Voice of an Ex-Worker

A late LANDAS SEASON

2012-01-05T08:21:00.007+08:00

As usual the yearly Landas Season will normally start end of November or early December till January, BUT this year is exceptionally abnormal, so to speak!

I still recall telling my mum-in-law in mid December "this year's rainfall is less". Surprisingly, it's not less but just that it came late! Rain started to fall right after Christmas Eve or on the very early morning of Christmas Day!!! It reminds me of a beautiful Christmas Song "Let it snow, Let it snow, Let it snow" but for our situation it's "Let it rain, Let it rain, Let it rain".

It has been raining very heavily since the early morning and there seems to be flood in most places including the heart of Kuching City. As usual the flood is mainly caused by the poor drainage system which we've had. Year in and year out the same problem arise but yet no one can fix it, so SAD!

Whatever it is, I sincerely pray that in such a situation everyone will be road worthy and road conscious so as to stay safe. Practicing good road safety habits is not one persons responsibility but the full responsibility of everyone! God bless us all and have........

"HAPPY NEW YEAR 2012"

2011-12-31T22:28:00.003+08:00

Another year is drawing to a close, in just roughly about one and a half short hours. Whatever the Year 2011 brings, let us treasure the good but let go of the rough ride and may we all welcome the New Year with an open heart and pray for the best of another year......

Wishing everyone out there......

May the good Lord bless us all abundantly!!!! Cheers for a wonderful, great, happy, successful, healthy and prosperous year ahead!!!

It's CHRISTMAS!!

2011-12-25T11:39:00.003+08:00

The most awaited season of the year is finally here, it's CHRISTMAS!!

At the dawn of Christmas morning, rain start to pour in Kuching City. To me personally, it's not much of a problem..... being not able to experience 'White Christmas', "RAIN" is fine for me!!

Despite the rain St. Peter's Church first Mass on Christmas morning seemed to be over-crowded. The happy faces of everyone present there seem to boost the Christmas mood - Love, Peace, Joy and Merriment fills the air.

To everyone out there.......

The Chinese Dongzhi Festival

2011-12-22T10:59:00.006+08:00

"Children, let's eat the Glutinous Rice Ball Soup or Tang Yuen Soup which mother has prepared, so that you can all be a year older!" I believe that this has been a very common phrase which our mother said to us when we are young. Whatever it is, as children we love to grow up but by the time we reach a certain age, we hope that we will stop growing or be young again. Mainly its because being young children there is no worries and no huge commitments to take care of, except enjoying a carefree life.

Though today's parents do not instill such 'old days knowledge and practice' to the younger generation, but to me personally, my mother's words would still rings in my ears when on this day, 22nd December, where all Chinese celebrate this Dongzhi Festival or commonly known as Winter Solstice Festival.

Most importantly, on this festival most Chinese will still prepare the Glutinous Rice Ball Soup or Tang Yuen which symbolizes family unity, love, peace and harmony. For those busy working people they can just purchase the ready made ones in any cold storage outlets at any supermarkets or shopping malls.

This simple gesture of the family gathers together for a simple Glutinous Rice Ball Soup will go a long way in helping to preserve our Chinese cultures and customs. Here's to share with all my home-cooked Tang Yuen.....

"Happy Dongzhi Festival to all......."

CHRISTMAS is just 'Round The Corner!'

2011-12-13T14:24:00.008+08:00

CHRISTMAS is just 'Round The Corner!' This magical season always reminds us that the year is coming to a close, soon we will be entering into another new year. Year in and year out nothing seems to change much, except that we are getting 'a year older' which is most definitely 'a year wiser'.

Though Christmas in Kuching City is much quieter as compared to the previous years, but we can experience love, peace, joy and happiness in the air as well as the warmth of the season.

Our 5-feet tall Christmas Tree has been put up in the heart of our sweet home to make alive the cheer of Christmas, with some simple decorations......

As our grandson, Brendan is experiencing his first Christmas, Yea Yea (grandpa) puts up extra decoration and lights at the stairs. He seems to be enjoying the twinkling lights.......

The Christmas decors at The Spring Shopping Mall is very impressive too.....

Once Upon A Time........ [Part 2]

2011-12-03T08:54:00.003+08:00

Nanas Road West, a well-known place since the old days, though its within the heart of Kuching Town, is sort of a fairy tale experience for me - a large wooden house built high up (like a tree-house) and hollow below where we can play around. This house have lots of rooms and have to admit that some of the back rooms are rather eerie????? Guess, it's because it has not been used after being vacated by my grandparents, uncles and aunts not long after we've moved in.

It was during this period of time, when I was in Kindergarten that my father underwent a Colombo Plan Scholarship Training in New Zealand for nine months. What I can recall from here is that my mum used to received letters from my dad and she wrote back and each time she will send some 'black seaweed' to go along with the letter. I believe that this has been the most hardest time for my mum as each morning she has to bring my eldest brother using bus to school after which she will stop by at my grandparents house at Pecky Park, while waiting to fetch my brother back, and they will only be reaching home in the afternoon. I recalled myself shedding tears each morning when my second aunt sent me to the school bus, as I missed my mum.

Our (me and my eldest brother) school days at Combined Council School have been real fun. We walked to school together and back each day.

to be continued.......

Once Upon A Time........ [Part 1]

2011-11-30T07:37:00.004+08:00

This phrase 'Once Upon A Time' which is most popular in fairy tale stories, is something which we've learned and heard when we are a young child, be it from story books or stories told by our elders.

Being such, how many do give it a thought of implying the phrase to our real life???? I believe that each of us have our story to tell - fond memories which will forever lingers in our minds and hearts. I am sharing some of my own "Once Upon A Time' down memory lane stories with all my dear friends out there..........

"Once upon a time, roughly forty-seven years ago, when I was just a little girl of four years old, our family was staying in a farm house, built solely by my late father and assisted by my mum, situated at 13 1/2 miles, Kuching/Simanggang Road. As my late father was busy with his shift work at the 7th Mile Mental Hospital as a Hospital Assistant which is commonly known as 'Dresser' at that time, my mum was seen busy attending to our daily needs as well as her endless chores - carrying of water from the stream nearby for both washing and household consumption; cutting of some kinds of plants nearby and cooking it for feeding the herd of pigs which was reared by my parents; planting of several varieties of vegetables for own consumption and many other chores which at the present era is being made easier through modern technologies such as washing machines, refrigerators, water and electricity supply direct to the comfort of our home, etc....etc......

One very fearful incident which I can still recall was the sudden arrival of a big group of European (Angmo) soldiers with big tankers in the middle of the night while we were sound asleep. We were awaken by the loud sounds of the tankers, which also broke the gravel bridge which my dad built that leads to our house and the knocking of our door informing us of their intention of using our land as their base station for their soldiers. I remember my parent's advice to us siblings "don't make too much noise", so, most of the time we tried to be as quiet as possible. What I can recall during these short period of time are : sirens for the curfews; canned foods given to us by the 'Angmo' soldiers, which are deliciously nice (as we've only tasted our local canned foods); the huge tankers which goes in and out of our compound and the soldiers in uniforms!

From our farm house, we then moved to Nanas Road West, the residence of my grandparents. It's a big wooden house with a big huge stairs going up to our sitting room, and with a big wooden door to close up the stairs in the night time - the type of stairs with doors which we couldn't find it in today's modern houses. Another smaller stairs is leading from our back door direct to our kitchen, which is situated on the ground floor.

Surrounding our house are plants, flowers, fruit trees, rubber trees, durian trees and some other huge big old trees - it is as if we are living in the middle of a small jungle! Something interesting to remind me of those good, old, young days are: me and my siblings used to play 'Hide and Seek'; marbles (goolees); skipping ropes; catching small fishes in the drain; cooking using earth, plants, water and even light real fire, which at one time the fire gets out of control; climbing of fruit tress to pluck its fruits and off course not forgetting enjoyed cycling through roots of trees - this is when we all learn to cycle. Recalling those moments, we are like dwarfs (as we are short and small, as kids) paddling the big bicycles for the man (with a metal across) and mind you, the wheels are without tyres, but bare - only the metal wheel frame. These are the very old bicycles of my grandfather, father and uncles.

Some black and white photos, which have slightly turned yellow, taken during Christmas to share.......

to be continued.......

Love, Peace, Joy and Merriment.......

2011-11-05T14:19:00.004+08:00

The season of Love, Peace, Joy and Merriment is just round the corner, roughly in about seven short weeks to come. Well, this season of the year is the most welcome of all, especially for all Christians throughout the world as we will be celebrating CHRISTMAS!

Year end is also the best time for families to go for long holidays - both parents and children will spend their quality family time together, embracing family love and peace, as throughout the year most families are busy with their work and school schedules, young and old alike!

Who could have imagine that the Year of The Rabbit flew by like lightning, soon we will be ushering the new Year 2012, which is the Year of The Dragon. Till then, let us all enjoy the best of the remaining of this great year.

Before I sign off my post, here's a bouquet of November Flowers (thanks to Free Greetings 123) for all my readers and friends, wherever you all may be. God's blessings upon each and everyone and may we all be blessed with good health and God's Love, Peace & Joy! Cheers!!!

Five years ago......

2011-11-02T12:46:00.004+08:00

Hmmm..... I couldn't have imagine that I've left working life five years ago. Just to recap - in the final week of October, year 2006, I received the approval letter from the management for my VSS application, which I've applied since first week of August 2006. Come 1st November 2006, the day whereby most people will be busy with their early morning preparing to go to office but as for me enjoying my beauty sleep in my cozy warm bed in the comfort of my 'home sweet home'. That is one great feeling which I will never forget - free from all the hassle and bustle of waking up early, get to office in time to start the day's stressful work environment, and only to be back home when the sun nearly sets whereas on every Tuesday and Friday, when most people are already sleeping!

Well! Well!! I am indeed glad that all those stressful days are history to me. It is something which I won't want to give it a try as it will brings chills from the tip of my ears to the tip of my toes!!!

Those five years of my non-working life gets on fine for me and is enjoying every single day of it! Though I have all the time I need to do whatever I want but I am always keeping myself occupied with many things which I've missed out during those 25 over years of my working life.

Recently, with the coming of a grandson into our family, I believe that with a little adjustments here and there, everything will be in positions and life will gets on as normal. Grand parenting is something which I am now looking forward to and is the path which everyone will travel, be it now, tomorrow or in the near future!

Something interesting about Gingko Nuts

2011-10-03T16:14:00.001+08:00

I have always been confused with Gingko Nuts and Lotus Seeds!! Though I have cooked this dessert which is popularly known as 'Tong Sui' for quite a number of times but I still tend to have difficulties differentiating the two. At certain times I'll used both these two ingredients when preparing this dessert, while at times I'll be using only one, it all depends!!

Speaking of Gingko Nuts, it is interesting to learn that we can cook it wholly without having to split it into two and yet able to get rid of the small membrane at the inner core which is bitter in taste. This new technique which I've just learned is worth sharing....... here's to share in pictures!!

The fresh nuts

Crack the nuts

The seeds inside with the skin

After removing the skin

The bitter membrane is removed using toothpick

The unwanted shells & skin

A bowl of 'Tong Sui' Dessert!

From the OVEN......

