tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-85275823508843041602024-02-21T14:14:30.902+08:00Rachel's MemoriesRachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17409056789951328116noreply@blogger.comBlogger294125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8527582350884304160.post-48814249639321094272010-10-16T17:28:00.005+08:002011-04-08T18:14:36.557+08:00Hawaii - Polynesian Cultural Center<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggcMTUf9EJEMX88jL3HHUBJicCtNHUnjdO27W7uvW8QFqGK5427xQghsZw8C4l-ACRCN97w6MuVit6Ud7Ouyvv8dLYmM94IhssmmzJD67J-Yj5RcpnZnzgXkDdpijcX5M5bo3xS-AUj_Y/s1600/Polynesian+Cultural+Centre-p001.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 309px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggcMTUf9EJEMX88jL3HHUBJicCtNHUnjdO27W7uvW8QFqGK5427xQghsZw8C4l-ACRCN97w6MuVit6Ud7Ouyvv8dLYmM94IhssmmzJD67J-Yj5RcpnZnzgXkDdpijcX5M5bo3xS-AUj_Y/s400/Polynesian+Cultural+Centre-p001.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5593143450694809682" /></a><br /><br />The Polynesian Cultural Center is like a mixed-cultural theme park consists of 6 different natives of Hawaii, hailing from the islands of Samoa, Aotearoa, Fiji, Hawaii, Tahiti and Tonga. Daily scheduled activities and island presentations kept us busy throughout the day. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgduCRHJjz02izxdahM3ZUGmi3RKCzSq9cgOVOFA7mVHIds8TuhsNg1FL9r6qUObKMK9AlspaM-gTJfl9EfvdFts9gKtvIyEw8gVA3qADHBoqBnaNOCaSoGYRSCHBx0EsUK_l8A1q2DrU8/s1600/Polynesian+2-p001.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 309px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgduCRHJjz02izxdahM3ZUGmi3RKCzSq9cgOVOFA7mVHIds8TuhsNg1FL9r6qUObKMK9AlspaM-gTJfl9EfvdFts9gKtvIyEw8gVA3qADHBoqBnaNOCaSoGYRSCHBx0EsUK_l8A1q2DrU8/s400/Polynesian+2-p001.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5593143177606095634" /></a><br /><br /><br />We got there at 3pm and only managed to see 3 of them : <br /><br />1 - Samoa. Here, a tanned man, rippling with muscles was the main person who joked most of the time. We saw how fire was made and put out, how they are able to climb a coconut tree with agility ....and many others. Mostly, we were told of the simplicity of their daily lifestyle.<br /><br />2 - Aotearoa - They danced for us. Their music was simple and calming. To my surprise, I heard one very familiar tune and the lyrics, although it's the same as what I know, was sung with their heavy accent. Nevertheless, this song reminded me of my childhood days where we would use two bamboos and danced over it.<br /><br />3 - Tonga - I guess you could say they specialise in drums (I really don't know the specific name for those big drums, looked more like a giant bongo. Three men from different countries in the audience were picked and they were to imitate the presenter. <br /><br />We managed to squeeze in some time for a short movie on how the Polynesians came to Hawaii. This was shown in an Imax theatre.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5T6D2oIoi59k5cl08ye0SIbhPquwSzSg5zq516brF-UDwD0ICc3t7jvNdbSKrQrUiLq2aW0SmA4Zr5l1OmD06SDJbbLHLk8SKfRYLxP8zQVz4Ru_FslAP38KYdAU1AXs0yb_O5J5xQtg/s1600/Polynesian+3-p001.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 309px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5T6D2oIoi59k5cl08ye0SIbhPquwSzSg5zq516brF-UDwD0ICc3t7jvNdbSKrQrUiLq2aW0SmA4Zr5l1OmD06SDJbbLHLk8SKfRYLxP8zQVz4Ru_FslAP38KYdAU1AXs0yb_O5J5xQtg/s400/Polynesian+3-p001.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5593142959114901666" /></a><br /><br />After a buffet style dinner, we settled ourselves down to watch their performances, where each tribe would showcase their different culture. The entire performance was about 2.5 - 3 hours long with a 20 minute intermission break. Out seats were assigned to us according to our ticket number and we were quite far up from the stage. <br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMQtGMKH1m1VfFQx47LyfnjKZgPIm6OGU4971RMhma6h7C4o0jxTMYeuz6oIU82cHqFMXOLxmjWk9Y98kwcARFLGR3kmYu0NprHAnbpGBzplPrORzuUTXRwrtM7JYB1bhfRI9nk6zzLQg/s1600/Polynesian4-p001.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 154px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMQtGMKH1m1VfFQx47LyfnjKZgPIm6OGU4971RMhma6h7C4o0jxTMYeuz6oIU82cHqFMXOLxmjWk9Y98kwcARFLGR3kmYu0NprHAnbpGBzplPrORzuUTXRwrtM7JYB1bhfRI9nk6zzLQg/s200/Polynesian4-p001.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5593142604384058802" /></a><br /><br />By the time the show ended, I was half asleep (mainly due to jet lag), even though it was only about 10pm. The 45-minute ride back to the hotel gave us all a chance to snooze to our heart's content.<br /><br /><br />It was an exhausting but worth-while day for us. The Polynesian Cultural Center is really a must for those visiting Hawaii and wanting to know more about it's origins and culture.Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17409056789951328116noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8527582350884304160.post-54599840524619733652010-10-15T17:01:00.000+08:002011-04-08T17:26:44.882+08:00Hawaii - Dole Plantation<blockquote><blockquote></blockquote></blockquote><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu_RJZwq92dJYdKC2moKCG2wMjqmOnhJ1hH7bReer28U89xoJAangnMmwiL9FbbFH4tyhsFmOMKphOPvvKzMrKpcrG9UWuYILsQp4NLdlql3jfP6pZZMv9g7GHSdm6SGcoOkNQDCN7q6Y/s1600/dole-maze.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 133px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu_RJZwq92dJYdKC2moKCG2wMjqmOnhJ1hH7bReer28U89xoJAangnMmwiL9FbbFH4tyhsFmOMKphOPvvKzMrKpcrG9UWuYILsQp4NLdlql3jfP6pZZMv9g7GHSdm6SGcoOkNQDCN7q6Y/s200/dole-maze.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5579408936733932418" /></a><br /><br />Before we went to Hawaii, I checked the itinerary. Dole Plantation was one of the highlights. I googled this place wanting to know what was so special about it. I found this unique maze which I really looked forward to going to. I even printed it out so that when I get "lost" in the maze, I would be able to find my way out.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP5ZRGkYvYWobDKYMVmbI5IVQa4iclZWqUvLQgV3eBtWCKKIKaUQsR8ViAS1duJtPM-AM_Nsvp7SJ-gI1eUP-MYOu1DvigUCs4FowUliWc9UBebxYVG5vUG3J8wchCieIqenlFNUUnEJQ/s1600/Dole+Plantation1-p001.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 309px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP5ZRGkYvYWobDKYMVmbI5IVQa4iclZWqUvLQgV3eBtWCKKIKaUQsR8ViAS1duJtPM-AM_Nsvp7SJ-gI1eUP-MYOu1DvigUCs4FowUliWc9UBebxYVG5vUG3J8wchCieIqenlFNUUnEJQ/s400/Dole+Plantation1-p001.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5579408499757419426" /></a><br /><br />The first thing we did was to buy their famous pineapple ice-cream. I saw most of the adults queueing for it. I haven't tasted this flavour before and was curious. It was really creamy and refreshing, but it melted very quickly in the hot sun<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnLKh21UuGdF5nvzCJmWqXNzlJ1zYL0TQCy2szfOldEeJePawwwBjOO4LycSqb6kSuabKhr8cpMRngxrnpW069MURT2Pk0Bh6Z2dBVeZmGcBOcP3ij9fcmKvItqz_B2uQLqSmTTYveR_o/s1600/Dole+Plantation2-p001.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 309px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnLKh21UuGdF5nvzCJmWqXNzlJ1zYL0TQCy2szfOldEeJePawwwBjOO4LycSqb6kSuabKhr8cpMRngxrnpW069MURT2Pk0Bh6Z2dBVeZmGcBOcP3ij9fcmKvItqz_B2uQLqSmTTYveR_o/s400/Dole+Plantation2-p001.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5579408408693853794" /></a><br /><br />We decided to go for the shorter train ride around the plantation. We were a little disappointed with it because all we saw was a huge field with lots of huge machineries and few types of trees. I have to admit, we did see a few rows of pineapple plants but that was about all. The place looked a little deserted. My suspicion was that we took the shorter ride (due to time constraint) that didn't get to go to the actual plantation site. The earth was reddish and it reminded me of my visit to Kunming, China. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCPdln-GLC7SOvkgh-tPc7snW6lWIgZYKrY7mEtBqgWDDlYd7J1cr1APtpxXUPdwJtn3Kh1QgwXCSj9nX4xJImZvML7R2AggEz0T4NutLYtfjzmstcV3BCapI9RU-Dsh826Rg56AIr0G4/s1600/Dole+Plantation3-p001.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 309px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCPdln-GLC7SOvkgh-tPc7snW6lWIgZYKrY7mEtBqgWDDlYd7J1cr1APtpxXUPdwJtn3Kh1QgwXCSj9nX4xJImZvML7R2AggEz0T4NutLYtfjzmstcV3BCapI9RU-Dsh826Rg56AIr0G4/s400/Dole+Plantation3-p001.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5579408316296131890" /></a><br /><br />The rambutan tree looked scrawny compared to the ones that we have here in Malaysia. The joyride took about 15-20 minutes. We didn't even get to see the famous pineapple maze. :(<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRXTY0jSEE4ohexkd-ApmnaMqOSPHcpp6fvwzkzyCAezuQe_eC6rNOf2sGS6VkOtBDYrDPG6yKoW18555-k3w05t7Bms6zZ6OoQ6y-8aOMQ9axSXmHAzSYhEG15FlfK7uhYNXNyNECDzQ/s1600/Shrimp-p001.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 309px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRXTY0jSEE4ohexkd-ApmnaMqOSPHcpp6fvwzkzyCAezuQe_eC6rNOf2sGS6VkOtBDYrDPG6yKoW18555-k3w05t7Bms6zZ6OoQ6y-8aOMQ9axSXmHAzSYhEG15FlfK7uhYNXNyNECDzQ/s400/Shrimp-p001.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5579407642260114674" /></a><br /><br />Lunch was at a place called Fumi's Shrimp Farm. Simple environment. The food tasted great, though. Very fresh. There were 10 shrimps in each set and I couldn't finish mine!! Yummy, but I didn't want my cholesterol level to shoot up.Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17409056789951328116noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8527582350884304160.post-30461909982748456582010-10-14T23:18:00.009+08:002011-02-23T01:41:25.724+08:00Hawaii - Pearl Harbor<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span">I was pretty excited when dear hubby said that we were </span><span class="Apple-style-span">going to Hawaii. To me, I've always had this picture of Hawaii in mind : An exotic place where the sea has different shades of blue, coconut trees swaying lazily in the sun and people lounging about in the heat without a care in the world.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span">We went together with a group of 33 people. Transited at Incheon, Seoul, Korea, for 3 hours. Our very first impression of Korea was that things were pretty expensive. Hubby bought shaving blades, a bottle of water and lip balm costing RM62.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span">It was a total 18 hours traveling time inclusive of transit. By the time we arrived in Honolulu, Hawaii, we were feeling a little restless and tired. To add to our ex</span><span class="Apple-style-span">haustion, we arrived at the airport at 1am. The immigra</span><span class="Apple-style-span">tion officers were surprisingly pleasant and friendly. One of the them commented that it was "humi</span><span class="Apple-style-span">d" out there. We, as Malaysian, do k</span><span class="Apple-style-span">now what humidity is all about. We were welcomed with a lei each by our Hawaiian tour guide, Henry.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib2WwRvuqA_GAip2cjrAmgSJRmLU0ZZHF2h3eOvmABzeb2z9Gw5noz4svZQeaewgUwBCz95x2LgmgmNlllDAvKP1Ycmx7w8onaBIq-dEpLlL4wOmz1P8PJ3BfcSwZajWdy2VmKbZLpkT8/s400/Hawaii+Royal+Hawaiian_2_2-p001.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 309px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5576565571867946610" /></div></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span">Earlier when we were in Incheon Airport, we were told by our tour leader that we were upgraded to stay at The Royal Hawaiian (we were supposed to stay at The Sheraton), which is a luxury hotel.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span">We checked in at 2.30am. We didn't feel sleepy at all because Hawaii is 18 hours behind us. Nevertheless, we forced ourselves to sleep (it was about 3.30am by the time we unpacked) in the cool comfort of the king sized bed.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU8_iaZbzFSNJo5QwtS6Sh5Njrtr0ymuZDIqGNaSZhgsQokicse8suNaPfFA0n2zGSk2dJC1Hz2TQPw9IaDTPKdRvgsa-XZkUKc1RaYl1FeY87mZx2VZaxhfOvr43lEItjIpC-3BJ_UBo/s400/Pearl+Harbour-p001.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 309px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5576564755149699970" /><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span">First day was quite relaxed. We went to Pearl Harbour, waited for about 1.5 hours before we got onto a ferry to take us across to the site where a shrine was built in honour of those who died during the bombing.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span">As we gazed out in the waters, there were still signs of oil from the remains of the ship. According to our tour guide, Henry, to this day, the oil neve</span><span class="Apple-style-span">r stopped leaking into the water from the day Pearl Harbour was bombed.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span">After Pearl Harbour, we did a little shopping near the hotel. There was an Apple Store nearby and almost everyone went into the place specifically to get an iPad, which at that time, wasn't sold in Malaysia. I was seriously contemplating on getting one myself but somehow the features didn't meet my expectations.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNRbRxi07jMgN6F4HX1bHnk8VfatyjCZPfGkwbq3COQdLUuBtiIj3fqsdIAmss2qLvVIPWNUoiJW3mXM25ntJ9aemfGvRLRvzaofOafgJkQqRAWHnpflykDwcAAxRcKrAu14Gq_6EFX6k/s400/Hard+Rock+Cafe-p001.