Chef Diva's Love Moment

I don’t know what it is about me, but planning is sure not one of the rules in my life nowadays. I do things on impulse as long as the result will be fruitful. Today happens to be one of those non planning days too. Soon I will be leaving and my two angels will have to do things on their own a lot, therefore whatever it takes I just want to give them all the quality moments.

Today I decided to buy a whole Salmon home, in fact I was so happy to get this Salmon direct from the supplier, otherwise it would have cost me a lot. Chef Diva was elated when she saw the Salmon, and smacked me with kisses and hugs as a token of thanks.

The joy that was on her face when she saw the Salmon was ecstatic, she was cradling the Salmon like a baby, caressing it with admiration, stroking it with love, she was in the kitchen with the Salmon for a good many hours. She cleaned the whole Salmon by herself; some were fillet, some cut into steaks, while the bones were kept for stock.

All these times, I was enjoying a body massage in the hall, her little sister was busy watching her and hubby was as usual engrossed with his computer. Once Chef Diva came to me and dared me to take the Salmon raw, I was like what? We do this all the time at the Japanese restaurant; of course the raw Salmon was heavenly.

Since she was in charge of the kitchen, she also cooked us late dinner, and it was everyone’s favorite, Angel hair Carbonara.

I would do this over and over again just so Chef Diva will have the experience she needs for her future career.

NICE.....Indah Nama Dari Rupa

I was invited for a quick trip to Singapore recently with a Girlfriend; I forgot all about it and was really not looking forward to the trip at all, however, having given her my word, I had to drag myself to go.

Since none of us wanted to drive, we decided to take the bus instead, my experience has only been on Aeroline (which was very reliable and comfortable). Sadly, she could not get any tickets on that bus, so she had no choice but to get the only bus available and that was Nice.

When I saw the bus I became depressed, I guess she could sense my feelings and suggested that we go to the lounge to wait. The lounge was a tiny square box; the first thing that caught my eyes was this Indian guy waiter with an apron as well as a red bow tie….. oops …… may be my eyes playing a trick on me, I looked again, confirmed an Indian with a red bow tie.

Not long after that came the announcement that the bus is ready. Off we went to the bus just to be told that the bus was going to Penang, instead we were told to go to another bus waiting in the front and locked, at this time it was raining and everyone was trying to duck themselves from the rain, just to discover again that it was not the bus. To make the story short, we finally were shown to the right bus, got into our seat, waited, waited again and again before the bus decided that it was already late, and time to buzz off.

We were greeted by a slurry dragging voice over the microphone; I swear I thought I was hallucinating, could someone be trained to be so incompetent and imbecile? What was she thinking of? After the announcement, she came round to serve us some pathetic looking bread, my tongue was eagerly wagging to confront her on the stupidity of her announcement, but the angelic side of me decided to do otherwise.

This is a bus that comes without a toilet on board, so if you want to pee, you better have a strong controlling power of your bladder as the bus will only stop at the decision of the driver, if you are hungry be reassured that you will stay hungry till you arrive to your destination, or well swallow the pathetic looking bread, you ain’t got no choice. The bus or the operator running the operation of the bus must be from another planet. Sitting on this bus make me feel as though I am on a charity ride.

NICE what a name? My Girlfriend was charged RM30.00 extra on top of the RM55.00 that was printed on the ticket, meaning for the full round trip she actually paid RM120.00 extra for the two of us, and no receipt was given.

Would I ever go on this bus again? No!!!!!!! I would rather crawl all the way to the causeway then to be intimidated the whole journey.

It's Duckling Santa

It is Xmas time again, on this day I choose to give gifts to all my kids and my only daughter-in-law; I also exchanged gifts with some of my favorite people, so it was truly a time for giving.

The day started as lazy as anyone can think of, we had planned to have a big dinner too, and everyone was looking forward to that moment. This year I was too lazy to put up our little tree, so we do without a tree, hence the kids were not aware that gifts were still in the menu. Lunch was normal; everyone was chatty about nothing and everything. Immediately after lunch and all the cleaning up, I gave the girls their gifts, and it is the look of surprise that I so love to see in my girls’ faces; This moment that I so wish to capture forever.

We had two roast chickens, gnocchi with cheese and homemade tomato sauce, curry puff, cheese cake, doughnuts etc. It was really enjoyable to see everyone in good spirit. The kids and hubby ended up playing card games, while I went to my sanctuary for my dose of computer games.

I don’t know what time my son and daughter-in-law left, as hubby and I had to go out for an appointment. I look forward to more quality time with the family always.

On The Rocks

Look at Chef Diva, look, what do you think she is doing, while we were all waiting diligently at our table for the food to arrive, she was busy doing something else. This picture was taken by hubby as we thought she still looked the innocent young thing, who does not have a care in the world.
While walking on the rocks she discovered that there was a cat hiding in between the rocks, it just took her attention totally. The first time she saw the cat, she quickly came back to the table to ask her sister for the camera to capture a picture of the cat, however, she was not given the camera, and reason being the battery was low.

This does not dither her from going ahead to continue playing with the cat. This daughter of mine has from her very young age shown a keen interest as an animal lover, especially cats. She had her collection of animals from Iguana, White mice, Indian Turtle, Persian and Siamese Cats, Rabbits, Guinea Pigs etc. She just loves animals.

Don’t you just love these pictures?

Desperately Lonely

Sepang Gold Coast is indeed a place of many things, first the attitude of the people, the campers, the rubbish, the desperate couples cheap dos on motorbikes as well as cars shamelessly, children running around freely while parents busy chatting away and of course the so over rated messages left on the beach, and written on the sand.

As this picture shows here, it was very obvious that the person who decided to inscribe his/her phone number on the sand must be such a desperado. What goes on in his/her brain to even think of such a method to get a call from someone? It is so weird, especially in this time of cyber world.

I wonder if some people can actually get so lonely to be a desperado. I have seen friends who wanted to get a partner and were willing to go all the extra miles to get one, because they were afraid of being alone and lonely.

How can someone claim to be lonely? I guess it is all in the grey matter, life is everything you make it to be, so is loneliness, if you keep banging it in your brain that you are lonely, you will be lonely, but if you realize that in life humans are not the only factor that can keep you away from loneliness, then you will be a happier person.

Anyways, to each his own. I will conclude that people who are desperados can be chepos too.

Black Magic and the Sea

As the tide was down on the evening that we were at the beach, we decided to take the much loved walk on the sand and deep into the sea. While we were enjoying the feel of warm and wet sand under our feet, my three angels spotted a plastic bag full of photo frames embedded in the sand. Their curious mind got the better of them, as they excitedly pulled the bag out from the sand, laughingly hoping that it was a hidden treasure.

