Lucky

I attended an event last night. My initial plan was to leave at 9pm. My colleague who went with me said, 'since we are here, stay for lucky draw'. He said that he wanted to see if he was lucky. 

Well, I got lucky! :D

Brought it to office today and will distribute the items in the hamper with my colleagues. It's great to be able to share our lucky-ness. :) 

Preparing CNY

i do not own this image - i picked it up from the internet

It seems like only yesterday that we just celebrated CNY and the next wave is coming on in 2 weeks. It is supposed to be a busy period for the Chinese Clan. Strangely, I don't really feel busy at all - not for CNY anyway. Perhaps it is because I haven't given much thought about what and how I'd like to decorate the new crib. Buying CNY clothes is easy now - I go to the mall twice every week (because of T's classes) though I haven't quite prioritize that in the to-do list.

But.... I have prioritized one thing on the to-do list which is to materialize the osmanthus jelly cake (known as 'Kwai Fa Gou' soon before the CNY festival.

i do not owe this image - i picked it up from http://wendyinkk.blogspot.com

I find her recipe pretty authentic as it uses water chestnut powder rather than the gelatin or konyaku jelly powder. Although I am in no position to tell what is the difference right now (amateur mah), but I am pretty excited to try it out. If it works well, there will be an additional can-do item on my plate! :D Will update how this osmanthus cake turn out. :)

So for those busy preparing for CNY - don't forget about your loved ones too! They are the ones who makes CNY a little more meaningful, if any at all!

Train - 16/6/2012

Choo-choo.... Choo-choo....

Thanks to a newly acquainted friend who invited me to the Train Live Concert, I was there with my new friends and my little brother KL Life Centre last night.

I didn't know anything about Train. I only knew one song - Hey Soul Sister, and that too was introduced by my brother because he thought I might be able to sing that song while he played the guitar (ya, we occasionally 'jam' together).

I told my brother I needed to condition my mind to enjoy the concert so he gave me Train's whole album which actually seemed redundant since I felt in love with practically only 4 songs of theirs which was repeatedly playing on my iPhone each time I get the chance. Lyrics were superb (though created illusionary and hallucinating dreams of being in a relationship) and the music was simply awesome.

It was to be my first concert. The Kevin Cheng concert experience, to me wasn't really a concert since the meaning of concert to my mind had much relevancy to music and jammin' as opposed to going to see 'leng chais' which was the case for the Kevin Cheng concert (actually I think it was called the All Men Concert or something like that). I was totally excited while my new acquainted friend wasn't really since he knew nuts about Train. Actually, the four of us knew nuts about Train... but enjoyed the music they produced.

I remember as I was walking up the staircase, I had a thought of how perfect the whole universal setup was during the past weeks just to ensure I was here walking up these sets of staircase just to experience something I had not before. And I remember, while singing along with the lead singer (we googled the lyrics on my iPhone) how awesome it was to be able to experience singing along LIVE with the lead singer at the same time within a confined space with all these people who were cheering and being inspired.

My little brother was dancing, my newly acquainted friend started loosenin' up (he was pretty tense due to unfamiliarity to the band though he was the one who invited me to the concert-DUH!) and we were all singing along mindlessly to the music simply surrendering to the surrounding atmosphere. What I was most amazed about was the list of songs chosen was mainly positive instead of some sad puppy love songs (which is awfully common and so commercially sellable amongst artists - seriously, nothing else to life?). The vibes were simply exhilarating! And I enjoyed every minute of it.

I remember as I walked down the staircase, I held my brother's hand and expressed how great it felt to be able to experience the concert with his presence. I hadn't hung out with my brother this way before am sure glad that I was blessed with such an experience. I actually blurted, "Let's do it again!" My cool brother said, "Ok.. Jason Mraz, next week."

Well, he was just joking. He always teases me and I love it.. because it makes both of us laugh. The joy is not in the teasing... but in the laughter. And it was indeed a joyful night.

Thank you, Train... for being here in Kuala Lumpur... My deep bow of respect...

Ma Maison

It is our anniversary month and he did well. A few days ago, he asked me if I was free on 23rd as he wanted to bring me out for dinner. I said ok. I did not even ask where. And then I remembered, that it was to celebrate our anniversary though one day before the actual.

He came home from work, and rested. He waited for me to finish an important phonecall I needed to make before we proceeded for dinner. He still did not tell me where we were going, except that we were going to a french restaurant. He himself has not been there. It was a new adventure for both of us.

