Meerkat On the LookOUT

A period of rest

2010-11-12T22:04:00.002+08:00

Yes, I'm in my 2nd month of maternity leave. Am I enjoying every minute of it? Yes...spending time with the baby I everyday.

Tengku Mahkota and I thank god for this life that He has entrusted us. Before I delivered Baby I, I was so looking forward to the 2 mths of maternity leave to have plenty of rest, spending time at home, doing my own things and also spending time with my mom (cos i hardly spend time with her except short visit back to Turtle island).

One month has passed and now I have another 2 weeks to go. I thank god for having such a supportive mom who has been with me throughout the confinement. Till today, she's still on night shift with me to take care of baby I, passing the baby to me for midnight feed and supporting breastfeeding. She encourages me to think positively that more milk will come. Even though i've left home after secondary school and never had good opportunities to spend time with my mom, the maternity leave has allowed me to do so. This is what we called God's timing.

Rest...am i having sufficient rest? my life has changed tremendously since his arrival. I used to sleep at least 7 hours per night. Now, merely 3 hours of rest will satisfy me these days and I don't really like to take naps during day time.

yea..i reckon i shall rest well before I return to work in early December and prayerfully I can also spend some quality time with Tengku Mahkota.

Restless...

2010-06-18T08:08:00.004+08:00

I admit I'm a worrier, a person who worries a lot (genes from my late father). I can tell how much I've used my brain by judging from the white hair that grow on my head. Just two weeks ago, I was given a task from the high management to carry out an ad hoc study. It took me 1.5 weeks to complete after looking for the right person to provide me the data, think about how to analyze, provide insights and recommendations. Guess what? my white hair suddenly appeared and my colleague can't believe it when she pulled out more than 15 white hair.

I'm a person who thinks a lot, cannot stop thinking when I have a problem to address. I get into a world of my own and I just can't stop finding a way out. When i get into such situation, only TM will sense it. Even though I manage to get into sleep, I believe my brain still working at the back of it because I dream of the problem. Advice from many people would be relax...Sigh...It's not that I don't have faith in God, but I'm still finding a solution to make myself get distracted on other subjects.

However, the joy that I experience when I get a problem solved is indescribable. The minute when I see the light at the end of the tunnel ( believe me, it's not the light of the choo choo train, but a solution!)

I'm not sure I'm a restless person, but my loved ones claimed that I'm one. I can't sit down and do nothing. I need to do something, read a book or magazine, listen to music, etc. I just need to get my mind occupied and ensure that it runs every minute. Restless me...and my closest passive friend that I have in this world is BOOKS. I love reading :D

Home sweet Home

2010-06-12T12:15:00.002+08:00

Home = Shelter.

Home = Place to rest.

Home = Comfort.

Home = Tranquility.

After being a nomad for almost 9 years, I've settled down in a home. A home that I can find comfort and I look forward to after work everyday. A place that I just want to stay during weekends.

I really enjoy sitting down in the living room playing the music that I love to listen, the quietness...

If I need to migrate to another country one day, I wish I could move the entire house just like the movie 'UP'... hmmm, just a thought :D

InfanT + MOn-chi-chi

2010-06-12T12:13:00.002+08:00

Cute? Thanks CK!

Change is a constant

2010-06-12T12:01:00.002+08:00

Change is a constant in many organizations especially in this difficult times. Flexibility is required when re-structure of the organization takes place. However, it's easier to be said than doing it when we are told to.

For instant, change of job portfolio is one of the most common thing. You may not work on something that you were briefed during the interview. You may choose to do it or leave it (quit!). But, why not giving yourself a chance to explore something that you've never done it before and there's a possibility that you could find your talent or interest there!

Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

I'm thankful for every opportunity that has to me and I thank god for His strength that has given me to take up the challenge.

Reflections

2010-04-02T22:18:00.002+08:00

In more than a month time, I'm going to celebrate my birthday. I started to ask myself:

What have I done in the past xx years? I think I spent a lot of time focusing on my studies. No courtship till I finished my degree. But no regrets, I think I'm happy with what I have.
What are the significant milestone I've achieved? Never thought that I got married and settled down before 30 years old. It's a blessing to have a boy friend and God showed us the way to walk further together.
Did I miss out anything that I need to do at that age? Like CJ said, Fernnie's wardrobe does not have a tube (by the way, until today). I can live without one.
Have I traveled enough? Thank god for the free trips and I'm glad that I've traveled a bit. Somehow, I wouldn't mind if I get more free trips (not alone though, after having a bad experience when a drunkard was opposite the road and I was all alone in a cold winter night)

Next post, I shall start brainstorming on how to move on in the years to come and find out what's the plans that God has for me...

Some random thoughts

2010-04-02T21:58:00.002+08:00

If I were given some money, what will I do?

Pursue an MBA degree. I've started to do some research on GMAT and all. Yes, I have the desire to go back to study to pursue an advanced degree that could make an impact on my career (going into strategic planning with quantitative and qualitative research skills). Despite I've done 3 business modules during my M.Eng days, I still find that it's insufficient to get myself to where I want to be.
4 season country. The weather is unbearable, my face is getting red and I can't stop people from questioning me everyday 'Why your face is red?' My reply 'According to my Biology teacher, she said that my cells are too thin. Hence, it's red!' I haven't got a chance visit Australia and US. So far, UK has given me good impression, i love the food and weather (even though it's a bit gloomy everyday, my mood is not affected by the weather from summer to winter).
Migrate to a 4 season country. Transferring my entire family to a 4 season country. Whether you have a chance to work there at the age of 30 or 45 years old, things are gonna be tough initially e.g. to settle down and getting a place that fits all family.

Hmmm...From this list, it seems that I have a desire to get myself out from this country. Have I got myself into a test? First of all, I asked myself a question and all my random thoughts led to a desire that is planted in me.

Job...

2010-01-23T14:31:00.002+08:00

I reckon I haven't been blogging much since I joined my current company 8 months ago. Indeed, every job that i get myself into was such a blessing from God. I have to admit that without His direction, I may not be where I am right now.

Since i graduated, I got myself in R&D and this job really gave me abundant opportunities to travel and learn. With two bosses, one in Malaysia and one in UK, put a lot of effort to train my thought process, seeing things from different angle.I can't deny whatever they have taught me has allowed me to grow.

With God's blessing, my prayer was answered and giving the chance to get into academic industry for 6 months. Even though, it didn't turn out as what I expected. God has guided me and molded me. Again, I asked myself 'Am i gonna be a teacher throughout my life?' I love the country that i was sent to and the life, the food and culture. Nevertheless, loved ones were not with me to share the joy that I experienced.

The third job that I got into provided me a good transition of career. More importantly, it was god's timing that I got the job and I was given opportunities to explore and decide where's the next destination that I want to head to...yes, i found the answer...

'How far are you from the dream that you want to have?' my current boss questioned me in my appraisal session. 'I reckon I'm on the right track where I want to head to' I answered. No matter how much you plan, personal will is not the best unless it's aligned with God's plan.

It's almost 9 months into the current job, I've learned new things despite the challenging environment that I need to go thru. Transferring my knowledge to my teammate have made me realized that I actually learned new things and passed it on...

At this moment, I do have a lil wish and I'm still committing to the Lord Almighty who knows what's best. Just like our pastor reminds us 'If you honour God, He will bless you'.

Have a blessed new year~

2010-01-02T20:36:00.002+08:00

Time flies and I haven't been blogging for the past 4 months. I reckon my blog's gonna die soon, but I guess it's never too late to post a line or two :D

It has a been a challenging year for me in 2009, from one job to another. But, Tengku Mahkota and I have achieved a great milestone. We've got a new place and now we can just sit down and enjoy our home. I missed home so much even though we were away for 24 hours up north to attend a wedding.

With a thankful heart, great things have happened in 2009 and challenging times that we've encountered have molded my character. God had given me opportunities to see all kinds of people and reaching out to new friends.

I shall start thinking of my 2010 resolution. What do I really wanna do and achieve? The only thing that come across my mind is I shall continue to honour God and learn to rest in Him. Don't work on Sabbath day.

Have a great and blessed new year!

Loooong weekend

2009-09-19T09:19:00.003+08:00

Thanks to the Hari Raya and all of us can enjoy a long weekend to unwind ourselves. I've been so busy with my new job and I haven't got time to update my blog for quite some times. Even though at times I do have some random thoughts that I wanted to share, I don't have the time to jot it down. Sigh...

Yea, I'm still settling down in my new job after 4 months..Wow...4 months, things have changed and I don't do the same everyday at work. I meet all the ad hoc request deadlines and get answers for people who are going for presentations... Indeed, this is a challenging job. No pain, no gain. Some times, I started to wonder is this God's plan. But, there's a reason why all these happen cos He allows it. I hope that I can learn as much as possible in this new place and I'm trying my very best to perform. Heavy workload, heavy responsibility, that's life. I can't be staying at junior level forever, I need to move on and do better...

Stop worrying...

2009-09-13T20:33:00.002+08:00

"Worry pulls tomorrow's cloud over today's sunshine. You can't trust God and worry at the same time" said my pastor during today's sermon.

This advice really touched my heart and it hit me...

The art of communication

2009-08-22T16:17:00.002+08:00

At this new workplace, I've started to monitor how people speak and communicate. One thing that I learned is the art of communication. Being a person who does not beat around the bush during a conversation, I'm pretty straight forward and direct when I want to get message transmitted. I go straight to the point and share my opinion.

Amongst all professionals, sales people are considered to have the best communication skills because they can twist and turn, finally you just get convinced and buy the product. I'm not saying sales people of not good, but I'm really impressed with them. My late father was a sales person and he could talk very well with all his clients with different races, from Indian to Chinese. I respect him. Yesterday, I learned a new jargon at work. Sales people that bring $$$ to the company are called ATM machine. Whoa..my late father was an ATM machine.

I find there is huge difference between an engineer and business graduate. Living example, engineer like me, I'm very rigid and most probably I studied too much of Math and Digital Electronics. Math only thought me if i manage to calculate the exact figure, I get full marks. In Digital Electronics, there were too many 1s and 0s, either 1 or zero, nothing in between. On the other hand, business graduate like Tengku Mahkota are very flexible. Things can fall in between, no right or wrong, most of the things are viewed thru reasoning. One of the advantages he has is his law knowledge.

Recently in one of the conversation with my superior, I was tested to provide insights on one of the research areas. He kept on banging the same word on my mind, finally my answers were like making sentences using that word. After the conversation was over, I felt that I was conned. Sigh... Since then, I've been very careful when I speak and listen.