The two elder girls immediately tore into the bag and pulled out the wooden photo frames, all bounded together with a string. At this point, I told them to stop and not go further with the bag, however, as usual my eldest girl has to do what she thinks is right. All the pictures that were framed were some kind of Indian Gods, all sorts of them. By now I have to put my foot down, and raised my voice telling her not to open the bag and the photo frames any further. She listened, alhamdulillah.

We walked away from the plastic bag and not far from where the bag was left, we found another book bounded together with a string of flowers, normally used for prayers at the Indian Temple. The immediate reaction of my girls were to pull that book out as well, but I sternly told them to leave the book alone and urged them to walk away from that area.

I have often heard that people who practice black magic will throw things in the river or the sea, so that the evil spells would stay permanent, or so that the evil spells could not be broken, which is which I don’t know, but with this in mind, I fear for my daughters’ safety.

Black Magic is so common everywhere and I have seen some people being affected by such evil acts. One could feel a total mental block, with very much disturbed sleep, and negative thoughts. They will also feel the presence of an unknown entity in their house, which makes them fell restless all the time. The common bait to put a spell will be the usage of pictures, hair, nails etc. Therefore, when I saw the photo frames, it sent the chills on me.

I pray that my daughters will be more aware of the surroundings, and not take things for granted. InsyaAllah.

Sepang Gold Coast

Time really flies when you are in a family and enjoying every seconds of it. Today we decided to have another day of quality family time, and the place that we choose was the much talked about Sepang Gold Coast.

Initially, we wanted to leave in the morning but Chef Diva and Drama Queen had to have their dose of the gym, as they actually have to smell the gym every day. So, we only left home at approximately 1330 hours.

It took us about 1.30 hours to arrive at Sepang Gold Coast, the place was packed with people. We found a nice parking space, with a shade from the sun, and very close to one of the seafood restaurants.

Since it was already lunch time, we decided to have lunch first before hitting the beach. The food we ordered came in time, and it was delicious. For a spread that consists of Squid, Fish, Crabs, Eggs, Rice, Veggies, 5 coconut drinks, Milo, Ice Kacang etc, the price was super cheap. We were happy of course.

After lunch we went walking on the beach, sad truth always come so quickly when you are on home ground. The beach was filthy with rubbish, broken glass, empty cans and everything that they can just swing into the sea, you will find them there.

Parents who do not care about the safety and cleanliness of the beach just let their children loose in the water. It was sad to see how the young innocent enjoying themselves without being aware of the filthy environment that they are in.

Ahhhhh….. Malaysia, what a name you place to this beach? If only half the brains who agreed to the name Gold Coast had done any research at all!! to keep the beach safe, clean and neat.

All I can say is that as long as this is Malaysia and corruption is the soup of the day, nothing functions.

Safarah Liban

Accompanied hubby to the Lebanese Embassy recently, this is not the first time that I have been to this place, however, the irritation that this place seem to have on me is ongoing.

If only there were at any given time that I have been to the Embassy would I see people seeking any assistance here, I would understand why they were so scared of even opening their gate. Honestly, there were none. Anyone visiting this Embassy will have to park on the main road because visitors were not allowed to park in the vicinity of the Embassy.

Hubby was the only client that they have for the day, but the way the staff were carrying on their work was as though they were serving 100 clients at the same time.

There was this guy from Thailand attending to all the documentation, then there was this coffee lady who kept walking up and down the stairs to serve one miserly coffee each time. She must be so bored with her work that she has to walk as though a stick was stuck in her back, and a ton of bricks chained to her leg. Out of nowhere came this huge lady whose attire was more suitable for a cushion cover. She wore no smile at all, and a second look at her one can’t help noticing the thick moustache as well as sideburns on her face. I was not being nasty but I just can’t help bursting out laughing.

At one point I needed to use their toilet, and was shown one next to the pantry. My jaw dropped as I hesitate whether to pee or to just walk out, and endure the urge longer.

Take a look at the pictures here and believe me this is the Embassy’s toilet.

Immigration Department

Went to the Immigration Department recently, was very happy to see their latest state of the art machines for the application and renewal of passports. However, this machine has its flaw and is not applicable to all. Thumbs up for an initiative of advancement anyways.

Those who failed to put in their application through the machine will have to go through the normal process. First, you have to queue for the number, here the person serving at the counter will check that your forms have been completed, photo and other documentation attached before you are given your number.

Then you wait for approximately one hour forty minutes or more before your number is called, at this counter your application will be counter checked, your thumb print copied, and finally the submission of the whole thing. Next, you wait again for another 45 minutes or so before your number is called for a second time. At this counter, there were signages that informed the public that your passport will be ready two hours after receipt of payment, so you make your payment, get your receipt, and go anywhere you want, but remember to come back in 2 hours, as that was the time limit given for the passport to be ready.

Most people will go have their food, run some errands, or like us go home for a short nap, while setting the alarm so that we don’t miss the 2 hours dateline.

Like all Government Departments, no matter how modern or ancient the building may be, parking will always be an unending problem. With this in mind and not wanting to be late you just park wherever is convenient, though if you are unlucky you will be given the ticket, what the heck?

On the 2 hours timeliness you submit your receipt to the counter, they will in return give you another number, and, yes of course you wait, and you wait and you wait. Oh, did I read that signage wrong? Obviously all these processes that I have been through from the moment of receipt of payment have been more then 2 hours.

What is weird too is that, the numbers that were way after yours will be called much earlier than you. WTF?

Anyways, after nearly 4 hours I finally got my passport. Do I need to say more? The very obvious thing at the Immigration Department is that there were 38 counters, by 1100 hours only 3 counters will be serving, while the rest were empty, yet you see the staff walking around behind the counters, talking, on the mobile, just pondering at nothing, and top most trying to look busy.

I hope someday, my grandchildren will see a better serving government, and not go through this shit over and over again.

Augmentin 625mg And Me

I have been sick since the 9th of December, 2008, having been to the hospital, I can only hope to feel well. However, the medication that was given to me was all super powerful especially the antibiotic. The prescribed antibiotic was Augmentin 625mg.

Augmentin is an antibiotic in a group of drugs called penicillins, which fights bacteria in the body. I have never had any antibiotic which is as strong as this one, it actually caused more damaged to my already sick body then before consuming it.

On the first day of consuming this medication I was experiencing all sorts of reactions, but I didn’t realize that this was part of the side effects, as I was not informed by the hospital. The direction was to take the antibiotic for 5 days, each day I was feeling worse, I started to have stomach pain, a lot of gas, total loss of appetite, loose bowels and nauseated. My mood swings were getting the better of me.

Hubby wanted me to stop taking the medication, but then when you started a course of antibiotic you are to finish it, so I was enduring all these side effects and trying to be strong at the same time. The next thing that creeps into my system was a severe headache, and my fever kept coming back off and on. It was only at this point of time that I decided to look up on the internet about this product.