2011-09-16T09:25:00.003+08:00

The word OVEN reminds me of my Secondary school days, roughly thirty-eight years ago! Home Science or Cookery Class is the much look-forward lesson for us girls at that time. I always remember anxiously waiting for our teacher, the late Mrs. Tan to walk into class and imparting her cooking experiences and knowledge to us, which I personally trust that it will be of great use in the years to come. True indeed, as today whenever I do cooking or baking I always recall many of her useful tips which she have shared with us young girls 'once upon a time!'

I love baking, be it cakes, biscuits, pies, quiche or chicken dishes. A comment by my dear friend Janet who also loves baking "if you start baking you can't stop!" is true indeed! Once we are in the baking mood we will continue one after the other and it's really a fun thing to do!!

Recently I've landed myself into this 'baking mood' again and here's to share (in pictures) with everyone out there.......

Chocolate with M&Ms

Pizza

Rainbow Cake

Butter & Cornflour Biscuits

Brownies

Light Cheese Cupcakes

Sorry readers for the pictures which are not in proper order as I am not used to the new updated blog format. Hope to keep up with it soon, esp. with the pictures!

Prawns, a popular seafood dish!

2011-08-19T15:09:00.007+08:00

Prawns is one of the popular seafood dish which is easily available everywhere throughout the world. Being a tasty seafood dish, prawns can be cooked in variety of ways - steamed, boiled, grilled or stir-fried and it is either cooked with shell on or off. Another great thing about this favourite seafood of many is that, it can either be cooked as a dish on its on or as an ingredient to compliment another dish.

This seafood is a favourite of all in my family and here's an album of my home cooking on Prawns to share......

Something CRISPY & TASTY!

2011-08-15T15:10:00.004+08:00

This biscuits reminds me of 2 things: first of all, my late Uncle Arthur who never fail to make this nice, crispy biscuits and secondly, get to eat it once a year during the Chinese Lunar New Year, either given by my late uncle or get to taste the freshly made ones when we visit him during the CNY celebration.......

Though we can now purchase this biscuits from some traders outside but it doesn't taste that well, it's either too hard, less crispy or not so tasty. Recently, I've come across a bakery at 3rd Mile "D' Loaf" which sells them, and just to recommend to all that it's crispy and tasty. It's indeed worth buying!! Will be back for more soon........ Yummy!!!

Something to brush-off my boredom!

2011-07-24T14:32:00.004+08:00

Travelling alone is one thing, but being alone and yet being stuck at the airport due to the 're-time' of our flight is something which most people hated!!!

If the information came in earlier before our check-in then the situation would be fine. We would have just drove back home. But, this time round, all the passengers are already waiting in line, queuing to board the plane and its just a matter of twenty minutes before flight time, that an announcement came saying that the plane from another destination is not arriving due to some problems, so the flight have to be re-time to two and a half hours later. Where could we go????? No where as we are all in the departure hall!

The waiting time is always the hardest, though I manage to make new friends and off course something to munch and a cup of Cappucino to help me stay alert!

Article for sharing - HABIT! [Final]

2011-07-24T10:42:00.003+08:00

A New Outlook Needed

Changing bad habits often demands living different patterns of life. It usually requires a totally different outlook on life, a sharp redefining of what is most important in life.

Breaking damaging habits means seriously asking, perhaps for the first time, "What is the true purpose of life?" You will need to understand what character really is and its importance in successful living.

Character is coming to know right from wrong, good from bad. It means admitting when you are wrong and turning from the wrong. It means determining, despite all difficult circumstances, to do the right instead of the wrong. That means a person must mobilize all available resources to conquer a bad habit. Overcoming bad habits is one of life's supreme challenges!

You have to ask yourself squarely, "Is being a slave to a bad habit--damaging my mental or physical health?"

Some might say, "But my bad habits are not my fault!" Perhaps that is true, particularly if patterns started in early years of life under wrong influences or from ignorance.

But the fact is, there was a time when habits were within our control, but we permitted them to reach a point where they became out of control. In other words, we caused them to develop; conversely we can cause them to disappear.

There are many kinds of annoying habits. Perhaps not all are necessarily great faults, but then again, maybe they could be. Such could be chewing food with one's mouth open or talking with food in one's mouth. Frequent body odor in social situations from not enough bathing reveals a lack of sense of decorum or lack of concern for oneself or others. Certain individuals develop the habit of lying, of exaggerating or cursing.

A mature person realizes humans are creatures of habits--good habits, bad habits. He never condones bad habits. He knows he cannot change anyone who does not want to change them. He will, however, try to set an example by overcoming bad habits in his own life. He will encourage others who are trying to change bad habits in their lives, realizing given similar circumstances or experiences he could have similar problems.

What kind of habits do you instill in your life???

Article for sharing - HABIT [Part 3]

2011-06-27T13:45:00.003+08:00

Overcoming wrong Habits

Who hasn't been a slave to bad habits? Who hasn't carelessly allowed bad habits to take deeper and deeper root in his or her mind and emotions?

Improving your life--physically, mentally, emotionally or spiritually--is largely a matter of changing or overcoming bad habits. It is a matter of developing new, better and more dominating habit patterns of thinking, acting and feeling.

There are absolutely fundamental requirements and essential steps that must be applied to replace a bad habit with a good one. Many lose sight of such essential steps because of heavy demands on their minds or time or because of discouragement from past failures to overcome some nagging habit or vice.

The first law of changing any wrong habit is:

1. ADMIT WHAT YOU ARE DOING, OR THINKING OR FEELING IS WRONG AND HARMFUL. It is impossible to change without taking this step. So many fail because they never, deep down in their minds, squarely determine or admit what they are doing or thinking is wrong. They will not admit to themselves that they eat too much, or drink too much or are addicted in a damaging way to some practice or thinking. They justify their present ways and refuse to see any damage they are causing to themselves or others--until serious consequences strike them.

You--not someone else--must be convinced you should change! You must want to change a bad habit!

After this critical step is taken, other essential steps are required. You must then:

2. POWERFULLY RESOLVE TO CHANGE AND QUIT THE WRONG HABIT IMMEDIATELY. Don't put off a decision. You cannot expect success with a halfhearted or weak effort. You must be strongly motivated to change. Grasp the consequences or potential consequences if you don't change.

3. DEVELOP A CHANGE-OF-BEHAVIOR PLAN. This means:
Understand the influences or situations that spark old habit patterns and avoid them whenever possible.

Develop right and positive habits or thought patterns to replace the old damaging patterns. Repeat right patterns as often as you can. These soon replace the wrong pattern of acting or feeling. You can do this if the new pattern has some great value or reward, or if failure to do so means an unwanted result.

Don't try to taper off from a bad habit. (Only a few situations might dictate differently. For instance, some physically addicting drugs could cause serious bodily harm or even death if suddenly quit. Some serious problems need the assistance and guidance of properly qualified and knowledgeable persons.) Occasionally, giving in increases rather than decreases the persistence of an old habit. Recognize and control self-defeating thought or reasoning patterns. Such thinking may be, "It'll be OK, just this once!" or, "He does it, why can't I?" or, "Why deprive myself when there are so few pleasures in life?" Resolve not to start a pattern of giving way to pressures from friends or others. This is one of the toughest challenges in habit breaking. Keep your eyes on your goal.

Don't give in to your old habit--even once. You'll refire the old habit and get hooked again. Permissive thoughts and actions do count; it is like rewelding and energizing the old cables of habit. Yet if you do slip, don't get discouraged. It is difficult to break habits, to give up entrenched sins. Most people slip from time to time in the process of struggling against a bad habit. Get started again. Failure is certain only if you give up.

4. SEEK PROFESSIONAL HELP IF NECESSARY TO OVERCOME PHYSICAL HABITS. It is not possible for this article to properly cover all the various kinds of damaging habits humans can fall prey to, and to cover the special considerations that may be necessary to deal with them. Sound health and financial, ministerial or other help may be needed. Various pamphlets or books dealing with specific kinds of physical problems are available and helpful.

Article for sharing - HABIT! [Part 2]

2011-06-19T10:52:00.004+08:00

Unique in Habits

Our individual habit patterns show up not only in how we pronounce words, but in our general attitudes and demeanor in life. It shows up in how we cope with anxiety.

Some, as a result of learned habit, develop a perpetual frown, others exhibit a quick temper, others fearfulness, hostility or suspicion. Others are habitually more open, loving, friendly and exude confidence.

We develop differing, even unique, habits in our hand, body and posture movements. Different dietary and appetite habits are acquired. We develop differing feeling habits--what makes us feel good or bad, what produces fear and apprehension and how and to whom we respond sexually.

All of these are learned. We do not inherit these specific traits.

Even repeated successes or failures in life are often a matter of habit; they result from a repeated way of responding to problems and challenges in life.

Negative Side

Habits free us to learn new things. They also make it difficult for us to change established ways of doing things, or thinking or feeling. Habits lock us into certain response patterns, so we tend to resist any change in our accustomed routine, even if it is in our best interests to do so.

Too often humans are slaves to bad habits. It takes strong character to break bad habits!

Animals could never survive for long in nature if they developed many of the bad habits humans do. We may smoke, abuse alcohol, misuse sex, pop pills, overeat, under-exercise or develop emotionally destructive feelings and remain alive, though we are still slowly killing ourselves as individuals. By these bad habits we are limiting or crippling our human potential and development.

Bad habits reinforced by chemically addicting substances--nicotine and certain drugs for instance--are very hard to shake. But habits damaging human emotions and attitudes can also be very difficult, at times even more difficult, to change.

Tragically, whole nations can get locked into wrong habits of eating, acting, thinking and feeling.

"The second half of a man's life is made up of nothing but the habits he has acquired during the first half"

~ Feodor dostoevski ~

.....to be continued

Article for sharing - HABIT! [Part 1]

2011-06-18T11:51:00.006+08:00

This simple five letter word "HABIT" have impacted each one's daily life, be it through our actions, behaviours, spoken words, our likes and dislikes. Habits can be either good or bad. Through our growing years we are always being taught to adopt good habits in life! Those who have bad habits in their life will normally have trouble of getting rid of them, says the phrase "bad habits die hard!"

Let me share with you all an interesting article related to HABIT in order to have a better understanding of it.

We're Creatures of Habit. WHY?

by Donald D. Schroeder

Without habits we could not function--perhaps even survive. That's the good side of habits. Habits allow us to perform an astronomical number of actions without significant conscious thought, effort, or undue attention--like tying our shoes, buttoning a shirt, riding a bike, walking, running, typing, remembering a telephone number, even responding to danger.

What a Habit is

A habit is a learned pattern of acting or thinking or feeling. It is not a pattern we are born with, as many lower creature responses are. Don't confuse these learned patterns with inborn or "wired-in" involuntary responses such as digesting, breathing, sweating or shivering at cold. Developing habits, particularly if they are good habits, allows us to conserve higher mental processes for more demanding tasks and challenges. By contrast, wrong habits waste human energy and limit human growth and development.

A habit starts to form when we respond to something--physically, mentally or emotionally--several times. How many responses are required to start a habit may vary from person to person or with different kinds of stimuli.

But as we respond, a pattern starts to occur, neural circuits and pathways in the marvelous human brain and nervous system are formed. Precisely what happens in the human mind and body is even now beyond the mind of man to fully understand.

Learning patterns, at first, go into the brain's short-term memory system. As they become more establised they move over into the brain's long-term storage center. This much is perceived by those scientists who have studied the subject of habits.

