7 days countdown

7 more days in welcoming the Year of Rat in the new Chinese Lunar Year. Hubby and myself are not totally in the mood for the celebration. Reasons due to some unlucky events occur on my family. Or maybe I should say, Year of Pig has been rather unkind to my darling hubby.

Hubby’s textile business closed down in last quarter of the year after operating for few months. Business was really sour. The shop was actually 2nd shop after hubby closed down the 1st one a year ago due to higher rental and poor business. Just last week our car was stolen when we were having pre-CNY dinner. Hubby’s relationship with his boss is turning bitter. The boss is so inconsiderate and selfish, hubby cannot stand him anymore.

So I am hoping for the New Year, a kinder God of Prosperity that will take a pity on us. Better New Year with better luck, wealth and health!

Update on cousin

My cousin has regain consciousness on Monday after a week in sedative state. She can recognise people but her speech capability is still not recovering. Doctor still monitoring and scanning her brain and determining the damages to her brain cell. So far her condition is improving.

Give her some times soon she would be discharged from hospital and spending the Chinese New Year at home with her loved ones!

City of Cats

Kuching, my hometown for the past 30 years. It is nicknamed "City of Cat", maybe it is full of cats in the past? I were not so sure about its name history, but I definitely did not see many stray cats around the city.

I believe photographs say more than words as simply, I cannot describe Kuching well, other than it is a beautiful, slow-pace and friendly city of its own.

Nice photograph after the rain has stopped. On right hand side, the famous Tua Pek Kong temple undergoing renovation work.

Old Main Bazaar, with new DUN Building (across Sarawak River) still work-in-progress

Matang Hill as the backdrop, providing such a serene view

One of the few cat statues around that are in the festive mood

My Blog is a Treasure

I received my 2nd award! I hope my blog is earning its award well. This time is from Dora my new blogging friend! She is a treasure herself for giving me such an award! Kiss to you, Dora! Muak muak!

I would like to pass this award to my friends, Jen and Billy's Mom. Your blog is a treasure and so is your friendship!

What is your cartoon character?

It feels like a tagging week lately with I am doing a lot of tagging from fellow blogging friends, which I am not complaining about! I love doing those tags, honest! This is to show that my fellow blogging friends want to know me more and always think of me when doing the tagging. This time is from Jen’s place and her cartoon character quiz.

Jen wants to know what is my cartoon character in this simple 10 questions quiz. I am a Charlie Brown. Isnt it great? He is one of my favourite comic strip characters. Oh well, the verdict looks pretty true to me. Simply describe me well as a person.

Easily fall in love but loyal and serious when in a relationship. (As for falling in love with darling hubby, it took quite a while for me to fall for him, and my love for him still remains strong! *wink*). A very homey and family person, loves to call back home checking out on my family’s updates and gossips. I do have a lot of friends but only few close friends where I can gossip and trust to keep my secrets.

So, what is your cartoon character? I am not tagging anyone this time, so everyone is free to try and passing the tag along. Check it out at Jen’s Place. She insisted on highlighting the answers which I didn’t! hehehe!

Sob sob sob

Click here to find out why! :(

Tagging Along

I received a tagging game from Nyumix, where I need to play along by passing this tag to others. The longer the list, you will tend to benefit from it by having more link benefits. :)

*Start Copy Here*

You do not have to be tagged to play along. This game is simple and so are the rules.

1)Copy from *Start Copy Here* through *End Copy Here*

2)Add your site(s) to the list. Just be sure to post at each site you add.

3)Tag or don’t tag, your choice, however, the more tags you create the bigger the list will grow.

4)Let me know your blog’s name and url by leaving me a comment HERE. I will add you to the master list. (If you would like the scroll box code, leave me your email address and I will email it to you.)

5)Come back and copy the master list back to your site, often. This process will allow late-comers to get as much link benefit as the first ones in.

1-Attitude, the Ultimate Power 2-Juliana's Site 3-Rusin Roundup 4-Grow Rich Along With Me 5-Comedy Plus 6-lynda's loft 7-Amel's Realm 8-MAX 9-Speedcat Hollydale 10-Mariuca 11-Complain Complain Complain 12-Mariuca's Perfume Gallery 13-Life Is A Roller Coaster 14-Sugar Queen's Dream 15-First Time Dad 16-Life 17-My Life 18-The Painted Veil 19-My Thoughts 20-DatCurious.com 21-Little Aussie Cynic 22-A Nice Place in the Sun 23-DatMoney.com 24-The Down Side OF Up 25-Ladyjava's Lounge 26-Cat Tales 27-moms.....check nyo 28-Colorado Baby 29-It's a Woman's World 30-ENLIGHTENED BITS 31-My View of "It" 32-My Reviews and Finds Along the Way 33-Our Hep Chat 34-Rantings of a Woman 35-The Callalily Space 36-Mom Knows Everything 37-Hazel 38- Chronicles and Tales Unlimited (RED) 39-From the Mouth of Jabber Jaws.40. Nyumix's Blog.

