Fresh Ink

Baby Food Recipes

2009-02-17T07:55:00.000-08:00

As promised in my earlier post "Food Scare", these are some recipes that I adapted from the 2 books, as well as the Parent's magazines. I started my boy out on solids when he was 5 mths old.

Apple and Cabbage
1 Golden Delicious apple, peeled and grated

1 cup finely shredded red cabbage

1/4 cup water
2 tbs golden raisins

Place all ingredients in a saucepan and bring to boil. Reduce heat, cover and simmer for 10 mins. Puree til smooth.

Asparagus and Broccoli

1 cup cut asparagus

1 cup small broccoli florets

1 garlic clove

1 tbs olive oil

Cool asparagus and broccoli in boiling water til tender, drain. Place garlic and oil in a bowl and microwave for 30 secs. Puree all ingredients til smooth.

Curry Pea
1 pkg (10 oz) frozen peas, cooked and drained

1/3 cup plain yoghurt

1/4 tsp curry powder

Puree all ingredients til smooth.

Beans, Spinach and Rice
1 cup spinach, cooked

1 cup green beans, cooked

3/4 cup cooked brown rice

1/4 cup water

Puree all ingredients til smooth.

Spicy Sweet Potato

1 medium sweet potato, peeled and diced

1 tbsp butter

1/4 tsp each ground cinnamon and nutmeg

1/8 tsp ground cumin

Cook sweet potato in boiling water til tender. Drain. Microwave butter and spices for 45 secs. Add to sweet potato and puree til smooth.

Have a Hell of a Halloween

2008-10-31T08:49:00.001-07:00

Although Halloween is not celebrated in Singapore, I've always been fascinated by it. Dressing, trick-or-treating and candy eating all seem like fun activites. So to everyone out there, have a Happy Halloween!!

Halloween Facts: Costumes, History, Urban Legends
Halloween 2008 Guide
Halloween Recipes: AllRecipes

Food Scares

2008-10-30T08:39:00.001-07:00

There has been so many reports lately about the chemical melamine being found in baby's milk formulas, milk products and even eggs, from China. It is really scary to think that people including young innocent babies are put at such risks by unknown hands for monetary purposes.

As a new mother, reading such reports, do make me and my hubby nervous about what we feed our child. It is all very well to sterilise milk bottles (which is another can of worms due to reports of BPA) and take special care with hygiene during food preparation but how do one guard against such unseen dangers?

For now, all we can do is to read ingredient labels of all foodstuffs carefully and keep up-to-date with the latest food safety warnings.

On a related note, I've been making my own baby food more often now. I generally only use store-bought baby food when we going out or when I am unable to prepare baby food myself. It's been fun experimenting and I am lucky to have such a tolerant young 'foodie' :)
He pretty much eats anything so I've been able to give him lots of different foods such as vanilla pudding, fruit jellies, fish and chicken vege porridges, mashed hardboiled eggs, pureed fruits and so on. I've even made my own baby muesli.

The 2 books that I have been using as reference points are Lorraine Kelly's Baby and Toddler Eating Plan and Top 100 Baby Purees: 100 Quick and Easy meals for a Health and Happy Baby by Annabel Karmel. Both provide easy recipes and lots of ideas for different food combos.

I'll be updating some of our fav recipes soon (I promise)..

Afternote: Dangerous candies

Post-Hari Raya

2008-10-12T08:57:00.000-07:00

Well, Hari Raya has come and gone. It's been a really eventful one for me as this is the first year that me and hubby and baby is celebrating together. So I wanted to make it really special.

The fasting month of Ramadhan was both meaningful and fun. Hubby and I had late nite/morning chats, fun sahurs (hubby even popped out to the nearest McD at 4 am!) and break fasts. I finally learnt to make my own chapattis, roti jalas, bandung and so on... It was really nice figuring out how to make special break fast dishes with hubby.

Apart from the usual Hari Raya cleaning and decorating, I also made my own hari raya goodies as well as cooked special Hari Raya dishes.

The Hari Raya cookies were from the lovely book that I had gotten sometime back - The Little Big Cookies Book. This bite-sized book is stuffed full with ideas that have been divided into easy to find sections, for eg. Chocolate Cookies, Dried Fruit Cookies, Butter Cookies and so on.
The cookies I chose were Cocoa Corn Flake Cookies; Peanut Butter Choc Chip Cookies;Prune, Raisin & Oat Cookies, and Almond Squares. I did, however, made several changes to the recipes to suit out personal tastes and availability (& cost) of ingredients.

Hari Raya eve was wonderful and tiring. As I wanted to us to spend the eve together, I decided to cook some special dishes so that morning my day started at 6.30 am! Butter chicken, beef bandami and fruit & nut pilaf were my choices for our Hari Raya meal. We had a lovely evening with lots of lights, laughter and food. We finally went to bed at 1 am.

The next day, after the Hari Raya prayers we had a good breakfast of cakes, lemon pancakes (special request from hubby) and cookies. We then went to my mum's place before going to visit my grandmother, my eldest uncle and my eldest cousin. Overall, this Hari Raya was fun, meaningful and memorable. May all our future Hari Rayas be as special!

Eid Mubarak is here!

2008-09-28T09:25:00.000-07:00

Just a note to wish all my Muslim brothers and sisters a Happy Eid!

Judging a Book by its Cover

2008-09-14T00:07:00.000-07:00

Not exactly a review but more about my thoughts on my reading habits. I used to be a big fan of romance novels... Elizabeth Lowell, Jayne Ann Krentz, Julia Quinn, Nora Roberts and so many more. For awhile they were the only fiction books I read.

Then suddenly I just stopped. Not even sure why but maybe I just outgrew them (if you can outgrow books). I then moved on horror novels from Stephen King, Dean Koontz, Laurell K Hamilton and the like. Then it was mystery/thriller novels. Then it was travelogues...then autobiographies esp about chefs and their life with food. People like Anthony Bourdain and Madhur Jaffrey.

But right now I seem to be at a limbo. Nothing has really captured my fancy. So during a recent visit to the local library I thought I'd just browse the shelves til something struck my fancy... I know I shouldn't judge a book by its cover but at least it would get my attention first.

And I am glad I did. "Practical Demonkeeping" by Christopher Moore caught my eye with its bright purple cover. With characters like a 100-year old "roads' scholar named Travis and his travelling companion, a green-coloured demon named Catch, "Practical Demonkeeping" was a really fun read. Both witty and exciting, I finished this within 3 days... an achievement given my wifely and motherly duties.

I then borroweds another of his books named "A Dirty Job" This was even more brilliant than the former. In this crazy story, Charlie Asher - a Beta male - finds out that death is more practical than most people realised. With a host of great characters like Minty Fresh (!) and a pair of hellhounds named Alvin and Mohammed, Charlie has to rescue the world from the forces of Evil.

I am glad to find out that he has more books already out so will definitely be reading more.

It's been a week!

2008-06-05T22:13:00.000-07:00

Gosh! I finally reached D-day on 30 May!
Am a housewife (for now) and have been for a week... Its been great as I've been able to spend lots of time with my boy... Going for walks, reading to him, watching his fav shows, Barney (OMG! sighz...tats 1 freeky dino) and Pocoyo (I like this one...the boy is so cute!)...

Been cooking lots for dinner too.
Nasi lemak and sambal prawns on Monday; and chapatti and chicken curry on Tuesday.

On Wednesday it was a western-styled dinner with baked fish fillets, baked potato with 2 toppings - cream cheese and chives; and tomato salsa as well as, carrot with coriander soup. The soup recipe from Delia Smith's website with a few additions of my own.

Carrot and coriander soup - my additions were to replace the garlic with half a chopped white onion and finely chopped coriander root. I also added in some baby corn and celery after the carrots were mashed by hand (didnt feel like bringing out the handheld mixer thingy). I then added in some finely sliced green chillies and more coriander leaves. To top it off, I swirled in some natural yoghurt instead of creme fraiche.

For Thursday's meal, it was dhal curry, potato salad and Indian chicken fritters which were scrumptious. I think next time will serve them with a green chilli chutney. The fritters are from the wonderful book by Madhur Jaffrey. So far, I've tried a few recipes from it and all have turned out good.

Minced chicken fritters
Couldnt get hold of any minced chicken, so had to finely dice my own.
To the chicken add, ginger & garlic paste, 1/2 tsp turmeric powder, 1/2 tsp chilli powder, chopped green chillies, chopped coriander leaves, salt, ground black pepper. To bind add, 2 beaten eggs and abt 2 tbsp plain flour. Mix and let the mixture rest in the fridge for abt 1 hr.
Then using 2 tbsp form balls and drop them into cooking oil to fry. Although for me, I placed them on an oiled baking tray to bake in the oven at high heat for abt 40 mins at 200C.

Lovely!!

The Wheels of Life

2008-05-25T22:55:00.000-07:00

Which stage r u at? :P

Rite now, I'm counting down to my last week at work before I formally become a full-time housewife (temporarily though)... so I'm at stage 1 with my son....

Follow-up to Achmed the Dead Terrorist

2008-05-25T22:45:00.001-07:00

Achmed at Christmas...

Achmed! I kill U!

2008-05-25T22:25:00.000-07:00

A friend of mine recommended this...Totally amazing and funny! Jeff Dunham does some realli wild characters...take a look

Iron Man Rocks!

2008-05-21T21:20:00.000-07:00

I know its been awhile since I've reviewed abt a movie. I guess the recently opened Iron Man is an appropriate movie to re-start my review entries as it really is a great action/comic hero movie.

There are so many pluses with this movie - good fast paced action, well-written story, great characters, super-cool effects but the best part of the movie is definitely Robert Downey Jr.

I've always liked him as an actor and frankly, with the amount of time he's spent going in and out of various 'facilities', I've found it interesting that he still gets good work when he's free. And has never been written off as a has-been.

Downey plays Tony Stark with much charisma and humour making him an all-too human man who finds his conscience awaken after a life-threatening incident. He then goes on a mission to better himself and everything else around him. I also like the inter-play between him and Gwyneth Paltrow's character, his PA - Miss Virgina "Pepper" Potts. Full of sass and sexiness.

The movie moves along at a good rate with plenty of nice sequences. I particularly like the testing of the rocket boots ... as well as any of the scenes with the full Iron Man suit.

Overall, one of the best comic hero adaptations and a great start to the summer blockbuster movie season. Up next would be the fourth Indiana Jones movie - Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull.

A holiday I need!

2008-04-22T02:12:00.000-07:00

Received an email recently from a friend who had visited Tun Mahathir's bakery The Loaf & Bistro at Langkawi. Also received some pixs taken of the wonderful bread sold there. Apparently, prices are a little on the high end...but the bread was varied and delicious.
Perdana Quay, Telaga Harbour Park..

Located in a three-storey building by itself, The Loaf on the ground floor is elegantly Japanese; understandably so as Tun M’s partner is a Japanese (The first and second floor is actually Tun’s office cum apartment whenever he comes to Langkawi).

