Merry Christmas

It's Christmas!

We've celebrated it yesterday - a day earlier at school. Teachers are the one who need to prepare the food for the party, set up everything and inclusive of cleaning all the messiness after kids' meal : (( very 'charm'.....

Fish Supply

All members in our family love fish - big and small fishes. And groupa fish is my favourite. Whenever I found it at our fresh market, I would buy all of them as fresh catch are little, like this.


Too bad, big one for parents, small one we consume. Say like 1 meal, I will need to cook 3 fish that will only enough to feed a family of 4. I like to fried it. If the fish is bigger, steamed one is perfect to satisfy your tastebud.

I'm Teaching

Ohh yahh, I've forgotten to tell you that I'm now a teacher in my son's school.

Exciting and tension both come along when you are in this profession. I'm exciting because it's like putting a fish into the water. It come naturally for me to teach and guide children when I'm with them : ))

But, it's not that easy most of the time as kids nowadays are really overly protected and pampered by their parents. Teacher find it hard to coach when the kids become very stubborn and resist to listen to teacher. How to give in all the time to a 5 years old kids? Cannot all the time play ball and scooter what...

So, whatever you want to nurture a child, do it before they are 5. Mould them well while they were still young before it's too late.

Nanny Babysitting Service In Bayan Lepas, Penang

Parents, if you are looking for somebody to babysit your young infant, I can recommend a few reliable babysitter around my area in Bayan Lepas, Penang.

I'm saying reliable in the sense that they are all not-very-old experienced mothers with healthy home environment.

You may contact me via email: sam.premiumlink@gmail.com

Terms & conditions: provided if the nanny is available.

Penang 1st I-Dance Street Dancing

It will be held for the first time in Penang. Below is the details if you are interested to join us ^_^

Preliminary event:
Date: 20th Dec 2008
Time: 7pm-10pm
Venue: New World Park, Georgetown, Penang.

Finals event:
Date: 27th Dec 2008
Time: 7pm-10pm
Venue: Queensbay Mall, Bayan Lepas, Penang.

Dance Jamboree
Date: 28th Dec 2008
Time: 7pm-10pm
Venue: New World Park, Georgetown, Penang.

To register, please log-on to www.pssdc2008.blogspot.com or click here for the link.

What's in travellers pack

The TSA (Transport Security Administration) website has a list of permitted and prohibited items on the airplane; www.cbp.gov provides advice for international travellers; and
www.dhs.gov/xtrvlsec says it all: "Know Before You Go."

So, do a little homework before setting off on your dream trip.

Parenting is a Big Thing

Lately I have a strong urge to instill the sense of respect and filial piety to our young generation which totally lack of in today's modern living.

Young one can say bad about adults, and the adult never bother or intend to correct what has been said by those of younger. What the hell is this? I witnessed this myself when I was having coffee chat with group of friends.

The parent P came along with her daughter D. As we (adults) were talking, this 19year-old young lady interferes with her so-called 'thought' and gave unending of comments on parents. Furthermore, her parent seems agree and feel proud of what her daughter's lecture to the rest of us.

It make me reminisce during my time as a young lady at D's age, my parents don't even allowed me to interfere a single word in adult's conversation. Whenever there is guess in my house, as a young daughter, automatically my duty is to go to the kitchen and prepare drink (usually hot MILO) to serve to our guess. Once the drink is served on the living room's table, then get lost. My mother don't even allowed us to listen to their conversation, don't mention you want to interfere in their talk. We will get a serious lesson if being disobedient.

I can't deny that I was brought up from a strict and traditional type of family. Maybe because of that, I'm now a better person that still beholding the respect and filial piety values a lot. Looking at the people around me be it at my age, older or younger, gone are the days when parents were treated with utmost respect and held in high regard as the patriarch or matriarch in the family. Furthermore, off the school, the students are condemning teacher backed by their parents. At home, they don't even taught of, will these youngster learn moral values from the teacher at school?

What is happening to parents? Their duty is not end just after child-birth. Parenting is a big thing that it's not enough just to feed their young one. We got to nurture moral value, instill discipline, teach them how to respect and to equip them with right living skills to be a better person. It is an important role to play in shaping our tomorrow's leader.

Leadership At Stake

Our people in the organization and myself occasionally socialize with friends and groups in the IT industry as well as educational functions.

I noticed that there are tonnes of the so-called Leader that their leadership comes only from the position they are holding in an organization. This can't proof me wrong any further when I just met one 2 days ago.

More often that not, these leaders does not portray an identical leadership style to lead. Yet they want people to fully follow and listen to them not even allowed their group members to speak out. I'm a person who speak my mind and thought, do you think I will fully listen??? I don't even able to find a reason why people need to follow and listen!!

Let me tell you la.... a true leader that could make me 'tabik' from heart and mouth one are:-
1) He is able to make sacrifices for his people; a selfless self,
2) He has an identical leadership style that different from the others;
3) He is a forgiving person to his people; meaning to say he don't keep things in heart.

More often than not, ladies leaders are lacking of these traits that make them less a leader.

Don't be a Bargain Hunter

I read with horror an article on "Black Friday". This also reminded me of a Chinese Medicine practitioner whom I used to frequented his medicine shop. I still go to his shop...

We used to called him "uncle King Kong". One day, as usual I visited to his shop to seek for some medical advise on my kids' petty health issue. He was not in at that moment. Out of curiosity, I asked his wife who attended to me by saying: "where is uncle King Kong, is he in?"
His wife: "He is not in."
I said again: "He went out for wedding dinner is it?" To me, when he is not in, that means only dinner invitation that will make him leaves his shophouse. Then,
the wife said again: "You didn't know?"
I said: "Know what?"
The wife told his daughter: "Girl, you tell aunty where is papa"...
The daughter: "He was dead."
The wife: "That was exactly 1-month ago."....