Then the brain activity at which humans excel--memory--goes to work so that a specific message or stimulus triggers an automatic response, thought or feeling. We call a lesson that the brain's cells have learned well enough to accomplish automatically, without thought, a habit.

Good habits and bad habits are formed essentially the same way. Therefore it is critically important for parents to see that children establish good habits particularly in early years of life. Habits are difficult to unlearn. The brain apparently never totally "forgets" bad habits, although they may drop out of dominance in one's life through lack of use, or if replaced by another, it is hoped, better habit.

What we call human personality, in its broadest sense, is to a large extent a composition of thousands of individual and specific habit traits. Humans are compounds of various habits. Thoughts a human thinks are not habitual, of course, but patterns of thought very much tend to become habitual. Some people develop sound thought patterns; others are habitually scatterbrained.

The capacity to form habits is possible with most higher living things. But the way the marvelous human mind was created with the spirit in man, humans, more than any other creatures and more than we care to admit, are creatures of habits--habits of thinking, habits of acting, habits of feeling.

"The chains of habit are generally too small to be felt until they are too strong to be broken"

~ Samuel Johnson ~

.......to be contined

Article for Sharing '8 bad-day Busters'

2011-06-07T13:44:00.002+08:00

For those who are working, I believe that our workplace is considered our second home! Each day and for five to five and a half days a week we are there, spending a minimum of 8 hours a day, or maybe more for some. Having to work with people of different backgrounds, characters, habits, behaviors and attitudes, it is never easy!

Recently, I've come across an article by Joy Entry on '8 bad-day Busters' and would very much like to share hoping that it will be of much help to many working people out there.......

8 bad-day Busters

Bad days at the workplace happen to the best of us. Well, you can do something about it, says Joy Entry.

1. Tell someone

Putting on a happy mask can be excruciating. Try confiding in a close colleague. Or make a phone call and whinge to your best pal. Sometimes getting it off your chest helps. Psychologists at Frankfurt University say: don't suppress your emotions. Every time a person is forced to repress her true feelings, there are negative consequences to her health. Studies show that stress can be manifested physically, such as in sweaty palms, which are such a no-no.

2. Remember the good stuff

Sometimes recollecting the good things can help cheer you up. Spend a few moments thinking about at least one or two such things, like a compliment from the boss or an assignment you completed before deadline. Or chew on basil. According to altnature.com, the herb is relaxing and can help you to recollect well.

3. Take five

It may be a good idea to get some quiet time. Instead of lunch with the pals, opt for a walk outdoors or some alone time. Take a long bathroom break if it's the only way you can get time to yourself. When you've decided what you want to do, begin with long, deep yoga breathing. It will help you relax. Constant body tension causes shallow breathing and does not allow oxygen to reach your organs, resulting in hypertension.

4. Retail therapy

Do whatever it takes to help you glide over bumps for the rest of the day. If shopping for something nice and new for yourself will help, then get down to it! Just be careful not to burn plastic and add on to your woes. While you're at it, add a pack of Wrigleys to the must have list. Research now points to chewing gum being a tension releaser. Gnaw at it, girl!

5. Get physical

Head to the gym in the office building. Exercising releases adrenaline and lowers cortisol, the stress hormone. If you don't have one in close proximity, improvise. Try jumping up and down in the bathroom or do the sun salutation in the pantry. Working out might just do the trick, bring on the endorphins and de-stress you; a natural way to a better mood.

6. Find a great song

Music is soul food. Play a collection of songs that just makes you want to smile or sing along, even off-key! Let it take your mind off your present, miserable state. And while the common genres to relax are biased to the likes of Beethovan and Andrea Bochelli, if Nirvana or JLo does it for you, then go for it!

7. Kick it

Experts will tell you a herbal tea-cum-foot soak combination will sort you out in a jiffy. It's crucial to find ways to slow down and de-stress. Try marshmallows to remedy your tired feet and soul. Just chuck a handful in a tub of warm water, grab your cuppa rosehip and wind down.

8. Let it Flow!

Crying works for most people. In science, tears are bodily excretions, just like sweat, mucous and urine. One major stress hormone released from the body via tears is prolactin, which explains why you feel calm after crying. Just powder your nose before coming back in!

Simple dishes that comes handy.......

2011-05-24T20:39:00.007+08:00

Most home manageress, be they mothers, daughters, grandmothers, aunties, sisters or nieces, have the thinking that a good and satisfied meal should include all the nice foods of meat, fish, vegetables and soup.

Just imagine, if day in and day out we consume all these great, fabulous and delicious foods, will we be enjoying these foods or are we going to get fed up with it?? That is why at times we long to have something simple, something which opens up our taste bud and appetite and not all the posh foods.

I believe a simple stir-fry can be as good as a stew for the matter. It not only takes shorter time to cook, instead its a good time management cooking method for today's fast pace working mothers.

I love simple stir-fry foods and here's something to share from my home recipe.........

Simply all about FOOD.........

2011-05-14T11:56:00.011+08:00

This time round, the purpose of my visit to KL is bringing along my mum - just to let her move out of her comfort zone, which is her cozy home and have a look-see at the vast progression of KL City!

Another point of record is that, we are flying using FIREFLY for the first time and here's some points of recommendation of this airline to share with all:-

Flights of Firefly is joining with MAS (for each flight it bears both Firefly & MAS flight numbers)
The availability of Aerobridge service makes boarding and unboarding of plane much easier, especially the elderly & children and most of all when it rains.
The check-in counter at KLIA is Counter A, meaning we don't have to walk so far
Counter A is also near to the Boarding Hall for Domestic Flights
The boarding process is in proper order, based on those seated behind to board first, then follow by those from the front
Easily access through Internet for purchasing of flights
Air Tickets promotions from time to time

Instead of exploring places, our visit this time round is more about FOOD and most of all it happen to coincides with 'Mother's Day'.

Here's to share...........

Some other food choices.......

2011-05-03T13:21:00.013+08:00

No doubt RICE is the staple food of the Asians, especially Malaysians, but with many other food choices served either in food courts, food stalls, cafeterias and many other small restaurants which caters for foods from other countries, we are indeed blessed with all kinds of FOODS which suits our individual taste-buds from time to time!

In the days of our fore fathers, foods are rather limited, thus their three main meals are mainly rice. For the case of breakfast most of them will eat porridge!

That is why till today we tend to hear comments such as, "If I don't eat rice I don't feel full!" This is especially true in the Hakka community, and in every meal they must consume rice. I guess this also applies to the other races such as the Malays and Dayaks. This is not just mere saying but personally I have proven it to be true. If any of you want to proof what I've said, try to get yourself a 'Buffet Lunch or Dinner' [eat all you can by paying an amount], then you will observe that there are still quite many who have a big portion of rice on their plate. On the other hand, there will be some who omit rice or maybe just a little of it together with portions of other dishes. The whole idea of having buffet doesn't necessary mean to eat a lot, but instead to try a hand on the different types of dishes.

Nowadays, people are more health conscious, and many are trying to reduce their intake of rice, though there are still quite many who can't break this habit. Whatever the case may be, there are always many who can adapt change, while others can't!

For my case, I do get tired of consuming rice, and if such situation arise I'll switch to other alternative instead - potato, bread, chips, eggs, nuggets, or even noodles, vermicelli, pasta, just to name a few........

[Left] Ham & Mushroom Omelet served with bacon & baked potato topped with butter & cheese
[Right] Stir fried Meehoon with prawns, cabbage & chicken slices

[Left] A platter of home-prepared western food
[Right] Farmer's Omelet

[Left] Linguine topped with pasta sauce in prawns
[Right] Stir fried yellow noodles

Useful tips on Leadership for sharing

2011-04-27T10:35:00.003+08:00

Old magazines, though it's normally seen as useless and is taking up the space of our shelf or cupboard cabinets can come handy at times. Recently, I've read an article regarding Leadership in an old magazine dated September 1984 by Ronald D. Kelly. As the contents of this article is in line with what I've written in my earlier Blog, I would like to extract some of these useful tips for purpose of sharing with all readers out there......

Courage to Be a Leader

Leaders are not actors on a stage. An actor puts on, plays, a role. After the play, the actor goes home to his real everyday world. The leader is at all times living real situations.

Those who lead will always make some mistakes. With mistakes comes a spate of criticism. It takes courage to put up with the critics. But a real leader has to have the ability to put aside the mistakes, learn lessons and press forward.

I read a statement many years ago that has given me a great deal of hope through life's frequent trails--"He is a success who does the right thing 51 percent of the time."

Or as someone else said, "The only ones who never fail are the ones who never try."

Those of you who are parents might well reflect on teaching your children that admirable quality of courage. To be able to step out and do--and to take the correction that comes from making a mistake. Then get up and try again.

Perhaps the lessons of history will best bear this out. We have been living in civilized societies for nearly 6,000 years. In the course of human events, countless mistakes have been made. Thus, the study of the past, to learn lessons from history, is imperative for any leader.

It has often been said those who do not learn from mistakes of the past are doomed to repeat them.

Those who do learn those lessons can in confidence step out with courage, stand for right principle and lead humanity to greater heights. With this quality there is hope for leadership in the years to come.

Vision for the Future

Another of the important qualities a leader must possess is vision. One who leads must see beyond the mundane problems of here and now and be able to envision what tomorrow can be.

There will always be plenty of problems for today. The future may at times indeed look bleak. But vision of what ought to be, coupled with knowledge of how to bring it about, separates great leaders from common people.

With nearly every change of leadership comes hope. This is especially true in what are are called democratic societies where aspiring leaders promise, if elected, to bring about a much better world for the rest of us.

It is not at all uncommon to hear election rhetoric promising "a new brand of leadership." Many a persuasive politician has been elected to office based on promises of change.

But far too frequently, once elected, the hoped-for changes don't seem to appear. The promise to reduce the federal or national debt, to boost the economy, to relieve the public from burdensome taxes, to restore the pride of the nation abroad, all seem to fade so quickly.

So, in the next election year, nations go through it all again. The incumbents tells us if we just give them another term, the policies they have implemented will work. The opposition parties point out the failures of the present leadership and promise their "new leadership" will bring the desired results.

The true leader with vision knows the way is difficult--that the road to success is indeed narrow and rutty.

The leader with vision is one who not only can "hang in there" when the going is rough, but can see the light at the end of the tunnel. The truly great leader can stand fast, maintain his poise and leadership with confidence when no one else can see the possibility there even is an end to the dark tunnel, much less light at the end of it.

Such leaders of vision are indeed few and far between.

Consistency and Dependability

There are few things more disconcerting than a fickle leader. If those who follow cannot depend on consistency, there is confusion.

Yet, how many times have individuals risen to high positions and then wavered like reeds in the breeze on major issues.

Leaders need not only principles and values, but the character to stand by those principles. Thomas Jefferson once said, "In matters of principle, stand like a rock."

Political leaders must be extremely careful not to offend any group or segment of society. To do so well might be political suicide. So, in some democratic countries a bland society has developed.

In times of stress it is extremely important to have consistent and dependable leaders--ones who have stated their concepts and who can be depended upon to stand fast, in spite of whatever may come. If necessary a great leader even has to be willing to give his life for what he stands for.