….the Sicillian Riccotta Cheesecake – a lowfat Italian cheesecake with white chocolate, honey and ricotta cheese and filo pastry. Oooh! Besides, they have fig tarts, bostock aux fleurs (a brioche of cream cheese, Belgian butter and dry apricots), baguette levain (or what we know as the regular French loaf), Rueben sandwich made up of toasted rye, pastrami, swiss cheese and sauerkraut, chapeus, and lots more...

Hmm....must definitely check it out when I go there near the end of this year (hopefully!)

Rocker Abishek ad

2008-04-11T02:04:00.000-07:00

Just love this ad...Its realli funny!

Good Intentions

2008-04-10T23:20:00.000-07:00

I had really wanted to blog more regularly but somehow life got in the way (I love that phrase!). Life's been going at full speed recently with some ups and downs.

On the baby front, there's been a few baby firsts' like Baby's First Trip Out (other than to the doctor's), Baby's First Haircut, Baby's First Pair of Shoes and so on.

Personally, I am still juggling working full-time, house, baby and husband care. Have been travelling back and forth between my home and my mum's so that she can spend quality time with her one and only grandchild.

Am seriously thinking of doing part-time work, mainly to spend more time with baby and to manage the household. I don't think going full housewife mode would work for me, coz I could really feel the lack of adult interaction during the 3 mths of maternity leave. So I guess part-time work is for me. Am also looking at a joint business venture with 3 of my friends. Very very early stages yet so will see how that pans out.

Have managed to do some reading and cooking (mainly on wkends). Have not gone to watch any movies this year. This would probably change when the summer blockbusters come out in the next 2 mths. It may be very late but am now fascinated with old Amitabh Bachan movies so went out to Mustafa's and bought a bunch - Don, Laawaris, Namak Halaal & Sholay. I am ashamed to admit but yes I have not watched Sholay - to the amazement of my hubby. Bought Om Shanti Om on DVD but hve not gotten around to watching it yet. Am looking forward to Hritik & Ash's Jodha Akhbar to be released. (More abt the movies soon!)

Life in the 1500s

2008-03-04T19:01:00.000-08:00

Not sure if the explanations for the origin of the English proverbs are true.. But makes good reading though!

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Most people got married in June because they took their yearly bath in May, and still smelled pretty good by June. However, they were starting to smell, so brides carried a bouquet of flowers to hide the body odor. Hence, the custom today of carrying a bouquet when getting married.Baths consisted of a big tub filled with hot water. The man of the house had the privilege of the nice clean water, then all the other sons and men, then the women and finally the children. Last of all, the babies. By then the water was so dirty you could actually lose someone in it. Hence the saying, “Don't throw the baby out with the bath water”.

Houses had thatched roofs-thick straw-piled high, with no wood underneath. It was the only place for animals to get warm, so all the cats and other small animals (mice, bugs) lived in the roof. When it rained it became slippery and sometimes the animals would slip and fall off the roof. Hence the saying, “It's raining cats and dogs”.

There was nothing to stop things from falling into the house. This posed a real problem in the bedroom where bugs and other droppings could mess up your nice clean bed. Hence, a bed with big posts and a sheet hung over the top afforded some protection. That's how canopy beds came into existence.The floor was dirt. Only the wealthy had something other than dirt. Hence, the saying, “Dirt poor”.

The wealthy had slate floors that would get slippery in the winter when wet, so they spread thresh (straw) on floor to help keep their footing. As the winter wore on, they added more thresh until, when you opened the door, it would all start slipping outside. A piece of wood was placed in the entranceway. Hence, the saying “a thresh hold”.

In those old days, they cooked in the kitchen with a big kettle that always hung over the fire. Every day they lit the fire and added things to the pot. They ate mostly vegetables and did not get much meat. They would eat the stew for dinner, leaving leftovers in the pot to get cold overnight and then start over the next day. Sometimes stew had food in it that had been there for quite a while. Hence the rhyme, “Peas porridge hot, peas porridge cold, peas porridge in the pot nine days old”.

Sometimes they could obtain pork, which made them feel quite special. When visitors came over, they would hang up their bacon to show off. It was a sign of wealth that a man could, bring home the bacon.

They would cut off a little to share with guests and would all sit around and chew the fat.Those with money had plates made of pewter. Food with high acid content caused some of the lead to leach onto the food, causing lead poisoning death. This happened most often with tomatoes, so for the next 400 years or so, tomatoes were considered poisonous.

Bread was divided according to status. Workers got the burnt bottom of the loaf, the family got the middle, and guests got the top, or the upper crust.

Lead cups were used to drink ale or whisky. The combination would sometimes knock the imbibers out for a couple of days. Someone walking along the road would take them for dead and prepare them for burial. They were laid out on the kitchen table for a couple of days and the family would gather around and eat and drink and wait and see if they would wake up. Hence, the custom of holding a wake.

England is old and small and the local folks started running out of places to bury people. So they would dig up coffins and would take the bones to a bone-house, and reuse the grave. When reopening these coffins, 1 out of 25 coffins were found to have scratch marks on the inside and they realized they had been burying people alive. So they would tie a string on the wrist of the corpse, lead it through the coffin and up through the ground and tie it to a bell. Someone would have to sit out in the graveyard all night (the graveyard shift.) to listen for the bell; thus, someone could be, saved by the bell or was considered a dead ringer.

And that's the truth...Now, whoever said History was boring.

Lalala lallalla...

2008-01-14T18:13:00.000-08:00

Its the Smurfs' 50th anniversary. I can still remember rushing home from school so that I cld get my homework done in time to watch the cartoon at 5.30pm. A fun adventure series, the Smurfs are small sky-blue creatures who live in a forest. Their nemesis a a human named Gargamel and his evil cat Azrael.

My favourite characters were Papa Smurf, Baby and the only female (since then there are 2 more female characters) Smurfette with her long blond hair.

I remember eating the Smurfs cereals too... blueberry flavour..although at that time my sis and I were convinced they were smurfberries. I also collected a few figurines, the sticker book and had a couple of story books.

It is heartening to know that the Smurfs have lasted so long and have managed to charm a whole new generation as well.

Check out wikipedia's comprehensive write-up abt the Smurfs including a list of characters.

Its the end of the year already?!?

2007-12-31T06:08:00.000-08:00

I just realised that I've been away from blogging for more than 2 mths... Gosh! How time flies! I've been so bz with my house move and recently the arrival of a beautiful bundle of joy.... My baby boy! Born on 14 Dec 2007...

So now I've morphed from a working woman to a feeding, poop-checking, diaper changing, burping machine. Not that I am complaining though...

2007 has been a real learning journey for me... From being a new wife, to juggling household and work matters, dealing with various family and family-in laws, and of course, being a new mother.

My wish for 2008? Just simple things really... Health, peace and happiness for me and all of my loved ones.

My hopes? To be able to raise my child and take of my family well. It will be fascinating to watch my son grow and learn and play. And as a typical 'kiasu' 1st time parent I've been reading up on all sorts of things on baby development...time will tell if all that reading will pay off. Of course, I mustn't forget abt my other half. So will definitely take the time and effort to keep our relationship going. Other than that, I also hope that the ties between our 2 families get stronger and closer.

Hmmm, that's it I guess.. Rite now, its 11.30 pm, baby's awake and we are trying to get him to sleep... Or maybe we shld just wait til midnite together...

In any case, Happy New Year all and may 2008 be a blessed year!

Almost there!

2007-10-23T18:29:00.000-07:00

Phew! Its been a really hectic 3 months with the house move (2 houses actually!), settling in, the fasting month of Ramadhan and subsequent Eid celebrations on 13 October. Am still in the process of setting up house with mainly the common room to go so hopefully, November will be a relaxing month for me ;)

Come to think of it, November will be the calm before the storm as December brings in a whole new chapter in my life... Am excited, anxious, happy, worried all at the same time. With so many changes going on and still to come, its really hard for me to keep stress-free but with the support of family and close friends am managing quite well. So thank you all! You know who you are....

Maths Problem

2007-10-04T02:39:00.000-07:00

Hehe, just had to put this up... So cute!

On 6-packs and Long Hair

2007-09-18T18:51:00.000-07:00

Finally the Farah Khan and Shah Rukh movie is here! Om Shanti Om is the much awaited movie to be released during the Diwali festival. With amazing costumes, sets and a totally new look for SRK. OSO is a much watch. Managed to listen to the album and love the songs Ajab Si and this one Dard-e-Disco.

Whoa! He looks ripped!

The Move is On!

2007-08-30T18:36:00.000-07:00

The day is finally here! After months of house-hunting and paperwork, we've have finally gotten our new house. It's a 5-room corner apartment in a slightly older housing estate. But I really like the area as there are plenty of amenities such as schools, markets and so on.

Went over to the house on Tuesday and actual 'work' will start today. Will not be doing much renovations as the house is in pretty good condition. Am both excited and anxious about the move as we will be putting together 2 different sets of furniture and accompanying stuff (and in essence, 2 different tastes). Z's tastes tend to be more contemporary while mine is more traditional (think country, wood furniture...). Also, as with any major life changes, finances are really tight right now. There are also so many little details to look into.

But hopefully, all will work out well (and soon!).

So wish me luck in my house move and settling in. And I'll update whenever I can.

Amazing Eggs

2007-08-29T19:38:00.000-07:00

Egg-solutely egg-xellent!!

Why does Allah allow suffering?

2007-08-16T01:54:00.000-07:00

A man went to a barbershop to have his hair cut and his beard trimmed. As the barber began to work, they began to have a good conversation. They talked about many things and various subjects. When they eventually touched on the subject of Allah, the barber said: "I don't believe that Allah exists."

"Why do you say that?" asked the customer. "Well, you just have to go out in the street to realize that Allah doesn't exist. Tell me, if Allah exists, would there be so many sick people? Would there be abandoned children? If Allah existed, there would be neither suffering nor pain. I can't imagine a loving Allah who would allow all of these things." The customer thought for a moment, but didn't respond because he didn't want to start an argument. The barber finished his job and the customer left the shop.

Just after he left the barbershop, he saw a man in the street with long, stringy, dirty hair and an untrimmed beard. He looked dirty and unkempt. The customer turned back and entered the barber shop again and he said to the barber: "You know what? Barbers do not exist." "How can you say that?" asked the surprised barber. "I am here, and I am a barber. And I just worked on you!"

"No!" the customer exclaimed. "Barbers don't exist because if they did, there would be no people with dirty long hair and untrimmed beards, like that man outside." "Ah, but barbers do exist! That's what happens when people do not come to me." "Exactly!" affirmed the customer. "That's the point! Allah, too, does exist! That's what happens when people do not go to him and don't look to him for help. That's why there's so much pain and suffering in the world."

OMG Cakes!

2007-08-16T01:52:00.000-07:00

A friend of mine forwarded me these extremely decadent scrumptious yummy-looking cakes and I just had to share them with you.... Not for the weak for heart :P
_____________________________

Apple crumble

Apple pie

Baby Belle Chocolate cake

Baby Boom Strawberry cake

Blueberry Cheesecake

Blueberry Creamcheese pie

Blueberry Crumble

Cherry Crumble cake

Chocolate Oreo cake

Devil's Food cake

New York Cheesecake

Orange Jelly Cheesecake

Tobblerone Cheese cake

Drooling yet?? :)

Books from my Childhood

2007-08-14T21:06:00.000-07:00

Recently, I started compiling a list of my favourite childrens' books that I remember from my childhood. The books are by no means only of award-winning quality books but rather a list of books that are memorable to me due to any of these reasons: loved the story and/or characters, the illustrations and the sheer novelty of some of the books at the time.