I could not believed what I heard. Once reached home, I burst into tears when I relate the incident to my husband. This uncle was a indirect victim of holiday-bargain-hunter. He died of heart attack when the car that he and his family were traveled in was caught in a 1hr massive traffic jam under the hot sun nearby a brandnew shopping mall during our National Day celebration holiday on 31Aug.

His wife advice me this:
It's better not to go to shopping complexes in crowded seasons!

It is just Not Worthwhile to cause a loss of a precious life in spite of a few bucks saved.

Early enrolment to Kindergarten 1

My computer savvy son Ryan will attend to his new school on Monday 01Dec. This 1 month holiday program is for the new comer to get themselves adapt to the new school environment as well as the teacher. So, I dare not expect much and just hope that he will not cry and be good at school so as not to make me worry.

From previous experiences, he tends to have stronger separation anxiety than his other peers. hmm... until now, I still can't find a solution to this problem.

Tree Planting Campaign

Matthias invited you to "North Selangor peat swamp forest reserve Tree Planting" on Saturday, December 13 at 9:00am.

Matthias says, "Hi Friends - please come along to our tree planting event and/or invite your friends that are based in Malaysia. Please join as well our Eco Warrior Malaysia group to get future invites to events that are focussed on us protecting our environment".

Event: North Selangor peat swamp forest reserve Tree Planting
"Action Time for Eco Warriors - let's plant trees !"
What: Club/Group Meeting
Host: Eco Warriors Malaysia
Start Time: Saturday, December 13 at 9:00am
End Time: Saturday, December 13 at 12:00pm
Where: North Selangor Peat Swamp Forest (NSPSF)

To see more details and RSVP, follow the link below:
http://www.facebook.com/n/?event.php&eid=36315182195

Choices of Kindergarten

A few friends of mine keep asking what are the choices of pre-school which I might send my kids to? Well, most of the pre-school more or less are the same. However, I personally feel that teacher's quality is a important factor which we should seriously consider in a preschool.

Ideally, Kiddy House is my top choice at the moment. but, it's quite a distance from my home which needs to travel for 20min by car for 1 way journey. Whereas, De'Monte just set up a franchise school nearby my house which is only 5min. away. which 1 should I choose lerr?

Cake Baking - Marble Cake Secret Recipe

How many of you like butter cake? Well, a neighbor of mine and my family members all are butter cake fans. Occasionally I would bake some for them. hah, speaking of that, I think I might practice to bake more cakes then can be given away as Christmas gift horr...If you wish to try out my recipe for butter cake, here's the link - Oshi Marble Cake.

Free WiFi at Penang

Penang/Kulim free WiFi service initiated by Penang state government is up and running….

visit http://www.mybroadband.gov.my to register a new account for free, then you can use the internet service at those designated places in Penang

The list of places that provide free WI-FI service are stated on www.mybroadband.gov.my

Keep me sane

I hate those industrial buyer that take seller as servant!

When the fuel price increased few month ago, they don't allowed us to increase the price even for transportation cost. The cost of product is RM80 + (RM8 delivery charge+30% fuel cost)= RM90.40, our selling price RM95 with 60 days credit term.
Yet, she said this to me: if you want, give us your new price then we'll ask other supplier to quote and you guys fight la... who cheap we buy from the person.
see la, no point one giving round the clock support with extra extra extra explaination. in the end, this co. still judge based on price per se. don't call us one day and say: ei, come now. our line down, need urgent support... I will ask our people not to support. Then, we'll know who is more influencial : P

And guess what they asked you know? Contribution for their annual dinner - reply before 14Nov. You say what we should give??? Miserable...

Road accident victim

My old friend rang me yesterday informed me that her father-in-law passed away during Devali holiday while he was motocyling to meet a friend. The accident happened at 8.30am not far away from his house. I was totally shocked by the bad news as her FIL was a healthy 60year-old and no one would expect this could happened on him.

According to her, the car drove by a man suddenly changed from fast lane to outter lane and rammed to his motocycle. He flung some 20meter away from the accident spot and died on the spot. It seriously injured his head. Came out in our local newspaper but I missed the report.

They are suspecting the car's driver is a drunk driver worst still he's gurnment inspector. nerr......the one who should reinforce the law break the law. I believes there are many of such cases not being published and the culprit should be prosecuted and sentence twice as much compare to the citizen.

It is a great lost to the family as he was a kind, gentle, caring husband, father, grandpa and respected by family and friends around him. Although I saw him 1, 2 time during my friend's child birth when I visited to his house, me too felt sadden by his sudden passed away.

He will be deeply missed by all people around.

Craving for crabbie

Once a while we do crave for seafood. Know what I'll do? Wait for 1.30pm, heading straight to an afternoon fish seller 5km away from my home, and grab a few fresh crabs back to cook for dinner. I don't know how convenient your place to get fresh seafood supply, but here in southern Penang, there's aplenty. I usually will buy flower crab like this as it's cheaper compare to green crab...

It can be cooked with Tau Cheong paste or Chilli sauce for crab.

As I'm writing this post, the craving comes again. Can't resist its taste - hot & spicy, fresh, juicy, yum-yum...

Cane Basket - Old charm

I've been using this cane basket since gave birth to Ryan to carry all the nursing tools wherever we go.

The dearly basket still in good condition despite get a bit of stain here and there. I no longer need to carry milk bottles in this basket as kids are drinking milk on cup already. To put it into good use, I carry it to my everyday marketing. This is one of my green campaign to reduce the use of plastic bags ; ))

These are the new baskets sell at the morning market by the mobile cane seller which I bought recently ^_^

Wireless@Penang Forum

We attended a forum on turning Penang a wireless state at Dome, Komtar.

