Security VS Insecurity

Have you ever felt secure and insecure at the same time? Have you ever felt comfortable and uncomfortable at the same time? I believe if love-hate relationship can exist, so can these feelings. It’s not abnormal to feel two different feelings at the same time. If you can love someone, you can also hate the very same person. If you can feel secure in someone, you can also feel insecure in the very same person. Confused? Those who have been through this feelings conflict will know what I am trying to share this time.

God has taught me so much since I met this special friend who have ever since plays an important role in my life. I have put her in a special place in my heart ever since I began to love her for whom she is deep inside. She was the one who understands, she was the one who cares. She was the one who knows all that is really going on in this little mind of mine. And at one time, I really found myself loving and appreciating her so much for being in my life… and I still do love her.

But soon, things began to change. Was it me? Or was it her? I couldn’t be sure because I realized her excitement for this new-found friendship has faded away, while mine… I am still excited to care for her as much as I can. But does this mean that she no longer loves me? Does it mean that she no longer cares? I do not know. I feel a little abandoned, a little lonely, a little afraid. I’m afraid that I couldn’t be part of her life anymore. What if she allows me to slowly fade away from her life too?

She doesn’t seem to understand as much as she used to do these days. She doesn’t seem to care as much. And slowly, I began to keep more to myself. She no longer becomes the place where I pour out my heart. I no longer share because she doesn’t seem to understand anymore. Or maybe sharing with her just doesn’t satisfy my heart now. I just want her by my side. Times when I am low, times when I am up. Times when I feel so depressed, I wanted to cry. These are the times I want to be beside her. She gives me a sense of security and insecurity. Security knowing that things wouldn’t be worse with her around, insecurity knowing that I am unable to share with her all that I have in my heart… because it hurts when she wouldn’t understand as much as she used to.

Have you experienced the same thing? Feeling so secure and insecure at the same time? Such a distracting feeling. Be careful when you handle these feelings. If you don’t handle it well, the insecurity inside of you may destroy the friendship that you are sharing with the person. Don’t let the power of insecurity fill your mind. But look at the potential and blessing of the friendship… Make the security your stronghold in nurturing the friendship, and try to share your insecurities with the person. Let her know how you feel. It’s not easy, I didn’t say it was. Even I, myself, find it hard. But I am trying… trying really hard to tell this friend of mine that at times I act strange because of the insecurities I feel inside. I want to experience the blessing of this friendship to the fullest.

Mini Bites of the day: Insecurity kills, but security builds.

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My Times of Depression

In this world, things come and things go,
The word ‘depression’ is killing my soul.
The voice that’s in me, the dreams that I see,
I don’t know what they mean, but I can’t let them be.
At this peak of my life, I’m really depressed,
I felt that no one cares for me, I’m oppressed.
I know that I have stepped into the world of sorrows,
But how do I step out of it to face tomorrow.
All I needed was something called love,
Love that not only comes from the God above.
Yes, Jesus has died for me and there’s nothing to be afraid of,
But I’m still human, I too need people’s support and love.
I don’t want to be lonely, I don’t want to live in fear,
But what should I do to make things clear.
The pressure I get, the dark clouds that come,
O God, do tell me how to overcome.
The voice in me kept asking, “What’s the point of living this way?”
And all my heart’s desires started to melt away.
Suddenly, everything seems to be impossible in this world,
But I kept telling myself, “Don’t ever give up, gal!”
Somehow, this feeling that I’m not loved is very strong,
I know that all that I’m thinking is so wrong.
But I’m tired, tired of living,
I want to take a rest and visit my King.
I’ve thought of suicidal, attempted to do it,
But I didn’t want to leave my loved ones with a hit.
Although I thought I’ve never felt their love for me,
I want them to feel my love for them eternally.
Probably that’s why I enjoy blessing people so much,
I don’t want them to be like me, so miserable and crushed.
Well, a blessing to others I may be,
A blessing to myself I don’t see,
I guess I’ll just have to let things be.

Originally written by Gina Yap Lai Yoong

I found this old poem of mine which I eventually sent to a penpal overseas whom has been claiming his desires to take his own life. It's not worth it, dude! Just let her go and breathe on. You're an angel waiting to be discovered by the one who will love you for who you are.

Mini Bites of the day: When there is no way, make one and you will never have to stay at the dead end.

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Bloody hell, you!

It was raining cats and dogs, but I refused to walk back up the stairs to someone who just blurted to me, "Bloody hell, you." Yes, you read right. Someone wished for me to be at hell and if wishes were to come true, I partially thought it wasn't such a bad idea after all. But that's not the reason why I didn't seek shelter at the office on a heavy rain day. It just didn't feel right. It didn't feel good. I kept hearing those three words again departing from my boss' lips, "Bloody hell, you." It just sucks big time.

Slowly I made my way to the car feeling the rain pouring down on my clothes sinking deep into my skin. It felt good, really good. I took smaller steps so that I can be in the rain longer. No, I wasn't crying. No one is worthy of my tears. I just missed the embrace of Mother Nature. By the time I was behind the wheels, I was soaking wet right through my thick socks. I closed my eyes and told myself several times to forget what people say to me. Rather focus on what I have to say to others.

On my way to a friend's house, I came across a floating manhole. It was floating a feet above ground, gushed up by streams of rushing water - reminds me of superheros with the power to control water and liquid. Unable to step on the brakes on time, I drove right through it and popped it went underneath the car. Thud! Thud! Thud thud! Looking at the rear mirror, the car behind me has stopped and the driver's mouth hung opened as he stared at my car. Silently I prayed that my car hasn't been affected in any ways because I can't afford repairs or replacements. It's all I've got right now.

Lately, my thoughts have been disturbing. I've been trying my best not to think about the great salary-paying offers that kept coming my way the entire month. I didn't ask for them, neither did I seek. Just that my freelance clients have decided, together at the same time, to offer me a full time job with quite good pay (it probably take me another two years to reach that level). And what am I doing about it? Just closing each open door and hoping somewhere at the bottom of my heart I am making the right decision for myself. Trust me, it's hard to convince myself that I am making the right choice - not when the whole world thinks I am not.

I just feel awfully tired after the entire facade and it hasn't even begin fully. Just basket-ed another job offer this evening, which I told the client that I would consider. But will I? I have no idea. Too much things going on, too many decisions to make, and every decision will break someone's heart ultimately. And I am afraid I'll be the one who would end up being hurt the most. Sigh!

Mini Bites of the day: Say what you mean and mean what you say.

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As General Election 2008 Draws Near...

