01 01 2010

2009 has come and gone. Wonder if it is time to do the accounts? *ahem*...

Altogether, the 2000's was a pretty OK decade. I grew a lot in terms of career, friendships, spiritual and managed to be happy a long the way. There were some angry & sad moments but let's just focus on the positives...

So, should I look back on the past?

Nah... I'll just keep moving forward.

Rusty looking forward... to more treats & toys in 2010

May you continue to move forward in whatever you put your mind towards in this new year... decade...

So, my resolution this year will be somewhat vague but simple...

1. To Be Happier than Ever...
2. To Be Able to Rest More instead of Stress More when needed...
3. To Be More Positive
4. To Spread More Positive-ness (with the help of no.3)
5. To Be Healthier...

HAPPY NEW YEAR FOLKS!!!

Merry Blessed Christmas & Seasons Greetings

I'm taking a break from all the Sekinchan postings...

Anyway, it is that time of year again where hedonistic consumerism may consume us all, or the spirit of giving redeems us... Yes, it's Christmas.

I didn't have a lot of time to make my way around the malls to photograph all the merriment and decorations. So, I'll just post up what I have.

I finally did put up my Christmas tree. Although it isn't as big and as lovely decorated as this one, the tree gives a warm glow to everyone in the house.

Here's wishing everyone a Merry, Blessed & Joyful Christmas! May you enjoy the festivities & good cheer with your loved ones around you...

Happy Festival of Lights!!

Wishing everyone and their families a Happy Deepavali or Diwali!!!!!

Sorry-la... No photos this year as I didn't manage to go out to take photos of those beautiful kolums...

Glory Glory Man United!!

It was brilliant. Awesome. Magnificent.

Oh yeah, Manchester United was great too. LOL!!

Yes, I'm describing our Malaysia XI, who managed to score 2 goals against the BPL champs in last night's match.

I had missed the last time MU came down to Malaysia - that was during the time when Beckham was still wearing no.7 and the Gaffer hadn't thrown the hairdryer at him yet... Kekeke...

Back then, there weren't many football or MU fans whom I knew. It didn't help that I was the only gal who was football crazy too. :-(

Yes, I've always been known to be a bit on the "devilish" side..

This time round, we had a gang of friends who went for the match and some die-hards within the group who shouted, screamed and laughed at the antics throughout the match. It was great fun...

Majulah sukan untuk negara...

We had made guesses on who would score last night. Some had expected Berbatov to strut his stuff but he proved to look like he didn't have much momentum. Granted that he had been marked but he didn't quite shine.

The "Red Sea"...

The stadium was quite packed by the time we were there at around 3:30pm. We had taken a good seat near the railing. It was good but the most irritating part was the people who just stood to block our view. The police didn't do anything about managing the crowds near the entrance/exit. This is a hazard. In other countries, this would not have happened.

Lucky the uncles sitting next to me had the balls to fxxk the people who blocked our view. Some idiots would just stand there to look up to find a seat at 5:25pm!!! WTF!!! The match starts at 5:30pm SHARP. No Malaysian Rubber Time please!!!!

We tried not to have those unpleasant folks spoil our fun. I believed the tickets were oversold and the stadium was filled to beyond capacity last night.

Another gripe.. Idiots who wear other team's colours/jerseys to an MU match. Cari pasal?? (looking for trouble)

How did I find the team's performance?

Rooney was like himself always - working hard as usual. I expected Rooney to deliver and he did. The euphoria of the 1st goal of the match was magnificent! We were jumping up and down when he scored.

Next came Nani and he did his trademark back flip. I wonder if the Gaffer had a mini heart attack when Nani did that...

Of course, I was excited to see Michael Owen come on the pitch. He's a lot shorter than most of the players and I do hope that he will be able to contribute some goals in the coming season. Everyone was chanting his name to get him to come on during the 2nd half. My guess is that Michael Owen has come to MU to retire. I wonder how many years has he got left as a striker?

I was thrilled to see my favourite player come on the pitch during the last few minutes of the 2nd half. Ryan Giggs is brilliant on the pitch despite his age. An Old Guard from the legendary 11 who won the Treble back in '99...

At the end of the match, the players graciously lined up to shake hands. There was none of the "nonsense" of our Malaysian players running after the MU players to get their jersey. This time round, if they wished to exchange, it was graciously done so.

Outside the stadium, there was a carnival-like atmosphere where vendors of all kinds sold food, souvenirs and drinks. There were not enough adequate waste bins (as usual) and so, folks had no choice but to dump their stuff near lamp posts and what not.