All the stakeholders are there, be it organizer, industrial experts, analysts or residents. We are there because we just want to keep abreast of latest happenings involving ICT.

Our Penang Chief giving his speeches:


Lists of panel taking questions from the audience:

Sandwiches for dinner

Sometimes everyday routine daily cooking could be causing ourselves to lose appetite of I eat what I cook... sound very boring isn't it?

Once a while like fortnightly, hubby will volunteer himself to prepare sandwiches for the family. Usually these are the things you can find in his sandwiches - sausages, scramble egg, butter, cucumber, mayonaise and chilli sauce or ketchup for kids. Ryan and Russell love cucumber, that's why it's the only choice of vegetables.

Deepavali Open House

I attended a Devali Open House hosted by my good friend Usha who is staying nearby. Brought along my children there.

Also met a few neighbours who were invited too. Most of them are senior and guess what, I'm became a language converter. These old people only can speak a very limited Malay, can't speak English at all besides 'bye-bye'. No choice, in order not to run away right after lunch, we chatted for about 30min. while eating 'kuih' - Indian festival's delicacies like muruku & butter cookies.

So, it's them here - my friend.

1st Black Mr. President, Unbelievable

Yesterday night I believe all of the people in this world hooked on to news channel to get latest updates on who will be the elect- US President 4Nov 2008.

Me too waited anxiously, very kanceong - can't wait for the result.

As predicted, he is the most likable and favourable people on earth I can say. The world seems cheering for him over his success to be the 1st black Mr. President. This is amazing, unbelievable!! It is the hope that people has in him for better. This is one of the traits that a true leader must have.
This is also 1 of my life principle - be a person that people can hope for. In Chinese it is 'Xi1 Wang4'. Gone lah if people labelled us as a hopeless person, can see the difference?

Offended someone

Sorry... I didn't mean it.

Yesterday I was with my gang hanging out at Queensbay Mall. They are the Kengs (a deeply in love senior couple), Emma, Patie and a medical doctor - Daphne and myself.

Our conversation started when this doctor was suggesting that we should make an ebook on promoting 'how to build a long lasting relationship with spouse' as the Kengs are the example. Then I said: "not to promote the childless part" oppsss....I'm so sorry. I really didn't mean to offend their feeling. They are my friends. .... really too fast the words pouring out. What I really mean is if you have children at young age, what romantic also gone like my case. Just forget about romance until they are older and able to be independent.

I prefer and advocate for a balance life and healthy family. When a couple married and decided to live life together, naturally we are hoping to get our own offspring and extend the family members. I feel weird and imbalance if couple with childless thought. It is such a selfish and individualistic person. The exceptional case like they have health complication or infertility, they are excluded in the category.

Don't forget that life lies in how much you give, not how much you get.

Black Vinegar Pork Leg Recipe

During confinement month for women after child birth, we are advised to consume nourishing and remedial food to supplement to their health. I took this dish once a week during confinement ; ))

One of my favourite is Black Vinegar Pork Leg, here's the recipe. It's easy to cook and all in the family can eat as it is not spicy. I tend to cook more for my parents live nearby.

So, cook this dish for your family or ask your gal-fren or boy-fren to cook for you.

Preschool for my children

I've been searching hi and low for a school for my 2 kids for schooling next year. Ryan will be 5yo and Russell 4yo class.

There are a lot of preschools as tok tok sing song with so many principles and philosophies, and I'm wondering how good there are at each lauded principle??? Only God knows.

I not an easily 'sway' person. Choosing a school is not like picking and buying a dress. It's an institution that is going to impart knowledge and build human being, can play play arr? Don't look at the 'cosmetic' of the school. I still remember the principle of a preschool say this: People tend to judge based on appearance and outlook of school, that's why she need to buy cosy preschool furniture, hang this hang that. For me it is merely to pleased parents' eyes. Sorry, it doesn't work for me.

The depth of knowledge can't be seen, same to, can you see a good teacher or a good school? Time will tell.

US1 - RM3.50

Nothing excited when the price of petrol drop but the value of RM also drop; now at conversion of 3.50 to USD1.

Nowadays, it's impossible for a domestic engineer to trim it's expenses in managing a household. all prices gone up up up that will never coming down.

hubby's supply chain vendor told him that all consumables like printer cartridges and toner's price will further increase 5% within these few days just after an increase of RM10 per cartridges 2 weeks ago.

if you're about running out of these items, better stock up some now.

Little Penang Street Market - Oct 26 (Sun)

Date: 26 Oct (Sunday)

Place: Foyer - the Garage, Upper Pg Road

Time: 2.30-4.00pm

As part of October Little Pg Street Market (LPSM) programme, they've invited Kee Thuan Chye to do a book reading from his latest book "March 8...The Day Malaysia Woke Up."

Our CM's interview featured in the book will surely be an added attraction. He has been invited as well!

So, do come along for the reading & meet the man himself. KTC will be happy to respond to related issues during the Q&A segment.

This renowned playwright/senior journalist needs no introduction.

Learn English - PhD, Michael E. Rudder

His insights towards learning of English Language -

1. Practice is the key!
2. Don't worry about mistakes!
3. Have fun with Learning!

You can read more of his elaboration here.

Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease Early Symptoms

Lately there's a spread of Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease (HFM) in the country. It's in worrying spreading rate in Perak especially with 4 fatality case reported.

When my kids were in pre-school last year, there too are not spared from being contaminated. I still remember that day when I picked him up from his pre-school, I spotted red spots on this foot. I immediately brought him to a nearby pharmacy in hoping to get the right prescription for his sensitive skin rashed - this is what I thought in the 1st place. Worst is, the pharmasist told me that you don't need any prescription for foot rash as it would heal by itself within a few days.

