Two Way Road

In loving memory of Hamy...

2011-11-15T16:50:00.005+08:00

...she passed away one month ago...will always be remembered and loved by S&J

...

2011-06-26T19:37:00.001+08:00

I wish things could be different...

Don't mean to be vulgour, but I find this very funny...

2011-05-04T15:38:00.004+08:00

2011-01-20T21:06:00.001+08:00

After so long...

2010-10-25T00:47:00.004+08:00

I realize you don't need to own everything, you just need to live in the same home with the One who created everything.

Hamy can stand up

2010-01-12T20:54:00.004+08:00

Sanity please

2010-01-08T21:12:00.000+08:00

I'm pretty sure if the verdict turned out the other way, we would still be sane.

Say hello to Hamy

2009-12-08T17:17:00.005+08:00

We brought Hamy home from a pet shop near our place two days ago - bought him a cage, wood shavings, alfalfa hay, drink bottle and yummy pellets. Hamy's still scared of us when we try to touch it in the cage and freezes like a statue whenever we take it out of the cage. It was scratching itself quite a bit so we took it to see a vet this morning. It was extrememly active in the car and jumped out of the box into the plastic bag. Lucky me I decided to put the box in a plastic bag instead of carrying the box. The vet gave it an injection because Hamy has mites =( - needs another two more injections every seven days. The vet says it is probably three weeks to a month old, could be a male and weighs 200g. We have removed the wood shavings from the cage as it not helpful in eliminating the mites.

I hope Hamy gets well soon.

Can anyone tell me...

2009-11-30T17:12:00.003+08:00

...where I can find a guinea pig that looks like Darwin? I'd like to own one.

I always thought the cute furry animals in G-Force were hamsters. I even thought of the name for it - Hamy. After googling the difference between guinea pigs and hamsters, I would still prefer a guinea pig. But the problem is, after reading this, I need to get them in pairs. Dop!

The finale

2009-10-06T23:09:00.008+08:00

On Sunday morning itself at 2am, S attempted to book tickets to the Proton Malaysia Open. We wanted the silver tickets but it was sold out. So we decided to get the tickets at the stadium itself.

We were so lucky when a couple approached us if we wanted tickets and they will silver! First row somemore. And we didn't have to pay the extra 10 bucks to book online.

Freebie fan...

Tecnifibre dampener... love the triangle shape... fits my Fischer well... can't get it in Malaysia... worth the 10 bucks...

Used balls for 10 bucks a can... what a bargain...

Congrats Davydenko... you can certainly fly...

Ride to eat or eat to ride?

2009-10-02T21:48:00.007+08:00

Our first route out from the housing area. Follow the orange dots from A to B. Went to KFC in Kota Damansara to get supper. About 5 km in 1hr 30 mins. Haha i know it's slow. The walk way was not bike friendly - high curbs at junctions. Had to keep getting off and on. I'll try to stay on the road next time.

Proton Malaysian Open, Kuala Lumpur 2009

2009-09-27T22:20:00.009+08:00

There was a free admission for the first two days of the tournament. We thought it would be packed because it's free!

But... one side of the centre court was completely empty...

And... it wasn't as interesting as watching tennis on tv... if you see the scores on the news you'll understand why... after watching a set of Rohan Bopanna of India beating Balakrishnan Kanagarai 6-2, we moved to court 1. The match between Si Yew Ming and Mariusz Fyrstenberg was much better.

After a set, we moved back to centre court again... Michael Yani vs Stephen Huss... more interesting to watch westerners play...

But we left shortly... the previous sets we watched were like sleeping pills...

Did I mention the courts were fully air-conditioned? Hehe at least something...

My first bike

2009-09-25T21:04:00.004+08:00

Will write more when I ride...

"Friend" Part II

2009-09-25T10:53:00.001+08:00

S took me to lunch the whole week. Now I don't mind him calling me friend do I?

"Friend" Part I

2009-09-16T13:36:00.003+08:00

During lunch today S receives a phonecall and somewhere in the middle of the conversation this came out...

S: I'm having lunch with "somebody".

I was cool having S call me "somebody".

After the phonecall...

S: Can you help me email something out when you're in office? There's something wrong with the internet in my office.
J: OK.

S passes me a thumbdrive. And his phone rings again. From the same person. And somewhere in the middle of the conversation this came out...

S: No problem I can meet you later. I already got my "friend" to help me with something I needed to do.

Minutes later...

J: Did you just call me your friend?

I gave S back his thumbdrive and told him to ask his "friend" to help him not without a mad and raised sarcastic tone. The rest is history, even his explanation is. The damage is done.

Bluetooth fixed!

2009-09-15T20:03:00.005+08:00

Yesterday, I have finally resorted to reformatting and reinstalling my laptop to its original factory settings to fix my bluetooth. And thankfully it worked.

And today S wants to reformat his too. This is an example of monkey see, monkey do. He's going to kill me...

White craving

2009-09-14T15:56:00.009+08:00

I've always had an on off craving to get a Macbook although I'm not much of an IT savvy person. Last year when I had the craving, I somehow settled for a white Dell Inspiron. I know...I know...you're going to call me a Mac wannabe. Yes I even got a Crumpler Laptop bag meant for a Mac. But I couldn't justify myself to get a Mac when the only thing I do with it is probably just to play dota and my weather-inspired blogging. And did I mention the price difference was 1k! Although I do regret a bit now that I'm having problems on getting my bluetooth to work properly for a few months now. Anyway, to satisfy my craving, I got myself a USB Mighty Mouse (my second Apple item to my Ipod Shuffle which I now can't remember where I've placed it) to replace my old squeeny mouse.

My old mouse which I maneuvered on my laptop since it's so tiny.

My new mouse with a new home.

I keep reminding myself I can't get a new laptop until the year 2011. So I'll 'just keep using, just keep using, just keep using', just like how Dory reminds herself in Finding Nemo to 'just keep swimming, just keep swimming, just keep swimming'. Cos then I can claim for my tax rebate. And make sure my Dell's made full used of. So do you have any craving? And how do you overcome it? Or do you satisfy it?

Do you see what I see?

2009-09-14T01:30:00.006+08:00

I've never seen so many sandwiches made at a time in a Subway here. Have you?

