My felicity corner 幸福の部落

My Felicity Corner revisited!

2007-10-10T01:37:00.001-04:00

With rather obvious reason, I am reactivating this blog.

A different journey awaits! Hopefully this isn't too late!

Farewell.

2006-12-18T16:53:00.000-05:00

The time has come and I finally have to bid farewell to this corner. This corner has served me well during the past year, yet my demands have outgrown the features that blogspot could provide. Consequently a move is necessary.

As I settle on my new nest on fhnuc.wordpress.com, I will not forget this old nest. All the posts made here will remain as I will be here often to use these posts as references.

I thank you for visiting my felicity corner. See you around in my new nest!

Moving in progress.

2006-12-17T09:07:00.000-05:00

I am in the process of abandoning this old nest. Will appreciate if you can drop me a short e-mail so that I can give you my new nest's URL. Click on 'Write to me!' Banner on your right hand column to find out the way to contact me. I should have done this a while ago.

Thanks, ppl. See ya in my new nest.

Dilemma.

2006-12-16T07:01:00.000-05:00

I am into a lil' bit of a dilemma. I have tried as long as I could on not giving this idea a shot at all, but I realized if I don't do that I am bound by very limited extent. Well, it's about this blog, actually. I think blogspot is fine. It's good actually. It has served me well during the past months. However I have always wanted to jot down more of my personal life, yet this idea is sort of forbidden by Tomato because he doesn't feel secure at all at the idea of disclosing our personal lives in this cyberspace. Consequently I need a blog that has password protected features so that I could still jot down what I want, yet I have a full control about my target audience.

So, I believe I would abandon this ship soon, however I don't have time to explore other possibilities due to hectic schedule. Aigh ... what shall I do? Any suggestions?

Winged Bean. （四翼豆，四棱豆）

2006-11-30T09:15:00.000-05:00

A few weeks ago I saw winged beans on the fresh produce aisle at my local Asian grocery store. It was indeed a pleasant surprise because winged bean is not a regular vegetable carried by the store. Without a doubt I bought 2 packages (each pack only have around 8 beans). I have never had this dish elsewhere but Malaysia.

I enjoy using this sauce to stir fry my veges. As you can tell from the label the sauce is made for Laksa cooking. Perhaps that's the taste for Johor style laksa because the paste is not sourish at all. Instead, the taste is very close to the mixture of sambal + dried shrimp + chili paste, i.e. the combination we use to stir fry long beans and kangkung. Consequently I would always stock up this paste because it's so flavourful, and deliver good result when I use it to stir fry my veges.

The end product. Voila!

During the next visit to the grocery store the winged bean is no longer available. So long, winged bean ... I had great fun when we met! I look forward to having next encounter with you! ^_^

Flickering Flame.

2006-11-30T08:55:00.000-05:00

I really enjoy having flickering flame as part of the home decor. For some unknown reasons I find them to be tranquilizing. To have all the tealight candles lit and place them on my votive candle holders is my personal daily must-have. Needless to say, the candle light adds on some special touch to the festive season.

救谁？

2006-11-29T09:43:00.000-05:00

“如果我和你妈掉进水里，你会先救谁？”

我相信这是一个很老掉牙的问题。基本上我相信很多人都知道经典的满分答案（即双喜妈妈）post的那一个。但是，在我和他之间，我们的version恐怕会比较不一样。怎么说？

请看……

“如果我和你妈掉进水里，你会先救谁？”我说。

“噢，忘了你不会游泳。所以哦，你就继续呆在岸上好了。让会游泳的我去救你的妈吧。”我又说。

他坐在一露出一点无奈，一点炸到，一点不可思议的样子。

所以哦，所有父母们，记得给你们的孩子们学会游泳哦。

The sound of Christmas ...

2006-11-23T06:33:00.000-05:00

I wrote about this last year, and am very happy to share this cool website with everyone again this time around. Starting from Thanksgiving Day in US this station Lite 98 will be playing only Christmas songs ... everyday, every night ... until Christmas! I enjoy tuning into this station to get the warm and fuzzy feeling ... also not to mention the fact that I don't have to buy any Christmas albums because all I need is a radio, or internet broadband.

"It's the most wonderful time of the year ... "

Let the joy, fun, and happiness begin ...

Good read.

2006-11-17T18:27:00.000-05:00

Something I saw from shiaulin's blog. It's not something pleasant to read, nor be aware of, sadly it's also very true. A toast to 'Malaysia boleh'!

Sigh ...

p/s: the author has another updated article on here.

It's that time of the year again ...

2006-11-11T23:07:00.000-05:00

Having the 'November' page shown on my calendar will bring a big smile on my face. Oh, how wonderful that is, I thought to myself. After ten months of waiting finally the joyful season is here, again. Yes, the festive season might have been highly commercialized, but who cares? This is also the season to give thanks, to share the love, to gather and reunite ...

My Christmas tree. Oh, if you have to be politically correct then this is a 'holiday tree'. Aigh, stop pulling my legs ... Why must we subvert the beautiful tradition?

Christmas lights ... viewing from outside of my apartment.

I find the lights soothing ...

Hopefully my electricity bill won't be too expensive, haha ...

Slap forehead!!

2006-11-09T22:05:00.000-05:00

Sis: Hey brother, how are you these days?

Bro: Good, good, can kill tiger.

Sis: Good to hear that. So have you been eating healthily as an effort to recover better from the disease?

Bro: Oh, my appetite has been really well. I eat a lot these days after I am discharged from the hospital. I basically have been eating everything. I had my lunch at McD today.

Sis: (-_-''') What! You had greasy food today? I thought I made it clear that you shall try to avoid unhealthy food for a while?

Bro: Why? I am not having fever anymore. My platelet count has returned to normal level ...

Sis: Yes, your fever has subsided, and your platelet count is now back at the normal range, but didn't you know that your liver enzymes level has elevated to an abnormal level?

Bro: Oh, really? I thought the higher the level the better, like my platelet count!

Sis: (Slap forehead!) NONONONO!!!! Your AST count is 306 (normal reference range given by the lab: 16-40), ALT count 312 (normal reference range 8-54) etc ... Even when I was under my anti-TB therapy, given the high liver toxicity my liver enzymes never give so high reading! Your liver obviously is inflamed as a complication of Dengue....

Bro: Oh, is that serious?

Sis: Well, that just means that we have to work hard on eliminating extra burden for your liver right now, and make sure you have enough rest and enough liquids and great amount of nutritious food to replenish your body ...

Bro: Oh shoot ... I had mamak food yesterday ...

Sis: You what!!!!!!!!

Bro: And I have been returning to the field and play football a few days ago.

Sis: (SLAP FOREHEAD AGAIN!!) Hey brother don't you know that due to the inflammation your liver is slightly enlarged now? You only discharged from hospital last Friday can't you wait at least a few more days (or better still, weeks) before you become THAT active?

Bro: I have to get fit again ...

Sis: Yes you can do that but your body needs to recover you know? You cannot take your body for granted ... For everyone's sake you just recovered from DENGUE!! And your platelet count was that low and you had 4 pint of platelet transfusion blah blah blah blah blah ...

Bro: Okay okay ... honestly I didn't know this is so severe ...

Sis: (slap forehead uncountable times ... ) {speechless}

Bro: To be honest with you I plan to have some alcohol on Friday night with my buddies ... I am sure that is forbidden too ...

Sis: WHAT? ALCOHOL? Are you trying to kill yourself? (I can practically slap my forehead until I pass out ...)

Bro: Okay .. okay ... I know now .. I know ...

Ppl, don't take life for granted ... please ...

I can vomit blood ... !!

What quality ?

2006-11-08T16:46:00.000-05:00

I don't understand what quality does the production team see in the new 'James Bond'. To me, he doesn't have the height, he doesn't have the look, he doesn't have the style, he doesn't have the charm ... so, why?

科学路上……

2006-11-08T13:26:00.000-05:00

从好朋友的小站里读了一些她近期发生的研究路上心路旅程，加上家里发生的小状况，有一点点的感触……

弟弟最近患上登革热（前称骨痛热蚊症），全家人的心理上上下下的，忐忑不安。很难熬的时刻终于过去，弟弟现在在康复当中。

其实在马来西亚登革热的并发率是那么的高，也发生了那么多年，(we are talking about decades, even centuries)，坦白说，如果这样的情况在发达国家，很有效的疫苗早就研究出来了。现阶段，抗登革病毒蚊症疫苗的研究还在属于慢慢研究的过程当中。为什么慢？因为这种疾病没有给美国英国加拿大澳洲等等先进国造成太大的威胁，自然而然就没有那么多科学家对此病症有兴趣。没有人研究，没有人愿意拨款，没有竞争，自然脚步就慢了。肺结核(Tuberculosis)的命运也几乎是如此，现有的治疗方式还是停留在十几二十年前的方式，没有更新更有效的方式……

曾经我发愿要成为科学家，专修微生物。没有其他理由，因为病菌造成的疾病很多时候是防不了的。其他的疾病如癌症，某个程度来说我们可以预防，但是传染性的疾病，无论我们再多么努力，我们只可能控制那扩散的速度，要完全将它们eradicate，是，很大程度，难如登天的。

结果我到了加拿大，为了我的理想前进。但是很不幸的我自己患上了非典型的肺结核。其实这一场疾病让我可以冷静地思考，规划出我人生真正想要的方向。患病以前的梦想是要在微生物学这一方面一直往前进，从学士到硕士到博士一直得走下去。学士毕业的时候观赏了博士的毕业典礼，那么的让人澎湃，那么的让人向往，但是我知道这样的一个梦想很有难度因为番茄先生不可能一直都留在加拿大。毕业以后美国会给他更多且更好的机会，但是年轻总得挨一挨的，我想，所以远距离几年算得了什么……这是患病前的想法。病了以后，也更认真的发现，研究的路上其实不适合我。研究界钻牛角尖的思维方式不是我恭维的；研究界的批判性不是我可以有的本领；研究界的lifetime commitment是我承诺不了的（很多教授级的科学家都是不婚，或没孩子的。家庭与研究很多时候无法共存）；研究界快而准的压力，不是我想背负的…… 再说，之前那么热爱细菌学的我，却也很讽刺性的宰在此病菌的‘手’里。有没有被discourage？坦白说，我很难说没有……（之前番茄问我修完内科完毕以后他可不可以考虑专修infectious disease，我很想支持他，但是我还是很难免的给了他一个很哀怨的眼神，企图说，可不可以不呢？哦，题外话……）再说，若说远距离适合我，才怪！我和番茄先生从1998年开始在一起，一支携手努力要在一起，这一次为什么要挑战那么未知的远距离呢？

做了一轮又一轮的思考，我放弃了之前的坚持。生病以后我问自己，如果生命的quantity需要递减，我希望要有什么quality呢？

离开加拿大，离开了之前的规划，近两年了。像现在，其实没有什么不好。离开研究实验室，我重投临床试验室的怀抱。还是临床试验的化验工作比较适合我。起码我有规定的工作时间（研究工作很多时候是不定，且说不上的）；我被医院雇用，不是只活在一件专属研究实验室，这样的情况下working benefit比较好；还有等等其他的工作条件也是我个人比较喜欢的。

再说，看了朋友的最新感触，我更觉得，啊，那一种生活模式，不会适合我的……批评与自我批评，开玩笑，那一点也不是我的风格。我一直笃信大地发生的一切有自己的规律，怎么个批判呢？再说，研究路上是孤寂的，你在为那‘可能’而努力。‘可能’可能是重大的，但那‘可能’也可以是一种‘零’。我承受不了那一种未知，抵受不了那一种可能‘归零’的可能性。

我知道，我做了适合我自己的选择……

我相信每一个人都有比较适合的职业。我从初中开始就爱上了实验室，显微镜。求学路上考虑过其它的可能性，但是兜来转去还是回到了我自己的原点。目前来说是自己喜欢的职业，但是细节上来说还不是ideal的环境，希望再走下去会有更好的选择。

同行的有些已经厌倦了实验室，或只是纯粹向探讨其他的可能性。在美国加拿大很多人都有学海无涯的想法，所以其实不介意三、四十岁依然回到校园的想法。有的想考进医学院，有的想上药剂系……那一天被问我有没有这样的想法，我想说，医学院啊，我五年前考进了一次，纯属试一试，但是bottomline我知道那不会适合我，所以，也没有怎样。药剂？我不喜欢生理学，也不喜欢pharmacology，尽管妈妈以前一直nag我进入这行，我也无动于衷。现在？我当然也不会考虑。

现在的我，还不错。somewhere along the road i might wanna return to school，不过应该是半工读形式的完成一个Health Administration的硕士吧。我想如果我不干这一行我要干一些周末不用上班（我们得轮周末班，医院的临床实验事是２４／７的）。 Administrative level的工作应该不错吧，我想。哎，也只是一种planning而已，再说吧。

我想，我想说的是，年少的梦想，实践，求学阶段的理想，与离校以后的努力，都一直会改变吧。

没有为什么，因为没有什么是永恒的。谁让变才是永恒呢？

一点点点滴记录……

Fall 2006

2006-11-06T16:46:00.000-05:00

Honestly I am very addicted to the wonderful fall (autumn) colours. Who wouldn't?

Maple trees are just amazing ... on a same tree you might get 4 different colours out of it. The change of colours from green to yellow to orange to red is just phenomenal ...

When I was in junior high school I dreamed about living in places with plentiful maple trees. Am grateful that that wish was granted.

When you see a tree like this, you just can't help but to look up and admire the beauty of wonderful nature ...

There is a reason why people here preferred the term 'Fall' over 'Autumn'. Look at the amount of leaves that 'fell' from the tree ...

Sooner or later all trees will be like this, leafless.

The wonderful fall foliage ...

finally ...

2006-11-04T12:14:00.000-05:00

Finally my brother is discharged from the hospital after spending a few nights in the hospital.

At the beginning of the week I really thought of flying home. I know it is very non-pragmatic, but with the close bond I have with my brother and my family, I really wish that I could be there to support them. I know there isn't much I could do personally to help him to be better because dengue is a matter of supportive therapy, and in his case, a few platelet transfusions too, but I know I could be there to help my family to understand the disease and the progression better. At the very least I can interpret the lab test results without having them to panic over some wrong matters. Moreover, should I have further questions I know where to seek help.

Anyhow, after uncountable doses of acetaminophen (paracetamol) and a few pints of platelet, his fever finally had subsided and his platelet count had returned to normal level. This indeed is a very big relief to all of us... However his liver shows signs of inflammation (as indicated by the liver function blood tests), so he will have to adhere to a liver detox regimen, and intake of only nutritious food to avoid giving extra burden to his liver.

A speedy recovery for you, ya, brother.

I really miss my family...

my lil' brother has dengue fever ...

2006-10-31T13:47:00.000-05:00

My lil' brother (20 yo) is diagnosed with dengue fever, and is currently hospitalized... There is no where else I'll wanna be at more than home, now ... Persistent fever for 4-5 days, with rashes, myalgias, significantly low platelet count, and highly nauseous.

What's worse, Oct 31 is his birthday. What the ...

Incidentally, Ashley's mum just recovered from dengue fever ...

Beware of mosquitoes, everyone ...

Photos: The White House.

2006-10-21T23:20:00.000-04:00

When: Last weekend.

Where: The White House, Washington D. C.

Purpose: Leisure trip.

Yes, this is where the President of the United States resides. This is the front part (or the back? can't tell) of the house.

This picture was taken last year, during our previous trip to DC. This is another part of the house. I can't differentiate the front and the back of the White House.

Tourists trying to capture some photos of the White House.

Uncountable tourists trying to grab a look on the famous White House.

A police officer standing across the street ... see the monument as the background in this picture?

More Washington Monument photos coming up ...

Flattered.

2006-10-20T09:21:00.000-04:00

Recently one of the co-worker of mine sent another co-worker to me just to find out whether do I have a bf because he'll like to ask me out. My way of answering this question?

'I don't have a bf, but ... I have a fiancé. '

It is a culture here to wear the engagement ring on the ring finger after a female is engaged. Well, I don't because I have to wear gloves all the times during work.

Anyhow, am flattered. This hasn't happened in years after the world knows about Tomato.

I hate to admit this, but hey, it was shiok!

*shiok is a slang commonly used in Malaysia and Singapore. It is an expression to convey a feeling of sheer happiness and contentment.

