Bali:Revisited

Bali - Isle of Gods in pictures
#1 Kuta beach

#2 Lake Buyan from Bedegul

#3 Ulun Danu Temple

#4 Taman Ayun [The Royal Family Temple of Mengwi]

#5 Batuan Village Temple

#6 Goa Gajah Temple

#7 Mount Batur from Kintamani

#8 The making of Balinese coffee- the traditional way

#9 Wood Carving

#10 Batuan Village temple

#11 Art village#12 Silver making

#13 Jimbaran sunset

#14 My fave place - Uluwatu

Genie Zhuo - Yi Ju Hua

Lee Hom @ Solaris

After almost being crushed like sardin in a can, finally finally finally, got up close and personal (well, ok maybe not personal) with him...Yes...none other than Lee Hom...Music Man himself!! I was secretly hoping that there will be less people this time round as Solaris, Mont Kiara is not so accesible but how wrong I was. The huge crowd of fans were wild and full of excitement. At one point, people started pushing and went almost uncontrollable. After much huff puff and sweat, finally got his signature. BUT...the feeling is not the same as the first time I met him. Gosh...am I really getting old and this phase of idolising an artist is almost over? I didn't feel the excitement and that kind of rush anymore. :(

But nonetheless, I still admired him. Music Man.., we'll be there.

On another note, Solaris is really pretty and cool...

I love Lucy

I had many many many many pets before. Since young I grew up loving the stray dogs and cats at the back of my house. I still remember coming home from school sometimes and go straight to the backyard to play with the puppies. I had endless supply of puppies because there was a female dog that we named 'Pak Kao' (white dog -as she has white fur) which gave birth many times a year. Those were the days before I got Lucy.
Lucy has been with me for more than 10 years...She came from my sis's friend. I still remember the first time we saw her, together with her brothers and sisters. I knew instantly that she is the one. She stood out from the rest, not only because she is white but she is the tiniest of all. First few weeks of taking care of her was not an easy feat. She was very tiny and quite weak. We fed her milk from baby bottle and when she was strong enough to eat on her own, we gave her bread soaked in milk. She has small appetite, even until now. She barely finishes a bowl of rice sometimes.

Lucy never caused any trouble. During teething, of course she did damage a few shoes and chewable things. She is not exactly the most mischievous dog but she has her own fair share of mischief. She likes playing tug-o-war. She will go crazy whenever you throw a cloth at her and started tugging. Most of the time, she wins. One of her weaknesses is she doesn't know how to avoid moving vehicles. She got us chasing madly after her when she got excited and ran out. But after a few 'coaching' sessions, she doesn't dare to do that anymore.

Everytime we were about to go out, she sat and stared at us with sad eyes. And when we came home, she jumped happily as if she hadn't seen us for a long time. Lucy seldom barks at strangers and therefore she cannot be a good watchdog. Oh ya ...Lucy is extremely scared of thunders and firecrackers. Every Chinese New Year, she will spent half the time inside the house and this drives my mum up the wall.

But as of late, she doesn't do those things anymore. She moves slower now. No more tug-of-war, no more jumping around. I've been spending much time with her. Her breathing seems quite unstable at times. She's old but I know she has lived this 10 years happily. I am spending more time with her nowadays as I know there won't be another Lucy for me. She might not understand but I am grateful she has brought many happy moments and memories for the past decade.

