Gonna lie low today...Today starts with a very tense feeling of what's gonna happen this afternoon. I'm in the midst of typing a very mean letter to an established Company and I'm just hoping that I might not need to use it....Can't disclose much of the contents though, might need to use it in Court later...We shall see....but like I've said, I hope I don't have to resort to violence.

Anyway, on a happier side of things, LL just called to tell me that we might be colleagues again very soon....she's been asked to go for an interview in one of our group of companies...in the same building!!!!!!!!

My Food Review 1 - My Restaurant

I'm going to start a Food Review Column.....Sound so like Anthony Bourdain eh??? I'm not doing something like most food bloggers will do...I don't go to places specifically for reviews...

Of course, you'll only get to see the local eateries, and once a while, if I'm lucky, KL or any other states, and if I'm double lucky, we might even look at eateries outside Malaysia.

We went to My Restaurant in Sama Jaya last night. Food is good, people are friendly, portion is big but can't say much on the deco and surroundings. More of a coffee shop style...anyway, for those pork lovers, this is sure a place for you....Definitely a non-halal place.

Check out what we had:

Complimentary - Garlic bread

My starter - Thick Cream of Mushroom Soup

Aloy's starter - Caesar Salad with a strip of bacon

My Main Course - "Chop, Chop, Chop" consisted of a piece of grilled chix, pork and a very generous piece of bacon, with some fries and boiled greens

Aloy's Main Course - Can't remember what it's called but it consisted of several pieces of BBQ pork, chix and pork sausage with a very generous helping of fries and fried onion rings.

All the above + 1 tropical fruit punch + 1 Ginger Ale = RM75.00

To curl or not to curl

Being my birthday today, I did something out of the ordinary.....went for a hairwash and out of curiosity, asked to have my hair curled (temporary, of course).....

It's my Birthday

Happy Birthday to me,

Happy Birthday to me,

Happy Birthday to me,

Happy Birthday to me.

It's my 33rd birthday today and I am so happy! I have so many wonderful people celebrating with me, though, of course, not at the same time...It started with a dinner on Friday with Long Legged and Mr T at Oregano and my 1st pressie came from them, with Mr T doing the wrapping.


The package








The Content - 6 sticks of Old Town 3-in-1 white coffee with 1 RM50 Digi reload coupon....how sweet!!!! This is in response to my decision to stop calling a 012 number! Judging from the frequency we sms-ed each other, the RM50 might not be able to stretch very far!



The finished product!









Another thing I must say, Long Legged is so choykiewish.....She actually used the Company's envelope to wrap the present....She was thinking of hiding it by covering it with a piece of paper....So Siaw Lee!!!

9 years of gifts from Long Legged - Part 2

I don't understand...I've managed to download and posted all the pictures that I have taken on the gifts except for the picture of the lacy bits.....I suppose my pc just doesn't allow that kind of publication....What a holy piece!

Anyway, I'm going dinner tonight with Long Legged and T - to celebrate my upcoming birthday! Yippee!

9 years of gifts from Long Legged - Part 1

Bought from KL. Has been servicing me even up to today

Keychain from Thailand

Candle from KL

2005 Christmas Pressie

Keychain from KL Mr Moo from KL

Customised vase from Sabah

Best Friend

Shucks!! As I was updating this blog this morning on the above subject, the internet connection suddenly fall dead on me and I lost everything that I've typed. Now I have to crack my head re-calling what I have typed this morning.Double Shucks! Computer is definitely not a best friend of mine!

I was talking about my best friends. I used to have a very good friend way back in primary school and we were both inseparable. However, we lost contact after she left for another state and though we promised to stay in touch, it never happen. That was my first. Then, later in my secondary years, I found a replacement and we continue being the best of friends until she left for another state to further her studies. We went a little further in the sense that we continue to write and phone each other at least once in 2 weeks. Unfortunately, the 2 weeks became 2 months, and then 2 years and now, it is like "I-don't-care-if-she-calls" kinda attitude. I realised that my relationship with both my then best friends were only bonded thru constant meeting and the phrase "Out of sight, out of mind" is really very very true. So, when I came accross a quote by Elisabeth Foley that says "The most beautiful discovery true friends make is that they can grow separately without growing apart" is nothing but bullshit.