I used to spend 5 afternoons a week at the local library, while waiting for my dad to pickup my sis and me. So I had read a lot of the books from the childrens' section and had enjoyed the storytelling sessions - all of which had contributed to my interest in the libraries/books and resulted in my spending the first 6 yrs of my working life as a library officer.

Sadly, some of the titles are no longer in publication which makes me long for them even more. Anyway, on with my list... Do let me know which books you enjoyed during your childhood.

1) Amelia Bedelia books by Peggy Parish
A delightful character! Amelia is a maid who takes her instructions literally. Resulting in mishaps and disasters.

2) Books by Arnold Lobel - such as Frog and Toad are Friends series and Mouse Tales
Loved the books and his illustrations for other authors such as Red Fox and his Canoe by Nathaniel Benchley.

3) The Bullerby Children series aka Children of Noisy Village series, and the Emil books by Astrid Lindgren. Also liked her more famous series the Pippi Longstocking books.
The Bullerby Children and Emil series showcases Swedish village life and the fun adventures these children get into.

4) Ramona Quimby books by Beverly Cleary
A great growing-up series about family, friends and school with the extremely likeable title character Ramona.

5) Cam Jansen Mystery series by David A Adler
A fun mystery series with Cam Jansen who has a photographic memory. Similiar to the Encyclopedia Brown series, readers can follow along and try to solve the mystery.

6) Arthur series by Lillian Hoban
Delightful illustrations by Lillian (she also illustrated the Frances books). Arthur is a young chimpanzee who has a little sister Violet. Together they deal with early childhood issues such as Valentine's Day and loosing a tooth.

7) Frances series by Russell Hoban
Frances is a high-spirited little badger who learns about early life lessons in the series.

8) Professor Branestawm series by Norman Hunter
Professor Branestawn is the typical absent-minded genius whose inventions often end in disaster. Filled with other interesting characters too such as friend Colonel Dedshott.

9) Books by Laurence Hutchins esp. the Mona Lisa Mystery and the Curse of the Egyptian Mummy
For me, these books are really retro and fun to read. Basically, a group of school kids solve a mystery during a school trip. Too bad Hutchins didn't continue the books.

10) Dorrie the Little Witch books by Jill Murphy
Love the illustrations for these books. But sadly, they are quite hard to find now and most titles are out of print. Dorrie is the witch who tries her darnest in witching school with funny results.

"Her hat is always on crooked and her socks never match."

11) The Polk Street School series by Patricia Reilly Giff
Another school series, it follows a class through various events in lower school life.

12) Mrs Pepperpot series by Alf Proysen
The adventures of the miniature-sized Mrs Pepperpot was a great read for me.

13) A Book of... series by Ruth Manning-Sanders
A fairytale/folk tale series, the series were compiled according to characters eg A Book of Giants, A Book of Dragons, A Book of Princes and Princessess. They were gathered from around the world and although good always triumphs over evil, not all the creatures/people are as they seem. For example, in the Book of Dragons, Manning-Sanders include dragons who are good and kind and not only scary creatures. This is another series where I can no longer find in the local stores or libaries.

And last but definitely, definitely not least....

14) All the books esp the My Naughty Little Sister books by Shirley Hughes
No words can describe how much I love Hughes's drawings and stories. Luckily for me, my own little sister wasn't as naughty :)

Dishy 10

2007-08-13T17:54:00.000-07:00

Tried this simple Chicken salad (from the Real Simple mag). Turned out nice!

Simple Chicken Salad
Rotisserie chicken (deboned and cut into cubes)
Carrots (chopped)
Celery (celery)
Cherry tomatoes (halved, although I was lazy and left them whole)
Butterhead lettuce (leaves torn and used to line the bowl)
Red onion (thinly sliced)
Fresh basil (torn up)

Black pitted olives

Croutons (if you want)

Dressing:
Enough Mayonnaise and Salt & Pepper

Just stir everything up together and serve. Told ya it was simple!

Variations to try:
Omit the tomatoes and onion and substitute with...
Watercress and sliced green apple
Raisins, stir in 1 tbsp of curry paste and 1 tbsp mango chutney into dressing
Stir in green pesto into dressing

Interim

2007-08-08T02:31:00.000-07:00

Hi there... Been such a long time since I posted. For some reason, I had lost the urge/interest to post. Nothing seemed interesting enuf to be put up... although offline am quite busy. So it was only the past week or so, that I felt I needed to write. So this marks an interim post, while I work on something...

For my fellow Singaporeans... "Happy National Day!" Today's gonna be a very relaxing and fun day... Have a National Day Observance Ceremony in the morning followed by another one in the afternoon at our own HQ. Reminds me of my primary school days, where there would be the standard National Day concert with performances by the students, including the compulsary singing of national songs. Students would then be given their 'treats' - which is usually a slice of cake (usually fruit cake), ice-cold Milo and a National Day logo-ed box file or pencil case (or some such stationery item)... and that would mark the end of the school day... At 10.30 am! Sighz, those were the days!

Dishy 9

2007-06-06T00:04:00.000-07:00

Was in the mood for noodles last week so decided to try my hand at making Vietnamese Beef Pho. Really simple recipe but lovely flavours!

Vietnamese Beef Pho

For the soup:

Beef fillet - cut into small cubes

Star anise

Cinnamon stick

Cloves

Whole black peppercorns

Sliced ginger

I also dropped in a cube of beef stock for extra flavour

Place the ingredients into a pot and bring to boil. Simmer til the meat is soft and tender. Season the soup with fish sauce and a touch of sugar.

To complete:

Rice noodles - soaked in hot water til soft. Drain and cool.

Mint leaves

Basil leaves

Coriander leaves

Sliced red chillies

Bean sprouts

Quarters of Lime

Serve over rice noodles and add the garnishes according to taste. For extra oomph, I also served it with a red chilli and light soy dipping sauce.

Am back!

2007-06-01T00:42:00.000-07:00

Hi all... I do apologise for the long absence. Its been a wild ride this past mth and half. Basically been househunting and coping with another personal development. For some reason, we had so many issues while trying to secure our new home. Have finally managed to get this matter settled. With my fingers and toes crossed, we hope to complete the housing transaction and actual physical move by August.

Personally, I think the public housing situation is getting really bad. With property price increases, unscrupulous housing agents, irresponsible house sellers as well as tons of red tape to go through, it's a wonder that newly married working couples like ourselves can get a flat to stay in. Read in the TODAY paper on 29 May 07 about this young couple who had similiar problems buying their first home. The letter rang so true with us as he describe the situation accurately. As with him, we tried the walk-in selection but our selection appointment was scheduled so late that by the time it was our turn, all that was left were excutive apartments which were not suitable for us. Having wasted time with the walk-in selection, we then tried the open market. But in nearly all areas, the homeowners are asking for large amounts of cash - above the already high valuation of their flat. One owner we called asked for 50k above the valuation! This was a 4-room flat. Some of the reasons cited include being near the MRT, prime areas (ie. East area), 'well-renovated' and being on high floors.

We also had bad experiences with housing agents. The first flat that we liked was well-priced and although it was on the 2nd floor, we decided to go for it. After our viewing, we called the agent again and confirmed that we would be coming down the next day to do up the paperwork as well as put down a deposit. Imagine our shock and surprise when he called us the next afternoon (on a working day, mind you!) saying that there was another interested buyer and that if we wanted the flat we had to come down now and put down a higher deposit. We were of course unable to do so as we were both working. There were other incidents as well. One agent even showed us a flat that we later found out had already been sold!

Right now, there isn't a much a house buyer can do when faced with such situations. As with the letter writer, I do hope HDB will look into the situation and not let such agents have free rein.

P Ramlee

2007-04-04T01:33:00.000-07:00

While growing up, I wasn't a fan of the Malay legend P Ramlee. A Malaysian actor, film director, singer, composer and more, he was the backbone of the Malay entertainment industry during the 1940s to 1960s.

While most of my cousins and family members would laugh and/or cry over his many varied movies and songs, I was somehow left out of this. Although I've heard of his movies and they are still being referenced today, it was only recently that I've begun to appreciate his films. About 2 weeks ago, I bought 2 VCDs of his - Ali Baba Bujang Lapok and Madu Tiga. Will review them shortly.. so stay tuned.

Wikipedia entry on P Ramlee

The P Ramlee Cyber Museum

P Ramlee's songs

Driving me nuts...

2007-03-30T01:27:00.000-07:00

Am stuck on level 4 of this game... dammit! Krazi kiya re..
Jail Break!

Dishy 8

2007-03-29T20:49:00.000-07:00

Had a meat craving last night so decided to try my hand at making my own burgers. Was basically inspired from A Hamburger Today - which tracks the best burgers in and outside of the US.

Ground beef - mostly lean
Finely diced onions
Finely chopped green chilli
1/2 tsp ground cumin
1/2 tsp ground coriander
Salt and black pepper

Dressing:
Mayonnaise
Tomato sauce

Lemon juice

Mix the meat with the other ingredients, taking special care with the salt. When throughly mixed, make into patties (the size is really up to you). Pan fry or grill the patties til done.

NOTE: Do not overcook them or pat down hard on the patties as this releases the juices and makes for dry burgers.

As for the dressing, simply stir together and serve your burgers on lightly toasted buns with lettuce, cheese, tomatoes and cucumbers.

The Secret to a Happy Marriage?

2007-03-29T02:40:00.000-07:00

A man and woman had been married for more than 60 years. They had shared everything. They had talked about everything. They had kept no secrets from each other except that the little old woman had a shoe box in the top of her closet that she had cautioned her husband never to open or ask her about.
For all of these years, he had never thought about the box, but one day the little old woman got very sick and the doctor said she would not recover. In trying to sort out their affairs, the little old man took down the shoe box and took it to his wife's bedside.
She agreed that it was time that he should know what was in the box. When he opened it, he found two crocheted dolls and a stack of money totaling $95,000.
He asked her about the contents. "When we were to be married," she said, "my grandmother told me the secret of a happy marriage was to never argue. She told me that if I ever got angry with you, I should just keep quiet and crochet a doll."
The little old man was so moved; he had to fight back tears. Only two precious dolls were in the box. In all those years of living and loving, she had been angry with him only two times! He almost burst with happiness.
"Honey," he said, "that explains the doll, but what about all of this money? Where did it come from?" "Oh," she said, "that's the money I made from selling the dolls."

+++++++++++++++++

Hehe! I apologise for not blogging more often recently, mainly because 1) am too busy and 2) just plain lazy to put my thots to paper (so to speak). Hopefully, I get out of this funk soon and start blogging again.

Lovely Story....

