Mar
11
2010
Not a 0.5 pizza place ok >.<
Ok, maybe my title got you lost. So…I am the 0.5 guy, 0.5 girl lar….[duh]
Daniel, Sky, Lan Anh and ‘The Tomboy’ on their maiden visit to Jakarta! Our host, Edwin captured this photo of us. Aww, we smiled so happily, didn’t we?
The jam was horrible. We were stucked for 3 hours on the road, no thanks to a demonstration that coincidentally took place on the very same day that forced every motorist to divert to other road options. And..to kill time, I managed to capture some on-the-journey-to host’s place pictures, eg the photo above, and ….
…yes, this!! It is not surprising that in Indonesia, you’d come across people selling drinks/snacks on the roads (even on highways).
Our stomach were growling…no thanks to the massive 3-hour jam…and upon reaching Edwin’s place, we were so overjoyed almost teared to see this!! Such a warm welcome from our host =)
Nasi Padang !!!
Individual’s portion ..superbly oishi desuneh!!
We ‘rested’ at home…by playing Wii *kns. The picture above = my ‘kickboxing match’
Lurves kickboxing *bats lashes*. Eh wrong! Correction –> *shows fist* !!
And we were served this after our Wii game!! Say hello to Pempek, a Palembangese snack, served together with a special type of sauce. For Malaysians, it’s something like keropok lekor. There were 3types served, and 1 type of Pempek is stuffed with egg !!
*pause for commercial break….[oi, my fingers need to rest ok, later kena finger-stroke *choi]
ok continue >.<
Met Edwin’s friends at Mbah Ingrak over our supposedly Javanese dinner but we were too full after our late home-cooked Nasi Padang lunch and Pempek…so we had some drinks instead. Oh, the most right is our host, Edwin!!
The Javanese cuisine which we, ok –> I could only salivate upon….
The drinks, and oh, kueh that I bit =P I combined 4 pictures of the drinks into one! *pats own shoulder
Teh Poci
The toilet must be super nicely decorated one….>.<
Me impersonating Mbah Ingrak.
Next, our tour around Jakarta began! 1st stop –> Monas [got story behind one, but keeping my mouth shut for political benefit, wah me so liberal *bats lashes*
Lan Anh with her creative pose!!
Next was street tour, around the government area, something like, Putrajaya. Saw the 'White House' of Indonesia *chuckles* and then we proceeded to 'Little Orchard' of Jakarta. This is where we ladies will regard as heaven to shop. And there is this lil fountain where we camwhored to our hearts content! The view at night is breathtaking. I especially love the Hyatt building night view. It's like 'BOOMZ' [pun intended] !!
The ladies =)
Finally, my day 1 has come to an end…so I shall bid you goodnight too with the last picture of me taken at day1 in Jakarta aka my act-cute-faildotcom pose.
YAWNS…Good night!!
Day 2 and 3 coming soon =)
Mar
9
2010
Confirm.
Just when when I was younger and people always commented that my dad looked fierce…now the comments are slowly diverted to me, especially when I don’t smile/doing [serious] work.
Not that I mind [not at all actually] but I just couldn’t help laughing at the fact on how much I resemble my dad. Even my mom’s silai-friend was once afraid of my dad [because of his fierce look]. It does make me ponder if my future husband’s friends would share the same fate as her=P
Oi, don’t you dare to step on my tail
But also, I was also told that when I smile…..
I could melt the world =)
Mar
1
2010
Chap Goh Meh falls on the 15th day of CNY, which is also the last day of CNY, giving us Chinese another reason to celebrate and be merry among family members and/or friends!
This year my Chap Goh Meh happens to be in Sg. And on this last day, I finally got the chance to ‘lou sang’ for the 1st time for this year of Tiger *kns
We celebrated at Crystal Jade Kitchen and to our dismay, the menu was restricted to only available CNY packages, leaving us with no other choices but to pick from one of the listed.
Yee Sang which is so obvious that it is slightly different from Malaysia’s. Notice the fried yam and turnip + a lesser variety compared to Malaysia’s, but I quite liked it *shy
Lou ah
Outcome
Soup
Prosperity Duck
Seafood pot
Fried rice, individual portion
Celery chicken
Finally, dessert
Bill come to a total of ….ah you wouldn’t wanna know, but I would be tie-ing my stomach for quite some time =P
And these were what we redeemed from the SGD 15 vouchers from the lucky draw (for footing the bill with UOB card)
Us at our second round session =)
Happy Chap Goh Meh peeps!! It is all now back to reality for me, no more reasons for procrastination !!
