Here are the two of us purple-ly colour-coordinated for today.
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| The raisin and the grape |
Hubby said that I'm a grape (so plump and juicy) and he's a raisin (err...I'll leave that for you to interpret).
Monday, January 30, 2012
Purple-ly Planned
Hubby chose to wear a purple shirt today and so, to accompany him, I decided to wear a purple dress as well.
Here are the two of us purple-ly colour-coordinated for today.
Hubby said that I'm a grape (so plump and juicy) and he's a raisin (err...I'll leave that for you to interpret).
Here are the two of us purple-ly colour-coordinated for today.
Hubby said that I'm a grape (so plump and juicy) and he's a raisin (err...I'll leave that for you to interpret).
Sweet Indulgence
A few nights ago, we were waiting for our food to be served when I suddenly had an urge for ice-cream. So after dinner we headed over to Baskin Robbins.
It was such sweet indulgence. We should do it more often. ;-)
It was such sweet indulgence. We should do it more often. ;-)
Sunday, January 29, 2012
Nyonya Sunday 29 January 2012
We were supposed to wear kebayas to church next Sunday but Alyna requested that we all wear kebayas today instead because her daughter Deriss is going back college in Kampar today. And so some of us did.
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SP Road Trip on Friday (27/1/12)
It's been quite a while since I've been on a road trip so I was pretty excited. Macam budak!
I was warned to dress comfortable 'cos we're going to attend the CNY Open Day of our client, a property developer, at their site office. The site is supposedly barren and very hot. So I wore long pants, covered myself up, donned sunglasses and even brought along a hat.
As it turned out, circumstances were better than expected. Thank God for a strong wind blowing that helped to keep us cool.
After that we visited another client and headed for lunch at Bedong. For me that was the highlight of the trip.
We traveled some distance from SP to Bedong and finally arrived at this unassuming restaurant in the middle of nowhere.
We ordered two pots of Ho Yan Hor with sour plum tea which was the perfect beverage for a hot day to bring down body heat.
Then came the appetizer they are famous for looking like happy Pacmen!
I posted on Facebook and was told that I shouldn't call them mantou because mantou refers to the bun sans filling. Anyway it doesn't matter that none of us know the actual name for this dish. All we know is that its taste is absolutely fantastic.
Since it was an appetizer they only allocated one mantou per person. :-( We were tempted to order another plate but had to exhibit great decorum in deference to the client's presence at the table.
Does this mean another road trip to satisfy unfulfilled longings? Next time we'll go on our own and order double, maybe triple, portions of this super delicious mantou and forget about the rest of lunch.
I was warned to dress comfortable 'cos we're going to attend the CNY Open Day of our client, a property developer, at their site office. The site is supposedly barren and very hot. So I wore long pants, covered myself up, donned sunglasses and even brought along a hat.
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| All prepared |
As it turned out, circumstances were better than expected. Thank God for a strong wind blowing that helped to keep us cool.
After that we visited another client and headed for lunch at Bedong. For me that was the highlight of the trip.
We traveled some distance from SP to Bedong and finally arrived at this unassuming restaurant in the middle of nowhere.
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| Never judge the food by the stall |
We ordered two pots of Ho Yan Hor with sour plum tea which was the perfect beverage for a hot day to bring down body heat.
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| Hot cooling tea. What an oxymoron! |
Then came the appetizer they are famous for looking like happy Pacmen!
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| The yummiest mantou ever |
I posted on Facebook and was told that I shouldn't call them mantou because mantou refers to the bun sans filling. Anyway it doesn't matter that none of us know the actual name for this dish. All we know is that its taste is absolutely fantastic.
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| The filling seems to be a fritter containing meat and some vegetables |
Since it was an appetizer they only allocated one mantou per person. :-( We were tempted to order another plate but had to exhibit great decorum in deference to the client's presence at the table.
Does this mean another road trip to satisfy unfulfilled longings? Next time we'll go on our own and order double, maybe triple, portions of this super delicious mantou and forget about the rest of lunch.
Saturday, January 28, 2012
Hong Kong 27-30 November 2009
Warning! This is a long overdue post left in the drafts folder for the past two years. Skip this post if you prefer something more current. If you are still interested here it is.....
This was our first trip to Hong Kong and it was disappointing.
We realized that there is nothing made in Hong Kong. Look at the labels and you'll find that most of the stuff are made in China or elsewhere like Bangladesh.