I was shocked to learn about the severe side effects of this antibiotic, as usual I can only wonder which direction our medical system heading to?

It does not make any difference if you were to just walk into one of the thousand clinics that are available on the sidewalks, or go to a reputable private hospital. The only difference is that those side walk clinics will cost you peanuts for a better prescription of medication, while the reputable private hospital boost up your confidence only to drop you like a rotten tomato.

Today is the last day of the antibiotic; I pray that I will be feeling a lot better tomorrow. The whole episode is a nightmare I wish not to walk into again.

Sitting On The Toilet Bowl

10 things I do while I am sitting on the toilet bowl:

1. Counting and calculating the tiles and marble on the wall and floor of the toilet.

2. Wondering over and over again why the toilet bowl is designed too big for people with my butt size and height

3. Rearranging in my mind the bottles of shampoo, cleanser, soap whatever there is on the sink counter

4. Counting my hand and toe fingers just for the fun of it

5. Closing my eyes and making a challenge, whether my poo will complete faster than when I decided to open my eyes

6. Exercise my arms and legs because sitting on the toilet bowl is so uncomfortable

7. Flip through the same magazine and book that I last left in the toilet

8. Wondering what everyone else is doing outside my toilet

9. Wondering how can some people not wash their ass after they poo

10. Sitting on the toilet bowl is so not my thing

When It Rains It Pours

Have you ever experienced a situation where one thing after another will befall you, be it good or bad? It is weird how when your wishes just happen to be fulfilled with an added bonus. Or when the least expected bad situation that you hope not to encounter will come knocking on your door one after the other. This is what I will term as, `when it rains it pours’.

This year for example, we had been saving so hard to go for a short vacation together, at least for me and the girls, as hubby is always away. After some calculation done, we managed to go for a 4 day trip to Singapore, then shortly afterwards we found ourselves in Kuching celebrating my little angel’s birthday, and recently we were in Kedah and Penang. It was like we had only planned for one but the Lord opened more doors for us. Thank you Lord.

Then there was this period of time this year that nearly five people I know were taken ill, and demised within a short interval of each other. For a moment it keeps me wondering how things happen when you least expect them to.

Recently, hubby got sick, so we all assumed that it was the normal flu till we realized that it was not just that. Having gone to the doctor he got better, alhamdulillah, but a few days after I started to feel very much under the weather, again assuming that it was just the flu, I began self medicating, till the very early morning of the 3rd day of being sick; I dragged myself to the emergency unit of Damansara Specialist.

My temperature was so high that they had to give me an injection immediately and also medication to take orally; I was also requested to rest at the sick bay before allowing me to go home. I am still not feeling too good.

However, as though the circle was not over, my eldest girl called to inform that she is also down with similar symptoms that I am having. I can only hope that she will get well soon.

I am a rain person, I just love the rainy days, I love the sound of the rain, I love the smell of rain, and simply the rain just makes me feel so secured and peaceful.

`When it rains, it pours’ is a beautiful connotation to the rhythm of the rain itself.

What Is There In A Name?

What is there in a name? Often you will hear this question being asked. Each and every one of us was given a name, just so we can be identified easily, just so we are molded into the character of the name or vice versa.

Recently when I was in Kampung Hilir, Sungai Petani, Kedah I saw a road named `Jalan Haji Shaari’. I couldn’t help but smile at the similarity of the name to that of my own father. My eldest daughter was proudly saying that if any one were to tell me that this is my grandfather’s road, I will surely say, yes it is.

Like my father the road sign has seen its light of days, suddenly I feel the pang of missing him so dearly. He is the greatest father that anyone could ask for, he is a very calm person, very patience, does not talk much and a great thinker. My father is a very diplomatic person, he does not gossip, he is not judgmental, and he is just so simple.

Back to the question, what is there in a name? Like all of us our names will be attached to many other persons in the world. There were other Shaaris that I know who are not at all like my father. Therefore, will the name make us or will we make the name?

I always thought that my name was so cliché, till I realized that it is so common that my name become synonym of those from the village, however, it is still my name. If I were given the opportunity would I change my name? May be or may be not, because besides being too common a name, its meaning is good. My name means thankful were my parents being thankful when I was born, or was it just a name to fill in the blank, as I was their fifth born, and I bet by then the excitement of naming another child is just a chore.

You tell me.

Under Attack

On the day that we were leaving for Kedah, hubby was down with very high fever, so we had to make a quick stop over at the Mediveron Clinic. There, the doctor even decided to take his blood sample. We left with 4 kinds of medication for him; of course I have to take over the driving.

The vacation that we had planned was spent monitoring his temperature as well as making sure that he gets all the rest needed. The blood results show that his platelet counts was at 115 as compared to the normal reading of 150. The doctor does not make it any easier for us as he said that there could be a possibility that hubby is down with dengue. However, my Medic daughter refused to let us worry ourselves in believing what the doctor said, and we decided to follow what she said instead.

The hotel in Penang is one of the best that we have choose to stay in, so while the girls spent their time at the pool and the gym, I had to stay with hubby as he was really ill, I have never seen him in such a situation before. He even said that he was ready to die (well he is an exaggerator at times, but when you are sick, you are sick I suppose).

On the morning of our check out, I was suddenly down with very high fever too, while my whole body was aching mad, it is as though someone is practically hammering me all over, my throat was irritating me, the cough started in full swing and tons of flem follows.

The three girls went down to enjoy a wonderful buffet breakfast, while hubby waited on me. I could hardly carry myself; every inch of me was aching so so much. I swear that a couple of times I was so close to tears but I know this is a test from the Lord and I should be strong.

Today at 0500 hours I woke up as I was shivering under my blanket, went to the kitchen and took my magic pills, it helps with the fever but not the body aching, so I decided to take the medication that hubby was given. I hope I will get better in a few days. We are wondering what is this nasty virus that has made its way to our bodies, and totally, totally leaving us helpless.

Eid Al Adha `Korban'

Eid Al Adha comes again, and this time the whole family wanted to do something different. We pledged to do the sacrifice of a whole cow representing all 7 of us in the family. However, it is not easy to make a booking in Selangor, but Alhamdulillah we got the opportunity to do the sacrifice in Kedah.

This is the very first time that I witness how the processes of the sacrifice is done. The person who sold the cow to us has to do an `akad’ with hubby on the sales and purchase, then the Imam did another `akad’ with hubby for the slaughtering of the cow and mentioning our 7 names. It was something new to me; I never knew that such process have to take place before the actual sacrifice is done.

The Kampung folks were marvelous people, full of hospitality and commitment. We felt indebted to them, in accepting us and going all the way to make our short stay at the Kampung as comfortable as possible.