It's going to be my first time voting this year. Most of my peers would not be participating in the General Election either because they forgotten to register as a voter or are totally ignorant of the entire politic scene. Not that I am conscious of what is happening in Malaysia or what the ministers are doing but I believe that we have to do our part as citizens to choose the ruler of our country because at the end of the day, they hold our future. They decide the law, make changes to the society, manage the citizens (us) and everything else. Thus it is important to know that through voting, we have the choice of deciding whose hands should hold our future for the next four years.

As a voter, I feel disturbed by tons of distraction that have been coming our way since the date was announced. Party campaigns, the things politicians say, what they promise us, yeadah yeadah... Sometimes, the whole matter seems like a comedy stage - like a sitcom story displayed for everyone to watch and react differently to it. Out of this highlighted day, the General Election 2008, came many entertaining videos that brought both laughters and smiles to mass audience. Here are some I want to share with all of you.

I merely found these videos online and sharing them with you guys; Don't ask me where did the videos come from or the main source as I am not too sure myself. I am just sharing what I found on the internet. There's one thing I've gotta say though: The politic scene in Malaysia sure is DRAMATIC. Hehehe!

Happy Voting, folks! Your personal choice matters.

Mini Bites of the day: Do your part as a human being and everything else will fall into place.

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I don't work, I play.

Like seriously... who works?!

Ya, everyone on earth works but the successful ones are those who turned work into play. And since I am in love with the field of my choice. My career is like a game status - the better I play, the higher score I gain. But that is not the best part. The awesome part is work doesn't feel like work; it's just a game I play every day while earning a living to survive on this earth. Then again, not all games are fun. It all boils down to the way we play and enjoy the whole process.

Wanna know why I chose to be a copywriter and be part of the Advertising industry at the first place? Because I love the idea of going to work, sitting down with a group of people, talking about everything and anything under the sun to come out with a concept that would help clients to sell their products. The industry experts call it 'brainstorming' while I know it as 'chatting time'. My best ideas come out when I talk like a silly fool over a cup of coffee while someone else takes the minutes. That's why the minutes are important for me because I just have to take a look at them, pick out the foolish things I've babbled on and twig them a little so that I'll get BIG IDEAS that work!

Imagine this: You wake up, get to work, make yourself a cup of coffee, walk into a room filled with bean bags, sit comfortably in one and start talking away with your colleagues. It goes on for hours, right until lunch. Then in the afternoon, you sit down at your desk and start working on all the things that have been discussed earlier. No, don't imagine the morning talk as a discussion meeting. Rather imagine it as a fun social time of laughter and sharing because there is no wrong or right. There are just bouncing of ideas.

That's the kind of life I chose but it doesn't really happen in Malaysia, does it? I guarantee it would happen in the agency that I'd open and manage in the future. I even have the list of people I would like to hire, whom I know are the best colleagues to bounce idea of one another with. It would probably be a new kinda of mushroom agency as I would set the working hours from 12pm to 9pm. Wake up later, have the morning free to run some errands, back at work with an active mind - sounds perfect eh? I love to be different, yet its a signature kinda difference that I am striving for.

Another four more days to go till my last day as a Copywriter. Honestly, I can't wait for Friday to draw near simply because I really am playing games on the computer at work lately. There isn't much to do, thus I have been solving puzzles after puzzles, sudoku after sudoku, even complete reading about 128 short stories online. Not only that, I am catching up so fast in my reading, I completed 4 novels in a week. Once a while, I do love spinning around in my office chair in my quiet little corner, hiding behind a book as my mind lifts to another world. But it's getting boring cause it has been happening almost every day. I can't wait for Friday to come...

For those of you out there who thinks that your job is boring, time to make it fun. Only you can do it. Only you can twig it around and spice it up so that you would be excited for work each morning. I still do. I wake up each morning, get into my car and excitedly drive to work though I know 90% of the time I would have nothing to do at the office. Perhaps a part of me hope that being excited would welcome some workload but it never did. Still, Mondays are never Monday Blues for me. It's always Exciting Monday; It's been like that naturally since forever. And I love it. I love Mondays!

Mini Bites of the day: Don't follow the majority - Stray to the side and travel down a different road. It will lead you to somewhere else, somewhere special.

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My Family Talks

Sitting here cornered in by my mom and fellow relatives playing cards at grandma's place, I am beginning to grow to love this spot. I could look out of the window from here while typing away on my laptop. It's the scene of the dark blue lake surrounded by the Horse Racing Turf and highways. Some men are fishing by the side of the lake while village boys jump in for a quick water fun.

I glance at the pile of documents on my left and hear myself sigh. Making money is not hard, it just takes discipline and time. My eyes are falling asleep since I haven't been giving them enough rest since last week. I have been rushing my freelance projects for seven nights in a row already. From the way things are moving, this phenomenal might go on for another week or so. I am craving for good sleep.

Here's a new discovery: Words spread faster than you can wink in the family. I just have to tell my mom on Monday morning about my resignation, by afternoon everyone knows about it even my grandma. Forget the fact that I am upset my relatives know how much I earn per month as a copywriter, this family rapid communication system is starting to annoy me. Either because most of my uncles and aunties are retirees, so they have all the time in the world to gossip and catch up. Or it's just my family's nature to communicate so efficiently when it comes to personal details. Still, there are some things that are meant to be kept private. I would respect privacy in my life if everyone else would.

So guess what I did? I didn't tell mom about the three job offers I'm considering the past one week. The moment she hears the pay, believe me, she will flip. I don't need extra pressure to push me into making the right decision. Not only that, I didn't tell anything else that would happen starting March. I only said that I am taking on a 50% paycut job which is challenging and I won't be home as often. I have to keep reminding myself not to elaborate on the details and facts because everyone would know about it before I could even hang up the phone. But it's also tough to keep everything to myself.

Shuffle shuffle! It's not even 5pm yet. Looks like I'll be rooted to this seat for another eight hours or so. The card game among my relatives last forever. The excuse for today's game is my uncle from Germany is leaving us tomorrow. So it's a game session to honour him while he is still here. Lame right?

Back to work...

Mini Bites of the day: There are some things that are best kept to yourself no matter how tough it is to keep the cat in the bag.

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Parents Talk

There goes my only late-waking up day (Saturday). This morning, I got up at 6.30am (just like every working day) to join my mom and her friends for a jog in Bukit Jalil Park. With the birds chirping and crickets singing, it would be easy to slip into another world where I could shut out my thoughts. But you know how things are when your parents around. They start talking about children (you and your siblings) and the next thing you know, some elder folks are lecturing you about how to be a better human.

"I am a better human," I wanted to say. I am probably the only one among my other high school mates who have been working for two years full time, building a career at the age of 20. The last time I met up for class reunion, most of them are still pursuing their studies going as far as a Bachelor/Master. I am lacking, yes, I am lacking in terms of certificates and papers. But heck, I am not lacking in experience and qualification. So why do I have to be lectured about how to be a better human?

