Drama in the gym

Life has been pretty interesting I must say :P

Try to picture this..

I was cooling down in the changing room, before going into shower after a class at the gym.

It was Sunday morning, so it was very quiet, less than 5 persons in the huge changing room.

Subconsciously, I know someone came out from the shower and walked pass me, I was sitting near the mirror where all the hair dryers are, browsing my phone.


All of a sudden, there's a loud "poooofff" and then "roarrrr" and I felt HEAT!

I was like..WHAT THE...

It felt like I was just next to a huge oven....not exaggerating..there was a huge ball of fire

Like really HUGE...


I stood up...couldn't believe what I was seeing...at the same trying to figure out what I should do...are we in any danger..shall I switch off the hair dryer..shall we just pack and leave..etc etc

Yes..the hair dryer switched on by itself and started blowing fire..from its front and back.

So scary it was.


The gal who just came out of shower was just using the hair dryer next to it..she was still in towels and was equally shocked.

I couldn't find any fire extinguisher within reach..so the next best thing to do is to run out and inform the staff.

The nearest staff available would be the Fitness Department, right outside the changing room.

The guys daren't come in..because it's a ladies room.  The only gal staff available came in after making a call to whoever it is.


When she came in..the fire had subsided..it was only smoke..so..she went out..to check if anyone's coming.


After she left..it started again...and then more smoke and then more fire..


So..I ran out again..to tell them to hurry up..by now we started to wonder if we should evacuate for safety lol.


The lady staff said..yes..maintenance is on the way..but you gals may want to leave the room before the guys enter.

The other gal who was still in her towel was like..ohhh yaaa...I should change!   :D

By now, there's another gal who just came in..she was cool and changing into her work out clothes while watching the commotion, and then she locked up her locker and left for her work out LOL.



Picture..below is only the smaller version of the fire..
The gal in towel came back after changing to get this pic from me :D :D

When the guys arrived, the fire had stopped..there was only smoke and a very strong smell.

Hair dryer completely destroyed.

I was reluctant to leave before shower..so I hung around for a bit..to make sure it's safe to go into shower..and I did.

By the time I came out of shower, everything was cleaned up...and everyone has left.

I was having a headache by then and now feeling slightly unwell, with a itchy throat and running nose, I think I inhaled too much smoke :D

On a more serious note...shouldn't there be a fire extinguisher or fire alarm somewhere? I asked for one..no one could tell me.  Hmm...

Want or Need

Once upon a time, everyone's going for the smallest / thinnest mobile phone.  Having a 3G Iphone was a hype. Then came the 4, 4s and now 5.  And then came the Samsungs...and Ipad came out with a Mini.


And then before we know it..age caught up...our eyes started to play tricks on us..suddenly small is not cute nor practical anymore, we see better on bigger fonts, bigger screens.

And..we can do so much more on bigger screens...presentations, writing, games, movies...

Soon, computers / laptops will be obsolete!

Suddenly..my Iphone screen is so small now :(

Suddenly..I want to be able to do more with my phone..

phone or tablet...

wait..I bought a lappie not too long ago...

I don't know what I want / need anymore..

What's necessary? What's nice to have?

I'm lost in the digital world...

42 Life Lessons by Regina Brett

We should memorise all 42 tips!


Written by Regina Brett, 90 years old, of the Plain Dealer, Cleveland , Ohio .

"To celebrate growing older, I once wrote the 42 lessons life taught me. It is the most requested column I've ever written.

My odometer rolled over to 90 in August, so here is the column once more:

1. Life isn't fair, but it's still good.

2. When in doubt, just take the next small step.

3. Life is too short – enjoy it..

4. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends and family will. 

5. Pay off your credit cards every month.

6. You don't have to win every argument. Stay true to yourself.

7. Cry with someone. It's more healing than crying alone.

8. Save for retirement starting with your first pay check.

9. When it comes to chocolate, resistance is futile.

10. Make peace with your past so it won't screw up the present.

11. It's OK to let your children see you cry.



12. Don't compare your life to others. You have no idea what their journey is all about.

13. If a relationship has to be a secret, you shouldn't be in it...

14 Take a deep breath. It calms the mind.

15. Get rid of anything that isn't useful. Clutter weighs you down in many ways.

16. Whatever doesn't kill you really does make you stronger.

17. It's never too late to be happy. But it’s all up to you and no one else.

18. When it comes to going after what you love in life, don't take no for an answer.

19. Burn the candles, use the nice sheets, wear the fancy lingerie. Don't save it for a special occasion. Today is special.