Teluk Kumbar - Mini Genting in Penang

2009-08-16T21:39:00.000+08:00

Our trip started with Pulau Tikus Wan Tan mee for breakie. Tengku Mahkota's trip back to Penang will not be complete without this Wan tan Mee. He craves for it whenever he comes back to KL. Finally, he found the difference between WanTan Mee in Penang and KL -->the noodle in Penang is so much nicer and Wan Tan mee comes with gravy on top and his favourite fried WanTan.

After some narrow roads all the way up the hill and passing by some chicken farms, we arrived in Teluk Kumbar. It's a tourist spot in Penang and it was my first time to be there. Thanks to Juliana & her bf. The road was so narrow and I respected the guts that Juliana had to drive her supplier all the way up with her manual car. Her bf shared with us that he once drove Kancil up and he could sense his Kancil panted non-stop after reaching the top of the hill. What's the interesting food up there? Thai Food. I was told the owner married a Thai lady. It's like a different world when you get there.

A group photo...

Tengku Mahkota really enjoyed his food. He said 'The trip is not wasted even though the road is narrow. But the food is GOOD!' So, thanks to Juliana and her bf for the dinner!

Tortoise

2009-07-19T21:22:00.002+08:00

I love tortoise since I was little. I had this tortoise toy given to me by my most soft-spoken 3rd uncle. I remember there was a string attached to tortoise for me to pull if forward and backward. When the tortoise moves, its 4 legs waddles. I really enjoyed playing with this tortoise toy. Everytime after finishing playing, I would put it back to the box.

After I grow up, my mom bought me 2 tiny tortoise (real one) but their lives were short. One died after another. Sigh..I used to leave them in the living room and allow them to move around freely. Then, I would catch them whenever they went out of sight. My late father liked to tease me and remind me whether I wash them. I'm a clean and hygien freak, I bathed them and brushed their shell everyday to make sure they are clean at all time. But, I didn't manage to keep them for longer period.

A RanDOm shot

2009-07-19T21:15:00.002+08:00

Study room

2009-07-19T21:08:00.004+08:00

How to decorate the study room? I believe I'm going to spend most of my time here to practise my violin, work, messaging and surfing the Net...

Thanks to Kapitan Yap, I really love the pink and light blue which turned out to look more like purple. The combination of pink and purple reminds me of our wedding theme color...

I need to get an L-shape table, book shelf and chairs. Thank god that a closed sista in christ has decided to give us a sofa bed... Whoa...I can lie down and read my books and slowly crawl into Zzzzland...

Sleep

2009-07-17T23:41:00.003+08:00

How many hours of sleep we need per night? How can a person works for at least 15 hours a day? I can't imagine how much strength this person has. He does not feel tired?

My usual routine on weekdays are going to bed by 10.30pm and get up at 5.50am or latest by 6am. Due to the heavy traffic jam, Tengku Mahkota and I leave for work really early. We're basically join the students on the road early morning. My body has worked in a way if I sleep less than 6 hours, I feel tired the next day. The worst thing is my body produces heat. As a result, both cheeks turn red and my entire body is very warm, but my hands and feets are cold most of the time. It's something like feeling feverish yet no where near fever temperature. I'm still trying to find out the reason. Anyone can explain to me?

So, if I don't have enough sleep, I can't think well and be efficient the next day. Hence, I truly understand that my body needs a balance between work and rest, I don't abuse it because I can't afford to get sick.

I'm not sure why I just don't feel like getting to bed tonight. Perhaps, it has passed my bedtime. Alright, good night and have a blessed weekend!

Reminders

2009-07-17T23:27:00.003+08:00

Do you think everyone needs reminders?

Personally, I'm the kind of person who needs reminders. I need to get reminded or if there's something important that I need to remember, I'll jot it down before my mind gets distracted and I forget about it. Thanks to diary and auto reminders integrated into our Email application.

But, the question remains, am I not using my brain enough? Am I not fully utilizing it? At times, I can remember it even before my calendar's auto reminder alerts me. I notice I'm not good in words, but I can remember stories better because I change the stories into pictures. A picture speaks a thousand words! Yes, picture is better. I remember when I was in uni, my professor always asked me to draw the circuit out instead of reading it for more than 3 times. Once you get the figure out, it's easier to understand it and picture it. I totally agree with him.

Yes, I'm in the process of learning to fully utilizing my brain fully. In other words, I try to pay utmost attention when I'm in the meeting. I reduce my usual exercise in taking notes but staring at the person who's talking and change it to story. I'm still learning hard to train myself in this area. Determination is required.

Absence makes the heart grow fonder

2009-07-12T20:37:00.004+08:00

Tengku Mahkota was on night shift started from Saturday till Thursday. His working was 8pm till 6am. Can you imagine how tired was his body everyday and he basically had to make rounds in the hospital in the wee hour whereas I tucked in the comfortable sheet?

Due to his night shift, we have adjusted our schedule. It started off on the first night that I sent him to work by 7.30pm. Then, I got up at 5.45am and went to pick him around 6.30am. It took us 10mins from his hospital to get to my office, that was the 10mins that we catch up with each other. Since the day was too young to go my office, we basically talked abit more until 7am. Then, he drove the car home to rest. We took turns to warm the bed. This reminds of the Indian waiters in my workplace, wherein since these Indians come from India to make money and they're on shift in 24 hour Mamak restaurants, two people will share a bed. When one goes to bed, the other goes to work and vice versa. I can't help but comparing Tengku Mahkota and I with the Mamak waiters. In the evening, he'll come and pick me from work and I drop him to work again.

I got myself really tired and went to bed straight. Yea, I miss the time when we read His words and pray for each other every night. It was really tough when I see him for that average 15mins in the morning and 25mins in the evening (due to traffic jam). What can we share more? Absence makes the heart grow fonder. One thing I'm really thankful is my lovely parents in law. Kapitan Yap got up 5.50am every morning to unlock the gates and doors for me. Permaisuri Yap also got to wake up early to see me going off to work, locked the doors and so on. In the evening, they waited for me to have dinner. One of the nights, I got home at 8.05pm due to massive jam, I felt so touched when I was told 'Let's have dinner!' I quickly changed to a short and had dinner. Thank god for a wonderful family I'm in and for having such lovely parents in law. :)

Bondage vs. responsibility

2009-07-12T20:12:00.003+08:00

What's the first thing that come to your mind when the word 'bondage' is mentioned? Let me share about my first thought when I heard the word bondage. To me, it sounds like as if you're tied down by certain rules of game. It was one of the prayer meet when this word was mentioned. One of my sisters was advised to break the bondage from her previous idol or religion that she believed in. Yes, being a Christ follower, we're told in His word, Exodus 20:3 says 'You shall not have other gods before me'. In other words, we are only supposed to worship Him and Him only, not any other gods. This tells us that we have to stay focused.

This morning I heard a sermon in the church and pastor mentioned the word 'bondage' and I can't recall the the definition. But, I remember one of the words covered in the bondage definition is sin. It didn't hit me directly until I got home after the badminton game in the evening.

At workplace, we're given job descriptions before you decided you want to go on a job. After understanding the work portfolio, you're convinced that you would like to take up the challenge (assuming you have some work experience in this area or you're given an opportunity to take up the job). One thing that I can't deny in my every job that I was given is giving thanks to the Lord Jesus and I truly believe God puts me there for a reason like for better experience and moulding my character. Whatever happens, it's not by chance, but by His divine intervention.

We're given tasks to do at work, being a responsible employee, we will strive for our best to deliver. But, but, but... This is where bondage comes to play. But, we do not have bondage to force ourselves to work and work until we threaten ourselves, 'I'll get fired if I don't work based on what my boss thinks' or 'If I make the wrong decision, my entire division will get fired'. I believe this situation will happens if you have made an enemy to your boss and your boss would really want to fire you. Thus, he makes the decision solely based on a single mistake.

I would say most of the senior management people that I came across are pretty reasonable. They respect each other and everyone is treated fairly. No doubt, some people have different preference. So, we shall not put ourselves in a bondage. Nevertheless, all in all, give thanks and honour God.

Blessed anniversary

2009-07-04T22:58:00.004+08:00

One year has passed and we thank god that He has got us together, two has become one. Tengku Mahkota has been such a blessing to me and my mom. Our florist made this flower for us upon our request to give thanks to God in Sunday service.

The mess is finally over!

2009-07-04T22:46:00.001+08:00

Thank God, the humble house has reached the final stage of renovations. We're just waiting for the cabinets to come in. God has been good to us and all glory be unto Him. He has blessed us in many ways especially in getting this house done.

Firstly, my wetwork contractor, we called him Engineer, he was really good. We're very satisfied with his work. Since he loves fishing, he has been sharing his prawns with us.

Secondly, my grill guy introduced by Engineer called Uncle Wong has surprised us in a couple things. The grill quality is good and design is consistent. More importantly, he made emergency exit for the window in each room with keys given to us. It looks really nice and we don't have to spend extra money on locks. We really appreciate his thoughtfulness.

Thirdly, my electrician introduced by Ayam Togel also did a good job. He hacked the line carefully from the main switch box all the way to the wet kitchen. He advised us accordingly so that we wouldn't waste money in unnessary additional point.

Forthly, my churchmate's sister has given us good discount on the lights and fans. Her discounts allowed us to save a few hundreds. We're really thankful. Her workers made sure all the fans and lights are fixed properly and they were pretty friendly too.

The only thing left is the cabinets. I shall leave my comments till I get my cabinets installed.

All in all, with a thankful heart for this humble home.

Fact of life

2009-06-19T23:19:00.003+08:00

Tengku Mahkota shared with me a lesson that he learned at his work place: 'it's a fact of life that people will look at our flaws'. Personally, I find that this is so true. People will not remember what are the good things you've done, but people will always remember the mistakes that you've done.

I like to look at things on the bright and positive side. Things that have taken place is good to remember and serves as a gentle reminder that we shall not repeat the same mistake. That's what history all about. Learn from the history, practise the good things and avoid the bad things. I once come across a workmate who loves to talk about other's weaknesses and mistakes but not her own. Throughout my working experience there, no one wanted to point out her mistake. The most important lesson that she has missed is she has no rights to talk/tell story about people's mistakes. Indirectly, she becomes the spokeperson for everyone.

Back to the subject, i'm still trying to reduce my mistakes and try to open my eyes wide enough to hunt for mistakes. It's a tough lesson, with god's strength, i'm sure there'll be improvements.

in His time

2009-06-08T07:43:00.003+08:00

Ecclesiastes 3: A Time for Everything

These verses came to me last night before Tengku Mahkota and I sat down together to do quiet time. This is my 3rd week into my new job and we're still trying to settle down due to my hectic new job. I spent almost every weeknight working late and poor him has to make 2nd trip to pick me around 9.30pm. And we spent our time together the entire weekend to work on several things. Life has changed since i got into this new job. But, i wanna give thanks to God for all He has provided. In His time, things fallen in the right place and He has His plans to prosper us.

