Carrot Muffin
Pumpkin Popevers
Quinoa Breakfast Joy
Some healthy muffin which I can't remember its glamorous name
Quinoa bread with avocado and dark choc cashew spread
Wednesday, May 21, 2014
WW - Ladybird invasion
Happy Teacher's Day!
Delayed posting - Kiddos took this for their Teacher's Day party at their respective kindy.
Wednesday, May 7, 2014
Sibu - 2nd revisit
Sibu....first time was in 2006 when I was 'sent' there for the Explorace TV programme. 'Sent' because it was a surprise destination. We were not told where we were going. We were taken to KLIA and until we received out boarding pass, then we knew.
'We' would be my teamate/partner and the other two people who we were supposed to be racing against. Neutral ground for us as none of us have been there. It was an adventure on its own where early in the race the soles of my shoes decided to peel off and I was running with a rubber-banded-sole until I tripped and fell and scrapped myself in one of the locations.
Then I tried to tape my shoe, but after one or two more tasks, one of the assistant race director was kind enough to lend me her shoe to complete my race. (In the show it was portrayed as a stranger in a random shop by the jetty who was kind enough to lend me her shoe).
Unfortunately luck wasn't with us and we lost out by just a bit to the other team. Nevertheless it was an enjoyable and eye-opening race which let us to alot more connections and friendship.
Went back there again sometime in 2011 and now again in 2014 and both were for work. Not much has changed except for a better-looking airport, renovated market complex, some new shopping centres and the rest remained the same.
A few shops have closed and some new ones have come to replace but essentially the town centre still remains the same full-of-one-way-street and congested. Night market still exists and stuff seems to be even cheaper than in the Peninsular. Eateries like Islamic Nyonya Cafe (along Jalan Ramin) still remained but with some changes to the menu. Now serves roti canai and the likes. Food is still really cheap.
Famous for its kampua noodles (foochow speciality), it was one of those things you had to try when there. Luckily there is the halal version at a few places, like the Islamic Nyonya Cafe. Then there is Mee Sapi which essentially is like the Indonesian food 'Rawon' and now there area few eateries even selling Indonesian food, which I believe is gaining popularity there too. Ayam Penyet, Bakso, Pecel and the likes are getting more common there.
Well, maybe in another four years I get to go there again. Not much to attract me to go there again for a holiday, but if duty calls for it, then its alright, as time will be occupied. Otherwise this laid back town has been explored.
'We' would be my teamate/partner and the other two people who we were supposed to be racing against. Neutral ground for us as none of us have been there. It was an adventure on its own where early in the race the soles of my shoes decided to peel off and I was running with a rubber-banded-sole until I tripped and fell and scrapped myself in one of the locations.
Then I tried to tape my shoe, but after one or two more tasks, one of the assistant race director was kind enough to lend me her shoe to complete my race. (In the show it was portrayed as a stranger in a random shop by the jetty who was kind enough to lend me her shoe).
Unfortunately luck wasn't with us and we lost out by just a bit to the other team. Nevertheless it was an enjoyable and eye-opening race which let us to alot more connections and friendship.
Went back there again sometime in 2011 and now again in 2014 and both were for work. Not much has changed except for a better-looking airport, renovated market complex, some new shopping centres and the rest remained the same.
A few shops have closed and some new ones have come to replace but essentially the town centre still remains the same full-of-one-way-street and congested. Night market still exists and stuff seems to be even cheaper than in the Peninsular. Eateries like Islamic Nyonya Cafe (along Jalan Ramin) still remained but with some changes to the menu. Now serves roti canai and the likes. Food is still really cheap.
Famous for its kampua noodles (foochow speciality), it was one of those things you had to try when there. Luckily there is the halal version at a few places, like the Islamic Nyonya Cafe. Then there is Mee Sapi which essentially is like the Indonesian food 'Rawon' and now there area few eateries even selling Indonesian food, which I believe is gaining popularity there too. Ayam Penyet, Bakso, Pecel and the likes are getting more common there.
Well, maybe in another four years I get to go there again. Not much to attract me to go there again for a holiday, but if duty calls for it, then its alright, as time will be occupied. Otherwise this laid back town has been explored.
The Pagoda
Swan at the entrance to the town centre also known as Sibu Gateway
Part of the 12 Chinese zodiac signs at the Gateway
Part of the 12 Chinese zodiac signs at the Gateway
This is how poultry is sold at the market
Friday, April 25, 2014
M Boutique Hotel, Ipoh
I chanced upon this hotel once when driving by. Then a friend mentioned that it was a really unique hotel. Many many months later, a colleague managed to stay there while going to Ipoh for work, and just a few days ago, I finally made it there.