Twitched

2009-09-14T01:02:00.005+08:00

Holding hands can be a delightful thing to do with your partner when you're strolling along the park, doing window shopping, listening to a boring lecture etc. But certainly not in the car when you're trying to doze off if your partner has muscle twitches! For some reason, S always falls asleep faster than I do and when I'm in a dreamy state I suddenly feel a jerk in my left hand. It's a muscle twitch from S' right hand! Seeing him sleeping peacefully I didn't move my hand away but instead I took a picture of our hands or rather only his hand. =P

Porky food

2009-09-14T00:18:00.006+08:00

If you really love to eat dead and cooked pigs or piglets you cannot miss Elcerdo. They really shouldn't have made the menu cover this way. The piggies are just too cute to be eaten now.

Complimentary asparagus and bacon bits soup.

I didn't take pictures of cooked slaughtered pigs on our plates but I got you photos of live pigs on the walls. Can you imagine how piggy this place must look?

There's even a piggy version of a Mona Lisa "por-trait" on your way in. I didn't take a picture of it as I think it might upset Leonardo da Vinci if he saw it here. Is this place perhaps the most famous "pork-treat" in the world?

It's a Thursday!

2009-09-10T19:53:00.002+08:00

I'm happy because I'm on leave tomorrow! I'm taking a day off to spend time with my mom before she goes off to Singapore on Saturday for two months. The reason I have time to put my happiness in writing is because I am at work and the system is down! What a gift for me before I go on my one day break.

Some reasons why I like my job. Not love ok.

1. I have no paperwork at all!
2. I get to watch my tv series during my breaks.
3. I have flexible lunch break. It's good for people like me who seldom take breakfast to grab an early lunch.
4. So far I have nothing against my boss.
5. It pays all my medical bills.

Having said all the above, I still hope I'll be a tai tai soon!

By the way, the system is still down and I have work to finish. Not a gift after all.

Looks or money

2009-09-07T17:58:00.008+08:00

On the way to work after lunch today,

S: You know now girls go for money instead of looks already.
J: What do you mean now? I thought girls always go for money.
S: No, now you see so many pretty girls with bald man and they don't care about the looks. Especially in Singapore. So shallow.
J: Huh?????? Caring about the looks is shallow too and even much more shallow than money. At least money gets you the necessities in life. You need money to live.

S' usual final reply is silence.

It was the spur of the moment that those words came out. And now I'm wondering where did the 'heart' part go. It is not about looks or money but who we are inside. Looks or money isn't going to take us throughto the end. Think of it. How many times have we changed our favourite actor or actress since young. No matter how good a face looks we get bored because we are called human. We need something deeper. Something new we discover about our partner each day we interact with them and if it just gets better, it's time to settle down. What we know now of ourselves and others are just the tip of the iceberg. There's so much more and that is what will get us excited a whole lifetime together.

In conclusion, I am biased that money is a tad more important than looks but money with no looks is a no no and looks with no money is not a yes either. Did I confuse you?

Dew Crew Retreat 09

2009-09-03T23:40:00.021+08:00

We arrived at Hotel Grand Kampar on Sunday.

Our room.

Our bed.

The view from our room...is actually not bad.

I couldn't believe the hotel had a wedding-like course dinner. But only 7 course instead of our 9 course dinners in KL.

Looking out from inside Gua Tempurung.

I have no idea what this is but it is not gold, just lights shining on this particular spot.

We didn't go very far as we only took Tour 2. So this is it. My advice would be please take Tour 4 to make up your journey's worth. Even the grannys could do the same tour as us.

The bridge in Waterfall Lata Kinjang was closed for repair.

Only managed to dip my feet in the cool water.

The highlight of the trip. If you go to the waterfall, you might be able to see this insect on the rocks somewhere along the trail. We were so excited when someone found it and we thought it was dead. But it really is not real. Wonder who brought it and left it there alone.

Home sweet home on Tuesday.

Did you know

2009-09-02T17:02:00.004+08:00

you can get help from Microsoft by sending an email to srxmail@css.one.microsoft.com? I have been having problems with my bluetooth ever since I installed the Vista Service Pack 2. The bluetooth icon is missing from my control panel and it disappears from the windows tray every time I move my mouse over the icon. I cannot set up bluetooth personal area network and send files out. The only thing I can do is receive files. My problem is not yet resolved but I must say that the support staff are really helpful and efficient. You'll get a ticket number created for you and they'll monitor and send you reminders if they don't hear from you. It's been a month and I hope it'll get fixed soon. Any IT experts out there?

Merdeka break

2009-08-28T16:35:00.003+08:00

I will be heading to Kampar on Sunday to visit Gua Tempurong and Lata Kinjang for water rafting. It'll be my first holiday this year other than my family trips to the small island opposite Johor. Happy Merdeka to all Malaysians and to all Singaporeans who remember you were apart of us before 46 years ago!

A can of sprite

2009-08-24T15:52:00.002+08:00

Before the last two weekends, a can of sprite is nothing but a carbonated drink which I don't fancy drinking. However this can now reminds me of an intellectually challenged kid who out of thirst grabbed one from a stall I was manning at the community services fair held at my church. My initial reaction was to try to grab the can back from him, telling him it costs a dollar and seventy cents. Only to realise a few seconds later that he was not like the other kids. He was trying to open the can and failed after several attempts. I reached out my hand this time not to grab the can but to open it for him, put a straw in and gave it to him. He sipped and walked away as he did so while my mom, who was manning the stall with me paid the drink for him. We don't know why genetic mutation happens but there's one thing I know for sure, he'll be in heaven and that's all that matters.

A pda phone

2009-08-22T22:12:00.002+08:00

can come in useful when you're sick in bed and on medical leave for a week. My achievement for the week is Bejeweled 2 high score of 2,285,950 and I bought all the cars in Need For Speed Undercover and upgraded them fully.

I wanted to finish Unlocking the Bible book but failed as I was too glued to the mobile games. Played until my hand was aching. ^-^

I must mean it

2009-08-14T20:31:00.005+08:00

We can sing songs but do we really sing the words with all our heart... I am reminded every Sunday I need to mean what I sing to God. I can't simply sing I will sacrifice my life for Him when I doubt I could. I can't sing I love Him with all of my heart but I sing I 'would' want to love Him with all my heart.