However, I have different view about best friend after I met a certain long legged being. We started off as colleagues 9 years ago and later went our separate ways after our Company decided to call it a day and put us on retrenchment. We do still contact each other though not that frequent. We were made colleagues again in another company for a short while before I left for another job. Though we seldom meet (not as often as when were colleagues) and phone calls were not that frequent anymore (blame it on the higher cost of living), we are still the best of friends and there's nothing I would like to trade for a friend like her.

I was doing a bit of stock-take on the gifts that she bought me over the years and I'm still keeping them all until today. Amongst all the numerous gifts that she bought/gave, this is one "gift" from her that I cherished the most (Wonder whether she still remember this or not)

The content of that small pocket is so priceless that it's not a legal tender anymore.

Sarawak a place called Home?

I thought I saw the above phrase somewhere in town, couldn't remember where but that's beside the point. What I'm trying to say here is if Sarawak as at today is a place called home, I don't think I would like to be at home. There are just too many happenings lately of which no amicable solutions are achieved. For instance, the HFM disease. Despite the Government's assurance that everything is under control, why are we still getting new cases and to make matter worst, another fatality last Saturday? As I was buying lunch yesterday at my office food court, I noticed that there were lots of little little potential HFM victims playing around the public area. How do we justify that? How can we knock some sense into the parents' big head???? Likewise, when the Government instructed all kindies and nurseries to close, some parents actually took the opportunity to bring their children for a holiday at Damai or an evening walk at the waterfront or the new Friendship Park.

Put aside that, as most Sarawakians are busy talking about the disease and the recent fuel price hike, did anyone notice the very bad visibility in Kuching city? This photo was taken at 9.00am this morning from my office tower and as I type now, I noticed that the condition is getting worse. What surprises me is the non-publication of whatsover precautionary advice from the Ministry of Health. As usual, our neighbouring country Indonesia was blamed for this but did we realise that we, the Sarawakians are also contributor to this condition? Last Sunday, there was a huge fire at the chinese cemetery across Wisma Saberkas. I do understand that this is customary to make way for the upcoming Ghost Festival but is there no other alternative? I think it's high time that we should play a role in helping the Government to prevent all these happenings.

If nothing is done to contain all these dissasters, I don't think I would like to claim Sarawak as my Home. Should I start looking for a new Home, then?

Goodbye Mee Kuning (Yellow Noodle)

I have just found out that the yellow noodle (Yu Mee a.ka. Oily Noodle) has the highest content of borid acid and is actually banned. Check out the star publication.
http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2006/3/1/nation/13529402&sec

Yellow noodle is so unique that u can never replace it with any other types of noodle. Imagine what you can do with the yellow noodle:

1) Mee Jawa
2) Foochow Noodle
3) Mee Goreng Mamak Style
4) Mee Goreng Chinese Style (the sweet sweet one ah)
5) Fried noodle with clams
6) Mee Bandung
7) Mee Curry

and many many more. What do you think the taste will be if you replace it with something else, like kuew tiaw or beehoon???

I suppose instead of banning people from eating it, the Ministry should actually inspect the factory and order them to reduce the content of Borid Acid?? What do you all think????

Thrifty Me

Well, since the Government can't do much about the fuel increase and today's newspaper quoted our PM asking us all to be thrifty, http://www.thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2006/3/7/nation/13583616&sec=nationI have to play my part as a law-abiding citizen by doing my part in being a Ms Thrifty Spendy a.k.a Aunty Scrooge. This is what I pledge to do:(P/s shall let u all know how much I can survive such ordeal in a week's time)