20. Over prepare, then go with the flow.

21. Be eccentric now. Don't wait for old age to wear purple.

22. The most important sex organ is the brain.

23. No one is in charge of your happiness but you.

24. Frame every so-called disaster with these words 'In five years, will this matter?'

25. Always choose life.

26. Forgive but don’t forget. 

27. What other people think of you is none of your business. 

28. Time heals almost everything. Give time time.

29. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.

30. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does..

31. Believe in miracles.

32. Don't audit life. Show up and make the most of it now.

33. Growing old beats the alternative -- dying young.

34. Your children get only one childhood.

35. All that truly matters in the end is that you loved.

36. Get outside every day. Miracles are waiting everywhere.

37. If we all threw our problems in a pile and saw everyone else's, we'd grab ours back.

38. Envy is a waste of time. Accept what you already have not what you need.

39. The best is yet to come...

40. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.

41. Yield.

42. Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift."

Accidental Split

So, I fell somewhat dramatically on Sunday.

I was wearing a very old Crocs, stepped on some water, was about to step up a step onto a pathway in front of a shop, and I slipped!

Imagine, one leg on the pathway and the other leg still a step down, it was an accidental split.

Like I said in FB, fortunately, I had a pretty strong core and legs, (plus I just came out from the gym), I somehow managed to stop myself from tumbling further, so..damage was quite minor.

I did feel a pull on the back of left leg..yes..the problematic one. And some soreness on the back..and yes..the problematic area too :D

But heck..I've been living with sore and aches for months..I can't tell which ache/sore is from the fall and which are pre-existing ..



All theese while, I've been wondering to self, am I doing more damage to myself being so persistent on working out..but many suggests that we should do some sports when we are young to prepare for old age i.e.so that our muscles, bones, etc are stronger when we are old.


So..this incident proves that regular exercises..does help.


:)

Listen!

Do you know what's the latest buzz word (apart from BERSIH) in Malaysia?

All these were created overnight..at most last 48 hours:

by myBurgerLab

by Nandos

If you don't know what's happening...visit HERE

(Life of Pi)

This is so cute..and farny :D

(Taken from http://www.cinemabums.com/?p=640)

Did you watch the movie?

I watch it on New Year's Eve.

Quite an awesome one.  Although....well ..it's pretty much what you see in the poster here :D, it's pretty mazing if you think about it, how did Ang Lee make a movie interesting for us..with just a boat, a boy and the boat, a tiger on the same boat and the sea water.

It took Lee four years to make, and he built a water tank in a former airport in Taiwan and hired 3000 people to work on the film. “It was the hardest movie I made,” he said and, tapping into one of the themes of the film’s storyline, said “it was like a test of faith.” http://blogs.wsj.com

Read more about how he slowly and diligently he came up with the 'plan'...HERE

My wish came true

Wishes do come true, so keep wishing!

I've always wished for the having convenient drive-in access to good coffee.

Finally..after years..literally YEARS...of waiting..it's happening!

Source : https://www.facebook.com/espressolab.asia

Unfortunately, I don't drive to work anymore :(

But heck..it's still great news!

Thank you Espressolab, and please ensure that the goodness of your coffee will stay consistent (if not better) in all your outlets wherever you are.

Letterpress

Source : http://thisgame.co/newsletters/letterpress

A friend introduced Letterpress to me recently.  Initially it felt like a very basic letter game, but it became more addictive and challenging once I start to understand the game more.

It's slowly re-building my weakening vocabulary knowledge too.

It exercises seldom-connected parts of the mind, it's unpredictable, and it's intensely social 
- says thisgame.co

I find it very challenging for the brain, especially when there are multiple games going on with different type of opponents!  My opponents are so strong that sometimes I really hate playing with them! 

There should be some strategizing involved..but my pea-brain can't seem to get around it..I'm never a chess or poker kind of person, you see... 

No wonder I keep losing :'(


Found a newsletter from thisgame.co on an interview with the game designer Loren Brichter, here are some interesting facts:

• Loren is a first time game designer!
•  
•  
•  

Err..yeah..right..I actually couldn't understand half the things he talked about in the interview.  So much for being a player :s

Read more HERE

The Pillow

Today, I finally threw away The Pillow.