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 309px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5576564632660345234" /><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span">We rested for a short while before heading to Hard Rock Cafe for dinner.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div><br /></div></div>Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17409056789951328116noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8527582350884304160.post-54215956575897130002009-09-22T12:50:00.006+08:002009-09-22T14:05:08.367+08:00Merdeka Climb - Gunung Angsi via Bukit Putus<div><span style="color:#c0c0c0;">Every now and then, the siren calls and the next thing I know, I've agreed to go for a climb. </span></div><div align="justify"><br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5384165829918707634" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik6DXoHOTEs0RrSohRqhauiBzF0czzFsN7BVu6vhbvtA18sH09FAxiCb4Vy4PuJd2UjiZj8EIYf0R32vrzxMP4vDDRNlVfT0VyrGpD9qN1Yx1qmeplKFg73gd05jlpgF2Fq9kpnhVJppo/s400/Angsi+1.jpg" border="0" /><span style="color:#c0c0c0;">I have climbed Gunung Angsi once in 2007. It was my very first climb and I remembered suffering a lot. We went via the Ulu Bendol way and the rain lengthened our entire climb.</span> <div align="justify"><span style="color:#c0c0c0;"></span></div><div><br /></div><div align="justify"><span style="color:#c0c0c0;">This time, 16 of us went via Bukit Putus. </span></div><div><br /><br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5384165424548641282" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB0buHiA-s-WJW8-HncfWBCN_NP50gHnfIfEGVOCg0osmwdopSzKuZWKS5U_kF6-ONCgV06VLeQnM2YSJ3zfaAMeFRepbbbWoN3hqejGWMBeLWsnMorjmfrfrnkkHSxou75iYTbe_7GT0/s400/angsi1.jpg" border="0" /> <div align="justify"><span style="color:#c0c0c0;">We started our climb at 8.27am. It was steep for the first 20 minutes and I was out of breath within the first 10. Golly, I was thinking to myself that if this continues, I would not have enough strength by the end of the climb. It reminded me a little of the KFC in Gunung Ledang (although KFC felt like it was never ending)</span></div><div align="justify"><span style="color:#c0c0c0;"></span> </div><div align="justify"><span style="color:#c0c0c0;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5384165435299027410" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ1hEeg698ekSgsQa_EHBzGLIO2Ieh8OWoyqZsGp8xS1dksyuQN_olOJkcGy5ouqLUIk_6fzRJG376znXdx5T6hyphenhyphen2mqhuSQPFFh2POdtIUEG-VzHEewKBSlyUrKYbE55xYo1GBhnGqdLI/s400/angsi2.jpg" border="0" /></span></div><div align="justify"><span style="color:#c0c0c0;">We rested for a little while here. </span></div><div> </div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5384165441301190194" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5N4n_zZ-WFlfFiakWpVsrAVTB4cFdTBwJjCaAxOzylDWDmAgeLo3z5b3zuW894fPlOg-zbvoP6qkyFtYVBs3vs1k29sA1EdQQKJyCSnjBR_3YIY3uHi0H4ha2m3_i-zqMEML16iiMKNU/s400/angsi3.jpg" border="0" /> <div align="justify"><span style="color:#c0c0c0;">The trail got easier after that. </span></div><br /><div align="justify"><span style="color:#c0c0c0;"></span></div><div align="justify"><span style="color:#c0c0c0;">Then it was uphill again, though not as steep as before.</span></div><br /><div align="justify"><span style="color:#c0c0c0;"></span></div><div align="justify"><span style="color:#c0c0c0;">Because I haven't been on this particular trail before, I wasn't sure where I was or how far before we reach peak. Aunty Chris said, "Don't worry. When we see KG coming down, you'd know that the peak isn't far away".</span></div><br /><div align="justify"><span style="color:#c0c0c0;"></span></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5384165448993761906" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDSk4rkVta2-beBta44kRXtlAKXUM2Tiq6fOQ0bs8_Nba2VV0CmWFnAAC_valObudO3e_5d3UdxupLPc5GMl4Xk_J8RkebvXVoJkcMQOqQWsYgW4CSUi_OPr_KENsUpQrpH_k81n_qsn4/s400/angsi4.jpg" border="0" /><br /><div align="justify"><span style="color:#c0c0c0;">We continued climbing up and suddenly, we saw KG and a few others ahead. Hurrah! We have reached the summit in about 2 hours. Aunty Chris was pretty surprised because she expected to be climbing for at least another 1/2 hour or so. </span></div><br /><div align="justify"><span style="color:#c0c0c0;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5384165458154545346" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8bSlIHLk5YNw8bEkMUa4nBW6depCRn5POA7nWplg9C9Hw5qOSzecncfW7alsbpH6nTdVCX0nB0CyBAkybBkSzfhlUk73RWC4rbzCRiIKTsx9iom_mSlvxUI1jelwD01B14Km8NfGrFXA/s400/angsi5.jpg" border="0" /></span></div></div><div><br /><div align="justify"><span style="color:#c0c0c0;">Within another 10-15 minutes, the rest of the group appeared. We rested for a while, makan and minum, caught our breath before being called to sing the national anthem, "Negaraku" as it was Merdeka day for us. Someone so rajin, brought the Malaysian flag.</span></div><div align="justify"><span style="color:#c0c0c0;"></span></div><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5384165804449285378" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuznEp7mB97JXBekY8Biq7cTO81YoNxNLVLXVbQfou9QFQ19Yb5HKw4AJFXXkFpmD6Ql4AoNfTYLzTbS6TMp2iJq0MnyCjZcRbeCLuL78_s7UCnaz_UIn48OtVcQJe63EG_1tQYM8bLjs/s400/angsi7.jpg" border="0" /><br /><div align="justify"><span style="color:#c0c0c0;">We even had a Merdeka cake, made by Aunty Chris (but I can't remember who susah-susah carried it up) specially for this climb. The words "Happy Merdeka" was suposed to be on it but we didn't think the icing could withstand the heat. </span></div><br /><div align="justify"><span style="color:#c0c0c0;"></span></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5384165796127608898" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL-evO2fGJMVL5g0KqhLht6G_TdoEe7ne9pZbm0WXttcfWJQM97QXgh5b1oetyMXW1xFEtj1jQDFiQp0N4oVO-YYseaXD-YiXdgtSYnsZmRiqdyGnkvSS2Hld-URGdQNTVaFh6JRwQyp4/s400/angsi6.jpg" border="0" /><br /><div align="justify"><span style="color:#c0c0c0;">After filling our stomachs, we had a little song session led by Joo Tatt. There were 8 songs there but we only sang 7. Most of them were lively malay songs which required dancing and action. :-)</span></div><br /><div align="justify"><span style="color:#c0c0c0;"></span></div><div align="justify"><span style="color:#c0c0c0;">We spent about an hour on the summit and descended at 11.33am. </span></div><div align="justify"><span style="color:#c0c0c0;"></span></div><br /><div align="justify"><span style="color:#c0c0c0;">For me, going down was not much of a problem. My shoes are good, but Aunty Chris kept saying that it's slippery. Perhaps I should introduce her the Columbia shoes I wore.</span></div><br /><div align="justify"><span style="color:#c0c0c0;"></span></div><div align="justify"><span style="color:#c0c0c0;">During the descent, some were in front of us and some were at the back. KG, Aunty Chris, Pat Gan and I were together when KG wanted to take a different route. Because the entire climb was short, we decided that it was no harm trying another route back, thinking that it would not make much of a difference where time is concerned. </span></div><div align="justify"><span style="color:#c0c0c0;"></span></div><br /><div align="justify"><span style="color:#c0c0c0;">We were wrong. We had do a lot of climbing and at one point, we though we have strayed from the main mountain and moved on to another. We thought of turning back but decided that we still had time.</span></div><br /><div align="justify"><span style="color:#c0c0c0;"></span></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5384165813509289042" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikvMkhCVRjBBD2_bNyQR-pRgcCYSEFQwfIcMYhwvkI0_zg4UqAy2mYamvTtoQRIJ3QmJ1-7r_Ei7tdgsBcddKdM_3zR-Fk3Ls5MCRVrURWtO9Hwso9b8cec0DsA0xgkvjKGLox-KBYXUg/s400/angsi8.jpg" border="0" /><br /><div align="justify"><span style="color:#c0c0c0;">Suddenly, the trail was super steep .... and we were back onto the main trail. We cursed KG after that!! LOL</span></div><br /><div align="justify"><span style="color:#c0c0c0;">When we got back to the base, everyone was waiting for us. I think they were there for about 15-20 minutes and were wondering if we got lost.</span></div><div align="justify"><span style="color:#c0c0c0;"></span></div><br /><div align="justify"><span style="color:#c0c0c0;">There was only one small make-shift bathroom and we showered as quickly as possible. The guys didn't really shower.</span></div><div align="justify"></div><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5384165818718948578" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO6beCcWYoHQ2YnL3O_WAUU4PfwNKicvqk3Ko_fk5eM-un6w4mVf0-pJzZuYkK8ZKu5knb4Ba1uN4E2vzGRA0B5nJsDbGby-SdY55A9A00mSJfA8hYwmImWI3L2IAGprpE1Xs4tbYKac4/s400/angsi9.jpg" border="0" /><br /><div align="justify"><span style="color:#cccccc;">We went to Ah Seng's coffeeshop for lunch before going back home.</span></div><br /><br /><div align="justify"><span style="color:#cccccc;"><em>Statistics:-</em></span></div><br /><div align="justify"><span style="color:#cccccc;"><em>No of climbers : 16</em></span></div><div align="justify"><span style="color:#cccccc;"><em>Started climbing : 8.27am</em></span></div><div align="justify"><span style="color:#cccccc;"><em>Summited : 10.29am</em></span></div><div align="justify"><span style="color:#cccccc;"><em>Started descending : 11.33am</em></span></div><div align="justify"><span style="color:#cccccc;"><em>Arrival at the base : 1.22pm</em></span></div><div align="justify"><span style="color:#cccccc;"><em>Water intake : 1.5 liters</em></span></div><div align="justify"><span style="color:#cccccc;"><em>Food : one piece of cake</em></span></div><div align="justify"></div><div> </div></div>Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17409056789951328116noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8527582350884304160.post-52118508319668898872009-09-19T16:49:00.003+08:002009-09-19T17:03:24.608+08:00Floria 09<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5383101148832184770" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO_1CC5zyeyPsV1sST8qlY05DcC39AvfjXEJ388VambWWsPYBBtp9Dnhp1Hpe2AjlcbmIa3WGYR75QDV6vIVeIWitGdUhr9KYlRmrcOWqkgto4h_Xb-heQkrXJLHljDZRKu72SObLoR28/s400/flora+2009.jpg" border="0" /> <div><div><div align="justify"><span style="color:#c0c0c0;">Never in my wildest imagination would I thought I would see beautifully decorated flowers in Malaysia such as these. But the impossible happened. </span></div><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5383101140476022642" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_E82yL6Fkuv3RTDh7Lder49ADsvUQ-pJZ-nsaZ4KfFu4yl_brUdWcyn5r5XWMpM2WDouwQLtK0WTTLv6_6ABbxLQbQEp7Yh7zVdfdvkSreu8NGF-8pKXWOBvEITRbI_DxKYniuMoqJis/s400/flora+09.jpg" border="0" /> <div align="justify"><span style="color:#c0c0c0;"></span></div><div align="justify"><span style="color:#c0c0c0;">I was in Putrajaya early August going to Bahagian Pinjaman Perumahan for work stuff and caught sight of these colourful flowers at the open space car park.</span></div><div align="justify"><span style="color:#c0c0c0;"></span></div><br /><div align="justify"><span style="color:#c0c0c0;">Well, nice as it is, these were carefully placed in bags of soil for the Floria '09 fest and was said to only last a week. We were there on the second day and the flowers looked fresh despite the blazing sun. </span></div><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5383101153916406514" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5Q8ZOkF4gTfrnwxZfMFa9tMPtedNIat-dJaCUGMbM_UUZV9DFK6rlwN0VaqLTQVNBP9jj1DSCqL3ERvUQNPDiDLg7GK05pYzspgdQk9CI-Zo5xRqkJusS003VWOPyd-b69BWpyn4lkh4/s400/indoor.jpg" border="0" /> <div align="justify"><span style="color:#c0c0c0;"></span></div><div align="justify"><span style="color:#c0c0c0;">In an indoor, fully air-conditioned huge make-shift tent, flowers were decorated in different shapes and sizes.</span> </div><br /><div></div><div></div></div></div>Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17409056789951328116noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8527582350884304160.post-42997652799342892392009-08-14T07:11:00.000+08:002009-08-14T07:11:00.825+08:00Rocky Road<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfr_2sVzr_L71PzmbI6ZsEGbY_k9pQGeXwhyTUY_2Jgs89avwIGXmebm7Dt5LI0RCIoeilGgEQXfa2ldqHudSVB6aQs0HY5xaBrE79Evx3H8ztftTaIv0lMm3XQTzlM-AiI8SUuPVeYB0/s1600-h/chocolate.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5369482803795533522" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfr_2sVzr_L71PzmbI6ZsEGbY_k9pQGeXwhyTUY_2Jgs89avwIGXmebm7Dt5LI0RCIoeilGgEQXfa2ldqHudSVB6aQs0HY5xaBrE79Evx3H8ztftTaIv0lMm3XQTzlM-AiI8SUuPVeYB0/s400/chocolate.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div align="justify"><span style="color:#c0c0c0;">I guess Cadbury has to come up with new flavours with fancy names ... and thus, Rocky Road doesn't refer to a certain type of road but a new flavour of Cadbury's.</span></div><br /><div align="justify"><span style="color:#c0c0c0;"></span></div><div align="justify"><span style="color:#c0c0c0;">This is not out in Malaysia yet, though ... so for chocolate lovers, go to Australia to get a taste of this new flavour. Come see me if you don't want to travel so far - while stocks last, of course.</span></div>Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17409056789951328116noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8527582350884304160.post-27785533613711731502009-07-29T07:04:00.000+08:002009-07-29T07:04:00.352+08:00KL Bird Park<div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPgJ5safjHl6lr8PyoDnfcQuqTYTc40j5dv7YBy_ZkwcrjHl0xnPFt8J4TCAQXyLDHVHG_zr5cicnNbvu-9A0wXPPrSnmgPFNcjhVWBBIPl7TOZWKwFtXeatW2pfYAPZt5nzPc8e_4uSQ/s1600-h/017.