This song by CHC is awesome...

The God I know Glorious and holy
The God I know Is faithful and true
The God I know A tower of refuge Hearts are healed Christ revealed
The God I know Light of this city
The God I know Strengthens the weak
The God I know Is strong and mighty As He is, so are we

The question is does He know me? A part of me tells me of course he does. I read His book everyday. I talk to Him. Another part of me fears the day I meet Him. Will He say to me 'Well done, my good and faithful servant'...

Wait for me Lord, and the drive that's getting me there is because You never once hurt me.

The weekday...

2009-08-10T17:38:00.004+08:00

...is here and this is how I spent my weekend. Started Friday night off playing DOTA at home after tennis, eating an apple. The next morning I wanted to sleep in but S' phone woke me up and I couldn't go back to sleep. Read Unlocking the Bible a few pages, showered and went for lunch at Cha Cha Original Pan Mee nearby. I can eat at this place everyday, the dry pan mee is just awesome. Then off to children's church for a couple of hours. Picked my parents for dinner and at night I'm playing tennis again. Next morning I overslept for church because my new phone alarm did not ring. After lunch, I'm off to tennis again. So can you tell my new found hobby? Don't think you need it but here's a clue...

The weekend...

2009-08-07T22:27:00.002+08:00

...is finally here. But before I know it, it'll be over. I always tell myself to make full use of my saturdays and sundays but I never do. I hope this weekend will be different...

Lost

2009-07-13T19:58:00.003+08:00

I lost my handphone last Friday - someone stole it. Actually not, I carelessly left it at the tennis court only to find it gone when S went to look for it. We were the last to play and the guard told us that three boys were in the court when he went to switch off the lights. Well, doesn't matter now. It's gone and I really liked it. I went searching for it at Digital Mall but it's obsolete now. All I have left of it is a picture.

Blessed Mother's Day

2009-05-10T18:14:00.003+08:00

A very blessed and happy mother's day mommy - I love you.

Journey to the Cross by DUMC

2009-04-11T00:00:00.017+08:00

Today is a time to slow down, to leave the busyness of your life as you read this, to focus on Jesus.

Take your time as you go through the stations of Jesus' Journey to the Cross. You don't need to rush. Read slowly. Let the words of reflection sink in.

Spend as long as you want at each station. If you're drawn to stay at a particular spot for a long time, you're free to stay. Move to the next station whenever you're ready.

You may respond to God by writing down your own thoughts if you would like. You can write a word, write a prayer, draw a picture...whatever you want to do. You may write at some stations and not others. That's okay.

This Journey to the Cross is not about an agenda or meeting anyone's expectations. It's simply a time and a place for you to draw close to Jesus.

Station 1
Outer Noise
Psalm 46:10

This TV represents the noise and distractions of our lives.
Sometimes we're so caught up with the busyness of life that we tune out God.
Even today as you come in, you have many thoughts going through your mind.
Take a moment to acknowledge the static in your mind.

Turn off the TV.
Look at the blank screen.

Use its stillness as a reminder to quiet your spirit before God.
Take a moment to be still and know that he is God.
Ask God to quiet your thoughts and put aside distractions so you can focus on him and hear his voice through this journey.

Station 2
God in the Flesh
John 1:14

Today you're invited on a journey through the last days and hours of Jesus' life.
In front of you is a pair a sandals, the kind that any ordinary man would wear.

As you begin this journey...
Focus on what it means for the
eternal God to become a man.

Think about what it means that Jesus once stood
in sandals like these, just like any of us might.

Station 3
Mary Anoints Jesus
John 12:1-8

Mary poured out expensive perfume onto Jesus' feet as an act of worship.

Place a drop or two of oil on a cotton ball.
Smell its fragrance.

The fragrance may not be strong at first, but you will smell it for hours.
It's long-lasting. Mary's act of worship was pure... passionate... real... expensive... extravagant.
And it touched the heart of Jesus.
Jesus knew he was headed to the cross, and Mary’s act of worship was a blessing to him.

How can you pour out your love to Jesus, extravagantly, in a way that will spread the beautiful fragrance of Jesus where you are?

When you leave, take the cotton ball with you. Let its fragrance remind you that we are called to live every moment of our lives in fragrant worship of Jesus.

Station 4
Judas Agrees to Betray Jesus
Matthew 26:14-16

Judas was one of Jesus' closest friends, one of the twelve disciples who had been with him for three years.
He agreed to betray Jesus for just thirty silver coins.

Hold one or two of the coins in your hand.
How could Judas betray Jesus, his friend, for money?

How do you think Judas felt when he looked at the coins in his hand and realized what he had traded for them?
Is your own heart tempted to betray Jesus over material things?

Take this time to talk with him about it.

Station 5
The Last Supper
John 13:21-30

Jesus was celebrating the Passover feast with his disciples.

Tear off a piece of bread, dip it into the oil,
and eat it as Jesus did.

As you're eating, think of the heartbreak he must have been feeling at the betrayal of one of his own disciples.
He knew his disciples would soon face confusion and fear.
Contemplate his sorrow and compassion for them.

Station 6
Gethsemane
Matthew 26:36-46

This scene reveals the sorrow in Jesus' heart that night.
He prayed to his Father that he would not have to go to the cross if there were any other way.
Yes he prayed the hardest prayer any of us can pray: "Yes not as I will, but as you will."

When Jesus said, "May this cup be taken from me," he was referring to the difficult thing his Father was asking him to bear.
Yes he chose to drink the cup, even though it was painful.

Pour a cup of grape juice and drink it.
As you do, remember that Jesus chose to bear the agony of the cross - to drink the cup - to save you.

Is there a cup that the Father is asking you to drink--something about which you need to pray the prayer of Gethsemane: "Yes not as I will, but as you will."

Station 7
Jesus' Arrest
John 18:1-11

Even though Jesus could have given the word and overpowered all the guards, he let himself be bound and led away.

Pick up the rope and hold it in your hands.

Remember that Jesus was bound with a rope like this one. He chose to submit to the difficult way of the cross with every step that he took.