I continue to pray that I don't have to stay back every night so that I can go home on time to have proper dinner.

Busy...Busy...Busy...

2009-05-26T21:05:00.002+08:00

I've started my new job yesterday and one word to describe my new job --> Challenging. Within these two days, I could hardly sit down and do proper work. I was called in for meeting, one after another. I'm praying for wisdom to be able to grasp the concept of a few projects and providing my opinion so that I can bring value to my boss.

My new place is relatively nearer to Tengku Mahkota's place and it takes him less than 15 mins to get to my place. We used to spend Rm1.50 everyday when I was at old place. Now, we can save the Rm1.50 everyday and he has promised to bank in the money we save into the piggy bank :)

I reckon I won't have so much of updates until I'm more settled down in the new place. By then, i hope that they won't call me for meetings so often.

Feeling excited and challenged at the same time.

Closing another chapter...

2009-05-21T08:08:00.002+08:00

God knows my needs, God will not put us in a situation that we cannot bear.

Yes, after updated my CV and uploaded it on the Web 6 months ago, God found me a new job. I'm closing a chapter tomorrow. I'm counting down now... :)

Thank you, Lord Jesus for the new job.

A lil Update...

2009-05-21T07:48:00.004+08:00

Renovations is going well. Finally, the backdoor has arrived beginning of the week and we can lock the backdoor again.

We're very satisfied with electrician that Ayam Togel has recommended us. This electrician did a good job and he advised us where to put the extra points. More importantly, he helps us to save money. The orginal alarm vendor quoted Rm80 per point. With extra 5 windows and a door at the back, I need to pay Rm480. That's so expensive. Thank god, we met this electrician and he quoted a price that we're really happy to pay for it. That's my wet kitchen with lots of power points for my oven, microwave, rice cooker, mixer, slow cooker, etc.

Tengku Mahkota and I are very thankful that God has brought us good contractors. Despite the economics crisis, God bless us with good deals for lightings for the whole house. Since Tengku Mahkota can't sleep without air con, we've put our air con purchase on high priority and we've managed to pay for it. We came to realise certains things turned out to be on top priority even though we assumed we didn't need it. Oh yea, we bought a bedframe for Rm1 from Macy, pretty good deal yea? And, the salesgirl gave me free mattress protector after hearing me telling Tengku Mahkota that we need to get one.

A few other things that we need to do research are as follows:-

Curtain
Toilet accessories
Mozito netting
Locks
Dining set
Sofa
etc.

An adventurous experience

2009-05-06T07:23:00.011+08:00

Last weekend, my pre-u friend, Mr D, organized a trip to Tmn Pertanian Bukit Cahaya, Shah Alam. Yes, it's a park and we signed up for Skytrax. In fact, that's the whole purpose why we went all the way to Shah Alam. I met a few familiar faces and they look like those faces that I've seen when I was in Taylor's College. Anyway, I was really glad to meet up with my 2 classmates.

This's the banner to give you an idea what you're getting yourselves into right outside the registration counter. Please remember to fill in a form with 2 contacts that they could call in case of emergency.

So, are you scared or not??!!

This is the pretender. Tengku Mahkota has done 'kinda' skytrax over in Perth before.

Let's snap a photo before we start climbing up to the first platform. *SMILE*

Notice the ladder? It's really Higgghhhhh and looooong.. This is the way to go up the trees and enjoy the nature

Indeed, it was very tiring to climb such a long laddar. I rested two times because I was too tired. Remember, there is no turning back. You just need to continue climbing.

Only three people can stand on a platform each time. Hence, everyone needs to be brave and not keeping everyone waiting. I didn't start well, I kept everyone waited for me. In fact, some of the tracks are pretty tough and the gap for the steps are relatively wide. It's not meant for Asians. Asians are slightly shorter than westerners. Hence, the gap between each step has to be closer. I came to realize that you need to some stretchings before you start. My arms and tummy muscles ached for 3 days because we hold on to our weight by ourselves in some activities. But we had good fun!

Some videos for entertainment

*please tilt your head*

The Flying Fox that I enjoyed the most, breathing the fresh air in the woods and enjoying the moment I was hanging in the air.

But I caused a slight delay in the 2nd final platform and thanks to the lead instructor. He rescued me. He pulled me to the side and that made me easier to climb to the next platform.

Overall, good fun. Both of us enjoyed ourselves very much. I think it was a good activity besides getting ourselves busy with house renovations. Drawing ourselves closer to the nature.

Work in Progress

2009-05-01T22:11:00.001+08:00

It has been a month since the renovations started in our new place. Progress of the renovations is considered fast and we want to thank the Lord for His wisdom in selecting our contractors. The renovations have kept Tengku Mahkota and I busy for the past few months to go around for shopping. Even though we have a lot more to buy for the house, we've decided to take our time and we shall be more thrifty in the midst of economics crisis. I also came to realise that more sales can be found during this economics downturn as compared to when times are good, certain things turn out to be slightly cheaper. I'm counting my blessings one by one...

Come to the father

2009-04-23T14:10:00.001+08:00

Because of His first love for me, I'm able to call him Abba Father. Walking with Him day-by-day and it's a pleasure and honor to know Him more and more.
I give thanks for the joy, peace, love, patience, blessings, protections, ...etc that He has showered upon me.
Let's come to the Father and give Him our praise and worship.
Hope you enjoy this music video, i love it very much. Its meaningful lyrics really touch my heart and speak my mind.

Dream...Dream...Zzzz

2009-04-20T09:44:00.003+08:00

I dream almost every night and I read from a paper that '98% of people cannot recall their dreams' and I'm one of them. However, in certain occassions, I'll remember them in the middle of the night when I get up for toilet breaks or early morning and I'll share that with Tengku Mahkota on the way to work.

The weirdest thing is I dream of things that I hear and I speak during the day.

Case 1:

I went to a lighting shop near my place and I saw this light that could be used for my new place. But the promoter quoted us Rm460. That's expensive. Hence, before I left the shop i told the girl 'I'll come back again, hopefully you give me better price and I'm going to think about it and dream about it.'

Yes, true enough. It appeared in my dream on that night. I dreamt of the light from the exact angle when I looked at it. Till date, despite the fact that I've visited more than 4 lighting shop, I still find that this RM460 light cannot beat any of them. Let's see...

Case 2:

Yeh yeh is going to Perth tonight and I heard Tengku Mahkota told him where to visit, what to eat, what to buy and so on. Then, I read from someone's blog that Margaret River is one of the top 5 places that this blogger wishes to visit. How does Margaret River look like? Is it a port? A quay?

Yes, again. I dreamt of Perth. I missed the bus to Perth. I got up in the middle of the night and I told Tengku Mahkota 'I missed the bus to Perth'.

Case 3:

I watched Pastor Edmund Chan VCD on his recent conference in DUMC. He mentioned about his first church was in Bukit Panjang.

Again, I dreamt of Bukit Panjang. My mom and I attent a new church service, but it was not in the church. The Sunday service took place in a bus and they picked up church member from one spot to Bukit Panjang. Along the way to church, I notice my mom and I were in Singapore, not in Penang or KL. The pastor gave the sermon in the bus and finally we reached the church at Bukit Panjang for fellowship and had some refreshment.

Can anyone shed a light on what's happening to me?

I seem to pick bits and pieces happening during day time and bring it into my dream. Am I not having good sleep?

How do oink-oinkS talk?

2009-04-17T08:28:00.001+08:00

Kindly visit this site:-

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/magazine/7998780.stm

It's really interesting!

Have a blessed weekend!

Blessed birthday, TM!

2009-04-08T20:59:00.003+08:00

The cake was superb...I'd recommend to anyone who loves chocolates. Kindly order from fatboybakes. Double thumbs up !!! This cake really reminds me of the chocolate cake that I had in a shop called Valeries, very nearby to Harrods, London.

Hello World

2009-04-07T20:55:00.000+08:00

2nd meeting with Myron in the church to celebrate full moon.

A picture speaks a thousand words

2009-04-06T07:14:00.001+08:00

Blessed Birthday, Andrew!

Be Contented

2009-03-30T07:23:00.003+08:00

Psalm 36:5 says 'Your love, O Lord, reaches to the Heavens, your faithfulness to the skies'. Lord, you've been so faithful to me and shower me with loads of blessings, I'm so thankful. All glory and honour unto You.

Tiles, Basin, Kitchen Cabinet...

2009-03-25T07:56:00.006+08:00

Since end of last year, we've been very busy with new place. Our weekends have been ended up with meetings with contractors, after one another to get the best quotations. Also, by speaking with different contractors, we managed to get some ideas and free consult!

Three weeks ago, we managed to check out the tiles for the kitchen. And we are going to get this tiles for the kitchen. Nice?

Two weeks ago, due to my fever and flu, we didn't manage to do anything on the house. I was on the bed 90% of the time. Last weekend, we made two trips to town and managed to get our wet kitchen basin. RM900 with 40%, we paid Rm540. Guess what? We bought two basins. We got one for Tengku Mahkota's good friend, Ayam Togel. He's renovating his new place as well.

On another note, we also met up with the electrician. A reasonable quotation has been received. We're pretty satisfied. But Tengku Mahkota would prefer to get another quotation and seeking opinion from another electrician before making the final decision.

This coming weekend will be meeting up with our kitchen cabinet designer, who's a carpenter and we've met him in the home exhibition last year. Down payment has been made but there are some changes. I'd prefer him to come over to our place to have a look before I get the electrician to hack the wall and make extra power point at the wrong place. He's a designer with lots of idea and he speaks really fast just like machine gun.

Tahniah!!!

2009-03-25T07:39:00.003+08:00

Congratulations to Rizal and Rafeeza (Zaza), the newly-wed couple in town! We called it the R&R wedding. Tengku Mahkota had to work on Friday in the last minute, hence I went with Susu Lembu. My camera was on its way back with Kapitan Yap from Bario, so I didn't take any pictures.

But, thanks to Cheryl who has got nice camera and she has posted the akad nikah photos.

Then we attent the wedding dinner at PJ Hilton, organised by Rizal's family. It's my first time attending Malay wedding and I really enjoyed it! I joked with Tengku Mahkota and Susu Lmebut that 'If i would become a waitress, I'd prefer to work for malay wedding, because for chinese wedding, the waitress has to carry 8 dishes whereas in malay wedding, the food already served on the table before you go into the hall.'

Tengku Mahkota snapped the best photo of the night and I really love it. Also, thanks to Zaza who cooperated to do her signature smile with the finger touching the cheek on the red carpet as the couple & family walked in.

The food was good and the best thing was the three-layer ice cream cake. I'm a big fan of ice-cream cake.

Wondering...

2009-03-23T07:33:00.004+08:00

At 6.40am, after Tengku Mahkota finished his banking and on the way to send me to office. We saw a chinese girl, wrapped herself with a white towel. She was carrying a plastic bags (is that her clothes?) Her hair was very messy.