*End Copy Here*

I am passing this tag to my friends, Jen, Big Fish Chin, Cooking Momster and Hye

Anyone interested to play along??

Lunch Date @ Patio

I received a surprise SMS from darling hubby on Thursday, asking me for lunch! Hmm, he seldom asked me out for lunch so why not? People pay for lunch and I do not need to drive myself. What other good reason of not accepting his offer? LOL

We tried out a new eating place at Jalan Ang Cheng Ho (facing the main road) called Patio. You would kind of miss this place as you would not notice it with the rest of shops. Spare parts shop, a drinking place, electrical shop on the same row of shops, and you would not know there is a nice café there. Some markers for those interested to try out this place. Patio is facing the main road turn to the right before stopping the traffic light, the shop is overlooking KMC Swimming Pool.

The interior design of Patio is not that grand, but cosy with teak furniture and a set of sofa with cushions for comfort dining enjoyment. Never under estimate this place as turn out the food was nice and price was pretty reasonable too.

Check out the food! I ordered Fish & Chips. It has been ages since I have Fish & Chips. Make me feel like a child again! Hahaha! I usually have rice for lunch, so for a change I have something different and try its Western cuisine instead. The fish coat is just nice, not too much coating on it. I have to ask for more tartar sauce, not enough for my whole fish!

Hubby's Mamak Fried Noodles

My Fish & Chips

Hubby has its mamak fried noodle. We ordered some side dishes like garlic bread and hot & spicy squid. We finished all the food in front of us except for the fried noodle. Darling hubby complained that the fried noodle too spicy for him but nevertheless it is tasty. He “tapau” the remaining noodle and bring to his office.

Hot & Spicy Squid

Smell nice garlic bread

Our lunch costs only RM28.10! Garlic bread is free as I have some coupons from Patio. Not that expensive right? And we go back to our respective office full and sleepy! LOL!

If you ask me whether I would go back to Patio, I definitely will. Just a 10 minutes drive from my office.

I received a tag from Hye again! Thanks friend for tagging me! I am not complaining, just feel a slight panic at been tag again because it is not only one tag but two! *laugh* Luckily it is a Saturday today and I am in a relaxing mood to complete this tagging assignment! So let get down to them.....


Tag No 1:

How Happy Are You?

A quiz where you have to take and find out how happy you are. Hmm, I am 68% happy. Overall the result is good, but what is the 32% that I am unhappy about? I guess there is ups and downs in my daily life and that show I have 32% unhappy trait in me! To me 32% sound a lot! Unfortunately the quiz cannot determine why and what I am unhappy about! Hmm, maybe I am unhappy with my work? It has been bugging me for the past few years, always telling myself on getting new job or have own business. I havent find a good job yet, and my business plan on hold due to unforeseen economy and market trend.

Time to move on, I shouldnt be bother about the 32% but instead I should overcome it. Here is my result from the quiz. Want to know how happy are you? Try the quiz out!

***You Are 68% Happy***
You are a very happy person. Generally, you feel content and that all is right with the world.Occasionally, you have a down day - but you have the ability to pick yourself right back up.

http://www.blogthings.com/howhappyareyouquiz/

Tag No 2:

Five things/People I Love and Hate

I have a lot of things and people I love and hate, I think I cant finish listing them out in one day! For the sake of this tag, I list down 5 tops things/people:

Five things/people I love:

1. My family (who else???)

2. The Almighty (thanking Him for showing me what life is all about!)

3. My new digital camera (I'm loving it more and more each day)

4. Good food

5. Friends that always stand by me

Five things/people I hate:

1. People smoking in front of me, especially in eating place (very inconsiderate!)

2. People burping funny smell (durian! Gosh!) in confined area, such as lift (I want to faint)

3. Lizard (My worst enermy!)

4. My office computer (slow like snail!)

5. Traffic jam

I am passing the above tags to 5 lucky friends, share your happiness and things/people that you love and hate with us:

1. Jen's place

2. BigFish

3. Life Is Mysterious

4. Billy's Mom

5. Agnes, my new online friend

Happy tagging!

Did I miss anyone?

Anyone interested to exchange links with me? If yes, please leave your blog title and URL address in the comment box and I shall update mine accordingly.

I have set up a new blog sometimes this month, dedicated to my family. A diary on my family and our adventures (misadventures), and a place when I am free to voice my personal comments and tips on relationships and loves.

Thank you and do visit me again. Have a wonderful weekend everyone. :)

Lesson from my little gal

Been on this earth for slightly more than 30 years, and yet I find that I have something to learn from my almost 2-years old daughter. Life can be as simple as it gets from their perspective view, yet it is us the adult that make things so complicated. Why don’t we get down to simplicity of what life can offer you:

1. Dancing when you feel like it
- Just put on that music and dance yourself away. Put down your hair and dance like nobody is around.
- Haven’t you notice when there is music, your little ones would dance the night away and don’t care how they dance?