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5363190814409786850" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPgJ5safjHl6lr8PyoDnfcQuqTYTc40j5dv7YBy_ZkwcrjHl0xnPFt8J4TCAQXyLDHVHG_zr5cicnNbvu-9A0wXPPrSnmgPFNcjhVWBBIPl7TOZWKwFtXeatW2pfYAPZt5nzPc8e_4uSQ/s400/017.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div align="justify"><span style="color:#c0c0c0;">Getting everyone to agree on going to the Bird Park was not a problem. Getting everyone's schedule to match was tough. </span></div><div align="justify"><span style="color:#c0c0c0;"></span></div><br /><div align="justify"><span style="color:#c0c0c0;">We planned this outing from May and told En in advance that she can't spoil our plans just because school had something on or that she suddenly developed fever or flu.</span><br /><span style="color:#000000;">.</span></div><div align="justify"><span style="color:#c0c0c0;">Getting Brian to avail himself that day was not a problem at all. He would happily skip tuition for it... plus, he doesn't get sick too often.</span></div><br /><div align="justify"><span style="color:#c0c0c0;"></span></div><p align="justify"><span style="color:#c0c0c0;">Wayne, being 2+ years old, didn't have much of a schedule except for the fact that he sleeps in the afternoon.</span></p><div align="justify"><span style="color:#c0c0c0;">Om was supposed to come but was stuck in Butterworth, visiting relatives.</span><br /><span style="color:#000000;">.</span></div><div align="justify"><span style="color:#c0c0c0;">So, on Monday (July 20th), Matthew, MinChee, Eunice, Tusi, Brian, En, Wayne and I went to the KL Bird Park in 2 cars. We weren't sure where the place was and overshot along Jalan Parlimen going into Jalan Cenderawasih and ended up at Jalan Tunku Abdul Rahman. We made a u-turn there and went all the way back to Jalan Parlimen and into Jln Cenderawasih. </span></div><br /><div align="justify"><span style="color:#c0c0c0;">The Bird Park is near Bukit Aman. </span></div><br /><div align="justify"><span style="color:#c0c0c0;">We arrived at about 10.30am and easily found many parking spots available.</span></div><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5363188170722792642" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB9FE5NTsmj_z0UHOhthq65mlT0ErfWefhAzwj0-Gb8he9oTeObOvZPOGBX-rrsLIp2p2VW1_UUrE7YBz6pUkMaM2Wn4uYlVo2M0B4T9pjwv6dSBpepHW53upAjEgKetEmnWeJ1p1zsAg/s400/003.jpg" border="0" /><br /><div align="justify"><span style="color:#c0c0c0;">The ticket booth was at the entrance of the park. For foreigners, it's RM42 perperson. For Malaysians (we must produce our Mykad to get this discount), we pay RM15 perperson. A further discount of RM5 would be given if we had produced either an MJ or Jusco card but I didn't know that - even though it was stated on a piece of laminated paper right in front of me. I didn't know it was a FURTHER discount. Children below 12 is RM6 perperson. Tusi managed to qualify under the RM15 level, having explained that she is the maid. Actually, we wanted her to have a good time, to enjoy a little and be a tourist.</span></div></div><div> </div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5363188151070474802" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnMmaAmRRLVuHVdEV1cZyXa2Vhfx-LDOJupLhN8LRfdlv7PQf7nUrsWI_LGHGKsf7o4lB2ehWpZN0Uf0GDR_82HnxpfdbI07rcYRa023PMM447WjNioZPCWHbLU1gps76RkfOhY-yUW3Q/s400/birds+-+blog.jpg" border="0" /></div><div><br /><div align="justify"><span style="color:#c0c0c0;">This bird park is the biggest free- flight walk-in aviary in the world... and I didn't know that it existed until a couple of months ago.</span></div><div align="justify"><span style="color:#c0c0c0;"></span> </div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5363190346344809826" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmOuOyB8XcOshsWK_QY4D3PcPBOcg4-_sLAkYTk-CKMRs7KY7GyRf3JLgW7hVVqRslrqaoJZTzVu8hRPISxotatv-A3MxRBH2gw42GigF59husr9-VKb9HBUNlNIUMKMMP8rrwIuPJAoI/s400/036.jpg" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5363190819299838594" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhtWuP2QzE9uXN0bTI81NzbsUNa74LjEU5xEcgCQRFYRQ6fGh-_gRg6OMKlekyeCXgI1fMODH7DwbAjALbF7WygrJ51CuPjHF7Xi8JLmCFQhvYURlBmshmLRZDNpkyq-1ovV7gzrI8mNI/s400/029.jpg" border="0" /><br /><div align="justify"><span style="color:#c0c0c0;">The children were all excited, seeing huge birds walking along the path .. or perching on a branch above them. They kept exclaiming, "Look! There's a bird there" and pointing everywhere. Wayne was happily immitating En & Brian, saying, "Look, Bird".</span></div><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5363188166524234162" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnBtv2DdPGDlVTmpEEiJO8PU89MiDJ1DdGasoAsGglDeDXpBDDrfHUXEv2e0dXLqwjP5fShXW5qokSNkamcohHn3QDi1gc9Dx0-MZTw11QHFBatVc2f4Hxewnt0Yb-nZNbbiV_XjVYAVU/s400/pond.jpg" border="0" /><br /><div align="justify"><span style="color:#c0c0c0;">The koi pond was a hit with the children. Earlier, at the ticket booth, I bought 3 packets of fish food. I passed two packets to them and those fat fish got fatter that day. Wayne really loved the fish. They were all playing with the water too.</span></div><div align="justify"><span style="color:#c0c0c0;"></span> </div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5363188172346620258" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFRcMCyGJf-KsM9c1kwdBTJOut-bjvh0cAUDlI86YsIWOsNLF0g-iIkjlriPdTUB2IJYSQeq6dhr_4MF37jvLWvHdRkb2qqvw9Tn1IKi8xaxcon6ezWDYyMcA1pkXCu0VAyIG2PX3QvZg/s400/024+-+break+time.jpg" border="0" /><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5363188177673822546" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA6plQDKWhyphenhyphen_hkEI-l1khuPutTKbBQ0ja8iJuKcNxtdl00YcXqGGVIFdakVJp905i9MzL4mMa27J8AMu9aPlR8c5riPIf-X7z0Ik2a-UdFmOaHbC8ML0FYktZ2vvlKukTs-9cFavy2CKA/s400/023+-+En+paying+for+drinks.jpg" border="0" /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5363190350654393058" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHFIUnGlbx56usxKoljKbVBQ6lDKRD2T6USNbhOGy3c8Ti2w4avc9sURENlgKDSya88Z091xZ-Q_xTg6iTLTk4eTRP9Uu0XvhEgKMrr9-N40HJdQLpHEKCJCBjYoVsRTm2wvb2vurH6ls/s400/062.jpg" border="0" /><br /><div align="justify"><span style="color:#c0c0c0;">We stopped for a break after walking for 1 hour 15 minutes. En and Brian, each having RM10, paid for their drinks. We are trying to instill in them the value of money and how to budget with what they have and what they want.</span></div><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5363189839775173026" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNy9cLWWo0b6fsabDvNg_GKfFRDF-6MI2FJwli57gdT9lERhpTiY2XAl2akGCguAqEh42QDFJd-SFtIIyCWTQA7KSLZ148blgNjBhEFM6Arnys_ahR_pVNzm55Rlg_ent8Pa2vBuiYlTw/s400/064+-+birds.jpg" border="0" /><br /><br /><div align="justify"><span style="color:#c0c0c0;">We got to take pictures with birds of our choice. I asked En and Brian if they wanted a group picture or single shots.... and they chose the latter. So, for RM8 perperson, they went in one by one.</span></div><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5363189832629542258" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxTB2i3m00z0jJPQQLDdAIW4dmcVg8RFriQ8UA0clEhUIrNdP3Vwjo5h0pW2uW3yzjfIqnOGluQBfjdxefIVUiBvC7XVtGmM-KbrxSq8IxH36024KHl8wciFRcWu2wDJ7BS_OqHnPYJ78/s400/066+-+En+with+birds.jpg" border="0" /><br /><div align="justify"><span style="color:#c0c0c0;">En was pretty brave. The owl actually left marks on her scrawny arms.... and she is sooo not scared of the huge birds.</span></div><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5363189836534358050" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK6y8Ct_8tUETmmO8nyW1ZSSiUPGozp2omk9qfh2BiEZTnwCfbaqy6Y2u6vo005y2GQZVVotyuhsqm36RA_vz6vmrucHmW9_Qf2vFEToqm0DmNxuiSdJDrrk1p2peJAv7vf-UpN_VzmNo/s400/065+-+Brian+with+birds.jpg" border="0" /><br /><div align="justify"><span style="color:#c0c0c0;">Brian was pretty scared. You can see it in his face. He kept saying that the birds were heavy.</span></div><br /><div align="justify"><span style="color:#c0c0c0;"></span></div><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5363189824105502322" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 160px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhislz-9GM0vdBS1FQRXv-mB5Z-OzvrG9U_Dy5nRXY1X4nBpeY4W1cWD5qoENYck734_QKZK09kzwi8hcbKxCRHrXRmksRUEUHO53xlMo2UYLAzEU8wbD8cjRsB8fIdJjUgrq-ziE-M-mg/s400/067+-+Tusi+%26+the+birds.jpg" border="0" /><br /><div align="justify"><span style="color:#c0c0c0;">Tusi was scared at first but wanted to look nice for the camera ... and so, she smiled her best.</span></div><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5363189817347946882" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV2L96G10z4eh7G6bOMSG3Y13NMul-GlFWDJWMsRRu033xcivlRMcUbWbbN8n7f0fRgMXIxm_M9QrzQkDyeQ6BWHICM6vvfBN-ORSMVIvV3pHdtE82UDFukvdyOcGEDjIA0uV-Y4U3D98/s400/067a.jpg" border="0" /><br /><div align="justify"><span style="color:#c0c0c0;">As for me, I guess I am a natural, huh? I figured that I should also take this opportunity to have my picture taken ... a memento.</span></div><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5363189382541503058" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy1pHXOZBzRsOqPMbnVdNVR5vqpBVXpB0aqhjRp5it5s3w71zReTjVN-rr0gVXM35T8LbpCt1_n-1HH-lHajvYEUym9J1EzPbOt9x_flI3NTf9BawH_RaRLejf9pM7VUKLhHej1IChKno/s400/080+-+bird+show.jpg" border="0" /><br /><div align="justify"><span style="color:#c0c0c0;">We hurried on to catch the 12.30 Bird Show at the other end of the park. Well, I must say, the children loved the show and the many tricks the birds were able to perform.</span></div><br /><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5363189377888258306" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4c01mumoNVOfDrwII9b5lQKlAYalalTVf6aCkQWWDGURb9AIo8ZgUIdNXhKO3sWUxUZra-2ma7fiqZSTIn1QoqBPVg2OZ4eqqMj9Eb3w-TOldfm8slFxvnNXcKU2V5aYrNA5LrVecBhQ/s400/092+-+playground.jpg" border="0" /><br /><div align="justify"><span style="color:#c0c0c0;">After the show, they played at the playground nearby. I actually didn't want them to "waste" time there but Eunice was kind enough to allow them 5 minutes (which turned out to be longer than that) to go down the slide.</span></div><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5363189366233464514" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTRY_i6VbDnWkWpfymbtThLL7Mv2NjhkEPeU9i5RS1INXZAReefQOciRHx3VnrmHzo_bmjZesiUGokoWf6-oPjC0O6cK9YGAKsMRJUwbv3qSrSei5JYtQEsnqJTjFkG7LHNdRGd9lEjIU/s400/102.jpg" border="0" /><br /><div align="justify"><span style="color:#c0c0c0;">We took another route to go back to the main entrance and came across this beautiful cascading waterfall (which is man-made, of course).</span></div><br /><div align="justify"><span style="color:#c0c0c0;">We also saw ostriches and emus .. those big bodied, skinny legged birds.</span></div><div align="justify"><span style="color:#c0c0c0;"></span></div><br /><div align="justify"><span style="color:#c0c0c0;">The nursery was nearby but there was nothing much in there.... except for chicks, artwork of the colouring competition held in December 2008 and some posters about how chicks grow into chickens. It was smelly in there.</span></div><br /><div align="justify"><span style="color:#c0c0c0;">There was also a gallery (air-conditioned, much to my delight) which showed deboned birds and the skeleton of two ostriches. </span></div><div align="justify"><span style="color:#c0c0c0;"></span> </div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5363188775135958898" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtsb0TRzWMoDJKMUbAG00rqhnh4O1ZtKn_kujchdNbw_ls9AC0ZBg6bre1BkbyceQ63ea5nGtAsoLDH027E0dcMSyvSbg9wWTFT8GHHAoyKGEbWA64hcT77N_wZlwXEi9xHir4JBW5qCs/s400/113+-+parrots.jpg" border="0" /><br /><div align="justify"><span style="color:#c0c0c0;">We walked on. By that time, it was past 1pm. En wanted to see more birds. Brian's stomach was growling. He kept saying that his lunch time is 1pm and En retorted that it was already 1.30pm .. so it makes no difference anyway. </span></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5363189357857756770" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnr03TYrg6Q21RkXnT9wPL3w7fkfYGz_88NyLGtBTi_wLhYUphVulQA4R2Zx5k3ZHp1G0v-wRrWwNOLLTH1AUj64uZ5B3aKAgWA3LFpBYgFZ7HLQforsFfKyNp6w3ju1vAcWzqtProcKU/s400/112+-+En+feeding+parrots.jpg" border="0" /><br /><div align="justify"><span style="color:#c0c0c0;">En managed to get us to go into "World of Parrots". Brian soon forgot his hunger pangs when he was given a chance to feed the parrots. En fed the parrots too. </span></div><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5363189361409761570" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZIwKtxfprBXtJkl-xP0bGubxFiWS3ND2YJOEPcBVEOMMbMYRd_14IlpPknXho6cDBjnUnxFTKcWUHBMSa8mvUT3QduFySsCV8wcyld513RJSVbYUNpISfgDVxSaUtAeLy2d6vK5VTmDo/s400/111+-+Brian+feeding+parrots.jpg" border="0" /><br /><div align="justify"><span style="color:#c0c0c0;">There was once when a bird landed on Brian's head .. it was a good thing he had his cap on, otherwise I shudder to think what Brian would do if the bird had a nature call to answer to. Anyway, Brian was a little worried about the bird, anyway, but I explained that the bird only wanted to reach the milky drink from that point.