Disgusting Habits

Here are some things that I can never understand.

1) Why do some people can just wind down the window as they drive and throw out tissues/receipts/empty packet drinks from their car?  Even BMW/Merce drivers.  I thought they teach in schools that we are not suppose to litter?

2) How some people can, after changing their babies out of the dirty diapers in the parking lot, just leave the diapers on the floor by their car before driving off.  Not only in the carparks, but everywhere else too.  The beach, parks and etc.  Nobody likes shit. 

3) How some people can walk their dogs yet not pick up after them or allow their dog to go out by itself where it might poop/pee outside people's gate.  I once saw an uncle, took out a piece of tissue to wipe his doggie's ass instead of picking up the poop to throw them into a nearby drain or something. Tsk! Tsk! Task!  

4) How some people can let their dog bark/whine for hours without worrying that it might disturb the neighbours. I don't mean that they go whack their dogs but there is surely a reason why it whine/bark right?

5) How some people can wind down the window and spit while driving.  Imagine the fella driving behind them.  Yeah, that's right.

6) Farting in public?  Loud clear ones?  I can never get this one...lols... You can have a farting frenzy with bunch of friends for all I care... but in the midst of discussion?  That's a total NO NO.

7) Tornado sneezing.  Those loud earthquake kind of sneezing.  For what?  

Seriously?

Addition

8) Double parking even though there are plenty of parkings available.  Not only do they don't leave behind a number for people to call in case it is blocking somebody's car, they are not even alert when people honked.  I double parked too sometimes but I am alert.

9) Parents parking their cars left/right/middle of road while waiting for their children's school end.  Don't they know it create massive traffic inconveniences?  Parents, just queue up on the left lane.  Not everywhere.

10) Friday's mosque going people.  Please don't double or triple park as if your father own the road.  It really is inconvenience to others.

Million-aire Again!

Yesterday was a great great day!  Halfway thru chatting with mom over MSN, someone called her to tip her off the whereabout of her MILLION (her Australian Silky Terrier).  Finally, after 15 days of agony, she is reunited with her little friend.

Believe it not, she was kept by someone staying in one of the houses behind our row.  And still refuse to return the dog to us despite of being confronted saying that we need to wait for her son to return in 3 days time before they decide.  Wtf?

Mom asked me what she should do.  I told her that she should head straight over there with a friend or two and demand for her doggie.  She did just that.  

To cut long story short, we managed to get Million back.  If you wish to know the whole story, hop over to my mom's blog over here :)

Seriously, the world is really full of senseless people.  Sigh…!  Luckily all ends well in this particular case. :)

Uneventful Yet Eventful Weekend

My head has been pounding since forever.  Have been popping Uphamol and thought it would go off.  But no.  The pounding return with a somewhat warm forehead whenever the paracetamol wears off.  Sigh... And today, realized the right upper gum is sort of sore too.  Even the coughs are back.  It can't be the food cause I've been eating rather healthily lately.  Must be the crazy weather.  Super hot in the morning, thunderstorm in the late afternoon.  Madness.  I think I really need to go see a real doctor tomorrow.  :(

Weekend has been alright.  Attended a course about 'unit trusts' whole of yesterday. I know.  It sounded strange even to me.  Lols.  Like it or not, I am now officially licensed to deal 'unit trusts'.  So if any of you out there wants to know more about it, buzz me.  Hehehehe....

Yesterday evening, the husband and I took a long drive to somewhere far for dinner since both of us were not really hungry and the journey turned out to be rather enlightening.  We exchanged some thoughts on a certain issue we face for the past few weeks with some characters in our life.  The feeling we felt whenever we are with them or not with them and we concluded that there is nothing we can do about it since we had done our best and yet not being appreciated.  Enlightening in the sense that, when you thought you are all alone, someone actually shared the exact same sentiments as you when least expected.  I love how we jived that way sometimes.  :)

Today (Sunday) has been rather good too except one weird incident.  A pearl sky blue Harrier driven by a studious looking chap tried to drive us off the road along LDP when we overtaking.  No kidding, 100% on purpose.  When we overtake from the left lane, he swerved left.  When we halfway thru the right lane, he swerved right and tried to squeeze us into the divider.  He was so closed that I could actually touch his car.  If we have driven one of the old cars, we would happily let him ram into us.  I so look forward to punching his ass face and put my trained biceps into some good use.  Seriously, what's wrong with that guy?  There isn't any provocation at all.  I tell you, better sharpen up those driving skills (and strengthen those biceps too).  There are lots of crazy people on the road.  Worst worst, you can always use your high heels if you are wearing one. :)  