Of course, I am not perfect. There is always room to grow as long as we are still living. I just hate the fact that older adults love to compare us, the young adults. They are always talking about the kind of jobs their children can get when they graduate from US or Australia, how they can be a director or a senior executive or a chief manager. Hello!! Without papers, I can go that far too as long as I am determined to run after that goal.

Can't believe I got pulled into this kind of energy-consuming conversations on a Saturday morning; just when I want to lay it all down and focus on enjoying the walking moment. Life doesn't always give us a break!

My home Internet connection is slowly coming back to life. Four weeks ago, the connection went hair-wired causing lots of frustration. A week later, I bought a new modem because apparently the old one has worn off. Two week before this, I found myself calling TMNet daily every time I need to get connected. They led me through the same process over and over again each time but the connection only lasted for 2 hours. You won't believe this but it's true: One of the TMNet operator actually hung up on me because he couldn't answer some of my questions. TMNet sucks big time, I am telling you.

Anyway, after lots of hassle, technician in and out of my house, about 50 calls to TMNet (I am sure they remember us now), a complicated system to get my connection up was implemented. Yes, it's complicated. I used to turn on my PC and it goes straight online. Now, I have to like restart this, press that, click this, connect that and it goes on forever before I could go into my homepage. How irritating is that?! I feel cheated by TMNet.

Any of you using the USB wireless broadband thingy Maxis and DiGi are offering? The little white gadget plugged into laptop to get online anywhere and anytime? Is it any good? Please do let me know, I am considering that. Not so sure about the payment and broadband speed but I am sure one of you out there can help by telling me more.

Gotta go, hurrying off to send my mom to grandma's house. Chinese New Year is officially over but the card game goes on till this weekend. Again, I can't remember sleeping throughout the week. Why am I such a faithful daughter in the first place? The thought of mom driving home alone at 4am in the morning freaks me out sometimes beause there is a huge group of Negro people living in our apartment and they love to hang around at the lift area. Prevention is better than cure. So ya.. catch you guys later! Keep blogging all of you, because I am reading.

Mini Bites of the day: You can choose how you want to react to something but you can never stop someone from triggering your inner self.

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What I’ve Learned

by Amy

I've learned a lot these past few years
Through my fake smiles and unseen tears
That friends sometimes aren't forever
that true love doesn't always last
And happy memories stay with you
but those happy moments go by fast

Words can cut deeper than any sword
Leaving you with something
That no man could replace or ever afford
Sometimes things happen,
Sometimes your heart will break
Though to feel real happiness this is what's at stake
In order to have the comfort of heaven
and your story to live to tell
You must also experience the hate-filled life of hell

Remember . . . There will always be someone there
Someone that honestly does care
A person can leave your life
Leave you alone with your worries and strife
But like pain, the love you once felt cannot from your body depart
but only may enter your heart

Don't worry someday it will all get better
Your mornings will grow joyful with someone to love
And you'll have the kind of life you thought you could only dream of

I've been there before with my head in my hands
Believing there's no way anyone could ever understand
But they do . . . trying everything they can to help you
Still you sit there unknowing and blind
To what soon you'll be glad to find.

P/s: Dedicated to those who do not believe that life is a learning journey. Through every up and down of life, there is a lesson to be learnt. I hope we will all have an enjoyable journey learning more about ourselves and the people around us.

Mini Bites of the day: Your perception changes with each passing season in your life.

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Self Interview 6

What happened today, babe? Why do you looked all stress up?

I am having a secret affair with someone!!

Someone, who?

It's not WHO, it's WHAT.

What what?

There are some things in life that you cannot do because of circumstances, but when you do you have to keep it quiet from others. That's the affair that I am having now.

You mean that is your secret affair? Gosh, have you even fall in love before?

Of course I have. But this is much more thrilling than a romance love affair because I can't tell anyone about what I do. Not even my close friends, family members or the ones that read my blog.

What exactly is this secret affair of yours again? You are not a part time murderer, are you? Murder and crime can be thrilling.

Of course not, I am a just a writer.

Then what? Tell me, tell me!

Shhh.... I am an illegal staff for a company I should not be associated to.

Huh?... You know what - you keep doing this every time, the next round you say you have something to share, I will ignore you.

Ignore me then, who cares!

Take back what you said NOW!

Nope, I won't.

You're regret this, I am telling you. I am the most loyal friend you ever have.

You'll still stick around anyway, whether I take back my words or not.

ARGH!!

Oh, come on. Upset over a small secret I can't share, you are pathetic. There's so much things in life to look into than some thrilling secret affair.

Stop, don't tell me it's a secret if you are not going to reveal what the secret is. Just keep it to yourself.

Fine, I'll just be thrilled on my own.

Yes, you do that while I get bored of your life.

My life is not boring. There are many open doors, many paths to choose from, decisions to make... Why don't you sort it all out for me?

You gotta do it on your own. No one can help you when it comes to things like this.

Sigh!

Mini Bites of the day: It's normal to have a dialogue with yourself, after all humans consist of the body, soul and spirit.

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Sleeping On The Job

...except that there is no job at the first place.

Yawn! This is probably the first time in history I decided to sneak into a quiet hidden corner of the four walls of my office to catch a nap. I put my things aside, took the biggest magazine I could find, headed towards the office area where no one sits, chose the last desk, sat down and hid my head beneath the pages slowly allowing myself to drfit to slumberland. Ten minutes later, I heard my boss said goodbye as he headed out for a meeting. The moment I heard the click of the main door, my eyes automatically shut and I tried hard not to snore while getting some rest.

After an hour of quick nap, I got up and freshened myself by splashing cold water on my face at the washroom. Then I got back to my desk, turned the MAC alive and checked my emails. Nothing. There hasn't been an email or job brief for me since before CNY. I turned it off and logged on to Blogger. Time to break the rules a second time - I've got to blog to stay awake for just one more hour.

Right now, the clock shows 5pm. I think about how I should keep myself awake in the traffic jam on my way home. It has been an unfruitful day (again), I can't wait for this misery to end. This misery of sitting in the office doing nothing but waiting for the clock to strike six so that I can spend another hour stuck in traffic jam to get home is slowly sucking life out of my soul. I can't wait for March - the beginning of a new adventure which I pray hard would never ever be too bored for me.

My life cannot be mundane. It has to keep moving, keep changing, keep growing. There has to be something more to living than our struggle to survive financially. And I am going to find out what the secret is.

Mini Bites of the day: Break the norms and lead an extraordinary life where no one else has been there but you.

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Hit Me!