2007-03-14T02:08:00.000-07:00

An 80 year old man was sitting on the sofa in his house along with his 45 year old highly educated son. Suddenly a crow perched on their window. The Father asked his Son, "What is this?" The Son replied "It is a crow".
After a few minutes, the Father asked his Son the 2nd time, "What is this?" The Son said "Father, I have just now told you "It's a crow".
After a little while, the old Father again asked his Son the 3rd time, "What is this?" At this time some expression of irritation was felt in the Son's tone when he said to his Father with a rebuff. "It's a crow, a crow".
A little after, the Father again asked his Son a 4th time, "What is this?" This time the Son shouted at his Father, "Why do you keep asking me the same question again and again, although I have told you so many times 'IT IS A CROW'. Are you not able to understand this?"
A little later the Father went to his room and came back with an old tattered diary, which he had maintained since his Son was born. On opening a page, he asked his Son to read that page. When the son read it, the following words were written in the diary :-
"Today my little son aged three was sitting with me on the sofa, when a crow was sitting on the window. My Son asked me 23 times what it was, and I replied to him all 23 times that it was a Crow. I hugged him lovingly each time he asked me the same question again and again for 23 times. I did not at all feel irritated I rather felt affection for my innocent child". While the little child asked him 23 times "What is this", the Father had felt no irritation in replying to the same question all 23 times and when today the Father asked his Son the same question just 4 times, the Son felt irritated and annoyed.
So....
If your parents attain old age, do not repulse them or look at them as a burden, but speak to them a gracious word, be cool, obedient, humble and kind to them. Be considerate to your parents. From today say this aloud, "I want to see my parents happy forever. They have cared for me ever since I was a little child. They have always showered their selfless love on me. They crossed all mountains and valleys without seeing the storm and heat to make me a person presentable in the society today". Say a prayer to God, "I will serve my old parents in the BEST way. I will say all good and kind words to my dear parents, no matter how they behave.

Dishy 7

2007-03-14T01:25:00.000-07:00

I wanted to test out this new slow cooker we had. It is an adorable looking thing. Small, white exterior with a caramel brown pot and just enough for 2. Decided to try out a minestrone soup recipe I had... but adapted to chicken since we didnt have beef in the freezer.

Chicken Minestrone Soup

Onion - sliced

Garlic - crushed

Chicken fillets - cut into cubes

Chicken stock

Carrots - diced/sliced

Fresh corn kernels

Kidney beans - drained from the can

Zucchini - sliced and quatered

Can of whole tomatoes - roughly chopped

Tomato puree - abt 1 tbsp

Italian seasonings

Sugar, salt and black pepper

Shell pasta - cooked in boiling salted water

This is so easy. Simply brown the garlic and onions in a little olive oil in the pot. Next add in the stock, chicken, carrots, corn and zucchini. Add in the can of tomatoes, puree and seasonings. Let it cook and simmer til done. Finally, add in the kidney beans and let them heat through. Adjust the seasonings. Serve over the pasta. Yummy!

Am back... but Super Busy

2007-03-09T00:30:00.000-08:00

Am back from a lovely trip to Phuket. Unfortunately, the down side is (apart from having to leave the island) is that I've got tons of work piled up. So I promise to blog abt my trip soon :)

PS. Btw, fellow S'poreans, it is that time of the year again.... yes, its income tax time. Sianz! So a little tax humour.. Enjoy!

Going on holiday!

2007-02-27T18:29:00.000-08:00

Am going for a short trip to Phuket today. Will be leaving tonight on Tiger Airways flight at 9.25pm from the Budget Terminal of Changi Airport. Staying at Patong City Hotel, which is 10 mins from Patong Beach.

Will be returning on Sat night. Looking forward to lots of food, shopping and sightseeing. Also hope to go on a nice relaxing spa massage and island hopping.

Resistance is Futile

2007-02-23T00:03:00.000-08:00

I have no idea how I missed out on this! My dearest introduced me to this incredibly cute but incredibly morbid cartoon series... Apparently, it was first shown on MTV about 3 yrs ago. At first, it was difficult to watch at times but now I'm hooked (but not literally, of course!).

Anw, am now a fan of Happy Tree Friends! How much of a fan am I? Well, I have the theme song as my ringtone, have their pixs as my desktop wallpaper, am watching the episodes online whenever I can and I am blogging about it :)

My favourite character? Giggles....

Shy and sweet, this little chipmunk's trademark is her bubbly personality and giggly attitude. You'll want to squeeze her to death!

But others such as Cub, Toothy and Handy are close seconds.

Do take a look and as Cuddles says Resistance is Futile!

La la lalala... la la lalala...

Apology not accepted

2007-02-14T19:32:00.000-08:00

Cool!

2007-02-11T23:12:00.000-08:00

With the normal rows of seats removed, and in its place, a decor that would have been just right for a lounge. Love the look of the bus interior but not sure how practical it is as there may not be enough seats for all. As part of a big publicity campaign by Nokia, there are three buses in this Nokia promotion. They are deployed on services 132, 162 and 153 and are over and above the scheduled number of buses for these services. The often heard comments are "it really offers an enjoyable and comfortable ride" and "I like the music on board. The free rides on special routes started from Dec 06 and will stretch till Mar 07. These routes are planned to cover areas in the vicinity of the pubs. From 20/1 to 16/2, the Nokia Music Bus will ply on its special routes from Wed to Sat. The free rides are between 9pm to 1am. Any other days, commuters will have to pay their fares as per the norm.

Dishy 6

2007-02-09T01:24:00.000-08:00

Another quick dinner last night. As the both of us were feeling quite heavy from eating out too much recently, decided to do a simple light dinner.

My mum gave me this idea to make chicken in pita bread but since I was too lazy to go to the supermarket, substituted the bread with foccacia. No pictures for today though. So here goes...
++++++++++++++++++++
Roast Chicken Sandwiches
Bought foccacia (used Gardenia which is quite nice)
Bought honey roasted chicken (shredded)
Butterhead lettuce
Sliced tomatoes
Yoghurt dressing (see below)
Just pile everything on top of the sliced bread and enjoy!

The dressing was inspired from the Greek tzatziki but without the grated cucumber and dill:
Plain yoghurt
Garlic (mashed)
Salt and black pepper
Olive oil
Lemon juice
Stir everything together and keep refrigerated til needed.

Warm Garlic Potato Salad
The recipe was taken from What's for Lunch Honey? blog but I omitted the djion mustard. Lovely dish and can even be served cold or at room temperature.

In the Mood for Food : You FEEL What You Eat

2007-02-08T23:34:00.000-08:00

Experts say what you eat can actually affect your mood. Want to feel happier? Less cranky? More calm?
++++++++++++++++++++

Clear Your Head...

If you are find it hard to concentrate and often feel like your mind is a big pile of goo, try snacking on some protein-rich foods. Foods like cheese (stick with low-fat kinds), soy products, and lean poultry are great for making you feel alert, energized and ready to take on the day. So if your brain's feeling a bit foggy, nibble on some low-cal string cheese, a veggie burger, or some boneless, skinless chicken breast. You may be thinking more clearly in no time.

Cheer Up...
Everyone knows a little chocolate can fix anything, because chocolate ROCKS! And not just because it's sweet, delicious, and creamy. Experts say chocolate actually has the ability to boost our moods and make us feel more content. Here's the scoop: Fat, sugar, and an endorphin-releasing substance called phenylethylamine (all found in chocolate) raise both serotonin and endorphin levels in the brain. The result? Your mouth -- AND the rest of you -- will be happier.

Stabilize Mood Swings...
Do you go from laughing to crying in a matter of seconds? Curbing mood swings may be as easy as drinking water. That's because dehydration can play a big part in our emotional stability. Don't get those recommended 8 to 10 cups of water a day and you might just find yourself sweatin' the small stuff. If you find it hard to get water down, try drinking it at room temperature. It's easier to guzzle that way. Or you could try water with a slightly fruity flavor by adding lemon, lime or orange slices into your water.

Don't Be Nervous...
Feeling stressed, nervous, or anxious? Calm down with some low-fat dairy or a handful of almonds. Both foods are rich in calcium, and calcium is great for reducing anxiety and making you feel calm and relaxed.

Temper Temper...
Feeling angry? Instead of lashing out at the cat or a co-worker, reach for a grapefruit, some grapes, or some carrots! All three of these yummy and healthy foods are rich in pectin, a soluble fiber that lowers cholesterol. Another pectin plus? When you're angry, your body kicks into fight or flight mode; and your heart rate, adrenaline levels, and blood pressure increase. Pectin reverses the effect anger has on the body and helps your system return to normal.

From : In The Mood For Food: You FEEL What You Eat

My Japanese Name....

2007-02-08T23:30:00.002-08:00

If I had a Japanese name, it would be....

KaoruKasuga Baisotei.
Take The Original Japanese Name Generator by Shu today!
Created with Rum and Monkey's Name Generator Generator.

Dishy 5

2007-02-07T20:03:00.000-08:00

Had a hankering for Thai food (or more precisely Tom yum soup) last week. So decided to try my hand at cooking some. With a few clicks online to check out some recipes, decided to go with this.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Tom Yum Seafood Soup

Shallots (sliced thinly)
Tom yum paste (bottled, 2-3 tbsps)
Chicken stock (about 1 - 1.5 litres, I used a pack)
Coriander (roots, stems and leaves - wash the roots well and trim any odd bits, the stems and leaves are chopped)
Kaffir lime leaves (torn or shredded)
Bird's eye chillies (split down the middle)
Carrots (sliced thinly)
Lime juice (about 1/4 of a lime)
Seafood - I used prawns and squid but can also include other seafood like mussels and fish slices.
Button/straw mushrooms

Optional: lemongrass, galangal, fish sauce

To start of, I lightly sauted the shallots til translucent. I then added in the stock to make enough soup and simmered with the coriander roots, chillies and the lime leaves (If using the lemongrass and galangal, you can add them in now. They should be trimmed, peeled and chopped roughly as needed). Bring to a gentle boil.

When the stock is ready, I then added in the paste (depends on how hot you want it to be) and the carrots. Once the carrots are almost done, add in the seafood and the mushrooms. Leave for another 3-5 mins and that's it. When ready to serve, stir in the lime juice and the fish sauce to taste.

Served with some fried chicken and hot white rice... it was delish!

Funny pixs... Just for the fun of it!

2007-02-05T01:49:00.000-08:00

Final Act

2007-02-04T17:22:00.000-08:00

Finally! July 2007 will be an awesome for Harry Potter fans, with the release of the latest movie Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix as well as the release of JK Rowling's last instalment of the famous teen wizard's tale "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows"on 21 July 2007.

The book is already on the top of the bestseller list with the book world abuzz with news on the plot and character developments. Will Harry die at the hands of Lord Voldemort? Will Snape be caught? Is Dumbledore really dead? Since we need to wait another 5 months or so to get the answers, in the meantime, take a look at these facts from Answers.com and News on Harry Potter 7.

As for Order of the Phoenix, just a quick recap about the book....