It's the last pillow my mom made for me.  It has become very old and quite dirty. so old that big holes started appearing and the cotton wool from the inside kept falling out in chunks.  It can't be use anymore but I was reluctant to throw it away.  It has been at a little corner by the foot of my bed.


I finally threw it away today.

Well, we gotta move on someday..


Emo eh?  Partly because I'm not feeling too well at the moment..I think.  The rainy and cooling weather had suddenly changed to extremely hot, especially today.  Probably my system trying to adjust to the change.


Think I'll try to sleep it off..nitezz

Money Matters..

Financially, it has been a pretty dry Q4 for me..there were jobs confirmed, but 4 out of 5 were pending for some reasons I never found out.  I was kept somewhat occupied with the initial setup work, LLB that is.  In other words, there were work, at the back of my mind I know there will be income but if the main part of the job doesn't get going I won't know when the real money will come in.


Fortunately, things are finally moving now.  And..all are moving, at one go.  When it rains..it pours so to speak.


Unfortunately, its a new financial year.  So..that's what business is all about.  Those days, as an employee, I rejoice when jobs get postponed...cos there are less work and I still get paid \o/  My bosses, on the other hand, wanted the jobs billed as soon as possible before the year ends so that the numbers will look good in the books. Especially when performance are measured based on numbers.  So..if you're an employee reading this..you know now, why you're always extremely busy during the end of a financial year :)

As a proprietor now, I still rejoice when jobs are on-hold (cos I'm a lazy entreprenuer) but at the same time..I know very well, when jobs don't get going, I can't invoice, the later I send out invoices, the later I get paid :(

Just had a look at the e-statement of my main credit card.  Two insurance premium due in Jan ..urghhh.


Money matters...unfortunately, it does.. at such situations.  Although, I'd like to believe that money shouldn't be the only reason to live.

Thank You

Source: pusheen.com via elifesl on Pinterest

How long have you been following this blog?
Been keeping this for some years..I know a few close friends check in to read quite often....I wonder if there are other regular followers out there..

If you're a regular..Thank you :)

Go Sport ID Glide Original Bundle Pack

Remember I got this some time ago?
It's a sports silicon bracelet with a customised titanium ID.

It's been quite useful, especially when I go for runs alone, I don't have to worry about carrying an an ID card.  Quite trendy too :)  Love it.  Blogged about it HERE

Guess what..I have more of them now :D

It was during the Black Monday sales in December.  This Bundle - 8 different awesome colors! - was on sale for only USD4 (from USD5).  That's about RM12 ONLY.

It came properly packed, and shipping was FREE.

I couldn't resist.


Not that I run 8 times a week.  More like 8 runs a year :D

Facebook Privacy

Let's admit it. The rapid change in social media has changed the us, the world and everything.  Online safety and privacy remains as the main worry of many.  Especially in Facebook, many are still wary about displaying profile pictures, using real names, posting comments, etc.

Recently, the sister of the founder of Facebook became a victim of privacy invasion when a family picture she posted in her own account for her own friend's viewing was tweeted in Twitter publicly.  How did it happen?  Very simple - her brother was tagged in the pictured, so it was viewable by all her brother's friends, and one of his many friends downloaded the pic and retweeted in Twitter!

So, its understandable, why many are not comfortable about posting pictures on the net.  You'll never know where the pic will end up.  No matter how private your privacy settings are.  All you need is one idiotic friend.  Lol.


Got me thinking..shall I stop posting pictures?!

Well, I don't post a lot but I do have my travel albums, a kids album of my beautiful nieces and nephews, friends, and some random stuff - you know, beautiful wonderful moments that you can't resist to share (and show off).

I've mentioned before, there must be billions of pictures stored in Facebook at the moment, the chances of our pictures being leaked out is close to nil.  Unless, we are some top notch celebrity lar.  So, the only risk is our very OWN friends!

SOLUTION : Start reviewing your friends list :D  Remove or restrict access to those that you have the slightest doubt or don't know that well, etc.



Another worry is the Profile Picture.  There was a recent news about a lady's profile picture being used in a 'entertainment service' page.  That's quite worrying.  Of course, the solution is Not having a real profile picture, but then ..it's no fun not having one.  And, Facebook's profile picture is on Public by default.  Hmm..