Aunt: I’ve got another project for you. The last time you did a virtual library, we won the competition. Now I would like you to design a T-shirt for the school club.
Me: Alright then, I’ll need the details please.
Aunt: Details? It’s for the English club. Anything related will do.
Me: Any mandatories?
Aunt: Anything will do.
Me: The text? Logo?
Aunt: You think of something for the whole package lah.
Me: Hit me! The freedom sounds good.

Uncle: Hey, I need someone to trace out a logo for me in illustrator format.
Me: Alright, just email me.
Uncle: I hope you can finish in two days.
Me: 20 minutes will do, I don’t need two days.
Uncle: It’s not an easy one to trace, I warn you.
Me: Hit me! It’s just a logo. I am not tracing an entire illustration, am I?

Client A: Hey, can you give me a few name options for this new product in, let’s say, an hour.
Me: What’s the product about?
Client A: It’s a sandwich.
Me: What’s in it?
Client A: We haven’t decide if we should use beef or chicken yet.
Me: Alright, what else can you tell me about it?
Client A: It’s just a sandwich. We are still deciding on the ingredients and pricing and strategies.
Me: How long do I take to get back to you again?
Client A: Make it 30 mins. I want the sandwich name by then.
Me: Hit me! If you don’t even know what it is, I’ll help you figure it out.

CD: You understand what I have just briefed you about?
Me: I guess so.
CD: I want the 30 secs TVC script on my desk in 15 minutes.
Me: (Am I a robot or what?) Of course, you’ll have it freshly baked.
CD: Just pulling your legs, you have two days to draft it.
Me: Hit me! By then, the script is as stale as rotten eggs. (haha!)

There is only one reason why a person cannot do the things he/she supposed to do: Lack of discipline. People get a task, sit on it, wait on it, rot on it and then go about and complain about missing deadlines or how long it takes to complete it. Only a handful will immediately rush to their desks, sit down and start working from the beginning to the end in one seating. Garnishing the game is Malaysians' way of doing things: Turtle Slow. A task that takes up a day is usually prolong to a week and those that require only a few hours are turned into days. Why so? The faster you complete a task, the more tasks you will get but you don't get double pay for completing more tasks than your colleagues. So why hurry?!

Hit me! I love rush jobs. When someone tells me I have a week to complete a task, I try to finish it in three days. When someone tells me I have one day to complete an article, I make sure that it's waiting for them at their inbox by noon. Why am I freaking hardworking? I am not. I just love the thrills that run up my spine everytime I push myself to perform faster while maintaining the standard, if not, pushing myself to excellence. And I hate sitting on jobs (unless it's for creative thinking). It makes me feel lazy all over and I hate to feel like I am a lazybum. Because I am not.

I am a productive person. I live to produce, not to bum around. Life is more meaningful when I know that I am contributing to the world that I live in. So hit me, world! I am ready to take on any challenges and tasks because nothing is too difficult to accomplish. It just takes time, patience and discipline. So hit me!

Mini Bites of the day: Don't change yourself to adapt to the society, rather let the society adapt to you.

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RESIGNED

Written by Shark

Do you have to be reminded
that you are not a slave?
That this is no plantation,
nor your desk, an unmarked grave?

They paid you lots of money
for your work and for your time;
but you helped the business prosper
and you earned your every dime.

They could fire you at any moment,
as they did to many friends,
but now you fire the company
and you choose just when it ends.

You owe these people nothing,
and for bosses — never grieve.
You made the choice to work here
and you make the choice to leave.

So you find you have the power:
depart the building, close the door.
But in that mighty gesture
you have opened many more.

'In that mighty gesture, you have opened many more (doors).' - Such a strong powerful line to those who would be embarking in a whole new adventure for a brighter future. And as of March, I would be one of them.

I've just tendered my resignation today as a full time copywriter. It wasn't because the job sucks or the management screams. Neither was it because of salary payment issue or the office environment. In fact, everything is perfect. I've got a cosy corner to myself at the office, love the homely pantry with endless supply of coffee, enjoy the companionship of my colleagues and (on days that I wake up knowing there are tasks at work that needs to be done) I'm totally in love with driving that long distance as I arrange my thoughts.

The problem? I feel mundane and stagnant. The sense of boredom is so overwhelming, especially when work only takes up 5% of my entire working day. At the end of the 24 hours, I lean against the wall on my bed and thought to myself, "What an unfruitful day I had today." After three months, it slowly turned to, "This is the 75th unfruitful day since I had this job." And it just irritates me (a lot).

Was it a surprise for my boss? Partially, yes. He said he sensed that I wasn't too happy the past two weeks at work. I didn't tell him I almost felt into a depression mode because my job is too idle. He seemed sad to see me go but every hello has its goodbye. Again, I am proud of this departure decision because it sees me to the next level in life. For the unseen future, I choose to stop predicting and start creating the paths that lies ahead of me.

Mini Bites of the day: Everyone talks like you are a fool but only you know what is best for yourself.

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Flashback: CNY 2008

This has taken forever and I am awfully sorry, but still I am proud to present to you the crazy CNY life of my family. So here’s how the story goes. Every CNY, a multitude of people floods into grandma’s house from Day One till the 3rd Day. When I say multitude, I really mean more than a hundred persons. My grandma is the first wife to my grandpa, which means there is a second wife in the family. So I have a total of about 10 uncles/aunties from my dad’s side. Some of them are already grandparents, so my grandma actually has some great grandkids already. And this is what normally happens during CNY Eve.

One day before CNY, the sons gather together in grandma’s house for an early reunion dinner. After which, everything is cleaned up as individuals prepare to complete their assigned tasks. Tasks include preparing ‘asam laksa’, making jellies, frying crackers, cutting pails of mushrooms, de-boning steamed fishes, deep frying dried taufu, etc. A feast for hundreds is prepared to expect the crowd on the actually CNY day itself. While the younger ones like me and my sister get these done, the older ones like my mom and uncles play cards. This year, they played until 2am before I finally got home to rest resulting in some brown rings around my eyes the next morning.

On CNY day, we were out of the house on our way to grandma’s place again by 8am. We had vegetarian for breakfast before starting out on bringing out all the goodies to be laid on the mini bar and mini table. Glasses were arranged in rows and plates were ready to be served. Guests started to arrived at 12pm – more and more people came, more and more serving to do, more and more washing to clean, I thought we might as well start a CNY café the next time round. Perhaps, grandma’s place IS the CNY café every year. That night, mom played cards till 4.30am in the morning and I kept her company reaching home at 5am to finally grab some sleep.