A baby story.

2006-10-20T09:08:00.000-04:00

Due to our erratic work hours we don't really have a social life in Richmond, VA. True we have friends, but most of the 'friendships' are built on the workfellow basis. It certainly is challenging to go beyond this level.

Anyhow, there is a Malaysian Chinese couple to whom we'll occasionnally hang out with. A few months ago, E (the wife), got pregnant. On early September a baby shower was thrown for the mum, and a few weeks later, a cute baby born was born.

To me, E is a lucky lady because she had one of a kind delivery experience. She started having some contraction at the midnight, so they admitted her to the hospital. Contraction happened even before the water was broken. When the water broke she was already 8cm dilated. Within an hour later healthy baby boy C arrived to this wonderful world.

Isn't that an ideal? I have heard so many horrible experience about long hours of contractions, and E did everything in lesser than 2 hours. When asked about the smooth delivery, E mentioned the importance of doing exercises during the pregnancy. She was a regular to the swimming pool, and maternity yoga sessions. It was actually a legacy she inherited from her mum too because her mum had both her deliveries in a rather easy level.

A baby story, just to share.

掌握一个男人的胃……

2006-10-01T08:54:00.000-04:00

读了双喜妈妈的“巧妇厌举炊”篇心里有点感想，一直很想写下些什么。来不及在那里留言，就在这里留点印记吧。

文中提及双喜爸爸几天没有吃双喜妈的饭菜，很哀怨，欲语还羞，又有点暧昧（这是我个人的揣测啦）的向双喜妈透露心底想吃双喜妈温暖牌饭菜的情结。双喜妈嘴里虽然嚷着“讨厌”，但想必心里还是喜滋滋的吧。嘿，毕竟，双喜爸的胃可是双喜妈的囊中物哪。这样的专利，可不是每个女人都享有的哩。

我有个二十四孝的老爸。他呀，是我看过最孝顺的儿子。可能因为他是长子，或，嗯，不知道。反正，他永远很有我祖父母心就是了。当然，这，一点都不是坏事。只是有时我们很替我爸叫冤，因为八个兄弟姐妹当中他不是得宠的，纵使有再多的任劳任怨与奉献。哦，扯远了，回到话题。

说到掌握一个男人的胃嘛，可能，是我妈心底的一个小痛吧。因为啊，若你问我爸，我祖母的饭菜比较好吃还是我妈的饭菜比较好吃，嘿，我相信你一定猜得出很孝顺的我爸会怎么回答。我必须强调，我祖母很可以煮，我妈也有我妈的拿手菜哦。每一回说到这一个课题，我妈就会酸酸地说，啊，给他煮了几十年的饭菜了，还是敌不了他妈饭菜的地位。我妈没有因为这样就不下厨啦，只是，这可能是她心里头挥之不去的心酸吧。听在我心里，我当然为我妈叫屈，但是，我又能怎样呢？

现在，我也找到让我依偎一辈子的男人。在我们俩的小圈子里，两人背负不一样的生活小职责。厨房，是我的地头。自２００２年离家以后，他的胃，一直就在我的care list当中。我很幸运他一点也不挑食。除了苦瓜是他很不想碰的食物，我煮什么，他总没有怨言（当然，我的厨艺还算可以啦）。这样的景象，在我家，还不一定，因为我的两个弟弟都有点挑，有时还挑得让人生气。所以，我感恩。有时我昂首问他，有些什么他妈妈的拿手菜是他想念的？他总说，离家太久，已经忘了家里饭菜的味道了。我难掩心底的喜悦，却也对他妈妈不好意思。我可以想像，如果有一天我儿子有这样的情节，我，恐怕也会有点小难过吧。

辛晓琪唱“女人和苦为难女人”。听了这首歌我一直提醒自己不要坠入这样的情局。希望这样的一种矛盾不是身为女人的宿命。

祝福全天下女人，起码，可以掌握一个男人的胃。＝）
然后，让我们一起感恩，我们的幸福。

Happy Bulan Ramadhan.

2006-10-01T08:39:00.000-04:00

How time flies. It's that time of the year again. Soon it will be Hari Raya ... Haven't been home for years to celebrate this festive season. I miss those Raya concoctions, the kuih-muih, the curries, etc ... Oh well.

Boo_licious is a very detailed food blogger who would hop from one Ramadan Bazaar to another. I have a love and hate relationship with her blog. I love what she shares, yet again, I hate the fact that I can't be in Malaysia now just to enjoy those delicacies ... To me, Malaysia truly is a food heaven, for the varieties given.

Do hop to her blog and show some support. If you're looking for tips to Ramadan Bazaars Boo's blog will serve as a good source. Please, enjoy the feast, on my behalf!

my life this and that ...

2006-09-27T09:02:00.000-04:00

Have been busy from work lately. Life is tiring. A lot of times I don't get to read all the blogs I would like to read, much less leaving comments in everyone's blog, or type any entries ... Anyway, am surviving ...

Am happy that mamabok received all the so-called 'care packages' safely. To be honest with you I salute mamabok to have the strength to stay in a rather small town where she currently resides. I cannot imagine living without asian groceries, for I have a very asian, and for the most part "Malaysian" palate. After I left Halifax I am blessed to be in this city, whereby asian groceries are easily available. Previously when I was in Halifax I required my mum to mail me some cooking stuff from Malaysia because even if there are asian grocery stores in Halifax, they mostly sell China food stuffs, and that, did not suffice my Malaysian-style palate. Now, in Richmond, I no longer require my mum to mail me any food stuffs because of the great variety that is available here. In Halifax it was so tough to get fresh produce like long beans, chinese cabbage, basil, guylan, and etc asian style vege, things are very different here. Can you imagine living in a place whereby asian grocery is not available almost at all (like in Mamabok's place)?
Mamabok, I call that an unconditional love ... for papabok and Chloe.

Mamabok mentioned about the mooncake she bought once years ago in Halifax, mooncakes that were as hard as rock. Hey, I can proof to you that that wasn't a lie, at all. Actually we were able to get some decent mooncakes from the grocery stores in Halifax (that were transported from Hong Kong), but they cost around CAD$25 per box. How could a poor student, like me, afford that? So we opted for some cheaper mooncakes. I think it cost CAD$4 each. They turned out to be the biggest joke, EVER, in mooncake history. They were hardly edible, because they really were as hard as ROCK. A strong knife was a MUST just to slice the mooncakes ... look at this photo, see how dried the mooncake is? and how it crumbled? Yes, we were conned.
Anyhow, am glad that even Chloe (mamabok's daughter) likes mooncake too.

Then, Little Luke Skywalker received the gift that I sent months ago. I thought that parcel went M.I.A, and luckily, it managed to find a way to the receiver. Next LLS's thoughtful father wrote a cute post about the conversation he had with his lil' son about what should LLS say to this 'Auntie Greenapple' should we meet ... haha. LLS's reaction was very shocking indeed. 'Oh my Goodness' was one of a kind reaction, and perhaps sign of watching too much TV shows. =p
Then Mr. Egghead mailed me and asked me whether is it appropriate to address me as 'Auntie' because he wasn't aware of the fact that I am, still, childless ... hmm, oh well. I am at my mid-20s, engaged, not a mum yet. I guess this can be regarded as a confusion age too (like teen-age). Okay, I know I no longer am a girl, so 'jie jie' will be, eerrr, understated (bleh!), but 'auntie' ? [sigh big time!]
Can I have him to call my name instead? =)
All in a sudden I like it here. The culture over here is that you'll address someone by their name for the most part ... unlike Chinese we'll have to determine the relationship and the order according to the family tree ...

oh well ...

Just some brief updates. Take care everyone ...

Two weeks notice.

2006-09-14T17:35:00.000-04:00

No I am not talking about the movie starring Hugh Grant and Sandra Bullock.

I am referring the customary of giving two weeks notice of resignation as a general working scene here in USA. Correct me if I am wrong, but I thought in Malaysia an employee would need to give at least 2 months notice, or until the employer is able to employ someone as replacement and have him or her trained. Here, however, two weeks, is what it takes to say good-bye. After that timeframe, you're free to go.

A lot of times it takes months to get a new personnel trained. Yet resigning is THAT easy. Certainly this doesn't make sense to me, what do you think?

Last name.

2006-09-14T07:42:00.000-04:00

Ever since I live in this continent, I always find people's last name to be interesting. I am sure people find my last lame (surname, or family name) amusing too because how could "Ng", a word that doesn't have vowel, but only consonant be a valid last name? It is rare for people here to have the confidence to pronounce 'Ng' correctly. Whenever they see my name, they would pause slightly, and elevate their heads, ask me politely, 'How do I pronounce your last name?'

'Forget about it, just call me xxxxx.'

That's always my way of replying.

Back to the topic. After a few years living here I realized virtually any words can be last names. I have seen some really cool one, like ''Bachelor", "Singleton", "Handsome", etc. You get the picture. Can you imagine being address as 'Mr. /Ms. Handsome' all the times? I always regard these people as the lucky one because, hey, how often do we get to have cool last names like that?

Needless to say, there are also reverse cases. I always regard those as 'unfortunate' one.

In the hospital, whenever we call back some critical results, we'll have to obtain politely the RN (registered nurse)'s first initial and last name. There was once I heard, 'I am Ms.Whore', I was like, 'Can you repeat that?', then she said, "My last name is HORE, H-O-R-E.'

Oh, I see.

Can you imagine how unfortunate that is?

Lately I have encountered a really sick patient in the hospital having "Grave" as last name. Not to correlate the physical condition with the name, but somehow I can't help but to feel bad for the patient.

To me, the worst last name to have would be ...

"Coffin"

Now that is the ultimate 'unfortunate'.

When I was in school I happened to discuss this phenomenon with a professor, and I brought up this ultimate 'unfortunate' last name. She agreed with me. She told me, believe or not many of the "Coffin" family members made their way to the doctoral level. Can you imagine if you're a MD, or PhD and your last name has to be heighten and you're addressed as Dr. Coffin all the time?

Whatever it is, we shall all cherish our last names.

Stir-fry corn with bird-eye chili, garlic and soy sauce.

2006-09-05T07:00:00.000-04:00

When I was younger I was never introduced to using corn as a dish. Sure they serve as a good snack, but never to be stir-fried and plated. My mum learned this dish sometime ago from the Buddhist Library that is located near our home in KL during one of the free vegetarian lunch that was offered by the site. It's actually a simple dish. Stir fry the corn with bird-eye chili (cili padi), garlic (ginger if you're a strict Buddhist, or as you prefer), and soy sauce. Just chop the corns to a smaller parts then stir fry them. As easy as 1-2-3. The aroma of the chili blends really well with garlic and soy sauce.

Have been cooking this dish a lot lately because corns are cheap during the summer months.

This is the soy sauce I use in my daily cooking. I don't use oyster sauce as I am not comfortable with the ingredients used during manufacturing. I started using this soy sauce when I was in Canada, only to realise this product is easily available in Malaysia too. It's a product from Indonesia. It works really well with vege stir-frying.

话说红楼梦……

2006-09-04T08:37:00.000-04:00

双喜妈妈的读者都知道她对《红楼梦》的厚爱，说来有点惭愧，身为独中生的我，从来没有度过这一本著作咧。下回回家得抱一本回来这里详阅才可以，想必囫囵吞枣不会让我发现固中的美吧。

红楼梦，你等我吧。

Summer Fun.

2006-09-02T06:18:00.000-04:00

Generally people here in North America are crazy about summer. I can actually see why, despite my own preference. During summer everyone is out barbeque-ing, grilling, hiking, cycling, going to the beaches, travelling, etc. Summer concerts in the malls are some of the highlights for the season too. Nice weather during the early evening, nice music, in a nice mall, a very wonderful atmosphere indeed. A lot of them normally attended the summer concert prepared (look at the folding chairs).

It really is a good way to celebrate the summer evenings ...

Many kids dancing happily in front of the band and singers. It sure is a fun sight to look at.

They even have kiddie tu-tu-train rides for kids ...

On another day, a sunny afternoon in another mall:

Kids were giggling, having fun with the water. Parents were giggling too, standing at the side looking at their kids enjoying themselves.

May everyone enjoy the remaining of the summer.

Williamsburg Winery

2006-08-23T09:19:00.000-04:00

"Wine cheers the sad, revives the old, inspires the young, makes weariness forget his toil." ~ Lord Byron

When we visited San Francisco in the month of April we actually drove to Napa Valley, home of many great wineries in California. I was really excited then as I thought I would get to see the grape vines, only to realize that the plants had not leafed yet. Consequently, we were welcomed by uncountable grape vines that were just pruned, definitely not a sight that I once imagined. Having said that, we were really happy that we made the trip (approximately 40 min from San Francisco) as it was still a bliss travelling across the valley, from one vineyard to another.

"Wine is the most civilized thing in the world." ~ Ernest Hemingway

We left San Francisco feeling a bit unaccomplished because we thought if we were not able to observe a growing grape vine during the trip, we would hardly get the chance anymore unless we fly to west coast again. Little did we know that we reside in a state with many wineries too! Oh, how shocking. We were eager to visit one, especially close to the harvest season. In these few months we had been patient, waiting the arrival of a weekend with nice weather (a few weeks ago it was boiling hot out there as the temperature was up to 48 Celsius). Last Sunday was the day we had our dreams fulfilled.

"Good wine is a necessity of life for me." ~ Thomas Jefferson

After doing some survey on the internet, we had our hearts set on Williamsburg Winery in Williamsburg, roughly an hour drive from Richmond. Claimed to be the largest winery in Virginia, we figured that we wouln't be disappointed. So, off we went after we had the map googled.

After an hour of driving, we finally found this gem hidden in the suburb. We are welcomed by rows of grape vines.

Upon arrival, we immediately signed ourselves up for tour-and-taste, a guided tour offered by the winery followed with 7 wine tasting. The tour cost $7, inclusive of the etched wine glass after the wine tasting session. During the registration I was asked to show my photo-ID but not Tomato! Oh I was so flattered! (In US no one under the age of 21 is allowed to purchase and possess alcohol) That really made my day, ha!

Due to the fact that it is not the harvest season yet, we did not really see the process of wine-making. So the major highlight would be a stroll down the barrel cellar. (this shot was taken with flash)

I tried to capture a shot without flash. The wine cellar sure is a dim room. The temperature is set to around 55 Fahrenheit for fermentation so it was kinda chilly to walk through when everyone was wearing shorts and short-sleeves shirts.

Each barrel is labeled with the name of the grape, or the type of the blend. It sure was fun walking through the cellars.

Then came the wine-tasting session...

Types of wine offered by Williamsburg Winery.

Wine tasting with crackers and cheese. Wine and cheese ... life doesn't get better than this ...

The wine glass with the winery's special monogram for us to take home as keepsakes.

How could one leave the winery without bringing some wine home? We bought some of the best-selling wines. $22 for three bottles of decent wine, not a bad deal at all.

The trip ended with two adults in their mid-20s running freely in the vineyard like small kids ...

A typical grape vine. See the grapes? I bet the fence is set to prevent people like you and me who would try to sample a grape or two from the vineyard. Hehe!

Beautiful grapes that will soon be harvested and turned into great wine ...

"A man not old, but mellow, like good wine." ~ Stephen Phillips

A shot to share with everyone ... cheers!

"A bottle of good wine, like a good act, shines ever in the retrospect." ~ Robert Louis Stevenson

one year old.

2006-08-19T15:28:00.000-04:00

I can't believe I have already owned this cyber felicity corner for a year.

h-o-w t-i-m-e f-l-i-e-s!

I created this space for myself to jot down my felicity moments, after a year I don't think I've adhered to what I used to set for myself. I certainly love to type something here to share, but let's face it, blogging is also a commitment.

Will try harder. I will.

To my dear corner, happy 1st. May you have more felicity birthdays to come.

Cheers. =)

I miss this place ...

2006-08-08T16:05:00.000-04:00

I call this place heaven on earth. Revisited this place last year when I was home. Where? Redang Island it is ...

How I miss this blue water ...

So clear ... so bluish ...

Sandy beach ...

So serene ...

Stayed in this place 5 years ago when I first visited Redang ...

Stayed in Berjaya Redang Resort with my mum and my lil' brother last year.

It was a great trip.