Even the pedestrian bridge to the stadium was "premium" location for folks to ply their goods. This proved to be a clog point in the human traffic after the match when everyone was trying to get home. As usual, traffic police and/or stadium officials were lacking. *sigh*

I couldn't resist but to grab a few souvenirs for myself. I got the t-shirt and some key-chains to commemorate the night. I was hoping that I can get my MUFC flag and scarf but those were no where to be seen. Looks like I should have gotten it when I was in UK so many years back.

It was a great night for both MU and Malaysian soccer. Now, if only they can play that well against teams within our region so that we can qualify for the next World Cup? :-P

Glory Glory Man United!!!! The Reds keep marching on on on!!!

Mother's Day

Ahhh... Belated post about Mother's Day this year.

Have you noticed that some places have started to re-brand Mother's or Father's Day as Parents Day?

Now, my Mom gets a little iffy this time of year as she does not see the relevance of having just one special day for moms. Everyday should be a celebration of parents... I couldn't agree more. :P

My cousins Matthew, Marcus and Malcolm decided to surprise my Mom, who happens to be their Godmother this year with some gifts. Besides that, they also wanted to surprise the expectant-mom, my sis too.

The boys gave my Mom a pink rose. I can't remember who presented it but my Mom was so touched by it. When we give flowers to my Mom, she would always scold us saying, "Waste of money. What to do when the flower dries up?"

They also baked her a cake... Chocolate cake, which is my Mom's favourite.

Actually, my aunt called up to let me in on a secret that the boys wanted to celebrate the day with my Mom. I let out the hint that my Mom enjoys Chocolate cake a lot. (^.^)

Anyway, the cake was lovely. I believe that Marcus must have baked the cake as he has great interest to become a chef. This is good practice for him and he has improved tremendously ever since that "interesting" recipe of dessert/salad some years back. Kekeke...

Thanks Matthew, Marcus and Malcolm for dropping by the house and presenting those stuff to Mom. She loved the thought and was talking about it for some time.

1st Farewell - It Was A Secret

I'm supposed to be blogging about my brilliant first day but I don't think I'll do it as the experience for me was quite overwhelming.. mentally. Not that it was bad but just information overload. Kekeke... What to do, I'm back to working in a US-based company and as is the culture, they equip you with a lot of knowledge for you to do your job.

So, I was not surprised with all the policy and etc. which they "threw" at us. The info I absorbed today will take some time to digest and thank goodness, they have proper contacts so that we won't feel so lost. *phew*

Anyway, when I first tendered my resignation, my company had not decided to give me the last date yet (so typical of chinaman-run companies) but my colleagues decided to throw me a farewell first.

We had to arrange it on a Wednesday as it was the only day the entire team was in the office. This happened because we were already on that 3-day week rota thingy.. yes.. yes.. after we got that 40% paycut thingy.

Due to economic pressure, we went to Secret Recipe.. Hence, it was a Secret. HAHA!!

I don't have much photos of the food as it was not very good and we finished the cakes as soon as it arrived.

Thanks to the ECM APAC Team - Alvin, Ming Yaw, Huat Heng, Linda, Ai Wa, Boo, Kenneth and JY. JY, your photo is not in the montage 'coz you were busy photographing people. HAHA!

There were the few other people who joined, the Backoffice team - Janice, Sukh and Kelly who always got payroll and claims done on time; also helping to settle the SMART problems.. Thanks!

Patrick and Phoebe from the ABAP Team were also there - Thanks for your friendship and support.

Next up, another more elaborate farewell lunch...

International Pillow Fight Day 2009

My weekends are for family, relaxation and photography.

It was just my luck that my friend and I stumbled upon a flash mob at Cineleisure, Mutiara Damansara. I had been there for a lunch and movie session (I watched Know1ng), hanging out at the magazine shop; when my friend heard a commotion outside.

We had noticed an area at the basement of the mall had been cordoned off and there was an event to be held - International Pillow Fight Day, sponsored by Corntoz.

Me: See, lucky I brought my camera, right?
EV: Yala! Yala! Yala!! (Translated: Yes, you found a use for your camera)

The grand master officiating the fight - spelling out the rules.

I'm not particularly good at photographing events but decided to give it a try. With my teeny in-built flash, I proceeded to take a few interesting shots...

Group A... I presume

... vs Group B

FIIIIIIIGGGGGGHHHHHTTTTTT!!!

The "event" was participated by mainly students and curious on-lookers quickly took out their digital cameras, and mobile phones to capture the action.

