of it and just bake a few items. So, this is the list of goodies that I planned to bake:
Cookies:
1. Pineapple tart
2. Cheddar Cheese
3. Melting moments
4. Shortbread
5. Choc chip cookie
Cakes:
1. Choc cheese cake
2. No bake cheese cake
3. Horlick Coffee Cake
4. Butter cake
Others
1. Fruit jelly
hhmm...what else?
Mom was also talking about cooking for the cny eve dinner instead of eating out. That way we will have lots of leftover for the next few days. One way to save especially since most of the coffee shop will closed on 1st and 2nd day. Those that are open will take the opportunity to increase the price 2-3 fold! Imagine, 1 bowl of kolo mee usually at RM2.50 become RM5-6!! No thanks. I think I would rather eat maggie.
Am also thinking of whether want to cook anything for cny visit. Maybe will have a mini open hse and invite friends over to the house. Not sure what my brother plan to do. I enjoy cooking & entertaining but really really dont like to clean up after that!! hahaha..
Cookies:
1. Pineapple tart
2. Cheddar Cheese
3. Melting moments
4. Shortbread
5. Choc chip cookie
Cakes:
1. Choc cheese cake
2. No bake cheese cake
3. Horlick Coffee Cake
4. Butter cake
Others
1. Fruit jelly
hhmm...what else?
Mom was also talking about cooking for the cny eve dinner instead of eating out. That way we will have lots of leftover for the next few days. One way to save especially since most of the coffee shop will closed on 1st and 2nd day. Those that are open will take the opportunity to increase the price 2-3 fold! Imagine, 1 bowl of kolo mee usually at RM2.50 become RM5-6!! No thanks. I think I would rather eat maggie.
Am also thinking of whether want to cook anything for cny visit. Maybe will have a mini open hse and invite friends over to the house. Not sure what my brother plan to do. I enjoy cooking & entertaining but really really dont like to clean up after that!! hahaha..
29 Dec 2007 - A day to remember
I will remember that day for a long long time. It will be a day that I will be telling my kids and grand kids and grand grand kids about and perhaps new culture and tradition will come about because of this tale! 29 Dec would be the day the world (actually my parents & family) knows about our intention to be married this year and I will be moving to KL to be with my future hubby! And boy oh boy, what a day it was. (ok ok, I am exaggerating!!!)
It started with me waking up at 8am to clean the house. Took me about 3 hours to clean the 2 living room and the washroom. And then I had my lunch and proceed to cut the fruit jelly I made the night before. The jelly turn out really nice and pretty. (haiyahhh....I forgotten to take pic). Babe's mom sponsored butter cake, cheesecake and choc chip cake. So, cut those too and arrange them nicely on plates. The cakes smells really wonderful and very buttery. Babe's sis said that its actually butter oil and not real butter smell. Maybe I will try that for CNY baking later if I can find them.
Around 2pm, my handphone start to receive sms from babe's sis asking for direction and whether we are ready, etc. I found out that they will arrive in 4 cars (gasp!!). 3pm, arrival of:
Babe's mom
Babe's eldest sis + 3 kids
Babe's 2nd sis + 2 kids
Uncle YB & auntie
Auntie N + Hubby and daughter
Auntie P
Uncle D+ Wife
Babe's eldest auntie's daughter
Total : 17 ppl
I heard that there were suppose to be another uncle + wife from Sri Aman whom planned to come down and join the party but had to cancel last minute as he had important dinner that night. Another uncle (hubby of auntie P) also planned to join them but had to cancel too as he need to go back to work that day. Apparently, uncle P and Uncle N do not usually attend this kind of funtion. And Uncle YB & auntie came down from Sri Aman the day before for this and need to be back to Sri Aman that night for the important dinner too.
Again, I feel so loved and accepted by my babe's family (grin like a silly cow)
Anyway, the thing started with Uncle YB stating their purpose of the visit and asking for permission to proceed to plan for the wedding, etc. My dad looks calm and I suspect he knows what was the purpose of the visit anyways (I was instructed many times not to mention the purpose of the visit to my parents because they will do it ..geez). My mom on the other hand, was totally in shocked. (bluek!). No agreement on hantaran, tables, date, etc was discussed at the time since the purpose of the visit was just to ask for permission to proceed to start planning~! (Never knew so many procedures and protocol!)
So, now I am just waiting for my dad to say something to me. Apparently, he is very excited about this too according to my brother and he is planning to ask the elders what is the culture or 'correct' way to proceed. I guess he must be since he asked me to go take the video camera after the 'official' part is over.
Me on the other hand, is relieved that at my parents and all those that matters is aware of our plan to get married this year and can proceed once my dad decides he is ready to talk. Am also glad that this has indirectly informed my parents that I will be joining my babe in KL and leaving my family nest to start a new nest. Feeling sad and 'pu seh tek' but excited at the same time!
My babe is of course very very very happy and he actually sent me a mms with his super big smiley happy cute face!!! hahaha!!
It started with me waking up at 8am to clean the house. Took me about 3 hours to clean the 2 living room and the washroom. And then I had my lunch and proceed to cut the fruit jelly I made the night before. The jelly turn out really nice and pretty. (haiyahhh....I forgotten to take pic). Babe's mom sponsored butter cake, cheesecake and choc chip cake. So, cut those too and arrange them nicely on plates. The cakes smells really wonderful and very buttery. Babe's sis said that its actually butter oil and not real butter smell. Maybe I will try that for CNY baking later if I can find them.
Around 2pm, my handphone start to receive sms from babe's sis asking for direction and whether we are ready, etc. I found out that they will arrive in 4 cars (gasp!!). 3pm, arrival of:
Babe's mom
Babe's eldest sis + 3 kids
Babe's 2nd sis + 2 kids
Uncle YB & auntie
Auntie N + Hubby and daughter
Auntie P
Uncle D+ Wife
Babe's eldest auntie's daughter
Total : 17 ppl
I heard that there were suppose to be another uncle + wife from Sri Aman whom planned to come down and join the party but had to cancel last minute as he had important dinner that night. Another uncle (hubby of auntie P) also planned to join them but had to cancel too as he need to go back to work that day. Apparently, uncle P and Uncle N do not usually attend this kind of funtion. And Uncle YB & auntie came down from Sri Aman the day before for this and need to be back to Sri Aman that night for the important dinner too.
Again, I feel so loved and accepted by my babe's family (grin like a silly cow)
Anyway, the thing started with Uncle YB stating their purpose of the visit and asking for permission to proceed to plan for the wedding, etc. My dad looks calm and I suspect he knows what was the purpose of the visit anyways (I was instructed many times not to mention the purpose of the visit to my parents because they will do it ..geez). My mom on the other hand, was totally in shocked. (bluek!). No agreement on hantaran, tables, date, etc was discussed at the time since the purpose of the visit was just to ask for permission to proceed to start planning~! (Never knew so many procedures and protocol!)
So, now I am just waiting for my dad to say something to me. Apparently, he is very excited about this too according to my brother and he is planning to ask the elders what is the culture or 'correct' way to proceed. I guess he must be since he asked me to go take the video camera after the 'official' part is over.
Me on the other hand, is relieved that at my parents and all those that matters is aware of our plan to get married this year and can proceed once my dad decides he is ready to talk. Am also glad that this has indirectly informed my parents that I will be joining my babe in KL and leaving my family nest to start a new nest. Feeling sad and 'pu seh tek' but excited at the same time!
My babe is of course very very very happy and he actually sent me a mms with his super big smiley happy cute face!!! hahaha!!
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