Domestic wise, all well too except for some issues with the furkids.  Our 'mole' dog is back.  He was transferred out for two weeks.  Long story on that one.   Just bear in mind that it was beyond our control.  Mole somewhat show symptoms of depression/traumatized by the whole ordeal - gloomy, lost weight and shedding.  I just hope he get back to normal soon.  :(  Sunshine on the other hand, developed some skin irritation.  I had her fur all shaved so that I can apply medication on her.  I think it is from that new shampoo I bought.  My bad :(   

p/s: I almost gotten mom an Australian Silky Terrier puppy today.  I would say, very very close.  The little fella was so freaking adorable.  But on second thought, third thought, fourth thought.... hmm.....  better thought more. :p

Sanctum

Just got back from watching 'Sanctum' and now my eyes were kinda sore.  It is always like this whenever I go for a movie.  Anyway, that's besides the point.  After a good night sleep, they'll be alright.

Well, Sanctum.  I like.  Go watch.  Suspense all the way.  And, very cold too.  I don't know, somehow seeing them constantly wet throughout sort of make me feeling rather cold too.  So remember to bring a sweater/blanket or something.  Really, no bluff one. :p

The movie is about a team of explorer fighting raging water, deadly terrain and creeping panic as they search for unknown escape route to the sea while exploring the largest, most beautiful and least accessible cave system on Earth.

If I am part of the team, I would probably be the first one to die.  Total darkness suffocate me and tight crampy places makes panic-fy me. :p  Yeah, useless bugger I am.  And now, it make diving fearful too. :p

Ring for Heaven

I sometimes wished there is a special number to dial for heaven.  Then, I would be able to...

1) ...speak to love ones who had passed on whenever I thought of them.
2) ...clarify a certain unfinished matters with them.
3) ...check stand of my accumulated merits for visa to His lair.
4) ...know if all doggies really do go to heaven.
5) ...confirm heaven do exists.

But I guess if there is really a number to dial for heaven, we would not cherish life.  Ponder.

Visited the Dentist (finally!)

I've finally mustered enough courage to visit my regular dentist this morning (Joon Dental Clinic).  Even while I was there waiting for my turn, I've half the heart to actually just reach for the door and run for dear life. :p  But on second thought, if I were to do that, I would have go thru the whole process again - fighting back the fear that has brought me this far.  Sigh... die die la... will just sit thru the whole process on the torturing chair while imagining I am at some faraway idyllic place, enjoying a beach massage.  Mind over matters they said.

It was all finally over half an hour later.  A chipped filling refilled, a stained enamel polished, a permanent retainer at the back of my lower teeth removed (now I felt there is so much space in my mouth!) and all teeth scaled, polished and cleaned.  If I were to smile for a camera now, you might just catch a sparkle!

   

I Made Apple Strudels (Yippee!)

I made this late last night.  Apple Strudels.  Actually it was early this morning at about 12:30am, right after we got home from crashing The Fernandez's valentine's dinner at Enzo... hehe.  Went over to join them after my dance thingy.  Need a drink anyway.

The Apple Strudels turned out rather nicely (my personal view la... :p).  I had some for breakfast this morning.  It would be perfect with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.  Unfortunately, we do not have any at home and ice cream for breakfast?  I would be every kid's favourite somebody! Lols...

Packed some for two girlfriends too whom I met up for tea this afternoon and decorated the silver box with a maroon ribbon and a cut out card. ;)  I think they look cute.  And here's the recipe I promised them that I would share:

Ingredients:
500g filo pastry, thawed if frozen (actually, the standard box is more than enough)
Icing sugar for dusting

For the filling:
1kg cooking apples, peeled, cored and sliced
115g fresh white breadcrumbs
150g granulated sugar
1tsp cinnamon powder
75g raisins
Finely  grated rind of 1 lemon
115g unsalted butter, melted

1) Preheat the oven to 180deg Celsius.  To make the filling, place the sliced apples in a large mixing bowl.  Add the breadcrumbs, sugar, cinnamon, raisins and grated lemon rind and mix well.  Melt the butter in a small pan, then stir it in to the mixture.