Being a mother, I don't just listen to a single opinion especially something affected their health. Later that night within the same day, I quickly brought him to a nearby clinic to see a medicine doctor and he confirmed that my son is contangious by HFM disease.

This disease could spread really fast. As far as I know, 6 out of 7 kids in his 3-yo class were down with the disease within 2 days. What's more for my another 2-yo, also got it. Thus, his school was ordered to close for 2 weeks to control the situation.

Parents, spots these very early symptoms that will occur even before fever arise:-

1. Mouth sore - a lot of sores on their lips, inner sides of mouth wall, even on and underneath tongue.
2. Sore on the most bottom of our backbone or side of anal opening. I mistakenly thought it was just skin rash.

If spotted all these symptoms, go to the doctor immediately to take early prescription. Give your kids fruits and fluids (eg: Yakult, yogurt, cold-milk etc) that are more appetizing for them. This is because they will resist from eating solid food.

My case, I gave my children chinese herbal medicine instead of western medicine. So, watch out very closely the daily progress of our children regardless of the weather is dry or wet. You can control the outspread.

Should I Teach?

Teach or not to teach, teach or not to teach, teach or not to teach, teach or not to teach, teach or not to teach.............. day after day I keep asking myself whether should resume my tutorial class for primary students? Can I not to teach the neighbours' children? can???

I find myself hard to 'communicate' with those silai that don't know what education is all about. Worst is, these parents don't know what they want be it to themselves or their children! Don't complaint, I would appreciate their constructive suggestions if they have any.

For my way, it's totally different. From my ex-students-children, they told me this: "Laoshi a loashi, ru guo ni shi wo men de mama, bu tong ji shuang horr." (Teacher teacher, wouldn't it nice if you're our mother, in English) One day, when they went home and conveyed their wishes to their mother, their mother come to me and say I shouldn't teach them this way......Harlow, did I did anything wrong when my students like me and wish me to be their mother??? What's so wrong if I'm their role model or idol?

I think, it's the parents that overly interfered in today's classroom that make dedicated facilitator from not contributing.

Greenest Person On Earth - Matthias Gelber

Happy for you, friend! Bring more Green message to all the people on earth.


http://thestar.com.my/lifestyle/story.asp?file=/2008/9/30/lifeliving/2132305&sec=lifeliving

When I do this alone, people think this fellow crazy one and got nothing to do but to plant. Now, with you as our green messenger hopefully more Malaysian aware of the importance of preserve our environment.

Below is my green efforts that toppled the lists:
1) Use minimal water (Don't Waste)
2) Plant more trees
3) Reduce in using of plastic bag - for food especially, bad for health, bad for environment
4) Teach my kids to plant and love nature
5) Cook and eat at home

I do these daily, what about you?

Women's Centre for Change (WCC)

Today I attended a workshop conducted by Penang English Language Learning-Teaching Association (PELLTA), invited speaker Dr. Prema President of WCC on Child Abuse Awareness & Prevention. Also the 1st time I get to know WCC is in Penang, shame of me.

As the nation getting more crowded, crime rate tend to increase as well. Everyday, we could read from the newspaper on all sorts of crimes, from snatch theft to sexual abuse to brutal men slaughter cases that trigger the safety of livelihood in our society and community. Thus, children tend to be the most vulnerable group towards their own safety from being violated.

Thus, parents like us are the best people to teach our children on how to protect themselves and be safe.

You can make a different.

New Curriculum in 2010

ahh..... at last our ministry of education announced the new curriculum will be introduced to primary education in year 2010 in order 'to make learning fun and rewarding'.
I love this!
I really hope they will walk their talk.
They are supposed to revamp it long time ago la...... it's better late than never in this case.

As I'm preparing for my eldest son whose official schooling will be in 2011, and I never emphasized on just academic. Because I was from that kind of curriculum and I take myself as a total schooling failure. So what I was from A class, so what I score 5A's in PMR in 1993 and so what I went through master programme... Life is totally different when you are out of school chair. Then only we need to acquire new skills in society. To me, it was too late. It was wasted all the 12 Years schooling. So, how relevant is this???

That's why I very much dislike those preschool that emphasized on formal schooling curriculum in preschool years in ages 3-6 and homework 2-3pages daily. Not age appropriate at all. Damn boring and a complete brain destruction to kids!!!

Dad Teach

This is a long forgotten whiteboard that I used it 4 years ago in my tuition class. Now, I introduce it in my homeschooling lesson.
I noticed that my kids are keen to write on the board. They get the feeling of showing off their capability and get noticed of what they are scribbling on. Sometimes, I'm not able to interpret what they are writing... sigh! They are pretty good in reading I can say.

Look at how good their father can teach... I hope he will do this more often : P

Weekly Craft: Mini Kite

We do mini kite for this week's craft.

You need:
Old newspaper,
Lidi stick / josstick stick
Glue
Glittering wrapping paper
Holder stick with threat


I was thinking to make more of it to fly the kite together with neighbours children. My place here is always windy as we're nearby the sea, opposite our house around 600m away i guess....

Sambal Petai Recipe

My good friend Grace loves sambal petai. It is our Malaysian's favourite dish. When we were pregnant, she even asked her Malay friend to cook for her then brought to my house. We enjoyed the dish together. Those were the days.

This is my version of Sambal Petai. With just a dish like this, I'm able to sweep clean a big plate of rice for lunch, dinner; next day's lunch, dinner...... it is delicious.

Coloured Pasta Kids Craft

This is my activity with kids for this week's craft session. Ryan wore his necklace to Tesco for our weekly marketing ^_^ He is proud of his own craft.