'What's wrong with this girl? Is she ok? where's her clothes? Why is she running around with only a towel?' I asked Tengku Mahkota.

He looked at me and i reckon he was surprised to see that girl running on a street with that kind of outfit. On top of that she was barefooted.

After we drove past, I started to get worried and asked 'Do you think she's ok?'

'Do you want me to turn back?' he asked after seeing the worried look of me.

I replied 'It's ok.'

I prayed that she's gonna be fine. I felt a lil disturbed after seeing this chinese gal.

What creates phlegm?

2009-03-18T10:28:00.002+08:00

*This post maybe a bit disgusting, but good for your knowledge*

I've been coughing really badly as if my lungs are throwing out any minute. As I was coughing in the car this morning, Tengku Mahkota said 'Throw OUT!' My response was 'You think so EASY?' Do you know how much of strength is required to throw out? My head turns dizzy and followed by chest pain everytime i cough.

Next question came...'What creates phlegm?' After reaching office, I started to goole and I found a good link that provides good explanations to this:-

http://poznaisebya.com/newsengall/home-health-care/news_2008-06-09-11-17-03-123.html

Not flexible HR rules

2009-03-17T12:48:00.003+08:00

I wonder how great if I could choose to work from home.

I'm so afraid to cough so much so that I try to drink water to make sure my throat does not feel irritated. According to Wikipedia, cough, in medicine, is a sudden and often repetitively occurring defense reflex which helps to clear the large breathing passages from excess secretions, irritants, foreign particles and microbes. I can imagine that the irritants in my throat is trying to have some stretchings (just like us every morning trying to get out from the bed) and hence it makes me want to cough and cough. *So comical*

Anyway, I've been using a handkerchief to cover my mouth whenever I cough. I seriously don't want any colleagues to get infected. I've suffered the worst sore throat in my life in the last few nights and I don't want anyone to experience that. I'm also slightly 'anti-social', instead of going lunch with my colleagues, I've chose to pack lunch and ate in cubicle. Moreover, I reduce my daily conversation opportunities with my teammates. I ping and send messages to them via the internal messaging system even though they're just one or two cubicles away from me.

Let's day dream if I could work from home:-

I'll get up by 8am. Oats and milo for breakfast. Check my emails. I shall start working till 10.30am. Have a short break, practise my violin or take a short nap. Then continue to work. more importantly, I can turn on my classical music to provide me some inspirations on my write up. Grab a quick lunch like sandwiches or some noodle. I don't bother to cook and spend 30 mins in the kitchen. I just want somethign to fill my tummy and a hot drink! After lunch, I'll continue to work and take breaks in between till 5pm.

I think I would perform better if I could work from home without anyone disturbs me, just like the movie -- home alone. In fact, it does not make any difference for me to work in the office or home simply because i report to a boss who is not sharing the same office as me, all my teammates are not in this office. I'm just a slave and I don't discuss my work with anyone here. My boss knows my mobile phone and she can call my mobile phone whenever she needs me or we can chat via internal messaging system.

But in the midst of economics recession, I shall be thankful that I have a job. I shouldn't rant. Alright, I shall get back to work despite the fact htat

I.AM.Sick.Again

2009-03-16T12:20:00.003+08:00

Sigh...I reckon my health has not been good since beginning of this year. This is the 2nd time I get the flu in 2009. But I would say this is the worst flu I've ever got within these 2 years. High fever from Friday night till Sunday morning. I was so afraid of pneumonia attack again with all the symptoms like high fever, green and hard phlegm and no energy. I kept on praying and asking God for His healing hand. Due to the fever, I was so dizzy and I found it really difficult just to get out from the bed. Thanks to Tengku Mahkota, he sponged me a number of times and I felt better each time the heat of my body was wiped away. Phew!

With a thankful heart, I just wanna thank God that He has healed me.

Rubber Duck

2009-03-13T13:51:00.004+08:00

I'm a big fan of rubber duck. Just wanna share my current desktop :)

*This is not DIGI advertisement*

uploaded by durango99 on Flickr

And I don't mind getting other colors of duck as follows (uploaded by WakentheDead):-

I think i have two red devil ducks couriered from US. They're currently stay put in my wardrobe on turtle island

Weekend again

2009-03-13T07:43:00.003+08:00

I haven't been blogging since I returned to work on Tuesday. This is due to work, I wanted to close one of my projects as soon as possible. Hence, I had this strong determination to finish it within this week and didn't not have any inspiration to blog. Anyway, I've submitted my report for QC. But, the research title for next quarter has also arrived in my mailbox.

'How to rest?'

'Can I start my next quarter research in April?'

'What's the rush?'

Sigh, this is how my boss been treating me.

Economics recession. How to get another job? It's gonna be 2 years since I started my current job. I'm not sure it's good time to move on. in His time, I'm sure God will give me good opportunity. One of my colleagues is going to quit work and return to uni.

Whatever's going to happen, I'm sure our heaven father will always guide us and protect us. Amen.

Fit to be tied by Bill and Lynne Hybels

2009-03-08T06:56:00.004+08:00

I want to recommend this book, FIT TO BE TIED, to all my friends who falls into one of the categories as follows:-

Going into a courtship
Seeking a relationship
Going into marriage
In the marriage

I think you can get it from Christian bookstores and I shall thank a friend who got us this book as a Christmas gift. Tengku Mahkota has been reading it but he stopped at page 28 and I'm covering half of the book now. The book is written by a pastor and his wife. They shared about their relationship and why sometimes they see things differently.

This book explains why sometimes couples think differently and later on leads to conflicts. But one of the reasons I realize all these things happen is due to expectations. We impose expectations on each other (your spouse, your family, friends and etc). We expect people may do this way and that way. Often, we expect people to react the same way as us.

When a woman looks for a husband, she basically has a list of requirements (unconsciously) developed based on how her father takes care of the family. Vice versa for a man, who looks for a wife who behaves like his mom. One thing to bear in mind, we have different family background. To me, this is the greatest creation of God. Look at the magnet, positive + positive->repel. Positive + negative -> they stick together! According to the bible, a wife is a helper to the husband and wife has to submit to the husband. But, husband should also compromise and takes care of the wife's feeling.

One interesting thing that the authors mentioned is don't assume you know your spouse well even though you're married for 20 years. This statement is partly true and partly false as well. I think I know my husband better than his friends because I spend lots time with him, i know him well thru our interactions. The authors said understanding a person that you have physical intimacy is tougher than understanding a friend. People change over the time but the fundamental personality of a person will not change much. I think when men change in their 40s, we may call it Mid life Crisis. When women change in their 50s, we call that menopause.

In short, it's a very interesting book that I will encourage my friends to read. I can't wait to find out more by reading it. *ops, I don't earn a single penny by introducing this book*

I thank god that He sent me a husband who's very caring, loving and more importantly, he fears God. I continue to keep him in my prayer everyday.

Surrender

2009-03-08T06:44:00.002+08:00

Waking up at 6.10am on a Sunday morning, this is very unusual. Majority of people trying to catch up with their sleep, but i got up due to a hungry tummy. If I don't get up to fill it with a hot drink, I'll suffer from gastric later.

Gastric has become pretty painful for me lately. A total new and different way that I'm experiencing. Whenever I feel hungry, I shall eat something within 10 mins. Otherwise, I feel nausea and followed by dramatic discomfort. But, i don't tell people that I'm feeling nausea (Nausea is a sensitive word for married woman, people may assume you're pregnant!) So, i normally say 'I'm not well, gastric.'

I just wanna surrender my health to the Lord, I pray for healing and I seek His hand to touch me in Jesus's name. I want to be well again.

Tasks for this weekend

2009-03-06T16:10:00.003+08:00

Endless to-do list for the house again:-

Visit tile shop to get floor tiles
Meeting electrician
Hunt for kitchen basin and a small basin for dry kitchen + water tap
Fridge
Stainless steel door

Oh yea, I'm wondering whether I will have a chance to catch the Singaporean comedian 'Love Matters' this long weekend since Monday is a public holiday. I plan to visit Moomykin in the morning. Tengku Mahkota and I also promised his good friend to lend him our hands from 4-8pm.

One of my lunchmates are moving on and we'll be having farewell dinner tonight. Going to pub later in the evening for dinner. I don't drink beer and I don't mind people around me drink beer. But, please don't smoke in front of me. I can't stand it.

Have a blessed weekend :)

Spirituality

2009-03-06T15:37:00.002+08:00

I attent a lecture on Wednesday night with family at Trinity Methodist PJ on 'Heart and Soul of Spiritual Foundation'. It was given by a humble midwife who has got a doctorate in bible studies. Every time I go to Trinity Methodist PJ, it reminds me of my home church in Penang, Trinity Methodist Penang. What's the reason? I can see aunties and uncles, I can hear people speak in Hokkien.

Anyway, Dr Voon started off the lecture asking the question 'What is spirituality?' I was thinking it has to do with who are we, how we behave, etc. Her definition is outward expression of the inward belief system that defines who we are, and it governs what we do. Don't you find the definition is sooo complete? I can't wait to agree. Spirituality is one of the popular topics these days.

If we talk abt Christian Spirituality, we can't run away with Trinity and she showed an illustration of father, son and the Holy spirit in a value chain-liked picture.

The most important bit of the lecture was when she shared about the composite dynamics of spiritual formation that consists of formation, conformation, information, reformation and last but not least transformation. These composites give us the idea to answer how we're formed basically. To understand all these 5 composites, I shall attend the next 5 lectures in the coming weeks.

I came to realise that I love such lecture, to understand who am I, how come I'm formed this way, what should I do to improve myself, etc. No doubt, holy spirit works within me to guide me in my life everyday. But, I'm different from others. Some may say god creates everyone to be different and there's a purpose why you are created in such way.

Personally, I think my past has played an important part in how I behave. In other words, it is conformation that plays a big role. Conformation includes what we've encountered in the past and lessons that we have learned. When I was little, I was more comfortable to spend time with my cousins of my mom's family because I was babysit by my aunty and I called her Yee-Ma. I didn't quite comfortable to speak with my cousins of my dad's family. I think that could be due to age gap because I'm the youngest in the family. There's nothing much to talk about when we have such a big age gap. Another thing, I reckon I was such an introvert, I didn't like to talk. But now, I think I'm pretty extrovert. I share and I voice out, I shall not allow people to assume. I also enjoy catching up with my cousins (both my mother and father's families). Age gap is no longer the excuse. I found that everyone needs to make an effort. Come to think of it, I reckon I wouldn't have changed without going thru all incidents. I also encountered various shameful ocassions and I told myself that the experience is terrible. I don't want to impose that on others.