Earth Hour

There we were at 4:30pm at Cap Square on 28.03.2009 to support Earth Hour.
Yes, it might be a publicity stint, it might be a hyped up event but nonetheless, it's still first of its kind in Malaysia. The crowd started to gather to collect the limited edition T-shirt about 5pm. It started to drizzle but fortunately, the clouds cleared up just before 6:00pm. After much waiting and loitering, TV host, Joey G...the handsome one...kick started the event. He did a great job as the host of the night. Fun and energetic.
The Walk of Hope started at 7:30pm after some marching band and cheerleading performances. It was an enjoyable 20 minutes walk around Cap Square. Met some TV hosts like Gary Yap, Belinda Chee and some well known figures in the entertainment industry like Yasmin Ahmad, etc. Buses and cars showed their support by winding down their windows and honking. At 8:30pm, we witnessed KL tower went dark, followed by Twin Towers. With darkness all around, the candle lights made a beautiful scene. It was an experience to remember.
For those who missed it especially CY), make sure you'll be a part of this event next year.
On another note, I am all out for energy conservation and saving mother nature but I must admit also that many organisations took this opportunity to make profit. So the best way to save mother nature still comes from each individual. Use less paper cups in the office (bring your own cup), re-use those plastic stirrer, do not print unless necessary and recycle used paper. If everyone plays a little part, it will make a big difference. http://earthhour.org.my/ Us with Joey G Start and finishing line

KL Tower before the lights went out

Candle lights

I wish...

Currently reading and enjoying :

I wish I to have the courage like the author. One of my dream destination is South Africa for the safari. The author tells on her journey to Zambia and all the adventures she went through. Loved her detailed observations and wacky way of writing.

And thanks to the special friend that gave me the 'book thong'. You are right - 'A friend is someone who reaches for your hand but touches your heart'. Thank you my friend.

When life gets tough...

When life (or rather, work) gets tough, I can't do nothing but to psycho myself everyday. I know I can't complain. There are so many people jobless or on the brink of it. And yet, I am just expected to perform but the biggest problem is I can't find the motivation to do so. The only motivator is ...well, MONEY (I am sure this is the common thing with most employees). Sigh...I broke down and cried that day (and had my dear worried sick about me). I can feel the pressure. Not because of the workload but the expectations from the top. It aint' easy being a staff. So much different from last time.
I missed the time when going to work used to be fun. When we were sitting at that corner, talking and laughing loudly. I guess everything changes with time.
Talking about changes, we spent the whole Sunday walking around Mid Valley and I didn't even get myself anything. First, it's because I am on saving mode (really....). And then, I realise, that I am more picky and choosy nowadays. Does this comes with age? And that's not all. The most frustrating thing is, the items (be it clothes or shoes or bags) I have my eyes on, are blaaaardy expensive. Damn it...-_-".

Lessons from the slum...

Slumdog Millionaire does not appeal to me when it was first opened in the cinema but due to all the publicity and all the attention it received from the Academy Awards, I can't contain the curiosity on what is so great about that movie.
I guess people nowadays like to watch something real (as in all the reality shows popping up), something that shows the daily lives of other people.
The movie depicts the life of the poverty stricken community in Mumbai where the children roams freely without enough to eat let alone have the privilege of education. Many begs but most will steal and cheat their way for some food. I've witnessed something similar in Delhi itself. It was not as bad but I've saw children begging and knocking on cars' windows at the traffic light.
I remember one incident when a little boy kept following us. He offers to polish my colleague's shoe with a small fee. He was very persistant, so my colleague decided to just give him some rupees but he refused. He said that he must earn his money and insist in polishing shoes before receiving the rewards.
I've been brought for a tour in the older part of Delhi. I've been in old streets, tasted roadside stalls and witnessed the lives of a normal mid-income family. It is so much different from what we are having here. We can learn more actually by witnessing all these. We tend to take things for granted. We tend to complain when we face some obstacles. We tend to grumble when things don't go according to the way we wanted it.
Anyway, back to Slumdog, the movie is not bad actually. Go watch it if you haven't...