</span></div><br /><div align="justify"><span style="color:#c0c0c0;"></span></div><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5363188768704680226" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7a7T_kBp2caDce07lfnQFcHgslxTzRZdTV3YJZhlORzsw-1NO0yBKLtP1zr7aqixR2nCFGSAUy2d-XpVunGcMFZDp1B0aWQjTQ4xfruO63Ylu74bmV_PKcb-QmNVo1fHVZm2_T2KyXnk/s400/114+-+lunch.jpg" border="0" /><br /><div align="justify"><span style="color:#c0c0c0;">We finally got to Hornbill Restaurant, much to Brian's relief. I ordered a chicken pie, Brian had beef burger, En chicken burger and Tusi ... well, because she hasn't tried potato wedges before, I ordered those for her. In the end, Eunice gave her half of her beef burger, En gave her another half of her chicken burger, I gave her a bite of my chicken pie and we all shared the wedges (because she simply couldn't finish so much food).</span></div><br /><div align="justify"><span style="color:#c0c0c0;">En and Brian both wanted to spend their balance money on icecream (for dessert). I told them that it's cheaper to get it outside the restaurant.. but on the way out, we had to pass through the gift shop and both of them wanted something in there. En wanted a pair of binoculours which cost RM10 and Brian wanted a plastic cap with a mini fan powered via solar energy and shades - this would set him back by RM19.</span></div><br /><div align="justify"><span style="color:#c0c0c0;">Now, En had only RM9 (not sure why she had so much, even after paying for her drink which cost her RM3 ... someone miscalculated very badly) and Brian, RM6.</span></div><br /><div align="justify"><span style="color:#c0c0c0;">I told them that they had to choose between the things that they wanted and ice cream .... and they decided to forgo the cool dessert.</span></div><br /><div align="justify"><span style="color:#c0c0c0;">I wanted to teach them the value of money .. so I questioned En first .... "You have only RM9 and the binoculours cost you RM10. How are you going to get the extra RM1?" She asked me to lend her RM10 and said that she will pay me back when we get home (I still haven't seen the money yet).</span></div><div align="justify"><span style="color:#c0c0c0;"></span></div><br /><div align="justify"><span style="color:#c0c0c0;">As for Brian, he is short of RM13 and knew that he couldn't pay me back even when he got home. Well, I was thinking .... for him to sacrifice the ice cream meant that he really wanted the cap, so I asked him for his RM6 and told him that I would come up with the balance.</span></div><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5363188766759611474" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOtzAe_dwf08239V0HavEhef8NEaGqHC2qzzx_pPFPNGsvWPi9VGhQz6z1FFo-SP3xmX6-p1Ac6LtXKnI2UA9eU2NMkaANgZ4LHxbmY2sbIgDfmhpFXucK5lmenps8U_ICkw98vX4ZMV0/s400/122.jpg" border="0" /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5363188756787994002" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS-aYtgZqwyURKSJ6tbsBMFedVOW4k-yqLIRYjBy0d897yN7gOFX86FutscWRPAzddu-5BnD2hFujPyoYO4h2j8SNha6W3x0XJDN5erPx_bZv8Rf79EhHSsRph2OoEAC5PHrl5_2M7vZ8/s400/125.jpg" border="0" /><br /><div align="justify"><span style="color:#c0c0c0;">Both En and Brian were very happy with their "toys" ... and didn't even think about their ice cream. Aunty Eunice was kind enough to say that she will spend us all ice cream - and that includes ME!!! :) :) :)</span></div><br /><div align="justify"><span style="color:#c0c0c0;"></span></div><div align="justify"><span style="color:#c0c0c0;">We left just before 4pm. En kept wanting to see the 3.30pm bird show (again!!) but I didn't want to get stuck in the traffic and explained that to her. She said that she didn't mind getting stuck in the traffic. Brian echoed her thoughts. I retorted that "I" was the one who would suffer because I was driving. I don't think they could relate to that. They were probably thinking, "So what? Sit in the car and wait with us-lah".</span></div><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5363188752114172914" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF9DLDv_60Zb7VCrE2wtv5D0yFDShOxOgJFNi7BCzHOnZL3uZL9im8g4-3GaXJOOCs_p5wUOxmLZf7J_4mWLNn8_QBYjJT6lmhXDGs8wHWkw0YsN6LiRYvJ-1A9pmIT-lmmaVwl6eaesc/s400/135+-+tired.jpg" border="0" /><br /><div align="justify"><span style="color:#c0c0c0;"></span></div><div align="justify"><span style="color:#c0c0c0;">In the car, En was so tired, she was the first one to fall asleep. Tusi dozed off too. Brian was still awake, maybe thinking back on the many birds he had seen.</span></div><div align="justify"> </div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17409056789951328116noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8527582350884304160.post-20619914434748206912009-07-25T10:45:00.005+08:002009-07-25T11:18:24.434+08:00Mansions in the Afterlife<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjncAh2at-2QyupnYHvKOvnwu1YYrSqYO1og6Jpgn1m1IgoEVA8x0KQpnzWCU9m3oHDzsPwN9MqlnCmviz9jJByavU4l9_upgdCBeywT7jKZ_giif5rK-UYHZx1QoL3bya2PCcY-zZbx_E/s1600-h/15814-Fire-Truck-In-Front-Of-A-Burning-House-Clipart-Illustration.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5362231167601114482" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjncAh2at-2QyupnYHvKOvnwu1YYrSqYO1og6Jpgn1m1IgoEVA8x0KQpnzWCU9m3oHDzsPwN9MqlnCmviz9jJByavU4l9_upgdCBeywT7jKZ_giif5rK-UYHZx1QoL3bya2PCcY-zZbx_E/s400/15814-Fire-Truck-In-Front-Of-A-Burning-House-Clipart-Illustration.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div align="justify"><span style="color:#c0c0c0;">Even as I lay on my stomach and to blog about this, I hear the clanging of cymbals and the chanting of voices just outside my house.</span></div><div align="justify"><span style="color:#000000;">.</span></div><div align="justify"><span style="color:#c0c0c0;"></span></div><div align="justify"><span style="color:#c0c0c0;">Last night, I half-witnessed the burning of a huge glittering mansion (and other fancy stuff) made of paper as a huge crowd gathered just outside my neighbour's house. Frankly, I was more worried about the fact that the flames might reach the overlaying electricity cables and we would be out of power for days!!</span></div><div align="justify"><span style="color:#000000;">.</span></div><div align="justify"><span style="color:#c0c0c0;"></span></div><div align="justify"><span style="color:#c0c0c0;">I thought about the paper mansion and how some people think that by burning these replicas, the person whose body lays in the coffin would be able to enjoy these fine things in their afterlife. </span></div><div align="justify"><span style="color:#c0c0c0;"></span></div><br /><div align="justify"><span style="color:#c0c0c0;">I thought about what I believe in. I know that MY MANSION will be prepared and ready for me when I get to Heaven, not because some other people burned paper replicas but the fact that God said so. :)</span></div>Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17409056789951328116noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8527582350884304160.post-25125957823071649402009-07-24T07:38:00.000+08:002009-07-24T07:38:00.803+08:00Spending Unnecessarily<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN5x01s2F9hTWBrbS8qAh2MNKgwXaodZQg7nPdzb5ZtUdC5TKgn2x5P70QCMnI4raa94opFPNHPcQdcZ94rQjobjReaKQOpVlvDMVgSSgqESazR65rAWOJZNs4p1ITuhsE_F1FVoHfdq0/s1600-h/cart.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5361697392341813314" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN5x01s2F9hTWBrbS8qAh2MNKgwXaodZQg7nPdzb5ZtUdC5TKgn2x5P70QCMnI4raa94opFPNHPcQdcZ94rQjobjReaKQOpVlvDMVgSSgqESazR65rAWOJZNs4p1ITuhsE_F1FVoHfdq0/s400/cart.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div align="justify"><span style="color:#c0c0c0;">I was only supposed to buy 1.5 kg Dory fish, one bottle of tomato sauce and capsicum but ended up spending more than I ought to. It ALWAYS happens when I go to Tesco.</span> </div><br /><div align="justify"></div><br /><div align="justify"><span style="font-size:85%;color:#999999;"><em>f.y.i - those things in the cart are not all mine. Some of the stuff belongs to Eunice</em></span></div>Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17409056789951328116noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8527582350884304160.post-39299034527429661942009-07-23T08:13:00.000+08:002009-07-23T08:13:00.139+08:00Homework Time<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrfNlFOQ5ecdLTxBgnF_l_ejGNf06P7F9zdiMd1aiuNj8AJMYHTVJjLWzoOUcq5fD1gjUFnyE7IRVJ-ZM4k-85ujmcVdoDb05O89vYmFEPLo8RjW3O1RbSfQLwLc4ysbS6TCiO1ksmipE/s1600-h/Slouching+En.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5361305941343106034" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrfNlFOQ5ecdLTxBgnF_l_ejGNf06P7F9zdiMd1aiuNj8AJMYHTVJjLWzoOUcq5fD1gjUFnyE7IRVJ-ZM4k-85ujmcVdoDb05O89vYmFEPLo8RjW3O1RbSfQLwLc4ysbS6TCiO1ksmipE/s400/Slouching+En.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div align="justify"><span style="color:#c0c0c0;">En is forever doing her homework or watching TV. Last Tuesday when I was at my parents' place, En was diligently doing her homework, after trying to persuade us (in vain) to chit chat in the living room - instead of at the dining table - so that she could eavesdrop on our conversation. I guess multi-tasking begins at a very young age.</span></div><div align="justify"><span style="color:#c0c0c0;"></span></div><br /><div align="justify"><span style="color:#c0c0c0;">Anyway, the music was blasting and she was comfortably slouching on the sofa and enjoying herself. Actually, she was in this weird position whereby if I were to be in that position and doing my homework, I might get cramped all over. </span></div><div align="justify"><span style="color:#c0c0c0;"></span></div><br /><div align="justify"><span style="color:#c0c0c0;">As I observed how she prefered this position to sitting at the dining table and doing her homework, I am also reminded by the fact that I lay on my stomach while using my laptop - a position that would be uncomfortable to most, but not to me :-)</span></div><div align="justify"><span style="color:#c0c0c0;"></span></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div>Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17409056789951328116noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8527582350884304160.post-22913755875175312642009-07-21T08:22:00.000+08:002009-07-21T08:22:00.369+08:00Sweet & Sour Fish<div align="justify"><span style="color:#c0c0c0;">I've always wanted to learn how to cook sweet & sour fish. The major factor that hindered me was the fact that I don't know how to buy fish, or rather, what sort of fish is suitable and more importantly, how to transform a fish with bones to fillets. As you can very well tell, I don't cook often, plus the fact that I am not a huge fish fan.</span></div><div align="justify"><span style="color:#000000;">.</span></div><div align="justify"><span style="color:#c0c0c0;">A few weeks ago, we were shopping at Tesco and Eunice bought a packet of Dory fish which cost her a reasonable RM5.99 for a bout a kg of fish. And suddenly, I thought of so many things I could do with the 3 pieces of fish. I could make fish and chips or better still, learn how to cook sweet and sour fish.</span></div><div align="justify"><span style="color:#000000;">.</span></div><div align="justify"><span style="color:#c0c0c0;">I asked my mum to teach me but she was too busy playing mahjong... and Tusi taught me how to cook. Of course, earlier on, my mum told Tusi what to do and Tusi was just reciting it from memory. </span></div><div align="justify"><span style="color:#000000;">.</span></div><div align="justify"><span style="color:#c0c0c0;">Anyway, for those who love sweet and sour fish (or even chicken), here's the recipe:-</span><br /></div> <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360208333620247698" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilLOYGyoKl6pw0j7nyjAuiityZhs8BiWyRo5rd-XUpa92XS3_z0i4e45LDFBnmNek2FuQTot7HpmPzs_GZcGrgrWFm4orS2n8UQGzV4YQvL77kd1qwobTECspniKDN-vsSgIxDwVpMVfw/s400/raw+fish.jpg" border="0" /><br /><div align="justify"><span style="color:#c0c0c0;">Chop the fish into bite-size. Marinate with white pepper, a little salt and a little chicken stock (liquid form)</span></div><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360207934998947122" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU0a1Wt_ZjWTAawKXzrF8C9FumsGuMVEWPAE6qs-7tlJjRKyhhBkSCQvnbXCGhhhf-LGmZpER2G7G81Uj__WlYmto3etmnF8yq3wvLULVTcOm73iZx_fQ-7hiXikG0Mqk7UCYh2rcVMIQ/s400/batter.jpg" border="0" /><br /><br /><div align="justify"><span style="color:#c0c0c0;">For the batter, mix (normal) flour, a little self raising flour, a little salt and water. Dip the fish into the mixture before frying it.</span></div><br /><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360207934919069458" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW6fwikJIPEcknhdxDAg6GvRcb7TyU39mPvZq3NoGq0XxpCQdb7I55gEjNnDsoXjWdcLY-W1bC3DcmrN0Hz2X1_fhv4hcLRlTra9r2fFOI7FvcEbBF_oHKP98-1eTiQntZOM4T40wh0sc/s400/fry+fish.jpg" border="0" /><br /><span style="color:#c0c0c0;">Deep fry the fish until golden brown. Leave the fried fish aside to cool off.</span><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360208347607155026" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIMb8BXpnvuYuf6DFO8BQpHFp3CJY06JLE5edC5NooofT05cl9oDx3m_KEqVICe71OO05lgNzzGfBV37kIq39qNnrKqi9Yl9bX1YkKo_JFAyk0AlYCnt77GVwc2x-WaX0EV-Z0Tr2Sjlc/s400/onions+and+ginger.jpg" border="0" /><br /><div align="justify"><span style="color:#c0c0c0;">For the gravy, fry chopped big oinions and sliced ginger.