I miss great view like this ...
Imagine sitting on a reclining chair, having a book on your lap, enjoying the sea breeze and the sound from the ocean waves. Occasionally when you elevate your head you get a view like
this ... divine, right?

Next time when I ever visit Redang Island again, this is the place I will wanna try ...

Looks like a nice resort. What's more important is that the long stretch of white sandy beach is a view you don't get in Berjaya Redang Resort, which occupies another end of the island.

A meal here in this patio perhaps, on Laguna Redang Resort.
Tell me, what could be better when you're sitting at this romantic spot, overseeing the blue ocean and sky ...

A lively island indeed.

Something I did on the island ...

Man I need a vacation ... !

aargghhh!!

p/s: something to share when I was there last year. Pay attention to the words on the [upper] board. (especially the last line. heh) may you have a giggle. =)

Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden.

2006-08-07T08:56:00.000-04:00

Random shots taken at the Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden in Richmond, VA. Given the fact that it's a botanical garden, there are varieties of plants in the garden, together with many impressive landscaping. Click on http://www.lewisginter.org/visit/facilities.php for more info. We went there for a picnic event, so we didn't finish touring the entire garden. Might return to the garden in the near future when the heat dissipates.

flowers ...

flowers ..

flowers ...
(i think they're highly photogenic)

this is a nice shot for ppl who would like to study the anatomy of the flowers, ha!

giant white Hibiscus.
surprising hibiscus can be seen widely here.

a plant that could trap insects.

there is a greenhouse in the garden, but we didn't go in during the visit.
next time ... we'll make it.

a pond, with some lotus plants, with lotus flowers ...

and lotus seed head!

it's BEE-utiful!

lily?

Sunflowers ...

You're my sunshine ... !

Don't-know what flower ...

Apple trees!

I think this is Granny Smith. My guess.

Oh how I love these basil plants ...

Corn plant.

Tempting ... isn't it?

There is a Children's Garden in the Botanical Garden, where many hands-on activities, plays, adventure pathways, farm gardens, and etc are featured. The basil plants, the apple trees, the corn plants, and many other herbs and vege plants like tomatoes can be found here. It was so fun to walk around. I am sure kids will love it here.

This spot is designated for the parents while the kids have fun exploring the garden.
Was told that I am not eligible to be at this spot yet. Bleh. I better run away ... ha!

提不起劲

2006-08-06T03:44:00.000-04:00

提不起劲在这里写下些什么，
纵使脑海里为这里起了一个又一个的稿。

提不起劲给家里拨电话，
虽然已经一个星期没有和家人说说话了。

提不起劲下厨，
纵使自己的味蕾超想念一些只有靠自己才弄得出的家乡味……

提不起劲洗车，
虽然车上的灰尘已厚得如毛一般……

提不起劲回信，
纵使心了很想给老朋友们写些什么……

提不起劲学习，
虽然心里知道必须努力的重要性……

提不起劲庆祝我们的8周年，
纵使三百年前就已经很期待这一天的来临……

因为天气，因为工作，
啊，提不起劲……

Outdoor Sauna.

2006-08-04T09:36:00.000-04:00

Have you experienced an outdoor sauna before?

Come to this region of the earth you'll know how it feels. Temperature as high as 40 Celsius (and reportedly 'feels like' 48 Celsius due to the high humidity as reported by the weather channel). Now tell me, doesn't this feel like an outdoor sauna?

Oh fall (I mean the season autumn), please approach this region faster ... I can't stand the heat anymore!

高中。大人。

2006-07-25T09:58:00.000-04:00

最近从friendster户口那里看到几张高中朋友的照片，其中一张，是其中一位高中不错的朋友结婚晚宴的分享，里头，还有近乎整班的高中同学。看到那一张照片的那一刹那，说真的，我傻了！其实，震撼，是比较贴切的形容词。高中，是上一个世纪的事了。中学离校以后，还有联系的中学朋友除了那10几个以外，和其他的完全没有交流过。照片里出现的很多都是我高一与高二同班的同学，有些名字我轻易脱口而出，有些需要在我脑海里转个弯，但是有些我是竭尽所能都吐不出的。啊，高中。想不到，一晃眼，差不多十年就这样过去了……

从朋友那里获得那一位刚刚小登科的高中同学的e-mail，给他发了一封短讯过去，祝贺他，也希望以那封短函为一个开端，希望以后我们可以保持联系。几天以后，收到他的回函，也是很简短的两句，但是有几个字让我噗嗤了一下，然后玩味久久。

他说“是啊，大人咯，结婚了，你呢？”

是啊，大人啰。

可能，对于这一班朋友的记忆停留在十年前的回忆……
可能，我从来没有用过这两个字在我自己身上（不是denial，只是，有时我很纳闷，岁数确实在增加，但是我和十年前的我有不同吗？现在的我，是年幼的我对于‘大人’的我的期许吗？）……
可能……

那一张照片，在我心里，泛起了阵阵涟漪。

我和另一位高中朋友说，高中那一章，感觉上，是上一辈子的事了。
我朋友说这是哪码子的比喻。
但是，离家那么多年，那么不一样的生活，回想起从前，那，是很陌生的熟悉。

高中，渐行渐远。

迎向我的，是我的‘大人’生涯。哈哈。

待会儿，我会回信说，“是啊，大人啰，我明年也结婚……”

大人了。高中，一去，不复返矣。

My Felicity Home.

2006-07-11T16:41:00.000-04:00

Just some details I love about my felicity home ...

of Monet.

of Aromatherapy ...

of colour therapy ...

of Wisdom ...

of Flowers ...

of Dried bouquet ...

of decor with functionality ...

of home fragrance sticks ...

of something from Japan...

Some souvenirs I bought when we were having our transit in Japan last year. Frames were from Ikea.

Candles on the rock.

This actually is a 'rainbow maker' given by my lovely friends in Canada. This lil' device is generated by solar energy. Whenever there is sunlight, the crystal will revolve, creating some nice rainbow rays ...

When I posted this in my previous post, some bloggers thought this is a lamp of some sort. Well, it's actually a photo frame. There is no bulb in it.

As you can probably tell, I am a big fan of the 'Precious Moments' artwork.

My wine bottles get dressed up.

Something I bought from the Jonker Street, Melaka. Like it a lot.

平安。

My Winnie the Pooh Shower Curtain hooks with my nice shower curtain.

My favourite colours.
My favourite mugs.
My favourite candles.
My favourite place mat.

My lil' living room. Cozy, eh?

Welcome to my felicity home. =)
Care to be my guest?

A medley post.

2006-07-10T16:10:00.000-04:00

Upset

Was really upset by France's lost. I thought France performance was really well OVERALL, and this was the team who sent Brazil home, so they should be good! Was even more upset to see what happened to Zidane. I am sure regrets is all over him, and that he is ashamed too by his own action... All that I blamed the evil Meterazzi. Alright these are my thoughts. Not to offend any Italian fans.

It saddened me more when Zidane didn't show up for the medal and closing ceremony. Heard that he was the captain, wasn't he? I thought he should at least embrace fully whatever was left as the match remarked a closing chapter of his widely-extolled career. Arrggghhh.

Tears was in my eyes when the game end. Yes I was that upset. Am not a big soccer fan in general as I would be distracted easily by some other chores while watching the games. But the way this sport event ended really got me, and that eventually I am diagnosed with 'World cup fever' by Tomato ... Ha! Tomato is a huge world cup fan, more so than Manchester United in the English Premier League. He felt happy to see me overwhelmed by the game, bleh.

Alright, no more world cup for a while. At least not in this 4 years. World cup, see ya again in 2010, South Africa.

New Apartment

These few weeks I spend a lot of time arranging, decorating, and shopping for our new apartment. I consider this 900 square feet apartment huge for just both of us, and that does imply more house-cleaning for me during the weekends, ha. But I really like the floorplan as I enjoy having an open kitchen. What I don't like, though, is that we have 2 bathrooms in this 2 bedrooms apartment. The 'extra' bathroom will be left unattended for a while, heh.

We are all Ikea (in US they pronounce Ikea as in 'EYE'-kea, not 'IK-kea' like in Malaysia) when it comes to getting new furnitures, even if Ikea is an hour drive away. My little Hyundai Accent has been a great helper in transporting the furnitures. Hey we were able to stuff a loveseat and a bed frame and misc. stuffs using this car all in ONE trip. My Accent definitely is my best 'investment' so far as it saved me from paying the shipping, or truck rental.

Heat

It is awfully warm down here in Richmond, VA. I am not a fan of summer at all. Hopefully the heat will dissipate soon, but I know this is a big wishful thinking as the heat will persist for at least 3 months. Arrrgghhh! Air-conditioner is a necessity here, but we try not to rely on A/C too much as energy comes in a bill.

For everyone else who enjoys summer, I hope you have fun. =)

Moving.

2006-06-26T06:05:00.000-04:00

Previously, busy packing.

Yesterday, busy moving.

Now, busy unpacking, amidst the hectic work schedule.

Additionally, I don't have internet connection at home for now. That implies of minimal online activity.

I miss everyone.

Be good.

'Ikea is cheap! '

2006-06-16T13:58:00.000-04:00

This certainly is one of the most significant 'culture shock' I have developed ever since I live in this continent. Yeah, you heard me right, Ikea is considered as 'cheap' here. Yes the currency rates does play a major role in this issue, but the lifestyle over here is another major determining factor that indeed "Ikea is cheap". Relatively, at least.

I remember when Ikea first opened in Malaysia in 1-Utama, it was simply phenomenal. The Ikea culture quickly become 'the most desired' lifestyle of the younger generation, and many of us desperately pursue a life that is synonymous to the styles/designs that are portrayed by Ikea. Perhaps we are tired of those 3D furniture style as easily available in Old Klang Road (of Kuala Lumpur), or maybe it is because the merchandizes that Ikea carried is more of a Western design and that brings in a refreshing scene to the home furniture world. Whatever it is, Ikea surely has captured everyone's attention.

However, nice things often come with a 'nice' price tag. Hey, aesthetic costs. While the nice Ikea reclining chair, the nice decor items, the frames, the arts, the sofas, the beds, the toys, the rugs, the cabinet, the so on and so forth are definitely some of the 'must-have' in most of the Klang Valley households back home, it is no doubt that most of the Ikea furnitures are priced on a higher price range than those that you can get from an ordinary furniture store in Malaysia.

My fiance has a cousin who resides in NYC. When I first visited his upscale apartment at the end of 2004 I was totally blown away by the interior design. Hey I have never been to any apartment that is of that standard. During one of the meal I asked him where does he normally go for his furniture shopping, and before he could answer me I promptly continued 'like Ikea, maybe?' He threw me a shock look, and uttered these 3 words that stumbled me 'Ikea is cheap!' I rationalized that it must be the exchange rate that lead to this statement. And of course, New Yorkers earning is normally higher than the general population due to the high living standard and cost of living. But to tell me Ikea is cheap? 'No way ...!' I thought.

The aforementioned happened before I reside in USA. Honestly this statement makes more sense after spending sometime living here. I realize that the demand of general American population when it comes to home furniture is very different from back home. Take mattress for example, here you will NEVER see something like thin tilam (hey I can't even find a translation for thin tilam in English) but only thick mattresses that highlights all sorts of neat features. Sleep number, firm vs softness, special coil/spring, special contour design, heat tempered, memory foam, just to name a few. At home in M'sia mine mattress was bought from pasar malam (Malay: night market), yet here you're 'forced' to get a proper mattress for aat least a few hundred bucks because you can't get anything that is of a lesser standard. Recently I have been shopping around for a sofa/loveseat/futon, and guess what, I don't see any sofa that is priced below $500, but Ikea has so much to offer when it comes to more affordable deals. This goes the same for bed frame, coffee table, etc etc etc. Now I agree that Ikea really is cheap, cheap in a more affordable way ... Quality wise, hmmm, maybe, because I think most of the furnitures here are made in this country. Guess that would lead to the high price due to the high labour fees.

When I think about this retrospectively, I hope my fiance's cousin wasn't offended by me. Hey I seriously did not have any idea about the furniture scene in USA. To make matter worse, he doesn't only go to fancy store for his furniture, he goes to SoHo (an eclectic neighbourhood in NYC that is a heaven to many artists) to buy his stuffs. How can that be synonymous to Ikea?

'Whooopsssss....'

I took a year and a half to learn my lesson.
Hey, the next time if you ever hear this, don't say you're not warned!

Chee Cheong Fun !!

2006-06-11T16:26:00.000-04:00

Chee Cheong Fun is THE food that I miss the most when I am away from home. I miss it fondly mostly because previously I don't get to sample this food almost at all here in North America. Sure I can get those Hong Kong style Cheong Fun from dimsum restaurant, but that won't satisfy my palate as the type of Chee Cheong Fun that captures my heart remains to be those that are sold in morning market or hawker stall in Malaysia, where you can get multiple types of different pieces like fish cakes, fish balls, yong tau foo and etc to go with the Fun (special noodles). And once you're done selecting what you want, the vendor will slice the pieces for you, and have your meal served either with special sweet sauce with chilli sauce, or curry broth. Oh, how I miss that.

In these days, however, things have changed slightly in my life. Guess what, the asian grocery store that I often visit is selling pre-made chee cheong fun! All I have to do is to steam them! What's more, I can get the flatten-fish-cake (or more commonly known as 'foo-pei' in KL, Malaysia) in the Korean grocery store in DC Washington! Yes, the special sweet sauce is no where to be found and I don't get that recipe from kuali.com at all, but guess what, Hoisin Sauce is a good substitute! I liquify the sauce slightly, and voila, I have almost all my ingredients!

See the 'fun'? Oh I am so happy! ^_^

The 'foo-pei', top with crisp fried shallots. Oh, delicious!

They do look like the real deal, don't they?

Honestly, I don't miss home so much anymore ...

This lil' food cures my homesickness. Well, just a tiny bit, but it definitely works.
YummO! =)

p/s: now I wish I have the recipe for the curry broth. Can anyone help me? Please share, ya? Thanks.

Happy Belated Duan Wu Jie.

2006-06-03T13:27:00.000-04:00

Recent days I have been so ... hmmm, caught up with my work. At work I usually have to spend long hours starring at the PC monitor. Consequently, when I am back at home after work, opening my laptop and work on it doesn't seem to be a leisure activity to me at all. And so ... I haven't been typing any post, nor hopping to other blogs.

Anyhow, I managed to find some time to make some rice dumplings. The last time I did this was like, 2 years ago. Honestly, I like making rice dumplings. I like seeing the ingredients from scratch, and with my effort, they turned out to be something else. Something I miss with a fond heart.

The ingredients of my lovely dumplings:

Peeled mung beans. Ohh, I absolutely love this.

I managed to get some packaged, pre-cooked chestnut here from my asian grocery store. Since the chestnuts were precooked, I thought they would turn out extremely soft after 2.5 hours of cooking together with other ingredients in my rice dumplings. Surprisingly the hardness remained.

Yes, you don't usually see this in rice dumplings, but I like them. I don't like black-eyed peas, so I opted for these colourful beans instead.

Mushrooms ... how can this ingredient not to be included?

The bamboo leaves. Washed, cooked, and soaked. The strings are actually raffia strings that I bought from a local art store. You don't get these type of strings from grocery stores. I believe people here these days will use hemp strings instead.

All my side ingredients. I was contemplating whether or not to include pork as I don't cook any pork these days. Yet somehow, rice dumplings just don't seem to be complete without any pork. So, I had pork included as part of my rice dumplings. The pork was marinated overnight with soy sauce, dark soy sauce, garlic, garlic powder, and most importantly 5 spice powder.

The main ingredients, glutinous rice with dried shrimps. Glutinous rice was soaked overnight, then fried with lots of garlic, dried shrimps, soy sauce, dark soy sauce, brown sugar ( I don't use any fine sugar these days, only brown sugar) and lots of salt. The saltiness of the rice would lose a great deal during the long hours of cooking. It is okay to make the rice to be more salty at this stage.

Rice dumplings. Making-in-process. Instead of 2 leaves, I would use 3 to make them into pillow shape.

Because I don't get to have the strings to be tied as a bunch, I was not able to make my dumplings into the ordinary multi-pyramid shape. This is how I like it, pillow-shape rice dumplings. In a way, it is easier to make, and I don't run the risk of having the rice leak out from my bamboo leaves.