I was up and running by 8am on the 2nd day of CNY with big panda eyes, I could hardly recognize myself in front of the mirror. I thought I looked terrible and it’s only the second day. While the first crowd has cleared off our family soup, ‘asam laksa’, goodies and everything else, the 2nd day’s crowd is always served with something else – a traditional Malay cuisine buffet prepared by my aunt. She’s really good with the rending and curry, beriyani rice and acah, and the most popular one – Checkered Cakes (see photo below). Once the crowd dispersed, we visited a long distance relative in Balakong before heading to the restaurant for the annual dinner at 7pm. And guess what, after dinner, mom was back at grandma’s house for another card session and I faithfully accompanied her till 4am that night.

By the third day, I was exhausted. My sister who came back from NS insisted she wanted to catch a movie. For the first time, we didn't go to grandma's house on the third day of CNY. Instead, we went to Leisure Mall to watch Kungfu Dunk, caught up with my mom's sister all the way from Singapore, and the more card games at my uncle's place that night. The rest of the days, as you could probably guess by now, are history - card playing history. Here are some random photos I would like to share with you guys. Have a great day!

Mini Bites of the day: Not every holiday is a holiday unless you meant it to be.

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Tagged: Non-fiction all the way

What issues/topic interests you most--non-fiction, i.e, cooking, knitting, stitching, there are infinite topics that has nothing to do with novels?
Personal Growth and Relationship Development books.

Would you like to review books concerning those?
I have a blog where I cover reviews on all the books I read. It only started since last year though. It's known as A Freak's Review. You'll find reviews on other fields as well such as films, music, etc.

Would you like to be paid or do it as interest or hobby? Tell reasons for what ever you choose.
I enjoy writing lots. So whether I get paid or not, I will continue to write reviews on the books I read. If I get paid, I won't mind too. It's good to get to earn some pocket money while doing something that I love.

Would you recommend those to your friends and how?
Usually I don't recommend them to my friends unless I know that they enjoy the type of books too. Non-fiction books are unlike fiction books where everyone can connect to a story. Non-fiction book is targetted to selective readers who know what they are looking for in a book.

Please don't forget to link back here or whoever tags you.
Gautami, the originator of this cool meme! And Alice!

Mini Bites of the day: A piece of pie may be the delight of my heart but the poison of your eyes.

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Expensive Love Expression

"Oh gosh, get me a car, I don't want a billboard!!"

Actually, I don't think I want the RM14k diamond ring too if it was my boyfriend who launched such a proposal. I mean, come on, be realistic. If someone proposes to me through billboard, TV commercials or even radio ads, I would totally freaked out and stunned - I wouldn't know how to say NO even when that is the exact answer in my heart (makes you wonder if Kelly said 'yes' because the whole Malaysia is watching her).

Extracts from Star Online
"This is the biggest surprise of my life. And, the whole thing started as a very normal Wednesday. We went out for dinner and my boyfriend David Tan insisted on sending me home. The date ended very late, close to midnight. We got talking in the car and as we drove along the LDP in Kelana Jaya, he got excited and asked me to look at an “interesting” billboard by the side of the road,” said Kelly, 24. As David was working in an advertising firm, Kelly assumed he wanted to show her some fancy new advertisements.

“I looked and was stunned. David’s picture was on the board! And beside his picture, were the magic words 'Kelly Tan E Li, will you marry me?' I was so shocked and could not speak for about 10 minutes. He finally smiled when I told him 'yes',” said Kelly.

Oh well, I guess it was kinda sweet in a way. Rich people get to do all kinds of things but if they mean it well (like showering love to the person they are in love with), that is cool. With money, comes the power for creativity and luxury. I wish for a husband who loves me very much before praying that he will be the top millionaires on earth! Hahaha!

Anyway, if you happen to be on LDP highway the next 30 days, do keep a look out for this billboard of love. My colleague who first saw it thought it was a teaser ad. Another said she thought it was a joke. Unbelievable but true, love does shine through!

Mini Bites of the day: Expression comes in various form and each has a meaning of its own.

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Holding On or Letting Go

There is dignity in holding on to the person you love but there is even more in letting them go when you know it's the best for them, not you. It's the path to unconditional love where you learn how to be unselfish with your love and put others ahead of you. It's known as True Love.

This Valentine, I thought of one person - the special friend whom I have let go two years back. I can't believe it has been two years since I last communicated with her (it seems like forever). We used to spend so much time together, her home was my home and her room my room. We met each other 4 times a week, talked on the phone every day and knew everything about each other's daily routine. Life sure felt different without this friendship.

As much as we tell ourselves there is a forever in love, deep inside we know that it's not true because as human beings, we are constantly growing and changing. With changes and growth, nothing remains the same, things will never be the same too long for us to settle down into a routine. But that doesn't mean love is not beautiful or true. It just means that people have to work harder to love someone truly and sincerely for eternity. And sometimes, loving means letting go.

Happy Valentine Day, everyone!

Mini Bites of the day: Letting go of that special person knowing that he/she will find better future without us is the sacrifice of true love.

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There's always time

When you were a child, your parents come home late from work and tell you how tough it is having a full time job. With constant increasing amount of workload, they hardly have time to breathe thus no time to spend with you. They create this perception in your mind that working means having no time for everything else. A job will rob you of time with family, friends and loved ones.

When I enrolled in college majoring in Advertising & Marketing, I was firsthand warned by lecturers and college principal that the most stressful field in the working force is Advertising. You have to work around the clock with demanding deadlines and ever in-coming projects, most of them sleep at work and rarely see their family. Ah, just the challenges I need. I prepared myself both mentally and physically as I walked into the Advertising world. Turns out, it's nothing alike the way they described it. Or is it because I have good time management?

I have been working for two years full time now, entering my 3rd year come the month of May. Honestly, I have yet to sleep at the office or even stay back for overtime more than ten times in my entire working life. I have not missed family dinners, cancel dates with friends or anything alike. In fact, in my point of view, the Advertising world is not at all stressful. It's all about time management and being calm - never jumping into panic state whenever a project barks you last minute.

Personally, my working life has been slow and boring with too much leisure time at hand. And it's not even my fault, the whole industry is working too damn slow. I refuse to slow down for the them. Don't believe me? Here's my daily routine for the past three months.

0700 - The alarm clock rings. I get up and prepare to drive to work.
0730 - I leave the house on time each morning so that I could arrive at the office before 9am.
0845 - Sit in the office pantry and have my breakfast, that's if the office is open this early.
0900 - Check my emails and my blog.
0915 - Read the newspapers.
1000 - Shift the things on my desk, thinking how I should occupy my time throughout the day.
1100 - Go around and disturb all my colleagues. Too bored, yes, damn bored.
1300 - The table should be filled with little paper cranes by now, hundreds of them. Lunch time.
1330 - Time for mini games during lunch hour.
1400 - More paper cranes folding.
1600 - Jump around like a monkey in the office - restless.
1630 - Continue staring at the monitor blankly wondering if tomorrow will bring new jobs in.
1730 - Insanely restless now, I go to the designers and insist that they let me read the copy though I have probably checked them more than ten times.
1800 - Walk out of the office. Time to get home.
1930 - Arrive home with a tired foot on the brake in the traffic jam. Dinner time.
2000 - Wash the dishes, go for a walk and grab a bath to relax myself.
2030 - Blogging time.
2045 - Time to start cracking my head on freelance projects.
2330 - Shites, almost midnight. Work harder and faster to rush for deadlines for my personal clients.
0030 - Sit on my bed thinking why on earth do I have to be so free during the day with a full time job while I am fighting for time at night for my freelance projects.
0100 - Slumberland time. Zzzz....