Feb
25
2010
1. Having a mild fever + flu + sorethroat. This is the condition I hate most because it could either get worse, or staying like this for some time, refusing to recover entirely. I’d like to thank Oinky for spreading the virus to me over the phone, making my voice 1000x much sexier =.=’
2. My best friend hurt her lil toe because she was too excited when my surprise-parcel reached her. The hurting-her-toe part wasn’t in my surprise package for sure!
3. I installed skype after ages of procrastinating. The 1st time online chat was a success with a 3hour straight record of chatting. The 2nd time lasted only in intervals of 3 minutes each; skpye kept dropping our conversation every 3 minutes. We persisted chatting like this for almost an hour; calling each other again and again every 3 minutes (upon each dropped call).
4. My hp or the service provider sucks ??!! Couldn’t receive messages from friends when they claim they texted me. And sometimes, I receive messages that were sent few days ago. Gosh. I want a new phone! *hint: Iphone 4GS!
5. Wore my heels last weekend and it cut deep into the skin of my lil toe; it bleed. Never will I wear heels in Sg ever again. Will always remember AL’s advice to NEVER wear them in Sg!
6. I think I am getting insomnia again; this time is because of the terrible humid weather. Even after the medication last night which 100% causes drowsiness, I still couldn’t sleep like a log!?
7. And lastly, I had to fill up 3 mild cavities on CNY eve! Gosh. My 1st teeth ‘repair’ ever in my life. Horrified to the max (neither mom nor dad was there to grab my hands isk), I actually hinted the ‘lengchai’ dentist that I was in the state of fear by asking the stupidest Q ever – ‘Is it painful?’ Total damage- RM 120 *grr. Die die must fill up when I was back, because it will cost me SGD 120 in SG! Therefore peeps, do floss your teeth regularly. RM 120 for 3 mild cavities is definitely NOT worth it ; can buy so many things with RM 120 already ok?!!!!
Suay suay go away, lil’ Michelle wants to Fatt….
Feb
19
2010
Yes you see correctly. No spelling mistakes on my part.
Just a day before my heading home to Ipoh, I managed to have a cuppa with my god-sister fostered during high school. Those were the days where mentors were named as god sister so as to look after the young juniors. Our fate as ’sisters’ began through the prefectorial board. Again, I am emphasizing that time flies too quickly that I cannot even remember which year she is now in Uni and I got quite a shock when she told me this coming semester will be her final semester. This reminds me how old I am turning *pouts
I guess it was our luck that MPH (City Hall outlet, opposite Gloria Jeans) was observing (and is still) its renovation sale and the price of a book was chopped down to as low as 90% ! We were thrilled and I quite liked the fact that both of us do read (lol) ; we spent more than an hour in MPH selecting books of our choices, no thanks to the randomly placed books on shelves unlike what you usually see in a regular MPH outlet. Hurry guys! The sales ends next weekend!
Here are the few books that caught my attention out of the million books
Priced at $12, this was the 1st book I got hold. Didn’t get this because in the end I felt it is kinda radical. I’ve read a book on why women should take up leadership, but to rule the world…..I do think it’s too much lar..
Priced at $12, neither did I get this. I am pretty sure what makes me happy and what not. I’d rather spend the $12 to purchase something that could make me happy *kns
I ended up getting this. Since it was only priced at $6, plus the attractive title, I figured out that it would be quite a thrilling read. And I was correct. I just finished the book at 6pm today and I would say that my $6 was well spent!
Why Smart Men Marry Smart Women
Contrary to the title, this book addresses the fear of single ladies who are doing well in their career who perceive that they would never make it to the altar because they are overqualified for love. They are termed as SWANS (Smart Women Achievers, No Spouse).
This book also proves statistically that successful women do get married eventually, compared to traditional believe that successful women are less likely to marry because they will not be able to get married as men are fearful of women who are smarter/earn more than them. Such a twist from the front cover but it was indeed a good read. I agree 100% on the survey (in USA though) and the author’s explanation that getting married is by [our] choice, not just because our biological clock is ticking. If SWANS have not met their Mr. Right, they are likely to remain single, as they realized their goal isn’t to get married – it’s to have a good marriage and to lead a happy and fulfilled life.
Another chapter that caught my attention is that survey showed that should $ is not the matter, men who are married to SWANS and earn slightly lesser (than SWANS) are ready to resign, to a full time ‘house husband’ cum Mr. Mom . They (men married to SWANS) do not mind doing the house chores, babysit nor getting the groceries considering that the responsibility of their counterparts are much higher; sometimes a more demanding working hours compared to theirs. How times have changed!!
Well, this book of course did mention why smart men are attracted to smart women (hey that’s the title right) , not secretaries nor nurses like the good old days, thus SWANS do not need to play down their career by saying something they are not. Main reason is men seek understanding on whatever they are conveying, some back-and-forth conversation, advice, a real sense of mutual engagement and they want to be challenged.