2. Fun is key to life
- We are taking life too seriously sometimes that we forget why we are on this earth! Life is too short that we don’t remember and put some times to have some fun. So let have fun and enjoy the moment to fullest. Little gal just take everything lightly and having fun on everything, not thinking of any consequences of her actions.

3. Do not worry about other people thinking of you
- Don’t care what other is thinking of you. You cant satisfy everyone right? So stop worry about others. It is what you think of yourself is matter here.

4. Continue learning
- Like little gal, learning something new everyday. Little gal’s face will light up when she learn new things. She still enthralled by her old toys and books, which make me wonder that I should not take certain things for granted
- Enrol in new classes that you have been postponing for many years. Learn new skills.

5. Be happy with who you are and what you have done
- When ever little gal is able to identify certain items, read her ABC and count 1 to 10, she needs a little compliment to go with it! A simple clap and saying “well done” is motivating enough for a young girl to continue to achieve more.
- Be happy with who you are as you are different and unique by yourself. No one is the same!
- When ever you achieve something, be proud of yourself. Reward yourself after each achievement. You deserve a reward, may it be monetary or non monetary form. Not only rewarding yourself makes you happy, it is good to motivate you to go further.

6. Do and say what you need to do and say
- Life is too short and sometimes we take things and people for granted and only realize it when it is too late.
- Appreciate the people next to you, always let them know that you appreciate them by saying “I love you” and “thank you”.
- When ever little gal say “Mommy, I love you” it lighten up my day no matter how stressful and tired day I have been through! Think what effect it has on other people when we say those magic words??

Ralph Waldo Emerson:
Life is a succession of lessons, which must be lived to be understood.

Shopping Cart with a difference

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When you less expect it, it comes to you

Life is very unpredictable. You would not know what is going to happen to you and the world tomorrow, or even the next second. You have been fine all this time since you were born to this world, and suddenly everything crash down on you! Isn’t it pathetic?

I have a story to share with you. A cousin of mine is in her late 30s. Happily married with 2 young children (both in primary schools), and a promising career, she was well-liked and cheerful woman. Recently we met her and her family in a supermarket, we didn’t have time to stop and chat with them! Just a simple “hi” then move to do our shopping! Sigh! Now thinking of this incident, I was a bit on the regret note. Why I didn’t stop for a chat with her, ask how is she doing and other womanly talk? That was last month.

Just middle of this month she went for a thorough check up as she has been feeling unwell for few months. Always out of breath and weak, so she went for a check up! To her shock, she discovered she has a lump in her heart! The lump is covering her valve causing her “short breath” problem. Doctor told her to arrange for an immediate operation on the lump with chance of successful operation is less than 50%. If she did not operate, she would stumble to her death as the lump may disrupt her heart function anytime soon. So she is at the mercy of 50-50 survival rate!! Operate, she is betting with her life; not operate, she does not know how long her life span is. She chooses to bet her life with the lump!

Operation was conducted few days ago, doctor has successfully rectified the problem and her heart is functioning well. Then another problem came out! Her brain is affected by the pressure from the operation….OMG! She is now under sedative, doctors are continuing to monitor her blood pressure. Currently her pressure is very high, should anything happen it will affect her brain cell. Doctors cannot determine her condition as for now, as she has not yet wake up. Now it is all depends on her determination to stay alive and pray hard that nothing damaging happen to her brain. Should everything under control, she will be able to recover soon!

Her story just comes too sudden for us and her family early this week. Pity on her children. They are too young to understand what their mother is going through now. Just cannot imagine how the husband and children going to cope should anything happen to her. Prayers go to her and her family!

I have been telling my hubby to have healthy eating habit, exercise more and quit smoking! He simply told me off that he is thinking of buying more insurance coverage for the family! Damn him, I was telling him that health is very important, not money! Now in his 30s, he has a very unhealthy lifestyle! Stress from work, lack of exercise, bad eating habit, smoking and drinking habit, he need to reconsider his health seriously.

Young successful people have been dying early in their life, i.e. 30s and 40s. Mostly died from cancer or heart attack. Some even practice healthy life style, but still they are not spared. I believe it is the food and stress that surrounded us that cause such immature death.

Nowadays, people are taking more processed food instead of cooking and eating healthy and fresh food. Stress from work and other commitment with lack of exercise also contribute to heart problem, which I strongly believe they are related in other way. So I was telling my darling hubby to take everything easily especially at work as he is working in the banking line which is very demanding and stressful! And not forgetting to cut down on fatty food (he loves to take meat), and exercise more. You can never know what is going to happen, those that suffer is not only you, but the one close to you! Pray for a healthy life, shall we?

Free Shoes

I got this nice court shoes from an aunty whose husband work in Kuching International Airport! Guess what! This shoes is left by a guest in airport and since no one redeem it, my uncle brought it back! As my aunty’s feet doesn’t fit in comfortably, she gave it to me! Hahaha! So, I say it is a free pair of shoes! I have received few free shoes before from my aunty when ever she cant fit into them. So, that is one advantage having a husband working in airport and able to collect “lost” shoes around! LOL!