Station 8
Jesus' Trial
Matthew 26:57-60, 27:27-31

Imagine yourself in Peter's shoes.
You are looking out over the courtyard where Jesus is being tried and mocked.
You know that he is being unjustly accused.
As you stand here, you see men telling lies about him.
You watch him being beaten and mocked.
Here is the man you have followed for three years, the man you had put all your hope in, being sentenced to death.
In your heart you have believed he is God, the promised Messiah to the Jewish people.
Your whole world is crashing around you, and worst of all, you have denied that you even know him.

Look at the scarlet rob and the crown of thorns used by angry soldiers to wound and humiliate Jesus.
What do you want to tell Jesus right now?

Station 9
The Crucifixion
Matthew 27:32-44

Here is Jesus, dying a brutal death on a Roman cross, an instrument of torture. Kneel in front of the cross. Imagine yourself there at the scene. What is going through your mind?

Don't rush this part.
The sin of all human beings made Jesus go to the cross.
Think of a sin in your life, possibly something terrible you have done in the past of something you should have don but did not, possibly an attitude your heart tells you is disappointing to God.
Write it down on a piece of paper.
No one else will read it, but you can write in code if you want to.
Fold the paper in half.
Pick up a hammer and a nail.

Nail your sin to the cross of Jesus.

As you nail it, think about how your sins were nailed to the cross that day in history.
With each stroke, remember Jesus' words: "It is finished." He bore the pain of the cross so you could be forgiven.

Station 10
Jesus' Death
Matthew 27:45-54

When Jesus dies that day, so many people watching must have thought that their hopes had died as well.
Darkness came over all the land that day.

Choose a candle and extinguish it.

Remember the darkness that the whole world--and heaven itself--must have felt that day.

Station 11
Jesus' Death
Matthew 27:57-61

The rock you see here is a fraction of the size of the rock that sealed Jesus' tomb.
Imagine the heaviness of it.

Touch this rock. Feel its weight.

Can you send the heavy weight the disciples and those who loved Jesus must have felt as Jesus' tomb was sealed?
In their eyes, death had won.
This was a stone that no one could move.

It was final. Jesus was gone and buried.

Station 12
Jesus' Resurrection
Matthew 28:1-10

Imagine the cold, heavy, anxious fear and sorrow that these women must have felt as they journeyed to the tomb that day.
Imagine them arriving at the tomb and finding the stone rolled away, the empty grave clothes in the place where Jesus' body was supposed to be.

Imagine the shock and the overwhelming joy they felt as they met the risen Jesus in the garden.

Their Lord was alive! Imagine how these women were transformed in that one moment.

How do you think the risen Jesus wants to transform you today?

Station 13
Crossroads: What Will You Do With Jesus?
Matthew 16:24

You are at a crossroads.
Look over the Journey you have just taken through the final days of Jesus to the cross and beyond.
His was no accidental journey.
Every step Jesus took was purposeful, deliberate, by plan.
Every moment of pain, betrayal, and agony was borne by him out of love for you.
You were--and still are--a part of his journey.

What will you do with Jesus?
You can, in your heart, choose to hold on to your sin, bear the guilt yourself, and take it with you as you leave this room.
Or you can leave clinging to the extravagant love and forgiveness of the one who died for you.
You've already nailed your sins to his cross.
You can leave knowing that all is forgiven.

It's your choice. You choose by asking his forgiveness and receiving it.
You have experienced some of the emotions that Jesus, the Son of God, experienced for you.
You can leave here the same as you were coming in.
Or you can leave having chosen to pursue Jesus Christ, the God who pursued you all the way to the cross.

It's your choice. You choose by telling him that your life is his.
You experienced the agony of surrender and obedience that Jesus Christ experienced. You can leave here still holding on to parts of your life, the parts you don't want to surrender.
Or you can leave choosing to surrender everything to him.

It's your choice. You choose by praying the prayer of Gethsemane: "Yes not as I will, but as you will."

What is Jesus saying to you tonight?
If you'd like to, write your response to him on the journal.

It's stressful...

2009-03-30T17:20:00.001+08:00

...to be at work after working hours. Don't you agree? Guess where am I?

This is the first time I've got...

2009-03-27T20:34:00.002+08:00

...conjunctivitis. First time wearing glasses to work. Thank God no one was infected by my eyes.

It's broken

2009-03-13T02:00:00.008+08:00

My ikea kettle is broken, not by me but by the other and only person living with me =D. I just got it less than a month ago. It was carelessly placed on a pile of papers which gave way and on to the concrete floor it went. I picked it up and happily said that it's ok the kettle's fine. But S noticed a crack. Can you see where it's broken?

Maybe you can see clearer now...

Not only was the handle broken but the base too. We only realised a day after that the base was leaking water by the drop. Oh well. The kettle will be thrown away but the parts came in handy.

Hehe. Can you spot the difference from an old pic from my previous post?

The most hurtful thing in life...

2009-03-10T23:04:00.002+08:00

...is to see the two people you love most not living life in its fullness in their golden years.

First dinner in our home II

2009-03-06T05:23:00.010+08:00

Some pics of S's cooking adventure...

I helped to set up the utensils.

S chopping garlics and bacon.

Raw ingredients.

The first dish. Spagetti carbonara. Now that's quite a lot of bacon. In goes the noodles.

Prawns hand-peeled by S for the next dish...

...spagetti aglio olio.

It looks the same as the first dish.

Guess how the food tasting went?

I hate stingy people

2009-02-26T09:54:00.001+08:00

Enough said.

First dinner in our home

2009-02-24T16:50:00.002+08:00

S will be making dinner tonight for the first time in our home, after two months of moving in. His family will be over too. I'm now thinking whether I should go swimming or stay around to see S cook and pack up the place a bit. And, my laundry's still in the dryer. Hmmm...

My hobbies

2009-02-23T21:14:00.006+08:00

I don't know about you but my hobbies don't seem to last - the healthy hobbies I mean. One example, blogging. I've been totally out for quite some time. What else. Badminton - I remember I bought a new racket last two years but only played for a few months. Jogging - bought a new pair of running shoes and jogged for six months to look fit before the wedding, yes before the wedding. Kite flying - if you read my old post there's a short one on it, I no longer fly because S lost my m&m mouse kite. Tennis - I used to play a bit during uni days. And now, swimming - I've been swimming almost everyday and even in the rain and even in the cold. That too, I have a pretty new swimsuit. I need new things to keep my interest on something. How about you? Do you need new gadgets to keep your passion alive?