There's a chinese saying 'Learn as you lead your life till it ends'. During the lecture, Dr Vonn also shared that there's this saying 'World is a transit for home', our eternal home is heaven. We are reminded to love our neighbours once again. Dr Voon made a joke saying some people believe that you'll sleep right next to the person you hate when you go to heaven. Hence, learn to love.

Sleep

2009-03-04T12:50:00.002+08:00

Me, just like a baby, I need sufficient sleep. If I don't have enough sleep, I think I sound cranky. I tend to be less patient in my daily life.

Last night, I slept around nine and got up six this morning. I would say, I have more than enough sleep. I was so tired last night that I just wanted to close my eyes. After reading 8 pages of a book, my eyes were more tired. I felt asleep on the bed while Tengku Mahkota read his book.

I'm feeling good today, very energetic because I have lots of energy and I think it can last me till tonight bible study class. :)

With a thankful heart for having good sleep, I thank God.

Self-check

2009-03-03T07:53:00.003+08:00

Last week on the way home, I shared with Tengku Mahkota that I'm going to remind myself (again!!!) that I won't complain about my work. I shall be thankful in all things (even though my boss can be ridiculous sometimes). Anyway, God has put me in this working place and I've learned a lot especially in my personal character. It's a good thing. I do self-check quite often to compare myself then and now. I want to make sure I'm on the right path and I shall obey God's words.

In this Lent season, I want to watch myself and I shall cut down all complaints. I can rant (a bit) but I shall not go overboard.

The Crisis of Credit Visualized

2009-03-02T15:24:00.003+08:00

The Crisis of Credit Visualized

Posted using ShareThis

Remarks: Worthy watching. I like the illustrations

Tiles hunting

2009-02-27T16:13:00.003+08:00

This saturday mission is --> tiles hunting. We're gonna start renovating the new place. We need to learn more about tiles.

What color is best?
What color is nice?
Shall we try to get the original tiles?
Shall we choose better tiles? can we afford them?
Which brand is good?
Tiles for table top?
Tiles for floor?
Tiles for wall?
What's good?

I've shared my thought with Tengku Mahkota that we shall not overspend, just get some reasonable tiles. I don't want to overdo it. I'm not a BIG chef that runs a cooking show everyday just like Asian Food Channel program. I'm just a woman trying to learn cooking and more importantly to fill up everyone's tummy.

Don't have to think about it anymore

2009-02-26T15:40:00.002+08:00

I've just received an email and I've got the answer.

In short, have faith in God and accept His plan for me. Life goes on...

Coffee

2009-02-26T14:01:00.003+08:00

I have stopped drinking for two weeks. But I don't mean that I drink coffee everyday. I drink it once in a while when I have cravings. Two weeks back, Permaisuri Yap made a cup of BlAcK coffee (made in melaka for Rm0.15 per sachet) for me on a saturday afternoon. Since then, i thought of coffee almost everyday. That coffee was really good.

But, I'm NOT thinking of coffee at this moment because I remember the pain of my gastric. I don't want that kind of pain again. Don't talk about the discomforts that I suffered for that whole week. Anyway, thank god that I've recovered. I stopped my medication and I eat small portions now. I chew my food really slow.

My Personal Cobbler

2009-02-25T18:59:00.001+08:00

Thanks so much Tengku Mahkota for salvaging my favorite working shoes. He has put in immense efforto scrumb and scrumb. Now it looks like a new pair shoes. Thanks!!!

Pinky Cactus Flower

2009-02-25T18:51:00.001+08:00

See....See....The flower blossomed last night and it's PINK!!! The flower is pretty and nice. I insist that I must take a photo with the flower. Kapitan Yap took the photo for me. See how i admire the flower...

Everything is in control

2009-02-24T16:45:00.003+08:00

After so much of thoughts and prayer about my strong desire based on my last post, I think I've reached the threshold. I realised since this morning that I don't think about it so often anymore. My faith level has increased immensely because I remember Him. I know that He'll make it to happen if He finds that it's the best option for me. Hence, be still. Thanks for the advice from MommyKin.

Between, my boss has not been treated me well since in the beginning. I've been very defensive in every single conversation I have with her. In fact, I think I managed to burn quite a bit of calories after a 29 min conversation over the phone this afternoon. The telephone line was bad and I couldn't hear properly. More importantly, I managed to defend my work and research. My personal goal is do my job well and make sure it has quality and standard even though sometimes I may not agree that I need to do certain tasks. I need to earn a living and I need to listen to the instructions given from my superior. Nothing as difficult as how Jesus suffered on the cross. Hence, don't complain so much, just remember Nike's tagline 'JUST DO IT!'

Oh, tomorrow is Ash Wednesday, the first day of Lent season.

God's will vs. Personal will

2009-02-23T11:31:00.002+08:00

This is what i've been struggling for since last Thursday. Personally, I want something so much that I've been thinking about it again and again. I just can't stop thinking it. One word to describe -- 'desperate'

My bedmate@Tengku Mahkota is the only person that understand how desperate am I right now that I wish I could have the power to pursue. I've been praying hard and seeking God. I questioned God 'Is it Your plan?' 'Do i stand a chance?' 'Am I capable?' 'His time?'

During one of my QTs, I came to realised that 'Why I'm having such a strong personal will this time?' 'Where's my mustardseed faith?' I reminded myself many times not to think about it. Before I go to bed, I'll think about it again and I'll request Tengku Mahkota to pray for me.

On Sunday during the worship session, God spoke with me thru the songs. The lyrics hit me. My tears started to roll down. He has reminded me that I need Thee. Yes, I really need God to be able to wait patiently for the answer. Even though I was told that I'll get my answer in two weeks, it can drag on for more than 2 weeks. I want my faith in him. I want to listen to Him.

Currently, I can imagine myself staring at a leaf, but I'm not sure where am I in a big forest. I need to find my way out. Stop staring and find the right direction to my normal life routine. Move on in my life. Enjoy the day, count my blessing one by one.

Lent season is around the corner, it's time to fast and pray. Sounds good?

A serial of pain...

2009-02-18T20:41:00.003+08:00

Last Friday, Tengku Mahkota and I reached home late cos we were caught in the traffic jam in PJ. When I got home, I rushed to the toilet and I slipped! I grabbed the basin and it came out when I was trying to strike a balance. Thank God I was wearing my jeans and I was not injured. Only a small spot of bruises on my right knee. But, dad has to fix to toilet. I felt so sorry.

Due to my fall, I felt some pain on both of my butts. Hence, the plan to Sg Gabai Waterfall was cancelled. Just because I don't want to risk my life. God gives me a wonderful life, I should appreciate it and take good care of it. I'm sure Tengku Mahkota will bring me there next time. Therefore, we spent time at home on Valentine's day. After a heavy breakie, we skipped lunch and I continued to edit photos for Sunday School Camp. By the time I completed my work was 5pm.

Dinner at Wendy's. We went to a new place in PJ. Apparently, the place is pretty happening with loads of restaurants around, good car park and more importantly spacious car park.

On Sunday night, another pain came. That's my gastric. I've been counting my blessing that my tummy has been so good that I hardly complained. I had diarrhea in the middle of the night followed by gastric, vomitting my dinner in chuncks (the dinner didn't get digested at all) and my tummy was not in good condition. I was on sick leave on Monday due to unbearable pain and discomfort of my tummy. I got a jab and it was quite ok, not very painful. Since I vomitted too much, the doctor suggested the jab. I took a nap at the living room and then moved myself to the room. All in all, I slept for more than 5 hours. What a sleepyhead! At night after dinner, I vomited my dinner again.

I went back to work on Tuesday, the discomfort in my tummy came again. I know it! I know it! I went to see another doc and i requested the medicine I used to take. Thank god this doctor had the medicine and she prescribed it to me. Sigh...according to her...'You must eat like a BaaaaaaaaaaaaaBeeee' No oily and spicy food. Please eat every 4 hours.

Today- Weds, things have been good. I've been controling my diet with toast bread for breakie, hot milo, bisuits in between, porridge for lunch and dinner. but but but, i over ate. I vomitted again after dinner. Sigh...

God, please heal me in Jesus' name, I wanna have good sleep, give me strength to overcome the discomfort that i have. Amen!

So true!!!

2009-02-11T07:42:00.008+08:00

This morning, i checked out the meaning of my name, Fern. In fact, my name was given by my 3rd uncle's family. According to my mom, after she delivered me, my father called his brother in Singapore and said 'I've got a baby gal, any names?'

Your First Name of: Fern
Although the name Fern creates an active mind and a restless urge to explore new ideas, we emphasize that it limits self-expression and friendly congeniality with a moody disposition.

The name of Fern creates an overly-sensitive nature which causes you to sense and feel far more than you can understand or put into words
You have a deep, artistic, and creative side which shows through a love for music and literature.
Writing is a more natural mode of expression for your deeper thoughts and feelings than the spoken word.
You have an ability to concentrate and work intently on anything which holds your interest
However, you prefer to avoid routine, monotony, and mental tasks.
Although the name Fern creates an active mind and a restless urge to explore new ideas, we emphasize that it limits self-expression and friendly congeniality with a moody disposition.
This name, when combined with the last name, can frustrate happiness, contentment, and success, as well as cause health weaknesses in the solar plexus, heart, lungs and bronchial area.

I agree with most of the points stated. Let's evaluate each point.

1. Yes, most of the times i can sense and feel far more better than Tengku Mahkota even though he says 'Take it at face value, don't think so much.'
2. I love music and that's the reason I must listen to classical music when I study and work.
3. Writing? I write everyday, technical writing and now my boss wants to be write more business orientated content, 'Due to the economics downturn, what's gonna happen to broadband business? change in R&D culture. How to conduct optimal investment strategy?'
4. Oh yes, I can focus very well. But sometimes it's too well that i cannot get out from my own world. That's not good. Dwell in my thinking mode for too long. If the topic is not interesting, I don't bother to do anything towards. I'm such an extreme person, if I want to commit in something, I'll go all the way out, otherwise, I don't bother to pursue at all.
5. I don't like routine, i like challenges. That's the reason I didn't want to pursue a career in manufacturing after i graduated. I was in manufacturing factories for 2 summer internship. I remember telling my mom ' I can't imagine the same routine every day, 8am to 5pm, doing the same thing'. One point I don't agree is mental tasks, i love thinking. I'm a thinking person, just like my father.
6. Yes, I'm restless. Always. This was exactly the comment from Tengku Mahkota early morning today. 'How come you cannot sit still? Do this and do that. Stay still and don't move too much'. I'm a strong melancholic person and get to mood swing easily. But, i try to get out of it.
7. Last but not least, I pray that God bless me with good health.