*cough*cough*

*cough*cough*Why can't this blardy cough go away...KNS...I hate this...
I've finished two bottles of chinese medicine, one bottle of cough syrup from the clinic,*cough*cough* some pills from the doctor and now on another bottle of cough syrup and yet I am still blaaardddyyyy coughing...*cough*cough*
I can't eat ice-cream, I can't eat the cendol we always pass by in Seri Kembangan, I always got nagged when I *cough*cough* eat some spicy/fried food and I have to blaaaarrrrdddyyy missed a couple of runs and 2009 Towerthon because of this. Even jogging a couple of minutes will make me cough like mad.*cough*cough*
Gosh...Any good and EFFECTIVE remedy anyone??
*cough*cough*

It's here!!

I was hoping

I was praying

that the date will not be coinciding with the trips to Bali and Cambodia.

I will be VERY DISAPPOINTED and VERY ANGRY and VERY SAD and VERY FRUSTRATED if it is.

One of the most anticipating event (aside all the trips) is finally confirmed.

Knowing me...and my kan-cheong-ness, I made sure I got the tickets first hand by regularly checking the forums. When the news was released, I was so excited (I know u don't understand why, my dear)...The VVIP tickets are much too expensive for me (in saving mode now) so I opt for the second most expensive. Anyway, I will be waiting for 02.05.2009 to come...

Food Review:Ichiban Boshi, Pavillion

Good food makes me happy...:)

Give it a try...:)

I'm sick on 14.02

Not exactly the perfect Valentine's day I have been expecting. I am sick today...*cough*cough* and lil bit fever BUT I am happy. Spending precious time with people I love. It is NOT a necessity to spend today in expensive, double-charged restaurants, or to see who has the biggest bouquet of flowers. A simple McD breakfast and a simple lunch of 'char siew, siew yoke' rice (+ 'siew chu cheong') is so so so satisfying...
And best of all, I got a new toy...*evil grin* Thanks so much *hugs*...
Here wishing my dear dear dear friends a happy valentine's day...

One week ago....

One week ago, exactly at this hour, I was put into a deep deep sleep. It was an experience really...I was asked to change to a surgical gown, and then at the last minute before I am wheeled in, the nurse realised I haven't removed my Cutex (nails colouring on my feet). Luckily they have the remover ready. And I bet someone was under pressure when all 3 nurses were standing there, waiting impatiently for him to remove them (thanks dear).
At sharp 9, I was wheeled to the preparation room. It was weird, me on the bed and being pushed pass all the people and into a lift. When we reached the room, I was transferred to another bed, and I was nervous as hell then. The surgical staff were kind enough to make jokes with me. Finally, they pushed me in to the operating theatre. It was freezing. Lying down, with arms wide spread, the anaesthetist told me that he is going to put me to sleep by injection. I managed to mumble 'ok'. I was given oxygen, with costed me about RM 30 (as per the bill). Within 5 minutes, I was knocked out. The last thing I heard was the political issues in Perak as my doctor and the staff were talking about it.
One and a half hour later, I was waken up as they need to switch me back to the bed. It was over and I didn't even feel a thing. Few hours after that was terrible. Nausea and vomitting. I felt so dizzy I couldn't even open my eyes. I skipped breakfast and then lunch but manage to eat a little for dinner. I thought I can go back that day itself but the doctor advised me to stay the night. It wasn't such a bad experience. And the best part is, I got 1 week MC. Muahahahha....
The wound is ok now, just that I cannot use my right wrist much. Stitches will be removed on Monday. I guess I am pretty calm and cool through it all. Maybe I should reward myself. Can I get the ESPRIT bag?? *wink*wink*

Butterflies...in my stomach (part 2)

PS: No correct guesses to my previous post...

Tomorrow will be the surgery to remove the ganglion cyst on my wrist. And I am nervous as hell. I will be put under general anaesthetic and the surgery will take 1-1.5 hours. Though the cyst is benign but it will be better to remove it. I have always hated the atmosphere in the hospital. Sigh...Hopefully everything will go smoothly. I will not be able to use much of my right wrist for a while...Crap...and no more foosball for me...:( At least for a month.

Anyway, till then...Happy Valentine's Day everyone...