My hobby at home is boiling water. I do it a few times ago. I love my kettle. My mom got it for me from Courts. It was a display set. You have no idea how many times I kept on going back to the shop to see if new stocks came and everytime I'm there I seem to miss the stock reload. Initially, I wanted a white one but the display ones had scratches but this baby blue one looked new. The salesman was pestering us to get the extended warranty for a couple of ten bucks but I think I didn't need it. If it spoils, I get to buy a new one - a white one =D.

My other hobby is drinking tea - my favourite is green, jasmine and oo long tea. Saturday, I had breakfast with dad. Not many places serves green tea with a side dish. Black Canyon Coffee serves it with mini alphabet biscuits.

Oo long tea during dinner at Ying Ker Lou hakka restaurant in the curve. Interesting pot. Too interesting I forgot to pour tea for the photo.

Ahh, finally my most addicted hobby - playing computer games. Excuse me, I'm going to play a game of Dota.

Red packet

2009-02-02T19:57:00.005+08:00

This CNY, it is our first time giving out 'ang pao' packets. Believe me or not, we collected more than what we gave out =D *grin*

2009-01-22T22:40:00.032+08:00

Over the new year, S and I spent our honeymoon in South Korea. This is our first trip together - just the two of us. To me, all airports look the same. They're a place for planes to land and take off.Walking pass the immigration we looked at this...

...to see where our baggage were which we really didn't need to. You see we followed a tour group and we just had to follow the guide. Our first destination, the shooting place of Jewel in The Palace.

The place didn't look as big as the show portrayed. But it felt nice to step into a place you've seen from afar - the TV set. Moving on, our first meal.

Nice hot meal. Chicken, cabbage, cabbage and more cabbage with seaweed soup. Next stop, Nami Island - made famous be Winter Sonata.

Dinner. Grilled squid. I can't remember a time when I ate as much squid in a meal.

The next day was the highlight of our trip. Skiing! Can you see the hill-track on the far left and right of the photo? It's for expert on the left and beginner on the right. We managed to try the beginner one illegally but it was an honest offence. You can ask me when you see me.

We took the cable car up the track. It was piercing cold. My whole being was feeling numbed to the core.

On the third day, we went to Everland. Our very own Genting is no where near this place.

This lion in Everland Safari survive the cold much better than me.

Ginseng chicken for dinner.

Next morning, we visited the 'Blue House' supposedly meant to be the White House of Korea.

Gyeongbokgung Palace. The only reason I remember this place is because i managed to find the entrance ticket still in my handbag.

As every tourism would promote, the museum.

Next stop, the kimchi-making shop. Made by me.

Made by S. He claims his is better-looking.

Not a very appetizing lunch.

We didn't manage to attend a church service. Did I tell you one of our reasons to visit Korea was to step into the church with 150,000 members so I heard. Well at least we took a picture of one in the city. From inside the bus.

Well, that's about it. So will you be going to Korea anytime soon?

27.12.2008

2009-01-18T21:03:00.002+08:00

A big thank you to all who made this day happened. We are truly grateful.

I'm back from the big day and honeymoon!

2009-01-13T15:47:00.002+08:00

Nothing feels better than to be home and back to my usual schedule - sleep, eat, work, tv etc. I do apologize for the blog hiatus. I will update soon - this week. I promise.

Sausage place

2008-12-15T09:31:00.004+08:00

S found a sausage place at Dataran Ara Damansara, DG31, Jln PJU 1A/20B called German Deli Imbiss. It is like a fastfood-like place except that you get to order from the table and get served. We tried all three meat variations - chicken, beef and lamb. Not bad.

Halfway through our meal, I told S that the sausage casing was made from intestine and he couldn't believe it. He claimed it ruined his appetite but I didn't think so. *Grin*

Self-control

2008-12-08T11:02:00.002+08:00

Lately, I seem not to be in control of my emotions. I get irritated easily. I get mad easily. Sometimes I find it hard to breathe. I feel helpless to improve the situation. I need space on my own. It's equally stressful to move to the greener grass I now see. Being extra careful not to regret in the future the way I act today.

-Galatians 5:22-23 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control...

Anticipation

2008-12-04T16:53:00.002+08:00

Finally I am filled with anticipation for the big day. There's still lots more things to do. Furnish the condo. Pack. Move. Compile songs. Prepare speech. Finalise RSVPs. Our Korea trip probably won't kick off on 4th Jan as planned. The travel agency doesn't have enough people. So our alternative plan at the moment is to join another agency departing on 31st Dec but we have to be in the airport on 30th night. The problem is we are having our photoshoot on 30th itself. Rush to the airport that night? I think I am filled with the adrenalin rush to go, go, go but S thinks it would be too hectic. So, yes or no?

Animation to humanation

2008-11-28T23:52:00.009+08:00

Say hi to Asimo.

Although my favourite cartoon character is Eeyore, Asimo sounds cuter real life. I wouldn't mind a soft toy version if there is one out there. With the invention of ASIMO, could Wall-E be real one day? Probably not in my lifetime. Bye Asimo...

The year is running out

2008-11-27T23:01:00.005+08:00

The year is coming to an end and I do not think I have accomplished half the things I wanted to do this year. It has been quite a quiet year for me but a quick one. It scares me that the years are just passing me by. But no matter what, I am reminded...

1. Relationship is better than achievement
2. Health is better than wealth
3. Never go to sleep angry
4. I am not defined by my job
5. Giving is better than receiving
6. I do not have to compare to be contented
7. My future is not secured in the things of this world
8. I will not run the rat race or get caught up in it
9. It does not help to gossip
10. Harsh words can kill

Deep or shallow

2008-11-20T21:28:00.005+08:00

If I were to say a river is deep or shallow you would instantly know what I mean. But, if I were to say a person is deep or shallow, it seems abstract. Is it fair to say that a deep person would probably try to know you "deeper" than usual? Seeking to understand how you operate inside? Picking up clues? Sensitive to your needs? You can know a person for the longest time and still now know what is in a person’s heart or mind. And that is why communication is so crucial. But what happens when you get tired of talking because you’ll be back to square one after time. I guess women are by nature sensitive. Sensitive to words and actions. And also, to words not spoken and actions not made. Our yes is no and our no is yes. So to avoid confrontations, I ask myself this question taught by one of our pastors from church, “Would it matter in a thousand years?” If it’s not, it’s best putting it aside or overcoming it. I have two perspectives here. If I were to think myself as a thousand and twenty-five years old then yes, it would not matter because I would be really old and de-energized by then. But, if I were to think myself as still being twenty-five years of age I would think even in a thousand years it would matter. Every little thing does, doesn’t it? I know it would be cliché to say that this is the time to seek God first but it really is. I am waiting on Him not to change others but myself.