We live in an age that cries out for strong leaders of principle. In the family, on the job, in business and, government, in one way or another each of us is a leader. Those of us who are parents are training tomorrow's leaders.

You can grow in courage, learning from each of your mistakes along the way. You can look into the future with vision for a better world. You certainly can become consistent and dependable.

To choose the path of leadership is not the easy way. It never has been. It never will be.

But the world needs it now. And is waiting on strong men and women of principle who will stand like a rock.

My personal perception on 'Leadership'

2011-04-24T21:02:00.005+08:00

How many ever realise that we are all leaders in one way or another? I believe many will consider leaders as someone who hold high posts; those who indulge in activities of organisations or clubs; or the most outstanding of all our State and Country's Political Leaders. If this is what we have in mind, then, it is indeed a wrong perception!

Let us not forget that each and everyone of us are leaders in our own home and family. Leading a family is as huge a responsibility as leading an organisation, though there are some differences in terms of expectations, requirements, procedures and processes.

The building up of this leadership qualities starts early in life, whereby many might not realise! For example, in any group of children or youngsters who get together for games, sports or even during their studies in class, a few always seem to take the lead. It can be seen for those who have no leadership quality, as they will not be willing to step forward, instead will just shy off!

Whatever the scenario may be, it is from this childhood years that helps build up these leadership skills, which by the time their educational years are over, there will be possibility for them to be potential leaders as they step into their career life. Others might be leaders in organisations or clubs, while some in politics.

In any circumstances, it is not always that these young leaders grow up to benefit mankind, while for some they may not grow up to be leaders at all. Occasionally, a rather quiet and shy youngster develops later in life those qualities of leadership and goes on to become a corporate figure or political leader.

Though leaders are aplenty in every fields and areas, it is sad to say that there are many who don't lead with sincerity. Such a situation will set bad examples to others as the phrase 'The best example of leadership is leadership by example!' Why is it so??? It is as simple as people tends to follow their leaders - what they say, do, request, etc.

I strongly believe that good leaders should embrace the full spirit of 'PROFESSIONALISM', which many are still lacking. Many still lead according to their whims and fancies! Leaders should be able to accept the views of those within the team, not just expecting others to follow blindly. Everyone should be given equal opportunity in discussions or debate. Whatever decisions made must be beneficial to everyone concerned, whereas irresponsible leaders tends to point fingers and decisions are made for purpose of personal gain. Based on my personal experience, decisions from co-members can be more effective than those from the top. How many care to think that way?????

Professional leaders can and will accept constructive criticism for the betterment of an organisation, or in the case of politics, professional political leaders will bring their State or Country to achieve great heights. With full trust, respect and sincere support from the people the country's leaders will reap great rewards with stable economic growth and development; unity, respect and care among the people as well as it's leaders; and setting good examples to our neighboring countries and finally gaining full respect from the whole world!!

Finally, before I end, I would like to share some beautiful quotes.......

"The quality of leadership, more than any other single factor, determines the success or failure of an organization"

~ Fred Fiedler & Martin Chemers ~

(Improving Leadership Effectiveness)

"Lead and inspire people. Don't try to manage and manipulate people. Inventories can be managed but people must be lead"

~ Ross Perot ~

"Leadership should be born out of the understanding of the needs of those who would be affected by it".

~ Marian "Anderson ~

The Lord Has Risen! Alleluia!!

2011-04-24T13:01:00.003+08:00

The Lord Has Risen! Alleluia!!

May the Good Lord continue to bless each and everyone who believes in Him!!

A Holy Day for Christians......

2011-04-22T08:49:00.003+08:00

Christians all over the world are celebrating this Holy Day for Jesus who willingly died for us on the cross for our sins. Let us all come together in prayer to thank Him for this greatest deed which He have for us all.......

"May The Lord Holds us in His love and blesses us with His grace on this Holy Day and always"

What a Relief!! Election is over.......

2011-04-17T12:08:00.002+08:00

With all the campaigning from the different parties for the last few weeks, finally the State Election is all over!!! The streets of Kuching City early this morning seems to be quiet...... guess, most people are still in bed getting their 'beauty sleep!'

It is indeed a BIG Change for the opposition party - DAP and PKR....... Cheers and Thumbs UP!! Change is necessary for the betterment of any State and Country, so let us all be gentlemen, whether win or loose everyone should accept the result without any hard feelings. No matter which party won, with the election over, we as the people of Sarawak will be looking forward to a great future in this beautiful 'Land of The Hornbill'.

Till we all meet again in the next State Election five years time, here's wishing us all the best and God Bless!!

My sincerest point of view........

2011-04-12T14:41:00.003+08:00

For generations, we Malaysians, despite the differences in race, religion and culture have been blessed with living together in love, peace, joy, harmony, respect, care, concern and support for each other.

Today, situations seems to be changing, not for good though. To be very frank, looking at the present scenario makes me wonder????? Will we be able to continue to live in peace and harmony as we used to????? Is there going to be light at the end of the tunnel for us all???? What will be the outcome for the future generations???????

Everything has it's limit, so with the state election coming up in four short days are we opting for a change??????

"Change means that what was before wasn't perfect.

People want things to be better"

~ Esther Dyson ~

Many questions seem to be popping into our heads, but to make things happen we must all dare to make changes in order to make the difference!

"We must become the change we want to see"

~ Mahatma Gandhi ~

Changes takes place in every phases of our life, and yet there are many who resist change. Without change we will all be deprive of new opportunity, progress, growth, happiness, hope and wisdom.

"Without change, something sleeps inside us, and seldom awakens.

The sleeper must awaken"

~ Frank Herbert ~

Here's what Charles E. Rice, CEO of Barnett Bank got to say........

"Think of managing change as an adventure. It tests your skills and abilities. It brings forth talent that may have been dormant. Change is also a training ground for leadership. What we think of leaders, we remember times of change, innovation and conflict. Leadership is often about shaping a new way of life. To do that, you must advance change, take risks and accept responsibility for making change happen"

Good and responsible leaders brings a State or Country to achieve great heights but an irresponsible self-centered leaders brings forth disaster instead!

"The best example of leadership, is leadership by example"

~ Jerry McClain ~

"The quality of leadership, more than any other single factor, determines the success or failure of an organization"

~ Fred Fiedler & Martin Chemers 'Improving Leadership Effectiveness' ~

Anything that is stagnant tends become too complacent, same applies to the scenario of leadership in all aspect. In the case of politics, complacency will lead to negligence of the leaders which affects the state or country's growth and future developments, the needs of the people, respect and care for the people who pledge their support and hoping for a better tomorrow and many others........

Mother Theresa's precious words seems to echo in me and makes me wonder????????

"Kind words can be short and easy to speak, but their echoes are truly endless"

Many a times, "being a common people leading a simple, contented life and who never offend others" instead, we are being offended by the hush and uncalled for statements from some of those irresponsible leaders, which are then being 'picked up' by some other irresponsible people down the line....... and it goes on and on....... For information, I am one of those unlucky people who experience such a situation at one of the Government's Poliklinik in Kuching. I trust that if such a situation continues our country's peace, unity and harmony will be at stake!!!

Respect is a two way traffic and it needs to be earned! If we want others to respect us we must respect each other! This principle applies not only for common people like us but everyone in general - age, rank, authority and gender doesn't make any difference!

Being a responsible citizen, I place my concern for this coming state election. Let us all make wise decisions for a better tomorrow where peace, unity and harmony prevails in this multi-racial state of Sarawak and country Malaysia!

'May God bless us all!'

"Praise The Lord, Puji Tuhan"

Multitude ways of serving noodles.......

2011-04-11T14:54:00.010+08:00

With variety of noodles available in our local market, we get to have opportunity to prepare noodle dishes in many ways, ranging from dry, soup or fried. Noodles are served at any meals, even for breakfast. I recall a friendly comment from a european couple having breakfast at a local hotel in Penang that it is not a norm for them have noodles for breakfast, instead just bread and eggs which we normally called 'American Breakfast'.

Noodles are most popular among the Chinese families, either eating out or home cooked. Personally, I've tried a hand on some of the types of noodles available from our local market and here's the outcome of it........

(Left) Claypot Noodles (Right) Mee Sua Soup

(Left) Stir fried longevity noodles
(Right) Fried Meehoon

(Left) Stir fried yellow noodles
(Right) Henghua noodles

Mee Sua served with fried leek, cabbage, mushroom & chicken slices

Laughter Is The Best Medicine!

2011-04-07T14:29:00.004+08:00

'Laughter Is The Best Medicine' is a phrase which most people will agree with. Many a times when we are down, worry over something or feeling stress, a good laugh will change such a situation!

As April 1st to 7th is Laugh Week, let us all spread laughter around so as to make this world a better place for us all to live in......

CHEERS to all...........

A Cruising Experience.......

2011-04-06T12:12:00.015+08:00

The thought of cruising have always been in my mind, especially in one of the many big ships which we've seen through advertisements, but having to think that we will only see the inside of the ship, the views of the open ocean, sea and sky for a continuous couple of days during the trip....... well, why not just have a try out on the "Day Cruise!"

I believe that to some people they will love such a holiday, away from solid grounds BUT some might regard it as BORING!

My friend Alice, her daughter Alicia, Aunty Su and myself then made plans to try out on this Day Cruise - Amusement World.

Here goes the itinerary of our 4 days 3 nights stay in Penang:-

17th March (Thursday), myself and aunt Su flew in from Kuching to Penang whereas Alice and Alicia from KL to Penang. After meeting up, we took a bus from the airport to KOMTAR Bus Station, then a taxi straight to our YMCA Hostel situated at Macalister Road.

18th March (Friday), we took a bus to Jetty, purchase tickets for our Cruise and board the Amusement World which started sailing at 10.30 in the morning......

Throughout the nine and a half hours inside the ship this is what we get to do......... BINGO Game; lunch @ 11.oo am.; take a stroll at the ship's corridor as well as it's deck, enjoying the outside views and taking photos; Karaoke Session; visit 'The Pharoah's Chamber" which is the ship's gambling den; listening to songs from 'The Fantasy Band'; get the opportunity to view the different types of Cabin available in the ship; shopping and finally another food session - DINNER @ 6.00pm. The ship docked at 8.00pm, unboard, walk to the bus station, took a bus to KOMTAR, interchange another bus No.10 to YMCA Hostel.

19th March (Saturday), after breakfast in the hostel we took a bus to Kek Lok Si Temple.........

We then settle down for a filling bowl of Prawn Mee/Hokkien Mee and coconut water, which really helps quench my thirst as I've perspired so much through our journey up and down the long stretch of walkways to the temple. After our meal we took another bus ride to another famous Thai Buddhist Temple which houses a 180-foot gold-plated reclining Buddha statue, one of the longest in Asia.......

20th March (Sunday), we wake up early, have our breakfast, took a bus to Botanical Garden......

After a 'sweat-busting' morning, we take a bus back to our hostel, relax for a while, take a bath, changed and check out. We took a taxi to KOMTAR, have our lunch nearby, bought our bus tickets and our bus journey to the airport is a scary one as the driver is 'one-of-a-kind!' Our flight time is on schedule, 1740 hrs. and the journey takes roughly about two hours. It's indeed a trip of journeying through the Pearl Of The Orient, with lots of bus rides, miles of walking and lots of sweating!!

An Article for Sharing.......