When we arrived there, we were greeted by a frenchman, the owner - Ba'ton. Don't know how, we just started talking and eventually joined tables with two other guests there. So 5 of us chatted like we were some old friends throughout dinner.

Dinner was really good and company was warm. Ba'ton kept telling us that this restaurant is not a restaurant, but his home, and it was born out of love and shared with us his love story. It was such heartwarming to receive some sharing of love from someone we didn't even know but felt like we knew him forever...

Food was really good.. it was authentic and very much like home-cooked. Hubby commented that he could tell that the food was cooked with passion and love, which very much spoke of Ba'ton. I'd say he is a funny and really open guy, often hopping from one table to another not to make his customers happy, but to make customers his friends...

So if you are keen on french food and enjoy the comfort of a cozy ambience, check out Ma Masion. By the way, Ma Masion also means My home, in french.

Blessed Christmas everyone. :)

Updates on Birthday Marathon

Sorry folks. I know how this is a little outdated.. but please forgive me, was answering to the physical call of rest, rest and more rest...

Birthday celebration started on...

2nd July 2010
Had buffet dinner with Darling at Le Meridien, Latest Recipe. She loves to eat. Since it was also her birthday in July, so we went there to feast. We were there from 630pm to 930pm. Just talking, talking, talking.. nice!

3rd July 2010
Had lunch with in laws at SuChan. Food was alright. Company, marvelous though what I really wanted to try out Serai Empire.. but I guess there is always the next time!

Dinner with Mom, Chow, Uncle Stewart, Aunty Mandy & Granny at Betty's Midwest Kitchen. Yummy yummy pork! Received lots of pressies too!!

4th July 2010
Had lunch with dad, bros and their other halves at Westin. Thought the spread was so-so, but company was great. A 3 pc band serenaded to us, I felt so loved and high that I felt like kissing everyone!! Reminded me of that song, Love Potion No.9! Lols!

Proceeded to Karaoke with Penny, Siew, Darling, Ray and Uncle Stewart joined us soon afterwards. Believe it or not, I sang till my heart's content! Been telling them to accompany me to karaoke! No, no.. not to sing, but to listen to me sing! Lols! I am sure they enjoyed my concert! Lols!

Had dinner with Penny & Siew. Loved the moment when I was able to share my experiences and knowledge with Penny. So uplifting! And dinner was great too!

6th July 2010
Met up with the girls, Terri & Gladys at Pyramid. They felt 'safer' in a karaoke so again, I was at karaoke! Lols! The Universe must have really heard my calling for karaoke sessions and giving them to be all at one shot!! Lols! After karaoke, we went for dinner at Italianies and watched Sex and the City 2. It was their second time watching it and my first. Enjoyed the movie thoroughly. :) It was great connecting with the girls again because it has been quite a while since we last hung out! Thanks girls, for making time for me!

Mom called in the middle of karaoke and reminded me that birthday is only 1 day, not the whole week! lols1 I knew that.. but who asked me to be loved by many, right?!? Lols!

7th July 2010
Breakfast with JerLin at Bangsar Village. It was the first time we were really walking around a mall. The previous times we were sat and chatted and browsed through shops. She bought a dress I think and she nearly bought me a piece of cheese cake!! Lols! Told her that we could have the cheese cake together next time! But it was fun meeting up with her! I always enjoyed my moments with her. :)

8th July 2010
Thursday night is a 'sharing' night for me. Received birthday wishes from the gals! So wonderful!

9th July 2010
Had dinner at Sakae with Alina at Pavillion. We both wanted to watch Eclipse and she bought tickets - Gold Class - as my birthday treat! So abundant! We were yaking before the movie. Since there was time, we did a little shopping. When movie started, we both were very, very excited! Whilst we both loved the movie, we felt that it was a little short and compressed. The book was damn thick ok!! Unfortunately, we decided to head home after that movie because it was getting late and I was getting tired. But I arrived home with a smile on my face - Alina, Edward Cullen, Eclipse - good combination of a splendid night!

And that would wrap up my birthday marathon. :D

Sorry, no photos. Just feel darnnnnn lazy these days.. lols!

Thank you, for being mirrors of Love, Appreciation and Abundance. :)

The Starting of the Birthday Marathon, once again...

The birthday marathon has started tonight.

Shall wait for the whole series before posting up with photos and details. Not that it is or would be a great deal, but then again, it is always fun to share happiness and joy right?