Harry returns for his fifth year of study at Hogwarts and discovers that much of the wizarding community is in denial about the teenager's recent encounter with the evil Lord Voldemort, preferring to turn a blind eye to the news that Voldemort has returned. Fearing that Hogwarts' venerable Headmaster, Albus Dumbledore, is lying about Voldemort's return in order to undermine his power and take his job, the Minister for Magic, Cornelius Fudge, appoints a new Defence Against the Dark Arts teacher to keep watch over Dumbledore and the Hogwarts students. But Professor Dolores Umbridge's Ministry-approved course of defensive magic leaves the young wizards woefully unprepared to defend themselves against the dark forces threatening them and the entire wizarding community, so at the prompting of his friends Hermione and Ron, Harry takes matters into his own hands. Meeting secretly with a small group of students who name themselves "Dumbledore's Army," Harry teaches them how to defend themselves against the Dark Arts, preparing the courageous young wizards for the extraordinary battle that lies ahead.

Crazy Shoes

2007-02-01T01:29:00.000-08:00

A friend forwarded me these pixs... these are some really crazy shoes!!

Dishy 4

2007-01-31T22:25:00.000-08:00

Was quite tired last night, so before I left the office spent some time looking for simple dinner recipes. Had wanted something soupy as it was raining heavily..Yum yum, something warm.... Served with piping hot white rice...
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Chicken Stirfry
As we couldn't get chicken breasts, decided to strip the meat from the thighs and other assorted parts of a chicken I had in the freezer (but I kept the bones for the stock used in the tofu soup). This dish is great as a way to use up all those vege odds and ends in the fridge!

Chicken meat - cut into strips

Assorted veges - I used carrots, sweet pea pods, green bellpepper, broccolli

Oyster sauce

Ginger - julienned

Garlic - minced

Chinese sesame oil (optional)

Simply saute the ginger and garlic in a little oil. Add the 'hard' veges first, eg carrots and brocolli stems. Cook til almost done (add in some water and cover to help speed up the process). You can then add in the chicken and bellpepper with enough oyster sauce to flavour the dish. Once the chicken is done, add in the other veges. Drizzle with a little sesame oil to serve.
Do watch the cooking time for the different veges as we dont want any of them overdone.

Chinese Shrimp and Tofu soup
Decided to make my own stock but you can use readymade chicken stock (cubes, granules, canned, etc) in a pinch...

Stock: Boil water with some chicken bones, crushed garlic, ginger pieces and the white parts of some spring onions. Once stock is ready, remove the bones and bits of garlic and ginger.

Other ingredients:

Shrimp

Spring onions

Peas

Tomatoes

Soft (silken) tofu - cut into large cubes

White pepper and salt

Basically, all you need to do is to add in all the ingredients and season to taste. That's it!

Shaan (or Shakaal?)

2007-01-30T18:51:00.000-08:00

I had recently came across some wonderful blogs that feature and talk about Bollywood movies. Some of the writers are Indian but there are other nationalities who have fallen in love with Indian movies. I myself have a couple of Chinese friends who are fans of Bollywood (and SRK in particular!) And it was while reading these sites, esp In praise of all things Dharmendra and Filmiholic, that I decided to look up older movies, esp from the 70s and 80s. Most of the older Bollywood films that I've seen tend to be Shammi, Rishi or Anil Kapoor films, mainly due to my parents being fans of them.

So to start off my quest to watch these classics (whether in the traditional or infamous sense), me and dearest watched Shaan over the weekend on cable tv. And it was a blast!

++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Amitabh + Shashi + Sunil + Shatrugha = Shaan

DSP Shiv Kumar (Sunil Dutt) is a diligent and honest police officer. He lives with his wife (Raakhee), a son, and two wayward brothers, Ravi (Shashi Kapoor), and Vijay (Amitabh Bachchan), who are con-men, and will do anything for a quick buck. When Shiv Kumar is killed (in a totally dramatic way), Ravi and Vijay give up their waywardness and nonchalant way of life, to find out who killed their brother and (of course) to avenge his death. With help from a thought-to-be foe, they come face-to-face with the seemingly invincible Shakaal (Kulbhushan Kharbanda), a Dr No wannabe.

An out and out potboiler, Shaan was a huge success. It was a big-budget movie, with big sets, a multi-star cast, helicopter chases, explosions and more. Watching it now, it is campy but in a fun way. The best parts are AB's costumes (love his striped T-shirts and many zipped jackets!) and the Bond-ish villain, Shakaal, complete with his own island, underwater HQ, revolving chairs, crocodiles and small army of uniformed personnel. The songs are great (Yamma Yamma... Jaanu Meri Jaan), dialogues can be hilarious and acting over-the-top but who cares...it's just fun!

Top Crimes Committed in Fairy Tales

2007-01-30T00:05:00.000-08:00

Am currently reading Jasper Fforde's other series after the success of the Thursday Next series (I love her!). The Big Over Easy, stars DI Jack Spratt from Nursery Crimes Division, a character featured in the Next series. In his first appearance, Spratt investigates the fall of local businessman Humpty Stuyvesant Van Dumpty.

Since Humpty Dumpty is the subject of a police investigation, I thought, it shouldn't be the only one. Below is my list of nursery crimes :)

1 - Unlawful demolition of straw houses
2 - Illegal consumption of grandmothers
3 - Abandonment of children in the woods
4 - Inter-species romance
5 - Conversion of humans into amphibians without a license
6 - Offering poison fruit
7 - Tricking little children into trading their livestock for 'magic beans'
8 - Outraging the modesty of women by kissing them without their consent when they are in a magically-induced coma
9 - Breaking and entering, followed by theft of porridge
10 - Failure to pay musicians for pest control services
11 - Employing elves without paying foreign worker levy
12 - Distorting the truth by writing a column suggesting that the Emperor has no clothes on

If anyone else can think of any more, do drop me a note!

Singlish vs English

2007-01-18T00:42:00.000-08:00

Why do we insist on using the Queen's English? Singlish is so much more economical and effective. Compare and see! Hee hee....
+++++++++++++++++++++++

When going shopping:
Brit: I'm sorry Sir, but we don't seem to have the sweater you want in your size, but if you give me a moment, I can call the other outlets for you.
S'porean: No Stock! Wait, I check...

When returning a call:
Brit: Hello, this is Mr Bean. Did anyone page for me a few moments ago?
S'porean: Hello, who page?

When someone is in the way:
Brit: Excuse me, I'd like to get by. Would you make way, please?
S'porean: Lai, siam! OR Siam, hor! Or Skius!

When asking to be excused:
Brit: If you would excuse me for a moment, I have to go to the gents/ladies. Carry on without me, please.
S'porean: Go toilet. Buay tahan ahh...

When doubting someone:
Brit: I don't quite recall. Could you jar my memory, please?
S'porean: Got meh??

When disagreeing on a topic of discussion:
Brit: Err..Tom, I have to stop you there. I understand where you are coming from, but I really have to disagree with you.
S'porean: Talk cock lah you!

When asking someone to lower their voice:
Brit: Excuse me, but could you please lower your voice. I'm trying to concentrate over here.
S'porean: Eh, tiam ah!

When asking someone if he/she knows you:
Brit: Excuse me, but I noticed you were staring at me for some time. Do I know you?
S'porean: See what see?! Buay song ah?!

Just for laffs...

2007-01-16T02:11:00.000-08:00

What the fast food worker is really thinking when serving you...

1) Would you like a heart attack with that?

2) Eh? Did I forget to wash my hands after going to the toilet again?

3) Wah lau, this guy eats here more regularly that I do...but I work here, what's his excuse?

4) Why? Oh why didn't I listen to Mummy and study hard?

5) Did this one fall on the floor, or did the other one?

6) Funny how nobody seems to be able to taste what I added to the special sauce.

7) Eh, supersize my salary, leh..

8) Help.. me.. please...

9) Hee hee hee, you really think that's beef, ah...

10) Mmm.. Auntie is pretty hot for a 71-year old.

11) Wasn't I wearing a plaster just now?

Dishy 3

2007-01-16T01:57:00.000-08:00

I've always been fascinated with the Southern Fried Chicken recipes I see online and in foreign magazines such Martha Stewart's Living. So had the opportunity to make up a similiar recipe last night for dinner. This was really touch-and-go for several reasons. Firstly, I've not tried frying chicken (or anything else for that matter) in my new house, I've not attempted even a similiar recipe before and had wanted to do chicken breasts served over pasta but for some reason, hubby and me couldn't find any even though we went to different supermarkets(!).

The results were quite ok although I will probably bake this in the oven next time and marinate the chicken for much longer (which I didn't get to do as it was a rush-from-work-to-kitchen yesterday). Anyway, here goes....

BREADED CHICKEN (DRUMSTICKS)
Chicken
Milk
Yoghurt
Lemon juice
Cajun spices (in a bottle)
Breadcrumbs

Marinate the chicken parts in the milk, yoghurt and cajun spices (to taste) with about the juice of 1/3 of the lemon. From what I've read, it would be good if you can marinate this overnight or at least 4 hours. When ready, roll the chicken in the breadcrumbs. You can then either pan-fry them or bake in a pre-heated oven til done. To serve, I sprinkle more of the spices on top and a squeeze of lemon juice.

REALLY REALLY SIMPLE PASTA
Penne/Fusilli pasta
Jar of spaghetti sauce
Chopped Carrots
Chopped Celery
Sugar

Cook the pasta in boiling salted water. Drain and cool. In jar, saute the carrots and celery in a little water til softened. Add the jar of spaghetti sauce and cook til veggies are done. Add in 1/2 tsp of sugar and stir the pasta through the sauce. Serve warm or cold.

America's Dumbest Criminals

2007-01-16T00:15:00.000-08:00

Timothy Baker was back in jail in Waco, Texas, hours after he had escpaed while being held for aggravated robbery. His getaway had taken him to Baylor University, where he broke into a building in order to find a change of clothes from his orange prison suit. The building was the Fine Arts Centre, where Baker raided a costume closet. He apparently thought he would be inconspicuous if he changed into a 19th-century green wool outfit (with rubber galoshes) that made him look like a 'leprechaun', according to the Waco sheriff. Baker was spotted on the street and rearrested. Said the chairman of the theatre department, "He just really stood out".

Gary Lee Owens, 42, was arrested on drug charges in Stilwell, Kansas, even though police weren't looking for drugs when they knocked on his door. The police had received a tip-off that two fugitives were hiding at that address, and since Owens knew nothing about that, he matter-of-factly gave them permission to search the house. He then added the restriction "everywhere but the garage'. The police naturally decided that his comment was worth a search warrant and later found the remains fo a suspectd methamphetamine lab.

The criminal who is captured because his tracks lead away from a crime scene is an old story. However, Albert Jackson Dowdy, 22, took incompetence to a new level. According to police in Grants Pass, Oregon, he tried to break into a home by smashing a glass door with a paint can, but the can broke open. Paint spattered all over Dowdy's clothes and shoes, yet he traipsed through the hose nonetheless, leaving stains everywhere. He made off with two cans of tuna and a box of oatmeal. Before long police tracked Dowdy to a nearby motel - where he appeared at the door still wearing his paint-smeared clothes.

In Tulsa, Oklahoma, suspected shoplifter Jacob Wise, 18, had cleverly removed security tags from clothes he was allegedly stealing from a store. But the alarm went off anyway when Wise strolled through the exit door. It seems he had merely put the removed tags into his pocket.