2011-03-25T11:13:00.002+08:00

Many a times we tend to overlook some good article in a newspaper or magazine - especially article from the children's column!

Recently as I was flipping through a few day's old Borneo Post an article suddenly caught me by surprised: "Your Guide To Good English" and here's to share.........

A Model essay......... Describe what you think the best age to be is?

The best age to be........

GENERALLY children wish they were grown up and old people wish they were young again. Each age has its own pleasures and pains. To my mind, the happiest person is the one who knows how to enjoy fully what his age has brought to him.

Childhood is the happiest time in one's life. If the children are brought up by good families they will be well-bred, loved and taken care of carefully. They will become useful citizens to society.

But childhood has its pains too. They are not allowed to do whatever they wish. If they do something wrong they will be punished. Therefore they are not quite happy.

When they grow up, they completely get rid of strict regulations and rules from their parents and schools but they have to work for their food, their clothes and their lodging. Now they must have responsibility towards their families and society.

The old age has been always considered as the worst age to be, but it is not necessary for the old to be unhappy.

After many years of hard work, when reaching their old age, the old man accumulated lots of experiences which will be valuable treasure for their future generations. They are now entitled to the pride in what they have bequeathed to their children. They can have the joy of seeing their children and grandchildren making progress in life or growing up around them. Moreover, if in their past lives they had great contributions to society, to their fatherland they would be remembered forever and ever by the generations to come.

Home Recipe for sharing........

2011-03-23T16:07:00.005+08:00

Here's a chicken recipe to be shared with everyone...... for information there is no specific measurements for each ingredients as they are all base on estimation. What I normally do is, I will taste along the way during the process of cooking.

Braised Chicken with eggs, chicken liver/gizzard and Beancurd (Tau Kwa)

Ingredients:

Get ready the chicken for cooking. It's best to cut the chicken into bigger pieces such as one whole wings, drumstick, thigh or even in quarter. Marinate the chicken pieces with dark soya sauce, sugar, salt and five spice powder.
Have one whole garlic, with skin on break it up into two or three, wash and crush it slightly, put aside.
If using eggs, hard boil the eggs, after cooked & cold take off it's shell and put aside.
For liver or gizzard, wash and clean it and leave it whole, put aside.
If beancurd is used, cut it into smaller pieces (say 9 pieces), deep-fry the beancurd pieces using medium fire until light brown, put aside for later use.

Methods:

Heat up kuali, put 2 to 3 tbsp. oil and fry the crushed garlic using slow fire. Dish up the garlic once it turns light brown.
Pour the marinated chicken into the kuali with the oil leftover from frying the garlic, turn the chicken pieces, then add in water to slightly cover the chicken pieces. Cover with the lid and cook over medium fire, turning from time to time. (Normally I will do the tasting during this time.) Salt & sugar can be added and more soya sauce can also be added if the sauce looks light. At this stage I prefer to use rock sugar (if I need to put more sugar) than white sugar as it glaze the chicken pieces and makes it looks nicer.
Put in the boiled eggs, liver or gizzard and fried beancurd. More water can be added from time to time to ensure that the meat are properly cooked. Again, it's up to individuals whether they prefer more sauce or otherwise.
Once almost done, put in the fried garlic pieces, give it a good stir. The aroma from the garlic is just superb!
Serve according to the style you want it - cut it into small-bite sizes or otherwise. Same goes for the eggs, liver or gizzard.

Note:
Other ingredients such as beancurd, eggs, liver or gizzard can be dish out first once its cooked as chicken needs longer time to cook and we don't want the rest of the ingredients to be over-cooked.

"Enjoy Cooking!"

The 'First Attempt!'

2011-03-09T10:10:00.004+08:00

As we get through the different phases of our life we continue to learn and experience new things - all the ups and downs of growing up, school days, working life, marriage life, etc..... etc......

The process of learning and experiencing new things tends to prick our nerves. Personally I've experienced many of such situations and would be proud to share some of them:-

When I had my first tooth extraction in lower Primary School at Poliklinik, Central Padang, I still remember my fearful screams and shouts from the dentist chair!! Today, whenever I get a glimpse at this scary place (as the imagination of my young days) it will always brings smile to my face and also the faces of my children when I relate to them!!
Reporting for my first day of work also brings some chills through the back of my nerve as it's something totally new and the expectation is 'blank!'
Singing on stage as well as giving a speech have also given me 'Butterflies in my stomach' and it's something which many people will experience. Once a while I'll experience legs cramp, heavy breathing, slight trembling of fingers as these are all the effects of 'Stage Fright'.

During the times of our nervousness.......... panicking......... wondering........ worrying........ have we ever realise how our facial expression will be like????? As we can't view our own self when we are in such a situation definitely we won't be able to know.

I've always been admiring my daughter's 'Jump Shot' photos as well as her friends. It's only until recently when we made a road trip to Bako that she invited me to do the 'Jump' while she take a shot of me jumping. My first reaction was "I don't think I can make it!" With no excuses given to me I finally agree to do it, but before that I start to ponder - how high do I need to jump? How will I look? I am scared!" The 'first attempt' is always hard, but having breaking the barrier of fear "it's not that bad after all........"

My first attempt - scary feeling, I feel myself like a heavy log and body is tense, which can be seen from my face & body expression

2nd attempt........ an enjoyable & relaxing jump!

WOW!! I've made it!!!!!

Family's Chap Goh Mei 2011 Celebration....... [Final]

2011-03-03T15:25:00.005+08:00

It's Sunday morning, 20th February, we attend the 10.30 morning Mass at St. John's Cathedral. Like any other Churches it's packed with people from all walks of life, young and old.

After Church Mass, we drove to Berjaya Time Square, have our breakfast cum lunch.......

There are so many nice dishes listed in the huge Menu, but making decisions on what to eat is always difficult - everything seems to be nice!!! A decision have to be made, so this is what we've ordered............ so, LET'S EAT!!!

After a nice meal we went around 'Window Shopping', next we stop by at TESCO to get some necessary items and then back home. As we are flying back home tomorrow, Monday, so we intend to spend quality family time with each other.

It's indeed another great short holiday spent with the presence of the whole family together with many things to catch up with. Hoping for more of such family-get-together in the future........

Family's Chap Goh Mei 2011 Celebration....... [Part 3]

2011-03-02T09:30:00.010+08:00

The early morning's view from our hotel room window is SUPERB!! As the sun slowly rises..........

Both me and hubby are up early, so we decided to take a walk..... the lobby of First World Hotel is quiet as most people are not up yet.

We have our breakfast at Resort's World 'Resort Cafe'. It's a buffet breakfast with varieties of nice local and western foods........

Like the saying "Going to Genting without going into the Casino is better off not coming!" So after breakfast Dad, Alex & Choulyee went into the Casino to have some bets while the three of us went around taking photos.

Another family photo taken in broad daylight.........

Fun time seems to be over, so we went back to our hotel room, packed our bags and do our check out through the machine, walked to the Skyway Station, bought our Cable Car tickets and that's the end of another family outing...........

Family's Chap Goh Mei 2011 Celebration....... [Part 2]

2011-03-01T20:00:00.019+08:00

As usual on the evening of Chap Goh Mei we all gather for a reunion dinner, and this time it's at a restaurant nearby at Cheras. We all enjoyed these nice foods which are also seen on the expression of our cheerful faces................

18th February (Friday), we have breakfast at Steven's Corner........

After breakfast we proceed to the nearest Petrol Service Station to pump petrol and also doing final check on the air pressure of the car tyres.

We drove all the way to the Skyway Station, parked our car and proceed to the counter to purchase tickets for our Cable Car ride to Genting. Being Friday, which is a working day we need not have to go through the long queue.

In just a short while we reach Genting, check-in to the two rooms which we've booked through the website, take a short rest in our room, then off we go.......

We decided to have something light to eat at.........

After which we walk round the whole resort, taking photographs and enjoying the views of the beautiful CNY decorations and most of all the cooling environment, which also means away from the polluted city environment.

We met up with Alex after work, roughly about six something. The wind is blowing very strongly outside with the heavy mist, it's indeed very cold!!

We have Buffet Steamboat at Hotpot with lots of nice ingredients to go with the soup as well as pan-fried, and also the beautiful surrounding overlooking the place where we sit.

After dinner, we take a stroll into the Casino, Dad go for the Slot Machine while Alex & Choulyee prefers the bet of "Big, Small". From the Casino we then decided to go outside to capture some photos, and to our amazement it's freezing cold and everyone is shivering and worst of all myself as I am wearing 3/4 pants and part of my leg is exposed to the strong, gushing cold air.

We then quickly stroll into the Archery Centre, which is much warmer than the outside........

After the game of Archery, we decided to get back to our room and after few rounds of card game we then retire for the night.........

Good Night...... Zzzzzzz!

Family's Chap Goh Mei 2011 Celebration....... [Part 1]

2011-02-26T10:09:00.009+08:00

"Chap Goh Mei" is the last day of the Chinese Lunar New Year, which is also the 15th day. On this day the Chinese families will normally gather for a family reunion dinner. For my family, unlike the eve of CNY where all family members are present for the reunion lunch and/or dinner, but it's always left with the three of us - Dad, Mum and Aaron. The rest have to get back to their work stations, which is out of their hometown to resume their duties.

From the norm to something special, myself & hubby decided to celebrate this year's Chap Goh Mei with our children instead!

We flew from Kg/KL on 16th February.......

Thursday, 17th morning we (Dad, Mum, Karen & Aaron) took a Taxi from Cheras to KLCC. We took a long walk to Aquaria, KLCC, have breakfast at the Food Court 'Asian Delights'.......

After breakfast we proceed to the entrance of Aquaria, Karen & Aaron bought tickets for us all and off we go...........

After our tour, we took train to KL Central, have a bite at Burger King, took LRT & taxi and back home to Cheras. It's indeed a day of walking & walking........ but hmmmmm it's an interesting day!!!

D' Trio's visit to Damai Beach, Santubong Beach & Pasir Pandak

2011-02-24T12:43:00.011+08:00

Our family loves making road trips to places that are reachable by land. For as long as I can recall, we have many such trips since our children were young and even today we are enjoying each and every travels that we've made. We will grab every opportunity that comes our way.

D' Trio, which comprises of Dad, Mum and Karen decided to visit Damai Beach on the morning of 13th February (Sunday). It has been many years since we last visited this resort as the management imposed strict rule as 'only guests' are allowed to enter the premise. It is only until recently that the management come up with 'Day Pass' of a minimal payment of RM3.00 to enter the beach.

There haven't been much changes to the resort but the beautiful, breezy and breath taking environments automatically switch our mode from the hectic city life to one of 'relaxing-holiday' mode!!!

The beautiful surroundings.........

Beautiful clean BEACH.......

Rocks.......

On our journey back to Kuching, we made another visit to Santubong Beach.......

Last of all, we proceed to Pasir Pandak........

It's another worthy road trip which we've made and hoping for more to come.........

Leisure road-trip to Muara Tebas Temple & Kpg. Bako

2011-02-15T12:46:00.009+08:00

On the morning of 9th February 2011 (Wednesday), we (myself, Karen & Aaron) decided to go for a leisure road-trip to Muara Tebas Temple and Kampung Bako. It has been many years since we make a visit to these two places.

Let's welcome The Muara Tebas Temple..........