Thank you Lord for making this sacrifice a smooth one.

I Am Irritated

Please be informed that I honestly get super duper irritated by the following:
- People whistling especially in the house, this is because I was brought up to understand that whistling is a very inappropriate kind of behavior.

- Not putting things at their original place, basic knowledge will tell you that this kind of action is messy.

- Acting that you are a stone when spoken to, wake up already, if you are not born deaf then at least be human.

- Talking too much and acting that you are the know it all person

- Picking your teeth at the table in front of everyone (so hate this one)

- Burping at the dining table and not shy of the action

- Leaving the sink full of unwashed plates

- Talking so loudly and not even bothered if all other eyes are looking at you.

- Waiting in line, just to be shown the next counter sign.

- The `I don’t know’ answer to every questions

When you are with me, please I beg of you do not irritate me with any of the above-mentioned.

Save My Day

Today none of us had any desire to make breakfast or take breakfast; we were just so laid back. However, at around 1030 hours we were all beginning to yearn for some food. On impulse we decided to go to Pavilion for food then to the Low Yat Mall.

Upon arriving at Pavilion I had suggested that we give the car for Jockey parking, but hubby insists that it is alright to go to the parking as he is confident that we will not have any difficulty locating our car. Little did he realize that once the stomach is full the brain is less alert, so when it was time to leave, we went round and round the parking but could not locate our car.

The situation was made worst as we had already paid for the parking, which means that after 15 minutes the parking ticket will have to be revalidated. A security guard on duty was of not much help too, seeing that we were getting more anxious he called for a buggy to come and ferry us in locating our car.

The road home was heavily jammed due to the sudden heavy down pour, everyone was bored as a dead log in the car. The only person who was still concentrating on the road was hubby as he was driving. We finally arrived to the destination, and to get a parking in this place is almost impossible, I am really not in the mood to go round and round in search for a parking anymore. Therefore, the car was parked on the shoulder of the main road.

We went on doing our things, assuming that no policemen will come round at this hour of the day, what more with this weather. We spotted a new coffee shop and decided to give it a try; all four of us placed our orders happily. While waiting for the food hubby had gone over to the next shop to get a quote to replace our wind screen wipers.

We were chatting, joking and laugh while enjoying our order, suddenly the guy whom hubby had earlier asked for the quote came and said, `your car, your car, go move quickly, police summon’. Without much thinking hubby throw the keys at me and I was next to the policeman in a split second.

The ticket was already issued, I begged him to take back the ticket, but he said I was too late. Not one who give up so easily, I followed him, and again he told me that I was too late. Meanwhile, he went on with his work to issue the next summon on the next car, then I realized that the car he had just planted the summon on was not mine, but the next one is. Like a lightning I went straight in front of him and told him, `wait, wait this is my car, I will move it now’. He laughed and told me to take the car and move quickly.

I was saved twice today, thanked God. Looking back I know we were simply stupid.

My Strength

28.11.2008 was a super duper busy day for me; it was all systems go from 0700 hours till after 0100 hours the next day. It was suddenly dawn on me that all the lazy Sundays I had before were actually a bonus in lieu compared to this magical date.

I was the planner, the organizer, the deplorer and everything; no one was around to lend me a hand except for my two angels. But in the end I was happy, I wanted to finish this episode of my life on this day and not another day longer. It was a hell of a decision that I had to make and a decision that I was proud to have made.

By the time I put my body on the bed with my little angel next to me, my eyes refused to sleep, as I was doing a lot of praying for my hubby who was then traveling for his home vacation. On this day I believe I only had approximately an hour sleep.

Whatever I dreamt of during this short hour of sleep, I know it was a dream of peace and happiness. It was a dream that I know had materialized on the day that I was my own boss, still very independent, still full of life and still trusting that nothing is impossible if I set my mind to do it.

Thank you Lord for giving me the strength.

Dear Journal - The First Time

Dear Journal

Sometimes, life can be great. You know, when nothing can seem to go wrong, everything you have planned is coming together, when you feel unstoppable.

On his arrival date, I was a nervous wreck, don’t know why, many speculations were forming in my own mind. What if, what next and all what’s????

My adrenalin was beyond its normal flow, rushing to the airport, taking the airport pass, boarding the train and finally waiting at the arrival gate. The time of arrival seems to be snail slow, clock time came and went, still no sign of him, I tried to mingle around with the ground staff but it was just faking the thunderous beating of my heart.

Finally, the much awaited flight arrived, passengers started walking out and the butterflies in my stomach flew to a million. None a familiar face was spotted and it was an hour behind time. Where is he??, have I already missed him??, did he actually board the plane?? I was composing and calculating the odds against that, still waiting, still no sign of him………

When my anxiousness got the better of me, he came walking out, with a smile much waited for, and with a hug much hungered for and with two pecks on the cheeks, which was much anticipated for. There were no odd feelings between us, we settled in comfortably, and at one point I think I was making a nuisance of my anxiety, where upon I hope I was not offending him.

Thus, our history of us, not him neither I begun…………….

Silent Tears

It was a super busy Tuesday for me today, started at 0645 hours and returned home at approximately 1940 hours. There was a moment that I cannot help wonder if my life is destined to be this way, will I always be treated like a driver, a maid and a provider. I feel sad, but as always I will not let sadness drive me to a land of no return.

Think positive I keep telling myself, I know like me no one ever asked to be born, and we are all here for a reason. I accept all the reasons meant for me from the Lord. I am not going to regret anything that I have promised to do so that all my kids can fly strong on their own, never mind if along the way I am always not the preferred mother.

When ties were severed between my own mother and me, I start looking around at all elderly women as my own mother. Do I wish I could turn back time and be more careless in showing my love to the people that meant the world to me? No, I will not. However, many things and incidences that happened keep me praying that the Lord will show me the answers.

It is mummy’s birthday today, I left the house early, first for transportation to college, then came back to take shower and get ready to go to her house. I have no intention of staying long; just enough to hug her and feel the warmth of a mother’s loving arms. When I arrived she was crying, I held back my tears, I know how she is feeling on this special day of hers, then out of nowhere daddy made a remark that they accepted me as their own daughter. These words were so pure, so meaningful, so cooling to my heart, no words can describe the tears that were so ready to run down, but I have to be strong for them, not the other way round.

Hurriedly I made an excuse of exist as I have another appointment at 1000 hours. As I was driving, I can’t help making a lot of wishes, and hoping that they will be answered. InsyaAllah one day, but for now my silent tears will just continue.

Between Decision and Obligation

Last Sunday, me and my little angel went to Amcorp Mall as I had something to do there, besides, I love to browse around in the bazaar. Since we arrived quite late in the evening there were not too many stalls to feast our eyes on.