A 36-year old man was tackled by customers as he attepmted to rob the Zions Bank in Salt Lake City shortly after it opened. Several customers had noticed him waiting outside for the bank to open - already wearing his hooded seatshirt and mask. The man then had meekly waiting in line for his turn before snatching money from a teller.
+++++++++++++++++++
From Chuck Shepherd's News of the Weird!

Dishy 2

2007-01-12T19:18:00.000-08:00

Was home alone with dear hon last night, and since it was raining on-off the entire day, decided to cook dinner. As we were too lazy to go out to the supermarket, had to raid the fridge :) My MIL was lovely enough to leave cleaned and peeled frozen prawns and so had Grilled Prawns and Chinese Fried Rice to accompany it.

Chinese Fried Rice
Basically, a stir fry. I modified the recipe with scrambled eggs, cooked rice, light soy sauce and veggies like peas, carrots, tomatoes and sweet peapods. Would have been better if the rice was cooked the day before but it turned out quite well.

Grilled Marinated Shrimp
Decided to test our new Toast-and-Grill with quite nice results! Again, had to modify this recipe. As I had some leftover pasta sauce in a jar from the night before, decided to substitute that for the tomato sauce in the recipe. Also had to substitute the red wine vinegar with a squeeze of lemon juice (added just before grilling) and the fresh basil for dried herbs. I also heated up the remaining marinade to make a sauce for the prawns.

With fresh orange juice and some grilled fish nuggets, dinner turned out quite nice ;P

Best & Worst (and everything else in between) Films of 2006

2007-01-12T01:52:00.000-08:00

Now that the dust has settle down and the new year is well on its way, I've finnaaallllyyy managed to finish this post of the Best Films of 2006 (according to me anyway). These are generally movies that may not be critically acclaimed or have won awards but I find them entertaining and worthy of repeat viewings:
You Don't Need Explosions to Sell a Movie
Hopefully, studios will pick up on the success of The Devil Wears Prada and finally realize films aimed at adult audiences - and women in particular - can succeed at the box office. Meryl Streep's amazing performance as the boss from hell propelled the big screen version of Lauren Weisberger's novel into grossing more than $300 million worldwide. The Devil Wears Prada helped prove that audiences will turn out for quality (the key word) films without CGI, violence, or sex.

Bond Returns with a Bang
He was blonde, not the most popular actor in the world (a lot of American moviegoers didn't even recognize his name) and many had doubted if he could pull off the 'suave and sexy' stylings of super-spy James Bond, but casting Daniel Craig in the coveted role of Bond, James Bond, turned out to be exactly what the franchise needed. Craig earned rave reviews for his leading role in Casino Royale and the film itself won over a bunch of new fans, as well as, satisfied longtime Bond followers.

Superman Returns - I know I should feel bad listing Superman Returns here but I enjoyed it and I'm not a Superman-type person (more of a Batman fan). The film did well during its theatrical run and the majority of critics seemed to approve of Bryan Singer's vision for the franchise. But the lack of fight scenes and an interesting villain made some Superman fans cry foul. But never fear, director Singer's determined to do another Superman film and rumors have it that the next one will include more action - and a better storyline.

The Departed
I'm a fan of the original Hongkong movie so was a little worried when I heard Scorsese wants to remake it. But The Departed is bloody and brutal and nasty, and every single actor nails their performance.

Yo Ho Ho and you know the rest...
Some might argue that Pirates of the Carribbean: Dead Man's Chest was a step back in the POC trilogy but for me, it's the triumphant rogue in Depp that keeps this pirate ship afloat and actually makes the third voyage (coming next summer) a trip worth booking.

Last of the wham-bam three-quel?
I liked it. Everyone was angry, really tense, and emotionally charged up. X-MEN: The Last Stand is supposed to be the last installment but I strongly doubt it. Three-picture contracts are up. Wolverine (Hugh Jackman) wants his own franchise. Mutants are getting sexier and their super-powers are more impressive. Ratner used his budget to impressively destroy a nice little neighborhood, a part of Planet Earth and remodeled the Golden Gate Bridge. The visual effects definitely merit mention. With so many characters laid to rest, it is time to look towards a more sinister plot – with a worthy villain.

Movies I had really wanted to like:
Miami Vice - Michael Mann's visual style seemed to be the perfect match for a film version of the classic '80s TV series. And on paper the pairing of Colin Farrell and Jamie Foxx seemed like an interesting idea. Who would have thought this 2006 version of Miami Vice (which had nothing to do with the series) would turn out to be such a bust?

Lady in the Water - Note to writer/directors who like to insert themselves in their films: Unless you're a masochist, do not cast yourself as a man who is told he will write something that will change the world.

The Da Vinci Code - The Da Vinci Code is one of my favorite books, and after learning that Tom Hanks and Ron Howard were going to make a film version, I thought it would be a sure-fire winner. I was very wrong. First of all, this is the first movie where I did not like Tom Hanks. His facial expression, one of perpetually befuddlement, never leaves his face. His character had zero personality, down to the stripping of the famous Langdon tweed coat in the book to a boring suit in the film. And his character had zero chemistry with Sofie. Secondly, the film itself had a constantly dark and mundane theme to it. The book, to me, was an epic adventure. In contrast, the movie had more of a feel of John Travolta's 'Battlefield Earth' than it did 'Indiana Jones.' Maybe if you've never read the book and don't plan to, it would be worth watching.

Of course, there are also really bad movies that somehow begs the question "What were they thinking??":
Snakes on a Plane - So here it is. Finally a studio film that not only listened to what audiences wanted out of a campy B-movie with Samuel L Jackson, snakes, and a plane, but actually altered the script and shot new scenes in response to online buzz. Yet when Snakes slithered into theaters, the pre-release hype did not translate into box office bucks. What exactly this means for future films of this ilk is yet to be determined. Was it the plot, the cast, or the fact people just don't like snakes and planes to mix?

Basic Instinct 2 - Yeah, I know exactly zero people who anxiously awaited this sequel.

Movies that I've missed that I want to watch:
The Illusionist
It would be deliciously fun to watch Edward Norton and Paul Giamatti square off in this big screen adaptation of Steven Millhauser's short story, Eisenheim the Illusionist. Add Jessica Biel and Rufus Sewell (always good as the dashing bad guy) to the mix and things just cannot get any better.

United 93
When United 93 was approaching its release on April 28, 2006, the argument kicked into high gear over whether or not it was too early to release a feature film depicting the events of September 11, 2001. With the support of the family members of United 93 victims, Paul Greengrass proved he was right in launching the movie into theaters less than five years after those horrific acts of terrorism.

Tristan and Isolde - With Spiderman's James Franco and Underworld's Sophia Myles, this is a retelling of the ancient Celtic legend about star-crossed lovers.

The Best Ad of 2006?

2007-01-08T20:59:00.000-08:00

Huge kudos to the folks at Dove, who've created perhaps the best commercial of 2006 (watch it here).

The film, which has been viewed almost 300,000 times on YouTube, features a rather plain-looking model (pictured at left, in a screen grab) who is first transformed by a bevy of makeup artists and hair stylists and then touched up by computer -- neck elongated, eyes enlargened, lips puffed up. The end result is her magnificent mug (pictured, right) rising above pedestrians on a giant billboard. Dove has created a program to boost teens' self-esteem, the Dove Self-Esteem Fund.

Watch the film, share it with those you love, and comment below if it affected you in any way.

Wishing You...

2006-12-28T23:25:00.000-08:00

There have been many, many times in 2006 when I may have
disturbed you
troubled you
pestered you
irritated you
bugged you
with all the stuff I sent, did or said to you..............

But today I just want to tell you that in 2007........
I PLAN TO CONTINUE !!!!!!!

Wishing you a Happy New Year &

May Allah swt shine His blessings on you and your loved ones always!

Holiday Mood...

2006-12-21T19:51:00.000-08:00

Am in the end of year holiday mood. Can't seem to focus on work so might as well blog

(all on company time, of course!)....
++++++++++++++++++++

(image from Design Crafters.com)

A Politically Correct Christmas Story

'Twas the night before Christmas and Santa's a wreck...

How to live in a world that's politically correct?

His workers no longer would answer to "Elves".

"Vertically Challenged" they were calling themselves.

And labour conditions at the North Pole

were alleged by the union to stifle the soul.

Four reindeer had vanished,

without much propriety,

Released to the wilds by the Humane Society.

And equal employment had made it quite clear

That Santa had better not use just reindeer.

So Dancer and Donner, Comet and Cupid

Were replaced with 4 pigs,

and you know that looked stupid!

The runners had been removed from his sleigh;

The ruts were termed dangerous by the E.P.A.

And people had started to call for the cops

When they heard sled noises on their rooftops.

Second-hand smoke from his pipe

had his workers quite frightened.

His fur trimmed red suit was called "Unenlightened."

And to show you the strangeness of life's ebbs and flows,

Rudolf was suing over unauthorised use of his nose

And had gone on Geraldo,in front of the nation,

Demanding millions in over-due compensation.

So, half of the reindeer were gone; and his wife,

Who suddenly said she'd enough of this life,

Joined a self-help group, packed, and left in a whiz,

Demanding from now on her title was Ms.

And as for the gifts, why, he'd never had a notion

That making a choice could cause so much commotion.

Nothing of leather, nothing of fur,

Which meant nothing for him. And nothing for her.

Nothing that might be construed to pollute.

Nothing to aim, Nothing to shoot.

Nothing that clamoured or made lots of noise.

Nothing for just girls, or just for the boys.

Nothing that claimed to be gender specific.

Nothing that's warlike or non-pacifistic.

No candy or sweets...they were bad for the tooth.

Nothing that seemed to embellish a truth.

And fairy tales, while not yet forbidden,

Were like Ken and Barbie, better off hidden.

For they raised the hackles of those psychological

Who claimed the only good gift was one ecological.

No baseball, no football...someone could get hurt;

Besides, playing sports exposed kids to dirt.

Dolls were said to be sexist, and should be passe;

And Nintendo would rot your entire brain away.

So Santa just stood there, dishevelled, perplexed;

He just could not figure out what to do next.

He tried to be merry, tried to be gay,

But you've got to be careful with that word today.

His sack was quite empty, limp to the ground;

Nothing fully acceptable was to be found.

Something special was needed, a gift that he might

Give to all without angering the left or the right.

A gift that would satisfy, with no indecision,

Each group of people, every religion;

Every ethnicity, every hue, Everyone, everywhere...even you.

So here is that gift, it's price beyond worth...

May you and your loved ones, enjoy peace on Earth.

Copyright; Author Unknown

For more funny Christmas poems, visit Funny Poets.com!

Nose Matters

2006-12-18T22:47:00.000-08:00

Came across this news article today which I thot was kinda cool....

The Nose Knows Better
Humans can track a scent trail across a field, with all their other senses blocked, a new study shows.The findings, published in Nature Neuroscience, suggest the human sense of smell doesn't get enough credit, write the researchers.....