Some folks actually brought their "bantal busuk" (old "security blanket" pillows) while others actually SPENT money buying a new pillow - apparently some bought from the nearby Living Cabin store. (@.@)

The carnage - in all wars, there will be destruction

All in good fun... It was a great way to de-stress. However, for me, de-stress means paintball. LOL!! Anyway, more pictures at my flickr.

Actually, the real purpose of spending the day at Cineleisure was also to have THIS.....

MUAHAHAAHAHAHAHHAHA!!!!

Yr of The Ox Celebrations - Part 3

Happy Valentine's Day everyone!

Valentine's Day is not just for lovers but all who love. Hope you have a great day with your loved ones.

My parents decided to host a dinner on the 6th day of CNY, i.e. pre-"Human B'day" (人天) celebration of sorts. The dinner was simple but my Mom spent much of the day cooking up a storm while I slaved away at the computer trying to complete the project. **grrrr**

My relatvies dropped by the house and since the family has grown quite large, we had to setup two large tables in our very small dining area. Aunty Mag is busy plating the vegetables while Aunty Julie watches on. I think she couldn't wait to attack the food liao.

The "foo chok" or beancurd skin had to be soaked first as this ingredient will be part of the vegetarian dish. Beancurd skin tastes yummy when it's deep fried too. ;-)

The preserved or "waxed" duck or 腊鸭 had to be "rejuvenated" by being cooked in boiling water. Besides softening the meat, the excess salt can be discarded in this manner. Once the meat is soft enough, the duck is steamed alongside fresh chicken and chinese sausages. Some chinese cooking wine is added to enhance the flavours too.

The result of the steamed chicken with 腊鸭 and chinese sausages. Quite tasty. No extra salt is required as the salt from the duck has flavoured the dish.

Fried roasted pork in dark soya sauce and onions. This is a sweet dish where sugar and onions are caramelized with roasted pork. Dark soya sauce adds a hint of saltiness and balance to the dish. A hit with the family. We had to fight for our share as this was a limited resource.

My mom's first (and hopefully not last) attempt at making salted egg yolk prawns. The prawns turned out to be too wet. Wonder if we should have put some flour to make the dish a bit more dry? This dish is quite popular at seafood restaurants like King Crab. My bro-in-law's favourite dish for the night.

A Malaysian feast is never quite complete without some curry. My mom hails from a proud Nyonya heritage and decided that we must have a curry dish. This is curry fish where we add brinjals (or aubergines depending on which part of the globe you're at) and lady's fingers (or okra...). My aunt cooked this dish and forgot to add salt! She has hypertension and can't take much salt. For me, I found it to be just right as I'm used to having reduced salt food.

Well, with all that meat, we must have some vegetables to balance the "accounts". LOL!! So, a simple dish of braised osyter mushrooms and "bak choy".

Snoopy the greedy dog trying to get some human food! Rusty was stuck in his cage!

We spent the rest of the evening just lazing around watching the TV. It happened to be the Australian Open time and my uncles were busy watching the semi-final match where Nadal played against Verdasco. Thank goodness they didn't want to karaoke this time!

My CNY wasn't as fantastic as this year's was as a few colleagues and I had to really slave over our work for our overseas client. Nevertheless, we made sure that we had spent some time with family and friends during the festive season. For some, this is the only time they would spend with their relatives as most folks move to KL to work.

So, that's it for CNY 2009! Hopefully, the year will start off well and end with a bang! :-)

Yr of The Ox Celebrations - Part 2

I managed to go 拜年 on the first day of Chinese New Year.

This time though, I didn't bring Snoopy or Rusty as both of them are quite a handful when we are out. So, both doggies had to stay home.

Since most of the Chinese shops were closed, we all had a good breakfast at the mamak - roti canai and fried chicken. My bro-in-law looks funny here as he's trying out the curry sauce. He doesn't take much spicy food and to see him reach for the dhal and curry is an achievement. ;-)

We arrived at our grand-uncle's place in Kepong and I had to document the first time my sis gave ang pows to my cousins. This year, they have to give double since it's their first time! (MUAHAAHAHA)

Although the lion is hung from the ceiling, I don't hear a lot of lion dances being performed around the neighbourhood. The sounds of firecrackers going off were nearly non-existent.

"Wong Choi" the dog looks so old. He's a bit older than Snoopy and is very friendly. Anyway, as the years go by, we all are aging.

In the afternoon, I went over to my friend's place for some lunch and our usual annual mahjong game. We don't play with $$$ which people say defeats the purpose of playing mahjong as we don't really like to gamble.