I discovered some very nice Xmas gifts for friends which were all within my budget, but there were even more things in the shops not the bazaar that I had to greet my teeth from buying. When we passed my favorite DVD shop, I extended my neck near the door and looked from a distance which stops short of me entering, because this shop will empty not only my pockets but also my purse.

I can sense that my little angel was getting a bit bored, as we were just browsing, with me every now and then stopping at a couple of shops in anticipation. It was getting dark too, while both our stomachs were singing the sad hunger song when we decided to leave in search for food.

We had the ever so famous Uptown chicken rice before heading home. It suddenly began to rain, strong heavy rain, I had to detour to the petrol station for a fill-up. On the way home the road became less visible because of the rain, traffic started stalling slowly. To kill time and boredom I started tickling my little angel till she shrilled with laughter over and over again and it just brings joy to me.

Just before entering the turning to our condo, we saw a family of three walking in the rain. It just breaks my heart to see how they were hurrying to a destination I know not of. We passed them and I made a U-Turn while my little angel went to the back of the car to get an umbrella to give to them.

I gave them the umbrella, that’s all that I can afford to do, I wish I could have offered to send them somewhere with cover, but I also have my Chef Diva waiting for her dinner at home. It was a decision that I have no choice but make. However, I am glad that at least the family of three will be walking in the heavy rain with a wee bit of comfort.

Ordinary Day

I wish I could tell you
The things I never got the chance to
I wish I was with you now
To see you smile again
I wish we had more time
But time goes by so fast

The moment comes and
Then the moment passes by
In the blink of an eye

And If I had one wish
I wouldn’t ask for money
I wouldn’t ask for fame
I wouldn’t ask for the power to
Make this world change
If I could have one thing
That one thing that I would chose
Is one more ordinary day with you
With you

I wish I could see you
And be there where my arms could reach you
I wish I could let you know
How much you touch my life
Maybe a little time is all the time we get
The Words we long to say are words that go unsaid
You can go back again

But if I had one wish
I Wouldn’t ask for money
I wouldn’t ask for fame
I wouldn’t ask for the power to
Make this world change
If I could have one thing
That one thing that I would chose
Is one more ordinary day
With you

I wish we had more time
Time goes by so fast
The moment comes and
Then the moment passes by
In the blink of an eye

But if I had one wish
I Wouldn’t ask for money
I wouldn’t ask for fame
I wouldn’t ask for the power to
Make this world change, no
If I could have one thing
That one thing that I would chose
Is one more ordinary day
Just one more ordinary day with you
With you

Let’s Procrastinate

Procrastinate is my everyday motto, it is weird how I will wait till the very last minute to have things done, and it is only during this last minute hassle of time that gets my adrenalin going. I just can’t help it, could I be accidentally be born with it?

I am not someone who worries continuously, unnecessarily or mourn and groan about things until I have no ultimatum left to save me. However, when it comes to timeliness that the kids have to observe I will go mad if any of them were to be laid back. This is because I know the effect of being a procrastinator. Trust me it is bad in bold capital BAD!!!!!The best of all no matter how much I put things on hold as a procrastinator I always make sure that I am never late for my appointments. It is not like I will be preparing myself way before time, but in exactly 1 hour (depending on the destination) to the appointed time, I will crawl lazily out of bed, take a quick shower, like a super person get dressed, zoom out of the house into the car and walla I am not late. However, it drives me nuts when people fall back on time, basically because they forget that appointments always involve another party.

My procrastination can sometimes see the house refrigerator empty to the last shelf, as I keep holding on to go grocery shopping, because there will only be one or two stores that I frequent and no matter what this will not change.

Ask me what I love about this habit of procrastinating?

The Night I Nearly Killed An Indian

For some odd reason we had our meeting at the IKEA cafeteria, it was very informal though. It is one of those meeting where no one listens to anyone and then we will have to go over and over again on the same issue. It was half fun half frustrating as in the end instead of getting 100 percent we only achieved 10.

Anyways, the advantage of holding a meeting in such a place is that each pays for their own food. The other advantage is that when the meeting gets carried over for more than one and a half hour, also known as boring already, one by one the attendees will make some kind of excuse to leave the table and adjourn to the shopping mall.

Early on I saw one of the ladies savoring on a very interesting looking chicken dish, of course I was salivating but too shy to ask for a taste, so as the meeting progress to la la land, I excused myself and grab a plate of same. Came back to the table eat and laugh till my heart’s content and yeah ciao.

When I drove out of the parking lot it was raining quite heavily, I am not good at night driving because of my eyesight. The first traffic light that I took was red and I was first in line, it did not take long to go green. Naturally I just rammed on my accelerator, suddenly out of no where this Indian guy was glued to the front of my car. My heartbeat just stopped as I hit the break.

After like a flick of a second he moved, seeing that he was alright I wind down my screen and start throwing insults at the poor guy. Oops wait a minute I am the poor one here, what if I only discovered that he was wriggling under my tires, should I just run him over twice for being such an idiot or kill myself first.

Guess he knew that he was in the wrong, despite my insults he just walked away in the rain with his head bowed low.

I can’t help but keep on swearing as I drove off.

Godparents are Chosen

Every time someone told me that he or she is the godparent of so and so, I just can’t help but give that sinister look. Often I wonder if these people even know the meaning of real godparents as well as the responsibilities that come along with it. A godparent is normally chosen by the parents of a newborn child, and this is a very common practice among the Catholic. Under the Canon Law 872-874 there are specific requirements to qualify as a godparent.

The godparent will need to be baptized and at least 16 years of age. They should have a close supportive relationship with the family. Traditionally, godparents will also be responsible in ensuring the child’s religious education, and will take the duty of caring for them should their parents demised. They must also be good guiding friends and mentors.

Therefore, this is my understanding of godparents. I have friends who assigned godparents to their children and they went to court to have a proper agreement signed.

However, what can be mind boggling is that you come across people of the non Catholic faith let alone Christian, telling me that they are godparents to so and so, or at the age of more then half a century they suddenly have a godparent. Hemm……… how so la?

I guess in Malaysia all `boleh’ so hentam saja la. I bet in their mind a godparent must be another brand name. Just like all the fake things in this country, even godparent is plastic now. I would love to see if the so wannabe godparents will even spend a dollar for the interest of the child, or take the child in if their biological parents would like to have a short vacation or would they share an interest in the development of the child.

Godparents …………….. understand your role before rolling out.

Bedak Sejuk - Tell Me If It Works?

When I was growing up I remember having very bad skin, especially at the beginning of puberty, my parents were too busy with eight children to specially notice my skin. I grew up learning on my own from admiring others, on how to have good skin. One of my sisters in law though was particularly interested in helping me out, only that instead of making my skin better it just got worst.