It has a very unique set up. Individually themed floors, a gym, a 'meet-up area' and even a laundry area complete with washing machine, detergent and dryer.
And so these are photos of the room I had on 'The Adventure' floor.
Very comfy bed with four 'white coloured pillows' on top of the two 'M' and safari-coloured ones, which takes up half the bed if I stacked it all aside :)
My room key holder with a 'movie ticket' which is actually the wifi password
The room number which also indicates the type of bed in the room
Photo and sculpture in the room
Breakfast at 'The Myth' their eatery and cafe
The hotel is located right behind 'Old Town White Coffee Grand'. Hence you could miss the hotel because the name is on the side. But once you see the Old Town, you should slowdown and notice the hotel just behind it.
It also sells merchandise of it own. Interesting, but might be quite pricey.
Now, I wouldn't mind going there again....this time to another floor, as the rooms are decorated slightly differently although the furnishing is about the same. Gives you a colonial touch with outback feeling, as the flooring is wooden and the furnishing, i.e. cupboard and table are all made to look like roughly cut wood.
Wooden flooring along the corridor and graffiti on the walls
Now let's see if I can get there again soon! :)
Friday, March 14, 2014
Haze haze haze
Hello!!
Gosh, its been ages since I updated anything in my blog. Not much excuses but perhaps just not the right time.
Its already March 2014...time flies and so many things have happened. Especially in 2013. Nothing dramatic but lots of experiences in 2013 which has taught me alot about life....
but anyway, rest assured, there will be more postings in 2014 and I shall update...:)
Just a short one for now....
take things easy as the haze is not helping. Every other person is not well and I have developed cough from my earlier sore throat. This will go away....it has to :)
have a good weekend everyone!
Gosh, its been ages since I updated anything in my blog. Not much excuses but perhaps just not the right time.
Its already March 2014...time flies and so many things have happened. Especially in 2013. Nothing dramatic but lots of experiences in 2013 which has taught me alot about life....
but anyway, rest assured, there will be more postings in 2014 and I shall update...:)
Just a short one for now....
take things easy as the haze is not helping. Every other person is not well and I have developed cough from my earlier sore throat. This will go away....it has to :)
have a good weekend everyone!
Monday, October 21, 2013
Redang Island Challenge, Reebok ONEChallenge & Putrajaya Night Marathon 2013
Looks like its been ages since I posted anything. Yeah blame everything else but myself....was going to do that, but I guess I wasn't just making enough effort to blog. Many people have not enough time too, but can find the time. Blogging was put aside for a while recently. But I do miss blog-hoping and reading what my other blogger friends have been up to.
So anyway.....
Nothing very interesting except for some drama at work and then these three events which occupied me from 16th September till 19th October. Almost 2 weeks apart each.
So it was after raya and I decided to make some changes to my eating habits, lost some Kgs and happy with what I saw. Then on 16th Sept, went for Redang Island Challenge, didn't really train for the short swim (1.5km) but after that the run and kayak was ok. Finished 15th, where the last 5 teams came in together. Happy with the results and this was an event I partnered a friend I knew for almost 10 years through Ironman/ triathlon/ dualthon but never raced with each other before. Fun event, and relaxing getaway in Redang.
Then came Reebok challenge, the most talked-about event among outdoor/multisports enthusiasts. It was an obstacle course and the distance covered was 18.95km. Completed the course in 2hrs 15min, and I thought it was quite a notable timing, having to go through 8 challenges in between. So I had hopes of breaking the 2hr bracket in a 21km run soon. (Yes, after so many attempts :P)
I was looking forward to the night run to break that 2 hr bracket. However, I asked a close fren if he wanted to run with me, knowing he wanted to do his 1st 21km run. He agreed and I told myself my target can wait. Let me run with him and push him through his 21km.
I was surprised that I had bountless energy after 5km. I was tempted to go ahead and just break my 2 hour target, but I told myself, doing a 21km with not enough preparation is not easy, so I will stay and run with my friend. I didn't want him to give up along the way. It was a nice cool run after rain in the afternoon and slight drizzle before the race start. When I realised I had so much energy, I kept running ahead then turn to run back to get him and encourage him along. I soon felt it could be a bit too much for him and may embarass him, but after a few attempts of just slowing down to wait, my body was cooling down too fast, I could feel cramps almost setting in. It was only about 11-12km then. So I continued doing the go-first-then-run-back routine. Told him I will stick with him up to 15km, then I will run to the end and then come back for him.
