Hazed

For real...
This year has got to be one of the worst. But like my colleague said, we don't know yet! It might get worse every year from now on.
What can, we as civilians do about it? Sigh....When no one on the top is taking it seriously...

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Ventricular ectopics

A little more than a month ago, I had a scare.
I was having palpitations/ irregular heartbeat for over a week. It was the second time I am feeling it but the first only lasted two days. It wasn't like the fast heartbeat when you are about to meet your crush or your favourite movie star. It's hard to describe, like a forced heartbeat that you can feel.
Initially, I brushed it off thinking it will go away after 2 days but it did not. It was not painful or anything but just discomfort as I can feel the forced heartbeat 2 or 3 times in a minute. It's more to annoyance.
The weird thing is I can feel it more when I am sitting down - in office, in the car. When I am active and going about more active tasks, I don't feel it that much.
I went to do a thorough check up. First, a Q&A session with the doc. Then a blood test, followed by ultrasound and ECG of the heart. I was put on a stress test as well. Doc asked me how long I can run, and he really stressed my heart to the max. I was panting and sweating in a fully air conditioned room.
All the tests turned out negative. My heart is fine. So what could be causing it? The Doc then asked me to put on a Holter to monitor my heartbeat for 24 hours. I had wires all over my body for the next 24 hours and I still need to go back to the office. Luckily for me, the clothes I wore that day can conceal it.
That also means no shower for the day...yucks...after all the sweating earlier...
The results next day shows that I indeed have a thing called ventricular ectopics. It's benign and I have nothing to worry about. Causes can be caffeine, stress. So I was on doc's order to avoid coffee for 2 weeks. I managed to refrain myself for 5 days. I felt it less and less until I decided to just try a small cup of latte. And it really came back. Luckily it was gone the next day.
I don't consider myself a coffee addict but I do get the cravings now and then. It's been more than two weeks now that I am back on coffee. More on the local coffee that is. I tried a cup of latte again a couple of days ago and nothing happened. Yay...

It's itching again

After a long hiatus, I finally got the itch to blog again.
Blogging is somehow consider outdated now as we have other social media platforms that is more real time and up to date. But still, nothing can beat blogging.
Wondering if anyone out there is still reading this? :P
Keep tuned in for more updates!

王力宏 Wang Leehom《七十億分之一》"7 Billion to 1" Official MV

Love love love....to all the special people in my life. Each of you means a lot...good or bad, you made up part of my life.

Ecoworld Starlight Concert 2015

It was quite an impromptu decision to go to the Starlight Concert organised by Ecoworld. I knew about it when it was published in the newspaper much earlier but I didn't really wanted to go as it's free standing. I think I am too old for the crowd. LOL...
Well, anyway, I got my ticket from Homaniacs. And at first I thought of going alone as I only have one ticket. Then when CY said she wanted to join, I might as well try my luck and got 4 tickets from EcoWorld sales gallery. And that's just a week before the event.
So, last Saturday, 31st Jan, we had a satisfying dinner of hokkien mee at Bandar Mahkota Cheras before braving the traffic to Semenyih. It was one of the longest traffic I've been in all my life. Two- and-a-half freaking hours. CY's car almost gave way due to overheating but luckily we are near to our destination at that time. Many a times we wanted to turn back but the destination seemed so near.
When we reach there about 9-ish, we were worried that the show might be ending soon. It didn't help either when the place we were allowed to park is so far away from ground zero. No sound, no lights from as far as we can hear and see. Luckily, shuttle buses were provided. I really love how they are so well organised. Frequent buses in a few stations all over Eco Majestic to ferry people to the event ground. And the whole place is huge.
So we go there just in time for him. Yes, him. Lee Hom (pic courtesy of Homaniacs).

It was worth the long butt-numbing drive. It was worth the hours wasted in the car. We were so near to the front of the stage and could see him clearer than paying for his concerts. He sang quite a number of songs, giving the best performances, as he always does. We were ecstatic.
All in all, it was a birthday present to me...well, sort of.
Anyway, kudos the the EcoWorld team for making it a huge successful event. Do visit their new township in Semenyih. Looks really nice. 

Volunteering is fun!

It was my first time volunteering with World Vision and I am quite impressed. The event was well organised. From the program on the day, to crowd control to the volunteers' welfare, everything is well taken care of. Kudos to the team for managing the event well.

I've always had a thing for events management. I like to plan and get everything perfectly in place. I couldn't help thinking if I can just forego my current job and join World Vision in setting up charity events and booth and visiting sponsored children around the world...Sigh, wishful thinking

I've met some very unique people on that day. Some are really dedicated and enthusiatic on their given tasks, some are less, some are very outspoken on what they want and some are very passionate in helping others.

It was an eye opening event. Not only on the day's event but also on the objectives of World Vision.
It's very heart wrenching to see some videos on how some children have to live their lives. We are indeed very fortunate to have what we have now.

To learn more about World Vision - visit
https://www.worldvision.com.my/Pages/default.aspx

Happy birthday?