It was a challenge for me in every art & craft project, need to handle one 3yo and one 4yo with different pace of development in controlling the their hand movement. Sometimes, the paint not go to the pasta but their hair instead... grrhhh....

Here's the roller-coaster session....

Blackbeauty Sorbet

The weather was dry over the past few days in Penang here. I decided to make some sorbet to cool off the day with sorbet my way. Once it's done, Blackbeauty Sorbet will dissappear within days. It's my sons favourite. I gave a few to my father nearby and neighbours too. It can be kept up to 3 weeks in fridge in case you wish to make more to store.


This is the last one that I managed to capture before being snatched away.

My CSR role - Matchmaking

Announcement to all friends out there who deemed as single & available :P

Here's 1 coming event 'Helping Singles To Find True Love' will be held in Penang. Organised by Junior Chamber International Bayan (JCI), M'sia. Below is the details:-

Date: Oct 11, 2008 (Saturday)
Time: Noon - 11pm
Venue: Tanjung Bungah Beach Hotel, Penang, M'sia.
Objective: Promoting better understanding between the sexes.
Participants: Single persons aged from 21 to 45 are encouraged to participate.
Registration: RM150 per person

Call Edmund Tan 017-478 6365 or Adele Lim 012-491 3916 for more information.

article picked from The Star dated 13Sept 2008.

To Your Harmonious Marriage!

The Leaders how competent

When I posted the earlier post, something popping out in my mind that leads me to write this.

Well, all of us has the right to speak out. The thing is whether the idea spoken bring any positive effects or negative thinking to others; what is the ultimate goals of the idea is important! We can't simply listen or just follow what others say, even thought the words are from leaders. This is because there are competent and incompetent leaders.

With the advancement in information technology, we're bombarded with thoughts and information, good influence not so good influence, everybody's voices wants to be heard. This is the time where one's analytical mind is much needed. This also challenge us on our knowledge, wisdom and how mature in us. We must not only able to accept or reject the idea, but we also need to articulate on the issue or subject when needed.

We will progress if we're keen in improving our knowledge-based human capital.

Math & Science not in English again?

Recently there has been a lot of concerned parents writing their views on switching of language in teaching Maths and Science. Well, inclusive of myself too concern about it. Because I need to get them prepared to be comfortable with language that will be in used when they are in official schooling years.

As for me, I would say "Keep It In English".

There are a lot of ways that can be adopted to improve English language be it used in Mathematics, Science or non-science, whatever... If the policy maker wish do make the teaching of this International Language a success, improve on the quality of our teachers, produce more quality books, practice and use the language more often. These are some of the ways which could be easily work on instead switching from one language to another after failing one and another oppss..... Parents too go hair-wired, apa lagi budak sekolah kita, hmm.. lagi pening.

Me too are not from english medium school, yet I can say it is not bad with the current state of spoken and written English. I keep on improving myself by reading lots of books until now. I always remember - no pay no gain la...

Sticker Book

Sometimes out of the blue, I may go out by myself to get some fresh air. Normally, I'll hang around at places like bookstores or art and craft stores to get new materials and ideas to do with kids. I found a suitable sticker book from Borders which will keep Russell busy for a few days : P

By the way, it costs RM20.90 just for a sticker book!

Rubber Gun play

I found this handmade rubber gun from pasar malam. Bought 2 back - 1 long and 1 short gun. It provides lots of fun for Ryan and Russell to play with. They are playing policeman and thief in the house.

Lost of data card

As our home full of ICT 'experts' - the father and son team; they are so expert until they lost my digital camera's 2G memory card. So how? Lost all the pictures inside. That's why a bit reluctant to come back to blog. mourn over the lost of all my pictures which has been collected in recent half a year. Each time I need a photo to put in my blog, the sadness makes a come back again...

That's why sometimes it's good to be a little shelfish not to let others touch your gadgets rather than sorry. Managed to get a new card plugged in and it's working as per normal again. stay tuned.

Home Cook Meals

These are common sight on our dining table to be served as lunch or dinner. 1soup, 1fish (under meat category) and another dish maybe from meat or vegetables. I'll served it on the table see who want to eat first, can start dining. As for soup, it will be served last because we like to have it while still hot. The papa favour the soup mostly - a daily must have. Mine, I like sambal belacan...

One may not used to cook daily because it's a tedious job to cook all the fresh produce from market. As for me, it took me a while to get used to homecook daily. As a start, I used to cook 3 days a week. Then, after 2 or 3 months I cook with more consistent and frequent. Finally reached a stage like today, no problem to get the meals done spontaneously within 2hrs. Provided that there are sufficient ingredients around.

Merdeka..., Merdeka....., Merdeka.....

Our Merdeka celebration for Penang state previously used to be at Explanate town hall. This year's has changed location to a more in venue @ Queensbay with new Chief Minister. Initially wanted to join in the counting down celebration, but the traffic entering to Queensbay Mall was real jammed at 11.30pm yesterday nite. It is not far from my place, around 8km away.

So, might as well go home and have a good nite sleep rather than stucked in the middle of the traffic going nowhere. Our new Chief Minister YAB Lim Guan Eng was joining the crowd for the midnite celebration.

Stewed Potato Chicken Recipe

If you want to try a new recipe for tonight's dinner, here's one:- my Stewed Potato Chicken


I'm not good in cooking potato as Westerner do. However, after cracking head searching hi and low for things to cook, finally came out with this dish which I'm quite happy because I'm pretty creative though, LOL........

Which part of fish do you eat?

Can you notice which part of the fish is missing???
I just noticed this weird eating habits of my sons, yes both of them Ryan and Russell who hunt the fish tails or the most crispy part mainly. Before you know it, all the tails are gone minutes from wok. Not even able to keep for dinner.
This really surprise me!

Rural Kids

Have you ever wonder what I am doing with my kids at home?

a picture tells a thousand words, take a look...