</span></div><br /><br /><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360208341179185666" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0oqNO9npeuJNRHszWi2YlR11NI7NKDds1jyEKjf_2Q6l0kRYnURyaOftPHdXwoltfBjuYsa3d3Ds-y0OcDSfHws-Axbk2pj2wigJAe_4wgSCtcS4lKFqEEgqkMUit5bJxY2C8NoqNi4Q/s400/vegetables.jpg" border="0" /></p><p align="justify"><span style="color:#c0c0c0;">Add chopped capsicum, tomatoes and mix vegetables</span></p><p align="justify"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2wgEDzcWTKjujzDq8NbYWOgx6dy0ccuXE7RoWC_ZaFRFWMcYfiaQsHAJK2NzINJIU1YLEQuaD28MLg_yBG7zRs8JoueqE6c8meY8b58WpUiP7GrhABCw7V3l8uu6TIDeedp5mOmIUxHM/s1600-h/tomato+sauce.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360208337475573842" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2wgEDzcWTKjujzDq8NbYWOgx6dy0ccuXE7RoWC_ZaFRFWMcYfiaQsHAJK2NzINJIU1YLEQuaD28MLg_yBG7zRs8JoueqE6c8meY8b58WpUiP7GrhABCw7V3l8uu6TIDeedp5mOmIUxHM/s400/tomato+sauce.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="color:#c0c0c0;">Add lots of tomato sauce (almost the whole bottle) and a little chilli sauce (about 3 or 4 tablespoons) for a very slight spicy taste. Add 1 or 2 teaspoon sugar.<br /></span> <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360207941254301762" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYG0a27dVbK3yDk7aZO4nFtjsFtSCqoFN3WyO3fYAvDDnaWGD26nMReBYTUKC0D-nHhL7evYiWYexAwD-bLSxNwhlMxW_9z0pS3OkLwGjemAr9JrCofjU0ElYMxI_fqbV6UCeFWSQEPWw/s400/pour.jpg" border="0" /><span style="color:#c0c0c0;">Keep stiring until gravy shows signs of boiling. Pour gravy onto fried fish and serve<br /></span> </p><p align="justify"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360208336291929666" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsdyYKeq3zRfK1Pz71gWhyxwqaqvgRGtnzTxT-pq_T6qvnbYA_SoLfxhLFdMGDPASngMm4kZHmgnpD6V4XPRmrxj9jGcGSfu3N51ZBFB3JzEw-c2kNpiyqKNSQT7BLqdhSpLYkZMm8V0A/s400/sweet+and+sour+fish.jpg" border="0" /><br /><span style="color:#c0c0c0;">This is the end result. There was extra gravy but I poured it onto another bowl for those who want to eat rice with the gravy.<br /></span><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360207937608123026" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbl-rvpsFu7taEdLSxqOJffZoGnrjTYsQ12EFEKB_hcPBFo3cVcHjkAMbE7cqn78m98evQmpP80aVusSvc6k7mfI2y3s1BvGX8h-_zGG_Yal1AD5_or4CF8e5mGG61ZfNKlN-6JS4UsQ0/s400/grandmother.jpg" border="0" /><br /><span style="color:#c0c0c0;">I gave some to my grandmother (she had eaten her dinner earlier) and she said it tasted nice. :)<br /></span></p>Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17409056789951328116noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8527582350884304160.post-81144048563660191032009-07-20T08:10:00.000+08:002009-07-20T08:10:00.713+08:00Huge Banana<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeBXkJ7bA3331tEvQxTjLrY6inBQbZbcl45-8dnvb-p-pUkG52Qzg2lZY-tG8qWBpTYGSzQEdjeRL-wGcd5A5zizvn_8sgoR6_EkyCcQgFiFB1Hmm4z04B4por9kiydGA75MVS_NNpRPs/s1600-h/huge+banana.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360204441002574658" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeBXkJ7bA3331tEvQxTjLrY6inBQbZbcl45-8dnvb-p-pUkG52Qzg2lZY-tG8qWBpTYGSzQEdjeRL-wGcd5A5zizvn_8sgoR6_EkyCcQgFiFB1Hmm4z04B4por9kiydGA75MVS_NNpRPs/s400/huge+banana.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div align="justify"><span style="color:#c0c0c0;">I was at my parents' place when I spotted this huge banana on the table. I think it's more than a foot long. Mum said that she bought it for RM1. Err... it kind of reminded me when I saw a sign at a fruit stall in the US saying that it cost USD1 for ONE slim Montel banana.</span></div>Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17409056789951328116noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8527582350884304160.post-36063399283250726832009-07-17T09:25:00.004+08:002009-07-17T09:56:49.553+08:00No Dinner<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw69amzhf3svxWJAkynCf9i-xdJJcSS-1CiyHalRrp8JMTWo_yI3kOh2KOHYySLvDsRoq_7wJBQCBXm1JW0ggYPyTqdsY15CosW8DB555HQWIJZValcNqDR9V72wmGaTAd0uKvnsdDcok/s1600-h/McD.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 111px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 83px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5359241973261192658" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw69amzhf3svxWJAkynCf9i-xdJJcSS-1CiyHalRrp8JMTWo_yI3kOh2KOHYySLvDsRoq_7wJBQCBXm1JW0ggYPyTqdsY15CosW8DB555HQWIJZValcNqDR9V72wmGaTAd0uKvnsdDcok/s400/McD.jpg" /></a><br /><div><div><div align="justify"><span style="color:#c0c0c0;">I placed an order with MacDonald's (MacD) last night at 9.10pm, timing it in such a way that when dear hubby gets back, the food would arrive.</span></div><div align="justify"><span style="color:#c0c0c0;"></span></div><br /><div align="justify"><span style="color:#c0c0c0;">MCTC, Eunice, MinChee and Matt were already at my place, preparing dinner for themselves. Yes, THEY prepared dinner. MinChee and Matt cooked one packet of Maggi Mee (or a version of it cause it doesn't smell like Maggi Mee at all) while MCTC spread butter onto a few slices of home-made bread made by Bro Chow.</span></div><div align="justify"><span style="color:#c0c0c0;"></span></div><br /><div align="justify"><span style="color:#c0c0c0;">Eunice prepared the fruits (orange, apple, star fruit, banana) and vegetables (celery, carrot) to be blended for our dinner.</span></div><div align="justify"><span style="color:#c0c0c0;"></span></div><br /><div align="justify"><span style="color:#c0c0c0;">And so, when dear hubby came back at 9.40pm, the MacD meal hadn't arrived. I waited until 9.55pm before I called the call center and was told that the delivery boy would arrive in a few minutes.</span></div><div align="justify"><span style="color:#c0c0c0;"></span></div><br /><div align="justify"><span style="color:#c0c0c0;">I was puzzled because in the past, any delivery boy who wasn't sure of the location of my house would give me a call within 40 minutes from my placing the order. And so far, even after 45 minutes, there was no call.</span></div><div align="justify"><span style="color:#c0c0c0;"></span></div><br /><div align="justify"><span style="color:#c0c0c0;">I waited until 10.20pm (1 hour 10 minutes from the time I first ordered) before I placed my next call to the call center. The person who answered (the same person who picked up my call earlier) was puzzled and said that he would investigate on his side and call me back.</span></div><br /><div align="justify"><span style="color:#c0c0c0;"></span></div><div align="justify"><span style="color:#c0c0c0;">He called back, 5 minutes later, to tell me that there was some technical error in their computer system and the order which I placed at 9.10pm didn't even register in the MacD restaurant in my area here. </span></div><br /><div align="justify"><span style="color:#c0c0c0;"></span></div><div align="justify"><span style="color:#c0c0c0;">It's a good thing I am generally a very calm (haha!! sometimes) and patient person. I told him that it was not a problem on my side but I ended the conversation with "Well, I've got no dinner now".</span></div><div align="justify"><span style="color:#c0c0c0;"></span></div><br /><div align="justify"><span style="color:#c0c0c0;">Dear hubby was a little mad, though and I had to explain that we couldn't fault them because it was a technical problem, something which was out of their hands plus the fact that they didn't know that they had a problem.</span></div><br /><div align="justify"><span style="color:#c0c0c0;"></span></div><div align="justify"><span style="color:#c0c0c0;">Anyway, my dinner turned out to be two cups of fruit juice, which was very filling indeed. Dear hubby had bread and butter (he said it's like having breakfast at night).</span></div><div align="justify"><span style="color:#c0c0c0;"></span></div><div></div><div> </div></div></div>Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17409056789951328116noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8527582350884304160.post-27553851271466439822009-07-16T08:17:00.001+08:002009-07-16T08:17:01.201+08:00Long Time No See<div><div><div align="justify"><span style="color:#c0c0c0;">Last sunday, we had a family dinner at Uncle Beng's place. Every family was asked to bring a dish each. </span></div><div align="justify"><span style="color:#c0c0c0;"></span></div><br /><div align="justify"><span style="color:#c0c0c0;">This dinner was organised because Su-Ann felt that although we meet each other 2-3 times a week, we haven't had any family gatherings since Chinese New Year. And thus, an invite was sent out via SK and as usual, all of us came.</span></div><div align="justify"><span style="color:#c0c0c0;"></span></div><br /><div align="justify"><span style="color:#c0c0c0;">In the begining, everyone was speculating as to what the occassion was because it was SK who sent out the invite via Facebook / email, on behalf of Uncle Beng and family. Some thought that it was to celebrate Aunty Sally's birthday. Others guessed it was to celebrate Su-Ann's birthday. Later, Uncle Beng clarified the matter.</span></div><div align="justify"><span style="color:#c0c0c0;"></span></div><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5358726269524475890" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTYY6hLM-KG-Ap9uILrW8wsAzduQDMhU7gHZ7BW14-dMH3Rmb1ZOy3n8FX1ZRD41C47tkgEt9dnx3G0GqJsmXh24DZRwSlRzjMAYszMTtZVS9E_KVQeASr9smRZGPLRnlbKTljXGezUMI/s400/food.jpg" border="0" /><br /><div align="justify"><span style="color:#c0c0c0;">As usual, food was super yummy. It was a variety of food that was laid on the dining table:-</span></div><br /><div align="justify"><span style="color:#c0c0c0;">Fried Chicken wings</span></div><div align="justify"><span style="color:#c0c0c0;">Fried eggs with corned beef</span></div><div align="justify"><span style="color:#c0c0c0;">Garlic bread</span></div><div align="justify"><span style="color:#c0c0c0;">Chai Choy (vegetarian dish)</span></div><div align="justify"><span style="color:#c0c0c0;">Har Mien (Prawn noodle)</span></div><div align="justify"><span style="color:#c0c0c0;">Pizza</span></div><div align="justify"><span style="color:#c0c0c0;">Bean curd pudding</span></div><div align="justify"><span style="color:#c0c0c0;">err.. some enzime alchoholic dessert (lime rind with dragonfruit)</span></div><div align="justify"><span style="color:#c0c0c0;">Longan</span></div><div align="justify"><span style="color:#c0c0c0;">Bubur cha cha</span></div><div align="justify"><span style="color:#c0c0c0;">Cheese cake</span></div><br /><br /><div align="justify"><span style="color:#c0c0c0;"></span></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5358726267079562994" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4M8nrdDaoSqDLwTeMmAChW-I5FrA9Po-YPCc0AJmrRwoVs11dxgIISyiMZxsy2LB0_ur6Uu-lhUPLOU4S0LZ4dxbBaByLwEgjtctNQLLrOUiq38r1aUfKq6PW9gDzCPrhBwlVflkOuX0/s400/gathering.jpg" border="0" /><br /><div align="justify"><span style="color:#c0c0c0;">And yes, despite seeing each other every week, we still had a lot to talk about. </span></div><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5358726259045374498" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTPC9vtbz8z3nBmSRScNVXAYEa9u-QsacCuR6S71tcdddAOO7_IfrG9zEgbZQiGGwobICeFUI0JCqFnOEPSHhS7RNzp9xOOxnSNecyz3uTi3r6lrzw9kH7CJ6UpQLqmo1KZYydki2RA_4/s400/Indy.jpg" border="0" /><br /><div align="justify"><span style="color:#c0c0c0;"></span></div><div align="justify"><span style="color:#c0c0c0;">It was Indran's birthday and we sang the birthday song, he made a wish (I think), blew out the candles and cut the cake.</span></div><div align="justify"><span style="color:#c0c0c0;"></span></div><br /><div align="justify"><span style="color:#c0c0c0;">After that, we talked some more. </span></div><div align="justify"><span style="color:#c0c0c0;"></span></div><br /><div align="justify"><span style="color:#c0c0c0;">It was awesome! We should have this more often ... like once in two months? Hmm.. actually, sometimes we have gatherings like this too often, especially during Christmas and New Year time. During the middle of the year, everyone is busy with their work and other matters. I guess it doesn't matter what we meet up for, even if it is for the fun of it, as long as we do get together once in a while to catch up on each other's news. :-)</span></div><div align="justify"> </div></div></div>Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17409056789951328116noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8527582350884304160.post-89861179884318942142009-07-15T12:26:00.000+08:002009-07-15T12:34:50.348+08:00Being Healthy<div align="justify"><span style="color:#c0c0c0;">My blood pressure readings have never touched the perfect 120/80 eversince I was 21 years old - and that was years ago. And since then, it has gone progressively worse.</span></div><div align="justify"><span style="color:#000000;">.</span></div><div align="justify"><span style="color:#c0c0c0;">I was on the BP pill for a short while but stopped because I can't seem to remember to take it on a daily basis. </span></div><div align="justify"><span style="color:#000000;">.</span></div><div align="justify"><span style="color:#c0c0c0;">Last month, when I was severely sick, my BP shot up to as high as 168/110. I panicked. It was the highest reading I ever had. I guess my being sick made it higher.</span></div><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5358322274615378130" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxs572lOkcFFIbxu-Awq0lglaLxdQHfFu_UXbX8A3cDteYwO8p2dmVYKs2KNZ77IUrKT9PflsQbZ8lUAyfsDgPV55XMIY2NE3CTlWhMM_JyLPX0JQ8Tl2ZZ3XGLoBF5qZjFRVAiQhj72U/s400/healthy+Drink.jpg" /><br /><div align="justify"><span style="color:#c0c0c0;">I bought a blender recently and decided to "eat" healthily. I started off with carrot and apple. Then carrot, apple and banana. The banana made it easy for us to swallow. A few days after I started my almost daily juice intake, my mum said that carrots have high sugar content. And that practically blew me off. I thought carrots were healthy.