On second note, I just cannot understand how some people can be so forgetful until they forget to take their items during boarding or arrival.

Wonder how much it is but it does look branded to me. Parazzi brand……..anyone can tell me how much does this shoe cost?

Radiant yourself for CNY

I love to put colours on my face! Tell me, which women do not like to look pretty? There is a saying that goes like this “There are many dumb women in this world, but not a single ugly woman around”. Meaning to say that every woman would like to make themselves pretty and good at all times. I strongly believe this saying also apply to young girls as I have some evidence to support this belief!

When I have dinners or special occasions to attend to, I will put on extra effort to apply more colours on my face. Otherwise for normal day, I will just put on my foundation, powder and lip gloss only.

I have been patronizing Artistry brand from Amway for the past 5 years, and very satisfy with their range of products. I even attended its skin care and make up courses to further enhance my skill. Through those trials-and-errors, I have learnt to perfect my make up skills.

Following is my basic tip to have that radiance for any occasions:

1. Foundation and powder
Applying the foundation after moisturize your skin. I usually wait 10 minutes after moisturizing my face before applying the foundation to ensure that the moisturizer has fully settled in my face. Use foundation that nearing to your skin tone colour. It should look natural and match your skin. Use foundation sponge to smooth the foundation over your face. Apply loose face powder on your face after all the make up to set them on your face.

2. Magic stick
Dab a tiny amount of concealer onto your face and under eyes to cover any flaws and under eye circles.

3. Radiant eyes
Apply eye brow colour first. For natural look, the colour of your brow pencil should match the colour of your hair. Never use black as it can look too severe on your face. Apply with quick, light strokes upward, then blend in with eye brow brush. Fill in between hairs where needed.
Next would be eye shadow colours and eye liner. There is choice of crème and powder form, I prefer powder form. The trick here is to use both crème and powder to have a lasting eye shadow. I usually use neutral or bright colour for my eye shadow, but then again depend on clothes that I wear too. Finish up with mascara. Wiggle mascara blush back and forth to ensure lashes grab the most mascara colour from the wand.

4. Blush is a must
Brighten up the face with blusher over apple of the cheeks.

5. Supple lips
A touch of lip gloss can lighten up a tired and pale looking lips. Apply lip liner first followed by lip stick and lip gloss.

Anyone interested to share their tips? Please feel free to email me or leave your comment! I would love to hear your beauty tips as well. :)

Old Friends’ Date

A friend from Brunei dropped by Kuching last week. She was one of my LCCI classmates in Inti College Kuching back in 1995. Initially she plans to take up her final ACCA papers in Kuching and stay here for 6 months, but last minute, the higher learning institution told her the class cancelled as not enough students. So, she got no choice but to go back to Brunei and look for new job (she resigned from her old job before coming to Kuching) and find other alternative to complete her ACCA. She considered this as a holiday and opportunity to meet up with old classmates instead! LOL.

My friend from Brunei

Most of our classmates from LCCI have not been kept in touch after graduating, some married and reside at other places and some went back to hometown or staying in overseas. However few of us still keep in touch via email and sms no matter how far and busy we are! End up only 3 of us went out for a dinner date last Saturday evening.

The trio!

We have our dinner at this café opposite Bomba Jalan Padungan called Bombastic Café. It has been there for ages and I never step into this café before! My other friend recommended this place as she said the food is nice. Hmm, my first impression of this café is that the set up is really simple, but not eye catching enough. I think you wouldn’t want to go there too yourself if no one recommend you to go there!

Look at their creative menu!

Layout of the cafe

We ordered its toast with peanut butter and kaya, which is very nice. Eat it while it is hot!! I have fried rice with chicken stick. I like its chicken stick, the fried rice is so-so only! Tasteless and not warm enough for me. My two friends had chicken chop with mushroom sauce and Spaghetti Bolognese. Their food tasted better than mine, believe me! Hahaha! Conclusion, if you are looking for food with reasonable price, this place is for you. Just don’t expect too much on the food quality. :)

Look at how thick the bread is! Yummy peanut butter coated on top with kaya

My fried rice with chicken stick and fried egg

Chicken Chop with white mushroom sauce

Spaghetti Bolognase

Baby anyone?

A friend of mine was keen to get herself pregnant this year! She is of my age, and very keen to have first baby this year. Anyway, I advised her to take a lot of iron folic and have healthy diet such as more vegetables, fruits and fish in preparation for her pregnancy. I also told her not to rush and pressure herself too much as it is not easy to get yourself pregnant, trust me!! The more you want it, chances that you wouldn’t get yourself pregnant!

You must be well-prepared and informative about pregnancy too. What to expect during the 9 months duration, pregnancy complications, what to expect during labour pain or what options you have if you opt for caesarian and natural birth, baby care and post-pregnancy care. You will learn more about your new body as you go along your pregnancy term and post pregnancy term.