And so it was my birthday yesterday.
No celebration, no special arrangements. To be honest, I am a bit disappointed at first but come to think of it, there's no need to be.
I have all my loved ones beside me, simple dinner, simple cake and simple pressie from hubby. That's enough.
I think I am getting too old for all those stuff.
And I think my birthday should a special day for my mum. It's the day she went for hours and hours of labor pain. The day when she first hold me in her arms after 9 long months.
So mum, I've grown up. I might not be the perfect daughter, I might always be teasing and talking back to you but despite all those, you are the best mum in the world to me. Thanks for supporting through all those years.

Smell the roses

The article below is so true. I am beginning to really like the author.

Read here.

I am a nervous freak when it comes to travel planning. I have too much worries. I want to have everything planned out and written down in paper. I have the mentality that we must cover the top 10 tourist-y places to go/ things to do. Everything has to be according to plan and if it doesn't go well, it's a disappointment.

I guess that applies to my life events too. And in the end, I feel unhappy and disappointed as things aren't happening the way I am expecting it.

Time to let go. Take it slow, smell the roses, touch the green green grass and just enjoy the moment. Easier said than done.

Grumpy old woman

I think I am doomed to become a grumpy old woman. I am getting grumpier as I age. Sad but true.

Take for example, I get very stressed up at small things nowadays. I cannot wait for things to get done and if it is not up to my standard, I tend to be angry and disappointed. I wasn't like this before.

People used to tell me I am a very patient person.

Like yesterday, I really could not stand the bad service from the shop I am buying lunch, I told her that her service is like shit and cancelled my order. Then, on the way back from work, if we are using the LRT, we have to cross the pedestrian bridge and at the bottom of the staircase, there is a narrow walkway about 2 meters long that can only fit one person. So, it can only be a one way traffic at a time. I was already half way through when this Indian lady from the opposite direction started walking as well. She should have backed out since I was in first. But she didn't. So both of us got stucked in the middle. I said excuse me loudly but she ignored it. WTF..I really wanted to tell her off but there are people waiting behind me. No choice, I have to squeeze my way through. In the process, I pushed her against the wall. I don't care.

See, my patience is getting thinner.

I really hope I don't become a grumpy old woman. Change of mindset and attitude...

New Year 2015

Where the hell did 2014 go? Can't believe it's already 2015 today.

This blog has been abandoned for quite some time I know...but yet, I still feel reluctant to close it down. It's nostalgic reading back on old blog posts. Evoke quite a lot of memories.

So back to 2014. This post might come a bit late (just a tiny bit late)..but here's a quick summary of 2014 for me.

Family - we had a scare early in the new. Spent Chinese New Year in the hospital accompanying my dad. Thank God he's fine now but I know age is catching up fast. Spent more time with family this year.

Career - Nothing much in this space. Same old same old. Starting to lose purpose in this job. Need more motivation for this year. Good thing is, I still got to travel last year, which is lucky for me.Once a while travelling for business is good for the soul.

Wealth - Managed to get our first house...yay! But it ain't easy and we are still learning to manage it.

Health - Age is slowing me down. Literally. Seriously. My dream of running a full marathon is further and further away. Hubs had been in the hospital down with dengue and it was a tough time for me. I have been to the hospital more times last year than I've ever had. And I didn't manage to lose weight. In fact, I gained.

Personal development - Finding more and more flaws in myself but making big steps to improve.

I am ready for 2015. Bring it on.

Happy New Year and stay tuned for my updates!

Jamie Scott - Unbreakable

Current favourite...

Expectations

It's never easy to meet expectations. Especially from loved ones. If I am capable, I would have done it. I have given my best yet my best seems to be below par. I feel tired. Tired from all the responsibilities. Yet, I can't run away. Just living each day trying to meet what everyone expects. In work, at home, in life. Sigh, life is cruel.

Love & hate relationship

I have a love and hate relationship....with packing.

As much as I love travelling, I hate packing and worse still, the unpacking bits of it. If you think it gets easier the more you travel, you are wrong...It might be faster to pack but it is never easier.

I noticed that I mostly pack the same stuff to travel most of the time. Same set of clothes, same toiletries, shoes...Maybe I am used to it and it's no-brainer that they served their function well in the previous trips.

I do have a checklist every time to make sure I don't miss out anything. It makes packing a lot easier also. I thought I am a travel-light person but when I looking at the list of 88 items to bring, I guess I am not that "light" at all.

On a side note, I haven't tried rolling my clothes before (to save space apparently) as per advised. Maybe I should try it this time.

For you travellers out there, here is a video on packing wisely.

Early bird

I am an early bird. I rise and shine early. I sleep early.
They say, early bird gets the worm. I do agree.
Normal working days, I am usually the first one to get in the office on my floor. I skip the traffic. I can catch the beautiful morning sky from my office while sipping a good cuppa.

I enjoy the quiet time before people starts trickling in. I can plan my day ahead during this time when my head is still clear. I spent the morning clearing my emails so they don't get in the way.
Out of curiosity, I googled the benefits of an early bird.

Taken from here.