</span></div><div align="justify"><span style="color:#000000;">.</span></div><div align="justify"><span style="color:#c0c0c0;">Someone told me a long time ago that celery helps reduce blood pressure. So does starfruit. Bitter gourd too. Yucks!! I tried eating celeries raw but I just didn't like the taste. Star fruit tastes weird without salt (and salt was what got me in this mess) ... and bitter gourd ... well, let's just say that I wouldn't miss it one bit if it was an endangered plant.</span></div><div align="justify"><span style="color:#000000;">.</span></div><div align="justify"><span style="color:#c0c0c0;">What we did last week was blend 5 types :- carrot, celery, starfruit, green apple and of course, banana. It was GREAT. Healthy, too. No bitter gourds though. I really detest the horrible taste. </span></div><div align="justify"><span style="color:#000000;">.</span></div><div align="justify"><span style="color:#c0c0c0;">Hopefully, by the time I go for my next blood pressure test, it would show good results!! :-) In the meantime, if anyone has "extra" carrots, celeries, starfruits, green apples and bananas, send it my way.</span></div><div align="justify"><span style="color:#c0c0c0;"></span> </div>Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17409056789951328116noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8527582350884304160.post-66747437464387077062009-07-14T07:13:00.000+08:002009-07-14T07:13:00.460+08:00Guests in YCYC<div align="justify"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRfmXLBVeLjsqAduQ5pAJEe-NkFHCV3estHz9elt0vKeDIy96-5PvQTA8C-c9flN2wQcQGM8KPJmyq_9eRJksatttUHR3Wt40kqQnpvf6kqJZdRwxapXWgAYSR60tjUMcMBT91OaCD-iA/s1600-h/many+people.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5357608100539838994" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRfmXLBVeLjsqAduQ5pAJEe-NkFHCV3estHz9elt0vKeDIy96-5PvQTA8C-c9flN2wQcQGM8KPJmyq_9eRJksatttUHR3Wt40kqQnpvf6kqJZdRwxapXWgAYSR60tjUMcMBT91OaCD-iA/s400/many+people.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="color:#c0c0c0;">We had 28 people in cell last Friday. Phew! That's a pretty big number. I remember the last time we had 26-28 people was early last year, when we haven't multiplied yet.</span></div><div align="justify"><span style="color:#c0c0c0;"></span><br /><span style="color:#c0c0c0;">After we multiplied (and "gave birth" to MRYC), we started off with only 10-12 people, which eventually grew to a constant 17-18 people. All of a sudden, it looked like it's time to multiply again, but we were told that we need to wait at least two years before we can multiply again. this exercise is to help us bond with our new group.</span></div><div align="justify"><span style="color:#c0c0c0;"></span></div><br /><div align="justify"><span style="color:#c0c0c0;">Last Friday, we had "guests" from other cells:-</span></div><br /><div align="justify"><span style="color:#c0c0c0;"></span></div><div align="justify"><span style="color:#c0c0c0;">The Chongs - from BKYC (parents went to Japan and they were at their aunt's place nearby), </span></div><br /><div align="justify"><span style="color:#c0c0c0;">Saral and Darren - from MRYC (came over because they heard that the Chongs will be around)</span></div><br /><div align="justify"><span style="color:#c0c0c0;">Lavinia - from KL Cell </span></div><div align="justify"><span style="color:#c0c0c0;"></span></div><br /><div align="justify"><span style="color:#c0c0c0;">In total, we had 7 guests.... and Veron came back from India.</span></div><div align="justify"><span style="color:#c0c0c0;"></span></div><br /><div align="justify"><span style="color:#c0c0c0;">You can imagine, with the Chong and all five Louises .... it equals noise and lots of noise.</span></div><div align="justify"><span style="color:#000000;">.</span></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5357985354349091410" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJFFL8DcHNDWRrCi2LcVk5S_mD3RFDuFdgvFZA6bGgQUD0P30ZyMkAT-kMjprjlCiMVZSzG1Tnz7fqsBFDGeluI7ODRHtnC7E_NNtPnA_Ox4nji5VZwN6YROvjxSBajVtQMFoX_XO1o-g/s400/mad+gab.jpg" border="0" /><br /><div align="justify"><span style="color:#c0c0c0;"></span></div><br /><div align="justify"><span style="color:#c0c0c0;">For the icebreaker, we played Mad Gab. We played until we didn't want to stop, but at 8.50pm, we did.</span></div><div align="justify"><span style="color:#c0c0c0;"></span></div><br /><div align="justify"><span style="color:#c0c0c0;">Worship was about 15-20 minutes and then testimony time.</span></div><div align="justify"><span style="color:#c0c0c0;"></span></div><br /><div align="justify"><span style="color:#c0c0c0;">By the time we got the the lesson proper, it was 9.30pm. Late!! I was wondering how Rajen was able to get everything done by 10.10pm. Well, he didn't. His first sentence took him 5 minutes to complete!!!!!!</span></div><div align="justify"><span style="color:#c0c0c0;"></span></div><br /><div align="justify"><span style="color:#c0c0c0;">The lesson was interupted by En, who was forever asking the meaning of a certain big word which Rajen used, Lavinia, who had the tendency of thinking aloud a lot and everyone else, who laughed when a certain word was mispronounced (clear clay ..... crear cray...). Oh yeah, Lavinia read the WRONG passage of scripture and had to reread again - and hers was a very long passage.</span></div><div align="justify"><span style="color:#c0c0c0;"></span></div><br /><div align="justify"><span style="color:#c0c0c0;">If I am not mistaken, the lesson ended at about 10.20pm, and by the time we got to the food, it was 10.30pm. </span></div><br /><div align="justify"><span style="color:#c0c0c0;"></span></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div> </div>Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17409056789951328116noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8527582350884304160.post-71729511124665678022009-07-12T07:04:00.000+08:002009-07-12T07:04:00.204+08:00Don't Mess With The Elderly<div align="justify"><span style="color:#ff0000;"><em>a forwarded email ....</em></span></div><p align="justify"><span style="color:#000000;">.</span></p><p align="justify"><span style="color:#000000;">.</span><br /><span style="color:#ffff00;">HOW TO CALL THE POLICE WHEN YOU ARE OLD AND DON'T MOVE FAST ANYMORE</span></p><div align="justify"><span style="color:#c0c0c0;"></span><span style="color:#000000;">.</span></div><div align="justify"><span style="color:#c0c0c0;">George Phillips, an elderly man from Meridian, Mississippi, was going up to bed, when his wife told him that he left the light on in the garden shed, which she could see from the bedroom window.</span></div><div align="justify"><span style="color:#000000;">.</span></div><div align="justify"><span style="color:#c0c0c0;">George opened the back door to go turn off the light, but saw that there were people in the shed stealing things.</span></div><div align="justify"><span style="color:#000000;">.</span></div><div align="justify"><span style="color:#c0c0c0;">He phoned the police, who asked, "Is someone in your house?"</span></div><div align="justify"><span style="color:#000000;">.</span></div><div align="justify"><span style="color:#c0c0c0;">He said, "No, but some people are breaking into my garden shed and stealing from me."</span></div><div align="justify"><span style="color:#000000;">.</span></div><div align="justify"><span style="color:#c0c0c0;">The the police dispatcher said, "All patrols are busy. You should lock your doors and an officer will be along when one is available."</span></div><div align="justify"><span style="color:#000000;">.</span></div><div align="justify"><span style="color:#c0c0c0;">George said, "Okay."</span></div><div align="justify"><span style="color:#000000;">.</span></div><div align="justify"><span style="color:#c0c0c0;">He hung up the phone and counted 30. Then he phone the police again.</span></div><div align="justify"><span style="color:#000000;">.</span></div><div align="justify"><span style="color:#c0c0c0;">"Hello, I just called you a few seconds ago because there were people stealing things from my shed. Well, you don't have to worry about them now because I just shot them." And he hung up.</span></div><div align="justify"><span style="color:#000000;">.</span></div><div align="justify"><span style="color:#c0c0c0;">Within five minutes, six police cars, a SWAT team, a helicopter, two fire trucks, a paramedic, and an ambulance showed up at the Phillips' residence and caught the burglars red-handed.</span></div><div align="justify"><span style="color:#000000;">.</span></div><div align="justify"><span style="color:#c0c0c0;">One of the policemen said to George, "I thought you said you'd shot them!"</span></div><div align="justify"><span style="color:#000000;">.</span></div><div align="justify"><span style="color:#c0c0c0;">George said, "I thought you said there was nobody available!"</span></div><div align="justify"><span style="color:#000000;">.</span></div><div align="justify"><span style="color:#000000;">.</span></div><div align="justify"><span style="color:#c0c0c0;">Moral of the Story - Don't mess with old people. They don't need a gun to do this!</span></div>Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17409056789951328116noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8527582350884304160.post-2337780405375734722009-07-11T12:02:00.002+08:002009-07-11T12:59:16.854+08:00Free Cell, the Game<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOmkhAAdYZU9Nns_bi3ez5NN3KP3DTHqiSsTG23Lhq5syg05uzNGcW6CAIhJjxQhwTRWYsDP76PgTkA2vjHv9TchvomVSTNCGkDerTqCL88YuRKZLo8QjMy3JcJ7Bq5S7hCQbpCMaYLi0/s1600-h/free+cell.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356878160738085618" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOmkhAAdYZU9Nns_bi3ez5NN3KP3DTHqiSsTG23Lhq5syg05uzNGcW6CAIhJjxQhwTRWYsDP76PgTkA2vjHv9TchvomVSTNCGkDerTqCL88YuRKZLo8QjMy3JcJ7Bq5S7hCQbpCMaYLi0/s400/free+cell.jpg" /></a><br /><div align="justify"><span style="color:#c0c0c0;">Apart from <a href="http://memoriesabound.blogspot.com/2009/06/taipei.html">Taipei</a>, Free Cell is another of my favourite games. It's a strategy game where you need to get all the cards in order (from Ace to King) to the top right boxes using the help of the top left boxes.</span></div><div align="justify"><span style="color:#000000;">.</span></div><div align="justify"><span style="color:#c0c0c0;"></span></div><div align="justify"><span style="color:#c0c0c0;">It's addictive!<br /><br /></span></div>Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17409056789951328116noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8527582350884304160.post-73057365485797039722009-07-10T07:41:00.002+08:002009-07-10T09:45:42.649+08:00Marriage - The Final Frontier<div align="justify"><span style="color:#c0c0c0;">Recently I attended a wedding dinner of a man who is a trekkie fan. Everything, from his wedding invite, to the ballroom decor and his outfit was Star Trek based.</span></div><div align="justify"><span style="color:#c0c0c0;"></span></div><div align="justify"><span style="color:#c0c0c0;"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356503123481522210" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7i8LbsMdH2Fd9Ye9sdel1HA3YJ8d2UALZNR-X8NJAXqvFfVVnSInVC0C8kVZsClDSmxBwXlFQQ91yvqtPAJMB-lx54yzUJjMqYSuCosw4wdhPHBOk_9p7DMmfKQlSZ_qH9tUoPwGilfs/s400/entrance+1.jpg" /></span></div><div align="justify"><span style="color:#c0c0c0;"></span></div><div align="justify"><span style="color:#c0c0c0;">The Entrance - this resembles part of The Enterprise</span></div><div align="justify"><span style="color:#c0c0c0;"></span></div><div align="justify"><span style="color:#c0c0c0;"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356502723651043986" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM_4EEeanSXxSFtapcMEp_loklUG7bKu-jZbOthQ2iBPIw9Uj3pKBp6CfNxd8vluRWPGfftzQRWNxDZdWMoLc7_xNf1e0c1jr0YX-7uSUq99mpejDQZn3I8UHoWlJr7K7WpUwHH4rGZy4/s400/backdrop1.jpg" /></span></div><p align="justify"><span style="color:#c0c0c0;">The Backdrop ........ Marriage - The Final Frontier</span></p><p><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356502720648506146" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8kZmXX6YE8og9ixVpKgcUG_ibbbbvkIfzD1VVaxksqlCk7IhPf9Oi1PwX1C9u1hW2JzDA9alp6qH2YmIc8uDnfpbW-qyeprePt3Kh_KSyLV-0eV1KLHU4urenovaHLhnl73d8KF-mm80/s400/ballroom1.jpg" /></p><p align="justify"><span style="color:#c0c0c0;">The ballroom - Dark coloured (I was quite certain it was dark blue but Rajen said it was black)cloth hung above with strings of lights illuminating through it creating a space-like ambience.