I am very fortunate to have a smooth sailing pregnancy term, without any complication. Besides putting on 18kg during my pregnancy, I didn’t have any morning sickness and food craving. The only gain (besides the weight) is I got myself a sensitive nose. I don’t have a sensitive nose prior to my pregnancy. Even when a colleague commented on someone’s BO (Body odor) or funny smell, I wouldn’t be able to detect those smells easily. However after giving birth, I develop a sensitive nose that was brought from my pregnancy period till now! How funny can that get? And yes, my feet size is 1 size bigger now, from 5 to 6!

I had my Caesarian, as no one believe that I can give birth naturally without much pain! LOL! My tummy is really big for my size and height, so I do understand my family’s concern in my giving birth process. They didn’t want me to go through double pain, of natural birth and Caesarian should I unable to deliver naturally in first place. Should you ask me whether I would opt for Caesarian in future birth, I think I would. Just don’t want to think of those long hours labour pain, and get it over with with the operation. Wake up in your ward bed and find your baby right by your side! Some may commented that birth is different or incomplete without going through those labour pain and natural birth, but after hearing so many stories on it, I would still opt for Caesarian! LOL.

Let me share with you some stories encountered by some people that I know. A colleague of mine gave birth to a baby boy prematurely few weeks ago. She has some complication and doctor needs to operate her. She was into her 6th month, which makes the baby very premature and need observation and medical attention. Another friend of mine into her 8th month, has to go hospital for an IV fluid administration few days ago as she has food poisoning. Luckily she is doing fine now. Doctor even recommended to her that should her condition worsening, she may need to be operated. Scare a shit out of her!! LOL! A cousin has a breech birth for her first baby as her baby’s head was not down when she was due. She did not hesitant to opt for caesarian for her second baby as she did not want to take such risk again.

Everyone has different symptoms and experiences during their pregnancies as everyone is different. My symptoms may not be the same with others. Some may have it but other may not. Anyone care to share their pregnancy or birth experiences here? If you don’t mind, of course. :p

More photos of Wild Wild West

Some more photos from my company dinner since someone commented that I didnt post enough photos for such interesting event!! LOL. Hope this will satisfy your curiosity.

Guests starting to come in

Cowboy dancers

My food on my plate

Salad

Group Photo for remembrance

Who is the fairest among us? ;p

Wild Wild West

The venue, Sarawak Club

Table Decoration

Me (centre) flanked by two beautiful cowgirls

Food and food!

Backdrop of the night

My company staff dinner held last Friday night was fun with everyone dressed up in cowboy, cowgirl and red Indian style in sync with the theme of the night. Wild Wild West required everyone to be dressed in Western style. Everyone in the mood of fun!

Food was buffet style with every one queuing up in orderly manner, although there were a lot of fierce and hungry cowboys around. Besides nice food, there were dances and singing performances by some of the staff from different subsidiaries group of companies.

Free seating, everyone mingle around with other staff from other departments and even other companies. Bosses mixed and sat with staff. Everyone let their hair down and just enjoying themselves around, minus the formality. It is truely a night to be remember by everyone.

Mommy's tag

While blog hopping around aimlessly from one blog to another, I bumped myself into You, Me and Him blog. Guess what! I have received a tag from her! Never thought I am in the list of "Prettiest Mom". :p

So, here I go, to maintain this tag, I simply cut and paste from her blog and continue with tagging other pretty moms (not want to be sexist, I include handsome dads too!) along with it.

Prettiest Mom
Hit 5 pretty moms on your list to let them know they are pretty!

Before I was a Mom
I never tripped over toys or forgot words to a lullaby.
I didn't worry whether or not my plants were poisonous.
I never thought about immunizations.

Before I was a Mom
I had never been puked on.
Pooped on.
Chewed on.
Peed on.
I had complete control of my mind and my thoughts.
I slept all night.

Before I was a Mom
I never held down a screaming child so doctors could do tests or give shots.
I never looked into teary eyes and cried.
I never got gloriously happy over a simple grin.
I never sat up late hours at night watching a baby sleep.

Before I was a Mom
I never held a sleeping baby just because I didn't want to put her down.
I never felt my heart break into a million pieces when I couldn't stop the hurt.
I never knew that something so small could affect my life so much.
I never knew that I could love someone so much.
I never knew I would love being a Mom.

Before I was a Mom -
I didn't know the feeling of having my heart outside my body.
I didn't know how special it could feel to feed a hungry baby.
I didn't know that bond between a mother and her child.
I didn't know that something so small could make me feel so important and happy.

Before I was a Mom -
I had never gotten up in the middle of the night every 10 minutes to make sure all was okay.
I had never known the warmth, the joy, the love, the heartache, the wonderment or the satisfaction of being a Mom.
I didn't know I was capable of feeling so much, before I was a Mom.


My turn: Before I was a Mom:-
1. I have never woke up in middle of the night to a sound of crying/nagging kid ask for her night feeding
2. I have never become a zombie in the night preparing milk and changing diaper for my kid for a duration of 10 - 15 minutes!
3. I can partying and clubbing all night long till early in the morning. Now? I cant keep my eyes open around 10pm! LOL
4. I can hug my hubby in the bed! Now? Little gal come between us and ask us to include her along in the hugging!!
5. I spend my money on my wardrobe and accessories. Now? I allocate half of my spending budget on little gal milk & food, clothes and other stuff!