After making all the dumplings, I put all of them into a giant stock pot, and top it up with hot water and a few tbsp of salt. The dumplings were cooked for 2.5 hours in the pot.

I didn't take any pictures from the dumplings I made this time. Whenever I unwrapped one, I would dig in right away. The end result looked pretty much like this, except I had red & green beans this time, instead of soy beans as shown in the picture.

I really like rice dumplings, and am glad that I actually do know how to make it myself.

So, how was your Duan Wu Jie (Chinese Rice Dumpling Day) on May 31, 2006?
I look forward to sharing your stories. =)

My moments of pleasure.

2006-06-02T09:04:00.000-04:00

Another round of tagging it seems. I know I have a bad record in submitting tags like this, so I better work on this as it seems to be rather easy. Much thanks to Mr.Egghead for this 'invitation'. =p

Name 10 of Life’s Simple Pleasures, and tag 10 other poor sods to recall theirs. The catch: Try to be original and not use things that others have already mentioned.

Oh wait, I have to be original ... ? Oh shoot, don't you know that I live a very mundane life. How would a mediocre like mine generate much originality? Aiks.

Oh well, let's see ...

Greenapple's life's simple pleasures:

1. Pay day. I am paid once a fortnight, so life is easier when it comes to maneuvering the fund for bills and etc. Every alternate Friday is the day I fondly anticipate.

2. Blog-hopping. I am not joking here. Some of my favs are Egghead, Twinsmom, Zara's mum, and MomofAshley's work. I love reading the dearly, and sometimes funny act of their lil' precious. Blogs like these always remind me of the ultimate simplest pleasure.

3. Call home and chit-chat with my mum. Have been doing this for years. I will normally do it once a week.

4. Have the time to cook and enjoy the food with Tomato. Tomato is my no.1 supporter as he would sapu everything I cook (except bitter-melon as he absolutely loathes this fresh produce!).

5. Have the time, and the money for movies with Tomato.

6. Have the time, and the energy to go study paktoh-logy with Tomato. Be forever grateful that I found my man at the age of 18, and our relationship remains to be strong-standing after 8 years of courtship.

7. To lie on the bed and be a couch potato as a way to relax.

8. Instruments at work work perfectly. No glitches. No major problems. Calibrations and QC works well. No gossips heard. No drama presented at work whatsoever ...

9. Losing weight ... (what an arduous effort)

The last but not the least:
10. A full and warm embrace by Tomato.

This is not as easy as I first thought. I am sure if I have child(ren) it will be easier to come out with a list like that as the list will probably be revolving around the lil' bundle of joy.

The blogs I read have pretty much been tagged by this assignment. Even if you haven't, I don't feel like dragging you in. Hey, I am nice, you know?

Alright, you are now free to be dismissed ... See you later! =)

I miss piano.

2006-05-22T02:19:00.000-04:00

I miss piano.

Really, really miss it.

I am a lucky girl who was given the opportunity to learn piano ever since I was around 4yo. As you can probably tell, (and I believe this would apply to other young kids too) I was too young to apprehend the wonderful chance and be appreciative of what I was given. Consequently, I used to hate piano lessons so much. To sacrifice nap time for piano lessons? Not my ideal way to spend my time. Guess I would rather be a playful kid, ha! Moreover, spending time praticing piano wasn't a fun thing to do either as oppose to watching TV or lazing around. I think I wasn't a well-behaved kid back then when it came to piano times. I would throw temper tantrum, giving my mum some really hard times to mollify me.

But as I grew older, I believe my attitude improved (at least I hope so, =p). I enjoyed the classes more, and have always loved to see my fingers running on the keyboard gracefully. Of course, to get myself prepared for all the ABRSM exams wasn't quite a fun thing to do, but I survived all the way to grade 8. At the end of everything, I was reallly grateful for the opportunity given by my parents. I am sure my mum brought me to this learning journey because she wanted that for herself but she couldn't have it when she was a lil' girl, which is, I believe, a common sentiments.

I have a Yamaha upright piano at home. My dad bought that for me brand new when I was 12. Some might argue that the sound quality produces by Yamaha pianos aren't as good as other European pianos, I still love my Yamaha the most. As that piano, afterall, is a wonderful gift from my parents.

Now that I am away from home, and I can't afford one for myself as of yet, I don't get to play any. Guess I will have to wait huh ... to wait till I am home, or wait until I have the financial stability to afford one. Arrgh, I will work hard on the latter.

Speaking of buying a piano, I have always dreamed of owning a grand piano. Hey, nothing beats the wonderful sound from a grand piano, I bet you would agree with me. Perhaps that's not a realistic dream to fulfil, I will happily settle with a baby grand piano. =) Till then, wish me luck.

So, do you play piano?

Do you plan on exposing this wonderful instrument to your kids?

By all means, I encourage you to do so as there won't be any regrets! Personally, I really appreciate the opportunity given as honestly speaking, if all else fails, career wise, I can be a piano teacher.
Isn't that an awesome back-up?
I have always viewed this as another wonderful gift given by my parents.

To sum it all, I really, really miss piano.

Sausalito, California.

2006-05-16T08:08:00.000-04:00

Sausalito is a 15 min drive from downtown San Francisco. Everything is so leisure in this small lil' town. Houses are beautiful, the scenery are breathtaking ...

It will be great if I can own one of those boat ... Yes, wishful thinking indeed. Till then, I hope you'll enjoy the slide show.

Biggest Stars from the Downunder.

2006-05-16T07:38:00.000-04:00

This is what I saw recently from a entertainment news show. The host was asking who is the biggest star these day from Aussie?

So your guess is Nicole Kidman? Russel Crowe? Naomi Watts?

The answer was neither.

So, who else?

The answer is:

the WIGGLES!!

The Wiggles is all over the world, I believe. I have heard about it tons of times from all the parent bloggers. I didn't know it is the hit factor these days until I watched it from the show. Tons of celebrity parents are big fans of the Wiggles too, that includes Sarah Jessica Parker and etc. During the Wiggles tour to NYC the Madison Square Garden (the world most famous arena and home of the New York Knicks of the NBA and New York Rangers of the NHL), not only that the tickets were all sold out, many celebrities were spotted in the event, together with their little precious! And I heard that these 4 guys are making huge!

Wiggles fever is so On! Ha! Do not underestimate the impact of kids. They would power adults' world too!

Tired.

2006-05-16T06:48:00.000-04:00

Yes, I am tired. Might not be exhausted yet, but am definitely tired.

Being a night shift worker, life is not as easy. I thought I would have the ability to adapt well, but the reality tells me otherwise. On workdays it is not as tough. But when it comes to my off day, I would try to live the hours like everyone else, which is fine too. As I move back into the workdays cycle again, however, the first day is often a tiring day to go through due to all the adjustment again. Sigh.

We have nothing much to look forward in our current life doesn't help, either. After our vacation in San Francisco, we will not be having any until next March, when we will be heading back home to KL for a few weeks. From now till next year, there will only be this four word letter: W-O-R-K. Where is the fun? Hmmm, honestly, I don't know. Sigh.

The fact that I don't get to have normal weekend as off day these days suck too. See, I work in a hospital, a major hospital in Virginia and the hospital is opened 24 hours. As essential staff in a hospital, everyone will have to rotate for weekend shifts. I have to admit that to an extent, I believe we enjoy the responsibilities as that is one of the reason why people like me opt for a career like that, that you do play a role in someone else's life. Yet again, tiring, is what we have to say. The fact that I don't usually get to have the same off day with Tomato sucks too due to the similar situation. Sigh. In addition, I have to work on most of the major holidays ... Sigh. And the fact that US doesn't have as many public holidays as in Malaysia always makes me feel oh-so-jealous and lead me wonder why are there so many holidays in Malaysia ... (Malaysia has one of the most public holidays in the world!)

Consequently, e-mails have been piling up without my proper reply, which I hate to see; I have meant to write more blog entries but have been procrastinating (I must argue that I have legitimate reasons for that), let's not forget the kena-tagged entries I have been owing people.

I know what you have to say to me. Yes, I think I do. Don't believe? Try me.

You would say:

Welcome to adult's life.

I apologize for this whiny post. I tried not to, but ...
I bet you would understand. =)
May you have a good one.

San Francisco: The Japantown.

2006-05-13T09:17:00.000-04:00

Japan definitely is one of my must-go destination sometimes in the future. Nonetheless, that is also one of the more expensive dream to make it into reality. So for now, I would happily settled with Nihonmachi, or Japantown in SF that enabled me to experience just a hint of nippon colours.

As you can probably tell, we were there during the sunset hours, so the photos look dark and gloomy.

Spanning only a few blocks, Japantown isn't as huge as in Chinatown of SF. The heart of Japantown is the Japan Centre (not shown in photo), fairly non-descript on the outside but filled with delectable restaurants and sushi bars, shops, open courtyards, specialty stores, and a Kinokuniya bookstore. This mall serves as a concentrated expression of Japanese culture in the middle of SF.

One of the more interesting points-of-interest is the five-tiered Peace Pagoda, a gift from Japan.

Nothing would fascinate me more, than these Cherry Blossom trees.

So now I can proudly say, yes, I have seen sakura before! Oh, how proud! =)

San Francisco: a beautiful day.

2006-05-09T04:49:00.000-04:00

It was a beautiful day on Fisherman's Wharf of San Francisco. It was breezy, not shiny (just the way I like it, I dislike sun ... can't help it. I grew up in Malaysia, you know?), and the atmosphere was so nice. We were strolling on the wharf leisurely, and we heard some choir singing. Having San Francisco city view as a wonderful backgroud, with the harmony melody, breezy wind ... life can't be any better, I said.

When you turned around from the previous view (as seen in the previous picture), you would be welcomed by a view like that. Both were equally cool, huh?

Choir singing.

Just wanna jot down a beautiful day we had in San Francisco.

San Francisco: The Painted Ladies.

2006-05-04T20:20:00.000-04:00

When I was young (particularly junior high school years) I was a loyal fan of the American sitcom 'Full House'. In the opening sequence of the show, the Alamo Square Park with the famous rows of Victorian houses would be featured. During that time, I secretly vowed to myself that I would visit this place one day.

Couldn't believe that I did it.

Alamo Square Park actually is a park with slope (so does the entire San Francisco). The park consists of four city blocks at the top of a hill overlooking much of San Francisco. The park includes a playground and a tennis court, and is frequented by neighbors, tourists, and dog owners. A row of Victorian houses facing the park on Steiner Street, known as the painted ladies , are often shown in the foreground of panoramic pictures of the city's downtown area.

Picture taken on the lower level of the slope. As you move to a higher level of the slope, the view would get better. You will see what I mean in a sec.

See, you're getting more view already. But it's not as breathtaking yet. Hold on ...

More ... more ... more ... How do you like it? How do you like it? (Lyrics from the song 'More more more).

This, would be the best view of all. Awesome, right?

(Painted ladies is the collective American vernacular term to describe Victorian houses which are usually painted in a multi-colored pastel scheme.)

Another part of the Alamo Square Park. I found it so serene when I was standing there.

Definitely moments that I would cherish for my entire life.

San Francisco: Golden Gate Bridge - part 1.

2006-05-03T07:11:00.000-04:00

One of the better way to admire the beauty of the Golden Gate Bridge is to take the Bay Cruise. Pictures were taken during the cruise ride.

As you can tell, it was a rather gloomy day. Nonetheless, that would not be a reason to set everyone back. You gotta do, what you gotta do. To tour around, regardless of the weather, that was.

It was very windy indeed.

Tourists from various countries. On the cruise, you could hear people speaking English with all sorts of accents. It is clear that San Francisco is one of the most visited city in US.

Before its completion in 1937, the bridge was considered unbuildable because of foggy weather, 60-mile-per-hour winds and strong ocean currents sweeping through a deep rugged canyon below.

The color of the bridge, known as International Orange, was chosen because it blends well with the bridge's natural surroundings, as well as its visibility in the fog.

Why the name 'Golden Gate'? That's because the Golden Gate Strait is the entrance to the San Francisco Bay from the Pacific Ocean. The strait is approximately three-miles long by one-mile wide with currents ranging from 4.5 to 7.5 knots. It is generally accepted that the strait was named "Chrysopylae", or Golden Gate, by John C. Fremont, Captain, topographical Engineers of the U.S. Army circa 1846. It reminded him of a harbor in Instanbul named Chrysoceras or Golden Horn. (information taken from the internet)

The Golden Gate Bridge opened to vehicular traffic on May 28, 1937. Pedestrian Day was held on May 27, 1937.

Painting the Golden Gate Bridge is an ongoing task and the primary maintenance job. The paint protects the Bridge from the high salt content in the air which rusts and corrodes the steel components.

San Francisco: Up the hill (videoclip).

2006-04-25T17:23:00.000-04:00

Video taken during one of our cable car ride. Cable cars have the right-of-way when it comes to traffic regulation in SF. Good luck if you happen to drive behind a cable car (as cable cars do move rather slow, considerably).

San Francisco: Cable Cars.

2006-04-24T18:21:00.000-04:00

Cable car is definitely one of the most unique offering in the city of San Francisco. Guess it has to do with the fact that SF is a city full of slopes. Highs and lows are everywhere. You think small cc cars like Kancil and Kembara could survive in this city? Think again!

Most of the slopes can be extremely steep. Hence taking the cable car is a great idea.

However, if I am a local, I doubt if I will take the cable car because each trip costs USD5, regardless of the distance you travel.

Even with the high fare, cable cars are always full with travellers/visitors from all over the world.

Yes, it indeed is a must for all the visitors, even if we have to risk our lives standing like this throughout the entire ride.

No trip to SF is considered complete without trying the cable car.

With the breathtaking view while riding the cable car, who cares about the high fare?

The brake-system of the cable car is really awesome. Imagine going down a steep hill like this, and having almost 30-40 ppl in the vehicle, the cable car still has the ability to stay stable ... phew!

San Francisco: Sea lions (videoclip)

2006-04-23T18:46:00.000-04:00

There is a rather bizarre phenomenon in San Francisco whereby there is a huge flock of sea lions that are currently residing in K dock of Pier 39 in the Bay area of San Francisco. To find out more about this phenomenon, please click here for some interesting reading.

First time sharing a video clip. Hopefully this will work.

San Francisco: The Alcatraz Island.

2006-04-21T06:05:00.000-04:00

If you've watched 'The Rock' (a movie) before, you'll for sure know about Alcatraz Island, the former federal prison to some of the toughest crime in the country. These days, no longer a federal prison, this island is one of the most-visited tourism spot in San Francisco.

The Alcatraz Island.

Another view from the pier.

We were on a cruise to enjoy the view of San Francisco as well as the Golden Gate Bridge. On the journey back to the pier, we managed to have a closer look to the Alcatraz Island. You could actually go on a special tour whereby you can visit the entire Alcatraz Island. Yes, that would include the access to the jail, the facilities, etc. But we weren't too fancy about the entire place, so we left it out of our plan.

Although abandoned, this place is always full with visitors.

All the travellers on the cruise were trying to capture a few shots of the Alcatraz.

Very formidable looking to me.

I bet guys would like to visit this place, eh?

San Francisco: The Palace of Fine Arts.

2006-04-19T21:21:00.000-04:00

A few years back I remember watching a movie having the Palace of Fine Arts as the beautiful background. The leading actor and actress were having some romantic moments rolling a small boat in the pond. I was really amazed by the scene, but I had no idea where that scene was shoot. A couple of months ago I was flipping a tourism magazine featuring San Francisco. I saw a picture of Palace of Fine Arts in it. I told myself, that's it, this would be my next destination should I travel.

Upon arrival at the Palace during our trip to San Francisco, I soon realized that the entire tourism spot didn't quite fit into what I would have imagined. What was in my mind previously was that it would be a place pretty much like Central Park of NYC, whereby you get nice lawn, well-maintained trees and landscaping, along with these nice achitecture. And in the pond/lake there would be boats for rent should the tourists like to have some fun paddling the boat. Hmmm, I was very wrong. To me, it looked more like an abandoned place as it was kinda muddy on most of the ground. Evidently, this place was ruined (during war time), then rebuilt, then demolished and reconstructed, all happened during the previous century (for more info please click here, and here). While we were there, a few parts of the park were fenced. Alongside with that were a few tructors. We surmised that some preservation work must be underway. Honestly, I was kinda dissapointed as the place did not fit into my romantic projection.