2) Lay a sheet of filo pastry on a lightly floured work surface and brush with a little melted butter.  Place another sheet on top and brush with melted butter as before.  Continue stacking the sheets and brushing with the butter until there are four or five layers in all.

3) Spoon the filling into the centre of the pastry, leaving a 2.5cm/1inch border all round.  Fold in the two shorter sides, then roll up from one long side, Swiss-roll style (I did it parcel style).  Place the strudel on a lightly buttered baking sheet, seam side down.  Brush the pastry with the remaining melted butter.  Bake for 30-40 minutes, or until golden.

4) Remove the strudel from the oven and place on a wire rack to cool.  Dust with icing sugar before cutting into slices for serving.

Extra notes:
I used only about 5 apples, approximately 750g and the filling can make more than one loaf of Apple Strudels.  So reduce the ingredient accordingly if you wish to make only one loaf.

Difficulty rate: 4/10 (easy)


Have fun!

Feel The Love (with your heart)

We were out at KLCC for dinner yesterday evening.  When we walked passed Godiva, the husband said, let me get you some chocolates for Valentine Day tomorrow.  I said that was what I was planning to get for him (if I see any chocolate shops :p) and he can just get me a flower or anything if he want to.  Nothing also nevermind.  He said no need to get him anything and he will get me the chocolates.  Ok......! (Psstt: When chocolates are involve, I usually won't fight too hard.. lols).  So in we went, selected a variety of dark chocolate.  Lovely.

I can't remember when was the last time we actually celebrated Valentine's Day.  As far as I can remember, we never make a big hoo hah out of it.  Just a simple "Happy Valentine's Day darling..." and that's about it.  I don't like to dine in overcrowded restaurants filled to the brim with doe eyes lovers, eating mass cooked Valentine Set Meal and paying ridiculous prices for it.  :p  Lucky for me, my other half share the exact same sentiments.

To us it was never the price tag of things nor how fanciful the dinner is or how many times I tell him I love him or vice versa.  The heart already knows.  It understood the beats inside out, outside in.  Like how his hand would automatically reach out for mine when we walk and mine would automatically be ready to be reached or else, it would feel weird.  It's just natural.  Like a song sings..."Anyone who seen us, know what's going on between us.  It doesn't take a genius, to read between the lines...". 

I remember listing out little things I love about him in conjunction with V-Day last year (or the year before last :p) .  This year, for this day of love, I am going to do just the same with a little twist.  Instead of 'little things I love about him', it would be 'little things I love about us'.

What I love about us:

1) We play a lot.  Once, I was washing down the back kitchen and he yelled out to me from the backyard something about how my washing has wet his trousers.  I just look up, and said "Huh?" while pointing the hose in my hand his direction (yes, purposely one).  There he stood, drenched from top to bottom.  Lols...We had one of the biggest water fight after that... hahahaha.... it was so funny.

2) We tease each other relentlessly.  How when he grumbles at me I would say, "I need to go pick out a skirt later".  He would ask "For?" and I would reply "You.".  "Why me?" he would ask again and I would answer "Because only women grumbles a lot".  hahahaha... Or whenever I said "Hey, can  I ask you something...." and proceeded on with whatever I have to say only to be interrupted suddenly by... "Hey, I haven't give you the permission to ask yet...." from him. *faint*

3) We understand each other's PMS.  When he is going thru one of those 'super stress out' phase, I would just go low profile (no teasing or playing) or when I am in one of mine, he would just go with my flow.  Lols...

4) We communicate.  I would tell him straight what he did or said that bothers me and same for him to me.  But when come to trickier issues like breaking of bad habits, I would have to hold his face in my palms and stare straight into his eyes while saying what I have to say to ensure optimum uploading of information.  :p  It works.

5) We are each other's advisor.  We guide each other in trickier issues be it personal, work or etc.  The process should be more or less like this.  Extinguish the fire first.  Then find the cause of it. And subsequently, work out a preventive measure. :p  Make any sense to you?  First he would have to support whatever I have to say even if I am wrong.  Only when I've calm down, he will speak rationally, neutrally with a fair solution. Same goes for me to him.  :p  Come on, admit it.  When we are angry or sad with something, we want someone to agree with us.  True or not?  Lols..  If that someone come and tell us we are not right la... we will probably erupt into an angry volcano!  Lols...