The view

2009-02-10T11:13:00.004+08:00

What comes to your mind when you see the picture above?
Personally, i find that the trees look like broccoli. The green broccoli that you can eat it after it's cooked or eat it raw with salad.
This is the scene I see everyday when I open the main door of our humble home and on our way home after work when we drive up the hill towards our home sweet home. At times, i feel hungry when I see those trees, just because it looks exactly like broccoli. You know how crunchy broccoli is right?? Yum, yumm :P

Take a stroll

2009-02-09T15:47:00.000+08:00

Last Friday evening, I took a stroll down the road from my office to the Wendy's outlet to get a chocolate milk shake for Tengku Mahkota. I'll recommend to anyone who loves milkshake, Wendy's milk shake is pretty good. If you visit Wendy's on Friday, you can enjoy 50% discount on the milkshake with a purchase.

Personally, i like to walk leisurely with my own pace. I felt very satisfied after the Friday evening walk despite the walk was only 10 mins. I enjoy walking and look at the trees and plants along the roadside. I can have a lil reflections and think about stuff. Unfortunately, the weather is hot over in Malaysia. I sweat when i walk. Now, i miss the cold weather in UK. I really enjoy the weather there even though it looks gloomy everyday. I reckon we need sun at times. I tend to find that i can think better when i get myself out of my office/house. As i walk, i can do better thinking and process the problem/issue to be solved.

I think i shall start thinking of joining walkathon this year. Not for the prizes. Just for the fun of it.

BBQ

2009-02-08T16:13:00.004+08:00

Kapitan and Permaisuri Yap held a BBQ party last week to celebrate CNY with our neighbour and his children who came back from US.

OK, let pictures do the talking...

Extra lane?

2009-02-08T16:03:00.001+08:00

I took this picture at a junction near Tanjung Bunga. There are only two lanes, one going straight and i'm on the right lane to turn to the right.

All of sudden, an Aeroback Wira came in between my car and the Kancil. Weird!!! There's no extra lane in between. The driver created the extra lane. I could see the sour face of motorists because they couldn't ride to the front. This driver was very inconsiderate and he never followed the traffic law.

Hillside Burger

2009-02-08T15:58:00.001+08:00

Ramli Burgers are pretty common in KL.

We went to Penang and tried this special chinese burger at Hillside. We heard so much about it and Tengku Mahkota said he wants to it. His favourite food is always burger whenever he goes to, from Perth to London.

The special thing about this HillSide Burger is the shallots. The chinese uncle fried shallots with marjerine. Look properly, the mountain high shallots. It really brings the flavour. Personally, i like the burger bun, it's HUGE. But, prices are slightly pricey. This chinese couple are really good. They work hand-in-hand to run this burger van. The aunty takes order whereas the uncle does the frying.

Can you notice the crowd around the van? That shows that this burger van is pretty famous in Penang.

Pre-Chinese New Year Dinner

2009-02-08T15:45:00.002+08:00

We had a good fellowship with Jonathan after he left us to work in China for 4 months. We went to a chinese restaurant in Bangsar. We like one of the dishes from this restaurant --> fried bitter gourd with salted egg. wa....Bagus! The yee sang was great as well.. And we said 'Bless you...Bless you....God bless you....' as we stirred the Yee Sang. Several years ago, our church pastor taught us to bless others when we stir the Yee Sang. Since then, we practised that.

Huh?

2009-02-08T15:32:00.001+08:00

How to trim trees along highway?
Can you imagine the trees are trimmed like those two small pictures?
These trees are chopped half, basically.

TEngku Mahkota and I found this scene when we drove in Prai, Seberang Prai.

Commit to God

2009-02-06T17:02:00.001+08:00

During my visit to Turtle Island, i spoke a lot about God with my families. I realized it is not easy to say 'Commit to God'. In fact, a person has to experience God and come to say this. As for me, since i received salvation, i prayed, i went thru the ups and downs. I trust in the Lord now, I do my best and leave the rest to God. But, this may not be the case for non-christians.

Before a person knows a person, he/she needs to spend time to understand God. To experience God to be exact. To experience His love, grace and mercy. To pray. To study His promises.

As for me, I went thru so much over the years. At the end, I understand that God has control over my life. I shall leave it to Him. Let him take control. Stay close with Him. Obey Him. No matter how much plan i can have, He knows what's best for us. I cannot see the entire picture, He has bigger pictures and plans for me. He provides things that I can bear, He will not leave me. Hence, I always tell myself 'Don't worry, let's pray about it, commit it to God'. Matthew 6:34 says 'do not worry about tomorrow; it will have enough worries of its own. there is no need to add to the troubles each day brings'

Matthew 7:7 Ask, and you will receive; seek, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened to you.

The promise comes in next verse ->
Matthew 7:8 For every who asks will receive, and anyone who seeks will find, and the door will be opened to him who knocks.

Re-start

2009-02-05T15:15:00.002+08:00

Yes, I restarted my engine this morning and i'm back to work today after my chinese new year break to Penang. Indeed, it was a good trip. Mrs Ko, Tengku Mahkota and I went around to visit my relatives, eg. uncles and aunties.

The common topic of discussion was economics downturn. Since Tengku Mahkota and I are employees, we see things from different perspectives compared to my uncles who are employers. Pray that times will be better, times are really bad now.

On the other hand, meeting up with families and relatives also opened my eyes to some family matters. I pray that God will give me strength to address/improve those family matters that I need to work on it personally. For those good news that have reached my ears, i give thanks to the Lord. Dear Lord Jesus has heard my prayer for my 6th auntie, who's in her 70s. She's up and running again after 5 operations in 2008, she fell from her bicycle. My beloved cousin has a son and the son looks like him, just like ang ku kuih.

Bad times, good times, God is good, all the time. All the time, God is good.

*i'll upload more photos when i get them transferred from camera to my notebook*

Blessed Chinese New Year

2009-01-28T13:55:00.002+08:00

I think I should've wished everyone earlier, instead of now.

Today's the 3rd day of Chinese New Year. Tengku Mahkota and I are back to work. We enjoy the smooth traffic when people are on holidays and we're taking our own sweet time to get to work. We don't have to get up before 6am.

This morning...

TM: Wakey...wakey...

Me: okok...what time is it now?

TM: 5 mins to 7am?

Me: *Got up immediately* WHOT?! * i need to get into office by 8am.

TM: Don't worry...

We left home around 7.10am.

True enough, the traffic was so good. Thank God for that. I reckon most of the people are still back in hometown, enjoying the Chinese New Year with extended family and friends. The chinese schools are closed.

TM and I have made our strategies. Don't extend your holidays after the public holidays, go to work, enjoy the smooth traffic. Take holidays when most people are back to work.

Yea, I'm the only chinese in my department who is back to work today. My holidays will start this Friday till next Wednesday. Hoooooray! We're going back to turtle island to spend quality time with Mrs KO. Our reunion dinner is this friday. Mrs Ko said our reunion dinner does not happen once a year, it happens every 1.5 months or 2 months when we travel up north. Does not matter it's gonna be reunion dinner or lunch or breakfast.

I'm counting my blessing one by one, to be able to spend time with my loved ones, have fellowships with friends and family and have good meals during this festive season.

Being together...

2009-01-21T13:25:00.003+08:00

Being a married woman, I always seek advice from Tengku Mahkota whenever a decision has to be made. During my singlehood day, I led a single life, I just do anything I like. But, I was taught a simple word of advice from Mrs KO before I left home after Secondary Five 'You can do anything you want, be wise and be responsible. Bear all consequences'. Do you know how POWERFUL is this advice?

Yes, it's SUPER powerful. Indeed, I agree with my mother. She gives me the freedom since I left home. I remember this advice until today and I apply it whenever I need to make a decision. For examples, friend asks me out to go for movie at night. Then I start thinking about 'if i get home late, will it be dangerous?' 'When's the latest time i'll get home?' looking at the negative side if the worst scenario happens, 'what happens if my car breaks down at 12am on a highway? who should i call?' From the questions i raise, i consider myself as a person who does not take risk. That's why I hardly go movies during uni days, my job was just study and study. Such a nerd. I admit it.

Anyway, back to the subject. Now i'm married. Things are different. Someone is there to share my thoughts and burden. Someone to give me a different idea. Yea, I have someone these days to go out for movies at night, but not so late, no midnight movies. Whenever it comes to where to eat, we'll discuss about it even though i'm given the priviledge to make the final decision.

Just imagine, one day, Tengku Mahkota has to be away for a few days or even a few months to work. What'll happen to me? My life will be back to singlehood life. He asked me this question a couple of months back. We were talking everything under the sky. This is one of the questions.

How am i gonna cope with my life if he has to work in other places? First answer that came to my mind was 'i won't get a chance to discuss with you where i can go for dinner?' I need to make my own decision. Bear all consequences. I came to realise I'll be alright as long as there is Internet Broadband. I can go online, chat with my friends since I have friends in various places across the globe. If i can't sleep, i can talk to friends in UK. If i get up early, i can talk to friends in Australia. Shouldn't be a problem. I can blog, surf net, online chatting, you-tubing and others. Tengku Mahkota said 'I think you can't leave a day without Internet'. yea yea yea...Also, I can practise my violin, reading, and others.

I think i'll be alright. I appreciate his presence. I appreciate when we have the chance to spend time together, hand-in-hand strolling down the road... Maybe we were separated for months when i was away, we appreciate when we're living under the same roof, at the same place and country, in the same space and time domains. I'm thankful.

Faith

2009-01-20T07:49:00.002+08:00

What is Faith? Faith is your trust towards somebody.

Next question, do you have faith in God? Another words, do you put your Trust in God?

Are you faithful to your marriage?

Learning to be faithful is not an easy task and it's not something that happens within a second. Personally, my faith on someone builds over time. This involves my experience/encounter with that person. Observations. Interactions.

I've been walking with God for over 10 years, I've put my faith in God again and again. Various trials that I went thru and I keep telling myself to trust in Him, and Him alone. No one else knows better plans than what He has planned for me right in front. I would say that faith and patience come together, they walk hand-in-hand. Because when you're building your faith on someone, you need patience to find out.

I would say that it's not easy to maintain the faith we have and furthermore to increase our faith. Being a child of God, we're supposed to be faithful to Him just like how faithful He has been to me. Every challenges that I experienced in my life, i don't think i can see the light at the end of the tunnel without His grace, mercy and wisdom. He has been so faithful. Likewise, I want to be faithful unto Him as well.

James 1: 3-4 'for you know that when your faith succeeds in facing such trials, the result is the ability to endure. Make sure that your endurance carries you all the way without failing, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing'

So, do you have mustard-seed faith? Luke 18:5-6 says 'the apostles said to the Lord, "make our faith greater.' The Lord answered, 'if you had faith as big as a mustard seed, you could say to this mulbery tree, 'Pull yourself up by the roots and plant yourself in the sea!' and it would obey you'

Grow your seed by walking closely with Him, read His words, quiet time, to pray and listen to His voice. When any trials come, have faith in Him that He will carry us thru. If there's anything that turns up to be the other way round, remember, He wants to build our character, He knows what we can bear and what we cannot bear. He is with us, Emmanuel.