1) Cut down my lunch expenses. Daily expenses should not exceed RM5.00. Accumulation is allowed. Sumptuous lunch is only allowed at the end of the month after accumulation of lunch allowance is sufficient. However, treat from friends are most welcome.
2) Cycle to work since petrol's price is so inhuman. Perhaps move somewhere nearby. There's a piece of empty land accross my office. Perhaps I could start building a house there.
3) Reduce my monthly spending on papers and crafts to only RM50.00
4) Only drink coffee or tea in the office. (I can save on my household expenses that way)
5) Do my business in the office (to save on water and toilet paper at home)
6) Shall only call/sms friends who are using the same network operator so that I could take advantage of the Family & Friends rate. To friends who are using a different network operator : Sorry guys, you wouldn't get anymore phone calls/sms from me.
7) No more shopping in KL. Will start patronizing places like Teck Kong, Ai Lee or Ngiu Kee. Purchase at Parkson is only allowed if there are sales.
8) No more Cliniques or Estee Lauder. Shall switch to Loreal or Kao Biore.....(hahahaha, took me quite a while to figure out the name)

There u have it. Wonder how much I can achieve out of that 8 items. We shall see....never underestimate the power of Ms Thrifty Spendy

Blame, Blame, Blame

3 days in a row, I arrived at the office very very late, all thanks to the bladdy traffic jam at my area. The jam was so bad and the heavy rain doesn't help a bit. I hate the rain, especially on a weekday, or rather on a Monday morning. What an irony, I love the rain yesterday and the day before.

Anyway, the jam today can be attributed to the following issues: (Disclaimer: This is only my thoughts, do not use this against me in the court of law or whatever that is)

1) People woke up late due to the 'nice' weather
2) Drivers were too slow/loso
3) Too many housing areas in my area
4) Too many $%^$%^ cars due to low interest rates/low down payment
5) Banks' employees who start work earlier due to the 5 days week thingy?
6) Limited road access

Who's to be blamed for the above?
1) All those lazy bums who slept late the night before (*whisper* and that includes me too :-)
2) All the half-awaked drivers
3) Developers/contractors
4) Car dealers/Banks
5) Banks
6) The council

On a separate issue, I think I need to have the battery of my alarm clock changed, or maybe I don't have to cos' hubby is coming back in 2 days' time and I can rely on him to wake me up and if he doesn't, I can add his name to the list of who's to be blamed. I hope he's buying me a live kangaroo or a wombat or an emu.......

I M SICK

I've been sick for the past 4 days. It all started with a bad sore throat on Thursday and I was so irritated with it that I ate a cone of rainbow coloured ice-cream during lunch. I was so happy the whole afternoon cos it actually helped to ease the discomfort. Oh, by the way, I believed in self-healing and I don't believe that a visit to the doc can help.

However, the night turned into a living nightmare for me. I was coughing and coughing non stop. For a moment, I thought I'm gonna cough out all the vital organs from inside. Anyway, come Friday and I looked like a zombie....My eyes were swollen and teary from the endless sneezing, my voice was coarse from the never-ending coughing the night before and my whole body was aching as if a 100kg metal safe has been dumped on me! My Boss came to my room unexpectedly and asked me whether I'm ok, and I gave him the most stupidest answer in the whole wide world. I told him that I am fine!!! Any fool can tell that I am half-dead and yet I told him that I'm FINE???? Shucks!

I finally gave in on Saturday night with a glass of panadol soluble and went straight to bed at 10.30pm (The earliest for a Saturday night) Oh, by the way, that was after I came back from a party!!!! Sunday morning came and I was feeling a bit better.

Though I still have the voice of Tina Turner today, at least I don't have the puffy eyes of Garfield!

You raise me up

I've, through mere coincidence, get to read about Josh Groban and his song, You Raise Me Up. This same song was also sung by Westlife in their newly released album.

I have copied the lyric of the song here and what a wonderful and meaningful song this is. Read the lyric and sing along and I'm sure you'll love this song too.

Without God, nothing is impossible and we are nothing without Him. Always trust in Him and pray to Him for guidance. He'll always raise us up when you are down and put us high on a pedestal.

You can read more about him and listen to the song at http://www.joshgroban.com/main_music_frame.html


You Raise Me Up – Josh Groban
When I am down and, oh my soul, so weary;
When troubles come and my heart burdened be;
Then, I am still and wait here in the silence,
Until you come and sit awhile with me.