And so I did. I couldn't believe that after 15km the last 6km was done at 5+ min pace. It never felt so amazing. The feeling of sprinting to the end. Yes, literally sprints to me, because usually by the time close to the end, I am always to tired to even sprint the last 100m. And now 6km?? MAnaged to encourage another friend who was suffering from blister, to run the last 800m or so.
I was totally taken by surprised. Finished 2:25.... taking into consideration running the extra distances (though I do not know how much) but I felt good doing it. Then after collecting my finisher stuff, I walked till the arch (start/finish) and then slow jogged to back-track towards my friend. I dunno if he was happier or was I happier to see him, because it was more than 1.5km away before I saw him. Though he was walking, I was glad he got till that point. And so we ran towards the finishing line.
I really enjoyed myself, running and pacing with the superb weather and scenery. I didn't think twice about having to forgo my target, which I know that can be another race for me. Now maybe the 2XU or PBIM can be my next target.
Photos will be uploaded later :)
I wasn't
So anyway.....
Nothing very interesting except for some drama at work and then these three events which occupied me from 16th September till 19th October. Almost 2 weeks apart each.
So it was after raya and I decided to make some changes to my eating habits, lost some Kgs and happy with what I saw. Then on 16th Sept, went for Redang Island Challenge, didn't really train for the short swim (1.5km) but after that the run and kayak was ok. Finished 15th, where the last 5 teams came in together. Happy with the results and this was an event I partnered a friend I knew for almost 10 years through Ironman/ triathlon/ dualthon but never raced with each other before. Fun event, and relaxing getaway in Redang.
Then came Reebok challenge, the most talked-about event among outdoor/multisports enthusiasts. It was an obstacle course and the distance covered was 18.95km. Completed the course in 2hrs 15min, and I thought it was quite a notable timing, having to go through 8 challenges in between. So I had hopes of breaking the 2hr bracket in a 21km run soon. (Yes, after so many attempts :P)
I was looking forward to the night run to break that 2 hr bracket. However, I asked a close fren if he wanted to run with me, knowing he wanted to do his 1st 21km run. He agreed and I told myself my target can wait. Let me run with him and push him through his 21km.
I was surprised that I had bountless energy after 5km. I was tempted to go ahead and just break my 2 hour target, but I told myself, doing a 21km with not enough preparation is not easy, so I will stay and run with my friend. I didn't want him to give up along the way. It was a nice cool run after rain in the afternoon and slight drizzle before the race start. When I realised I had so much energy, I kept running ahead then turn to run back to get him and encourage him along. I soon felt it could be a bit too much for him and may embarass him, but after a few attempts of just slowing down to wait, my body was cooling down too fast, I could feel cramps almost setting in. It was only about 11-12km then. So I continued doing the go-first-then-run-back routine. Told him I will stick with him up to 15km, then I will run to the end and then come back for him.
And so I did. I couldn't believe that after 15km the last 6km was done at 5+ min pace. It never felt so amazing. The feeling of sprinting to the end. Yes, literally sprints to me, because usually by the time close to the end, I am always to tired to even sprint the last 100m. And now 6km?? MAnaged to encourage another friend who was suffering from blister, to run the last 800m or so.
I was totally taken by surprised. Finished 2:25.... taking into consideration running the extra distances (though I do not know how much) but I felt good doing it. Then after collecting my finisher stuff, I walked till the arch (start/finish) and then slow jogged to back-track towards my friend. I dunno if he was happier or was I happier to see him, because it was more than 1.5km away before I saw him. Though he was walking, I was glad he got till that point. And so we ran towards the finishing line.
I really enjoyed myself, running and pacing with the superb weather and scenery. I didn't think twice about having to forgo my target, which I know that can be another race for me. Now maybe the 2XU or PBIM can be my next target.
Photos will be uploaded later :)
I wasn't
Sunday, August 18, 2013
Raya 2013
Eid Mubarak!
It has been sometime since I posted. Well, not really only due to work but I've been pretty emotional and if I post during these times, gosh, I'll be ranting on lots of nonsense.
Anyway, its the time of the year again where we rejoice after a month of fasting.
I recall my first Raya experience at my in-law's almost 5 years ago. As a child, and subsequently adult, I have been having images of raya being celebrated with the traditional ketupat, lemang and rendang during the first day of raya. Although those were not really my favourite food, but I was looking forward to something new in my life.