I am one of those people who got better with age, may be also I became more knowledgeable, more aware of the opposite sex and more competitive among the same gender. Basic facial cleansing for me for a long long time was just simply using the Detol soap bar. Though it keeps my skin clean, however it becomes oilier, which thus encouraged the outburst of acne every now and then.

I noticed my late grandma as well as my mother using this thing called `bedak sejuk’ every day and night. The smell of the `bedak sejuk’ was horrible; it is like the smell of rice grains being soaked over night. They both surprisingly have good skin.

Once I started earning my own money, I become obsessed with skin care and I will only use the best in the market, however, behind the closed door of my own home the `bedak sejuk’ become my routine night moisturizer. I cannot give a testimonial here whether the branded skin care or the `bedak sejuk’ was helping my skin more, but indeed I do have better skin till now.

When we were in Kuching, Sarawak recently we came across someone selling `bedak sejuk’ at the Cultural Village, I persuaded my eldest girl to let me buy for her, so that she can try using the same since she has quite bad skin just like what I had before.

I am still waiting for her to tell me the effect the `bedak sejuk’ has on her skin.

Tamagawa Hot Spring at Home

My friend called to invite me as a guest to experience a new spa in town. Without any hesitation I said yes and was very eager to go and try the new spa. The concept of this spa is known as Stone Spas or Dry Spas.

When I came to the spa I was shocked to see this coffin like bed that we are supposed to sleep inside. On second thought I wanted to call it quit, but then I saw that there were so many people who were cooling down already, and they were fine. Before I was put into this coffin like bed, I was given about a liter of warm water to drink, and also a cup of ginger lemon grass tea. I took my own sweet time to finish the drinks while my eyes were busy digesting every one who goes in and out of the coffin bed.

Finally, it was my turn I went on a bed with unique stones covered by a thin towel, then the spa assistant pulled the cover over my body except for my head. The time to be in this confinement will be 40 minutes. Even before the first minute was over I was beginning to sweat, the heat kept coming and by the end of the 40 minutes I was drenched whole in sweat.

After the 40 minutes was over, I was requested to sleep on my belly for another 10 minutes in the same confinement. Then I was given another liter of warm water plus one cup of hot ginger lemon tea to drink. It really rejuvenated me. I am simply addicted since the first dose.

Testimonial of this Dry Spas is that once the body temperature is increased, the body immunity and metabolism will also increase. The body’s toxins can be eliminated through the sebaceous and sweat glands. Therefore the use of stone spas generates perspiration. This proves that using stone spas will lead to the improvement of blood and lymphatic circulations, thus, the general well-being is increased.

Go pamper yourself and get healthy.

Orang Asli Settlement

Today is another day of my voluntary activity; we have an appointment to visit the `orang asli’ settlement in Serendah near Rawang. We went in a fleet of three cars to deliver some donations that were requested in aid of the community center of the `orang asli’.

We were introduced to the `orang asli’ settlement by a representative of the St. Judes church. The presentation was brief, I was hoping to see more of the `orang asli’ but instead the majority of the attendance were from the church and our group.

Once the hand over was done, we served them food that we had brought along with us. Suddenly the hall became full of the `orang asli’ kids. They were eating like as though this was their last meal. I saw most of the young mothers were at an average age of 14 to 15 and among them, they will already have at least two kids.

What the Government had done to educate the `orang asli’ was just a sad truth of greed. Their land was taken from them for development or for the personal interest of the political leaders, while these people are still living with the least of their basic needs.

Time and again my trust in our government’s mandates and promises just went flushing into the filthy toilet bowl in the community hall.

One Day In Your Life

One day in your life
You'll remember a place
Someone touching your face
You'll come back and you'll look around YOU

One day in your life
You'll remember the love you found here
You'll remember me somehow
Though you don't need me now
I will stay in your heart
And when things fall apart
You'll remember one day . . .

One day in your life
When you find that you're always waiting
For a love we used to share
Just call my name, and I'll be there

You'll remember me somehow
Though you don't need me now
I will stay in your heart
And when things fall apart
You'll remember one day . . .

One day in your life
When you find that you're always longing
For a love we used to share
Just call my name, and I'll be there

Bitter Sweet Buttery Durian

Last Saturday I had some guests in town, we agreed to meet in the morning, run some errands, meeting more friends followed with a simple chicken rice lunch. Then we went to see the new place that I was interested in. When it was time to send my guests back to the hotel I decided to go for durian first.

The durian place that I frequently go to is somewhere very close to the LRT station and the owner is a very nice person. So under the hot sun, we went for the durian attack. It started with one durian, then two and three more. We just could not stop till we knew that we will be puking durian if we don’t stop.

The bitter sweet buttery taste of the durian flesh will be such a waste to miss. We left with our heart content and very satisfied stomach. Once in the car I was trying to drive as fast as I could so that no one will irritate anyone with the pungent smell of durian from burping.

On Wednesday night I decided to go for another durian attack again, but this time round it was with some very close friends who are as mad about durian as I am. It was already late and raining when we arrived at my favorite durian stall. Cannot remember in total how many durians went down our throat and into our greedy stomach but for sure we were all so bloated and happy.

That night I was given some tips to the good way of durian eating. First; once you finish eating the durian pour some plain water in the empty shell and drink the water, this will prevent your body from feeling hot, second take one of the durian seeds and use it like a soap to wash your finger, this will eliminate the strong durian smell from sticking on to your fingers.

So remember this when you next do the durian thingy.

What If?????

On my way back from having an evening tea with a girlfriend, I decided to detour to the petrol station that is just around the corner to our condo. I had to get the STAR paper as there was something that I needed to read.

Parked my car right in front of the station’s utility shop, made a quick entrance, picked up the newspaper and walked right back to my car. Once I was in the car I on the engine and put on my seat belt. Suddenly, from the side of the shop I saw a man walking towards my car, he was kind of fast; on impulse I put my feet on the break which immediately locked the car.

The next minute this man was standing so so close to my side of the door and knocking on my window. I have to stay as calm as possible, as I could not back my car for fear that I might run him down, I did not sound the honk for fear that no one will come to my rescue and it can only make the man angry. I waited with my eyes fixed on my steering wheel.

Meanwhile, the man was now showing a sign from outside for me to lower the window, at first I hesitated but he is not moving, weird is no one seem to notice all these actions that is going on. I told myself not to panic and decided to put down my window just enough to hear what he wanted.

He was mumbling something about money and not having enough petrol to make it home to Ulu Selangor (don’t even know where this is). Noticing that I do not understand what he was talking about, he repeated himself. He wanted RM20.00 because he does not have money to fill up his motorbike petrol, which also means that he would not be able to go home.