After some thoughts, I had a solution.  Similarly..there are billions of profile pictures in Facebook, what are the chances of us getting picked on?  The more beautiful you are, the higher the chance that is.  So, don't put so beautiful and sexy profile pictures lor :P


In conclusion, in my opinion, let's not be over paranoid.  General rule of thumb in Facebook:

Check and recheck all your settings.
Everything should be set on Friends Only, not even Friends of Friends
(unless it's public message that you'd like to share or promote like charity, events, etc)

And of course, make sure your Friends are real Friends.

Remember that all your actions, clicks, comment, likes in Facebook or anywhere in the net is visible and can be easily traced.  A simple LIKE in a your favourite brand page or a complaint you posted about shitty service in your bank's page - these will be visible to public cos these are public pages.  So, be careful what you comment, like, etc in public pages.  Personally, I prefer sending emails or private message instead of writing on the public columns. After all, I don't need the whole world to know about my questions / issues.

Similarly, I always think twice before I hit the Like function in any Public post, news, pictures, etc. Why? Because whenever I LIKE something that is Public, it appears in my friends Facebook Ticker and may be even the main news feed.  Imagine how irritating it is when I Like 20 items in 10 minutes?!

Similarly (again), if you don't want your posts, pictures, etc to appear in some stranger's ticker or news feed, review your settings! If a picture you posted in on Public, when I Like or comment on it, it will be visible to my Freinds!  Simple..

Even games, do you know that your game activities will appear in the Facebook Ticker?  Example, I'm on Zynga games like Cityville, I don't want Zynga to report to everyone what and when  and how I play Cityville!  So..review all your games and apps privacy settings - in my case, I changed to Only Me.



And..that's only about Facebook. I have not even touch on Intagram, Twitter, Foursquare, etc etc.  I'm not going to...but I guess the same rules apply.  Think twice before postign anything.  Check your privacy settings.  Think twice before you accept any new freind requests..


Just my two cents worth...

Burger Junkyard

As you know, I've been quite a regular visitor to myBurgerlab.

During my first visit to myBurgerlab, I had the Beautiful Mess, verdict? was captured - HERE
There was no turning back since..I went back several times..and will go back provided they maintain the current standards.

Like it or not, there are bound to be competition in the real business world and here comes BURGER JUNKYARD

I was there on Christmas Eve. Tried the Beef in Blankets.

(An All Australian Beef Patty Wrapped in Premium Beef Bacon, Steamed Pressed Cheddar, Raw Onions, Tomatoes & Rich BBQ Sauce)
Source : Burger Junkyard Facebook Page

Like it or not, there are bound to be comparisons.  Just like when you're a younger sibling, you can never run away from being compared to the "big brother".

So, here you go..my out take:

Overall environment is relatively more comfortable and friendly.  The layout is more spacious and more suitable for family with kids. 

The ordinary buns doesn't stand out as compared to the 'big brother', but they are very  fresh and soft, definitely better than the other fast food 'brothers'.  However, I must stress that the Standard sized buns are way way too small for presentation.  I was quite taken aback when served. 

If I'm not mistaken, the price points of Standard servings are slightly lower compared to 'you know who' although all orders comes with Fries, but I still think the visual impact of the small buns is too great to risk..especially for those who has been exposed to THIS :

While it's not easy being the leader, it's equally hard to be follower.  Thumbs up to Burger Junkyard for coming up with some USP of their own: like ..the Signature Steam Cheese.  Visit HERE to find out more.

Thank you for providing us (burger junkies) such a good alternative.

I won't deny that myBurgerLab will still be my top choice but Burger Junkyard is definitely a Top Second choice.  I'll go for the Double instead of Standard serving in my next visit..only a few bucks diffrerent for a bigger bun and thicker patty.  May be I'll have a different perception when it's bigger :)

BURGER JUNKYARD

No. 16-g, Jalan PJU 5/20d, 

The Strand Kota Damansara

Christmas 2012

Christmas' done!
What've you been up to?
Somehow the festive mood is less this year, do you think so?

Is it because it's not a full stretch, as in there are work days in between?
Or is it because I 'have work' pending for launch right after NY?

Which of the above for the above is applicable to you?

Or is it just me not feeling the festive mood :(


Not that I've been mulling at home, been LLB-ing around with some random stuff, hence, lack of postings, if you noticed.