And our timing for the trip was lousy. All the clothing on sale are for fall/winter, totally unsuitable for our Malaysian weather. So we ended up not buying anything.
In fact we had plenty of HKD left over from the trip. Considering the fact that we had to pay cash for everything because most establishments do not accept credit cards, we practically came back empty-handed.
As if that is not depressing enough all I brought back from Hong Kong was a really bad flu.
But we had some good memories 'cos memories are made up of people not things and I had my favourite people with me on the trip.
Like all tourists, we took a photo at the Golden Bauhinia sculpure at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (top left) and another photo by the waterfront (bottom right). It was so hot so we were all squinting.
As we were leaving the Convention Centre we met a group of Chinese Christians sharing the gospel (top right). They were singing the song "All Our Praise and Glory" energetically with all the actions.
Then we went to Repulse Bay but were bored waiting for some of the people on the bus who went to pray for fortune at a temple there. So we entertained ourselves (middle left) and put up our feet (middle right).
At Aberdeen we saw luxurious yachts and also boats that serve as homes for those who live on the water. We went for a sampan ride and the sampan operator reminded Pam and I of her Kong Kong (middle left).
No visit to Hong Kong would be complete without a trip up to the Peak. It was cold up there (top left) and the view was beautiful (top right).
At Madame Tussaud's Pam had an argument with Michael Jackson (middle left) and tried to sneak a peek under Marilyn Monroe's skirt (middle right). Naturally, as a writer, she couldn't resist the opportunity to have a chat with Shakespeare (bottom right).
Hubby, on the other hand, was overjoyed to find the Beatles and decided to help George Harrison with a chord or two (bottom right).
On one of the days (cannot remember which one), we took the subway to Mong Kok (top right & left) where we went to the street market to shop for souvenirs.
During dinner we over-ordered the dishes even though the waiter was there to help us. We were shocked to see how huge the portions were. The food was delicious but we couldn't finish it hence the glum faces despite the thumbs up (middle left). What a waste.
We stayed at the Renaissance Kowloon located at Tsim Sha Tsui so we only had to walk out to the back of the hotel in order to access the promenade where we could watch the Symphony of Lights (middle left).
At the Avenue of Stars we tried to identify the stars of some of the Hong Kong actors we know. Hubby decided to take a photo with his sword-fighting hero David Chiang's star (bottom right).
We didn't really enjoy Hong Kong and really looked forward to going home (bottom left).
This was our first trip to Hong Kong and it was disappointing.
We realized that there is nothing made in Hong Kong. Look at the labels and you'll find that most of the stuff are made in China or elsewhere like Bangladesh.
Despite the fact that Hong Kong is now a part of China,
I always associate China only with mainland China.
And our timing for the trip was lousy. All the clothing on sale are for fall/winter, totally unsuitable for our Malaysian weather. So we ended up not buying anything.
In fact we had plenty of HKD left over from the trip. Considering the fact that we had to pay cash for everything because most establishments do not accept credit cards, we practically came back empty-handed.
As if that is not depressing enough all I brought back from Hong Kong was a really bad flu.
But we had some good memories 'cos memories are made up of people not things and I had my favourite people with me on the trip.
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As we were leaving the Convention Centre we met a group of Chinese Christians sharing the gospel (top right). They were singing the song "All Our Praise and Glory" energetically with all the actions.
Then we went to Repulse Bay but were bored waiting for some of the people on the bus who went to pray for fortune at a temple there. So we entertained ourselves (middle left) and put up our feet (middle right).
We are lazy tourists so rushing here and there is really not our cup of tea.
The purpose of a holiday is to rest and recharge, not tire ourselves out.
At Aberdeen we saw luxurious yachts and also boats that serve as homes for those who live on the water. We went for a sampan ride and the sampan operator reminded Pam and I of her Kong Kong (middle left).
No visit to Hong Kong would be complete without a trip up to the Peak. It was cold up there (top left) and the view was beautiful (top right).
At Madame Tussaud's Pam had an argument with Michael Jackson (middle left) and tried to sneak a peek under Marilyn Monroe's skirt (middle right). Naturally, as a writer, she couldn't resist the opportunity to have a chat with Shakespeare (bottom right).
Hubby, on the other hand, was overjoyed to find the Beatles and decided to help George Harrison with a chord or two (bottom right).
On one of the days (cannot remember which one), we took the subway to Mong Kok (top right & left) where we went to the street market to shop for souvenirs.