What did they say about being stressful and having no time for others if we embark on a full time job (again)? It's all crap because with good time management, there is time for everything. Most working days, I sleep more than 6 hours too! Even with two jobs and lots of freelance projects I have time to do everything else that others have no time to. So the next time your loved ones tell you that they are too busy with work to spend time with you, know that they are not worthy of your time because they think you are not worthy of theirs.

Mini Bites of the day: You cannot turn back the hands of time but you can change the way you make use of the next 24 hours of your day.

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'Discounted' Angpau

Gosh, it has been one hell of a Chinese New Year and there is only one thing that I could hope for - that the strong Golden Rat of this year will continue to run beside me as I face the challenges ahead. It's always good to have someone beside us when we run the race. Companionship motivates us to be stronger as we strive with determination in all that we do. I could never ask for more.

It's going to be an exciting year ahead. Only after CNY is truly the beginning of something new in my life, in my 2008. But it's cool because the bigger the adventure is, the more excited I am. The more challenging it gets, the more purposeful my life would be. To strive and run after my dreams, I just know that I'll be satisfied.

Dreams aside for a bit, here's something that I thought everyone knew but apparently not. Do you know that when you start working as an adult, the red packets you get during CNY is lesser than those your younger siblings get? The first year I celebrated CNY as a working personnel, my red packet was down to 50% of my sister's. And here's a scene that became too familiar to me:

Me: Happy Chinese New Year. Gong Xi Gong Xi.
Others: Gong Xi Fa Cai. You are working now right?
Me: Yeah, as a copywriter.
Others: Hold on a minute, let me just get the 'working' angpau.
Me: Huh?
Others: Well, you're earning money now so you don't need so much blessings from the elders. One of these days when you get married, you will have to start blessing others too.

What on earth? A 'working' angpau? Like whatever... that's until my sister told me she got double the money I received for CNY. Now, that is frustrating! Just because I am working, I am still entitled to red packets because I am single, but that doesn't mean I should receive a discounted angpau.

What a trend the younger couples have started - Discounted Angpau. How stingy have people gotten again?! I still have to spend extra money on CNY you know, like giving red packets to the elders as a gesture of respect. I couldn't be giving them 'discounted' angpau just because I am a new working personnel right? I can't possibly give my grandma fifty ringgits right?

When my parents asked how much I've received this year through the red packets, I told them the actual amount and they called me a liar. In their entire married life, they haven't heard of 'discounted' angpau. So now I am the liar just because they don't follow the new trend of blessing the working personnels lesser. Sigh! I dare them to give 'discounted' angpau next year but they told me I am insane.

Am I, or am I not? Why don't you guys tell me - is there such a thing as 'discounted' angpau among your family and relatives, or are my relatives just insanely stingy, they refuse to bless me more?

No wonder I hate CNY even more.

Mini Bites of the day: You can be religious but your religion should not stop you from celebrating your culture (the root of who you are).

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I Resign

Found this poem when I was poem-hunting over the nights spent keeping my mom company at the gamble table. While she played cards till 4am for four days in a row, I faithful sat beside her with my uncle's laptop at hand browsing through poems around the world. This one (I Resign) caught my attention.

I Resign
(one of the most classic motivational poems)

I am hereby officially tendering my resignation as an adult.
I have decided I would like to accept the responsibilities of an 8-year-old again.
I want to go to McDonald's and think that it's a four star restaurant.
I want to sail sticks across a fresh mud puddle and make ripples with rocks.
I want to think M&Ms are better than money because you can eat them.
I want to lie under a big oak tree and run a lemonade stand with my friends on a hot summer day.
I want to return to a time when life was simple.
When all you knew were colors, multiplication tables, and nursery rhymes,
but that didn't bother you, because you didn't know what you didn't know and you didn't care.
All you knew was to be happy because you were blissfully unaware of all the things that should
make you worried or upset.
I want to think the world is fair.
That everyone is honest and good.
I want to believe that anything is possible.
I want to be oblivious to the complexities of life andbe overly excited by the little things again.
I want to live simple again.
I don't want my day to consist of computer crashes, mountains of paperwork, depressing news,
how to survive more days in the month than there is money in the bank, doctor bills, gossip,
illness, and loss of loved ones.
I want to believe in the power of smiles, hugs, a kind word, truth, justice, peace, dreams,
the imagination, mankind, and making angels in the snow.
So...here's my checkbook and my car keys, my credit cards and all my responsibility.
I am officially resigning from adulthood.
And if you want to discuss this further, you'll have to catch me first, 'cause,
"Tag! You're it."

Personally, I would not resign from adulthood. I've only been an adult for less than a year and there's so much I could do, I am unwilling to surrender my age for anything else. In fact, I think I've been an adult since I left high school. The challenges of working and studying at the same time made me grow up faster. I woke up one fine Monday morning and the reality of life hit me hard, so hard I vowed if I am to be nobody in 5 years then I may as well be a couch potato for the rest of my life.

So ya, that's my opinion when it comes to resigning from adulthood. What would you do if you were given the chance to resign? Tell me!

Mini Bites of the day: Different stages in life brings you to different places. Embrace them and walk on!

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Remember the RED SUN

I don't read Chinese. I only speak Chinese once a blue moon. And definitely, my Chinese vocabulary is even worse than those who study the language in kindergartens. Yet the songs that truly drift my soul to another world would be the tunes from the Chinese community. They bring joy, laughters, tears and sadness - but all in all, I love them for never trying too hard to express. The simplicity in lyrics and the creativity in the rhythm are the arts I admire when it comes to listening to good Chinese songs.

Tomorrow will be another long day. My sister is due to return to camp resuming her service as a National Service trainee. The busy days of Chinese New Year are starting to slow down a little and I am glad because my body need rest. I am exhausted from having to wake up so early in the morning to meet at grandma's house for reunion breakfast, spending the entire day out of home and returning to the comfort of my bed at 4am each time. Why so late, you may ask - cause my family and relatives spend their time playing cards till the wee hours.