Ancient vs. modern times

2008-11-17T17:44:00.003+08:00

The water supply at my housing area was cut-off this morning. I had washed my hair last night not wanting to do it in cold water today. Lucky enough, I woke up this morning in time for a shower before the water went off. If not, I might have went to work without taking a bath. I can't remember the last time I had a cold shower. Even when I go swimming, I will always dip in the almost hot jacuzzi tub before jumping into the pool. I wonder how people survived without water heaters during those times.

Another thing, last night I went to have my eyes checked. Thankfully both my eyes increased slightly. At my current power, I can be deemed as almost blind. I am reaching the maximum power available for contact lenses. If I had lived during those ancient times where spectacles haven't been invented, I would have been classified as a disabled. Seriously. But, hopefully my power stabilises as I grow older and no more computer games for me. Ok. Maybe occassional computer games would be fine. I guess I still have not learnt my lesson. Help!

My family's favourite dining place

2008-11-14T10:59:00.003+08:00

My dad loves spicy food. My mom loves nyonya food. My bro eats everything. I love anywhere that serves green tea.

I love weddings

2008-11-09T22:27:00.002+08:00

Yesterday I went for my first wedding of the year. Yes the year is coming to an end and I finally get to attend at least one wedding before mine. One thing I remembered from this wedding was that the couple wanted everyone to have a good time and I did. It is one place where you can have a good shout without having to drive up a cliff or worrying about passer-bys. Yam seng!

Carbonated Drink

2008-11-09T22:15:00.001+08:00

I found a carbonated drink better than my usual 100 plus. It's this drink called Honest To Goodness. I had it at Pizza Uno for the second time.
The name of the drink do es live up to its name. It has less calories than 100 plus, containing 60% pure fruit juice and 40% carbonated spring water. Worth the RM9.

Red Bean Bun

2008-11-09T22:07:00.003+08:00

I just had dinner at Canton-i 1 Utama and I found this red bean bun very cute. I did not order it as I could not put it into my mouth and chew on it.

So, is this bun halal?

Char Koay Teow

2008-11-03T20:13:00.005+08:00

I used to frequent Little Penang Cafe and returned yesterday night to have some char koay teow...

To my surprise, the price has gone up 8.9%. It now costs RM9.80 for a plate of char koay teow. With my current salary rising at half that rate, will I have to settle for coffee shop char koay teow soon? Just kidding. Thanks to S and dad who sponsor all my meals (except the ones I have in the office).

But really, the price increase was not worth the quality decrease. The crab meat over the top was filled with shells and tasted crabby (like raw crab?). On the menu, it stated a wait of 20 minutes for the char koay teow. But it arrived in less than 1o minutes, faster than my dad's curry mee. Bravo to the timing but boo to the taste. It could've used a little more frying.

This is somewhere I would pay for char koay teow. Lim Mee Yoke Coffeeshop at 157, Jalan SS2/7, 47300 Petaling Jaya. And if my mom agrees, there's no wrong to it!

Before we say "I do"

2008-11-03T10:13:00.006+08:00

Finally, we've completed our pre-marital counselling and passed. After a year with our counsellors working through Before You Say " I Do" by H. Norman Wright & Wes Roberts, we are excited to apply theory to practice come Dec 27. I would highly recommend couples planning to get married to get some form of counselling. We're all in for the long haul and we've got nothing to lose to set the foundation right. The book touches on important aspects of marriage and gives a glimpse of what could be. The discussions arising from the topics can go as deep as the couple would want it to. Personally, I have moved a step into maturity.

Times

2008-11-03T09:46:00.007+08:00

Last Saturday after children's church, S had to go for an emergency site meeting in Sri Hartamas area. So I asked him to drop me at a shopping centre nearby which we didn't know the name then - Plaza Damas. I strolled all the floors from corner to corner and I found this shop...

After an hour and 15 minutes, S came to get me. In the car...

S: What did you drink?

J: Nothing.

S: What did you eat?

J: Nothing. (I showed him the picture above). So guessed where I went?

S: The watch shop?

J: No.

S: The lingerie shop?

J: No. (What was he thinking?)

S: The clothes shop?

J: No. (Is there a clothes shop called Times?) Give you a clue. I didn't spend any money spending an hour in the shop.

S: Oh, it's a bookshop!

J: Yes

Love checklist

2008-10-30T14:24:00.005+08:00

In times of trials, I check myself with what the Bible has to say about love. Grey indicates I am not quite there yet. Blue indicates I'm still in the journey with the finish line ahead. And, black indicates...I think I do not have problems with them, or do I? Out of 14 (excluding no.15) I score 50%. The question is - Is there really such a thing as unconditional love in the human heart? I suppose if you score 100% (including no.15) you're there. I can only think of one person who scored perfectly - the author of the Word itself.

1. Love is patient

2. Love is kind

3. It does not envy

4. It does not boast

5. It is not proud

6. It is not rude

7. It is not self-seeking

8. It is not easily angered

9. It keeps no record of wrongs

10. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices in the truth

11. It always protects

12. Always trusts

13. Always hopes

14. Always perseveres

15. Love never fails

120/80 is not normal

2008-10-29T15:03:00.006+08:00

Today I visited my company's clinic to have my blood pressure checked.

J: Hi Doctor.
Dr: Hi have a seat, what's wrong with you?
J: I wanted to check my blood pressure as it read 130/90 last week during my visit to another clinic.
Dr: Your last record with us was May 2007 - 110/70. Good. Does your family have history of high blood pressure?
J: Yes, my mom.
Dr: Okay, let me check...It reads 120/80. Normal. Let me check again. 120/80. Looks okay.
J: Okay thanks doctor.
Dr: Don't be fat.
J: Okay.