Having said that, the palace was still a remarkable place to visit. The fine and artistic sculptures delineate the meticulous works of those artists/sculptors. Definitely a 'must-visit', I would say.

The Rotunda, the most outstanding part of the Palace. You could actually view the dome even from a distance.

Awesome, eh?

We found two Cherry Blossom trees at the same site.

Am loving the flowers.

I hope you like these pictures.

Slide show.

2006-04-19T00:09:00.000-04:00

Just checking. Some of you left comments in my previous post saying you can't view the slide show. Can you? Please, let me know, ya.

Thanks.

San Francisco - Flying high.

2006-04-17T19:45:00.000-04:00

Pictures taken during the flight, from east coast (Virginia) to west (California). The total onboard time was around 6.5 hours, long enough for fellow Malaysians to fly from KL to the Downunder. Pictures featuring the Rocky Mountains in Colorado. Evidently the snow hasn't melt yet at this month of the year.

The Vacation of the year - San Francisco. (Sneak Preview)

2006-04-16T19:44:00.000-04:00

The flowers - Cherry Blossom.

The forever postcard pictures - Victorian Style house on Downtown San Francisco having the entire city view as background.

The awesome architecture of the Palace of Fine Arts.

The world-famous Golden Gate Bridge.

Déjà vu

2006-04-15T20:09:00.000-04:00

Recent days I have been refraining myself from my study desk. Consequently, I have not been blog-hopping, nor blogging, or even checking my own mailbox.

Instead, I am spending most of my time on the bed.

Reach home a few days ago, but started not feeling well during the last two days of my trip. Initially it was sore throat. Just when the throat lost the soreness, my throat become highly irritated and the itchiness is causing me to cough non-stop.

Aiks.

Aside from that, I am experiencing extreme fatigue.

Don't worry, this shouldn't be something major. Should only be a non-specific viral infection. I will recover, but that requires time.

Getting sick after a trip? It's déjà vu all over again. The fatigue body, the warm summer temperature, the frustration of not knowing when to get better is haunting me. I absolutely abhor that feeling. It's like I am living that awful summer all over again.

Aiks.

I know I will feel better soon, but I don't know when. I can't wait, as I have to return to work soon. I have just returned from a vacation, and I don't have much time-off to spare.

Arrggghhhhh!

Away.

2006-04-06T10:59:00.000-04:00

On vacation. Will be away for a few days. Blogging will resume when I return. Stay good, ya. =)

Bubble fun. 我们的泡沫年华。

2006-04-01T17:49:00.000-05:00

Some personal archived photos as inspired by Twinsmom's recent bubble fun. Pictures were taken when I was in Halifax, Canada.

Ahh ..... FOooooooooOOoooooo ....

Bubbles flying ...

Go up .. up .. to the sky ...

At bubbles wonderland ...

[Maria, your girls are invited to have bubble fun at my wedding next year, alright? =) ]

回到校园 - 我的回忆录ii

2006-04-01T16:22:00.000-05:00

2. 崇文国民型华小

小的时候其实明明已在坤城小学报了名，但是不晓得为什么最后我父母却被告知名额已满，然后派我到brickfield那一带的一所华小。基于距离问题，我父亲成功将我申请到崇文华小。在我还没进入此小学以前，学校的名声不怎么好，毕竟坐落在一所巴刹旁边，周边都是木屋的neighbourhood。不过那几年掌校的校长很努力的将一切改善，现阶段的崇文华小在我家的那一带也算是一所有威望的国名型华文小学。

一年级。没有什么大印象，应该是很循规蹈矩的一位学生吧，我想。唯一有印象的是，学期末老师公布班级名次。那是我有生以来第一次有名次（毕竟幼稚园没有嘛），记得自己完全不晓得要expect什么，结果在自己的名字后面听到老师说‘一’，刹那愣了一下。接下来的一段回忆是很久以后有一次和妈妈聊天的时候聊起的，她说我那一天兴冲冲一从校车下车往家里冲的时候，还没到家我已经对着在庭院的妈妈高喊‘妈妈，我考第一名！妈妈，我考第一名！’，一直重复很多次。没有要炫耀什么，不过我想那一幕应该是蛮温馨的，对吧？

二年级。那时的一到三年级没有按成绩分班，所以朋友们都和一年级的一样。因为名次关系，二年级当上了副班长，没有当上正的因为老师觉得要挑个比较高的学生比较好。我一向是那种中等高度的人，也没有觉得怎样啦。班长不过是帮老师搬簿子或者换节的时候抄名以外，也不晓得真正作用是什么。二年级的班导师是一位临教，教了我们那一年也进入了师训学院。若干年以后有一天当我也职起了临教这一分职务时远远的我又看到他，但是我没有行动。现在想起来还真有点遗憾，很想上前告诉他‘我是你198X年当临教时的学生，那时我是你的副班长，不晓得您还记得我吗？’唔，我确实应该好好把握当下的。

三年级。因为没有分班的关系，我在那一班一连三年都是拿第一名的。三年级当上了正班长和巡查员。记得那时候一至三年级学生是上下午班的（现在都一律是全日制了），所以三年级的学生都很有大哥大姐的感觉，加上自己是巡查员，确实好不威风！你记得巡查员的职务是什么吗？站岗咯，每一次下课都得傻傻的站在一个指定的岗位确保没有学生从食堂带食物到课室啦，没有学生乱丢垃圾拉，看到垃圾要捡起来啦，等等等等。哎，想起来这些职务还真有点无聊。

四至六年级。早上班。三年同样的一位班导师。开始了以成绩分班的日子，我被纳入了所谓的第一班。其实一切感觉都不错，我们那时的班导师是一位很严厉的老师，功课之多实在是不在话下。记得每个周末班导师都会找出很多模范作文，让我们学里头的深词，然后再造句。我记得四年级时我们开始学习使用汉语字典，是字典哦，那个如拳头般大小的字典。一年过后我们全都升级成汉语词典的使用者。五年级开始我们每人每天都得扛三本重重的字典上学。中文汉语词典10cm，外加国语与英语，所以不要讶异与小学学生们书包的重量。我忘了究竟是老师规定我们都得带字典上学，还是所有人的kiasu（怕输）心态在作祟。在第一班里头竞争当然比较激烈，接下来的日子我再也没有拿过了第一名，因为总有三到四位男同学成绩比我更好，但是总可以保持在五名以内啦，也一直是全级成绩最好的女学生。哈哈，且让我在这里有小小的夸耀，因为自从那几年以后就从来没有这样的优越感了！小学时候的奖杯拿得确实不少，华文笔试国文笔试科学常识数学比赛华文作文国文作文等等文之类的奖项都是我的囊中物。不过我重来不是演讲的班级代表，美术作品更是让老师摇头。记得四年级流行起中国结，我费了九牛二虎之力终于完成一样作品，但是基于绳子拆了又结结了又拆，整条绳子都是皱皱的，搞到老师的眉头也皱了起来。五年级弄灯笼。那是我一辈子最大的败笔，我想我真的是让老师汗颜了。艺术上我比较擅长的除了剪剪贴贴，就没了。我很不能画，所以真的很羡慕土阿妈还有晓玲的天分。幸好我毋须靠艺术吃饭，要不我可要当上一名流浪汉了。

六年级是所有校外比赛（除了演讲与美术）的校外代表，也只是代表而已啦，从来没有赢过什么个人奖，除了那一年我们的那一队赢得了全吉隆坡（还是全国？）队最佳中文笔试大奖，确实有一点威风，不过应该最高兴的是校长，那是他临退休以前最大的一份奖吧。

土阿妈有提到小学厕所的噩梦。坦白说小学的厕所是我一辈子的梦魇。记得小时候大家都很喜欢一传十十传百的将阴森森的厕所形容成鬼城般诡异，外加上那永远都不干净的打扫与冲洗，啊，kill me! 所幸现在不是这样子了，不然我还真的替小孩子担心呢。

其实很想念小学很便宜的食物。那时四、五十仙就有一碗清汤/mild咖喱面了，还有那十仙的冰棒，二十仙的零食，等等等等。

那种天真无邪，不知天高地厚的日子，真的很美，不是吗？

下一篇，中学篇。敬请期待！

回到校园 - 我的回忆录i

2006-04-01T10:31:00.000-05:00

前言：
我不“踢”你，你迟早也会给晓玲“踢”到，躲不过的。再说很想知道你为什么你的中英文都可以这么好。(maria)

土阿妈踢你一脚，我爹你一下。怎样？还是写吧。(shiaulin)

先给人踢了一脚，再给人'爹'了一下，老实说我本来真的有点想说时运高-装看不到的，哪知那唱双簧的一前一后一唱一和，让我不能自己只有乖乖任命。不想回这一份meme除了因为忙+懒(嘿，要写就要有诚意长篇大论一番嘛，不然就作罢，我想），还有其实不是很愿意那么坦诚地将自己的一点点身世公开。不过，想了又想，小妮子我又不像土阿妈那样有广大的读者群，我就算写出来也只是和这几位知己部落客朋友们交流交流而已。所以啊，嗯，且让我竭尽所能，好好回忆一下我的前二十年的故事吧。

在多少间学校读过书?

1。幼稚园-和shiaulin & Maria不一样的际遇，我有上幼稚园。幼稚园的名字为Tadika Intisari。其实认真回想起来，我可以记得的幼儿园点滴还真不少。我是那种很独立的小女孩，上幼稚园的第一天妈妈在门外守候，我招手和她说'可以了，你可以先回家了‘。不知道妈妈有没有以我为豪，我只知道我接下来的两个弟弟们上幼稚园都要哭上一两个月才可以让我父母们无忧的送他们上学。我上的那一所幼稚园是一间end corner lot两层楼的屋子改建成的，和一般两层楼的屋子比起来要算蛮大的一间房子吧。我记得5岁的时候我在一楼上课，6岁的时候则到二楼去。上学的交通工具是学生巴士。每一早上妈妈会嚷我起床，然后在我睡眼朦胧的时候喂我喝小孩牛奶，接下来嘛就换衣上学咯。有不少时候当妈妈也迟起床，我们就会在楼上（我们那时住店屋的顶楼）等学生巴士来，看到他们来了在阳台和司机招手说不用等了，今天自己上学。呵呵，然后之后爸爸会载我上学去。

5岁的记忆比较模糊，记得的不多，除了那好吃的炒米粉与红豆糖水，还有另一起事件以外，就没了。什么事件，你问？话说那时我家隔壁半夜着火，爸爸漏夜带我们逃到屋外。其实隔壁烧得满焦的，庆幸的消防员叔叔及时把火给扑灭，我们住的那一栋楼都没有什么受影响。哦，干幼儿园什么事？你又问？我记得那时老师吩咐我们隔天得将我们的美术文件夹带到学校，在这种千钧一发逃难的时候我什么都没拿，就只记得那文件夹。现在想起来还真地笑死我。隔天我有和班导师说那一夜发生的经历，然后老师让我站在同学们面前让我再讲一次。我忘了我讲了什么，但是这样的记忆在我脑里久久挥洒不去。也算是宝贵的童年回忆吧，我想。

6岁记得的比较多。我依稀还记得那时班导师的样子，还有一些小同学的面容。我记得我老师向我强调doctor和daughter发音的分别（我那时问她的女儿多少岁）；我记得星期五是女生们一起带巴比娃娃到学校一同交换来玩的一天；我记得朋友们总是有很漂亮很漂亮的巴比与可以替换的衣裳，我的永远就那么一套；我记得我们有一次到国家纪念碑与博物院的一日游；我记得每逢星期五我们可以不穿校裙，而穿上印有幼儿园logo的T恤外加自己喜欢的裙子的每一天；我记得每一天放学以后在学生巴士里归家路上和小朋友们一起唱歌一起吵闹的时刻；我记得学校一年一度的文娱表演我穿上很不舒服的马来装跳马来舞（然后那时我爸爸匿称我为Fatimah)的点点滴滴（歌曲和舞步我依稀都还有印象）；哦，还有那幼儿园拍毕业照的经历我也还记得。

坦白说，我觉得幼儿园满重要的。那学前教育是否真有用我无法回答，但是这些宝贵的回忆，无价！

编按：基于作者考量到本回忆录冗长的可能性，此密密回忆录将分段上传。敬请守候。

（唉，实在太累了，唯有出此下策。不用担心，我一定会遵守诺言继续倾吐我的回忆录的。到时见！）

Just when you think Winter is over ...

2006-03-22T16:26:00.000-05:00

I give you these ....

No complaint, though, as that was only the 3rd snowing event in Richmond. The snow would melt almost right away when the sun rises.

You wouldn't believe this if I tell you 2 weeks ago the temperature shoot up to 33 degree Celcius for like 3 days, and I thought, man, summer is here already? Luckily, that was just a preview.

I conjecture that this would be the last snow of the season in this city.

Will miss snow. Will really do.

More flowers, at Maymont Park - II.

2006-03-20T06:33:00.000-05:00

More flowers picture from the same park. I'll let the flowers do the talking.

If you look around carefully, many trees are still leafless. It is no wonder why the trees with flowers become the centre of attention easily.

As I strolled in the park, another tree with flowers came into our eyesight. Needless to say, a walk towards the tree was a must.

Nice tree, isn't it?

Flowers ... flowers ... only flowers!

I really like the soft pink colour. What about you?

Beautiful flowers, dedicated to all of you ...

Alright, this time we don't have to guess the name of this flower, as it is clearly indicated on the tree that it is known as Star Magnolia, or Magnolia stellata in terms of binomial nomenclature.

Not very far from Star Magnolia, I saw another conspicuous tree.

It is rather uniquely different.

Another eye-pleaser.

Wild flowers.

Aren't they special gift from mother nature?

Some teenagers having fun with photography in the park.

Look at those white wild flowers ... don't they look awesome?

The gardeners are working on this piece of land. Will come back soon to check out the tulips and daffodils. Am looking forward to our next visit to this park already.

Spring, I am waiting for ya!

Flowers - take two. (at Maymont Park)

2006-03-16T09:12:00.000-05:00

Analogous to Central Park for NYC, Maymont Park is a nice park for residents in Richmond. Pictures taken a couple of days ago. It was a windy day. The flowers were swaying gracefully as greeted by the zephyr. I found a moment of tranquility amidst all the hustle and bustle.

I took a couple of shots and used the photoshop to make it into a panoramic view. Just wanna give you an idea about the view of this lake. Imagine the lake is surrounded by many white-flower-trees. Beautiful isn't it?

The lake is fully embraced by these trees. I call it romantic. Ha!

Left or right, doesn't really matter.
As your eyesight is pampered by the white flowers.

I really love this shot. The pavement, the pigeons, the bench, the lamp-post ... everything existed in a harmony manner.

The identity of this flower remains anonymous.

Let's see who can help me to have it revealed. Till then, let's get showered by the white-flower joy. ^_^

More Unknown Flowers I.

2006-03-15T06:55:00.000-05:00

I've asked around. Apparently the flowers I posted in my previous post wasn't Sakura, but no one could tell me the name of the flowers. I am sure some of you have seen pictures of the Cherry Blossom in Washington D. C. as shown in some of the local newspapers in M'sia (my mum told me about it). Due to the fact that Washington D. C. is 1.5-2 hours drive away from Richmond, I would think that Cherry Blossom would grow in Richmond too, evidently that rational isn't true. According to my source, those Cherry Blossom as planted in D. C. are actually gifts from Japan as a token of appreciation of something. So it seems like I must make a trip to D. C. sometimes soon in order to enjoy my very first Sakura experience. In the meantime, I feel contented with the white flowers I get to have in Richmond ...

Slight Europa feel ...

I really like the tree.

So serene.

Hush, amidst the hustle...

I can keep my head elevated for long hours, just to gaze at these flowers ...

What a blessed encounter in this city.

Sakura, or not?

2006-03-09T18:35:00.000-05:00

Alright, I am not entirely sure about these flowers, but I am guessing that they indeed are Sakura, or Cherry Blossom! When I saw it, I couldn't believe it myself! I was literally speechless. Luckily I had my camera with me and I could snap a few shots to share with you all. That really was a joy!

For days I have been wondering what trees are these ...

So I made an effort to walk towards the trees.

They look so beautiful from a distance, aren't they?

Standing underneath the tree ... wow ...