OPS!!!

2009-01-19T13:43:00.003+08:00

This morning, on the way to work...

Me: I'm feeling very sleepy because I didn't manage to finish my dreams this morning. I'm gonna close my eyes.

Tengku Mahkota (TM): Alright.

In fact, I didn't manage to sleep. I closed my eyes. Then i started to wonder 'Where's my portable hardisc?'

Fern: Did you put my hardisc in my bag?

Then, I quickly grabbed my bag and checked. It's not there.

TM: Don't worry, we can go home now.

Looking at my watch, 6.40am. It's a monday morning, bad traffic and we're heading home? Without my hardisc, I can't work at all. All my write ups are there.

TM sped all the way home and we reached at 7am. On the way back, I started to blame myself and apologised to TM. I know how much trouble if we need to go home. Lots of questions on my mind... Why am i so careless? Why I'm not responsible with my stuff? Why i didn't put it back after using? Why i didn't put into the bag even though i saw it on the desk a few times when i walked to the kitchen? TM's gonna stressed up. How is he gonna get his car park in the hospital?

Looking at the traffic on the opposite direction, I got more worried. 7-8 lanes of car going down to the city. Oh dear, how? Why am i working in this city? There are more job opportunities in this city? is it the place where money is? Sigh...

Since i was pretty stressed up, TM suggested 'why not you take emergency leave? stay home and work?' 'Take half day' I didn't.

Finally, I managed to reach office at 8.03am when I tagged in. TM spent extra money on toll today and more stress on the traffic. But I'd really thank God TM had no car park issue this morning at his workplace.

Lesson learned today: Check my bag before leaving for office in the future.

B for ?

2009-01-15T16:47:00.003+08:00

During our normal conversation especially over the phone, sometimes we may not hear properly. So, the common practice is using the name of country such as:-

A for Australia

B for Belgium

C for Canada

D for Denmark

However, for lil children, the names of country will not be helpful. The most appropriate is

A for Apple

B for Boy

so on...

As part and puzzle of my job, i do technical discussions with researchers over the world thru conference call. Today, I attempted to call Serbia...before I called, I looked up to Wikipedia where does Serbia locate. Oh it's in Europe. But, this place is relatively further than England, where we can speak England. Hence the conversation goes:-

Me: Good morning, may I speak with Professor xxx?

Admin A: errrrrrrrr....

Me: Do you speak English?

Admin A: nonononoo

Admin A put down the phone and Admin B came

Admin B: Hello?

Fern: Good morning, may I speak with Professor xxx?

Admin B: Professor ?

Fern: yea, professor xxxx?

Admin B: Ah...

Fern: Can you share his extension number with me?

Admin B: the number is xxxxxx

Fern: Can I have his email address?

Admin B: er... the email address is his name ...then AT, sssss....

Fern: how many S are there?

Admin B : S...S...B...

Fern: ok. double sb

Admin B: B for BURGER

Fern: oh okok....ssb..next??

I reckon the admintrastor thought that i was calling from american and americans love burgers.

At the end of the day, I checked out the university webpage and traced domain for email. I reckon i've got the right email address because the email does not bounce back.

Personal Branding

2009-01-15T08:50:00.003+08:00

I've just came across an article 'The Rise of Personal Branding'. According to the article, Linkedin is one of the sites that allows users to build their personal profile. Personally, i created an account not long ago. I read some of the profiles of several users who put in all their job descriptions of their current and past jobs. No doubt, Linkein provides some job opportunities indirectly if someone finds that your job experience matches their requirement.

I think twice when I wanted to cut and paste my updated CV into my Linkein. The reason behind is I don't want my immediate boss or colleagues to find out that 'Oh...she's looking for job'. I don't think i'm desperate to leave my job at this moment or I need personal branding so urgently.

Anyway, is personal branding necessary? I reckon to a certain extend, we need personal branding. Recruitment agents like Jobstreet and Monster allow on recruiters and headhunters to tap into Jobstreet and Monster database to peep for potential candidate profiles. The advantage of Jobstreet and Monster is only recruiters ( i reckon they pay a big sum to Jobstreet & MOnster) are given the approval or rights to view candidate profiles.

In the midst of economic crisis, I'm thankful that I have a job with stable income everymonth. Despite the fact that there are rumours here and there every now and then, I put my hope in the Lord Jesus and I know He's with me whenever He wants me to go.

Flu bug

2009-01-14T09:08:00.001+08:00

Whenever I get sick, i'm very afraid that my germs will pass to Tengku Mahkota since we share the same room. I've been constantly praying that my flu will not pass to him. I make sure I cover my mouth with the hanky when I sleep every night. I remind him to take Vitamin C pills.

He saw me with blocked nose and cough yesterday, he suggested that I went to see doc and get an MC. 'Just stay home for two days to rest, allow the body to recover' he said. I don't think it's a good idea to stay home as well, i'm afraid to pass the germs to Kapitan and Permaisuri Yap as well. If i stay home, Permaisuri Yap has to cook for me. The same thing happens few years back, when i used to rent a room in Puchong. I stayed in my cubie to rest and enjoy the air con when i was sick, i didn't want to spread the germs to my landlady's children. Thank God my cubie-mate, he's healthy and strong. He has never caught my bug before from me. i consider him as my best cubie-mate since i started working.

It's the flu season and some colleagues are sick too in the office. Germs are flying around. What can I do? I bring sandwiches to work for lunch, I don't plan to pass my germs to my lunch gang.

*another colleague blowing her nose as she walked past my cubie*

Today, i pray that God grant me His healing hands that I can recover soon and pray that I won't pass the germs to the people surrounding me. Pray for strength as i overcome the discomfort that I have. In jesus's name i ask and pray, Amen!

What's the best gift from my late papa?

2009-01-13T15:36:00.006+08:00

I'm the kind of person like to reminiscing old days. My late papa has left me when I was doing my final year. Prior to his death, the last time i saw him and talked to him was 2 months before he left. Yes, i miss him dearly whenever lil things in my life relates to him. I remember I dreamt of him a number of times and I got up with a wet pillow. This happened again 2 weeks back, I dreamt of him again and i cried so badly calling 'papa....papa'. Of course, my bedmate got a shocked. He shared his loving arms with me and woke me up. He said 'Fern... Fern... It's just a dream. It's ok.' I can't remember the dream now but i remember sharing the dream with him immediately I got up.

Yes, i used to be papa's gal. My papa retired when i was secondary two. Since then, he fetched me from school every day and he was my driver to send me to tuition center every afternoon. Most of my tuition time is around 4pm and i had to wake him up from his nap around 3.15pm. I felt pretty bad because I knew that he almost dozed off then. No matter what, he sent me to tuition center without complaints. I would say he's pretty punctual when it comes to fetching his daughter, other matters like wedding dinner and family dinner, he used to be late all the time. That's why he called me 'Boss' because he said he made sure he's punctual to pick me home. Also, I used to sit behind the passenger seat, because I just don't like to buckle up. He used to feed me with Conneto ice cream whenever I'm hungry before reaching home. In fact my late papa is a friendly person, some of my closed friends know my papa quite well because he used to give them a lift and drive us to places we want to visit sometimes. He also joked with them and teased them once a while.

back to the subject, I reckon the best gift he has given me...there are two. One is the education and the attitude. He believed the best gift to give to your next generation is education. To him, education opens the door for the children, to allow them to get their first job, entering the career world. That's the reason he never stopped me from further my studies or choosing the course for me to study. 'Don't have to get As, just pass will do'. That's his advice all the time. Indeed, that's one of the best gifts that he has given me. Another gift is his attitude. His friends in turtle island recognise me as 'Mr Ko's daughter'. Yup, I look like him, in terms of features. Mrs Ko used to comment that my finger nails and toe nails look exactly like him as well. But but but, i'm a woman. I was taught to spend wisely and have strong determination. Since my papa worked hard since he left school after primary school, he worked hard for the family. He went thru hardtimes to build the family business. He had strong determination when he worked. Yes, when I decide to work on something, i go all out for it. That's from his genes.

I reckon my papa has made an impact in my life that I remember him and miss him from time to time. I'm very grateful to have such a father in my life.

A lil under the weather

2009-01-13T10:03:00.003+08:00

Having a bad cold yeah?

Yea yea yea..very bad cold.

Why? Why?

2009-01-09T08:48:00.003+08:00

The traffic has been very bad since the school re-opened on Monday. I was sharing with Tengku Mahkota this morning, 'Why the traffic is so bad?' He gets up around quarter to 6am everyday and I get up after he's done. We leave the house by 6.15am.

But, the question is why the traffic is bad at 6.30am in the morning? Is everyone getting earlier and earlier? The entire highway is jam and how long the government need to take to fix the road? They are taking ages to fix the road. Even Mrs Ko noticed that when she came end of 2008. She came to KL for our wedding in May 2008, and her last trip in December 2008, the

road has not been fixed yet. What's going on?

Since everyone is getting earlier, i'm sure that's certain time in the morning, the traffic is slightly better. Hence, Tengku Mahkota suggested that he takes half day and observe the traffic in the morning. What a joke!

Anyway, I think i still my 1st job, whereby i get up at 7.30am in the morning and drive to work at 8am. I reach the office by 8.20am. Smooth traffic from my rented room to office. Enjoy my breakfast in the office and start working.

I pray the traffic in KL will improve.

Blessed new year

2009-01-06T14:51:00.002+08:00

Tengku Mahkota and I had 10 day breaks from christmas till new year. We didn't do much except sleeping and eating. Now, i'm pretty convinced that I've put on weight after jumping onto the weighing scale. So, i'm working hard to lose some weight and get back to my preferred weight.

On the Christmas day, I led the worship in church and I found out that I chose the wrong song 'We're the reason', not because of the song, but the pitch is way tooooo high and I requested the entire worship team to back me up. After church, we came home andi helped Permaisuri Yap to cook and prepare the Christmas dinner. To be more precise, the Asian Christmas dinner, unlike in overseas we have turkeys and more western food. Over here, we had fried bee hoon, the roasted ducks were good and others.

Then we had prize giving for the yap family golf contest. Tengku Mahkota won some Tesco Vouchers and me, being the non-golfer, I was qualified for the lucky draw. Before Christmas day, i've told Permaisuri Yap that I want Jacob. Finally, my name was called when i was busy doing the washing in the kitchen. I was given Jacob, Sunquick, oats and tea bags. I've got more than I wanted, thank god for that.