So come raya morning, we all prepared to go the the mosque for prayers. Upon coming home, I was shocked to discover that not everyone came back together. MIL went to her parents' graves and some other relatives' grave, FIL was elsewhere, hubby was also elsewhere. (At this juncture, I imagined a Chinese Cheng Beng (all souls day) where the whole family would visit all the graves together) Then I thought to myself that it would be alright as they will still convene at home. Boy I was in for another shock.
I ended up alone at home, not knowing what to do....I didn't know where MIL kept all her cookies/snacks, I couldn't find the ketupat/lemang/rendang (ok, no rendang at all) and was kinda lost. Lost for words and lost not knowing what to do.
Then when throves of people came by, I found it very much different from the usual Chinese New Year (CNY) visiting sessions I have always known. When visitor comes, no matter relatives or friends, if there is rice/meal cooked in the kitchen, the visitors are always asked to stay for the meal, and many times, they do!! Boy was I surprised! Imagine if we didn't have enough food? And these people will visit throughout the day, even till past 11pm!! That was such a no-no in the Chinese culture.
So it took getting used to. 5 years on I still find it odd. I don't get the spread of ketupat or rendang (not that I am complaining), and I realised my inlaws are not fans of cookies or cakes and they usually have the traditional snacks, such as the fried stuff, bahulu and traditional crisps. I made cookies and mini cupcakes one year and they were not even touched. Just placed for visitors to have. I was rather taken aback but have accepted it, so every year I no longer stand for long hours making cookies or cup cakes prior to raya. So if I do give you raya cookies, it will definitely likely be store-bought :P
I supposed different background of the same race and culture will differ in their celebration. Although this is not apparent in the Chinese or Indian. The only difference in the Chinese is depending on which region you are from in China, i.e. whether you are Hokkien, Cantonese, Hakka etc, it will determine what days of the new year is your auspiscious day and different prayers are planned.
So no traditional meal for me on raya, though I feel that that was the cause of the lack of raya-feeling for me. (or maybe I am just getting older and these festivities do not thrill me as it did when I was a child.
Anyway, selamat hari raya, maaf zahir& batin to all!
It has been sometime since I posted. Well, not really only due to work but I've been pretty emotional and if I post during these times, gosh, I'll be ranting on lots of nonsense.
Anyway, its the time of the year again where we rejoice after a month of fasting.
I recall my first Raya experience at my in-law's almost 5 years ago. As a child, and subsequently adult, I have been having images of raya being celebrated with the traditional ketupat, lemang and rendang during the first day of raya. Although those were not really my favourite food, but I was looking forward to something new in my life.
So come raya morning, we all prepared to go the the mosque for prayers. Upon coming home, I was shocked to discover that not everyone came back together. MIL went to her parents' graves and some other relatives' grave, FIL was elsewhere, hubby was also elsewhere. (At this juncture, I imagined a Chinese Cheng Beng (all souls day) where the whole family would visit all the graves together) Then I thought to myself that it would be alright as they will still convene at home. Boy I was in for another shock.
I ended up alone at home, not knowing what to do....I didn't know where MIL kept all her cookies/snacks, I couldn't find the ketupat/lemang/rendang (ok, no rendang at all) and was kinda lost. Lost for words and lost not knowing what to do.
Then when throves of people came by, I found it very much different from the usual Chinese New Year (CNY) visiting sessions I have always known. When visitor comes, no matter relatives or friends, if there is rice/meal cooked in the kitchen, the visitors are always asked to stay for the meal, and many times, they do!! Boy was I surprised! Imagine if we didn't have enough food? And these people will visit throughout the day, even till past 11pm!! That was such a no-no in the Chinese culture.
So it took getting used to. 5 years on I still find it odd. I don't get the spread of ketupat or rendang (not that I am complaining), and I realised my inlaws are not fans of cookies or cakes and they usually have the traditional snacks, such as the fried stuff, bahulu and traditional crisps. I made cookies and mini cupcakes one year and they were not even touched. Just placed for visitors to have. I was rather taken aback but have accepted it, so every year I no longer stand for long hours making cookies or cup cakes prior to raya. So if I do give you raya cookies, it will definitely likely be store-bought :P
I supposed different background of the same race and culture will differ in their celebration. Although this is not apparent in the Chinese or Indian. The only difference in the Chinese is depending on which region you are from in China, i.e. whether you are Hokkien, Cantonese, Hakka etc, it will determine what days of the new year is your auspiscious day and different prayers are planned.
So no traditional meal for me on raya, though I feel that that was the cause of the lack of raya-feeling for me. (or maybe I am just getting older and these festivities do not thrill me as it did when I was a child.
Anyway, selamat hari raya, maaf zahir& batin to all!
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