I asked him why he can’t fill RM10.00 of petrol only, his reasons was Ulu Selangor is too far for RM10.00 worth of petrol. In my mind I just wanted this man out of my way and off my face already, which ended up with me refusing to make any more conversation but giving him the money. When I opened my bag I discovered that I have no small change except for RM15.00, took the money gave it to him and told him that sorry I don’t have any change and quickly put up my windows.

He stood there holding the money in what seemed like ages before he decided to turn and walk away from my car. I stayed a bit longer and watched where he was heading to before moving the car.

I drove but stopped just before entering the condo, as I could not help myself from crying. Reasons for the tears were many but among them was what if it was one of my kids behind the wheels? What if that man was genuine and he really cannot get home? What if my kids were facing this problem?

Single Mum............... Stand Tall and Smile

My son sent me this article An Insult To Single Mum, after reading it, only one question came to my mind, how low more will single mums be treated. Do I feel sad seeing this article being so boldly printed? Answer – No, not at all.

I was a single mum with four wonderful children for a long long time; I went to hell and back to make ends meet just to give my kids the best in everything. The world was watching but does anyone even bother to extend a helping hand? No, no one, not even my own family.

Giving RM1,000 to men who will take single mothers as their second wife is ridiculous. I am sure many smart single mothers out there would rather stay single then to take on another burden of being a second wife, and giving the pleasure to the man pocketing RM1,000 per month, we are not that cheap. My salary when the kids were growing up surpasses more then twenty folds of what the Malacca government is offering. Who in the right mind will want to share her earning with another man just not to be single anymore? Just so the label of a single mother will be lifted off her shoulder?

Sometimes I wonder why the women whatever association department was set up for. Single mothers are very much fighting for their own rights, I remember how many times I went to approach all the necessary government bodies so that my daughter could be given a scholarship or even a study loan, and each time I was given the same negative response even when they were in the know that I was a single mother of four. I remember how desperate I was when the government will not recognize single mothers renewing the passport of their own child. I remember how school will not accept a single mother’s application without the appropriate papers. I remember crying until no tears will flow alone in the night, thinking if I do not work three times as hard, what will my children be?

To Chuah Ping Shien if you think your letter will make a difference keep on writing, all I can tell you is that as long as we are here in this country Change We Cannot!!!!!

Good luck to your mother and just shower her with all the love and respect that you have. Let the world make a mockery of single mothers but as long as our children are good and responsible people, that’s all that matters.

Proudly Made in Malaysia

The label read Proudly Made in Malaysia, satisfaction guaranteed and cholesterol free. Most of the time cooking oil will come in a bottle or a can but this oil proudly made in Malaysia was packed in plastic bags.

The bags of cooking oil were piled on top of each other on one big wire rack, take a close look and tell me what is there to be proud of? Can you blame them if most of the citizens will still go for better a brand product, because this so called proudly made in Malaysia product is so poorly presented, and the authenticity of the labeling is questionable.

Just sharing what I am not so proud of.

Belimbing Buluh (Averrhoa bilimbi)

When we were walking the market of Satok in Kuching, Sarawak there were so many questions to be answered from my two girls and so many new things to be introduced to them, among the many vegetables that I was most interested in was the Belimbing Buluh (Averrhoa bilimbi). It has been a very very long time since I, not mentioning my two girls had the opportunity to taste it.

My late grandmother used to plant the Belimbing Buluh plant in her garden. Each tree bears a lot of fruits that she will harvest and sell them too. Besides bringing some income to the family, my grandma will cook a lot of wonderful dishes using the Belimbing Buluh. Most of the dishes will be cooked using coconut milk, except when the Belimbing Buluh is used to make sambal belacan then it will be eaten raw.

In the normal wet market that I usually go to, I do not see the Belimbing Buluh being sold. Someday I hope I would be able to cook one of the dishes for my girls, so that they will remember this fruit and not be surprised when being served with it.

To make sambal belacan with Belimbing Buluh, here you go:

Ingredients:
5 red chili
3 bird’s eye chili
2” roasted shrimp paste (Belacan)
5 Belimbing Buluh
Salt to taste

Method:
Just pound all the ingredients together and serve with hot steamed rice or baked fish.
Must try if you come across the Belimbing Buluh

Semenggoh Sad Sad Center

12 years ago, I came to Semenggoh in Kuching Sarawak with my son. It was one of the best places to visit then, as you have the opportunity to witness the habitat of the Orang Utans. That time, visitors were also allowed to touch and take pictures with the animals. I cannot remember how much the entry fee was but we did have fun.

Semenggoh is located approximately 20 km away from Kuching, and it took us 30 minutes by road to reach there. The current entry fee is RM60.00 per person, irrespective if you were a student or otherwise, so for the two angels and me, we had to pay RM180.00. We were told that the best time to visit the Semenggoh rehabilitation center would be during the feeding time, normally held at 0900 hours in the morning or 1500 hours in the evening.

We chartered a private car to take us there, with the hope that we will return happily educated about the animals. Semenggoh is an organization that attempts to rehabilitate Orang utans and later letting them out to the wild again. At the entrance to the feeding area, we were given a briefing on the dos and don’ts while we were watching them eating. Although the Orang utans are semi-wild, they still know where and when they can go for food. We were so confident that we will get to see them.

When the warden brought the food and started calling for them, everyone present was very quite as instructed. Aimed with non flashed camera everyone wanted to capture a piece of memory. About 10 minutes from the calling one Orang utan came to eat, all cameras were on him, the waiting time continued with the hope that at least a few more will appear, however after half an hour everyone left as the only Orang utan had gone back to the jungle, while no one else came forward.

On the way home, the driver told us that during the fruit seasons, most of the Orang Utans will not come for the feed. Obviously, who will if they were being fed with the same food 365 days a year.

We felt cheated for the amount of time taken traveling to Semenggoh, the high fees and seeing that most part of the rehabilitation center has been constructed for picnic areas. Visitors should have the rights to be properly informed.

I support the reason the center was set up initially, but now people are only thinking of making money more than anything else. Turning the jungle concrete with the money collected from the visitors is pure robbery.

SCDC ……… ?????

Ear-Candling.........does it work?

At Damai Resort we were given a super big room for three, It has a breath taking view of both the swimming pool and the blue sea. The girls did not waste any time to soak themselves in the sea, though the tide was low at the moment of arrival.

As much as I love the sea, I love to be pampered with reflexology and massage more. While the girls were busy looking for their seashells, I decided to have my foot massage. Just imagine lying on the bed with the breeze from the sea, and someone working on your foot, it was paradise. Little did I realize that the feet massage or reflexology comes with a free Ear-candling. I have never experienced the later, but there is a first in everything.

Ear-candling is a treatment that assists the natural clearing of earwax as well as toxins from the ear. This is done by placing a hollow candle in the ear, where one end of the hollow candle is lit, and the other end is placed in the ear canal. The flame thus creates warmth and suction which draws ear-wax and toxins out of the ear passageway.