See the flowers? A tree full with flowers, entire tree!

There, the flowers. Very pretty, right?

Another closer shot of the flowers.

On another end of the same street, I saw another types of flowers ... so out of curiosity I walked over to have a closer look.

From a distance, I thought these are may-flowers (梅花）, those flowers fellow Malaysians could get in Petaling Street during Chinese New Year.

As I walked closer to the plant, I couldn't help but to wonder, are these for real? or are these fake flowers?

But as I looked around, these flowers couldn't be fake, as there are so many more plants around! It would be rather impossible to put up so many fake flowers, I reasoned.

They are so pretty ...

So regret I didn't pluck any back with me, haha ...

Really look like those we can get from Petaling Street, no?

The soft pink colour is so attractive.

This, would be the best shot of all.

I am really excited.
You like it? =)

I carry your heart with me.

2006-03-08T04:47:00.000-05:00

Over the weekend we had a chance to watch the movie In Her Shoes on DVD. Prior to watching the movie I have heard so many positive reviews about it, but I wasn't sure what to expect. It turned out to be a pretty decent one, and NO, it's not really a chick-flick movie. I think this review has pretty much gotten what I would like to comment about the movie.

The movie ended with a famous poem written by E. E. Cummings. Evidently it is a long time favorite, nevertheless brought popular once again by the movie. The poem really brings in a magical effect to the entire movie.

Something I will like to dedicate to my man too:

i carry your heart with me (i carry it in my heart)
i am never without it (anywhere i go you go, my dear; and whatever is done
by only me is your doing, my darling)
i fear no fate (for you are my fate, my sweet)
i want no world (for beautiful you are my world, my true)
and it's you are whatever a moon has always meant
and whatever a sun will always sing is you

here is the deepest secret nobody knows
(here is the root of the root and the bud of the bud
and the sky of the sky of a tree called life; which grows
higher than soul can hope or mind can hide)
and this is the wonder that's keeping the stars apart

i carry your heart (i carry it in my heart)

Do watch the movie if you have a chance. It's kinda long for current Hollywood standard (2 hrs 10 min) but I didn't feel that I was dragged. To me, a movie that is capable to prompt you to mull over something in life is a movie worthwhile to watch.

Are you Romantic or Realistic?

2006-03-06T16:42:00.000-05:00

Something I found while blog-hopping, and gave it a try. I think I am happy to know that am still a romantic even after 7.5 years of relationship with Tomato. Relationship takes effort, and I am glad that there is a great balance between romantic and realistic.

You Are A Romantic

You are more romantic than 90% of the population.

You life your life like a fairy tale... or at least you try to.
Living for magical moments, you believe there's only one true love for you.
Love is the most important thing in your life, and you don't take it for granted.
Your perfect match loves to be in love as much as you do!

Are You Romantic or Realistic?

Chinese chives with chicken fried rice.

2006-03-05T07:19:00.000-05:00

I am pretty good at making my own 30 minutes meals as part of my quotidian routine. I would normally open my fridge, see what's available in it, and start brainstorming. This dish was something I had never tried before previously, but it turned out to be one pretty delicious meal.

In the fridge, I had: 1)mince chicken, 2) Chinese Chives, 3) cooked brown rice. Aigh, fried rice it is, I thought. So I quickly marinaded my mince chicken with 1 egg, corn starch, soy sauce, sesame oil, dash of pepper, salt and dried basil (I always add a dash of this herb into my meat as one of the marinade, I just like it that way as I like the aroma). Next I chopped the Chinese chives, as well as 3 cloves of garlic. The next thing I knew, everything could go into the wok.

Procedures:
1) To a hot wok, add in 1 tbspn of vege oil. When the oil is warm enough, add in the garlic.
2) Add in the mince chicken and stir fry for a few minutes. Try to separate all the chicken by preventing them to form a big chunk. Keep on stir frying until the meat are almost cook.
3) Add in Chinese chives, continute stir fry.
4) Add in some salt and soy sauce.
5) Add in the brown rice. Stir fry. Salt and soy sauce to taste.
6) A meal is ready to be consumed, maybe less than 30 minutes!

The end result:

L: Picture taken with flash.
R: Picture taken without flash.

I like it. You get the carb, the protein, and the fibre. Overnight brown rice taste incredibly good, and in my dim view, tasted better than freshly cooked from the rice cooker. I have recently resolved into eating only brown rice, instead of half white rice: half brown rice. Brown rice works really well in this dish.

This is another way of using Chinese chives, instead of frying with egg, or make Chinese chives dumplings with mince pork/chicken.

Heartache.

2006-02-28T19:00:00.000-05:00

Heck, what again.

Another round of price increase in petrol and diesel. I know it's a pain in everyone's ass. It hurts more for my parents as my father operates a transport company. RM0.30. Now we are talking about significant increment, and a definite inflation for civilians.

Recent years, due to multiple times of price hike, transport companies have to struggle so much to survive. It's so painful seeing my dad dwelling in the pain and I can't do a thing to help. Most of the time, things won't resolve simply by marking up the price. According to my dad, there isn't a good association for the transport companies in Malaysia that is powerful enough to gather everyone together. There is no such things as consensus deal. If you mark up the price, that will just chase the customers away as believe it or not, despite the high petrol cost, other companies would still be able to offer a lower price for the customers. Recent years, it's so tough not to lose money, let alone earn. The spare parts, the petrol, accidents repair ... different woes remain aside from the highly competitive market.

There is no bright future for companies like my dad's. In a few more years my dad will be retiring. I am hoping that day to come sooner as the business has been the main cause for my parents to age faster.

Heartache.

A lil' bundle of joy ...

2006-02-27T06:31:00.000-05:00

One and a half week ago, we threw a colleague of mine a surprise baby shower.

It was a blast. Good food, adorable gifts, laughters, cheers ... I really like the idea of having showers ... be it bridal or baby ... These events are simply lovely!

A proud mama-to-be then, showing one of her gift we bought her.

The expected due date was March 08, 2006. However, this lil' baby girl was too anxious to learn about the world. So, last Saturday morning, after mama finished her night shift and was on her was to the parking lot picking up her car to head home, her water broke. She could have walk back to the hospital (where we all work) and got some help, only to realize that she wasn't prepared to be admitted to the hospital as of yet as she didn't bring any personal stuffs with her. So, she decided to drive home and fetched her stuffs before returning back to the hospital. Needless to say, she soaked her car seat, and according to her, 4-5 towels later on. After long long hours of contractions and 15 minutes of pushing, the baby no longer resides in her body. My friend proclaimed happily, 'Yay! I can have all my organs back!'. Ha.

The precious. Approximately 6 lb. Very cute. We visited her after work. The delivery went well, and everything is alright. We all felt thankful for that. Thank goodness.

I am very happy for my friend, and am very happy to have a chance to see a baby after so many years ... Women really do change after having a child. Having her lil' baby on her hand, she glows. Glowing with pride. One of my colleague said to her, 'Look at you, you're a mum now ...' . While we were there, we were cheering every act of the baby. The frown, yawn, the stretch ... 'Awwwww...'

The simplest happiness.

To me, nothing beats something like this.
Nothing.

More Cartoons ... (Part II)

2006-02-22T17:39:00.000-05:00

Doraemon.
Doraemon, in my opinion, is one of the best classic cartoon, and last the longest in history. I bet all of us had at least dreamt of having a Doraemon of our very own so that we are granted the chance to use all sorts of superpowerful gadgets that are readily available in Doraemon's 4-dimensional pocket. Nice, isn't it?

Mickey Mouse
Mickey and friends are the forever icons of Disney. I love them. All of us love them. I think my kids will love them too.

It is so good that Disney is making House of Mouse these days. Believe it or not, this is a must show watch for me. Every day 830-9am, this is the show for me. So relieving after a full night of work.

The Looney Tunes
I prefer Disney's production more, but they are actually pretty good too.

Tom and Jerry
One of the best way to get a laughter. Tom is forever stupid and Jerry would forever out-compete the cat. Always hilarious.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

When I was young, my father used to suscribe a Chinese children comic book called Er Tong Le Yuan (儿童乐园）. I made a foolish mistake when I was in junior high as I threw them away ... To think of it now, those were some of the precious gifts I was given when I was young from my parents ... stupid me.

Anyhow, the comic book would appear in my mailbox once in a fortnight (if I am not wrong). Through that comic book, I was introduced to various Western cartoons that was not seen anywhere that I could remember in Malaysia. Nonetheless, many of those cartoons are still showing here in North America, hence brought back the memories.

Below are a few:

The Berenstain Bears
I am a big fan of the Berenstain Bears. Still am, actually. The unique thing about this cartoon is that their story lines always have an inclination to impart good manners to kids. They inspire kids to say 'Thank you' and 'Please'. They teach kids to be grateful and don't take things for granted. They teach kids about effective time management. They teach kids to appreciate friends from different culture. They teach kids to obey other people's preference ... etc. I am always amazed by the plot. If you have kids of kindy years, I highly recommend this cartoon.

The Arthur
A cartoon that talks about friends, families, schools, etc. Didn't watch too much of it, but it's still around in North America.

Clifford the Big Red Dog
Clifford is a giant dog. He is extremely helpful, and friendly at the same time.
Didn't watch too much of this either.

The last, but not the least...

The Curious George
I haven't seen this cartoon before, and am unsure whether was there any cartoon out of this production or it's just the cartoon drawings that are popular. But I have seen the poster of The Curious George as one of the best seller everywhere. Currently there is a Curious George movie on the cinema too, voice featuring Will Ferrell and Drew Barrymore. I think it's really cute.

So, what do you remember about cartoons?
Perhaps we can start a new cycle of memes, eh? Ha!

Cartoons during my era - Part I

2006-02-19T21:15:00.000-05:00

I was eager to blog about this topic, but I kept on forgetting it. Recently I had a tete-a-tete talk with my peer colleague, and we chatted about this. It was fun to have someone who shares very similar childhood interest/memories.

More 'boyish' cartoons:

He-Man and She-Ra.
I have always regarded this cartoon as the very first cartoon that I ever got to know since the age of five. I don't think I liked the cartoon as much as it really was't my type, but I was fascinated by the name of the cartoon itself. I remember vividly that whenever my mum urged me for a task by saying '去啦，去啦！' (Chinese, meaning 'Go, go!'), I would imitate her command in a mischievous way saying 'She-ra, She-ra!' as they rhymed.

This cartoon pretty much went into extinct mode now if I am not wrong.

The Ultraman
The Ultraman (translated in Malay version) was a common show I remembered when I was Standard 1-2. My one-year-older-than-me guy cousin and my brother loved it. But you know what, I used to dread this show so much that I would hide myself when they watched this. I found the monsters creepy, and the oh-so-powerful Mr.Ultraman would not help me to conquer the fear.
No, I never find the 咸旦超人character to be adorable.

The Thundercats
Tigra, Cheetah-rah, Lionel ... others? I can't recall their name anymore, but I used to like this cartoon when I was young, probably during junior primary school years. Each character was unique and possessed special name and power that personified a powerful animal. Together they co-operated to go against the eerie mummy.
Like Lionel always intonated ' Thunder ... Thunder ... Thundercats .... HOH!!!!!!'
Very amusing indeed.
Such a classic during my era.

The Voltrons
I generally have a more 'girly' predilection when it comes to cartoon, but somehow I think I had watched a significant amount of this cartoon. Must be my younger brothers, I presume as we only had one TV in my household when we were young.

What's so great about the Voltrons? The ever-changing robot who could change shape to accommodate the challenges. Quite captivating.

Now, the more 'girlish' cartoons ...

The Care Bears
I LOVE LOVE LOVE this cartoon, but I never got to see this cartoon again after senior primary school years. I am so glad to be in North America now as Care Bears-related merchandize are easily available. This cartoon is very adorable not only because they are bears (remember teddy bears? Pooh bear?), but their constant efforts in promoting world's peace and harmony. Guys might not buy this kind of plot, but it's a killer for the girls. On top of everything, they live in the clouds, and rainbow are actually bridges connecting the neighbourhood. Sound so heavenly, isn't it?

The Little Pony
I didn't watch too many of this cartoon, but at least I could remember its existence. I think they were too wordy for my liking, especially when I was young.

The SMURFS
The smurfy chant 'La la la la la la, la la la la la ...' is still as lively as it can be in my mind. In addition, I always use the name 'Gargamel' (the bad character in the cartoon) as a metaphor to monsters/bad characters in movie or sometimes real life. Ha! Smurf is another love of my life when it comes to cartoons ... I am so surprised that this cartoon has vanished now, even in North America, as contrast to Care Bears, or even My little Pony which came up during the same time frame. Nonetheless, I heard that they're making a SMURF movie now. I so anticipate the smurfy come-back ... Let us fall in love with this classic once again.

Part II will be up pretty soon. Stay tuned!

Happy Valentine's Day!

2006-02-14T08:45:00.000-05:00

Half an hour ago, I came home from work, as usual.

I saw something unusual on my desk.

Honestly, I couldn't believe my eye. I had to make sure I wasn't hallucinating.

I saw a puggy soft toy sitting on my desk.

how're you doing?

Next to it, there is a card.

I was like, really? [Did he get me a gift? He got me a gift?! HE GOT ME A GIFT!!!]

Next, I was jumping, smiling, laughing, and crying at the same time.

Now, let me roughly brief you something. Surprises are rare in our relationship. Admittedly, guys don't usually know what to give, and I always have preferred items in my mind. So instead of letting him to waste the money buying something I might not like, I will normally open up to him what I want, then I get it. We're really fine doing it this way. I call it a win-win situation. No?

Yet, I hate to admit this, that surprises are awesome!

And in addition to that, he got me a puggy!

He knows that if we were to get a puppy (which we won't as it's too pricey to raise one), we'll definitely get a pug. Tomato's cousin in New York has one, and it's name is Lucas. Lucas, turns out to be another luring factor for me to go to NYC, aside from the beauty of the city itself, for I love Lucas so much!

Now, I have my very own Lucas. Argh, how cool is that!

Lucas Senior, 'How may I help you, master?'

Please also let me mention about the card.

I have always loved Precious Moments figurine or other related items since young. Nonetheless, these items are not as popular in Malaysia, so not many people know about such secret love of mine. I have always longed for a Precious Moments card ... and here it is my very first PM card from my man.

Now, that is VERY sweet ...

Tomato doesn't enjoy reading my words that are related to our relationship in this felicity corner. He is often too shy to read about it. But I just can't help to post this over here ...

[a picture showcasing the msg Tomato wrote was here. but i had to delete it as per Tomato's request .... too bad have to give in.]

A very simple message, but he said it all.

Not only that he melt my heart away, he covers my eyes with tears ... Oh, what a lachrymose shot!

Gosh, my heart still trembles when I am typing this.

I called home, wanting to tell my parents, ' Don't worry, I am in good hands now, definitely...'

I know all the parents would wish a lifetime of happiness for their kids.
For their daughters, they'll wish for a great man to take care of their precious daughter, and love her as much as they do.

Undoubtedly, I found my man.

Hopefully I am the ideal Ms.Right for his parents' son too.

Happy Valentine's Day, dear ...

and to all of you too!

-Valentine's Day, 0928am. Richmond, VA, USA.

Funny

2006-02-14T04:27:00.000-05:00

I don't intend to defame the country or anything, I just think that this comic is really funny, and cute in an artless way. May you have a good laugh.

p/s: IHOP (International House of Pancake) is a chain pancake restaurant in US.

Winter Juan (Winter 2004).

2006-02-13T08:51:00.000-05:00

The weather in Halifax isn't always as harsh, but I was lucky (or unlucky) enough to observe some of the worst. Winter white Juan was one of it. It was actually a blizzard, and it was a humdinger as we ended having 94cm of snow! The provincial government announced state of emergency during that period, and everyone was advised not to leave their house unless individuals who worked as essential staff in hospital/police department, etc.

Snow everywhere.

It really was a pain for all the motorvehicles.

Even walking across the street was a tough call.

Can you imagine the strong wind? Even the door was almost sealed with the snow.

Not so romantic afterall, eh?

Try to pay attention to the height of the snow ... that wasn't the max yet.

The pedestrian walking pavement wasn't accessible at all, so everyone walked on the road instead.

Angel ... one of the best winter fun.

The storm was harsh, but it was so serene to watch at the same time.