And here comes Kampung Bako...........

Ushering the Year of The RABBIT 2011!

2011-02-15T06:41:00.032+08:00

Spending so much time preparing for this auspicious occasion, in just a glimpse of time everything is now nearly over...... we are now entering the 12th day of the Lunar New Year and in just two day's time the Chinese will be celebrating Chap Goh Mei to mark the end of the celebration.

Whatever it is, this year's CNY celebration is indeed a great one for my family, with all my children coming home for the celebration and having our Reunion Lunch in the heart of our sweet home, capturing of family photos, visiting relatives and close friends and lots of laughter and smiles on everyone's faces........

Hubby's home decoration...........

Our family Reunion Lunch on eve of CNY
Dishes: Steamboat, stir-fry leek, steam fish, fried emperor mee, deep fried chicken wings & Yee Sang

The 'Kuek' family's Reunion Dinner @ Hai Tian Lou

After the reunion dinner the trio (dad, mum & Karen) headed to the Cat's Statue at Padungan for 'a photo with the CAT'.

Next are some photos of 'fire-works' before and during 12 midnight, captured by Karen.......

Our first day of CNY started off with Church Mass at 7.30 in the morning........

After Mass we then proceed to grandma's place and have our family photo taken.......

As usual we have our open house on the 2nd day, here's some photos with friends.........

A photo session on the 3rd day (5th February 2011)........

We have our family lunch with grandma and aunt on 6th February (4th day) at Kim Bay, Spring before Alex and Choulyee flew back to KL in the afternoon........

On the afternoon of 6th Day, both me & Karen visited my 2nd auntie at Jalan Jamboree, Off 7th Mile. I couldn't help not stealing some shots of their newly renovated house and decor........

In the midst of all hustle & bustle........

2011-02-06T14:40:00.003+08:00

In the midst of all hustle and bustle time pass by like a flash of lightning!!!! I just can't imagine that we are now entering the 4th day of the Chinese Lunar New Year celebration. Preparation for the celebration takes quite a while with all the cleaning, washing, clearing, decorating and off course busy with a long list of food and ingredients to be put into my list!!

Tomorrow, most people will be getting back to their normal pace, especially for the school going kids as well as working adults. Many will be travelling back to the towns or city of their work station today.......

This year's Chinese New Year celebration brings many fond memories to our family and as usual I will be uploading photos in my next coming up blog. Hope it won't have to take me too long to do so. Till then cheers and may you all enjoy this year's celebration too. Regards!!

The pouring rain in Kuching City.......

2011-01-14T20:38:00.003+08:00

The weather in Kuching City till end of 2010 seems to be superbly fine...... we continue to enjoy the sunshine plus occasional rain. Comes the New Year 2011, the first week is still okay but all of a sudden the rain starts pouring!!!!!

I remember it has been raining so heavily on 10th, Monday night till the next morning......... and what shocked us on the early 11th morning is that the Kuching International Airport is closed - all flights coming in and out of KIA is 'CANCELLED!' The main cause and scene of attraction and concern happen to be an Air Asia Flight from Kuala Lumpur to Kuching upon arrival skidded off the runway!! Though such accidents do happen in Kuching, but it seems to be first time in history which resulted in the airport closure!! This is also my first time experiencing such a situation, whereby sending someone off from Kuching airport only after four attempts with a total waiting time of nearly 40 hours as from the original flight time.

Hoping that the rain will not continue to pour as next week will be 'High Tide' and I believe that everyone is praying for fine weather so there won't be flood in Kuching City, especially those flood prone areas. "May God bless us all!"

Preparations for CNY......

2011-01-08T08:30:00.004+08:00

As usual this has always been the most busy time of the year - lots of cleaning, washing, wiping, brushing, throwing ....... all the actions that 'Spring Cleaning' has in store for us!!! It is a good thing though or else our house will be full of unwanted stuffs which we seem to have no time to clear and with a good and proper cleaning once a year, well! well! it's nice to welcome the Lunar New Year with everything 'New!' [that's the Chinese culture *SMILES*]

The Chinese Lunar New Year is just roughly three weeks from now, it seems to be just yesterday that we all welcome the New Year 2011 and with just a flush we are already in the 8th day today!!

As we are all busy with our preparation, here's a short & beautiful poem 'Angel Light' by Alice to share with everyone and may we be guided by this Angel Light forever and always...........

The 1st day of the new year........

2011-01-01T22:47:00.002+08:00

It's raining in Kuching City as the clock tick it's way to 12 midnight and through to the new year 2011. The rain continued till morning and everywhere is wet and the air is cool. It's indeed a wet start of the new year!

However, just before noon the sun came out timely enough for my hubby to polish our car as planned. Hopefully tomorrow will be sunny as there are many washings and drying to do, so just wish for the best to come.

As the 1st day of the new year draws to a close and its time to Zzzzzzzzzz, here's wishing you all.......

Something to cherish on the last day of Year 2010!

2010-12-31T21:31:00.018+08:00

Finally it's 31st December, the last day of the Year 2010...... in just two and a half short hours from now we will be ushering the new year 2011!!

As each moment, time, day, month and year pass by we tend to cherish many great moments of our lives.

Here's some photos which I've captured and to be recorded in my Blog to cherish those great moments on the last day of the Year 2010........

Take a stroll through Pullman Hotel & its shopping outlets after breakfast with my son Aaron

Have a fun-filled lunch with friends at a restaurant at Jln. Petanak
After lunch we proceed to the Hawker Centre at Song Kheng Hai

In the evening we have our family dinner at BDC

As this is my last blog article for the Year 2010, I would like to say warm adieu to everyone out there for this wonderful Year of The Tiger and wishing you all happiness, good cheer, peace & joy for the New Year 2011 - God Bless Us All!!

A 'once-a-year' vegetable.......

2010-12-30T13:44:00.006+08:00

This root vegetable which have almost the same texture as potato and is only available at this season of the year (a month or two before the Chinese Lunar New Year) makes great vegetable dish, delicious CHIPS and also adorable decorative plants on table tops or anywhere inside the house.

Known as 'Ya-Gu' in Chinese, it comes from the family of 'Arrowroot'. Our family loves having this dish and whenever it's on sell either at market or supermarkets I never miss buying it! Here's to share from my home kitchen - (1) Stir-fry Ya-Gu (2) Ya-Gu Chips.......

How fast time flies......

2010-12-29T20:39:00.003+08:00

The Year 2010 really seems to be flying through........ soon, in roughly about 2 days 3 hours and couple of minutes the 'Year of The Tiger' will be replaced with the 'Year of The Rabbit'.

Have we come up with new resolutions for the coming year?? Are they the same old lists or is there anything new???? Well..... there is still time for us to come up with our final list of resolutions for the new year, so let's give it a good thought!!

This end year, we are indeed blessed with a considerable good weather - not too much of rain but a combination of both rain and sun. As most household are now busy doing spring cleaning we all need enough sunlight to dry curtains, cushion covers, blankets, etc..... For those who are doing repainting sunlight is equally important.

Let us all treasure and make full use of whatever time that is left of the Year 2010 and usher the new year with full spirit of peace, love, happiness and joy!!

"May God Bless Us All!"

Family's Christmas Eve 2010!

2010-12-25T14:52:00.021+08:00

Having no intention to do any home cooking this Christmas Eve, we have few plans in hand on what to have for Christmas Eve dinner, just a matter of final confirmation. Being a 'cooking off-day' for me and taking into account that it's Christmas Eve, we started off with family lunch at a popular chicken rice shop somewhere next to Hock Lee Centre.........

Ooooo what's up for Christmas Eve Dinner?????? Aaron made a last minute decision of going for Kenny Rogers, so we made our way to Spring, queuing through the car parking lots and finally made our way there, get our self a seat (which is nearly full-house) and started our orders........

We didn't wait long for the food to arrive, except the choco muffin, which was not given to us until after three reminders which we've almost finished our meal.

After our meal we take a stroll round the beautifully decorated Shopping Mall and captured some photos including one of Santa Claus distributing presents to children........

After a while we proceed back home to prepare for Church for the Christmas Midnight Mass. Something to share of St. Peter's Church's Christmas decorations.......

(Left) Crib outside the church (Right) Inside the Church

We reached home on the early morning of Christmas Day, roughly about 2 a.m. Today, being Christmas Day I would like to share the Lord's peace & joy with everyone and let us all celebrate the warmth of the season and here's wishing..........

"Happy Holiday!"

A season to be merry & joyous.......

2010-12-24T07:59:00.016+08:00

As usual, I am always awaiting this last month of the year, which is December...... it's the season to be merry and joyous, a season of peace and love; the merry making and lots of fine dining to get us all through to the new year!

Just 2 days ago, the Chinese celebrated the Winter Solstice or Dong Zhi festival which is on 22 December. It is the tradition of every Chinese families to make and serve 'tangyuan' or commonly known as glutinous rice ball soup symbolising family unity and prosperity.

In the night, family members will gather for a simple family dinner. As there's only three of us at home this year, so I just prepare a very simple 3-dish meal..........

(Top left) Deep-fried boneless chicken tigh topped with chopped garlic
(Top right) Stir-fry asparagus with prawns
(Bottom) Fried Longevity Noodles

WoW!! today is Christmas Eve....... though we didn't put up our 5-feet tall Christmas Tree this year, but here's something to flush the memories of Christmas in our sweet home.......

Still thinking of where to go and what to have for our Christmas Eve Dinner tonight hmmmmm!

Recording my 500th Blog......

2010-12-17T07:56:00.003+08:00

Thanks to my daughter Karen who help me get started this blog on 30th January 2008 (some nearly three years ago), gives me lots of encouragements, confidence, support and off course not forgetting her sarcastic words "your blog is dead mum!" when at times I go silent for quite a while. All these have given me strong determination to pursue even further and today I am proud to record my 500th Blog - I've made it!!!

To those who view and support my blog, be they friends or strangers alike, with great pleasure I would like to post a sincere note to say........

Hoping to get more future support from everyone out there to help me achieve my 600th blog which hopefully will be very soon....... thanks to all and have a great Christmas and New Year 2011.

Workaholic???

2010-12-16T20:26:00.003+08:00

In this fast-paced world more and more people are addicted to work - it's either strive hard to go up the corporate ladder or just stay where you are!!!

Apart from striving hard to achieve great success for personal self, most employers are pushing their employees to the extreme for purpose of more profits for the company, especially when the economic situation is on the downturn.

Having such experience myself, I admit that I was once in that situation before - spending 8 hours in the office, being worn out after the end of each tiring day; an extra of two nights Union meetings after office hours, which sometimes will drag on till midnight; rushing ahead with housework after office hours and on weekends; and more catch-up to do both at home and in the office while being away on traveling. As much as I can recall, many a times coming home after meeting in the late nights, as most families are already sound in bed, while taking my shower and at the same time I am doing the washing and cleaning of our toilet and bathroom!

With all these hustle and bustle throughout my working life, I am indeed blessed for being able to strike a good balance between family and work! I should admit that at times I do get stress-up but getting some positive remedies does help me to de-stress and overcome the situation.

If you wanna find out whether you are a workaholic or not, here's a simple tip, something which I read from a magazine and finds it worth sharing........

Are you a Workaholic?

Work addiction can affect your health and relationships, so if these characteristics sound too familiar, it's time to introduce more balance in your life.