Butterflies...in my stomach

From now till 6th Feb, I will occasionally have butterflies in my stomach...I will feel nervous, break out in cold sweat and might turn moody if I thought of what's in line for me on 6th Feb...And after that date, I might MIA for a week...Wanna know what's going to happen on that date? Well, you'll have to wait for the next post...
:P

Food Review:Italiannies - Revisited

Since we all fell in love with the pasta in Italiannies, we decided to re-visit, this time in The Curve Damansara. We ate till our stomach can't take it anymore.

This time round, we ordered the pasta promo meal (4 in a set), a combination platter of fried squids, potato balls, cheese balls and fried onions and a pizza. The pasta set is as delicious as expected...but the pizza was not as satisfying (might be because we were 80% full at that time). The potato balls were very unique but we were not used to the taste of the cheese balls...It tasted weird. And the dessert of the day, is none other than the strawberry cheese cake...again..:)

This cutey is irresistable...

Ain't she cute?

Happy moo moo year

keef is wishing everyone a happy moo moo year ahead.

to family -> only two things i hope for : health and happiness

to friends -> may we have a crazy, fun filled year. hopefully, more good news throughout 2009

to colleagues -> may we have a great time working together. hope we'll get through the tough challenges in store for us

to dear -> may we be as open as always and talk things through and of course more wealth for you....kekekeke

one year wiser

Instead of one year older, I shall re-phrase it to one year wiser...

I remembered a MSN chat with CY. We were talking about growing older. We've come to a point -> It's either we grow old worrying about those strands of white hair and signs of wrinkles, or we choose to grow old 'gracefully'. Well, by 'gracefully', we have to accept it when children address us as 'aunty' or when sales people call us 'si tau poh' instead of 'leng lui' (haha) or when relatives ask us to get married soon as we are not young anymore (damn annoying leh). Just kidding. Aging gracefully means we accept that age is just a number. We still feel young at heart and soul, do you agree my friends? There's so much more to experience and to explore.

Tomorrow, I will be a year wiser. Age is definitely catching up but it's not slowing me down. This year, my wish is very simple (and no, not getting married k?). I just wish to spend more time with people I love. Family, friends and my dear. Hopefully my wish will be fulfilled this year.

toot toot toot

I lost my cool again yesterday. I think I've added a few wrinkles and white hair by stressing my self out. And the person I hurt most is the person who love me. After years of working, one thing I failed to learn is managing stress. It is so hard to keep a sane mind when the workload is so crazy with non-copperative team mates and lead. Sigh...

Sorry *to the person I hurt*. I still remember a phrase someone told me before. Why do it when you know you will be sorry later? This is one of my new year resolution and I will try to keep cool now onwards.

孫燕姿.-.[遇見]

Can anyone get me the other version sang by Harlem (i think...). fell in love with this song...

2nd day of 2009

2nd day of the new year

and my resolution to lose weight is already down the drain. had a sumptious dinner today. (well, i still have 363 days to achieve my targetted weight anyway....)

i realise i've been drinking a lot lately. beers especially. it's nice to have a chatting (or gossiping) session with colleagues while drinking cold beers after work. certainly a stress reliever.

well, cheers to a new year.

WANG LEE HOM - HEARTBEAT

Fruitful year

It's that time of the year again...Time to make a closure and look forward to a new start in the new year. It's time to look back and see how miserably you have failed your resolutions (that's IF you have any). :P
Reading back at my closure for 2007, it has been quite a fruitful year for 2008. As usual, I do have my resolutions come every new year (whether I accomplished all of them is another story).


Travelling
It started with Singapore with a bang. Jacky's concert back then was a great show. We had a memorable group trip to Krabi (though short, it's fun) and a happening chic's trip to Bangkok.
The year will not be complete without road trips to several places locally:
Sg Lembing
Seremban (for Gunung Datuk)
Bidor (for Bidor run)
Johor (treasure hunt)
Melaka (Away Day and family trip)
Langkawi (yes, again)
One of the highlights this year is the trip to Mulu. It has been one of the most eye-opening experience for me. Compared to last year, I think it's pretty tame this year in terms of travelling.