My most favourite shot.

- Winter, 2004. Halifax. Canada.

Tall Ship Challenge 2004 (Halifax, Canada)

2006-02-11T17:34:00.000-05:00

It was a bliss to be able to watch the Tall Ship Challenge during my stay in Halifax. Similar to the Olympic games, this challenge only happens once in every four years. This might be the only chance for me to see so many tall ships in my entire life.

Despite the chilly winter, Halifax is a charm during summer. It would normally be breezy and cooling, rather than sizzling heat all the way (like in central part of Canada). The waterfront would be so happening during the short summer, hosting many other great events like the Jazz festival, Buskers' festival, etc.

A couple of pictures to share.

Yes, it was an extremely crowded event:

Smaller vessels:

The Halifax-Dartmouth Metro ferry.

Cow's ice-cream store, people's most favorite ice-cream store in Atlantic Canada.

I am missing Halifax already.

共生吉祥

2006-02-09T09:14:00.000-05:00

Picture taken in FGS Dong Zen temple, Jenjarom, Selangor, Malaysia. Feb 2005.

-Have you been to FGS Dong Zen temple? I believe current time is the best chance for all to give this awesome place a visit as they're having the CNY Lantern cum Flower festival. This picture was taken last year when I visited the place during CNY.

Photoblog.

2006-02-09T09:05:00.000-05:00

As aforementioned in previous post (actually a few posts away), my current life is rather hectic. I am neither doing much cooking, nor exploring much places. In other words, no ideas has crossed my mind these day for me to blog about. Nonetheless, I don't intend to put my blog into dormant status. So, what shall I do instead?

Photoblog. A photo, with a few words. Let's see how things work out.

A new era has begun ...

昨日，我一个人看电影……

2006-02-06T08:32:00.000-05:00

许久没有用中文在这里写些什么。今天，可能，就是这样的时机吧。

昨天，我一个人到电影院，看电影。
那是我这一辈子一个人走进电影院。

其实那不是一部我那么想要看的电影。会有这样的举动，只是很想籍着什么，让自己的心情沉淀一下。所以，我让我自己的心情出走，到百货商场闲逛个两、三小时。之后，看一看手表，啊，还不是时间回家呢，该干什么好呢？好吧，就看一场电影吧……

在戏院门口徘徊，该看那一套呢？本来很想看争议性蛮强的Brokeback Mountain，但是，下一场在2小时以外呢，最近的一套，就George Clooney导的"Good Night, and Good Luck" 吧。然后，就把心一横，买票去。买了票，马上就踏入戏院。很讶异进入眼帘的都是上了年纪的观众，啊，可能年轻小伙子都看别的吧。我很讶异没有更多年轻女性观众冲着George Clooney而来，印象中大部分的淑女/熟女都很欣赏他的。不管了，专心望着大银幕吧。

其实电影是讲述50年代的美国一位资深新闻播保/讲述/评论人员针对当时可能发生的共产主义的报导/评论。其实很大部分的电影我都没有什么头绪，反观其他观众都很明了电影的进展，然后都会对许多对白发出吃心的一笑，或冷笑。我对美国的历史没有什么大概念，所以，我真没有什么可以反应的。

管它呢，我不是一心一意来看电影的。

你可能会问，他呢？为什么他没有陪我？

其实，大部分的时间，如果我有情绪低落的时候，他都会陪在我身边，让我心灵上有个依偎。不过他之前刚刚直了一班on-call shift，在家中休息，就让他睡吧，我想。所以，我悄悄的，到外，让心情出走。

你可能又会问，发生了什么事呢？

啊，生活总有起有落的。最近，就是在’落‘的阶段。工作的一些人事，还有一边工作一边准备GRE的压力，有一点让自己吃不消。事情，都会过去，只是那一刹那，我需要一个情绪的出口。这，是我面对生活起落的态度。

然后，我发现，这几年，因为漂流他乡，很少和年少时很好很好的girl pal第一时间分享/申诉些什么。距离，时差，不是籍口，是个真实的理由。其实我很幸运一路走来都有他在身边给我扶持，给我爱戴，给我加油，给我鼓励，。

所以，少了他，我，好像就归零了。
原来这里的数学题是这样的：1+1=无限。
1，不等于1，少了他，1，其实是零。

电影落幕。曲终人散。我，带着疲惫的肌体回家。
看到他。

原来，让自己沉淀的方式，最有效的，就是看到他。

-记一个人看电影的下午

Hairspray - the Broadway.

2006-02-01T17:05:00.000-05:00

We watched a Broadway show - the Hairspray last Sunday evening. No, we did not fly to New York City for that. The show group was on tour to Richmond last week. Needless to say, the show was awesome. I just love love love musicals.

The Hairspray is our second broadway experience. We watched our very first broadway - 42nd Street on Dec, 2004 in NYC. You won't believe how we got our tickets. In NYC, most of the broadway groups would offer student tickets at special rates, ranging from US$25-$30, if they ever make such an offer. This price is considered as dirt cheap because the cheapest price of a broadway ticket often starts at US$50++, and with that price, the view often is lousy. In order to get a student ticket, however, is a tough call because more often than not, they only open the ticket for sale 2 hours prior to the show on that day itself. Yes, I know, this doesn't sound tough. It is tough because the line will normally form 2-4 hours before the sale time, and to get matter worse, they would only offer a limited amount of student tickets for sale, like say, 25 per show. Tickets are on first come, first serve basis. I could still remember vividly that we went to the ticket counter 4 hours before the sale time just to check out the site, only to realize that there was already a line! We were actually planning to visit somewhere else before returning to get the ticket, how ignorant! Of course that had to be cancelled as we were determined to get the broadway student tickets. So we joined the line. If we had to queue in Malaysia, that would not be a problem, but it was winter in NYC, and it was freezing out there! I remembered the couple who was behind us had to go to the nearest store to buy more clothes because they were underdressed. Everyone else often ran to the nearest McDonald's to get some HOT coffee/tea in order to warm themselves up, that included both of us. The line started getting longer and longer, without knowing the limited number of tickets that would be on sale. But we reckoned that we would be able to make it as we were the 3rd or 4th group on the line, so we persevered, despite the blardy cold weather. Many visitors walked passed the line, wondering what was happening. Ha! Finally, we made it till the sale time after a couple of hours. Oh, what a big relief! That was followed by great ecstatic when we finally paid for the ticket and held it on our hands. Yay! We managed to get the tickets! We felt bad for the remaining half of the line though, as the ticket were sold out to the first portion of the line.

So, there you go, we finally got out tickets. But do you know where were we seated in the show? The FIRST line! You may say that's a great view, in fact it was so great until everything was so clear, with inclusive of every performers' facial expression, costumes, stage set-up, etc. Nonetheless, I bet experienced theatre-goer will know that the central seats are the best, because you get to see the overall staging. When you are in the first row, you don't know where to focus on because it's so happenning on the stage! Oh that costume is so nice. Oh actress over there is so cute! Oh look at the dancing over here. Oh the singing over there is brilliant! Oh look at the stage design on your left. Oh I don't wanna miss the swing on the right too!

Ahh, you get what I mean.

Nevertheless, it was a great experience. 42nd Street was a wonderful show to watch. There were so many fabulous tap dancing, and the costume, lightnings, choreography, etc. Everything was arranged brilliantly and well-coordinated. Broadway shows are great gift to mankind's soul.

The ticket story for Hairspray, was simpler. Since we are no longer students (at least not at this stage), we could only purchase normal price tickets. It costs us around US$50 for a rather decent seat. It was a funny show, with conspicuous colour all the way on the stage. We really enjoyed it.

Hairspray.

Hopefully we will have the opportunity to watch more in the near future.

In the name of Chinese New Year ...

2006-01-24T15:32:00.000-05:00

Folks back home are most probably overwhelmed by Chinese New Year (CNY) preparation/celebration by now. As for me? Hmmm, let's see ... except the chinese groceries stores are displaying some CNY related products （年货） like CNY-candies, red packets, gift-baskets/hampers (which is very different from Malaysians' product in terms of packaging and products included in the baskets), we can almost forget the fact that CNY is around the corner. As a matter of fact, I wasn't aware of CNY until last weekend.

Anyhow, life goes on. After so many years, we're pretty used to the fact that we are not celebrating as much Chinese festive seasons when we're in overseas. Sounds pathetic? Nah, don't worry, we are alright.

Nevertheless, I will still try to get some CNY related products, in the name of celebrating CNY ...

Zhangzhou Mandarin Oranges （漳州芦柑）. It tastes like it, looks like it ...

Very sweet, seedless ...

I am not sure whether are they the same thing, that is Clementine=Zhangzhou Mandarin Oranges? But I have read somewhere that clementine is the result of a cross between traditional mandarin oranges with sweet oranges ... Sounds like it is.

BakGwa (肉干）[Dried and processed meat]. Such product is a common item especially during CNY in Malaysia and Singapore. Many people normally will buy a few boxes of these as gifts to give each other.

Such small box of product for USD8. Well, it tastes alright, but it is so hard to chew! Yeah, I know, better than nothing ...

I found no CNY cookies, so I bought a box of this instead.

Here goes, some stuffs to elevate the CNY spirit in my household.

For folks in Malaysia, I hope you have a wonderful CNY celebration, and a prosperous year ahead.

Happy Chinese New Year, and Gong Xi Fa Cai!

With love,
Greenapple & Tomato

Missing Rambutan ...

2006-01-20T11:27:00.000-05:00

What happened when I developed a crave for Rambutan when I am away from home?

Canned fruits loh ...

Thank goodness for canned food.
Alright, you might say 'These are not fresh...'

At least, at least, it's still rambutan ... With pineapple, they both make a perfect combination.

Now, will you please excuse me ... I need to self-indulge myself to something homey ...

Meme of FOUR.

2006-01-20T10:50:00.000-05:00

I saw this from loopymeals. No, I wasn't tagged by the author, but I feel like doing it and tagging my fellow bloggers, in the name of 'knowing these friends/bloggers better'.

4 jobs you've had in your life
Part-time dental assistant.
Temporary Primary School teacher.
Temporary data entry cleark in my dad's office.
Temporary Histotechnologist and lab technologist.

4 movies you could watch over and over
Love Actually.
Something Gotta Give.
The Sound of Music.
The Incredibles.

4 TV shows you love(d) to watch
The Apprentice.
Sex and the City.
Everybody Loves Raymond.
The Berenstain Bear (yeah, cartoon...)

4 places you've lived
Petaling Jaya
Kuala Lumpur
Halifax, Canada
Currently in Richmond, Virginia, USA.

4 places (preferably overseas, if not, anywhere else) you've been on vacation to
Melbourne, Sydney, Gold Coast, Australia.
Xiamen, China.
Singapore.
New York City, USA.

4 places you would rather be
Anywhere, as long as he is with me.

4 of your favourite foods
Fresh fruits, like watermelon, honey dew, canteloupe, longan, etc.
Fish tofu. Assorted types of balls, like fishballs, meatballs, shrimp balls, etc.
Cheese, especially those melted one ...
Vegetables ...

4 blogs you MUST visit daily
Twin Happiness
a s h l e y
All About Zara
Snippets of Life

4 tagged
Twin Happiness
a s h l e y
All About Zara
Snippets of Life

Ahhh, a very very easy meme. Don't mind the 'FOUR' taboo okay?
We all promise to try to get to know each other throught our blogs, right?
Here we go ... =)

Japchae.

2006-01-18T17:52:00.000-05:00

Japchae is a well-known, and well-loved Korean dish. As far as I know, Japchae means 'mix everything'. Traditionally, this dish is served during festive seasons, or birthday parties, etc. It's a dish that incorporates a wide selection of vegetables (with beef or just vegetarian) with DangMyen (Korean style glass noodle[韩国冬粉，or韩国粉丝]). DangMyen, although looks similar to Chinese glass noodles, is slightly darker in colour. Aside from the colour difference, DangMyen is much more chewy (or Q-vy) in texture, due to the fact that it's made from sweet potato flour, instead of the ordinary flour.

It was a love at first bite for myself with this noodle dish. As a matter of fact, this is my most favourite Korean dish, having KimChee as first runner up. I often cook Japchae myself. Not only that it's a dish easy to master, it's a meal full of fibre and hence good for your health.

DangMyen. The package.

DangMyen. Before cooking. You'll have to cook the noodle in boiling hot water before frying with assorted vegetables.

The vegetables. Zucchini, Chinese eggplant (brinjal in Malaysia), green pepper (capsicum in Malaysia), onion, and spring onion (or scallions). Slice them before cooking-in-action.

The ingredients. Sliced onions, sliced zucchini, sliced green pepper, chopped spring onion (into lengthwise), sliced mushrooms, sliced Chinese eggplant, pre-cooked Dangmyen, and some shredded egg for garnish.

It's easy to cook. First, to your wok, add in some oil. Next, add in some garlic, and stir fry until the garlic turn golden brown and you get the aroma of garlic. If you're having meat as part of your ingredients, put them in after garlic, and stir fry.

You can then put in your vege one by one. The order that I usually go by: onion-> Chinese eggplant -> green pepper -> zucchini.

Stir frying in action.

When the veges are half-cooked, put in mushroom, and DangMyen. Keep on stir-frying.

The sauce? I give you, my new-found recipe:
LKK's Korean Barbecue sauce.

Previously I was only using normal soy sauce with dark soy sauce. But I always feel that I am missing something. So, one day, I incorporated this sauce into my Japchae, and oh boy, I was so delighted with the end result. The taste that I made is very similar to the one I had in Hee Been (a great Korean restaurant that is closely nearby Washington D. C.).

Back to the method. Use LKK's Korean Barbecue sauce to taste. Depending on the amount of vege and Dangmyen you're using, a couple of spoonful sauce should suffice everyone's tastebud.
When the dish is almost ready, add in spring onion and keep on stir-fry for another minute or so.

The dish is often garnished with sliced eggs and sesame seeds.

I hope you'll like it.

Inactivity.

2006-01-18T17:20:00.000-05:00

Please pardon my inactivity.

Somehow life is happening too fast, and I am too caught up between here and there. It it so hectic until I find no time to decompress, or simply jot those moments down.

Alright, the aforementioned statement is just another way of saying, I am lazy, ha!

But it's true.

Whenever a year starts, many people will tend to make a list of New Year's resolution. Well, I don't usually have one. When it comes to that matter, I prefer to be a spontaneous person. I prefer to make necessary changes rightaway. I prefer to ....

Oh, maybe that's just another way of saying, I am lousy at adhering to plans.

Anyhow, what lies ahead of me, is rather hectic.

I am planning to take GRE (Graduate Record Exam) at this coming June, hoping to get into a Master program this coming Fall semester. That means I will have to cram 2000-3000 tough vocabularies into my head, alongside with essays preparation, as well as mathematics portion of the exam. I also plan to take the certification exam offered by ASCP (American Society for Clinical Pathology) at the end of the year. All these just implies that there will be A LOT OF studying work this year, in addition to having a full time job to commit.

I just hope that everything will turn out alright, and I possess the strength to cope what I have set for myself.

Amen.

Sweet Beverage: Apple with Preserved Sweet Dates

2006-01-11T19:28:00.000-05:00

This is what I will normally do when fresh apple loses its freshness, or when the apple get too starchy, or having too many apple cores as leftover after making an apple pie. It's really easy to make, just prepare the ingredients, put them in the pot/slow cooker with water and cook until the apple turns brownish, then a soothing beverage is ready to be consumed!

The ingredients: apples and preserved sweet dates (蜜枣）.

To get thing started, first peel off the apple's skin (unless you are using certified organic apples) and slice the apples, then place the apple and the preserved sweet dates into a big pot of bowling water, or slow cooker.

Cook until the apples turn brownish, and the dates turn mushy. In the middle of cooking, you might wanna take the dates out and give it a light squeeze in order to break the dates a little so that the sugar content of the dates can be released completely to the water. This way, you don't have to further add in anymore sugar. If you like yours to be sweeter, or you didn't add in sufficient dates for the sweetness, you can add in some rock sugar.

This is a drink my mum loves to make, and everyone else in my family love it a lot. It's a big hit especially during the warmer days back home. Even during chilly season like now, I love drinking it. I call it poor people's bird nest drink! Heh!

p/s: You can substitute apples with pears. The outcome will be similar.