</span></p><p><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356503527320203650" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQQGDkMh-d8enrjxX61iECcQrqVNAtvYQxv_LHiF4KIIdyC-G_lyoCw1J5DMyis98t50Ewf7V3RASrZNivao2el3zydLwWL6i-rZQcf5c9TMN959SyilyOLrdN3GzV52s7-AZQDvXhWZE/s400/quark's+bar1.jpg" /></p><p align="justify"><span style="color:#c0c0c0;">Quark's Bar - Free flow of alchoholic drinks was served here</span></p><p><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356503535755031026" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBknrzdMGg_40Phq5nber9tDzSN08gFNaUz5osPZ-561vi0GUjSMrVPg_M5Tv1oL1kjoB02FTyfOscNFqTdyK30q3BhcT-qSjWqmV2cElsEAOhj5N9T5TMDLfbFWLC5C5Mop2CYhvrj2Q/s400/table+numbers+1.jpg" /></p><div align="justify"><span style="color:#c0c0c0;">Each table number had the name of a space ship plus the star trek emblem</span></div><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356503106649774914" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOifD51Mk_PwitutGukGRb_EybA0o0pECkv39MefPDSIWG0PizCxZBBOpi_fDuhed47awhxsan3TKsL77JYOTqbZnCYRL3R7ilg-f8loA5WIvMxdlBzzhs6Qo3FZQVeh4tc4PD9sZQjQI/s400/center+piece+1.jpg" /><br /><div align="justify"><span style="color:#c0c0c0;">Instead of flowers, on the main VIP table sat The Enterprise</span></div><br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356502718410852146" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkfoSjpCrtEFTZekSWIUC8tT-t_hp3n8OAljwGVBlJ621Vs1krCtaJsd6IM9sFyA0T-0OxJg1uEctbb8iX4ag054VHjKrmbI1DRSOnhX_ZV435Qrjdk37VcqdNeKfrDVsP-02p_kmY-SA/s400/another+center+piece1.jpg" /> <p align="justify"><span style="color:#c0c0c0;">The other VIP table had this huge balls ... I think it's supposed to be planets</span><br /></p><p><br /><br /></p><p><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356503525244663330" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisFd2Gv1INmWATkPpB0-GJ_vEX-MSIovLGo8cqfPOvQJx_tzEPjFuxiSnYBc8wCV7hzgJnhhPfBUTSIl5TFVK9iZhUCSSmEkMK7ILQrtuC6vHH4omDpsPMG86NUJ5aRUbB7wpyrkeS25U/s400/plate1.jpg" /><span style="color:#c0c0c0;">This base plate had the Star Trek emblem printed onto it.</span><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidQFiv6sfPOEDwlOWt-iYxHfBeHBUt7OM8Ob7ugct8HR96GS0zlxSRp-0kPTKoM5Q4l-LyxhsKbRLtfx-jwkaKShdDE6G6cot0t5jOEzlC0htXMaQhgzRRqzZHGGwPWDK2rDsbq1Rt4yY/s1600-h/menu+1.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356503518576755538" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidQFiv6sfPOEDwlOWt-iYxHfBeHBUt7OM8Ob7ugct8HR96GS0zlxSRp-0kPTKoM5Q4l-LyxhsKbRLtfx-jwkaKShdDE6G6cot0t5jOEzlC0htXMaQhgzRRqzZHGGwPWDK2rDsbq1Rt4yY/s400/menu+1.jpg" /></a><br /><span style="color:#c0c0c0;">The menu goes like this :-</span><br /></p><p><span style="color:#c0c0c0;"><strong>Betazed Oskoid</strong><br />Seared Hokkaido Scallops with Tobiko Granny Smith Apple and walnut Salad<br /><br /><strong>Vulcan Plomeek Soup</strong><br />Edamame Cappucino with Foie Gras Ravioli<br /><br /><strong>Cardassian Regova</strong><br />Pink Pomelo Sherbet<br /><br /><strong>Klingon Heart of Targ</strong><br />Pan Seared beef Medallion Au Jus, Cauliflower Puree and Citrus Jus<br /><br /><strong>Bajoran Hasperat<br /></strong>Chestnut Mousse with Crispy Chocolate Feuilletine and Praline Ice Cream<br /><br /><strong>Ferengi Coffee or Tea<br /></strong>Coffee or Tea<br /><br /><strong>Thalian Chocolates</strong><br />Petit fours / Macaroons<br /></span><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZa5ug3gdOC6UUImblkvZGZZtO7e3hyphenhyphen1BiH_8g-GTCLu6555RxLlzPGANUlpTZKJJdOVUM5SbvCRB_m6w-pG-MW-qVtnv3qvuRbkrJn41QxScl2TfZM1IOYjWlRBA_PCg14mda3qK7b4M/s1600-h/food1.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356503124177652914" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZa5ug3gdOC6UUImblkvZGZZtO7e3hyphenhyphen1BiH_8g-GTCLu6555RxLlzPGANUlpTZKJJdOVUM5SbvCRB_m6w-pG-MW-qVtnv3qvuRbkrJn41QxScl2TfZM1IOYjWlRBA_PCg14mda3qK7b4M/s400/food1.jpg" /></a><br /><span style="color:#c0c0c0;">As you can tell, dinner looked great. It tasted great too. I was stuffed by the end of the night.</span></p><br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356503118594514482" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0IHUNz3rolX7NZnHJCXG3-xh2hK9PWAwjU2F7B5k_KYfCKOlvd0tvEU9LOLmugLoD53wBRbx7WB_KcWzGgHc-a58_dqYu4s-BHnkaoEO__N6MRKim6s16mnxVnJ3eEKhlvvI7Wh8XRj8/s400/drink+1.jpg" /><br /><br /><div align="justify"><span style="color:#c0c0c0;">The Blue Lychee drink looks like it would taste weird but it's just a lychee drink.<br /></div></span><br /><br /><br /><div align="justify"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8xhf0xCCpjnLO7FNb85yV_LIYqrBk_Mpo_TAkxPcoT_wrGIjjyfAFvm3h3tMtqPGzFPKxpbzMHwryGveOhqX88vTvJCPOHCzt3gCw0Oyb2CXykThHmBC8aTeVrhk-Ev4sEWMj-WG5vi0/s1600-h/door+gift+1.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356503112224722674" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8xhf0xCCpjnLO7FNb85yV_LIYqrBk_Mpo_TAkxPcoT_wrGIjjyfAFvm3h3tMtqPGzFPKxpbzMHwryGveOhqX88vTvJCPOHCzt3gCw0Oyb2CXykThHmBC8aTeVrhk-Ev4sEWMj-WG5vi0/s400/door+gift+1.jpg" /></a><br /><span style="color:#c0c0c0;">The door gift - I am not exactly sure what is this ... I thought it was a soap dish with soap in it but when I opened it, there were 5 small chocolates in it.<br /></span><br /><br /><br /><div align="justify"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcGABzh8Eb-6WQxfV2DTHPzXxVqMG1Lf7RC2BMj8YPVKWz4YQZMHeKYDmiISSIjW9ehqr1hTwk-EawBYuEd6XAPzH-dkNyXgfP9Cp-p1uxAFXte2NoEGmRDEEtXLGw7S3j9IXRH9wPSng/s1600-h/cake1.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356502733704713554" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcGABzh8Eb-6WQxfV2DTHPzXxVqMG1Lf7RC2BMj8YPVKWz4YQZMHeKYDmiISSIjW9ehqr1hTwk-EawBYuEd6XAPzH-dkNyXgfP9Cp-p1uxAFXte2NoEGmRDEEtXLGw7S3j9IXRH9wPSng/s400/cake1.jpg" /></a><br /><span style="color:#c0c0c0;">When I first saw this cake, I thought it was just an ordinary 3-tiered cake. Later, Rajen (also a trekki fan) told me that it was a replica of a three dimensional chess set which Kirk and Spock played on the Enterprise.<br /></span><br /><br /><div align="justify"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW5vNRcnRRflEebm1Dw0brVMt2BiAKoJVAsMTcEsE1vpdbAlPYjbO_kGa-GjV9SD1MDC9ea7kigWSwbe_zc7iDhX7APdsUmjDMN1E7NMJU447ryEXOhbeYm6pij3ErPA07T054pO_fm4Q/s1600-h/bride+and+groom+1.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356502726298422962" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW5vNRcnRRflEebm1Dw0brVMt2BiAKoJVAsMTcEsE1vpdbAlPYjbO_kGa-GjV9SD1MDC9ea7kigWSwbe_zc7iDhX7APdsUmjDMN1E7NMJU447ryEXOhbeYm6pij3ErPA07T054pO_fm4Q/s400/bride+and+groom+1.jpg" /></a><br /><span style="color:#c0c0c0;">Even the groom was dressed in one of the outfits shown in the earlier Star Trek episodes</span></div><span style="color:#c0c0c0;"></span></div><span style="color:#c0c0c0;"></span></div><p><span style="color:#c0c0c0;"></span></p><p><span style="color:#c0c0c0;"><span style="color:#ff9966;">NOTE : I AM NOT A STAR TREK FAN AND SOME OF WHICH IS DESCRIBED IN THIS POST MIGHT NOT BE ACCURATE</span></p><div align="justify"><br /></div></span><div align="justify"></div>Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17409056789951328116noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8527582350884304160.post-56440804264733891022009-07-09T08:26:00.001+08:002009-07-09T09:16:54.132+08:00Oil That Lasts<span style="color:#c0c0c0;">There is a verse in the Bible where it says that "the jar of oil did not run dry ..." (1 Kings 17:16)</span> <div><br /><br /><div align="justify"><span style="color:#c0c0c0;"></span></div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356114151215890738" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7G72iW87hICyEnqSe9Nxb082bdCb9119GkLj1O3YE2Wz4v6xhzjNenmBSWb7aBNWNrLRQlShFCW2bQJdi55Suktwfwai4lmhLpEX69pQrk2dAleqm02oGBOEjYw6coEk-Ff0woWuXYBo/s400/oil.jpg" /><br /><div align="justify"><span style="color:#c0c0c0;">Yesterday, I finally used up the last drop of oil from a 2 liter bottle which I bought <em>more than a</em> <em>year ago</em>. As you can tell, I don't cook very often. Also, because I love Italian food, I'd tend to cook pasta with olive oil. That means the normal cap Helang oil would last longer.</span></div><div align="justify"><span style="color:#c0c0c0;"></span></div><br /><div align="justify"><span style="color:#c0c0c0;">Trying to think of ways to finish the oil, I bought raw chicken chop, Pacific West fish fillet and french fries from Tesco to fry for dinner. And FINALLY, I poured out the last of the oil!</span></div><br /><br /><div align="justify"><span style="color:#c0c0c0;"></span></div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356114143514275602" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP3Byf04VfGtzztoekwQrKT2tyk-VUSBAN2sqIG-6BCdmjV2xM9qFGnhYmsiUzJMU__4cnDRl4KgKRmtyg6p7hoBLip3DGdFp6AKiOUKyGiXLtLGS_oFb18VIZ99GihI0_vqJ1tXR55XU/s400/chicken+chop+and+fish.jpg" /><br /><div align="justify"><span style="color:#c0c0c0;">My western dinner turned out to be delicious. Easy and almost instant. It made a mess out of my floor, of course, with the oil splashing everywhere. </span></div><br /><div align="justify"><span style="color:#c0c0c0;"></span></div><div></div></div>Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17409056789951328116noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8527582350884304160.post-19994975743336718772009-07-08T09:40:00.001+08:002009-07-08T10:29:11.812+08:00Sharks In Our Lives<em><span style="color:#ff0000;">a forwarded email ....</span></em><br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 124px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 92px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5355910336399942530" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgvmh-wUV7g6KwXMBO8nt0JouarxiAYRN_rhlKriYmIDwQCDR4cd1BmpuUN0Z-WXfeoXgwU-ZCVgvLc1vTV3QtPMrTLzHVcC4y_badQef_1v-OmzgQPDesPeoskmKH-NGo7NP7og3mz9A/s400/shark.jpg" /><br /><br /><div align="justify"><span style="color:#c0c0c0;">The Japanese have always loved fresh fish. But the waters close to Japan have not held many fish for decades. So to feed the Japanese population, fishing boats got bigger and went further than ever. The further the fishermen went, the longer it took to bring in the fish. If the return trip took more than a few days, the fish were not fresh. The Japanese did not like the taste.</span></div><br /><div align="justify"><span style="color:#c0c0c0;"></span></div><div align="justify"><span style="color:#c0c0c0;">To solve this problem, fishing companies installed freezers on their boats. They would catch the fish and freeze them at sea. Freezers allow the boats to go further and stay longer. however, the Japanese could taste the difference between fresh and frozen and they did not like frozen fish.</span></div><div align="justify"><span style="color:#c0c0c0;"></span></div><br /><div align="justify"><span style="color:#c0c0c0;">The frozen fish brought a lower price. So fishing companies installed fish tanks. They would catch the fish and stuff them in the tanks. After a little thrashing around, the fish stopped moving. They were tired and dull, but alive. Unfortunately, the Japanese could still taste the difference. Because the fish did not move for days, they lost their fresh-fish taste.</span></div><br /><div align="justify"><span style="color:#c0c0c0;"></span></div><div align="justify"><span style="color:#c0c0c0;">The Japanese preferred the lively taste of fresh fish, not sluggish fish.</span></div><div align="justify"><span style="color:#c0c0c0;"></span></div><br /><div align="justify"><span style="color:#c0c0c0;">So how did the Japanese fishing companies solve this problem? How do they get fresh-tasting fish to Japan? If you were consulting the fish industry, what would you recommend?</span></div><div align="justify"><span style="color:#c0c0c0;"></span></div><br /><div align="justify"><span style="color:#ffcccc;">HOW JAPANESE FISH STAY FRESH</span></div><div align="justify"><span style="color:#c0c0c0;"></span></div><br /><div align="justify"><span style="color:#c0c0c0;">To keep the fish tasting fresh, the Japanese fishing companies still put the fish in the tanks. But now they add a small shark to each tank. The shark eats a few fish, but most of the fish arrive in a very lively state. The fish are challenged.</span></div><div align="justify"><span style="color:#c0c0c0;"></span></div><br /><div align="justify"><span style="color:#c0c0c0;">Have you realised that some of us are also living in a pond but most of the time tired and dull? We need a shark in our lives to keep us awake and moving.</span></div><div align="justify"><span style="color:#c0c0c0;"></span></div><br /><div align="justify"><span style="color:#c0c0c0;">Basically in our lives, sharks are new challenges to keep us active and taste better ... the more intelligent, persistent and competent you are, the more you enjoy a challenge.</span></div><div align="justify"><span style="color:#c0c0c0;"></span></div><br /><div align="justify"><span style="color:#c0c0c0;">If your challenges are the correct size, and if you are steadily conquering those challenges, you are a Conqueror. You think of your challenges and get energized. You are excited to try new solutions. you have fun! You are alive!</span></div><div align="justify"><span style="color:#c0c0c0;"></span></div><br /><div align="justify"><span style="color:#ffcccc;">RECOMMENDATIONS FOR US:</span></div><div align="justify"><span style="color:#c0c0c0;"></span></div><br /><div align="justify"><span style="color:#c0c0c0;">1- Instead of avoiding challenges, jump into them. Enjoy the game. If your challenges are too large or too numerous, do not give up. Failing makes you tired. Instead, recognize, find more determination, more knowledge, more help.</span></div><br /><div align="justify"><span style="color:#c0c0c0;"></span></div><div align="justify"><span style="color:#c0c0c0;">2- God didn't promise days without pain, laughter without sorrow, sun without rain, but he did promise strength for the day, comfort for the tears and light for the way.</span></div><div align="justify"><span style="color:#c0c0c0;"></span></div><br /><div align="justify"><span style="color:#c0c0c0;">3- Disappointments are like road bumps, they slow you down a bit but you enjoy the smooth road afterwards... don't stay on the bumps too long. Move on!