Relationships
Year 2008 started with a mixed feelings. The crushes and flings in 2007 has proven that I am really over THAT period of my past. And I am glad. I have learnt not to be too involved emotionally. And there is that little false alarm. And thank God, it's only a false alarm. September brought a new spark of life for me. I am happy now. When I look into his eyes, I can see someone whom I can depend on, my pillar of support. Thanks dear for being in my life and being there these couple of months. We don't know what the future may bring, but we'll plan and try to work things out.

Career
First half of the year was quite turbulent. Outsouring, offshoring. It was uncertainties, don't know if I will still have a job by end of the year. Then, there's this turn of luck, Not sure if it's good or bad in the long term, but I have managed to secure a permanent position here. And I am glad about it at this moment. So, bad news is, I am stuck in the department for at least 2 years. Hmmm...I think I can manage. :P And dear, I promise to be more positive at work and not to be stressed and I will remind myself everyday on this.

Family
I made a promise to myself to treasure them more. There has been some up and downs but overall, we became closer as a family. Though we didn't have as many trips as last year but I planned out the more family activities come 2009. I love my parents more than anything in the world and I just want them to be happy.



Health
Marathons, marathons and more marathons!! I've joined many runs (though it's only 10km) and met a lot of great inspiring friends. And I've just completed 21km with a timing I'm proud of (yippie!!) Overall, I am much healthier this year. Forcing myself to workout at least twice a week. But one thing I failed to achieve is to lose weight. I failed miserably. In fact I gained. :( Anyone can give some EFFECTIVE tips to shed those extra pounds? I've exercised and cut down on my food portion but yet, disappointing results...Sigh...
And I still remember I promise someone to learn cycling. But I failed. :( It will go to my resolution list next year.



Misc highlights
2008 has many new experiences. I fell in love with hiking and running. I've developed a passion for reading and has completed many books this year. I've learnt to be stronger emotionally and mentally. Early of the year, I did learnt to bake and cook but due to time limitation (ahem...or laziness), I failed to learn more from my mum. Will do so next year, hehehehe...

Coming to the end of 2008 will be special this year. Two close friend will tie the knot and share their lives together. Su and Nick, sincerely wishes both of you happiness and we are waiting for more good news to come ya...

To the rest of my friends, see ya in 2009!!

Maaaaaammaa Mia....

Another great musical theatre I've had a chance to attend this year. Beauty and the Beast a few months back is not as good compared to Mamma Mia. But it would be perfect if Mamma Mia is held in KL Convention Centre instead of Istana Budaya. The stage is smaller and the seats are not as comfortable. All in all, the performances were captivating. The vocals are clear. I am amazed that the performers are so full of energy despite having to perform 2 shows everyday for more than 2 weeks. Highly recommended if you are a fan of Abba.

@4am

4am...

Still deep in my dreamland. Suddenly, a loud crash, as in REALLY loud, woke me up. First thought that came to my mind, someone accidently crashed into my house. Scrambled up, reached for my glasses and peeked outside and this is what I saw.

My mum was at my side in no time and we thought of calling the police but luckily the driver managed to climb out. And amazingly he was not hurt. The driver's side was badly crushed. Thank God no one was injured.

Another resolution completed

21 km, 3 hours completion time, another resolution checked, satisfaction = priceless.

Twilight

Shuckssss...

Disappointed as the movie is not what I had imagined it to be. Not as good as what I read in the first book out of a series of four from Stephenie Meyer. Maybe they shouldn't have made a movie out of it. I must admit it was more enjoyable in the book. Maybe some stories aren't suitable to be a movie. Unlike LOTR which I would prefer to watch the actions rather than cracking my imagination through the thick books.