On a related note... Due to monsoon season we are currently having, coupled with S'pore's weird penchant for having blasting aircons (whether in public transports, offices or shopping centres), here are some tips on Early Flu Prevention.

One of the Most Annoying Things

2006-12-18T22:06:00.000-08:00

One of the most annoying things for me is keeping lipstick off my teeth...Came across this handy tip and have tried it twice...so far been working ok ;)

Here's a simple trick we once read models use to keep lipstick off their teeth. Apply lipstick, then place a finger in your mouth. Close lips around your finger and pull finger out. This should remove any excess lipstick, thereby keeping it from collecting on your teeth.

Just watched (10)...

2006-12-18T19:41:00.000-08:00

Wasted.....
Was really looking forward to this one. Dhoom 2 was meant to be a battle on 2 fronts. Firstly, offscreen, whether Hritik can draw the crowds as much as SRK (whose Don was released a month before). Both actors are doing negative roles so there is bound to be comparisons. Secondly, on a smaller scale, D2 pits good cop Abishek with bad guy Hritik. Adding to the wow factor, D2 is also the first movie to pair Hritik and Aishwarya. With Bispasha, also a cop, thrown into the mix...a potential love interest perhaps? So with these intriguing factors, why do I say that D2 is wasted?

Mainly, D2 is let down by a poorly crafted script. Granted going to a Bollywood masala film requires the audience to suspend their brains but there are such glaring flaws and plotholes that it finally got too distracting.

My major grips are as follows (in no particular order whatsoever) :

1) There is hardly any background to Hritik's motivation. He was built up as being the 'perfect' thief. Stealing seemingly impossible priceless items, leaving no clues to his identity except a metal letter A that he leaves behind at each scene. The places where he chooses to steal from and when he does so are meant to lead to a bigger masterplan but for some reason, this was never fulfilled. There is no explaination as to how he came to be the loner master thief that as he is.
2) Aishwarya's role was meant to be the female counterpart to Hritik. She is supposed to be this sexy, determined girl who wants to join Hritik as his partner but again, her character is never fully fleshed out. Aish who may look the part, certainly can't act the part. She is stiff and too forced. As compared to Bipasha, Aish tries to hard in her speech and mannerisms to be sexy. In the end, it just came across as annoying. There is also not much of a built-up on how she and Hritik actually hook up during the movie. With Hritik being this lone wolf character, it would have been better if she at least had to got through some reall tests to gain his trust.
3) Now Bispasha definitely wins the sexy trophy for this one. She looks great and is at ease with herself. Unfortunately, her role amounts to nothing much. She is supposed to be this ex-love interest of Abishek while in college who is now an ACP(!) working on the Hritik's case. However, halfway through the movie she disappears and is reincarnated as her Brazilian twin sister who seems to do nothing but talk to her house and pose at the beach. The 2nd half of the movie was completed wasted by this completely unnecessary sub-plot and character. It would have been better spent on developing Hritik and Aish's characters and thus, be able to make the audience care for them.
4) And finally, just plain poor storytelling and screenplay. Very little actual police is actually shown. Supercop Abishek mainly hangs around at discos and sings before magically appearing at the scene at the right time sans explaination as to how he knows where to go. Some parts simply make no sense whatsoever. Case in point, at Bipasha's introduction, she walks into an interrogation room and seeing an open pair of handcuffs on a chair, 'accidentally' handcuffs herself...What the &*%#! An ACP no less! Also while briefing Abishek and his team on Hritik's trail of thievery, she says that she has been working on the case for 2 years. The next thing, you hear is Abishek spotting 2 very big clues ie. that the dates for each theft leads to the next date and that the locations all mark out a letter "A". This is within 10 secs of being briefed and the poor girl has been working on the case for how long?? There are many such plotholes unfortunately.

Ok, so was it all bad? Not really.. The good points:
The songs are pretty good after a few listens. Especially Crazy Kiya Re, Dhoom Again and Touch Me. However, if there is an award for the most irritating song it would go to Uday Chopra's My name is Lucky song! But the sole reason why anyone should watch the movie is for Hritik. He looks damn good and tries his best to act the part of a master thief. Comfortable in both his stunts and dancing, he also puts in a good performance during emotional parts. The way he commits his crimes are also entertaining although again, fairly unbelievable.

So it looks like SRK's Don beats Hritik's D2 in this round. Which is a pity as D2 could have been a tight, entertaining thriller. Wasted!

PS: I also like this Dhoom Dois review from Filmiholic

Return of Fresh Ink: A New Dish

2006-12-18T18:21:00.000-08:00

It's been awhile since I've put up a good to honest post. Been really really busy with a life-changing event for the past 2 months (which some of you might know what I'm talking about) but now that I am more settled into my new life and home, can start blogging regularly again.

I've also decided to add in a new category of posts called Dishy - where I will chronicle the meals or dishes I've done or tried out.

Since, my significant other is into salads and such, makes my life alot easier :) So no worries there.... Anyway, the first meal I did was last week. The recipes are from AllRecipes.com, a site which I use fairly often with quite good results. Unfortunately, I don't have a digital camera so can't put up any pixs yet (hint hint!)

So on with the menu.....

Prawn Pasta
A fairly simple recipe, it turned out quite well. The penne pasta was a nice change from the usual spaghetti which I normally cook with. The sauce is rather chunky so if you like it more smooth, either chop the veges more finely or cook down the sauce more before adding the prawns and pasta in. I think I will add in a can of tomato sauce as well just to thicken it abit more. I had also added in a bunch of chopped fresh white mushrooms.

Broccoli Salad
Have not had a broccoli salad before. I usually just eat as it is or microwaved. So this was also nice. Made quite a number of changes to this, as I had quite alot of veges left from the pasta. So added in diced red, yellow and green peppers, and diced celery and omitted the raisins and sunflower seeds. The dressing was yummy but have to find a way to make it less watery. I also steamed the broccoli rather than having it raw as in the recipe.

Dinner was served with crusty bread alongside. Had actually wanted foccacia but for some reason, none could be found at the local supermarket...oh well!
+++++++++++++++++++++++

Have also just finished reading Madhur Jaffrey's wonderful memoir Climbing the Mango Trees. Am writing a review on this for my company's newsletter so will put up soon too.

Movie Bloopers

2006-12-13T23:09:00.000-08:00

Sporty Captain Sparrow!

The swordsman and his trusty....watch?

Errr.... point, aim and....??

Trojan plane anyone?

Nothing can come between us...except my handphone...

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
I know I've not been blogging for quite awhile so just a little something til I have more time. Enjoy!

How Much can You Load?

2006-11-21T00:55:00.000-08:00

A Year to Look Back On....

2006-11-16T17:46:00.000-08:00

2006 has been both a fulfilling and challenging year for me. Lots of things, people and events have happened in my life that has made me grow and learn as a person. And for that, I am both humbled and grateful. Some of them were even quite unexpected!

With about a month to go to the end of the year, I've got a lot of loose ends to tie up so that I can kick off the new year with renewed enthusiasm and joy. However, in order for me to do so, I will need to take a break from blogging. I hope to be able to pop in once in awhile. But rest assured, will definitely be back.

In the meantime, would just like to ask this question (which someone has asked me recently) "What was that one thing that made 2006 a memorable year for you?" Do let me know your thots and I'll add in mine when I get back :)

Happy Holidays all!

Sweet Sweet Revenge

2006-11-01T21:55:00.000-08:00

A Wife

2006-10-18T17:47:00.000-07:00

A Wife
A talk by Shaykh Abdullah Adhami

By getting married you are not just getting a wife, you are getting your whole world. From now until the rest of your days your wife will be your partner, your companion, and your best friend.

She will share your moments, your days, and your years. She will share your joys and sorrows, your successes and failures, your dreams and your fears. When you are ill, she will take the best care of you; when you need help, she will do all she can for you;

When you have a secret, she will keep it; when you need advice, she will give you the best advice. She will always be with you: when you wake up in the morning the first thing your eyes will see will be hers; during the day, she will be with you, if for a moment she is not with you by her physical body, she will be thinking of you, praying for you with all her heart, mind, and soul; when you go to sleep at night, the last thing your eyes will see will be her; and when you are asleep you will still see her in your dreams. In short, she will be your whole world and you will be her whole world.

The best description that I personally have ever read describing the closeness of the spouses to each other is the Qur'anic verse which says: "they are your garments and you are their garments" (Surah Al Baqarah 2:187). Indeed, spouses are like garments to each other because they provide one another with the protection, the comfort, the cover, the support, and the adornment that garments provide to humans. Just imagine a journey in the winter of Alaska without garments! Our spouses provide us with the same level of comfort, protection, cover, and support in the journey of our lives on this earth as garments would do in the Alaskan journey.

The relationship between the spouses is the most amazing of all human relations: the amount of love and affection, intimacy and closeness, mercy and compassion, peace and tranquillity that fills the hearts of the spouses is simply inexplicable. The only rational explanation for these most amazing of all human feelings is that: it is an act of Allah Subhanahu wa Ta'ala, "And Allah has made for you Mates (and Companions) of your own nature ..." (Surah Al Nahl 16:72) Only our Almighty Allah Subhanahu wa Ta'ala in His Infinite Power, Boundless Mercy, and Great Wisdom can create and ingrain these amazing and blessed feelings in the hearts of the spouses. In fact Allah Subhanahu wa Ta'ala is reminding those who search for His signs in the universe that these feelings in the hearts of the spouses are among the signs that should guide humans to His existence as He says in the Qur'an, "And among His signs is this, that He created for you mates from among yourselves that you may dwell in tranquillity with them and He has put love and mercy between your hearts: verily in that are signs for those who reflect." (Surah Al Rum 30:21)

But Allah Subhanahu wa Ta'ala knows that the human heart is not a static entity, it is sometimes weak and at times dynamic. Feelings can and do change with time. Love may wither and fade away. The marital bond might weaken if not properly cared for. Happiness in marriage cannot be taken for granted; continuous happiness requires constant giving from both sides. For the tree of marital love to remain alive and keep growing, the soil has to be sustained, maintained, watered and nurtured.

Remember that our Prophet Muhammad Salallaahu 'aliahi wa'sallaam had found the time to go out to the desert and race with his wife Aisha. She out ran him but later after she had gained some weight, he out ran her.

Remember that the Prophet Salallaahu 'aliahi wa'sallaam took his wife to watch the young Ethiopians playing and dancing their folk dances. The show of emotions is necessary to keep the marital bond away from rusting and disintegrating.
Remember that you will be rewarded by Allah Subhanahu wa Ta'ala for any emotions you show to your wife as the Prophet Salallaahu 'aliahi wa'sallaam said "one would be rewarded for anything that he does seeking the pleasure of Allah even the food that he puts in the mouth of his wife."

Never underestimate the importance of seemingly little things as putting food in your wife's mouth, opening the car's door for her, etc. Remember that the Prophet Salallaahu 'aliahi wa'sallaam used to extend his knee to his wife to assist her up to ride the camel.

Try to always find some time for both of you to pray together. Strengthening the bond between you and Allah Subhanahu wa Ta'ala is the best guarantee that your own marital bond would always remain strong. Having peace with Allah Subhanahu wa Ta'ala will always result in having more peace at home.