Are you always in a hurry?
Are you a control freak?
Are you a perfectionist?
Do you seldom delegate?
Do you do too many things at once?

After knowing where we stand, I believe that it's time for us all to do some changes in our life in order to be healthy and happy!! God bless us all......

Article for sharing - PROMISE YOURSELF!

2010-12-07T08:52:00.008+08:00

It's always blessed to get to read some wise words and phrases on a beautiful cool morning just to boost our self esteem and to be...... "a day older, a day WISER!"

HOBBIES......... [Part 4]

2010-12-06T21:15:00.006+08:00

Collecting of Souvenirs such as Badges, Pins, Tie Pins, Book Mark, Brooch, Letter & Bottle Opener is another of my hobby. Though some of these items may appear small but it does brings some fond memories, especially if they are gift from friends. Exchanging of badges can be interesting! Some of my collection are through gift exchange while attending International Seminars/Workshops/Courses.

It's December.......

2010-12-04T07:51:00.005+08:00

WoW!!! it's December....... the best season of the year - season of Love, Peace, Joy, Happiness, Good Tidings and not to forget "to await the coming of the new year 2011!!"

On this cool-fresh-wonderful morning, I would like to wish all friends "A Fresh & Beautiful Day" and hope that your day will be as fresh and beautiful as these flowers.......

With another great year coming to a close, here's a wonderful & meaningful poem by Terah Cox to share.........

A meaningful POEM to share........

2010-11-19T12:12:00.002+08:00

Can't help not sharing this meaningful poem by Kit McCallum with everyone out there....... it really reflects on our today's life!!! The author summarise it as "Sometimes the most difficult choices are the very ones that can bring us the greatest rewards."

The Road Less Traveled by Kit McCallum

How often we must bear the challenges of life;
The endless roller coaster between happiness and sorrow;
The constant ups and downs of daily strife.
And always the question remains....... why?

Life is not an easy road for most;
It twists and turns with many forks in the road,
Although always, and inevitably, we are given a choice.....

Do we turn to the right..... or the left?
Do we take the high road..... or the low road?
Do we take the easy path..... or the difficult one?

Decisions are not easy for those struggling for direction.....
And sometimes the many choices and signs become overwhelming.

While standing at a crossroads in life,
The urge is to take the most comfortable path;
The road with least resistance....
The shortest or most traveled route.

And yet, if we've been down that comfortable road before;
Have gleaned its lessons in life and learned from our experiences;

Do we yet again follow the known?
Or does our destiny lie in another direction?

The fear of the road less traveled is tangible and all too real;
It manifests itself in many ways,
And tends to cloud the issues that might otherwise be clear.

It is in these times of confusion,
That we must seek peace and solitude;

Time to contemplate on our life,
Our experiences and our choices past;
Time to look back, and reflect on what we have learned
Without fear or confusion.

For only each of us knows our own personal thoughts;
Our unique past and personal history,
The experiences that brought us to the crossroads we now face.

We can always learn a small degree from other experiences,
And yet.... no one person can walk in our shoes,
Others know not, the trials and tribulations faced in private....

For each is individual..... unique..... and personal.

And that is why..... while standing at a crossroads,
Only "we" can formulate the decision for ourselves;
The true direction that lies within;
The choices we must deliberate on with clarity and wisdom.

For it is only through personal reflection,
That we can now choose our destiny;
..... Our next adventure,
..... And the future we will embrace.

Sweet & Sour Dishes........

2010-11-14T19:32:00.003+08:00

Sweet & Sour dishes are among one of the popular Chinese Cuisine. It complement well with fish, prawns, crabs, pork and chicken.

Here's a simple home-cooked recipe which I would like to share with working mums who can't spend too much of their time in the kitchen preparing their meal. The amount of the ingredients used are not being specifically fixed, as it varies according to the portion that each individual needs to cook and the sauce is depending on our individual taste-buds, whether how sour or sweet we prefer.

Sweet & Sour Pork

Ingredients:
Pork (preferably the meat with a little fat & the tender one - inform butcher for purpose of
cooking sweet & sour)
Garlic - chopped (more for better taste)

Sauce ingredients: Mix all in a bowl
Tomato sauce or ketchup (needs more for better taste)
A pinch of salt
Sugar
Some vinegar
Corn flour
Water (depends on how much sauce you need)

Method:
1. Wash, cut pork into desired cubes and marinate with salt, pepper and seafood sauce/oyster sauce. Let stand for at least half an hour.
2. Dust some corn flour onto the marinated pork.
3. Prepare oil for deep-frying. Fry pork in batches, when cooked drain on absorbent paper and set aside.
4. Heat a frying pan with oil enough for slow frying of the chopped garlic. Heat should not be too high as it will burn the garlic. When garlic turns slightly yellow (not brown) pour the sauce ingredients onto the garlic and stir well. At this point we need to taste the sauce and extra sauce ingredients can be added to our individual liking. If the sauce is not thick enough, we can add extra cornflour mix with water.
5. Stir well, then put the deep-fried pork onto the sauce, give it a quick stir to ensure they are well coated.
6. Dish up & serve!

"HAPPY COOKING"

HOBBIES......... [Part 3]

2010-11-06T12:58:00.010+08:00

Many people loves collecting Key Chains, though it might just be kept in some boxes, drawers or displayed in home cabinets, with the simple reason it makes great gifts and souvenirs for and from friends and also for our own self!

Here's some of my collection which I would like to share with all........

Remembering those 'bitter-sweet' moments.........

2010-11-01T07:57:00.043+08:00

1st November is a day which I am always looking forward to, as it marks the 'break-free' from my working life!!! Working for twenty-five years and eight months is considered long to me. In life, there will come a time when we have 'ENOUGH' and that will be the moment when we make that big collective decision, a decision which is well discussed with people dear to us.

In my scenario, when that collective decision was made many months before my application in early August 2006, there is never a thought of turning back!! I believe that a solid, strong, definite and confident decision is best as compared to those "half-hearted type".

On this special day I am most delighted to share the path which I've traveled during those years through some old precious photos..........

(Top left) My office space in the hard-solid place called STORE
(Top right) In Limbang Store for stock taking with Mr. William
(Bottom Left) On our way up Bukit Mas with coll. Bine & nephew
(Bottom Right) Attending a Logistics Seminar in KK

(Left) A group photo after the Fashion Show during UTES Dinner
(Right) Singing the 'Solidarity' song in 1998

During our 4th CA Negotiation in 1998
(2nd row left) Having our dinner in the President & GS room
(2nd row right) Our discussions preparing for next day's negotiation till late nights
(3rd row) At the roof-top swimming pool of Kingwood Hotel, Sibu

(Left) In front of Sacred Heart Church, Sibu
(Right) Miri
Having our 'meet-the-members' session in Sibu & Miri

(Left) Dinner with course participants at Riverside Majestic
(Right) In Corpthorn Orchid, Penang with course co-ordinators & speakers

Year 2003 - CWA/UTES Women Seminar
(Left) Delivering my Chairperson Speech

(Top left) The delegates for Kuching Branch
(Top right) NEC Officials 2000-2003
(Bottom) NEC Officials 2003-2006

My 2nd Working Department/Unit at Simpang Tiga

My office at the Union Office, King's Center, Kuching

(1st row left) UTES Anniversary Dinner in Miri
(1st row right) Anniversary Dinner in Kuching
(2nd row left) Anniversary Dinner in Sibu
(2nd row right) MC for the 7th UTES TDC
(Bottom) Welcoming dinner for the TDC

Year 2006, UTES members picketing
(Top left) Officials preparing placards in the Union Office
(Top right) Final briefing to the members
(Bottom) During the day of picketing

A popular seafood dish "CRAB"

2010-10-31T15:05:00.005+08:00

Crab is one of the popular seafood which is liked by many, though there are some who don't consume it, either because they don't like it or some might be having some form of allergy after taking it!

Crab dishes is one of my favourite seafood, but to be frank I prefer having it at home than at some restaurant or food stalls outside as enjoying this dish really needs to make use of our fingers. Having it at home means we can slowly enjoy the dish.

I would like to share this basic simple recipe of my home-cook crab dish with all crab lovers out there. For information, I don't put any specific amount for each ingredients, it all depends on how much each of us need.

Crab in eggs

Ingredients:
Crabs, wash, cut into desired sizes & drain dry on colander
Corn flour
Chopped red onions & garlic (prefer to use more)
Eggs (beat well)
Oil for medium fry (no need for deep fry)
Spring Onions, chopped (Optional)

Seasonings:
Salt
Light Sauce
Msg

Methods:

1. Put an amount of corn flour onto the crabs to lightly coat it, and medium fry in oil until golden brown but not over-cooked. Dish & drain.

2. Heat up oil in kuali and saute chopped red onions & garlic until fragrant. Mix in crabs, seasonings and stir-fry until well mixed.

3. Add in beaten eggs & stir fry well to get the even distribution of eggs all over the dish.

4. Add in chopped spring onions, stir well.
5. Dish up and serve.

Here's wishing you all, happy cooking & enjoyed this simple dish in the comfort of your sweet home........

HOBBIES......... [Part 2]

2010-10-25T13:31:00.015+08:00

Like I've mentioned earlier, we (me & hubby) have been collecting Red Packets for nearly 30 years but have them kept in drawer. I have always been wondering????? How to arrange those red packets with so many different sizes???? Putting them in photo albums require so many albums??????

It is only until recently when I come across several of my friends exchanging red packets and I've also decided to share some of mine with them, which makes me realise that it is high time for me to join them. Putting my 'thinking cap' into action isn't very hard after all and with some discussion with my hubby we come up with a very innovative idea of how to file those red packets, not only it's cheaper as compared to the photo albums but most importantly "it's our own idea!"

Here comes some of our collections.........

Dear friends, these pictures uploaded here might seem messy, but it is not such in the actual scenario. After being properly filed in each A4 paper I scan it using Scanner for purpose of uploading it on my Blog as well as Facebook album. If you wanna see the real collection you need to come personally and see it for yourself. "Cheers to all...... :-)

HOBBIES......... [Part 1]

2010-10-23T08:40:00.005+08:00

Many, many years ago, during my Primary School days, my teacher's favourite topic for our English essay was "My Hobby". The gist of this topic are at our finger tips as it is not only something which we often write about but it's a topic for us to describe our interests.

During those days hobbies such as Collecting of Stamps, Coins, Key Chains, Marbles & many more, Pen Palling, Requesting, Kites Flying, and so on........ seems to be diminishing in today's hectic, busy, new technological and fast-pace moving world!! "People Changes With Time" happens to be a phrase which best describes the whole scenario!

These one time favourite hobbies or interests can be great things to enjoy (once a while) after our hectic work or school to ease our congested minds which helps to 'de-stress' and 're-charge' our batteries.

However, in today's technological era, the younger generations prefer to enjoy their leisure time playing computer games. Personally, I don't quite agree to too much of a concentration on the computer due to the fact that either at work or studying majority are with the computers, thus too much exposures of the rays as well as too long sitting down will sure generate some form of health problems in the long run.

Both me and my husband have been collecting Red Packets and Key Chains for nearly 30 years, but sad to say that they are just being kept lying in our drawers and box all the while. It is only until recently that I have been influenced by my friends and have decided to bring out our collections, get it sorted and filed.