The shot was taken with my 50mm lens. I love the bokeh it gives. ;-)

At the end of the day, I went to Sunway Pyramid for dinner. The lights outside the place was really nice. Lots of people went out to take photos. EV persuaded me to go take the photos after we got out of the carpark. I'm glad that I did.

In my next post, there will be more food pics. ;-)

Yr of The Ox Celebrations - Part 1

I know I've not blogged in ages as I've been very busy with work in the last few weeks.

However, I managed to squeeze in some time to have some sense of Chinese New Year celebrations despite being so busy. (^.^)

This year, my youngest aunt decided to host the CNY Reunion dinner. She suggested that it should be pot-luck in nature, where everyone brings a little something. My mom cooked the steamed chicken and acar (pickled vegetables).

The spread this year was just fantastic!! There was so much food around the table that we couldn't finish it. Plenty of leftovers for tomorrow's brunch. Kekekeke...

One of my favourite dishes which I look forward to every year is the Sweet and Sour Pigs Trotters, i.e. 猪脚酸

My mom's steamed chicken was absolutely divine. The garlic soya sauce dip which accompanied the dish suited the soft, delicate meat... Yuummm...

Anyway, for dessert, one of my aunts brought Konyaku jelly, which had fruits as a filling.

After dinner, there was the usual Karaoke session which my relatives are so very fond of. I would have to say that my uncle has improved his technique, while my Dad really needs more practice. LOL!!

It was a great night of feasting and merry-making. Although I rushed home to continue my work (late into the night.. :-( ), spending time with relatives certainly lifted my spirits then.

This has to be a short post as my next post will be about the CNY day visit and fun I had with my friends.

It's already Chap Goh Mei... So, Happy Chap Goh Mei to all!!

Delicate Paper Cuttings @ MidValley Megamall

It's Friday!!! CNY is just 3 days away.

Although I'm currently rushing through a project, there's no denying the CNY spirit. Especially when you tune into MyFM and 988. Both channels are blasting CNY music with full gusto!

I managed to sneak a bit of time to get to MidValley last week to do some last minute CNY shopping. Of course, I can't leave my camera at home. LOL!

So, I took some pictures of the decoration around MidValley and Gardens. The decorations were quite elaborate at MidValley, where many lanterns as well as paper cuttings were hung from the ceiling. It really invoke a feeling of being in China.

Ain't it pretty? :-P

I really take my hats off to the folks who manage the decorations around the centre court. It must really take them some time to string up all those lanterns! Each lantern has a light and I believe it will look very beautiful at night.

Since MidValley was decked out in red, Gardens went for the softer pink colour. Cherry blossoms and longish lanterns were hung around the mall. It was simple and tasteful.

Both MidValley and Gardens had loads of events at different times of day. These include the usual lion dances, and fashion shows. They also invited an acrobatic troop from China to perform as well.

If you have time during the CNY holidays, do check these places out! Hopefully, the crowds would not be too large as most people would still be back in their home towns.

So, before I forget again... I wish you all...

恭喜发财!!!

身体安康!!!

龙马精神!!!

Happy Year of The Ox!

Year of The Ox @ 1Utama Shopping Centre

I can't believe it! Chinese New Year (CNY) is literally at our doorsteps!

Another round of holidays, binge eating and drinking with friends, colleagues and loved ones. The festive spirit is catching up to me although my team is in the midst of rushing the completion of a project. It is hard to ignore the festive mood as the shopping malls are "dressing up" for it.

At 1 Utama, the new wing's Oval was decorated with an elaborate stage, where the main prop was at least 3 stories high? The stage resembled a giant doorway which serves as an entrance to large Chinese buildings. The roof was decorated to look like the horns of the Ox, which is the zodiac animal for 2009.

Small stalls were set up around the stage. The crowd was not as large as I expected but probably because everyone flocked to the mall's shops to do their shopping!!

Lanterns were hung above all around the oval and it added a nice touch to the decorations. If the lights were dimmed, the atmosphere around the oval would be just magical, transporting us back to China...

There were also urns of "fire" placed around the stage and scattered across the mall. It's quite nice but I'm not sure what it means.. Anyway, I'd guess the fire is supposed to warm us up as spring time in China is still quite cold as the season changed from winter to spring.

Flowers and lime trees were also placed around the mall. I have pics of those but I screwed up the white balance and so, will need A LOT of time to fix the colours. However, I doubt that those photos should see the light of day.... *sigh*