After the Christmas, we made a short tip to Singapore with Mrs Ko. We spent time with my 3rd uncle's family in Singapore, visiting my cousins' places and went around to fill our tummy. We went in and out restaurant for lunch and dinner. This contributes to my extra weight that I earned from my trip. The hakka dinner was fantastic with the yam paste dessert. I love it. Not only that, Uncle Yeao and Aunty Diana brought us to have cantonese dinner. Tengku Mahkota who does not like to eat crab, now he has turned out to be COLD crab lover. For me, I enjoyed the fish skin dug into the soup. The dinner was good and we managed to catch up a bit. Before we left, Tengku Mahkota was shocked to find out that 5 ppl consumed 2 bottle of wine over the dinner.

Now, I'm back to work. Taking a slow start and staying close to God. continue to seek His will in this new year and praying for direction especially for my career.

A busy weekend...

2008-12-23T07:54:00.003+08:00

Christmas is around corner. Tengku Mahkota and I have been very busy doing our shopping to get christmas gifts. It's not easy to think what to get for so many ppl. Both of us are very fussy. We want to make sure the gift that we give to our friends and family are useful to them. I spent 2.30 hour on saturday afternoon to wrap gifts. The theme of the color for 2008 is RED and I used all RED wrappers.

We made a few rounds to Isetan and we really love the way they wrap the gifts. Gifts in various shapes can be nicely wrapped by those girls. They're really good. Tengku Mahkota and I learned a few tricks from them by watching them wrapping the gift.

I'm not sure i'll have to blog again in the next few days. Hence, I wish everyone --> 'Have a blessed Christmas!'

Lotus at home

2008-12-17T09:22:00.001+08:00

We've got a new plant at home ---> Lotus and it's purple in color. *pretty*

Kapitan Yap has bought a number of fish and put in the pot to eat all the mozitoes. Since he's away for mission trip, we have to ensure that fish are alive and well until he came back. Permaisuri Yap has been anxious about the fish to feed them on time everyday.

It's the most Wonderful time of the year

2008-12-15T14:14:00.002+08:00

Yes, indeed.

I have another 2 write up to finish and the piece of research report has been completed last week. Waiting for my boss to QC and get back to me.

I'm feeling happy and happy because less stress at work for this month.

Relax... relax... I shall cherish this month before it passes by so fast.

Christmas is here again

2008-12-10T09:39:00.003+08:00

It is the time of the year again...Christmas...

I prefer christmas than chinese new year.

it's end of the year as well...

The common questions are:-

'When are you taking off?'

'Where are you going for holidays?'

Have a blessed christmas!

*I took this photo when I was in York, UK*

Chicky Pie

2008-12-09T16:52:00.005+08:00

Few weeks back, thanks to Pepper, I finally has to chance to fulfil my dream ---> Bake a Chicky Pie.

We couldn't find the puff pastry from Tesco. Tengku Mahkota suggested we used Roti canai. Hence we bought the roti canai to put on top. Thank god, the size of the roti canai fits nicely after i put in the stuff.

Thanks pepper for the kitchen, time and oven!!! Opss...I think i messed up your kitchen as well.

I clean for you next time ok?

Oink-oink pie

2008-12-09T16:29:00.004+08:00

I'm so sad to hear that Irish pork has toxin contamination.

Oh dear, no more oink-oink pie for Christmas??!!!

Tengku Mahkota and I were introduced to Oink-oink pie when we celebrated Christmas in London. It's pretty nice to eat even though personally I don't fancy pork most of the time.

I'm pretty fussy when it comes to pork. I don't enjoy the suckling pig that restaurants serve during wedding dinner because I find that oink-oink smell is too strong even though Tengku Mahkota always tells me 'it's crispy'. Too bad, I don't like the taste. Permaisuri Yap asked me to try at the cousin's wedding the other day. Guess what i did? I put so much of black sweet-sweet sauce to cover the oink-oink smell. At the end of the day, i said 'I don't know what's the taste, i know it's sweet' That's it. Don't ask me to try that suckling pig again.

For Cantonese folks during wedding, the bride's family will ask for a suckling pig. This is done to recognise that the bride is a virgin. Being a Hokkien and I've never came to know pig is so important in Cantonese culture. Then I came to learn that why restaurant serves suckling pig during chinese wedding dinner in this busy land.

Back to my oink oink topic, now i miss the Char Siew Bao in the Sunday market. IT's sooooo sedaaaaaaap. The gravy of that Char Siew Bao is so rich. I've started to wonder is it due to the sugar content in the gravy that makes it so sedaaaaaaaaaaap? Anyway, eat in moderation and that's healthy lifestyle we should have in our daily lives.

Tagged

2008-12-02T16:11:00.003+08:00

Life is full of ups and downs
I smile when I'm happy
I can't sleep when my brain is occupied with some worries
I love the smell of freshly baked chocolate muffins with loads and loads of chocolate chips
When i can't sleep, I'll read till my eyes get tired. Since I have bedmate these days, I'll talk to Tengku Mahkota.
I often dream about burgers, burgers and burgers according to Tengku Mahkota.
I get irritated when I need to repeat myself more than 3 times with the same message.
I like the sound of piano and violin
People often call me 'Fern'
I wish i could FLY FLY FLY
The best creation in the world is Internet.
1st 3 words that comes to my mind: God is good.
I've discovered that nothing can be achieved without determination.
When i'm in love, I'm in cloud9.
A baby is born with God's blessings.
Before I met my husband, I've never experienced a guy will say 'I love you' to me.
A good marriage requires putting god in the middle of relationship, communication and understanding.
I dislike Durian
I say 'I love you' when i'm touched with what Tengku Mahkota has done in my life.
My favourite subject in school was Math.

Ops, it's 1st December 2008

2008-12-01T09:34:00.002+08:00

I've just realised today is the 1st day of the final month of 2008.

What have I done through out this year? What are the milestone that i've achieved?

Did I improve myself in terms of working performance, personality, spiritually....etc? endless account of things to improve.

Anyway, Christmas is around the corner again... Gifts...gifts and gifts... loads of gifts to share and give away...

Busy mode

2008-11-26T11:00:00.001+08:00

yea..i've been pretty busy lately with work. Hence, no inspirations to write. It's end of the year, my personal plan is deliver all my deadlines so that i can take the final week off.

Tummy upset

2008-11-05T13:47:00.002+08:00

I'm not sure why my tummy has been quite upset for the past two days.
I'm not sure why there's so much of gas in my tummy.
I'm not sure why it's so painful due to the gas.
Sigh... I'm eating like a baby from today onwards.

Kapitan yap suggested i shall eat slowly..i shall count 1, 2, 3, 4, and... when i chew my food.

Mommy Kin, Micah, Max & I

2008-10-31T23:21:00.000+08:00

I'm awake!

2008-10-31T23:18:00.000+08:00

Oh...I'm shy shy

2008-10-31T23:16:00.000+08:00

A fun and relaxing trip back to Penang

2008-10-30T10:01:00.008+08:00

Going back to penang will not be fun if i don't spend enough time with Mrs Ko and also meeting up with friends.

Since wedding, I haven't got the chance to meet up with my beloved sistas. We ended up in New World for dinner on saturday and also more importantly, to catch up with each other. After dinner, we proceed to the beach. My happening mother came along with us went to the beach. It was pretty hard to walk since everyone was not prepared to go beach. Tengku Mahkota went hand in hand with mama and sand went into Boon's new shoes.

The best picture of the night (according to Tengku Mahkota and I) is...
The Three Stooges.

Since turtle island is surrounded by water, we went to the beach as well. Took some photos.

My beloved mama baked me Chocolate muffins to bring home. I love it so much. I pre-ordered the muffin before the trip and i told mama 'lots and lots of chocolate chips'

What's on my mind now?

2008-10-22T14:34:00.003+08:00

Due to the stressful client meeting this morning, I'm feeling very tired. I miss my bed very dearly and deeply now. Nevertheless, I need to be professional and deliver my write up today.

Talking about the meeting, thank god i had a good breakfast. Because the meeting just took up so much of my brain juice and this potential client expects me to throw ideas right away. Sigh... Then i started to think 'Have you paid us? Am i required to give you ideas? Shall we include all my ideas into the proposal?'

After 10 mins of my colleague's presentation, i started to find out that this client is not easy to handle. He asked lots of questions and since my job pays me, I had to help my colleague as much as possible in terms of explanations. But, 'please don't suck my brain juice'.

I'm tired now. I have half of the article to write before I can call it a day.

I can't focus well thinking of driving up north to tortoise island on friday after work. Tortoise island has become my gateway to re-charge myself...beach...wave...friends...church...more importantly--> Mrs KO.

Whoelse??!!

Take time to be holy and spend more time with Jesus

2008-10-17T12:33:00.001+08:00

This is what I truly realise this week after fasting for 4 days and today is the last day.
I also believe that God has spoken with me thru my QT during lunch time.
Thank god for His goodness and mercy.

Herein, I'll encourage my friends to fast and grow closer to God.

Have a blessed weekend!

The word...

2008-10-16T08:06:00.001+08:00

This is the word that came to my mind this morning when i was in the bathroom

'Perseverance'

Red Rose Award

2008-10-16T07:59:00.003+08:00

The rules of the award are:
1. The winner can put the logo on her blog.
2. Link the person you received your award from.
3. Nominate at least 7 other blogs.
4. Put links of those blogs on yours.
5. Leave a message on the blogs of the girls and boys you've nominated.

Thanks so much for the award, Moomykin

The award will pass to:-

2nd day

2008-10-14T12:29:00.003+08:00

Today marks the 2nd day of my fasting week. I want to thank god that He has given me the strength to fast. And I'm still doing alright.

I came across this link on Seeking God and I've been reading this during my lunch hour. I agree with the example that the author has coded. He says when we seek God, we want to be able to do His will. It is like old loving couple who live together for years and they understand each other needs, desires, preference and so on. Before he or she speaks out his/her opinion, the spouse knows the decision. More importantly, the couple understands what are the things to be avoided in order not to offend each other. And some couples even look alike as times goes by. When i read this, i started to question myself the relationship between me and God. Do I know Him so well and have such a good intimacy with Him that I get to know what He wants me to do before He speaks to me?

Seeeking God is the main purpose of me fasting. Today i came to understand that I should draw closer to Him and I want to know His preference thru His words and His voice on me.

Amen.

Seeking Him

2008-10-13T13:05:00.003+08:00

This is the week that I want to walk closer with Him. I'm fasting and reading more (relatively) of His words. I have not been satisfied with my work scope lately and I'm seeking His will and direction whether i should stay on till next year or I should just start applying jobs to allow Him to open the right door for me.

I'm submitting my life to Him once again and allow Him to take control. May the holy spirit works within me so that I'll remember His will is far greater than my personal decision. Praying and seeking Him are my tasks for this week. I wanna stick to you, Lord Jesus and I pray that You open my eyes and open my ears to listen to Your voice through Your words. I need to be more sensitive.