1. God. The best time to spend with God and listen to the holy spirit is right away in the morning. It’s quiet, you’re by yourself, and God is speaking to you. God always told Moses, “Get up early.”
2. Productivity. Often times the lack of productivity is caused by poor planning. When you wake up late you’re already scattered, in a hurry, and out the door without a good plan for the day. People who wake up early and build a plan for the day are typically more productive.
3. Health. Grandma always said, “Early to bed and early to rise: Makes a man healthy, wealthy, and wise.” Also, with good health comes good energy.
4. Family. If you get up late you probably come home late. How does this affect your family? Are you having dinner with your family and spending time with them, or are you coming home at 8,9,10 o’clock at night. How can you value family when you’re not making time for them?
5. Wisdom. Getting up early is something not only my dad challenged me to do growing up, but my mentors preach it all the time. They say, “When you get up early and reflect, pray, and get your head in the game, it helps to build wisdom by spending time and knowing yourself well.

I do agree with some of the points.

I do envy the night owls at times. I salute them for being able to stay active late into the night. My mind has an automatic switch that turns into sleep mode or totally turn off when it reaches certain timing. Of course, I can force myself beyond those hours but the next morning won't be too pretty (aka zombie-fied).

So, what are you? Night owl or early bird?

Star lover

Any of you k-drama fans would know from the title what I am going to ramble about in this post.
Yeah, the recent hit drama - My Lover from the Star.
When I started watching couple of months back, I didn't find it very addictive and interesting. Story line is a bit slow in the beginning. I don't really fancy the lead characters too. Personally, I think Jun Ji-hyun and Kim Soo-hyun is not so matching in a way. She looks more mature than him (and I still think so)...
I started watching again after pausing midway and now, I am addicted. I even cried on some scenes...

The message that hit me most is - we must treasure every moment as if it's our last. It's heartbreaking to know someone you loved dearly is going to away and never coming back. The feeling, emotions and action is very hard to control at times no matter how hard we try.

What would you do if you are in their situation when you know that the fairy tale will end very soon? Will you still choose to love fully even if it is for one month or harden your heart so you will not get hurt in the end? Is it better to have loved with all your heart or nothing at all? 

Food review:Grand Harbour, Mid Valley

What better way to revive a dying blog with pictures of good food?
I am not a big fan of dim sum but it's those must-have food once in a while. After hearing much about Grand Harbour, we decided to give it a try.
1) Egg tarts

Dad's fave snack. he usually has a high expectation of egg tarts and he gives thumbs up for this.

2) Roast platter

Nice but a bit too pricey though. The charsiew is well marinated and slightly burnt on the skin which is the way all charsiew should be.

3) Porridge

I love this as the porridge is smooth and extra point for the raw egg!

4) Steamed Glutinous Rice

Flavourful, sticky and soft, just the way I like it.

5) Piggy-shaped buns

I didn't get to taste this but the nephew loves it. With lotus paste as filling.

6) Fried Radish Cake

Love this with lots of bean sprouts. The radish cake itself is savoury and when fried with a good 'wok hei', brings out the frangrance of it. Needless to say, we ordered a second plate.

7) Steamed beancurd skin with abalone sauce

Tasted really good. Not too salty and the sauce goes very well with the bean curd.

8) Wor tip

Nice presentation but tasted meh....

9) Siu Mai/fish balls/har gao/ fried yam ball

Must have at dim sum. Each dish is big, juicy. Double thumbs up.

Overall, satisfying breakfast!

Grand Harbour Restaurant

GE-017, Ground External Floor,

Mid Valley Megamall, Mid Valley City

Lingkaran Syed Putra,

59200 Kuala Lumpur

Tel: 03-2283 3398

Fax: 03-2283 4888

All Of Me - John Legend & Lindsey Stirling

Cause all of me
Loves all of you
Love your curves and all your edges
All your perfect imperfections

A Wedding That Will Move You

I think this is very touching and it deserves a post here.

Pay to suffer..

I don't know what triggered me but I guess I wanted to do something outrageous again after a long hiatus.

Not really outrageous outrageous, but then again, it's something you will not do often.

So I registered myself for KL Towerthon....

I basically have zero training and zero stamina nowadays. Really wanted to build it up again but so hard to find time (excuses)...

It was really tough for me this time. I don't remember it was that bad previous three times. I stopped to rest more, a lot more. At one point, I can feel my heart beating so fast, it feels like it's going to jump out anytime. It took me twice the time I took the last time to reach the finishing point.

So, I guess it will be my last Towerthon.

And my dream of running a marathon is....further and further away...*sobs*

On a lighter note, really like The Oatmeal...

Happy Father's Day

It's been a few months since the day you were admitted to the hospital. I still remember those few long days spent in the hospital with you. You had all of us worried sick.
We are grateful that you managed to overcome it. Though you are not as strong as before, I do hope that you will try to be stronger. It may not be an easy journey ahead.
Day by day, I can see how fragile you've become. I remember you used to carry the fat me when I was a kid. You can stay out in the hot sun at the backyard half the day doing gardening . You can walk multiple times to the market and not get tired.
I know I am hoping too much for things to be the way they used to be. Now, I just want you to be happy and pain free. We will all be beside you, always.

Happy Father's day, Dad.