I just finished Eclipse, the third book. I was so engrossed that I finished the book in less than 3 days. The fourth book will have to wait till my exams are over. Crap...That reminds me that I need to start studying from this moment on...

Food Review:Wendy's Bistro

Wendy's Bistro had recently changed it's name. I couldn't rememember the new shop name though.

Food here is pretty similar to Euro Deli's but this shop specializes in pork belly. Not to be missed is their grilled pork belly. It can be a little too fatty but the taste is really good. It is well marinated and grilled to perfection. The pork chop is a let down. The meat is too dry and tasted bland. The different types of German sausages is worth a try. Once you've tasted these sausages, normal ones you can grab from the supermarket is nothing to be compared. It's almost as good as the sausages in Euro Deli's.

Contact Details

WENDY'S BISTRO

20 Jalan PJS8/18,

Dataran Sunway Mentari,

Petaling Jaya

Tel: 03-5630 1699

The What-Bug-Me Tag

The rules

List out 6 things that bug or annoy you.
Tag another 8 persons to do this.
Strictly no tagging back!

1. Unable to book cheap flights from Air Asia because of the congested servers during 0/ low fare promotion. KNS!

2. Stupid drivers who overtake you without signals causing you to brake suddenly and nearly having a heart/ panic attack. KNS!

3. Annoying colleagues who come and talk to you non-stop when you are in the mid of something urgent and you are squeezing your mind trying to figure out how to solve the stupid problem. It's hard to concentrate when you are blah-blah-blah-ing ok? KNS!

4. Filling in pages and pages of forms - any forms - be it pre-employent/ government related/
registration forms. Even more so when spaces provided is so limited to fill in all you need to
fill in. It's wasting my time ok? KNS!

5. Aunties pushing and shoving you in the market/ supermarket/ during sales. By all means I do respect elderly but it doesn't gives you the right to be rude. Stay in your line aunties!! KNS!

6. Rude sales assistants/ cashiers. It doesn't hurt to flash a smile and say thank you even if I do not buy anything in the end. Instead of showing that bitchy and arrogant faces. You will not get my business like that ok? KNS!

There...I've completed mine...I'm suppose to tag 8 people but I am lazy. Please feel free to vent your frustrations.

Food Review:Italiannies

Pastamania......

I loveeeee the pasta. It is a great idea to have a set with 4 different choices of pasta so we will not have a hard time deciding which flavour to choose. The serving size is just nice, not too filling. I guess we were hungry that time (or I was) as I can't remember the 4 flavours we picked. As for the grilled chicken set (forgotten the name), it's not up to expectation. The baked potato is nice though. And not to be missed on the menu is of course, the mouth-watering Strawberry Cheesecake. The strawberry sauce is not too sour nor sweet, just nice to end a satisfying meal.

Xiao sheep

Arlo...I am Xiao Sheep...Mek mek's other half...Although I am fatter than Mek Mek, I am twice as adorable as she is.

Are you the one?

"I've spent all my life waiting for the perfect guy but you're nothing like him."
That's a movie line that caught my attention.
I am a big dreamer. I have the picture of the perfect guy in my head-a so-called template. I guess every/ most girl does. But not many of us will get to be with that Mr Perfect.
I always believe that once we fall in love, we will learn to accept the flaws of that person. And I do believe also, somehow, love is blind. No matter how thin or fat, tall or short, handsome/pretty or ugly, we will learn to accept that person with our heart. Beauty is always in the eye of the beholder.
Hmmm....my point of writing this? I don't know. *blink blink*
From past experiences, relationship can be very tiring. Relationship can be so fragile. Relationship can be about everything - feelings, the money, the religion, the communication.
So, to all who has found that special someone, treasure them. Do not turn them into who you want them to be. Just love that person for who they are. And for those who haven't found the special person, have faith that he/ she will appear one day.Till then, live life well.