Now tag 5 persons who you think is a special Mom.

Here's the first chain of tag :
1. Lovelymummy
2. Pek Imm
3. Momisodes
4. Ling
5. Janicepa
6. AnnieQ
7. Allthingspurple
8. Montessorimum
9. clumsy mommy
10. Sandra
11. KittyCat
12. VivianZ


Now the 5 pretty moms, lets hear your stories.. here you go..

1. Billy's mum

2. Cooking momster

3. Nick (the handsome dad)

4. Baby Bok Choi

5. My lovely Mummy

I’m Loving It!

This is not a McD’s advertisement, I do not mean to use its famous tagline for this post’s title. (btw, have you try their Prosperity Burger? It is back again. It doesn’t taste that nice compared to beef patty, as they using chicken patty this time round).

Alright just want to show off my new gadget! :) Yahoo! I have been wishing for one since last year, and finally I got it! Hahahah! Just a single swap on my Mastercard and there go one third of my monthly salary! A big hole in my next month’s credit card statement. LOL.

I am still trying to familiarize myself with this little baby, but I am loving it more and more each day. I have been happily snapping photographs with this baby for the past few days. Light, compact and user friendly! Been a gadget dummy, I need a really simple camera setting that can guide me through easily without giving me much headaches. So far, so good.

For this baby, I got a free camera case, pouch, tripod and RM100 worth of printing vouchers besides a 1GB picture card, which is very sufficient for my photography purposes!

This baby will be my companion as I will be bringing it along in my bag wherever I go. I shall be snapping photographs with it for my future posts and promise my fellow bloggers and friends, no more blur photographs in my blog. I have been using my Nokia 6288 phone camera and sister-in-law’s digital camera all this while. A high time to get a digital camera of my own! Looking forward to take many snaps during this Chinese New Year with my new camera! :)

King of Fruits

Look at the flesh! Whoa!

Wild Durian (the fruit is rounder and has sharper thorns)

The king of fruits, durian is a rather mysterious fruit. Its overwhelming smell yet tasty flesh attracted and detested by many. One would never believe that with such smell, it can create a unique fruit. Isn’t nature a funny thing to understand?

It has been ages since I taste the king of fruits. My family is a durian lover, especially my parents. I remember when I was young, they will buy many durians home (sometime 10 fruits) during durian seasons. They will drive all the way to Serian or along Matang road just to hunt for nice breed of durian. My mum loves those wild durian (its thorn is more sharp and small in size than the normal durian). Wild durian’s flesh is yellowish in colour and the smell is even more pungent than the normal durian!!

It has been more than 10 years since the last time I took durian. Part of it I grew sick of the fruit! Partly maybe my other family member grew sick of it! They were no longer that excited when there were durian season, and seldom buy the fruits back.

On the trip back to Kapit last month, the durian is back and it is in abundance!! RM15 for 10 fruits! How cheap is that!!! My father in law was excited that we went back so he keep buying and crack the fruits for us. The uniqueness about Kapit’s durian is that it is pure breed. Meaning no mix breed. Totally wild breed. As such their durian is smaller in size!

For those durian lovers, you would know that after taking durian you would need to drink some salt water to “get rid” of the heat. Too much of durian, you will fall sick. Hubby and myself fall sick and have sore throat from taking too many durian! LOL! To get rid of the heat, you pour yourself a glass of salt water. 1 -2 tsp of salt would be enough. After stirring the salt, pour the water into one of the shell of the durian. Drink directly from the shell! So be careful when choose a shell to drink from!

As to get rid of the durian smell from your hands, simply let an empty durian shell run over the running tap water, then wash your hand over it! The smell is gone!

Gardenia

These 3 loafs are from Singapore, bought by my lady boss. No Gardenia breads sold in Sarawak! Such a pity!! Why Gardenia doesnt want to go into Sarawak's market???

Anxiety for news of missing girl

It has been a week since little Sharlinie (aged 5) missing from a playground near her house in Taman Dato Harun. No lead to her where about and publics have been urged to look out for her and suspected abductor(s). My prayer goes for little Sharlinie’s safety and return to her family.

Her news brought back memory of Nurin when she was missing last year. News of her stuffed body in a sport bag with evidence of sexual and physical abuses really broke my heart when I read her news. I as a parent, understand the anxiety her parents been through when she went missing, and agony and shock to discover her inhuman murder. Although she is no longer with us, her memory shall always remain in every Malaysian.

Please, I appeal to all Malaysians, please do not let your children play far away from your house, and if possible to be under a supervision of an adult. Our world is no longer safe for our children to play and socialize. Please take care of your children. Havent we learn something from Nurin’s case? Do not let it happen again.

Recycled Desk Calendar

Every year my office will get a lot of complimentary desk calendars from some of our clients and suppliers. By end of the year, we will discard them away since we would not refer to them again for the following year. Isnt it so? Hold on there, DO NOT throw your desk calendar away.