You raise me up, so I can stand on mountains;
You raise me up, to walk on stormy seas;
I am strong, when I am on your shoulders;
You raise me up: To more than I can be.

You raise me up, so I can stand on mountains;
You raise me up, to walk on stormy seas;
I am strong, when I am on your shoulders;
You raise me up: To more than I can be.

There is no life - no life without its hunger;
Each restless heart beats so imperfectly;
But when you come and I am filled with wonder,
Sometimes, I think I glimpse eternity.

You raise me up, so I can stand on mountains;
You raise me up, to walk on stormy seas;
I am strong, when I am on your shoulders;
You raise me up: To more than I can be.

You raise me up, so I can stand on mountains;
You raise me up, to walk on stormy seas;
I am strong, when I am on your shoulders;
You raise me up: To more than I can be.

The Year that Was

I have decided to write after 2 months of silence. Don't worry, I'm still as healthy as ever, just a little busy, both at work and life.

2005 has been a very memorable year for me though I must say it brought more sadness then joy. Perhaps I should recap what has the year that was brought me thus far.

Let's start with the good one:
1) I've started my own blog. I find it easier to express my feelings by writing then to share with somebody.
2) Seriously ventured into my passion for cardmaking and crafts. Managed to secure 2 business deals. Though the profit is not great, at least I obtained self satisfaction from people's praises on the end result.
3) Continuation to Item 2, I've fulfilled part of my dreams of going overseas to check on all the various craft papers. Aloysius has been so kind as to help me in fulfilling this dream of mine cos without him, I might not be able to get there. He helped me in locating all the shops in Melbourne and has been very patient in bringing me around.
4) Minor family dispute that happened a couple of months ago was settled before the year end. My greatest achievement actually.
5) Bought my first polyphonic smartphone. Check out my previous blog.
6) Friends who cares for me are still with me, especially 1 particular friend who has never failed to comfort me when I'm sad, laugh with me when I'm happy and nag at me when she finds me a loso! Thanks D!
7) Did my long overdue blood test!

Sad moments:
1) Our family dog, Astro was put to sleep early Dec due to some terminal illness. He has been a faithful dog and we'll missed him greatly.
2) Can't overcome my obsession for crafts and paper. I should have put this as one of my resolution for the new year, ie not to overspent!
3) My car was badly damaged due to an accident that happened in August 2005 and we had a very long wait for the car to be repaired. Took me quite a while to overcome the trauma. Thank God it's over now.
4) Another good friend has stopped calling me all of a sudden........I'm not sure of his whereabouts and I'm worried about his health. I'll pray to God that he's ok.

Well, that's it.....Life is never a bed of roses and I must say that I have grown to be a more mature person and I hope that that this new year will bring joy and peace to one and all.

Happy New Year!

Books Review

Five People You Meet in Heaven by Mitch Albom
This book was mentioned during one of the sermon presented by local parish priest. A very good and inspirational book which talks about the life a simple man, Eddie, who died on his 83rd birthday, trying to save a young girl from a falling cart. Eddie awakens in the afterlife, where he learns that heaven is not a lush Garden of Eden, but a place where your earthly life is explained to you by five people who were in it. These people may have been loved ones or distant strangers. Yet each of them changed your path forever. And the story begins with the 1st person he met....The movie was shown in Astro about a couple of weeks ago. Check out the website http://www.albomfivepeople.com/fivepeople.htm. The book can be purchased at any local bookstore but Popular is the cheapest (Even cheaper if you are a Popular card member).

Just last night, I finished reading yet another book by the same author entitled "Tuesdays with Morrie"http://www.albom.com/morrie.htm
Another very inspirational novel. The story talks about the last few Tuesdays Albom spent with his dying Professor Morrie Schwartz. A very touching novel about the life expectation and the life's point of view from a dying man. Many thing were talked about during the last 14 Tuesdays Mitch spent with his Professor and amongst the things they touched on were on love, work, marriage, envy, children, forgiveness, community and aging. Is hall not say so much about the book, you just have to read and understand it. At the end of the novel, the 14th Tuesdays of their time together, the Professor suceeded in his conquest to make Mitch cried and it moves me to tears too. Enjoy!