Physically tired, it's time to crack my mind and do the thinking that is required of me. There's no avoiding when it comes to making major decisions in one's life. For me, others seem to come to mind first whenever I need to change something about me. But I guess it's time to change the way things work with humans. For once, I have to start thinking of myself because my life is mine to live.

While I am all messed up, here's a song (video above) I would like to dedicate to all of you out there. When your shoulders are heavy with burden you think you could not bare or when your heart is weighed down with challenges of life, think about the good old days where life was simple because we need to be a child again in order to live life to the fullest.

Be naive, be childish, be simple - that's how we should be when life gets too complicated. Often, we are the one who complicates life. Let us be reminded of the happy old days where life is straight forward. Let this song uplift your spirit and encourage you to run on. Because I will. And I want to see you guys at the end of your race.

Mini Bites of the day: Think simple in all you do. There's no need to complicate things and life.

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Where's your BF?

Aunt: So how, do you have a boyfriend already?
Me: Still young la, will think about relationships later only.
Aunt: Means still single la.
Me: Guy friends I have many, boyfriend is not on my list.
Aunt: Matchmake you with one, want or not?
Me: Huh? No need la.
Aunt: Coming Valentine how?
Me: Stay at home la. What else to do?
Aunt: Go out with your guy friends la. Who knows, thunder strikes?
Me: With all those handsome hunks who rather have me as their buddy friend than soulmate?
Aunt: Why not?
Me: They probably will be asking me how to melt the hearts of their GFs. Hehehe!
Aunt: You gotta be kidding!
Me: I am not. I always plan the surprises, suggest romantic places for them and all that. I am the Love Queen.
Aunt: The Love Queen who has no love. Hahaha!
Me: I guess so... poor me.
Aunt: My son will bring you out on Valentine.
Me: I bet he will!

It's Chinese New Year and people are asking me about Valentine Day. Honestly, it didn't run across my mind. Valentine Day used to be a special date I observed, the day I prepared surprises for my close friends and the ones I loved. But that was previously. Since last year, it has been empty. V-day is as ordinary as any other day with me lazing at home on my bed with the best romance novel ever. This year however, someone special out there reminded me that I am in her heart this Valentine. Check out the photos below from Ann, all the way in Finland.

Beautiful eh? Thanks so much, Ann! You really made my day and keep me smiling assured that someone out there has me in her thoughts. The next time someone asks me where is my BF, I'll tell them she is in Finland. To me, BF stands for Best Friend... at least until I meet the soulmate of my life. Have a great weekend, people!!

Mini Bites of the day: Love is everywhere. You'll find it at the place where you least expect it to be.

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The Comfort Zone

By Unknown

I used to have a comfort zone where I knew I wouldn't fail.
The same four walls and busywork were really more like jail.
I longed so much to do the things I'd never done before,
But stayed inside my comfort zone and paced the same old floor.

I said it didn't matter that I wasn't doing much.
I said I didn't care for things like commission checks and such.
I claimed to be so busy with the things inside the zone,
But deep inside I longed for something special of my own.

I couldn't let my life go by just watching others win.
I held my breath; I stepped outside and let the change begin.
I took a step and with new strength I'd never felt before,
I kissed my comfort zone goodbye and closed and locked the door.

If you're in a comfort zone, afraid to venture out,
Remember that all winners were at one time filled with doubt.
A step or two and words of praise can make your dreams come true.
Reach for your future with a smile; Success is there for you!

Mini Bites of the day: Doors only open when you take the first step.

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Tagged: Page 123

I have been tagged by Alice for yet another reading book meme. Seeing that I have been reading quite a bit this month, I was excited to dive right into it. Here are the rules:

1. Pick up the nearest book (of at least 123 pages).
2. Open the book to page 123.
3. Find the fifth sentence.
4. Post the next three sentences.
5. Tag five people.

I am currently reading 'The Manny' by Holly Peterson. Been dying to read this book since I found out about it from the newspapers. It's a good read about socialites and the rich world. Below is the excerpt requested.

Only worse.

"Thank God you fixed the computer in the back room," I said, lamely.

"I didn't fix it, you bought a new one."

I am 50% through the book at the moment and it has been quite an exciting journey. It feels like I am the one cheating on my boyfriend/husband. Hehe! You guys should go check it out.

Anyway, I've gotta run... it's Chinese New Year. Lots to do and the TV can be quite entertaining this festive with various movies and dramas. Adios, people!

Mini Bites of the day: Every day is a lesson to be learnt to bring ourselves to the next level in life.

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Quick note

Hey peeps!

I am at my grandma's house (preview picture above) at the moment for CNY Eve Reunion Dinner. Thus, you find me posting in here today. Home internet is still down, bummer. But since I'll be spending the first three days of CNY over here, there'll be plenty of opportunities to sneak out of the crowd and do some blogging. Wouldn't want to be disconnected from all of you.

Let me share a little on how CNY turns out to be in my family. The close family members meet up during CNY Eve for the biggest feast ever of chicken, duck, meat, fish, vegetables and soup. We usually have our dinner by 6pm as the night tends to be longer on such a special day.

After dinner, it's time for everyone else to get some tasks done such as getting 10 (or more) kampung fish de-boned, cutting more than 100 mushrooms to halves, frying prawn crackers and dried tofu, jelly making and the best part of all, charcoal soup cooking. Of course, there are other little details to be taken care of.

I'll have more to tell when no one is standing next to me (it's a public laptop here where everyone just walks in and stand beside you to see what you are doing). So ya, hopefully I can post some photos here to show you guys how CNY is celebrated in my crazy family. Until then, why not you guys tell me how is CNY for you?

Mini Bites of the day: Most people rejoice at celebrations, but that is not a sign that you should force yourself to enjoy what you detest.

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As You Travel Through Life..

By Unknown
(One of the classic inspirational poems)

As you travel through life there are always those times
When decisions just have to be made,
When the choices are hard, and solutions seem scarce,
And the rain seems to soak your parade.

There are some situations where all you can do
Is simply let go and move on,
Gather your courage and choose a direction
That carries you toward a new dawn.

So pack up your troubles and take a step forward -
The process of change can be tough,
But think about all the excitement ahead

There might be adventures you never imagined
Just waiting around the next bend,
And wishes and dreams just about to come true
In ways you can't yet comprehend!

Perhaps you'll find friendships that spring from new things
As you challenge your status quo,
And learn there are so many options in life,

Perhaps you'll go places you never expected
And see things that you've never seen,
Or travel to fabulous, faraway worlds
And wonderful spots in between!

Perhaps you'll find warmth and affection and caring
And somebody special who's there
To help you stay cantered and listen with interest
To stories and feelings you share.

Perhaps you'll find comfort in knowing your friends
Are supportive of all that you do,
And believe that whatever decisions you make,
They'll be the right choices for you.