You can recycle them and turn them into something useful. I learn this creative idea from a magazine. Fell in love with the idea when I read it.

Reluctant to throw away a nice desk calendar that I like, I used it for this project. Simply cut 4 slits on the calendar and insert the edges of your favourite photo into those slits!! Ta – da! It turns into a photo holder. Not only 1 photo holder, but 12 or more photos under a holder. You can even decorate the side or jot some messages on the calendar.

Stay Slim Secret

Alright ladies, some ideas to motivate yourself in keeping slim for the new year:

1. Reward yourself - get on the scale on the same day each week. If you hit your mark, then treat yourself to a non-food reward such as new bag or clothes.

2. Clear out the "fat" clothes. Seeing them in your wardrobe make you think you will need them on some day.

3. Get a witness. Share your goals with a friend and ask if you can give them regular report on your progress. Accountability is one of the best way to keep yourself honest.

Chinese New Year taboo

This year, the Chinese will be celebrating new Lunar Year on 7 February 2008. Some of the traditions and customs during Chinese New Year celebration are no longer practiced by most Chinese. However it is still interesting to know those do’s and don’ts which have been passed down for so many generations.

House cleaning
The house would be cleaned before Chinese New Year’s day. On Chinese New Year’s Eve, all brooms, brushes, dusters, dust pans and other cleaning equipment are to be kept away. Sweeping and dusting should not be done on Chinese New Year for fear of good fortune been swept away.

(Rose says: er, when can we do cleaning then? Don’t tell me we can only do so after 15th day? I remember my dad and mum started to vacuum the dirt off the floor after guests have left even on the first day. They cant stand the sight of dirt on the floor! I think my parents have been having good fortune so far doing that. They kept winning lots of lottery numbers for all I know)

Fire crackers
Lighting up firecrackers on Chinese New Year Eve is a way to send out the old year and welcome the New Year. On the stroke of midnight on New Year’s Eve, every door in the house and even windows have to be open to allow the old year to go away.

House is decorated with colourful stickers, cherry blossoms and bright red lanterns and firecrackers.
(Rose says: Unfortunately firecrackers are banned in Malaysia. However some people still manage to smuggle those illegal firecrackers into the country. Only some of those safer fireworks are allowed to be sold here. I still remember when I was small, those people played firecrackers during midnight until the road in front of me went blur and cars had to move one inch at a time to pass through due to invisibility. Those were the days)

Chinese New Year Activities
All debts must be paid on time. Nothing should be lent on this day, as anyone who does will be said to be lending throughout the year.

Everyone must refrain from using foul languages and unlucky words such as “se” (meaning “death”).

Children must not be spanked and scolded on this day no matter how mischievous they are. . Married couples are to give red packets to children and unmarried relatives for good fortune.
Visiting relatives and friends is a custom, where you greet your hosts “Gong Xi Fa Cai” (Happy Chinese New Year) wishing them luck, prosperity and good health for the year.
(Rose says: Yes, that what we do on CNY. Gosh, how much do I need to stand by for red packets give away this year?)

Personal appearance and cleanliness
We are not supposed to wash our hair because it means we would washed away good luck. Red clothing is preferred during this festive occasion. Red is considered lucky colour, bringing luck to the wearer.
(Rose: We don’t really practice those stuff, as I don’t think anyone can stand not to wash hair even on first day. As long I don’t wear anything and everything black on first day, any colour of clothing would do.)

Yawn!

My eyes nearly popping out from their sockets at this time! I cant barely hold them open any longer! Sigh! Hardly have a good sleep last night. Went to bed around 9something then woke up around 12something in the morning and there go my sleep!!! Click here to find out why.

Then little gal woke up around 1something in the morning and asked for her feeding. So, like a zombie, making her milk and feed her. I didnt even have the energy to change her diaper. Luckily she went back to her sleep and I tried to get down to my own sleep! Hardly able to do it peacefully with my darling hubby at my side! I think I want to get those ear muff soon before I am deprived of my sleep.

Now I wish for something refreshing to wake me up! I dont drink coffee so I wouldnt be making any coffee for myself. I am fine this morning, must be because of the meeting and reports that need my attention so I didnt feel tired at all. After lunch, the metabolism going low and make my head dizzy and heavy!

What I want right now is this.....mint tea.....a cup of hot mint tea.

Yawn!

Your Online Store

One of my new year resolution is to find a new source of income besides having a 8 – 5 working hours. I told darling hubby that I am interested in having a small business, probably a boutique. However due to uncertainty and capital needed, I have been holding this business idea for quite some time. Nevertheless I am still determine to support my family by looking for new income sources.

I was browsing through the web during the weekend and bumped into this particular website called Ashop. It is an online shopping cart software, offering millions of people opportunity to own their online businesses. Its award-winning software assists you step by step in setting up and designing your own shopping cart with a small monthly investment. Not only that, you can have your own customized design as well without much hassle!