Chicken Vindaloo.

2006-01-10T15:56:00.000-05:00

When you have your roti canai in mamak store in Malaysia, which type of gravy do you normally prefer? Dhal or kuah ayam (Malay, kuah: gravy; ayam: chicken)? I always go for the latter. Have you ever wonder what type of curry is that? (the curry that mamak stores would normally offer as kuah?)

I have been searching the recipe of such curry for quite a while. I mean, I am sure that it is neither ordinary curry chicken, nor any assam dishes. So, what would it be, then? A few weeks ago, I had a dinner at my friend's place. She made this dish that is known as Chicken Vindaloo from a recipe that is taken from one of her Amy Beh's cookbook . I am glad that she did. The minute I sampled such dish, I knew my search was over! This is it!

Ingredient :
600g chicken thighs, chopped into bite-sized
3 tbsp oil
1 Bombay onion, diced
1 stalk curry leaves
1 tomato, diced
3 tbsp meat curry powder, mixed with a little water into paste
1 tbsp tomato puree ( I think tomato sauce is fine. Actually I used tomato paste yesterday)
125 ml water
lemongrass (optional)

Marinade :
1/2 cup plain yogurt,
2 tbsp lemon juice,
1 tbsp pounded garlic,
1 tbsp ginger paste,
1/2 tsp salt,
1/4 tbsp cumin seeds (optional),
1/4 ground black pepper.

Seasoning:
1/2 - 1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp ground black pepper

Method :

1. Season chicken pieces with the marinade for several hours or preferably overnight in the refrigerator.

2. Heat 3 tbsp oil in a pot. Fry the onions until soft and fragrant. Add curry leaves, lemongrass, diced tomato and curry powder paste and fry until oil separates.

3. Put in marinated chicken, tomato puree and water. Then cover and cook simmered over a moderate heat until gravy is thick and chicken is cooked and tender.

4. Add seasoning. Serve garnished with Coriander leaves.

Needless to say, the best way to savour this dish, is to have it with roti canai, like fellow Malaysians do. I actually like this curry recipe a lot, as it doesn't require too much ingredients. You don't even need coconut milk for this recipe, only yoghurt, and curry powder, and you're almost there.

Congee Supreme.

2006-01-08T11:41:00.000-05:00

Oh well, I didn't know how to name this congee, and since it has a little bit of everything, congee supreme it is. Due to the cold weather out there, my craving for warm food has grown stronger by each day. So I thought of a bowl of warm and homey rice porridge.

Ingredients:
2 litre water
2 cups rice
3 chicken drumsticks
6 small pieces of Dong Quai (Angelica sinensis) => chinese herbs
1 tbsp of Chinese Wolfberry
1 cup of diced carrots
1 cup of diced onions
1 cup of diced tomatoes
1 cup of diced potatoes

Seasoning:
Sesame oil
Salt
Soy sauce
White pepper

Methods:
1. Prepare the ingredients. Dice all the vege.
2. Boil the water.
3. Put in all the ingredients. Orders not necessary. Cook until the rice is soft and well-broken. I prefer the gruel type.
4. Salt to taste. Add in some sesame oil for the aroma.
5. Soy sauce and white pepper can be added either to the entire pot of congee, or only add it on your plate when you're about to consume it.
6. Bon Appétit!

A plate of warm and hearty congee, having stir-fried watercress （西洋菜） vege as side.
I would normally have a stir fry vege to go with my congee, as fiber provider.
Dash of white pepper, and some soy sauce would make it perfect.

The congee was a wild try, but I love it! It has sweetness from all the ingredients, you can taste a hint of tomatoes, carrots, potatoes, onions, dong quai, Chinese wolfberries, as well as essence from the chicken.
Hmmmm! Oooohh-la-la!

Something homey.

2006-01-08T10:52:00.000-05:00

I once said 'You can take a Malaysian out of Malaysia, but you can never take Malaysia out of a Malaysian'. The response I got was 'more food for thought'. The comment was right, but only partially though. When you're in overseas, you tend to ponder over the differences between races and nationalities more than you're in your home country. At least that is what I have experienced in my recent years living abroad. I do have many Chinese friends from China. We click really well. We all look physically alike, but deep down, we all know that there are many huge differences between ourselves. Food, culture, perception, habits, etc., just to name a few. For a foreigner, they might have viewed all Chinese as a whole, but we sure think that a Malaysian Chinese differs from Chinese from China, a lot.

Alright, this post is about food. Something Malaysia, something homey.

I manage to get a packet of Hup Seng's Ping Pong Cream Crackers from the grocery store. Oh, what a precious! Crackers and coffee is a common combination for breakfast in my family. Ahhh, a cup of hot aromatic coffee, together with homey cream crackers (from Malaysia,yay!), perfect combination!

I am not a big coffee fan, as coffee tends to dry my throat. On top of that, I dislike the unpleasant breath one will develop after taking coffee (please do not be offended! that is my personal view). I will not say no to this breakfast nevertheless, as it is THAT good.

It is best to have the crackers dip into boiling hot coffee, so that the crackers will be softened nicely, and that the aroma of coffee will diffuse evenly in every bite of the crackers. When you have the crackers in your mouth, the softened-crackers-but-still-with-a-hint-of-crunchiness+coffee aroma= heavenly!

See, you can take a Malaysian, out of Malaysia. But can you take Malaysia out of a Malaysian? Nah. More food for thought? Oh well, perhaps.

Food, partakes a culture, afterall.

at sea.

2006-01-06T19:31:00.000-05:00

我在Halifax的其中一位很很很要好的朋友，最近也搭上了当博客的列车。呵呵，实在是可喜可贺的喜事啊。小妮子（我指我的朋友啦）的文笔可好得不得了呢，实在让我羡慕啊。她可是高材生一位哦。

好朋友，很高兴可以从你的部落里详阅你的心情故事。我们海上见！
^_^

Cranberry Bean Soup.

2006-01-04T16:41:00.000-05:00

I felt ecstatic when I saw Cranberry Bean (also known as Borlotti Bean, or Pearl Bean. The latter term is commonly used in Malaysia when directly translated from Chinese.) in the grocery store in Northern Virginia last weekend. Gosh, I hadn't consumed this vege in years! I never saw this when I was in Halifax. I rationalize that such fresh produce is way too exotic to appear in East of Montreal.

The most common way to cook this bean, is to make soup. Can we cook it another way? Oh, you really got me, because, I really don't know! Do share if you have different recipe.

Ahh, how I missed this soup!

Konnyaku Jelly.

2006-01-03T19:16:00.000-05:00

Konnyaku jelly, something I am crazy about. I love it; my family members love it, even my grandpa is a big fan of such dessert. I like it's unique texture, so Q-vy, so soft yet so firm at the same time. Sometimes I will have some longan to go with it, but I actually prefer having only the jelly, without any other fruits. That way, I can savour the jelly bits by bits.

Be forewarned, though, that this is an adult food. Konnyaku jelly, having konjac as its active ingredients, is a possible choking hazard for the kids. Such product imposes a high suffocation risk among children. As a matter of fact, Canada banned such food a few years ago, so does Australia. I was shocked when I learned about this. But I agree with the decision made by the authorities. So, do becareful if you're sharing this food with your younger one.

It makes me feel so weird that a food that I like so much is hazardous to certain people. Bah.

Everything Online.

2006-01-03T16:13:00.000-05:00

Are you an 'online' person? How 'online' are you?

Since our days in North America (previously Canada, now USA), broadband internet is something we cannot live without. I call it an 'essential' of daily lives. We do banking online, we pay all our bills online, we rent our DVDs online, we order our digital photo prints online (and pick them up at stores an hour later), etc. Internet is a great tool for communications, but I guess we have lived a life that is way beyond that. Online shopping is something really handy these days. You can buy almost anything, or everything from the internet now. More often than not, the deals are better on the internet, than the deals you get in stores. All you need to pay is the shipping and handling. Most of the websites would offer free shipping if your order exceeds a certain amount, so that's even better.

In Canada days, I was a big fan of Amazon.Ca, and Chapters.Ca. These sites are cool, and they have given me an option for more affordable books. In recent days, Amazon.Com and Barnes & Noble.Com are my fave when it comes to books. Tomato loves to get his computer accessories online. I bought my current laptop from the internet, so does my scrubs, my movie tickets, my broadway tickets, my flight tickets, even lingerie!

This is a lifestyle that is totally different from two decades ago. I wonder how will our lives be 20 years from now.

A good head start.

2006-01-02T09:07:00.000-05:00

This might not be the healthiest breakfast, it's still homey nevertheless. Very americanized indeed. Our first breakfast in 2006. I don't live a very americanize life, so such breakfast is my very first. My first time making scramble eggs, as well as turkey bacon after not having bacon in a very very long time. I also prepared baked beans and toasted bread together with english tea to go with everything.

Oh well, just wanna do something special at the beginning of the year. A good head start, literally.

May all of you have greater days to come. Happy 2006!

A girl's first Tiffany ...

2005-12-30T14:14:00.000-05:00

Call me a cliché , but admittedly, I am a Tiffany that kind of gal. Some people would think that their products are way overpriced, but you know what, it's Tiffany. In another words, yeah, you're paying for the brand, just like any other branded stuffs. Just perhaps the media has successfully imparted me about the beauty of such brand, and that most girls will use Tiffany products as a metaphor of felicity. Ha. But, don't you find an elegant gift placed in the Tiffany velvet jewelry pouch, encased in the Tiffany box, then wrapped around with white satin ribbon simply irresistable?

This Christmas, I got my very first Tiffany gift from my significant other. No, it is not a ring. It is a pendant. A very elegant pendant. After a few years of wearing the 'key' that was given by my parents when I was 21, I am happy to have a change. Hey, I have been wearing that for a few years you know ... I never change it with anything else because I feel that I have yet to possess anything that is good enough for a replacement. Now, it is time ... =)

If I work in Malaysia, I will never ever dream of owning any Tiffany's products. However, since our earnings are in USD now, the price would seem somewhat more affordable now.

Thank you, Tomato. It is a thoughtful gift.
A gift that is 'true to our hearts'.

Christmas Dinner.

2005-12-26T08:44:00.000-05:00

This is what I prepared for my Christmas dinner. As you can see, there is spanakopita (Greek spinach pie), baked Salmon fish on a bed of mashed sweet potatoes, top with special roasted onion, and baked string beans with turkey bacon.

All dishes are inspired by chefs from Food Network. The food tasted okay, but I had a depressing day because my yule log, which was designated to be the dessert of my Christmas dinner, didn't turn out the way I wanted it to be. It was supposed to be like the picture showing on your right. The cake I baked was all cracked up, I couldn't even frost it. And the frosting I made, melted. Sigh. I ended up having a sinful-but-cracked chocolate fudge cake. It tasted good, but didn't have a shape, at all.

Another depressing thing is that the spanakopita didn't turn out the shape I desired. Spanakopita, traditionally, are made in flag shapes, like the picture showing on your left. Though been forewarned before I played with the phyllo dough, I thought I would be alright. Little did I know that phyllo dough really is an ingredient that requires experience to play with. So I ended up with all sorts of shapes, from square, to irregular, to I-dunno-what shape. Oh well, as long as they're still in a parcel-like, huh? The taste of the spanakopita was alright, except I would prefer having cream cheese as filling, instead of Ricotta cheese. I will use the former instead, should I try to make this again.

The string beans, hmmm, the idea itself was kinda fun, but I think I shall boil the bean lightly in boiling water before sending them into the oven. The beans got kinda dried-up at the edges. If I could preserve the crunchiness entirely, that would be ideal.

Aiks, at least the Salmon and mash potatoes top with special roasted onion (flavoured with Balsamic Vinegar) was great. This is an attempt to cook a ristorante-level food. The overall end result? Aigh.

No, I should not be deterred by this small lil' failure, but carry on my assiduous attempts in my culinary exploration.

I hope you had a great Christmas celebration. I look forward to reading your wonderful stories in your blogs. Seeya.

Merry Christmas!

2005-12-24T06:19:00.000-05:00

So, this is Christmas …

A week ago, I knew Christmas was indeed fast approaching, but I never knew that it would be this weekend. How non-alert. Anyhow, it’s one of the most joyous times of the year. I am sure the jolly spirit overwhelms all of you. Everyone is either busy getting gifts, or planning a grand Christmas dinner. I hope everyone will have great holiday celebrations.

Speaking of Christmas, do you believe in Santa Claus? Or were you at least once a believer of this Ho-Ho-Ho man? Oh well, because I grew up in a tropical country, I never had a chance to believe so. Not only that my parents didn’t impart me, and hence created a scenario for me to believe, I speculated that there is no chimney nor fireplace in my house, so Santa Claus wouldn’t have a way to enter my house. On top of that, Malaysia is too far away from the North Pole, even the magical reindeers wouldn’t have the special power to bring Santa to travel afar. I always thought that such character only exists in fairy tales, or simply a beautiful legend to associate with the festive season. I also thought that everyone else would hold the same belief like me, only to realize that I was so wrong when I was in Canada.

Yes, the ‘ultimate’ Santa Claus doesn’t quite exist, but there are still Santa Clauses. No, I don’t mean those who dresses-up in the red suit and white beard that you see in shopping emporiums. Nah-ah. So, whom am I referring?

Have you watched the movie ‘Polar Express’ before? The movie did a great job in illustrating the legend of Christmas. In the movie, not only that Santa Claus does exist, he resides in the North Pole together with a huge population of Christmas elves. Christmas elves spend almost entire year to make toys and wrapping gifts. On the eve of Christmas, Santa Claus will ride on his sleigh (that has sleigh bells as ornaments), which is pulled by reindeers as his mode of transport to deliver the presents to well-behaved kids nationwide. Yes, such a beautiful legend, huh? If I tell you, kids over here believe the entire story, will that shock you? Oh, I just couldn’t bring myself to believe this when I first told by my friend here. Yeah, majority of the kids here will believe the existence Santa Claus, until they find out the reality either through peers, or they deliberate the truth themselves. It is a tradition over here that parents will strive their best to bring such belief to their kids. ‘Why?’ I asked. My friend, who is a mum to a precious daughter, told me ‘this will give the kids something to look forward’. With a brief pause, she continued ‘and of course, they will endeavor to be a better kid in order to have their dreams come true/get the much-desired gifts’. ‘But, won’t you feel hurt when you grow up only to realize that it was a big white lie?’ I asked again. To my disbelief, they don’t normally feel that way. Kids would sometimes argue with their friends about their believes. Nonetheless, when they soon find out the reality, they would be more grateful, as Santa Clauses are actually wonderful parents in disguise.

My friend then further told me that most of the parents would prepare some cookies and milk on their children’s behalf, and placed them on the table (mostly) by the Christmas tree. The snack is intended as a sign of appreciation to Mr. Claus when he comes. And you know what would happen? The parents would have a bite or two on the cookies! Ha! And the best part is, the cookies would then be shown to the kids the next day when they wake up, so they would have the perception that Santa indeed did come, and left them the wonderful gifts! Needless to say, I was astounded. My friend then jokingly said, ‘Oooh yeaaahhh, we’ll go that far.’ Lolz.

At this jolly season, I will like to wish all of you a very Merry Christmas.

May your dreams come true…
May you have tons of joyous moments with your love ones …
May you have great food and great laughs …

And most importantly,
May the Christmas spirit be with you, always …

Happy Holidays!

Stir Fry Vege with Chinese Wolfberry.

2005-12-19T12:39:00.000-05:00

This is what I normally would do when I stir fry vege. I would add Chinese Wolfberry , or known as Chinese Matrimony Vine (枸杞，或杞子) while stir-frying. I started doing this about a year ago when I was in Canada. I was about to leave the country and there was still a packet of this Chinese herb sitting in my fridge. I did not wanna waste any of such good stuff. It is a well-known fact among the Chinese that this herb is good for one's vision. But having Chinese herbal chicken soup (most common way to use this herb) everyday didn't sound like a good idea either. Consequently, I tried to incorporate this herb to my cooking. I forgot what else I did, but to have it with stir fry vege is one of the best idea I have developed so far. I encourage you to try it out. Not only that you can have a faster turn-over rate for this item in your household, it actually tastes pretty good too together with your vege. It would bring some sweetness to your dish. On top of that, you know you're doing something beneficial to your eye.

Something to share.