They are learning from the nature, the environment around. My kids and myself both enjoy the process. I called it quality activity & quality time to spend with them. They ain't afraid of dirt and animals. They start to love the mother nature with greener living.

A Trip Back to Hometown

Yesterday was a tiring but meaningful trip back to hubby's hometown - Ipoh, Perak.
We were back to celebrate an aunt's 70 year-old birthday dinner.

The whole birthday plan was a surprise to her as 1 of the aunt and her family who purposely flew from London back to Ipoh just to gave her an unexpected meeting with other family members inclusive us from Penang.

I'm waiting for them to send me a few photos of the dinner and posted it here. Let's see...

Penang's Resort Apartments

Now is vacation seasons again while kids enjoying their week long school holidays.

When I want to visit to places, I usually will encounter problem with resorts and hotels that not easy to be found from hotels agents. Here's one that I can recommend you to go to in case you need one in Penang Island.

It is a resort apartments with very affordable rate which start from RM88/nite. I've been there for many times =D Sri Sayang is one of my choice.

Complaints, complaints and complaints...

I'm seeking for the depth in life. Like an iceberg, 30% visible, another 70% is hidden. Ours seems the other way round. hmm... I don't know how many of you have the same feeling like mine. There are the missing parts that I'm soul searching.

Izzit enough having a 9-5 full time job which after work go back home and rot at home watch tv. This is the lifestyle that many seems have in so called damn passive society. If I have that kind of freedom, I would attend sewing classes, learn cake baking, do volunteering work, teaching the slow learners & many more that I wish I have the time to catch up with.

ok... ok... hopefully my websites sell and get the $$$ to finance my not-for-profits future projects.

The Arrogant Rich

I have an unpleasant experience with the rich. They are a manufacturer of paper stuff. I have a few purchase with them which they promised would accept cheque payment in the subsequent purchase, not post dated cheque horrr... cheque with the date of your purchase lerr!

One day, I returned to the shop and place my order. They tell me upfront this: "We only accept CASH money". huh... after i drive 40minutes under the real hot sun at 3pm to arrive to their storefront, just could just throw me this words without a second thought. they think I got nothing else to do as i'm begging them for giving me a living.. Since then, I stop selling their products and not a single item of them is in my store. I would never consider selling them again!!!

Since then, I'm not going to be lenient with the rich. Some really do not reserved our respect. Partner with people that what to grow with us, not the already successful one. Just not worth to help them promoting their products.

Our intellectual property will outgrow their manufacturing capability. it will.

Someday as Business Consultant

as I was reading articles on entrepreneurship, I have something in my mind that maybe 1 day I can consider doing - be a business consultant not only by theory, but with realistic experiences and I'm still experimenting it : P

I can say that doing business nowadays is like You Gotto Pleased Everybody, But No One Pleased You! piss off right?! Yes, this is the real thing in business.. The market now is terribly competitive. You need to multitask - do admin work, accounting work, be a despatch, the manager that basically cover mountain, cover sea and cover 'sh_ _'. Hopefully this will not last long to convert me into a more happy person ^_^

No 'shiok' wat if no challenges. Purposely make life more difficult one me.....

Poh Piah Skin

Don't know how many of you like Poh Piah, but I missed it very much and I purposely drive to downtown Georgetown old market to get some of this. Let me prepare it in these few day and show you how it look like with my new recipes =D

This month is Chinese Ghost month. As a family member of typical old practice, we still prepare and cook a lot of food & dishes as offering to the ancestor and good buddies especially on the 15th of 7th Month. So, no harm to cook more and pray more, and get blesss more....

cheers.

Tips to Nurture Young Reader

As you know that I home-school my children, 1st 4yo and 2nd 3yo. When I went to hypermart to top-up my kitchen stuff fortnightly, I would buy them at least a story book to spice up their reading at bookstore nearby.

When they get the new book, they will be able to read the whole book at one go. hehee... that's why cannot buy many at the same time, otherwise they will lose interest in them. As nearby my place here do not have a public library, the only choice is to buy yourself. There's a Children Library in town about 40min away from my house. With the petrol price hike, it would be more costly to borrow a book from library than owning one.

How good if there are friends with the passion to teach and instill reading interest to initiate this programme together and benefits other children around here. Generally, we need to encourage reading habits among children more often than go shoppings =D

Typical Wet Market

These are the common sight at Air Itam morning market. Typical wet market in Penang which its style still in 1980's, plus more busier nowadays. Traffic definitely moving slow when passing through this area.

Those time when my granfather was still around and able to drive, he frequently brought me to this market. That's why I still have fresh memory about this place. Although it is quite a distance from where I stay, occasionally I still visited to this market because there are a lot of fresh and rare to get green that the local home-grown.

I bought fresh 20 chicken eggs that the seller claimed to be are village chicken egg 'ayam kampung' as my family loves half boiled eggs for breakfast. It costs 40sen per piece. When I prepare this, I found out that it is not as claimed to be. As for village chicken's egg, the egg yolk supposed to be in deep orange colour instead of yellow colour yolk from commercial breed chicken, and the size usually the smallest size of commercialised chicken eggs. No issue with the size. That means I end up paying almost double for a piece of egg that normally cost only around 20sen. hmmm.....

What life would be without bloggggge......

when I'm tired of working at computer, I read other's blog;
when I'm boring, I turned to blog;
when something strike my mine, I blog;

to me, 'blog' no matter you blog or read blog is like writing and watching TVB drama series - very exciting hor especially 'looking at' people's life. let me tell ya - life is not that excited when you're at the curve. you will be waking up in the middle of the nite at 3am dunno what should do and what can be done.....

each day, just pray for strength.