Here are some random pictures captured while I was LLB-ing

Publika 

One Utama

Mid Valley Megamall

Did you notice these love birds amongst the hustles and bustles in Mid Valley

Suria KLCC

Sis' turkey in the making on Christmas Day

Yummmmyyyy

Well, hope you had a great season.

What's next this weekend to welcome 2013?

Missing Hellos

A typical telephone conversation with my dad goes like this..
(It was Christmas Eve)



(Translate to Cantonese for better effect :P)
R i i n n g..R i i n n g...
Dad : What ah..
Me: Tonight we go out for dinner ah?

Dad : Go out dinner ah..ok la..
Me : Ok.


C l i c k..END OF CALL.


Where are the Hellos :D
We are humans of few words, you see..

Is it the END yet?

It's 21.12.12!

My to do list for today..before everything ends:

In priority order..ermm...all are top priority actually..if I have a choice..want them doneasap so I can enjoy rest of the day...may be in a mall doing last minute Christmas shopping?!

It's Friday, for goodness sake.

1. Fill up some darn forms - DONE (for now)
2. Review a file before sending out for confirmation
3. Review another file for feedback and setup
4. BITS of important stuff for some jobs happening immediately in Jan - if the world doesn't End
5. Prepare and send out invoices - in case the world doesn't End, I get paid sooner!
6. Boil soup for tonight's dinner
7. Cook dish for tonight's dinner
8. Have lunch..
9. Pay mobile bill
10. Pay broadband bill
11. Pay utilities bill
12. Check if tenant has paid uitilities
13. Last minute pressie shopping
14. Go for a run

Oh..it's Lunch time...but I'm only at task 1!

And I'm sure there are many other that I conveniently did not remember..

These are hilarious..

Find more here : HERE  Enjoy :D

What's your excuse?

This is an amazing story.



In short, Arthur was an ex soldier from the gulf war. As a paratrooper, he sustained multiple injuries in his knees and back during the war and Doctors said he will never be able to walk without aids.  He started gaining weight and reached almost 300 pounds at one time.  by his own admission, "he was waiting to die".

Miraculously, he didn't give up.  He proved the doctors wrong.  He managed to lose 140 pounds in 10 months, now not only he is able to walk unaided, he can run and he teaches yoga.

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-2142617/How-obese-disabled-man-lost-140lbs-TEN-months-ran--thanks-yoga.html#ixzz2FNPIe0oR

Watch the video..and you will be inspired.


I won't give myself any excuses for pigging out and vegetating at home just because I have some small injuries.

Especially for us who don't have an office to go to, it is very very easy to fall into this trap of "letting too much of hair down" i.e we slack on self maintenance and physical and social activities and then slowly we will become lazy, fat, ugly and depressed.

Lol..

Funny..but it's true.

So..I'm not going to let that happen!

What's your excuse?

Source: resolutewoman.tumblr.com via elifesl on Pinterest

MADE Collection Delivered to Paitan

As promised, here some pictures from the recent visit to Paitan by a MADE representative.

This marks a closure for a wonderful 2012 for MADE.

River boat ride 

Harmoni Sulit Kindergarten

Welcoming performance!

Interacting with the kids

Mock cheque presentation

Thank You once again to all who helped in All ways..

Have a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year  ♪♫

Need endorphins

Feeling crappy..

Nothing excites me

Have not stepped into the gym for more than a week

I need some endorphins......

crap.

Bad back, new kitten, bad (good) news

Uncle passed away last night.  It's a good thing for everyone, albeit sad, such a pity for someone who was supposedly healthy and strong.  Nevertheless, sometimes God has separate agenda for us.  He is free from pain now and will rest in peace.  Son and family will get through the sorrow and move on..remembering him as a wonderful man, husband, father, father in law and grand father.

On the other hand, I'm having a bad back day, having difficulty bending down :( but I've got a kitten to nurse, found it in the middle of the road.

It looks exactly like Mogwai.  Let's call it Mogwai 2.0

Although, quite tame and independent for a stray kitten, he/she still misses her mom much.  Always looking for something soft to suckle.

For some reasons, he/she thinks my crocs or foot smells or feels like mommy.

It's sleeping in my croc now.
Oh yes.. the lady queen cat absolutely hates me now.

HBP and Strokes

Always heard about friends, family and everyone else having high blood pressure (HBP).  Even my own father was diagnosed recently and had to start on medication.  Many were concern and reminded him over and over to take his medication on time. Thus, I'm indirectly responsible to ensure he takes his medication.