</span></div><div align="justify"><span style="color:#c0c0c0;"></span></div><br /><div align="justify"><span style="color:#c0c0c0;">4- When you feel down because you didn't get what you want, just sit tight and be happy, because God has thought of something better to give you. When something happens to you, good or bad, consider what it means. There's a purpose to life's events , to teach you how to laugh more and not to cry too hard.</span></div><div align="justify"><span style="color:#c0c0c0;"></span></div><br /><div align="justify"><span style="color:#c0c0c0;">5- No one can go back and make a brand new start. But anyone can start from now and make a brand new ending.</span></div>Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17409056789951328116noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8527582350884304160.post-13482762198375446252009-07-07T07:33:00.002+08:002009-07-07T09:55:45.419+08:00En, the Lady Magician<div align="justify"><span style="color:#c0c0c0;">I was on leave one Friday and was at my parents' place together with Eunice, having lunch. En came back from school at 12.30pm and was surprised to see me there, in my "normal" clothes (as opposed to my working clothes).</span></div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5353159927323572690" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpPeSPr0xCT2rwH-oBy8tPv2nXAZ-PauUnwyi_Cd2E1TUhpVpt0JpTUhspemGZtB0KODFQ0DK0jiBi2P_DgqBPT3oOCbe1VNPhQdQ1qBli-OHbw_wTLI4Y79gNecZCmKG_Pq774NrT81o/s400/En,+the+lady+magician.jpg" /><br /><div align="justify"><span style="color:#c0c0c0;">Later we were out at the living room talking when suddenly, En walked in with a black cowboy hat and a Mickey Mouse blanket which acted as a cape..... and like her mother, commanded attention from all of us. </span></div><div align="justify"><span style="color:#000000;">.</span></div><div align="justify"><span style="color:#c0c0c0;">She transformed into a magician, all set to perform her magic show. We laughed because she had that cartoon accent while performing her tricks.</span></div><div align="justify"><span style="color:#000000;">.</span></div><div align="justify"><span style="color:#c0c0c0;">I'd say that she would turn out to be someone who's very confident about her ability to capture and hold people's attention. Her public speaking skills are excellent and she is not shy at all. In fact, she craves the limelight and attention - which is really unlike any other Chinese-educated person her age.</span></div>Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17409056789951328116noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8527582350884304160.post-39993294671525005302009-07-06T07:36:00.001+08:002009-07-06T09:20:26.615+08:0050th Anniversary of Louis and Sothie<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5353160646230026882" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiBRdTE1YYGCVVwKhF9UpbAbl8D-iqaAjRQ0Xu90VmpdUjZSIoOwLeNf5hAPd2wrV-tyJNVzzGihs1UjWnBrBMnTglWbGNtTGcihw51Zy4Ef3t19xOmwZFIpTVfFtVvy43qOSKlsaDN5M/s400/50th.jpg" /><br /><div align="justify"><span style="color:#c0c0c0;">Celebrating one's 50th wedding anniversary is indeed a very big thing. When I first got married, especially the first two years of our marriage, it was very difficult imagining myslef being married for even 5 years. And I often "wowed" at couples who already celebrated their 10th or 20th wedding anniversary. </span></div><br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5353161245713265938" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPXCp1hBiBfRVzNbca0WoqSQ-lVz0zhw4R8VeflDZuH15NFpDMmpOsVXYfC4V-5XMuWxAl9SKzwkii_upH2STTa1Er_U9FS7QFRRSFSqy3vnMlzKZq8MxMfcD7T5j3ZmZZYm1qKwtQ8DE/s400/Sothie+giving+a+speech.jpg" /> <p align="justify"><span style="color:#c0c0c0;">Last weekend my husband and I were invited to Sothie and Louis' 50th wedding anniversary. Friends and relatives flew in from as far as Australia, Holland, America and other parts of the world to celebrate with them.</span> </p><div align="justify"><span style="color:#c0c0c0;">The following pictures are friends and relatives who came for the anniversary dinner...</span></div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXOHFYDMJJV3DZkDfLRWYq-iH7AxnFr4ONbOafF-2T8Yam7AmsNkzIuXv8Jm65ec2-SWk7anS0wDNMNYdi4dom3UkQVKy-lDLfKtQllpQIZvcmHGjNj49L0pYL7y58GpmC2_s9qrTRBqQ/s1600-h/family+pic.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5353160647079078162" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXOHFYDMJJV3DZkDfLRWYq-iH7AxnFr4ONbOafF-2T8Yam7AmsNkzIuXv8Jm65ec2-SWk7anS0wDNMNYdi4dom3UkQVKy-lDLfKtQllpQIZvcmHGjNj49L0pYL7y58GpmC2_s9qrTRBqQ/s400/family+pic.jpg" /></a><br /><div align="justify"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifRZoWoqpADV5RqeJHIp3m8FHaONmBO1KFmFTPjX6Gfi_cOGgfuiHWk_MSNi4f_JmjS9r_qh1swxCkwltmkxeJvPgWAPwDizsK6LzIT4AaiNepRRPFGhnBhq2kv2n3ouIEs-mvs0A3G-Y/s1600-h/family.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5353160646038999490" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifRZoWoqpADV5RqeJHIp3m8FHaONmBO1KFmFTPjX6Gfi_cOGgfuiHWk_MSNi4f_JmjS9r_qh1swxCkwltmkxeJvPgWAPwDizsK6LzIT4AaiNepRRPFGhnBhq2kv2n3ouIEs-mvs0A3G-Y/s400/family.jpg" /></a><br /><span style="color:#c0c0c0;">The reason for me taking all these pictures is to help me remember who is who. This family is so big and they are scattered all over the world. I don't see them often and celebrations like this helps everyone come together as a family. No doubt the Internet plays a very big role helping us in keeping in touch with friends and relatives who live miles and miles away from us but it's nothing like MEETING up and seeing each other face-to-face.<br /></span><br /><div><div></div></div></div>Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17409056789951328116noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8527582350884304160.post-65083159660775052302009-07-04T07:40:00.002+08:002009-07-04T08:54:51.912+08:00Blender<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5353161588851398146" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUmCWOYiat3iOB6ULqUgCgxGFeMIatr1GHzLHMOqU_6LIutJOyAE55goiLy4NfWW2XUboiC4ChTOK1GeKgdjm94Mxx-49m_Tj_dbe_2FksdMUnWXXhiZVZdQJeogRPxqTlZ9l3yLvRUYU/s400/blender.jpg" border="0" /><br /><div align="justify"><span style="color:#c0c0c0;">I don't take enough fruits and carrots and all the healthy stuff (although I love vegetables) so one day, I went into an electrical shop with the intention of purchasing a cheap blender which would cost me less than RM100. </span></div><div align="justify"><span style="color:#000000;">.</span></div><div align="justify"><span style="color:#c0c0c0;">My main criteria is : Easy washing after usage.</span></div><div align="justify"><span style="color:#000000;">.</span></div><div align="justify"><span style="color:#c0c0c0;">And the lady was quick enough to recommend me this Kenwood blender which cost so much more than I was will to pay for. The original price for this was RM700 but every now and then, Kenwood would have special promotions for certain items and so happen, this particular blender/mixer was one of them.</span></div><div align="justify"><span style="color:#000000;">.</span></div><div align="justify"><span style="color:#c0c0c0;">And thus, I am now the proud owner of it.</span></div><br /><br /><p align="justify"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5353161729380865298" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIdK3qs4fOvBEY6NosGkSUSe31xppBeMpAnSxuA2NfMbJSLbH6JFjwI94IJXD-iUwc2pQeo1NiTZpymwxeschPmDormBNdKvMw_P0hgCCA9t0vGAD92utLAhingJsQ8rK1vLJxW4ZTQjA/s400/carrot.jpg" border="0" /><span style="color:#c0c0c0;">MCTC and Eunice bought carrots and apples one day and we experimented with the many functions on the mixer. </span></p><p align="justify"><span style="color:#c0c0c0;">Our first attempt didn't turn out well. Why? Because we didn't blend it enough and it was difficult to drink. We ended up giving more than half of it to my mum and Tusi, telling them that it is healthy for them to drink it.<br /></span></p><div align="justify"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLFhsd8JRTBeXfBa-BExIj2FT7b6VWe3CR-mTOcSocVibnvesF03SBGAFVop8b6I2oWQ3eNxi0ly5PdqyG5aFoZZD3_DnRGY0ckZZrqJOMGj4JMrpbDgLCJktx_rh1gh9Jm0tzB2noWRQ/s1600-h/blending+the+apples.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5353161727287154306" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLFhsd8JRTBeXfBa-BExIj2FT7b6VWe3CR-mTOcSocVibnvesF03SBGAFVop8b6I2oWQ3eNxi0ly5PdqyG5aFoZZD3_DnRGY0ckZZrqJOMGj4JMrpbDgLCJktx_rh1gh9Jm0tzB2noWRQ/s400/blending+the+apples.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="color:#c0c0c0;">Because this mixer doesn't separates the pulp from the water, we have to make sure that the fruit is properly blended. </span></div><div align="justify"><span style="color:#000000;">.</span></div><div align="justify"><span style="color:#c0c0c0;">Evaporated milk was added for the extra taste. </span></div><div align="justify"><span style="color:#000000;">.</span></div><div align="justify"><span style="color:#c0c0c0;">It's really very easy to use and I can even blend carrot and banana, wash the mixer after that ... all within 5-7 minutes.</span></div><div align="justify"><span style="color:#000000;">.</span></div><div align="justify"><span style="color:#c0c0c0;">I haven't tested the ice cube function yet!! Maybe that's because I don't have ice in the freezer. Gotta remember to make some ice and test it out. Who knows? Maybe if the economy gets worse, I may have to sell fruit juice/smoothies/ice blended drinks at the side of the road...</span></div><div align="justify"><span style="color:#c0c0c0;"></span></div><div align="justify"></div>Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17409056789951328116noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8527582350884304160.post-35825737596298233132009-07-03T07:10:00.001+08:002009-07-03T09:20:22.317+08:00Last Day of Class<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqRDDZKSHNM4tG52AZNJlq7bdevhGWQhrdJHJTqDzjaJGh1D3ibvHu5hww5qL3OWou7SsoJepiLQAhujyf78h2ZiDtOe-d7X0Y9nW9u1P0ZRDgMN2WloX-hNq647I_NPshNkZrP_GOF8g/s1600-h/the+class.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5353899557639704674" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqRDDZKSHNM4tG52AZNJlq7bdevhGWQhrdJHJTqDzjaJGh1D3ibvHu5hww5qL3OWou7SsoJepiLQAhujyf78h2ZiDtOe-d7X0Y9nW9u1P0ZRDgMN2WloX-hNq647I_NPshNkZrP_GOF8g/s400/the+class.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><div align="justify"><span style="color:#c0c0c0;">You're thinking that I should be jumping up and down for joy at the mention of "the Last Day of Class", right? Wrong!</span><br /><br /></div><div align="justify"><span style="color:#c0c0c0;">True, I moan about attending classes every Thursday because of my hectic after work activities. But this class had been an eye-opener where cults and religions are concerned. I learned so much about other religions and why they believe what they believe.</span></div><div align="justify"><span style="color:#c0c0c0;"></span></div><br /><div align="justify"><span style="color:#c0c0c0;">Rev. Lim taught us for 12 consecutive weeks (not the usual 14 weeks). I missed two classes because I was severely sick last month.</span></div><br /><div align="justify"><span style="color:#c0c0c0;"></span></div><div align="justify"><span style="color:#c0c0c0;">For those of you who know me, I don't do well sitting in one place for a long period of time. I tend to fall asleep if someone talks for more than 1/2 hour. But this class is sooo interesting, I didn't fall asleep at all. Well, there was once when Rev. Lim was bombarding us with all the facts on one particular cult and hearing all those "rubbish" made me tune everything out and as a result, I got a little sleepy. Also, that day, I was feeling exhausted after all the running up and down, taking care of my mother in law, going to Shah Alam for road shows, etc, etc, etc. </span></div><br /><div align="justify"><span style="color:#c0c0c0;"></span></div><div align="justify"><span style="color:#c0c0c0;">We had our last class yesterday and we were told to bring a dish each for this bitter sweet day. A few of us came empty handed and I was one of them. I just didn't have the time. I rushed home from work, showered and came to church.</span></div><div align="justify"><span style="color:#c0c0c0;"></span></div><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5353899556362105746" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsWS0IXBITbSe5qjnMF4sxtT6ar6HIiYR172cL8nMBffzTQ0Q9_C9PGKDtpGiVDLU3LiJhhK_rVDWRnFX6WeHc-WY5-JjXhSRrQzI-qjwi-RA0ssiC9mmwWSUCCJksfowv29soPnEidzk/s400/food.jpg" border="0" /><br /><div align="justify"><span style="color:#c0c0c0;">Nevertheless, food was in abundance and very nicely varied. We didn't even discuss what we wanted to bring!!! There were sandwiches (yummy), Aunty Chris' mouth watering chocolate cake, yong tau foo, mangoesteen, rambutan, (no durians, though!!), roasted chicken from Tesco, roast pork, deep fried devil (not sure how to translate this) ... oh well, the picture of the food says it all.</span></div><br /><div align="justify"><span style="color:#c0c0c0;"></span></div><div align="justify"><span style="color:#c0c0c0;">As I've said earlier, I learned a lot from Rev. Lim and I find it helpful when I talk to people of a different faith. It helps me understand theirt point of view and how not to aggravate them when they don't believe in "certain" things. </span></div><div align="justify"><span style="color:#c0c0c0;"></span></div><br /><div align="justify"><span style="color:#c0c0c0;">And yes, I thoroughly enjoyed every session - even though I hardly asked any questions.</span></div></div>Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17409056789951328116noreply@blogger.com0