Blogger siao liao

After experiencing slow internet connection for the past days, and this happening is getting frequent... another problem just appeared - tok hindi wor blogger! scared me off really. I'm a newbie la wei, may not be able to fix all this sudden hassles in effective manner. if for other, maybe little or no problem at all, for me, maybe 1 day or 2 or need expert again. haiya......

Father help in plumbing work

This morning, my toilet hose bibb is loosen and pop out. I have to lock closed the main water hose in order not to waste and call for plumber service. That fellow don't know what time come. I can't even bath my kids and do all the washing, it was already almost 12noon. Thus, I search for rescue from my family nearby. Luckily my caring father was available at that time and he helped me to fix a new hose bibb in my toilet. My father bought the new hose bibb from a hardware shop less than 500m away from our house. Otherwise, one can get all the plumbing needs at online plumbing supply store and fix it yourself without paying a single cent for plumbing service.

Lorry Driver on the road

I recalled 1 incident happened yesterday during grandpa's funeral procession.

There was a lorry who purportedly drove very close to the funeral procession. Some of the volunteers did asked him to stop while giving way to the procession group, this bastard just acted against the will of others and hit a sedan car of our guest with a loud 'bang'. We're walking in front also could hear the noise.

When asking him to compensate the damage, he said he is employed by a company and asking our guest to claim the compensation at their office. You see la, BASTARD of not? This is the real Road-Bullied! Too bad they don't bring along camera, otherwise I want to let the world to see this human-head pigs-brain.

Does people now still cares for others? Why is it that hard to be patient a little to those who really need their co-operation and tolerance? Even the dead also they don't respect!!!

Farewell Grandpa

My dearest grandfather just passed away last Saturday. He was 90 years old. Today is the funeral day. As we opted for the old and conventional self-customized funeral service not as available at Nirvana Memorial Park, we were really exhausted preparing for the funeral ceremony over the last few days. However, all the preparations were well done and completed the whole process smoothly.

We hope that He is somewhere in heaven and bless all of us.

Bunny Painting

Found this craft material from a local store. Since my boys don't like to do colouring, I let them colour on a purpose - paint the bunny.

Materials:
2 unit Clay bunny & arcylic paints.

No appetite after you see their rabbit. .. you know la, boy do craft work....

Ever spoilt bun

My latest finding - buns can last more than 3-week and still looking good! awesome!

To be precise, I bought these buns 22days ago from mobile rotiman/breadman riding on motocycle one. Forgotten to eat after 1 week, I just leave it to be hanged there. Out of curiosity, I do some experiment on the bread and see how long it can last.

Amazingly, up to now, it's still doing fine and there's no single mould growing on it! Do you think I still dare to consume these bread from the rotiman? Wahlao... these fellow don't know put how many times doses of preservative on it. want to let ppl die arr.....

No more buns from this source again. You too, want to spoilt your body???

Pegaga - Asian Pennywort

A senior also friend of mine is searching for herbal medical practitioner to cure her husband's diabetic foot sore.

As I'm a avid alternative medicine reader, herbs can be served as prevention as well as to cure a sickness. I always consume an asian herbs called 'pegaga'. It can be eaten raw as salad or blending it with water and added with sugar syrup to drink as juice - pegaga sugared syrup.

It is one of the most popular fold medicines in Asia. We believes it has 101 medicinal value in this plant, which grows wild throughout tropical and subtropical regions. A senior staying nearby our neighbourhood is harvesting pegaga to sell to wet-market to make a living.

Basically it has 2 differentiated leaves, one is with edgy shape leaves and the other is rounded shape leaves. The plant has been shown to be good in purifying the blood, if consume in large doses, it helps lower blood sugar levels.

Economy outlook

For those who's in business, they know the outlook in the market is not positive. It is as dead.

I was delighted when I read a report in mainstream media yesterday from Tun Mahathir on 'End Oil Speculation - ... calls on Asean to take united stand to stop price escalation'. At least he knows that a few people are making a lot of money. The Government has a role to play.... for more info. please refer The Star dated 3July 2008 pg:N14.

Our voice is too soft to be heard. We're too weak to do anything.

I studied my MBA when I was 22yo. with almost 9 years of study and observation, I can say that the market is not going to improve after this round of drastic gas price increased if our country don't do anything with it. With everybody mainly fighting for the most basic need - food - which is getting expensive and not affordable by the poor.

One thing I was quite surprised is that we're left in the dark by not informed and prepared for the turmoil. When we just experienced it, that is too late. A lump sum of investment has been invested and the ROI is not going to pay off to offset the inflation rate and escalating cost of living.

When everyone is merely fighting for its own surviving - the food, other thing else is considered luxury which is beyond their affordability. In other words, for SMEs besides food & food ingredient industry, it would be in hard time. We're too vulnerable to globalization.

My advice is hold back your desire to own unnecessary thing and nurture the young one with right education.

Herbal Medicine

Met with a friend in my neigbourhood yesterday. She was asking when I'll be planning for the 3rd? That reminds me of the very early years in motherhood - "not easy" this is the word to describe all.

The worst part was during the confinement month I was suffering with overheat in the body. After I consumed the remedial soup with hi alcoholic content, it burnt off my throat. I could felt there was a cooked layer throughout my throat. The next morning, I almost lost my voice.

Went to see chinese traditional practitioners, some even say that's impossible. And I think of If I'm not feeling well most of the time, I'm not able to babysit my 2 babies whom they are only 1 year apart. Thus, I kept searching for the right practitioner for my sickness without giving up.

At last, I really met one and he is the best so far. Once I found his place, that gave me the 'Ahh..." feeling. You forever wouldn't know it if no one recommend it to you.

I followed the medication that he prescribed for a year to get rid of the heatiness and at the same time to heal my throat. After another year of follow up medication, it goes off completely.