Being curious, I googled "high blood pressure 120/80" and found this. US guidelines say blood pressure of 120/80 mm Hg is not "normal". Oh no. I now have pre-hypertension. I hope I do not contribute to the country's statistics of some 43% of Malaysians aged over 30 years who have high blood pressure (hypertension).

According to the article, I should now...

No.1 Lose weight
My BMI is 18 which is classified underweight.

2. Exercise
I do exercise a few times a week.

3. Drink less alcohol
I don't drink.

4. Reduce sodium intake
Ok I admit, I like salt.

5. Change my diet - high in fruits and veggies.
I think I eat these quite alot.

By the way, I do have high cholesterol and during my childhood days, I had chicken pox and pneumonia. Do people get sick of getting sick? I do.

My first stand-up comedy

2008-10-28T20:21:00.005+08:00

Last night I followed S's family to watch Comedy Court starring Allan Pereira and Indi Nadarajah. It's my first time to a stand-up comedy and obviously the first time hearing about the stars. I was trying hard to catch some of the jokes but I had a few quacks here and there.

Foodfilling day

2008-10-27T13:20:00.010+08:00

Last Satuday, I accompanied mom to the specialist centre near my house to do some check-ups. She's fine. In the afternoon we went to try the dim sum at the Golden Phoenix Restaurant in Equatorial Hotel. It was one of the best dim sum I've ever eaten. My mom has been there once and was wanting to take me there for a few months now.

However, the egg tarts were not as good as Duck King...

Cheers to a good dim sum session...

We spend the afternoon in the Pavilion while waiting for S to come. We headed off to Chuan Kee Hakka Restaurant for dinner. I love this place as you get to eat yong tau foo with your normal dinner dishes. We had steamed ginger fish with garlic, five spice stewed pork with yam, long beans with dried prawns and fried dried beancurd sticks "foo chuk", amounting to RM45. Decent price. We actually came here the last weekend and it was closed. So we tried a restaurant a few shops away which I can't remember the name - it wasn't a bad alternative.

For your info:
Chuan Kee Hakka Restaurant: Rest Day - Every 3rd Friday & Saturday of the Month (Rest for 2 days)
Opening Hours: 11.30am - 3.00pm, 6.00pm - 9.30pm
14, Jalan Pudu Ulu, Batu 3, Cheras, 56100 Kuala Lumpur

Yummy breakfast

2008-10-25T08:37:00.004+08:00

On Wednesday and Thursday this week I went to try the all-day breakfast set at The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf with mom. We tried the outlet at 1 Utama new wing. On Wednesday we tried the Break 'O' Day and it was good. So good we went back for another round on Thursday to try the Egg Club Sandwich. We wanted to try the Egg's Ben but it was out. The Egg Club Sandwich was more tummy-filling than the Break 'O' Day I suppose due to the larger amount of bread. All sets with complimentary coffee or tea with free refills until 11 o'clock in the morning.

I have a picture here of the Egg Club Sandwich...

The salad crisp with nuts and cranberries and a mouth-watering sandwich cut in half, each with an egg in it. Splendid.

After the wonderful meal...

Dim Sum on a Sunday afternoon

2008-10-20T18:45:00.012+08:00

S has been promoting Duck King for quite some time that we decided to try it yesterday. It was packed and we had to settle for the open-air tables.
This is what we tried...

Let me give a quick review on each of the above (clock-wise from top left).

Lo Mai Kai - The rice was dry. I prefer it wet. Wasn't so tasty and the chicken and char siew was not so great according to S. The mushroom being mushroom is always nice as I'm a mushroom lover.

Siew Mai - I don't like my siew mai with big chunky prawns in them.

Golden Sand Bun - We asked the waitress for Red Bean Bun and she said this one. It tasted more like lotus/egg bun. When you bite into it, the juice gushes out. I didn't really like the filling but the bun was okay.

Chee Cheong Fun Char Siew - The filling was alot - unlike dim sum coffee shops who diced their char siew to tiny pieces. The chili oil was great - crispy - like the one in Oriental Pavilion @ Jaya 33.

Egg Tart - I have to say this was the best of all. It reminded me of the egg tarts I frequently savoured from Dragonboat Restaurant in Chinatown Melbourne. If I'd go back to this restaurant it would be for the egg tarts!

Roasted Duck and Pork - The skin was crispy and meat tender. Not too salty. Just nice.

We would probably come back here for the egg tarts or could we just take-them-away?

Ribs and shrimps

2008-10-20T18:08:00.007+08:00

Last Friday, we went to Bubba Gump Shrimps Co for dinner. I had a craving to try it for quite some time. Every time I finish dining with my parents at Waroeng Penyet on some Sundays, we always walk by and notice a lot of people eating there. You can check it out at their website.

Something different was this, if you didn't need the waiter's attention...

And this, if you needed the waiter's attention...

I must say the staff were very attentive to these boards. Service was prompt and they were very friendly. They asked us a few times if everything was okay and they even quizzed us about the Forest Gump Movie - although no prizes if you guessed the right answer.

I wonder if the staff were to see these signboards somewhere else, would they like...react to it?

We tried the Dixie Style Baby Back Ribs and the Cajun Shrimp. We always remember to take pictures after we're half way through so I decided not to put it here as it not so eye-soothing. The portion was just nice for two. The ribs in my opinion was better than SanFranciso Steakhouse. It could do better if it was a little bit more juicy. The shrimps still could not make me overcome the taste of Kickin' Shrimp at Tony Roma's. We'll definitely go back to try the rest of the menu.

Jam

2008-10-16T18:54:00.003+08:00

Yesterday S and I were stuck in a traffic jam at the sprint highway toll near Eastin Hotel. This is the first time I got stuck in a jam after I changed company more than a year ago - lucky me. It was still jammed after nine at night due to the heavy downpour that just stopped. It took us almost an hour to get to my house instead of the usual 10 minutes. I was so impatient in the car that I kept saying to S "Are we there yet?", "Are we there yet?"...

Why is it always so jammed when it rains. What are the tolls people are paying for. The number of cars on the road are just sky-rocketing. Why not we follow our neighbour and put some restrain on cars getting registered each month. But then again, they have a superb public tranportation service while ours is way behind. Who's fault is this. I leave the answer to you.