I will be sharing some of our collections in my next blog, so do watch out!!!

Chicken Dishes, most common in any meals!

2010-10-21T12:46:00.016+08:00

Most people are more health conscious these days as compared to the days of our fore-fathers! WHY? If we care to look around us, there seems to be many people suffering from high blood pressure, high cholesterol, high uric acid, high sugar level and....... many other 'highs' queuing up in the long list of sicknesses and diseases!!!

However, being self aware of all these problems which will lead to many critical illnesses, there are still many who simply refuse to adhere to their medical practitioners or doctor's advises. I've always heard remarks such as "we must take meat or else no energy to work!" Yes!! I do agree that we all need a balance diet in order to be strong and healthy, but we also need to match the right type of diet to the right person!! Not everyone's diet are the same, say...... a person suffering from diabetes should have a diet that is low in carbohydrates, sugar and others, while those with high cholesterol should have a diet low in red meat, fatty meat, fried foods, etc. So, in a way, each person's diet is based on their individual's health and we simply can't compare one person to another!

As most doctors today encourage people to consume less red meat, I believe that chicken is one of the popular food of all, apart from fish and vegetables off course.

There are many methods of cooking chicken, from a simple steaming method to stir-fry, deep-fry, bake, stew, as an ingredients to a salad dish, and so forth.......

Personally, I always enjoyed cooking chicken as it is easy to move around with it. Here's some of the dishes which are prepared out of 'chicken' from my home kitchen for sharing.......

(1) Steam Chicken (2) Bake Chicken (3) Fried Chicken with Cashews
(4) Curry Chicken with veggies (5) Deep fried Chicken Wings
(6) Swiss Tomato Chicken
(7) Chicken served in western style (8) Stir-fry chicken cubes with cashew nuts

Article for sharing - Are you a good boss? [Final]

2010-10-14T14:27:00.003+08:00

Good bosses.....
Balance long- and short-term views

Some issues seem to invoke a short-term response in many managers. But taking the easy way out because it appears to be a chore or a load can be inappropriate or damaging in the long run.

Instead, assess the short- and long-term views together so you don't miss out on possible opportunities.

For example, say you have to appraise all 12 of your team members in one week. With a budget deadline looming, you'd quite likely stress out at the sheer magnitude of work required, and you might choose to fill in the appraisal forms without thinking.

But if you take that extra time and effort to analyse the performance of each individual and discuss their goals, weaknesses and strengths with them, they will value your appraisal of them more. Because of better morale, you team's objectives are also more likely to be achieved in the long run, not to mention their respect you'd have earned.

Good bosses are.....
Not ostriches

Managers sometimes bury their heads in the sand when looking for a way out. But denying a sticky situation by not taking any concrete action often makes the problem worse. Patrick explains, "Often, if you leave a difficult problem alone, it becomes more difficult, not easier, to solve. Rarely, if ever, does it go away."

His advice is to think positive. Good bosses have the courage to fact adversity, unpleasantness and difficult situations head on, to lead their team through a rough patch by example.

So watch for opportunities and develop the habit of tackling any discomfort. Not only do you risk diluting your performance with every delayed, ignored or denied issue, you also risk diluting your professional image.

Article for sharing - Are you a good boss? [Part 2]

2010-10-12T13:39:00.004+08:00

Good bosses are.....
Confident
Good bosses are usually confident of their own abilities and this security allows them to stand back and see the broader picture. It also lets them address each situation logically without allowing their emotions to take over.

Confidence can be cultivated and instilled as a habit. Nothing gives more satisfaction than success; if you do well and achieve your goals, then it's easier to continue and do more. Patrick suggests, "Stop feeling inadequate. Nothing boosts confidence more than practical measures such as acquiring the right knowledge, knowing you have an appropriate skill and being well prepared."

For instance, if you and your team have a presentation to make to an important client, you'd do well to prepare yourself and your team members on what the client expects and likes and dislikes. Share your game plan. Capitalise on the strengths of each team member by delegating the right job to the right person, with clear directives and deadlines. Practising your presentation several times over will give you the confidence to speak fluently, which is more likely to impress the client and win over the trust of your team-mates.

Good bosses.....
Accept change

Change is far more helpful to a team's productivity and development than a static environment that remains the same. Patrick advises, "We all like to live within our comfort zone. If someone comes up to us and says, 'we'll have to make some changes around here', we're more likely to get defensive and fight that change. But don't fight change purely for irrational, defensive or emotional reasons. These will only block your logical view which helps you work with change rather than against it."

For example, you might decline to have lunch with new team members at first because you're more comfortable eating alone in your office. But accepting their invitation once or twice a week will make you appear more approachable. You'll also get to know your team better in a more relaxed environment, while they'll respect you for your open-mindedness. Besides, social interaction makes the food taste better!

Article for sharing - Are you a good boss? [Part 1]

2010-10-08T10:12:00.004+08:00

Here's an article written by Noella Menon "Are you a good boss?" which I would like to share with everyone out there......... Hope you all enjoy it too!

Are you a good boss?

Learn these good work habits and you'll become a well-respected leader whom people will follow, not merely obey.

It's that old chestnut - good leaders are made, not born. But how exactly does one become a good boss in today's fast-paced workplace? The one key skill that managers often ignore is the ability to handle difficult situations - or what's known in management-speak as the discomfort zone.

To be a great boss in the discomfort zone, you need to look at how you can face these problems head on, take action and improve the result. "All you have to do is inculcate positive habits, "says Patrick Forsyth, a seasoned corporate consultant and bestselling British author of Managing in the Discomfort Zone.

Here are some of his tips to help make you a better manager.

Good bosses are.....
Tolerant

If you want to be a good boss, you need to develop a high tolerance for the realities of life. A good boss knows that if something has to go wrong, it will. So it's fruitless to resent reality, such as when a client is late on his payments or when your subordinate messes up her sales presentation.

"Watch out for perfectionist tendencies," says Patrick. "These can be irreplaceable when attending to detail, but can add on to your frustration when, realistically, nothing will ever be quite the way you want it."

Good bosses deal with difficult situations with a clear, calm mind and a constructive plan. Think through your goals carefully and set a measurable level of quality. For instance, aim to approve five financial reports instead of telling your secretary you'll sign off on everything once they're done.

"To lead people, walk beside them....
As for the best leaders, the people do not notice their existence.
The next best, the people honor and praise.
The next, the people fear;
and the next, the people hate....
When the best leader's work is done the people say,
"We did it ourselves!"

~ Lao-tsu ~

A great way to start the new month of October!

2010-10-01T21:14:00.003+08:00

Today, 1st October is............

It's indeed a great way to start this new month with ***SMILES*** on everyone's bright cheerful faces!!!! As we all know that we are now entering the final quarter of Year 2010, so let us grab whatever opportunities that comes our way so there will be no rooms for regrets.

Once again, keep smiling always and may each day brings forth great hopes, success, peace, love, joys and happiness to our lives. God bless us always and forever!

"SMILES"

A favourite DESSERT to share........

2010-09-29T13:06:00.006+08:00

Desserts are sweet foods or dishes which are being served at the end of each meals. The most popular desserts are cakes, cookies, pastries, ice-cream, pie, candies, fruits, salads, jellies, custards, sweet soups and many others.

Today, I would like to share a simple Chinese dessert recipe with all my online friends, which is known as 'Tongsui' in Cantonese.

You will need:

White Fungus - soak it in water, clean it and tear it into desired size pieces
Gingko Nuts - readily purchased from supermarkets in packet form. Cut nuts into half, scrap off the small bud in the center (as it is bitter), clean and drain
Dried Longan - wash and drain
Dried Red Dates - wash and drain
Barley (Imported type) - wash, soak for a while, drain
Pandan Leaves - clean & tied in knot
Rock Sugar

Tips: The amount of ingredients is based on individual's requirements. However for barley it is advised not to put too much as the soup will be sticky. For Longan and Red Dates it should be much lesser than white fungus and gingko nuts as it is meant for flavour and colours.

Few simple steps........

Boil water in a pot (amount depending on the ingredients and how much you intend to cook) together with the knoted pandan leaves and barley.
When the barley is slightly soft, put in the white fungus and let it boil again.
Add in the red dates.
Next, put in the gingko nuts
When every ingredients in the pot is almost done, start putting in the rock sugar, stir well and taste. (Remember rock sugar takes some time to dissolve)
Finally, put in the dried longan and let it boil for a while.
Remove the soup from stove and let it cool, serve.

Tips: This soup can be consume either warm or cold. It tastes better when put in the fridge overnight.

Here's a bowl of 'Tongsui' from my home kitchen to be shared with all.......

"HAPPY COOKING"

A short 'getaway' [Final]

2010-09-23T13:23:00.010+08:00

It's Monday, the 23rd of August, I wake up early and as usual boil water for a cup of hot coffee! With the rising of the morning sun and standing at the balcony looking out towards the congested surroundings of Cheras, this is what I have to share........

With our packing all done we then left in Alex's car. As he has some errand to run he drop us off at One Utama. Together with Karen, who is on leave, we decided to have our breakfast inside OU. Our first stop is at........

This eating place serves many types of Malaysian foods..... we all look and flip through the menu thinking of what food to taste and try...... finally came a waitress who informed us that most of the food in the menu are 'out-of-stock', due to good business yesterday (Sunday) and the stocks of the ingredients are not being replenished yet. The waitress apologise and we left!

As we walk further off, we saw this Restaurant 3JC, was informed it's already open and so we landed there, enjoying the nice Chinese foods with the neat and tidy set-up of the restaurant.

With a full stomach, we stroll around for a while till Alex fetch us and we have a stop by at Taman Bahagia to buy the delicious and special Indian Rojak. We also bought extra back to Kuching for Aaron. We then have a slow drive to the LCCT, check-in and board our flight back to Kuching. It's indeed an adventurous short getaway!!! Hoping to have more of such travels in the future...........

A celebration of Moon Cakes & Lanterns.......

2010-09-22T21:00:00.005+08:00

Chinese all over the world are celebrating Mid Autumn Festival or commonly known as 'Moon Cake Festival' or "Moon Festival" on the 15th day of the eighth month in the Chinese lunar calendar.

Since at a very young age, this festival is being captured in my mind as a celebration of 'moon cakes' and 'lanterns'. Varieties of moon cakes are being on sale and during our young days we enjoyed munching those sweet and tasty moon cakes. On the night of the festival, moon cakes are being served with tea, while the children enjoyed marching around with their beautiful lanterns.

Today, most people are more health conscious, thus choosing the moon cakes which is less sweet is most people's concerned, including myself off course. Today most moon cake makers are more sensitive to the requirements and concerns of the customers, so we can easily purchase the moon cakes which are less sweet compared to the olden days. In today's modern scenario, not many young children are seen carrying their lanterns on the night of this festival. Coming to think of it, I just wonder?????? "will this festival be forgotten in the years of the new generations to come???????????"

I prepare a very simple family dinner for the three of us and we all enjoyed it very much. Here's to share...........

(Top) Stir fry prawns with cashew nuts & Midin with belachan
(Bottom) Fried Rice with bacon & ham topped with fried onion & garlic
and..... ingredients for Steamboat

These are my favourite moon cakes...........

Before I pen off, let me take this golden opportunity to wish all Chinese throughout the whole world.........