I like traditional herbal practitioner because it really could cure the sickness completely. The dosage is high in the beginning, eventually lesser and lesser after you are getting better.

I could see there are herbal medicine for cholesterol, diabetics, black spots on face, knee pain, breast discomfort and etc. There is medicine for every sickness - he tells me.

Penang island has treasure.

My number STRIKE

I'm a super-duper kind person who don't earn a living and always act like philanthropist :P

Went to Tuah Pek Kong temple yesterday, an unemployed man keep sticking to hubby to ask for money. My husband said to him : Now economy no good, everybody susah, cannot give always. Waited there for other relative to complete their prayers. That man still never give up and keep waited as if we'll give in.

aiya...... I pity him. So I pulled out a bunch of 1 Ringgit note and hand to him. He counted 1, 2, 3. It is 3 ringgit. He says to me: "3 will be your lucky number." Then he keep on with his 'senses' as to predict a number that will strike for today also mean as a way he showed his appreciated towards the 3Ringgit that I gave him. He said again: "There are triple six, last number not six, it is five." I reply with a smile and said: "Thank You."

I put a 2 Ringgit bet on the number 3665 and it strike at Magnum... shiok lerr... next time must bet more if got this 'kang tao'.... heeheee.....

One way to handle expenditure: Home School Your Kids

Seems daring, yes I am! Told friend on this, they are surprised and impressed.

'Cut down on your kid's tuition' - This is much advisable by financial advisor.

In year 2007, I enrolled my 2 children to preschool nearby. Ryan 3yo & Russell 20mo to be exact. Upon early of the year's registration, they collected from me more than a thousand!. Here's the breakdown on their fees:

Pay 1 time a year
Registration 50 x 2
Uniform 25 x 4
PE attire 20 x 2

Collected Twice a year
Computer fees 50 x 2person x 2
Books 120 x 2 (rough figure)x 2
Monthly tuition 190 x 12 x 2
Stationery 50x 2 x 2
etc etc etc...

If I still let them go to the preschool, I m going AKPK. What the figure would be if they are in the preschool for the next 4 & 5 years, not to mention the inflation rate. Do our kids need to learn the theory of 1 2 3 & ABC for 4 to 5 years in preschool? If their programme is solid to build on their creativity, well I can't say much. Everyday homework, writing, homework & writing. What is it, man? To be success in life no need to be a champion in writing lah! I firmly know this b'cos I was once the preschool's teacher for 1 week. And I'm pitiful to the kids and mothers who strongly believed in the teaching of the school.

Now, I coach my 2 preschooler at home and they learn the fun way. I do carpentary project with them, plant with them in the backyard, play with insects, cake baking & many more. I simply want them to learn from our daily life and from mother nature. They would know how things happen and the process of making it happen is the most important of all.

'8 Zen' Chicken Herbal Soup

My family members love soup. Over the weekend, boiled this 8 Treasure Chicken soup. It consists of 8 herbal, that's why it is called 8 treasure.

This herbal soup believed to be able to heal our body especially for ladies after menstruation. It can be consumed by men too. Suitable for the whole family.

Not only that, during after birth confinement, the Chinese will take soup of this type.

Link House in Subang Jaya

Visited sis-in-law on 07Jun. Went there for a 2nite stay in their newly moved in LinkHouse. Well, I can say it is well renovated their new home. Also not to forget bring her something as house warming gift. I bought the round antique china which me-too really love it.


It is only a 2 storey house from out side view, but there are 5-storey inside the house. The most bottom floor is kitchen (underneath floor), then entrance floor with a koi-pool & a kid's game room. Followed with living hall on 3rd storey, then the next floor is the 2 kids bedroom and the top floor is the master bedroom.

If you are a person who enjoy modern lifestyle living, link-house may be one of your choices.

Well, if I have that budget, I might as well buy an orchard or 2 acre land at rural area and can enjoy that peaceful kampung life; and keep me busy all day long with big space to plant my vegetables & to rear chicken! Most importantly, my kids gets spacious land to run around, even you can build your own swimming pool ^_^

2nd Hand Storage Bins

We managed to get few hundred of 2nd hand branded stackable storage bins from factory user. The size is almost the same as the blue bins (3rd from left top row), colour is Blue. If you need these bins, you may order from me now.

The price is RM6/pc. Buy 10 free 1. While stock last. Self arranged delivery horr.....

It is great to be used in your Small Office Home Office, Kids Room, Store Room, Workplace & etc. Get your kids' toys organized now with these multi usage bins. Also a great storage solution for all your stationery & tools. Pay less with great benefits.

It simply cost you more than 15 Ringgit for a new one.

Foo Chook Yee Mai Pak Guo

As I babysitting fulltime, I like to venture a lot in my kitchen. Everybody get to eat as much as they like.
Today's sweetness soup is Foo Chook toong sui.

These are the ingredient needed. To cook this, it is as easy as 123...

Besides eat by using spoon

Over the weekend, attended a friend's wedding, he is a Malay.

Look at these makcik & pakcik how they eat. Believe or not, I also eat with this method... we could survive well if no spoon given to eat rice. And I feel more appetizing by eating this way compare with spoon eating.

Sometimes my kids also wish to imitate me to eat this way, I tell them wait until they reach my height only can do this... ; ))

new Orchid - welcome

new member in my house - orchid. a friend of mine bought a few species of orchid for her garden, I oso got a few 'gifted'. those plant hobbist will always look for plants to add-in into their collections from time to time - thanks a lot to her aunty Yen. new collection is the most top one in the pic.

We feel happy when the plant is blooming with flowers. Once an orchid is blooming, its flower could last for 2months - 5months depends on how it is been taken care of. but when no flower, no mood lol...