Some statistics;
-71% of high achieving men said a woman’s career or educational success makes her more desirable as a wife
-92% of men who describe themselves as ’successful’ or ‘very successful’ say they are more attracted to women who are successful in their careers
-High-achieving men are attracted to women who are as intelligent, accomplished, ambitious, educated and confident as they are, or more. 89% of the high-achieving men report that they’d like to marry, or already have married, a woman who is as intelligent as they are, or more.
My, the statistics are interesting! Many more in fact; which I’d kill my receptors if I type them all here..
Ok that is it, next time I am so gonna introducing myself as ‘Engineer Michelle’ ! and maybe I should get a PHD too
Feb
18
2010
Today is the 5th day of CNY. I woke up to my liking today because the mood for war isn’t quite there yet. As I took a bite of my tart, I could hear the faint sounds of the lion dance drums rolling up from the streets beneath me; I didn’t hear any when I was back in M’sia. That thumping rhythm was as if calling out to my homesickness which I had struggled to hide as soon as I touched down at the airport yesterday afternoon.
This year CNY was a quick one for me, compared to the previous 2 years of which I had at least a week’s off from work. Time flies too quickly that exactly a week ago, I was so anxious to head home, and now a week later, I have to call an end to this festive mood.
The bus ride to the place call home wasn’t exactly a good one. Perhaps I was just too anxious to run into mummy’s arms. Bus ride felt the longest ever when I only greeted home 9.5 hours after I boarded. But this particular journey brought back the fondest memory I thought I had long forgotten; when it took the ‘old road’ of Kampar, the memory with my grandma flashed back so vividly into my mind; I teared. When she left us 10 years ago, CNY had never been the same for me.
Reunion dinner was good. But I still quite dislike that fact that we Chinese tend to spend and cook too much a portion for this particular dinner which I always have difficulty finishing my portion. Mom’s argument will always be ‘It’s CNY‘, as much as I’d like to disagree, I’d rather the meal be as simple as possible as long as no food is wasted and no one gobbles his/her with MUCH difficulty as long as each of the family member is home on this particular day.
I’ve always complained to her how troublesome we Chinese are with all the traditions and laws to adhere be it towards elders/food/etc but I could only complain; the fact of me born a Chinese can never be changed.
And so, thanks to CNY and my temporary jungle break, this year’s Valentines was a lil different compared to what I had last year, click here. But then again, as much as we all know Valentines is just too over rated, couples still look forward for this day despite the overly priced food/gifts/etc *raises eyebrow. My bunch of friends always agree that if you treasure each other be it family/bf/gf, everyday is Valentines and Valentines is everyday. I guess this year’s Valentines is being drowned by the forever overwhelming CNY mood; you don’t see any crazy deeds/billboards or on-flight proposal/reported news about one’s romantic endeavors. Thus I am definitely looking forward for next year’s Vday news on whose so ever mega proposal project(s) from whoever that crazy guy may be. And we girls would have a great time judging how romantic (eg for proposing at stratosphere) or how stupid (yet super rich) for spending a clean 5 figure on a billboard that will be stripped off in matter of time instead of spending on a larger diamond or a more lavish photography session. Too bad guys. You could either be one of these on Vday; A romantic macho hero, or a laughing stalk. You pick.
Each year, my CNY routine would be visiting my paternal side on 1st day and then adjourning to my maternal side in KL which explains why I always disappear from Ipoh on 1st/2nd day (sometimes 3rd day too) since young. The entire family cramps at granny’s place catching up with each other over food and the ever obligatory ‘CNY maths tuition’. *psst* Did I tell you my mom has 12 brothers and sisters?
Receiving angpaus (red packets) has never felt the same too. I guess it’s a certain point of life thingy when one and is still NOT obligated to give out angpaus, receiving one will be the secondary compared to meeting up with family and friends. Or perhaps this is just what I felt, I don’t know. Don’t ask me if I receive a lot of angpaus this year, I don’t know and it doesn’t bother me much either hmmm…
I guess I’ve babbled too much on this long post. Not too a happy post I guess because I have never quite liked CNY compared to Xmas. Having the Chinese blood in me means I have to celebrate CNY so, Happy Chinese New Year (not belated because there are 15 days of CNY) and a belated Valentines to all my readers out there! =)
Feb
10
2010
after my test of course.
The weirdest test that I’ve ever sat for. Why I say so?
- It consists 12 questions >.<
- And we had to finish it within an hour.
- Inclusive of few qualitative, derivations (Laplace), graphical and iterative solution. Note the plural form.
- A secret admirer (who claimed as my secret admirer) wished me luck. Not so 'secret' anymore eh? =.=''
*but anyway, it’s over.
And I can finally go to the mall tomorrow! Not for CNY clothes (bought too many for Xmas *blush) but something for mom, and erm, maybe a luggage bag replacement if the deal is good.