During dinner we over-ordered the dishes even though the waiter was there to help us. We were shocked to see how huge the portions were. The food was delicious but we couldn't finish it hence the glum faces despite the thumbs up (middle left). What a waste.
We stayed at the Renaissance Kowloon located at Tsim Sha Tsui so we only had to walk out to the back of the hotel in order to access the promenade where we could watch the Symphony of Lights (middle left).
At the Avenue of Stars we tried to identify the stars of some of the Hong Kong actors we know. Hubby decided to take a photo with his sword-fighting hero David Chiang's star (bottom right).
We didn't really enjoy Hong Kong and really looked forward to going home (bottom left).
Bug, Rug and Mugs
Yup, I have been happy as a bug in the rug with my 3 Chinese New Year mugs.
Don't you just love them? They are so Chinese and so shopaholic. I likes, a lot.
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| Handbags, sandals and clothes - some of my favourite things |
Don't you just love them? They are so Chinese and so shopaholic. I likes, a lot.
Experimenting
...with photo effects and I must say that I am having a lot of fun and liking it. Very much indeed!
Here are some of the effects I tried on out on that original picture above. It's simply amazing! Especially for a non-techy person.
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| My original photo |
Here are some of the effects I tried on out on that original picture above. It's simply amazing! Especially for a non-techy person.
CNY Visit from KenRayians
It has become a tradition for us to hold an open house on the 3rd day of Chinese New Year for those Ken Ray staff who wish to visit us. And every year I would prepare scones which I will serve with butter, jam and whipped cream.
This year they had an additional special request for lasagne and so I obliged.
I didn't do too badly 'cos I have people requesting to 'tar pau' (means 'pack to take home' in Hokkien) the leftover lasagne.
Inset on the left shows Jovin, the grand prize winner, surrounded by the rest after the angpow draw. Believe it or not, this is the second year running that she won the grand prize. Last year she just took the left over angpow. This year, for a change, I let her draw an angpow halfway through and she still won. Congratulations, Jovin!
Inset on the right shows everybody busy discovering the wonders of pathing. In the background is newbie Ee Pheng being shown the ropes by the guru in red.
Baby Brother together with Baby Sis and her dancing partner were also there.
I had a lovely time. I hope everyone did too.
This year they had an additional special request for lasagne and so I obliged.
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| The lasagne hot from the oven. Inset shows the meat sauce. I forgot to take picture of the cheese sauce ;-( |
I didn't do too badly 'cos I have people requesting to 'tar pau' (means 'pack to take home' in Hokkien) the leftover lasagne.
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| Gong Xi, Gong Xi from the KenRayians! |
Inset on the left shows Jovin, the grand prize winner, surrounded by the rest after the angpow draw. Believe it or not, this is the second year running that she won the grand prize. Last year she just took the left over angpow. This year, for a change, I let her draw an angpow halfway through and she still won. Congratulations, Jovin!
If it's yours, it'll be yours, no matter what.
Inset on the right shows everybody busy discovering the wonders of pathing. In the background is newbie Ee Pheng being shown the ropes by the guru in red.
Baby Brother together with Baby Sis and her dancing partner were also there.
I had a lovely time. I hope everyone did too.
Thursday, January 26, 2012
First-time Sang Ni Recipient
This year Hubby and I received Sang Ni gifts for the first time in our lives.
We received a hamper filled with our favourite things and a big fat angpow each from 'Bee and Son-in-Law. These are not the usual Sang Ni gifts but our daughter knows us best.
Then we had another surprise when God-Daughter, who also got married last year, dutifully gave us a Sang Ni gift of Famous Amos cookies, with macadamia nuts (again!), and angpows as well.
We received a hamper filled with our favourite things and a big fat angpow each from 'Bee and Son-in-Law. These are not the usual Sang Ni gifts but our daughter knows us best.
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| Potato crisps, KitKat, Chocolates with Macadamia Nuts, Bird's Nest, Bak Kua, cherries and angpows |
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| A whole box of Sweetheart Cherries from our sweetheart & her hubby |
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| Cookies and angpow |
CNY First Day at Work
There were only four of us at the Front Office when office reopened after the Chinese New Year break. There were also very few phone calls to attend to. So what do we do? The unanimous decision was to camwhore!
Not To Be Shaken
Last night we decided to consume some Bird's Nest before sleep. Hubby took two bottles out of the fridge, shook them and opened the lids.
We found out too late that Bird's Nest is meant to be stirred, not shaken.