Hil's Hitch Day

Today is the day, where Hil and Ben will get hitched. They came back last week and have been busy since. Wished they would stay over at my place but they chose to stay over at Elly's place instead. Only managed to catch them the night before I start my rice & water fast.

Hil looked great, so did Ben. Although it was the first time meeting Ben, but I guess with Puzzle as topic with any men, it broke the ice! We didn't manage to talk much. I am not sure if it is because it has been too long, or perhaps life have been just too mundane. But I enjoyed the presence anyway. Too bad Elly and Jo wasn't there. But heard from Hil that they caught up earlier already.

And tonight will be the night. When all of us come together to celebrate the union of Hil and Ben.

Congratulations Hil & Ben!

Loving Him

Loving him when he is loving himself in doing what he loves... sighs... simply heavenly.

Thank you so much, Andrew Tai!

First Ever Retreat at Janda Baik

I have never attended a retreat before, but somehow Angel inspired me to make this move. She told me, "we can have breakfast together... take a walk together... sleep together... dip our feet at the river together...." Ah, magical imaginations already!!

If you look carefully at the pictures you will notice that I was no where meditating near anyone.. lols! because I was busy meditating with my camera! lols! But it was fun in a way. My favourite time during the retreat was spending time with Angel, listening to BB and LF share on the workings of the Mind and Wisdom, plus some really fun games we played together as a team.

Hope you like the photos! It's my first attempt to photoshop some of these photos. :)

An Angel's Birthday

JH decided to throw a birthday party for his lovely wife, JW. He had taken the time and effort to be in touch with her friends, including me and warned us specifically it is to be a surprise birthday party, so we must not leak a word to his wife. He had requested each of us, if possible, to cook something and to bring over to his place. Although I was quite sure that my schedule would be quite tight for the day, but I trusted myself on God's time and everything worked out perfectly timely for me.

Roasted Chicken Wings - New Recipe by Moon :)

I know the Roasted Chicken Wings doesn't look appetizing but I assure you, it was delicious if I may say so myself (ahem, despite the leftovers at the end of the night). I started marinating the chicken wings at about 12ish (afternoon) the minute I got home and rushed off to the Alumni's AGM. Got home by 5ish and started roasting them right away. The sweet aroma resulting from the roasting was yum yum!!

Arrived at JH's place at about early 7ish. Was ordered to park as far as I could from his house. Imagine, having to sling the new toy over my shoulder, one hand with JW's present, another with my handbag balancing the tray of chicken wings alone ain't easy. Just wasn't used to not having anybody to carry stuffs for me.. ;p Where was hubby? Resting at home as he had an early flight the next day.

We wanted as much as JH to make the surprise as perfect as it could be for JW, we all decided that we should hide our shoes.

If you are wondering who is the butler, his name is Shawn. :) Sorry, he is not for hire. ;p

There was nothing much to do after that except to wait for the 'phonecall' from JH...

Beautiful scenery from JH's home.

Some of them crowding in the kitchen preparing for the 'moment'.

Some of us waiting for the 'phonecall'

And finally, the phone call came!! They were 5 minutes away. We switched off the major lights and got the cake ready...

While waiting...

And in she popped, surprised!!!!!

The surprised JW being nudged by hubby to walk into her party!!

Making her birthday wish.

This is JW's friend who was one of the chef for the night. He cooked on the spot. :)

Yummy pasta!!

Dinner Time!!!

Beautiful Eva

If you are wondering about the last 4 photos.... you see, JW requested for each of her friend present that night to sing her a song. I don't know what gave her the idea that we would comply to her request and you know what, we all did!! But to make it less embarrassing, we each picked a song and then everybody sang along. JW had most songs in her laptop and one of her friends (Vincent, I think) had like many many many many many many many many many (you get the point right?) songs on his iPhone so music was not a problem. The lyrics were. And because nearly EVERYONE in that room had an iPhone, my goodness, it was so easy to just download the lyrics from their iPhone to sing together!! So if you look at the pictures carefully again, they were all singing to the lyrics on their iPhones!! Yes, ALL OF THEM!!! No kidding!! (Psst... hubby, I want an iPhone too!! ;ppp)

By the way, Lady Gaga is JW's favourite!

 JH & JW

I knew JW through JH, her being JH's partner; and JH is an old friend from secondary school. I remember when I first met JW, we didn't connect very well but as time went by, we developed a beautiful friendship. :)

And here are some photos of the beautiful couple: -

Happy Birthday Jui Wan!!!

May all that you aspire be all that you experience...

Namaste. :)