The Wedding Singer

Attended a wedding dinner last Saturday and I must say that was the most annoying yet interesting dinner I had attended so far. To start off, I was seated just right in front of the speaker which...umm...should be okay if they are just going to put on a nice soothing instrumental but alas.....instead I had to endure a whole night of karaoke session...as a matter of fact, I'm still recovering from the headache as well as the temporary hearing impairment (Might need to sign up for T's class if it doesn't get better by end of this week)

Scenario 1 - The MC with his stupid slang who kept on singing and singing (and then claiming that he's a "hardcore" fan of Elvis & Cliff Richard). How I wish he'll die and then he can join his hardcore idols in heaven/hell.....I must commended him for his good voice but to sing the whole night???

Scenario 2 - A lady guest went up and sang "The Power of Love" (dedicated to the parents, not the newlyweds) and that's where I actually lost my appetite (and that was only the 2nd course) She sang her heart out with all that shouting and funny pronounciation and the off-key tunes and and and...argh.....and remember the big black speaker behind me???? Shucks! She has guts!

After all the ordeal of some other guests who went up and sing, suddenly...whoosh....the karaoke technician went up and sing too! (I supppose he was trying to tell the host that they are yet to pay him) That moment...that minute.....I regain my appetite .....I was mesmerised........I fell in love with the song Cinta Sonata. Man.....he can sing!

Flying Phobia

I have never realised that in the midst of us, we still have people who are terrified of flying. After talking to a friend just now, I looked through the net and to my surprise, 1 out of 5 people is afraid of flying.

As quoted in one of the website - "You were not born as a nervous flyer - you learned to feel this way. Don't accept it as being 'how I am'. And decide that you do not have to 'learn to live with it', either. You can un-learn your phobic response just as you learned it. You can learn to manage and even dissolve your fear of being on a plane"

I love flying and one of my greatest dream is to fly around the world before I die. I've always enjoy the facilities one get on a long flight. U get to watch all the latest inflight movies throughout the journey as well as get to play all the games provided. The longest flight I had was 16 hours from Kuching to Rome and I got to do an 9-hr movie marathon as well as a 4-hr of Super Mario Games. The balance of 3 hrs??? Meals!

Too bad for my height...I should have become a stewardess.......bet someone must be laughing there but hey! it's only a dream......

Anyway, my message to my flying phobia friend: To conquer fear is the beginning of wisdom (Bertrand Russell)

"You can conquer almost any fear if you will only make up your mind to do so. For remember, fear doesn't exist anywhere except in the mind." (Dale Carnegi)

Send me an mms of you in the plane before take-off ok?

For Junoesque on her birthday

Always My Friend by: Susan Polis Schutz

It takes more than words to let you know how much it

means to me to have you as a friend

I can depend on you for understanding

when I am confused

I can depend on you for comfort when I am sad

I can depend on you for laughter when I am happy

I am so thankful to know that you are always my friend

I Have a Baby!

Don't be deceived by the heading, ok? I'm sure Junoesque would be surprised to see such a heading eh?

Check this beau that I have just got myself. Isn't she pretty???? She's just 3 days old today and I'm so proud that I've finally conquered my 'stingyness' and emptied out my piggy bank for this little beau. It might burn quite a big hole in my pocket but I've decided that life is too short to worry about this. I can do lots of things with it, namely taking photos (meaning I can take photos of all my creations), video camera, real player and lots more. I'm yet to discover all its features and I shall take my time to know her more intimately. Oooooo....I'm so happy!

Reflection

It has been 4 days since it happened and I'm yet to fully recover from the shock. Apart from the bruises that is so obviously sighted, I still can't erase the scene from my mind. The thoughts of the car heading towards me and the 'Dead-end' right in front of me as I was approaching the drain can never fails to send shivers down my spine. Words just can't describe the horror of such scenes of which to some people, it only happens in action movies.

On the lighter side of things....Only my nephew think of me as a hero and kept on asking whether I did jump out of the car as it approaches the drain. He has seen too much action movies and thought that like McGyver, I jumped out from the car just as the car was about to explode! Kids....