Still, I've never really understood nor register the real complications of HBP.

I learnt all about HBP in one night, within a few hours last night, when I saw this man, my own Uncle, the youngest amongst the seniors, lying in the emergency room, on life support.  The attack was silent and ruthless.  His wife, son, the entire family couldn't believe what the doctor was saying...

"It's a massive stroke. A major rupture at the brain stem. Irreversible.  His brain is gone.  Nothing we can do.  In a matter of days, he will pass on..."

We don't meet often, occasional events bring us together, and we will say our Hellos and How Are Yous.  I always see him as this Tall, Handsome and fun Uncle regardless of his age.

We last met in October.  He was healthy and good, apart from a slightly more aged appearance.  Who doesn't age anyway?  The centre of attention was on the youngest family member, the one year old birthday boy and the oldest member, my father who was just diagnosed with High BP.  I had the honor of snapping a handsome photo of him with his grand children as the unofficial photographer for the night.  That's probably the last photo of him...


It was heartbreaking to see my cousin, standing forlornly by the bedside, caressing the father's forehead...it must be so difficult to have to let him go.

Uncontrolled high BP causes damages to arteries throughout the body, the brain inclusive.  Depending on severity, damages from a stroke can be mild, severe, irreversible or even fatal.  If you have friends or family members with history of high BP, please please make sure there are regular monitoring and medication.

In summary:
HBP damages arteries so they burst or clog more easily, very often.  resulting in a stroke.

A stroke, on the other hand, occurs when a blood vessel to the brain is either blocked by a clot (ischemic stroke) or bursts (hemorrhagic stroke). When that happens, part of the brain is no longer getting the blood and oxygen it needs, so it starts to die. Your brain controls your movement and thoughts, so a stroke doesn't only hurt your brain. It also hurts the brain's ability to think and control body functions. Strokes can affect language, memory and vision as well as cause paralysis and other health issues (death inclusive).

My Uncle was unfortunate to be hit by a hemorrhagic stroke at the brain stem, the most important part of the brain i,e blood vessel in the brain breaks or ruptures resulting in blood seeping into the brain tissue, causing damage to brain cells.

In short:

• Stroke is the leading cause of disability.
• Stroke is the third leading cause of death.
• Stroke is preventable by the control of risk factors.
• Stroke is treatable, but patients must seek immediate medical care.
• All persons should be aware of the signs and symptoms of stroke.

The good news is, p to 80% of all strokes are preventable. Many risk factors can be controlled before they cause problems. Some controllable risk factors include:

• High blood pressure (High = greater than 140/90)
• Atrial fibrillation (an irregular heart rhythm)
• Uncontrolled diabetes
• High total cholesterol (greater than 200)
• Smoking
• Alcohol (more than one drink per day)
• Being overweight
• Existing carotid and/or coronary artery disease

These are the signs ans symptoms of a stroke:

• Sudden numbness or weakness in the face, arm, or leg (especially on one side of the body)
• Sudden blurred vision or decreased vision in one or both eyes
• Sudden inability to move part of the body (paralysis)
• Sudden dizziness or headache with nausea and vomiting
• Difficulty speaking or understanding words or simple sentences
• Difficulty swallowing
• Dizziness, loss of balance, or poor coordination
• Brief loss of consciousness
• Sudden confusion

Immediately call for medical help if you have the above stroke symptoms. 
Stroke is a medical emergency. 
Immediate treatment can save your life or increase your chances of a full recovery.

Reference: WebMD

Olio Carbonara

Here's what happened today.

I was extremely hungry as it was way past lunch time at 2pm or later.  Needed. food. fast.
Good that I had taken out some pork from the freezer in the morning.
Marinated pork.

Took some curry leaves and chilli padi from the garden.
Cut some garlic.

Boil some spaghetti noodles.
When done, added olive oil, garlic powder, pepper, and some dried bottled Itallian herbs.
Oh..added some fresh milk too.

Don't ask..what recipe :D

I had Olio in mind..but then I have some fresh milk that I'm trying to finish..since there's curry leaves..so I think I was trying to make it fusion spicy carbonara?!  But then I added in last night's Chinese Herb Soup as stock too.

LOL!

Anyway...preparation..very simple.

Cook pork with leaves and garlic and olive oil...and add spaghetti. Done.

I must say..it tasted quite good.  Really!

Looks like a huge portion..but I finished it.