This treatment is also believed to alleviate some of the following conditions:
- headaches
- sinus problems
- blocked ears
- inner ear pressure
- vertigo and imbalance
- migraine

The treatment did not have any effect on me at all, but I just enjoyed being pampered. The next day I had a whole body massage while the girls said their farewell to the beautiful Damai Resort Beach.

This is the place to be where the outside world does not matter at all, where TV and technology is not needed.

Looking forward to more trips there

Knock Knock..... Crowne Plaza

Arrived into Kuching, we took the airport taxi and straight for our check-in at the Crowne Plaza Hotel Riverside. I have always liked this hotel as it is neat, lavish, clean and a walking distance to the bazaar as well as the famous eatery places.

Our room was on the 13th floor, this is not a number that I fancy to be associated with especially when on vacation, however taking into consideration that we were here to celebrate the 13th birthday of my little angel, I just give a go for the room without much fuss.

Once our bags were deposited in the room, we changed to more comfortable walking shoes and out to the bazaar we went. We were walking and walking and walking, till it was already dark, we only returned to the hotel after dinner.

The first night both me and my little angel slept immediately as we were obviously very tired. My eldest girl meanwhile was still busy with her computer. I was still asleep the next morning only to be awaken when they both returned from their breakfast.

Someone was trying to open our room door at approximately 0130hours the night before and in the morning the girls discovered that the double lock to the door was opened. I alerted security and requested for a change of room. A couple of the senior staff came to meet with me and confirmed that the person who was trying to open our room door was the security on duty. He claimed that he did so because our door was not locked properly.

If that was so, why did he not go to front office and inform them to call us, or why does he not ring the bell on the door, instead of trying to open the door repeatedly? Questions were left unanswered, but we were moved from 13th floor to the Executive Floor on the 17th.

The experience was scary especially when we are in Kuching. However, the hotel made up for their fault and made sure that we feel safe for the rest of our stay there.

Goodbye Laila

The phone rang this morning, it was a number from Dubai, a familiar number, and answering this call would only mean receiving more sad news. At the third ring I decided to answer, true enough one more friend has been called to be in the arms of the Almighty.

Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji'un. (May Allah give her peace, grant her forgiveness, and raise her rank on the Day of Judgement, amin). This was the first word that I utter upon hearing the news.

Laila finally succumbed to Ovarian Cancer, she was down with the sickness for more than four years. She is a very nice and down to earth person, married to an Emirate, she lived a wonderful life in Dubai.

When she was diagnosed with Cancer, she accepted the news well and was not afraid to share the news with all her friends. She was very privileged to have the best of doctors to be in attendance always. I remember Laila as someone who wears a smile all the time, indeed she was a very happy person.

Another life has gone, another chapter closed, another prayers given. May you rest in peace Laila. Al Fatiha.

In Sarawak do Mee Kolok

Finding fabulous variety of food is not a difficult thing to do while vacationing in Sarawak. Top Spot is one of the most common and welcoming places to fulfill the desire of an empty stomach.

The seafood on displayed was a beautiful array of color freshness, accompanied by a wide choice of fresh garden vegetables as well as fresh fruit juices. We were patronizing this eatery every night of our stay there. The price was a bit on the high side, but who cares.

There are a lot of must try and must eat food there, among them are the Laksa Sarawak, Umai, Mee Kolok, Daud Midin, Layered cake and many more. Between me and my little angel we had two bowls of Laksa Sarawak while waiting for the traditional show to start at the Cultural village. Before leaving Kuching town, I had my share of mee kolok, bought some ikan terubok asin and the layered cake to take home.

Mee kolok is a very simple dish, light and easy, for those who would like to give it a go, here is a simple way to creating your very own mee kolok.

Ingredients

Cooking oil
Garlic (chopped)
Lean beef (boiled and thinly sliced)
Think and thick soy sauce
Salt and pepper to taste
Sesame Oil
Garlic oil
Fresh wantan noodles
Fish balls (optional)
Prawns
Choy sum and bean sprout
Green bird’s eye chilies (cut into small pieces and mixed with light soy sauce and lime)

Method

Heat oil in a wok, add garlic and fry till fragrant. Add the thinly sliced boiled beef, thick soy sauce, salt and pepper.

Blanch the wantan noodle in boiling water till soft but do not over do the noodles, rinse in cold water and mix well with the garlic oil plus light soy sauce. Put in a serving bowl.

Cook the fish balls, prawns and choy sum in boiling water for 5 minutes and add to the noodles.

Serve the noodle with a bowl of soup (from the boiled beef add the bean sprout), and the cut chili.

My Kitchen

When I had my last house renovated, the wet kitchen came with a charcoal stove. Family and friends thought that I was crazy to cook with charcoal, as it is too much time consuming, dusty, messy and dirty. But I just love cooking on charcoal, therefore I endure all these.

Given the opportunity again, I would still love to go back to the time where cooking was not only on charcoal but also wood. I had some experience with this kind of stove in some of my not so fortunate relatives’ home, and I simply love starting the fire, smelling the smoke and feeling the heat on my face.

While in Sarawak I took some pictures of my favorite ancient stove, let me share them with you.

Air Asia Definitly

When Air Asia was launched and introduced, I was only attracted to the color of the airplanes, curious of the super cheap flights, yet not adventurous enough to board the no frills airline. Despite friends making their recommendation on the credibility of Air Asia’s services, I was never one so easily influenced.

However, there should always be a first in everything in our life, so on October 27, 2008 Air Asia became my first no frills air transportation. The flight was from Kuala Lumpur / Kuching / Kuala Lumpur. On the morning of the travel, we arrived at the LCCT much too early, even before the counter was open. Then we saw that the flight will be delayed, I was like ok, so what’s new?

We were first in line at the counter, the staff was of course a He who wanted to be a She, so he/she greeted us so sweetly, informing us that the flight will be delayed for only 10 minutes, he/she was wearing a button that caught my eyes and cheekily I asked if I could have it. Without even questioning me, he/she took the button out from his/her shirt and gave the button to me. Beautiful first point.

After having our breakfast, at the canteen that was awarded as a clean premise (which surprised me, as the floor was dirty with litter and badly in need of a wet mop), we went to the waiting lounge, the staff was very nice and very informative.

On the plane, we were again approached by a pretty young thing in red, wanting to know if we need any assistance with the overhead compartment. Not only the cabin crews were beautiful, they were also very diplomatic and polite. Another plus point.

We experienced the same treatment on our return trip from Kuching. What are most commendable are the excellent services that come with this no frills airline. Even passengers on board were civic minded enough to help keep the plane clean.

Would I travel on AirAsia again? Definitely!!!