White spot

2008-10-15T16:44:00.003+08:00

I have a huge white spot at the back of my mouth. It is in between my lower and upper back teeth. I can't chew my food properly as each time I chew I am like squashing the white spot. So I just chew abit and swallow the rest. I get this quite often and it hurts. I refuse to use any medication as I'm quite phobia of having stuff stay in my mouth. I will have a tendency to lick it off and swallow it. And I haven't turn to salt either as I am afraid it will cause a bigger hole in the spot. Argh, I can't wait to go home!

The precious things in life are given

2008-10-13T17:20:00.005+08:00

I tend to appreciate the things given to me more than if I have acquired it myself. This morning my dad gave me a hundred dollar note. He usually gives me some pocket money when he's going out of town. Today was no different. I can be quite spendrift with my money (depending on my mood) but unless it was given to me, I tend to make full use of it. When my dad gave me the note he said "Buy some fruit juice to drink". I took it, smile and said okay.

Lately I fear of losing my loved ones. Could be because my parents are getting old, especially my dad. And they are precious to me because they were given by God to me.

Uh why is receiving gifts not first

2008-10-10T00:33:00.027+08:00

I remembered taking the Five Love Languages quiz a few months back and I got this.

My Primary Love Language is Receiving Gifts

My Detailed Results:
Receiving Gifts:	10
Quality Time:	9
Acts of Service:	8
Words of Affirmation:	2
Physical Touch:	1

But now I got this.

My Primary Love Language is Acts of Service

My Detailed Results:
Acts of Service:	9
Quality Time:	8
Receiving Gifts:	8
Words of Affirmation:	3
Physical Touch:	2

I'll try it again in a few months after I get married. Maybe lately I've been getting lots of gifts in preparation of the big day. So far, a king-sized bed for our room, a queen-sized bed for the guest room, a dining table and a honeymoon package to Korea. Although it's meant for us, I consider them gifts because I didn't have to pay a cent for it. All compliments from S.

Or could it be S has been showering me with service lately i.e. washing dishes, sending me to and from work, delivering bubble milk tea to my house.

But nevertheless, the top three are still the same. All are important to me.

S is the opposite of me. As you can see...

His Primary Love Language is Physical Touch

My Detailed Results:
Physical Touch:	9
Words of Affirmation:	8
Acts of Service:	7
Quality Time:	5
Receiving Gifts:	1

I have recently read the book and it finally showed me why I always say to S, "Why can't you love me more?" or sometimes "Why don't you love me?", and S goes "Huh, what do you mean?". Obviously we had and still have very different love languages. But we're getting there. Hopefully.

About this quiz

Unhappiness in relationships is often due to the fact that we speak different love languages. It can be helpful to know what language you speak and what language those around you speak.

Take the Quiz!
Check out the Book

It's a bird, it's a plane

2008-10-05T22:34:00.004+08:00

No, it's a kite! Me and S found something to do today. Yes, flying kite. On our way to Kepong, it was raining heavily but it stopped when we reached a petrol kiosk near the kite-flying site. So we stopped and got ourselves a kite. It was a cute Mickey and Minnie Mouse kite with a string roller for RM20. We happily brought our kite to the field and it started to drizzle. And then, it started to rain a little. After a few attempts by S, he managed to get it up in the air and I was watching by with an umbrella. Mission accomplished.

There it is! Our kite...

Here's another kite which I thought was cute..

Can you see it? It's a bumble bee. I tried flying our kite too. Got my feet wet but it was worth it. Reminded me there is still a child in me.

It's an...

2008-09-30T13:22:00.001+08:00

...irony how the people who love you most, hurt you most.

As the day draws closer

2008-09-24T13:18:00.012+08:00

Love is a choice, one that we should make for life no matter what the cause.

This is a symbol when love is still in the air...

This is a symbol that reminds us of the choice we made...

May God be with us now and forevermore...

Keeping fit or trying to keep fit

2008-09-01T16:02:00.002+08:00

I've decided to start keeping fit for the wedding. I've started to jog (in a really slow pace) once every few days for about thirty minutes with my fiance at Bukit Kiara, T.T.D.I. Last Saturday, we decided to go down this trail on the right when we reached the T-junction. I thought it would have come back to the T-junction again somehow. But no! We reached this place called Bukit Kiara Club I think. And there's a horse riding place right there. Would love to check this out sometime soon. It's been a long time since I've sat on one. We had to go back the same way and it was uphill all the way. My fiance piggy-bagged me up the hill and I felt so bad because the back of his foot was bleeding after he walked for about 1km? But I smiled when he asked me, 'How was your own personal horse ride?'. Hehe.

On My Way Here

2008-07-28T17:34:00.003+08:00

I took my first step
On that black and white kitchen floor
I sometimes wonder if that house
Is even there, anymore
I had my first glimpse of love
When I was five
I watched two people split apart
But still the three of us survived

I've seen the best
I've seen the worst
I wouldn't change what I've been through
I've touched the sky
I've hit the wall
But I did what I had to

On my way here
Where I am now
I've learned to fly
I have to want to leave the ground
I've fallen hard
But I've been loved
And in the end it all works out
My faith has conquered fear
On my way here.

My address has changed
Almost every year
I've found that standing still
Can quickly make a lifetime disappear
I'd rather try and fail
A thousand times denied
And this, whenever you feel pain
It lets you know that you're alive

I've been a fool
I've been afraid
Yeah, I've been loved
I've been lied to
I've been wrong
And I've been right
I stood up when I had to

On my way here
Where I am now
I've learned to fly
I have to want to leave the ground
I've fallen hard
But I've been loved
And in the end it all works out
My faith has conquered fear
On my way here.

No guarantees
I believed that I would find
An open door or a light
To lead me to the other side
I guess that is why

On my way here
Where I am now
I've learned to fly
I have to want to leave the ground
I've fallen hard
But I've been loved
And in the end it all works out
My faith has conquered fear
On my way here

Spot Me

2008-05-13T16:40:00.004+08:00

It's always refreshing to be in God's presence...

Hmm...

2008-05-07T20:29:00.003+08:00

There are a lot of things toying around in my mind. I can say I'm not the same person I used to be five years ago. Can anyone say they are? Purpose changes. Directions change. Do we actually realize the crossroads we've crossed? Even if I did, I didn't think much would change.