It looked like spit. And of course, Hubby had to helpfully remind me that Bird's Nest IS actually swiftlet's saliva. :-(
We found out too late that Bird's Nest is meant to be stirred, not shaken.
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| All frothy |
It looked like spit. And of course, Hubby had to helpfully remind me that Bird's Nest IS actually swiftlet's saliva. :-(
Transformed Tea
Lazy morning. No mood to go into office so decided to transform my Teh Si over breakfast.
Which do you like best?
Which do you like best?
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| Tiled Mosaic |
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| Yin Yang |
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| 4 Colours |
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| Heat Map??? |
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| My favourite shot - don't know how to describe the effect |
Wednesday, January 25, 2012
Indian Style Reunion
I was given the task of planning the Tong reunion this year. Since it is only the second day of Chinese New Year, many of the Chinese restaurants would be closed. So I picked Palace d'India as the venue for our lunch.
Baby Sis and I took the opportunity to wear our sarees and Baby Brother was game enough to buy a men's Indian garment for the occasion. And so we ended up having a theme party of our own.
The rest of the family were surprised by our dressing but we were even more surprised when some of them said that they would have joined us dressing up in Indian garb if only we had told them earlier. I foresee a lot of fun theme parties in the pipeline for future reunions.
We had a really good fellowship. Personally I think it is the best in all the years we've had reunions together. And everyone liked the place and the food. Even Baby Brother managed to eat together with us 'cos they were able to accommodate his dietary preferences.
I also received an angpow today from my aunt. Koo Chair is a traditionalist and so she gives angpows to all of us who are younger than her regardless of marital status. :-)
Then I saw the cutest angpow packet that Baby Brother received from 4th Uncle.
Before we said goodbye we took a family photo outside the restaurant.
Look here for Kenny's point of view of the lunch.
Baby Sis and I took the opportunity to wear our sarees and Baby Brother was game enough to buy a men's Indian garment for the occasion. And so we ended up having a theme party of our own.
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| The three of us dressed to the theme |
The rest of the family were surprised by our dressing but we were even more surprised when some of them said that they would have joined us dressing up in Indian garb if only we had told them earlier. I foresee a lot of fun theme parties in the pipeline for future reunions.
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| Clockwise from top left-hand corner: Koo Chair and Koo Cheong; Yee Sook and Yee Sum; Lillian and Raymond; Sei Sook, JJ and Sei Sum; me and Kenny |
We had a really good fellowship. Personally I think it is the best in all the years we've had reunions together. And everyone liked the place and the food. Even Baby Brother managed to eat together with us 'cos they were able to accommodate his dietary preferences.
Clockwise from top left-hand corner: Cauliflower and Potatoes, Bryiani rice, Chicken Masala, Masala Tea, Prawn Curry, Pappadom with Mint Dip, Naan and Fish Curry
I also received an angpow today from my aunt. Koo Chair is a traditionalist and so she gives angpows to all of us who are younger than her regardless of marital status. :-)
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| My angpow |
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| I like! |
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| All of us are here except for Ken who was the photographer |
Tuesday, January 24, 2012
Happy New Year!
Chinese New Year lasts fifteen days so it's not too late to wish anyone visiting my blog a very
Happy New Year!
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Psalm 65:11 (NKJV)
You crown the year with Your goodness, and Your paths drip with abundance.
Song Reunion
We had our third reunion last night at Elder Song Brother's apartment. Among the boys only Terence and family was missing. However, we were delighted to have Calvin and family with us this year.
Dan Ko and Jenny Soh were also at dinner but they had left when we started taking photos. Calvin's family photo was taken earlier 'cos I wanted to show 'Bee the two adorable girls.
After dinner talk ranged from iPhone 4S's Siri, with Hubby taking centre-stage since this is his expertise, to Edwin showing us some newly released 10 sen coins that don't look legal tender at all.
See here for Reunion 1 and here for Reunion 2.
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| From top: Jimmie Song, Grace Soh, Joanne, Jessica and Henry; Grace & Edwin; Calvin, Olivia, Sophie and Emma; Steven, Josephine and Anthea. |
Dan Ko and Jenny Soh were also at dinner but they had left when we started taking photos. Calvin's family photo was taken earlier 'cos I wanted to show 'Bee the two adorable girls.
After dinner talk ranged from iPhone 4S's Siri, with Hubby taking centre-stage since this is his expertise, to Edwin showing us some newly released 10 sen coins that don't look legal tender at all.
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| New 10 sen coins that look, feel and sound like tokens. |
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| The red team |
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