Nothing much lately has happened in my life besides the mood-spoiler-test-but-it’s-over-now, so yeah it’s a boring phase right now. As for CNY … lemme make big big announcement here;
NO TIME MEET
*ops, so arrogant haha. But but those who really know me will know what I mean
Lemme see, still in time for new year resolutions? I mean…it’s still a new year right? Haven’t made any lar perhaps will never make
As for Valentines tips, Chinese alike can wait till Cap Goh Mei..but I am not throwing any mandarins in the river … will get ’saman’ in Sg one ok.
To all my Chinese friends, Happy CNY. To all who are celebrating Valentines, Happy Valentines. To all who are celebrating both, Happy Canentines >.<
Wish me luck. I have an important mission – to bring these home for mom, ensuring each cookie is still in one piece err, I mean must reach home not looking like shit lar courtesy of aunty. There are 8 bottles of cookies here. She’s so nice rite, but can I be evil for once by eating some so that I don’t need to carry so many?? 
And there is another bottle of ‘acar’ just readily made today. She wanted to give me 2 bottles but I kindly say no, including the the sole bottle she is giving me. But she insisted.
For once, I wish I am an octopus, or a Doraemon (can stuff all the stuffs into ‘my pocket’ *kns)
See you all in Ipoh if got chance! Not telling you what time is my bus/when I’m reaching, in case any of you want to rob me of my cookies !!!
Feb
5
2010
Nao…I’d better start make-uping !!!
Sorry you gotta squint…or click on the image to have a better view
Ok..sleepy after tiring day @ lab + class….have been looking like a panda lately…good night peeps!!
*yawns
*yawns again
Feb
2
2010
So happy, lecturer let us off @ 840pm today! Blessing in disguise cz I was super tired lar…which means I can steal some time to blog! *whee
Back to topic, I moved around today, like below, and my lab technician asked me
” Ni ser na i ge pie lai?”
I was stunned.
2 seconds later, I got it. He was refering to those kungfu movies/dramas which they grouped themselves in a puak/clan(is it called a clan btw?). Some could be from the ‘Drunken Stance Pie‘, some are from the ‘Flying Dagger Pie‘ and so on etc etc actually I don’t know anymore ‘pies’ so I put ‘etc etc’ la
Lilian asked if I answered ‘Yu Mau Chiu (Badminton) Pie‘ when I related my story to her haha.
Introducing Yong Yao, also from the ‘Badminton Pie‘ clan. Lilian didn’t bring a backpack so temporarily not included in the ‘pie‘ yet =P
Whatever ‘pie‘ we may be in…one thing’s for sure….
I am one CUTIE PIE =D
Jan
31
2010
Many are already in dilemma; CNY or Valentines?
Family or BF/GF ?
You pick family, BF/GF merajuks. This risks ruining your CNY mood; what’s worse, you’d gotta think of ways to get him/her back in good terms with you!
You pick BF/GF, confirm the entire family tree (from grandpa to grandma to yima-kucheh) will gossip behind you, saying how prodigal you are etc etc (wah, bad bad words are bound to be thrown behind your back)…even while eating steak with BF/GF during the most romantic-ever candle light dinner also will be ruined by those horrible sneezes you are bound to get.
You pick both; I say you are out of your mind. So are you telling me that you’d book the same restaurant to cater both family and BF/GF? So, after 1st bite of yee sang, you hop to your red wine with BF/GF ? Then? Right after your bowl of sharkfin’s soup, you’d adjourn to your steak with BF/GF? I call this insanity.
Nao….an engineer is needed for some proper practical integration (ok, scientists can also lar)..accountants confirm choose family one ‘cz the ‘f$gures’ are more tempting eh? =P whoever who deals with figures/in accounts field don’t come kill me
Quote : engineer – a person who uses scientific knowledge to solve practical problems
Well, this is what I meant by integration. And I got a comment saying the deco I made in the left picture looks like Aunty Anne’s PRETZELS !!!??? *KNS
>.<
Eh, don’t ask me what/how you should do. Go figure out some creativity yourself!
Tips;
For guys : I’d never date a guy who doesn’t put his family as top priority
For girls : Blacklist whosoever who asks you out on 2010 Vday *oh, I am so evil*
*winks*
And after my effort, I was rewarded again =) More for me to bring home for my mom!!
Some comments on Secret Project #2 – Pineapple tarts.
Very very tired. Took at least half a day (2days in total) to complete ~60 bottles. As for 31/1/10, I entirely pressed the cherries and decorated the loves/flower on each cookie (~1500pcs)!! I am soo tired now >.< But I am happy to be able to lend a hand to my kind landlords; I know they need the tiniest bit of help =)