6) We compromise.  This is easy.  Let him monopolize the tv remote and I, monopolizes everything else. :p hahahaaha....

Anyway, it can goes on forever.  All I wanna say is, just feel it.  Love is easy and natural.  Like heartbeats.  You don't need to try too hard.  Happy Valentine's Day people. :)  I wish you all feel "LOVE" not just on today but on any other day as well.

Celebrating the Chinese New Year (KL & Kluang)

Our first two days of CNY was spent in the city.  Besides the occasional visits to my in-laws', it was mostly spent at home catching up on backlogs.  Finally completed processing some photos and will be sending them out for develop after the holiday,  detoxed my wardrobe of clothes that I haven't touch for the last 6 months, browsed thru a dozen of interior magazine and marking out good ideas... 

There is seriously nothing much to do in a city during CNY.  No one to visit or come to visit, most friends already left town and most of the shops were closed.  So you can imagine. 

There were plenty of eating too.  It started way before CNY.  The first dinner was with the husband's company on 25/1, then the Spyder People (MRS) on 29/1... then was with relatives on 1/2, family 2/2 and again, family 4/2.  And I skipped one with the company which supposed to be on 21/1 because I just couldn't see those 10 course chinese meals anymore and another one with relatives back in Kluang on 5/2 due to an unfortunate event (will elaborate later).   And we just got back from another one tonight and yet, the eating spree is still not quite over.  There is still gonna be two more.  Lunch with bosses & dinner with friends.  Perfect 10 in total!

As usual, every CNY's dinner start off with tossing of the 'Yu Sang'.  I lost count of how many 'Yu Sang' I've tossed this CNY.  11 times if I remember correctly.  The extra one time was with a gf at a japanese restaurant.  :p This tossing of 'Yu Sang' tradition is pretty interesting one.  Somehow, it only practised in this part of the world - Malaysia & Singapore.  Not in HongKong nor China.  Strange huh?

From Wiki:

'Yu Sang' 鱼生,is a Teochew-style raw fish salad consisting strips of raw fish (salmon usually), placed on top of shredded vegetables and a variety of sauces and condiments which later being mixed together by tossing with pairs of chopsticks while saying something auspicious.  'Yu Sang 鱼生' literally means 'raw fish' but since 'fish 鱼' is commonly conflated with its homophone 'abundance 余', 'Yu Sang' is interpreted as 'increase in abundance', a symbol of abundance, prosperity and vigor!

As in all Chinese dinners, there will always be our unique way of toasting.  Screaming 'yum seng' at the top of our lung!  Lols...  Don't ask me what 'yum seng' means.  I don't know.  I would usually just raise the glass and mime the words... lols.

Was back in Kluang on the 3rd day of Chinese New Year to visit mom.  I was too lazy to drag out my camera plus the husband's laptop doesn't come with a card reader.  So I was very smart.  I took photos with his webcame instead.  But somehow, it all turned out in mirror image.  Lols... Nevertheless, at least something to share la....

Mom decorated her newly painted house with lots of red CNY ornaments.  She even planted some arrow roots.  A little research explains that the purpose of planting this plant is because the shape of it's leaf is like an arrow pointing upwards which symbolizes continuous improvement.  Hmmm....? I wonder...

There were also those typical CNY goodies like these 'love letters' at home and they were yummy!

This has nothing to do with CNY even though it is all RED in colour.  :p.  Just a picture of me graduating kindergarten to share.  Lols.

Anyway, to cut long story short (cause I am pretty sleepy already), what supposed to be a happy 3d 2n trip back home to celebrate Chinese New Year with mom ended only 3 hours after we arrived cause mom's favourite silky terrier, Million, went missing.  It must have slipped out when the door was opened. Apparently, a neighbour saw a guy trying to get Million.  I tell you arr.., I also don't know why they tell us after the dog is missing.  Sigh...  Mom is so distraught.  I hope whoever took Million would return her.

So the rest of our trip was spent printing 'missing dog' flyers, distributing them, sticking them up every poles we see, advertising it in newspaper & etc.  Basically, spreading the news.  Hopefully someone would notice Million somewhere and notify us. :(

Sigh.... wanna celebrate CNY peacefully also cannot.... it is either heart attack, family feuds or now, missing dog.  *headache*