So full of CARBS....

2013

Read a nice simple article on 10 ways to be happy:

1. Live Now
2. Follow Your Dream
3. Give
4. Think Positively
5. Spread Your Love
6. Get Support
7. Take Charge
8. Change and Adapt
9. Have Fun
10. Remember Who Your Are

Read the full article HERE

So...2013 is on the way.  I always feel melancholic during this season.  Year end and all..the mind won't stop thinking about how the fast the year has gone by, especially this year..it seems like just yesterday that I conveniently took the leap of faith to go into 'entrepreneurship'.  I've yet to update about how it has been ..simply because I don't know how to conclude yet.  Let's settle that in a later post.

For now..yes...what do I want to do in 2013?!

Two things in mind for now...


ONE:
Just yesterday..while in the shower at 11pm, I had this urge to do another Half Marathon.  Not any other Half Marathon but the Standard Chartered KL Marathon.  I didn't get around to do it in 2011 due to a back  injury, and never got around to do anything more than 15/16km since then.

Not that I'm 100% well now...but I think I'd like to at least do the SCKLM Half once, get the official certificate, hopefully with a good time.  That'll be nice, eh? SCKLM is the only run that provides a personalised cert, with officially printed name and finishing time and physically mailed to  the runner.

TWO:
I've been seriously thinking about going to Paitan with EL in March.  Since, I did not travel at all in 2012 and not sure about 2013 due to unstable finances, this will be a good chance for me to get out and about and at the same time do some good, not only to the villagers of Paitan but also my own soul.

It won't cost much, estimated less than RM1K definitely, it won't be a luxurious holiday but definitely a rewarding and worthwhile experience.




Yup..only two things..for now.  I don't believe in being overly ambitious.  And if you noticed..so far there's nothing related to the dollar sign.  So much for being an entrepreneur...*rolling eyes*...as much as I love certain aspects of materials e.g being brand conscious and all....oh well.

MADEs can cook !

Had I mentioned how amazing the members of M.A.D.E are?  I'm not saying this just because they are my fellow MADEs and friends, in fact I actually do not know this bunch as well as  I'd like to.

Only 2 of the bunch were my ex class mates, even that we have not met for years until M.A.D.E was formed.

I did mention in previous posts how I was awed by the level of commitment and dedication despite everyone's busy and hectic lives at work and at home.

You'd probably have an idea  if you've been following this site.  If not..let's just say M.A.D.E consists of a bunch of friends who put aside personal differences and life commitments to come together hoping to Make Some Difference.

Sometimes I can't help but wonder if I'm half as good as this bunch of wonderful souls.

M.A.D.E raised over RM23,000 in the recent charity drive to support of the Paitan Kindergarten project in Sabah.  A representative was just in Paitan few weeks ago (trip was organised by The Catholic Parish of St Francis Xavier, Singapore) to present the cheque to Sr Dorothy  (who was responsible for starting the first kindergarten seven years ago, to date, she has started eight kindergartens!).



We met up recently for a Thanksgiving and pre Christmas potluck dinner.  It was also an opportunity for us to catch up on EL's experience in Paitan.  As expected, it was an unforgettable lifetime experience.  I'll post some pics on her behalf in another post, if I can get hold of some.  No promises.  Alternatively, wait till March, if I gather enough courage to tag along with her on her next trip to Paitan :)

Meanwhile...yes..I was saying this bunch of MAD(E) people are so talented.  Look what they prepared for the potluck :

Awesome Prawn Salad

Amazingly delicious Chilli Beef

Garlic Roasted Chicken YUMMY

I think this is Caesar Salad

I never liked Lasagna..but..this is unbelievably NICE!

This didn't have a name...but it was really really nice..think: bacon, cheese, potato, sausages..and lot's more

Butter cake & Chips with Salsa dip..O M G

What happend to my dish?

Well...I did a second attempt on the Oven baked Baby Ribs.

It looked quite good actually....when it came out of the oven. 

Agreed?

So..I'm never really that good or even cared about food presentation.  What I did was..just cutting them up, put in the some plastic container..and off I went :D

You can imagine..how Out of Place my ribs were...when put next to all the above.

SOBSSSSS :'(

Here's EL helping me to rearrange the ribs onto a nice clean plate :D

We stole some leaves and baby tomatoes from Sharm's salad...and voila ...!

Char Siew anyone?

 LOL LOL ...