So keep putting one foot in front of the other,
And taking your life day by day...
There's a brighter tomorrow that's just down the road -
Don't look back! You're not going that way!

Mini Bites of the day: Do not imagine what the future may be. Just start building it and you will see that dreams do come true.

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It's Your Walk

Everyone comes to this junction; the crossroad where we have to be selfish and decide on what's best for us without contemplating on how our dreams will fit into the life of the ones we love. Most of us couldn't find the guts to step up towards achieving our dreams, but there are a handful who choose to be steadfast in who they want to be. I, personally, would like to be part of the minority who will walk down roads people could only dream of because the first step to success is to walk.

Life is about decisions. From the day we were born till the day we take our last breath, there are decisions to make throughout our lives and each choice leads to a future which we could never ever change. For that future, I choose to be selfish to fight for who I want to be; to turn my dreams into reality so that when I go to sleep each night, I could smile with pride that it has been a fruitful day.

It's easy to fight when everything is turning out as planned and nothing goes wrong. It's easy to walk when the road is straight and made of gold. But when things turn upside down, the music plays a different song and suddenly you'll realize you might be alone.

Don't live in your comfort zone. Don't be bounded by the four walls that surround you. Don't look outside the window and dream of being the winners that others are. Simply open your door and step into the wilderness, venture out into this big unexplored world and find a future for yourself.

Think of it this way: If you step out and fight for your dreams, you have the chance to succeed. If you hide in your closet throughout your days, the future is as dark as it can be. So what if things fail and life crushes on you? At least by the end of the journey, you know you have done your best. Regardless of the outcomes, you can lay down and rest knowing you have been true to yourself.

One day, you will look back and wonder how did you get through all those challenges that shaped the person you are today. You'll discover the miracles you created through your determination in pursuing the things you believe in. And others will stand up and cheer you on. If they don't, there's at least one person who will be by your side at all times - YOU.

Decide on what you want in life. Don't let others distract you from reaching your goals and dreams. You are not created to live their dreams and expectations; you are created to live a life of your own. For that very reason, you have to be true to yourself because your life is the only thing you'll own.

Mini Bites of the day: Be true to yourself in every decision you make because it affects you the most at the end of the day.

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The Will To Win

200 times of trying to start up my CPU, 4 hours of trying even harder, and another thousand minutes being irritated with no one but myself. Life seems slow and dead without my PC. I am dreading life but loving the time I have to catch up in my reading. Anyway, here's a poem I found which I am clinging onto at this phrase of my life.

The Will To Win
(one the most classic motivational poems)

If you want a thing bad enough
To go out and fight for it,
Work day and night for it,
Give up your time and your peace and
your sleep for it

If only desire of it
Makes you quite mad enough
Never to tire of it,
Makes you hold all other things tawdry
and cheap for it

If life seems all empty and useless without it
And all that you scheme and you dream is about it,

If gladly you'll sweat for it,
Fret for it, Plan for it,
Lose all your terror of God or man for it,

If you'll simply go after that thing that you want.
With all your capacity,
Strength and sagacity,
Faith, hope and confidence, stern pertinacity,

If neither cold poverty, famished and gaunt,
Nor sickness nor pain
Of body or brain
Can turn you away from the thing that you want,

If dogged and grim you besiege and beset it,
You'll get it!

-- Berton Braley

Mini Bites of the day: Keep breaking through into the thickest of walls to arrive at that destination of your dreams

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Happy Chinese New Year

This is going to be a short one for today as my home PC is really driving me up the wall. It is hardly alive, refuses to start up and simply dies on me. Sob sob! Thank god I have books to keep me company while I miss you guys online. It's tough without Internet at home because I love blogging my stories and articles online. I love writing while having the Internet Explorer running on the side as reference. Googling things I want to find out to enhance my stories and stuff life that. I am one unfunctional writer without the World Wide Web.

Chinese New Year is round the corner and busyness will sip in real soon. What's with my sister coming home from National Service for a couple of days, there are bound to have lots of errands to run. I can imagine the piles of mushrooms and fishes that need preparation the night before CNY. Grrrr! I hate it when this time of the year comes. It's tiring.

Anyway, gotta run soon. While it is still early, I would like to wish all of you a very Happy Chinese New Year and a Prosperous days ahead. Adios!



Mini Bites of the day: Always look at the sunrise, not at the cloudy skies.

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February Feast Day

Woohooo! February is here... like so soon. It feels like just yesterday I got involved in an accident and just yesterday I was talking about Christmas. Time sure flies even when life goes into all the wrong directions. I don't want this year to pass me by so quickly because there are a lot of things I would like to do. There are also things in store ahead of me which I am excited about. Challenges are always fun to have. Routine are boring.

It took me a thousand minutes to get this post up because my home PC is totally in coma state. The CPU beeps continously (like the sound of the machine in ICU wards) and simply refuses to start up. When it does come alive, it only lasts for 15 minutes. I suspect it's the graphic card problem, or perhaps not. I am not the expert. There are a lot of files in my CPU so I really hope it doesn't crashed on me. Backing-up files would probably take up more than 20 CDs.

Anyway, it's that time of the month again. Be prepared to be tempted!

Grilled Lamb Ribs with cheesy sauce and mashed potatoes. As much as I love dishes consisting of lamb, I still prefer the shoulder part. More meaty and juicy.

Special Chicken Salad piled with lots of fresh vegetables, onions and tomatoes. It would have been better if there is a creamy topping to go with the fried pieces.


Fried Cheese Pieces!! Soft shells that holds the creamy cheesy liquid inside of it. So delicious, you'll forget about growing fat.


I love milkshakes, as long as it's not Herbalife milkshakes. These are chocolate chip and passionfruit shakes. The chocolate chip one was great, rich in flavour and the bits enhances the overall experience.

Yin & Yang Pork Dish consisting of sweet and sour pieces and cheesy pork delight. The complement is perfect to go with rice or porridge.

Colourful Mini Cupcakes specially made for a birthday occasion. Totally colourful, cute and charming. The children loved it!

Bak Kut Teh all the way from Klang. Trust me, there are a couple of shops that sell real good Bak Kut Teh in Klang but this is one that serves giant bones. Meat is amazingly tender.

Chilli Sweet Sour Crabs found at a restaurant behind Low Yat/KL Plaza. Goes really well with toasted bread and fried mantou.

Donuts from J.Co!! Don't try to green tea one, it sucks! The rest are totally irresistable.

Baby Potatoes Salad found at Nando's. These are great appetizers. The skin adds texture to the dish as you place it in your mouth. Melting white sauce, a little cheesy too.

Mini Bites of the day: To work your entire life and feel like you have not worked at all is good news - let your career be driven by passion.

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