Try out Ashop ecommerce software as you can get 10 days free trial with no credit card charges before fully committed yourself to it. Have your own business freedom and in charge of your administration and store front in a comfort of Ashop ecommerce software.

Food for your hair

No weekend menu this week. Just want to share with you some home made remedies that I found useful in keeping your locks healthy and beautiful:

Treat Coloured Hair
DIY: Mix 2 oz of normal mayonnaise and 1 tbsp of cider vinegar in a bowl. Apply to hair and comb through with a large comb. Leave on for 1 hour. Rinse hair till clean.

(Rose's remark: during that one hour, you can do your household chores such as sweeping, mopping and even cleaning your bathroom. Otherwise entertain yourself with some books or magazines.)

Promote Hair Growth
DIY: Mix equal quantities of olive oil and spirit of rosemary, add a few drops of oil of nutmeg and mix together. Massage hair roots every night with a little bit of this oilment.

Soften and shine up
DIY: Mix the inside of a pumpkin with 1 egg and a tub of yogurt. Leave for 15 - 20 minutes and then wash out with cool water.

(Rose's remark: You wouldnt smell nice for those 20 minutes duration! )

Remove Build-up

DIY: Rub lemon juice all over your scalp, leave for 15 - 20 minutes. Then rinse off. This will get rid of excess build-up from styling products, neutralise the alkalinity and help with dandruff for a cleaner scalp.

Juicy Oysters

Ta Khiong, the supermarket chain in The Spring was simply packed with families and bargain goers on Saturday evening. We were pretty surprised to see lots of imported goods and food sold there as far as we know Ta Khiong is a local supermarket operator. Credit given to Ta Khiong. After surveying the area, my conclusion is the price pretty on high side compared to other supermarket for some of the items, but as for availability you can get almost everything there.

Initial plan was to hunt for some groceries but darling hubby is very excited to find some fresh oysters on sale! RM15.60 for 4 oysters per pack. He cant resist such good seafood so bought 2 packs of it. LOL. I never trust him following his shopping list as each time he will detour from the list and end up buying lots of items home. He is more of an impulse shopper.

To compliment the oyster, he bought a white wine, Douglas Green with it. He does know his wine well I have to say. Although it is not a good white wine, nevertheless it go along fine with the oyster.

We took the oysters immediately as dont want to spoil its freshness and kept them overnight. So basically cool it with some ices and a squeeze of lemon with fried shallot. Oh yeah, and also the wine for our supper.

Un-Springgy Experience

We went to The Spring for dinner yesterday. Jam and full of people as usual. Luckily we able to find a parking space at such time (around 630pm).

Guess what!? All the shopping mall's escalators are out and not functioning. What happen to them after opening for 3 days?? Huh? Big question mark there.

Anyway we went for our dinner, first we stopped at their Food Bazaar but it is like a war zone. We were not determine to fight those crowds so we went to other places. No luck at Sushi King, queue of 10 peoples outside their outlet. So, we tugged along with little gal, walked aimlessly like "chicken without head" around the mall looking for food to feed our hungry stomaches.

Thank god we find a good place in Kluang Station, no queues in front of their shop and the shop looks pretty inviting too. However we discovered that they out of most food! Not much choices in their menu some more and now they only left few choices to choose from! What? Either they didnt expect such good business or they didnt stock up well for the new shopping mall. Some more, the mall is open up till 12 midnight.

We ordered nasi lemak which is only RM3.90 per plate. Hubby has 2 glasses of ice tea and myself a sirap bandung. Overall the food is just so so, nothing to shout about been one plate of nasi lemak came. They missed out one plate. However the problem was rectified and we quickly have our meal, as little gal was getting restless and making lots of noise.

We went for our shopping at the supermarket. Imported items such as fruits, packaged food can be found there. More on shopping in my next post!

DIY CNY Card

Items for my card

Actually I wrote "Gong Xi Fa Cai" on the right hand side of the card in gold pen, but cant really see them here....

Front view of the card

Look at what I made for the coming Chinese New Year celebration! A greeting card! I wanted to clear some of those re-used red packets (ang pow) and gold ribbon that I have around and turned them into something fancy and collectable! So darling hubby would not nag me to throw them away if they have some value and sentiment to me.

Guess who I give this card to? Darling hubby of course! He is very happy to receive it when I discreetly placed it on his computer table yesterday. He never commented on my art before, but he likes this CNY card I gave to him.

Bicycle for health!

Anyone interested in getting a bicycle for themselves? Good sport and way to keep fit. Another mean of transportation too, with speculation of increase in petrol and diesel sometime this year! A range of sporty bike, mountain bike, BMX bike, to normal bicycles!

Prices ranging from RM200 to RM900 plus. Direct import from Japan. Durable and some even foldable for easy moving and space storing.

Visit Hup Cheong Auto Parts Sdn Bhd at No 25, Upper Chawan Road and No 117B, Green Road, Kuching. Open six days a week from Monday to Saturday.

p/s This is a non sponsored blog, just promote my family's business to interested friends.