Remember that the Prophet Salallaahu 'aliahi wa'sallaam gave glad tidings for those couples who wake up at night to pray together. The Prophet Salallaahu 'aliahi wa'sallaam even urged the spouse who rises up first to wake the other spouse up even by throwing cold water on his/her face.

Always try your best to be good to your wife by words and by deeds. Talk to her, smile to her, seek her advice, ask for her opinion, spend quality time with her and always remember that the Prophet Salallaahu 'aliahi wa'sallaam said "the best of you are those who are best to their wives."

Finally, it is common that spouses vow to love and honour their spouses until death do them part. I do believe that this vow is good or even great, but not enough! It is not enough that you love your wife. You have to love what she loves as well. Her family, her loved ones must also become your loved ones. Don't be like my colleague who was unhappy about his wife's parents coming to visit for few weeks. He candidly said to her "I don't like your parents." Naturally, she angrily looked at him straight in the eye and said " I don't like yours either"... Also, it is not enough that you love her until death do you part. Love should never end and we do believe there is life after death where those who did righteousness in this world will be joined by their spouses (Surah Al Zukhruf 43:70) and offsprings.

The best example in this regard is the Prophet Salallaahu 'aliahi wa'sallaam whose love for Khadija, his wife of 25 years extended to include all those she loved and continued even after her death. It was many years after her death and he never forgot her and whenever a goat was slaughtered in his house he would send portions of it to Khadija's family and friends and whenever he felt that the visitor at the door might be Khadija's sister Hala, he would pray saying "O Allah let it be Hala."

Happy Deeparaya!

2006-10-11T17:42:00.000-07:00

It's another year, when we celebrate Deepavali (aka Diwali)

and Hari Raya Aidilfitri (aka Eid) almost back-to-back.

So to all my friends out there... Happy DeepaRaya!

Chocolate for the Spirit

2006-10-04T18:13:00.000-07:00

Chocolate to suit all moods... Am having a choc craving at the moment but since am fasting have to wait til the evening... so to compensate for this I read Chocolate for the Spirit. A list of decadent chocolate companies and chocolate recipes.

Also came across Chocolate: The Exhibition in Chicago.... oh yummy!

Akan Datang Movie 30

2006-10-04T01:16:00.000-07:00

AN ORGANIC SNACK ANYONE?

The worms go in, the worms go out, but mostly what they do in the children's film "How to Eat Fried Worms" is end up battered, splattered, pureed, deep fried and nuked (in a microwave).
The story, based on the popular book by Thomas Rockwell, first published in 1973, involves the new kid on the block (Luke Benward) who, in a spasm of nutty, if age- and gender-appropriate braggadocio, agrees to a wormy dare under pressure from the school bully (Adam Hicks). Nicely directed, the film version proves refreshingly free of the customary blights that affect most modern children's movies, notably adult condescension. But, man, is it mean. It could hardly be otherwise. As the title says, "How to Eat Fried Worms" is, at least in part, about how to eat fried worms.

Realated: Literature activities on "How to Eat Fried Worms"
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

I remember reading this when I was 6 or 7 yrs old and loved it! It was funny without being silly, moralistic without being preachy. A great read for all!

PS: I like the official website design... clear, colourful and bright. Unlike some websites which take awhile to figure out how to navigate and take forever to load.

A Worthy Cause

2006-10-01T21:36:00.000-07:00

We do not need your money, we need you to light a candle of support.

Children sexually abused on Internet pornography sites cannot speak for themselves.

But you can.

With your help, we can eradicate this evil trade.

We DO NOT need your money.

We need you to light a candle if support.

We're aiming to light at least ONE MILLION CANDLES by December 31, 2006.

This petition will be used to encurage governments, politicians, financial institutions, payment organisations, Internet service providers, technology companies and law enforcement agencies to eradicate the commercial viability of online child pornography.

They have the power to work together. You have the power to get them to take action.

Together, we can destroy the commercial viability of Internet child pornography sites that are destroying the lives of innocent children.

Please light your candle at lightamillioncandles.com or send an email of support to light@lightamillioncandles.com.

Rolling Good Times (5)

2006-09-27T21:00:00.000-07:00

Van Kleef Aquarium

Telok Ayer Market

Sri Mariamman Temple

Rolling Good Times (4)

2006-09-27T20:47:00.000-07:00

National Theatre

New Bridge Road

Queen Elizabeth Walk

North Bridge Street

Raffles Place Garden

Rolling Good Times (3)

2006-09-27T19:58:00.000-07:00

Merdeka Bridge

Clifford Pier

Clifford Pier

Empress Place

Collyer Quay

Rolling Good Times (2)

2006-09-27T19:33:00.000-07:00

South Outram Park 1960

National Day Parade 1968

Bugis Street

Bugist Street

Old C K Tang

Rolling Good Times

2006-09-27T18:46:00.000-07:00

A friend of mine forwarded me these pics of old Singapore. Some I could remember but others were before my time. Really nostalgic fun!
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Female Cop circa 1970s

View of Singapore 1969

Old bus stop

View of the Singapore River

Another view of the Singapore River

Selamat Berpuasa

2006-09-24T18:35:00.000-07:00

To all fellow Muslims, may this Ramadhan bring you joy and happiness!

Party Planner

2006-09-21T01:27:00.000-07:00

Am addicted to another series of party planning that's being shown on Discovery Travel and Living. Party Planning with David Tutera is a delight to watch. I like his enthusiasm and really creative ideas. Love the little touches and details he adds for each event regardless of the size of the party.

PS: New book by Tutera

Big Birthdays , The Party Planner Celebrates Life's Big Milestones

Inspirational or Voyeurism?

2006-09-20T19:14:00.000-07:00

Came across this blogsite PostSecret recently. Basically, you submit a postcard with your secret or message and it wld be posted (anonymous, of course!)... Some of the postcards are really touching while others puts a smile on your face.....

2006-09-17T19:20:00.000-07:00

Why we Love Children

2006-09-17T19:12:00.000-07:00

Demise of the Crocodile Hunter

2006-09-04T20:54:00.000-07:00

The naturalist and television star Steve Irwin has died in a diving accident in far north Queensland. He was 44.
Police say he was stung through the heart by a stingray while diving off Port Douglas.
He was filming a documentary when the accident occurred around midday AEST near the Low Isles.
A helicopter arrived with paramedics on board to try to resuscitate him, but it was too late.
Cruise operator Steve Edmondson and his passengers watched on as paramedics tried to revive the television star.
"We are obviously very saddened by the news. It's a very unusual incident. We're all big fans of Steve Irwin," he said.
Irwin's body is being taken to the morgue in Cairns.
His family are believed to be flying from Brisbane to Cairns this afternoon.
Irwin, who was was born in Victoria in 1962, inherited his love of reptiles from his father.
His father Bob was a keen reptile enthusiast and moved the family to Queensland in 1970 to open a small reptile park on the Sunshine Coast.
Irwin took over the family business in 1991 and grew it into Australia Zoo.
In 1992 he ventured into television, making the first series of the Crocodile Hunter.
When the program aired in the United States, he shot to international fame.
Irwin is survived by his wife Terri and two children.

Nature lover
In 2003, he spoke to the ABC's Australian Story about how he was perceived in his country.
"When I see what's happened all over the world, they're looking at me as this very popular, wildlife warrior Australian bloke," he said.
"And yet back here in my own country, some people find me a little bit embarrassing.
"You know, there's this... they kind of cringe, you know, 'cause I'm coming out with 'Crikey' and 'Look at this beauty'.
"Just say what you're gonna say, mate. You know, is it a cultural cringe? Is it, they actually see a little bit of themselves when they see me, and they find that a little embarrassing?
"I'm fair dinkum, like kangaroos and Land Cruisers, winged keels and bloody flies! I think we've lost all that. I think we've all become very, sort of, money people."
He also spoke of his love for surfing.
"You get out there, it's just you against the waves.
"There's no paparazzi, there's no fan base, and it gives me a chance to recuperate and regenerate.
"I think I've actually got animals so genetically inside me that there's no way I could actually be anything else.
"I think my path would have always gone back to or delivered me to wildlife. I think wildlife is just like a magnet, and it's something that I can't help."

For more news on Steve Irwin.

1st ever Roald Dahl Day - 13 Sept 2006!

2006-09-04T00:43:00.000-07:00

Yipppeeee! ~~ It's the first ever Roald Dahl Day!

13th September 2006 would have been Roald Dahl's 90th birthday,

so what better way to celebrate!

"ROALD DAHL DAY will celebrate Roald's work and life...On September 13th, every child in the British Isles can have fun and, through Roald Dahl, have an extra birthday!" - Felicity Dahl

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Who needs an introduction to Roald Dahl and his world of quirky characters. Easily one of the world's best loved childrens' author, his works for adults are also hugely successful. Vividly imaginative, colourful fun, high drama and filled with memorable characters and unheard-of words, the world of Roald Dahl is a world where anything and everything is possible.

My favourite Dahl stories include Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Mathilda, James and the Giant Peach and all of his short stories for adults. His books and stories are perfectly matched with the illustrations by Quentin Blake. So join in the fun!

Quentin Blake/Roald Dahl exhibition

Open Letter to Bush

2006-09-01T01:50:00.000-07:00

Read this bold letter from a UAE girl of Zayed University, published in Khaleej Times, and send her your comments at Mira.AlHussein@zu.ac.ae , cc to ktedit@emirates.net.ae

Goodbye, Mum!!

2006-09-01T01:07:00.000-07:00

I was walking through the supermarket to pick up a few things when I noticed an old lady following me around. Thinking nothing of it, I ignored her and continued on. Finally I went to the checkout line, but she got in front of me.

"Pardon me," she said, "I'm sorry if my staring at you has made you feel uncomfortable. It's just that you look just like my son, who just died recently."

"I'm very sorry," I said to her, "Is there anything I can do for you?" "Yes," she said, "As I'm leaving, can you say 'Good bye, Mom?' It would make me feel so much better."

"Sure," I said. An odd request, but no harm would come of it. As the old woman was leaving, I called out, "Good Bye, Mom!"

As I stepped up to the checkout counter, I saw that my total was $1027.50.

"How can that be?" I asked, "I only purchased a few things!"

"Your mother said that you would pay for her," said the clerk.

Google and the Bookworm

2006-09-01T00:00:00.000-07:00

Starting this week internet users can download full copies of out-of-copyright books at Google's Book Search site, the search giant has confirmed.

The company said that users will be able to choose from a diverse collection of public domain titles, from well known classics to obscure gems. Read the entire article on Google confirms free book download service.
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Hmm, something of interest to note. I still prefer the tactile feel of holding a book to reading frm a PDA or laptop but it looks like the move to have digitized books is gaining speed.

Akan Datang Movie 29

2006-08-30T19:12:00.000-07:00

It's been a while since I did the Akan Datang Movies section. Due to 2 reasons i) AllConsuming has made it easier for me to keep track of movies that I've watched or want to watch (click click) and ii) There weren't any movies that excited me enuf to blog abt.

But these 2 movies are most definitely a few of the most anticipated movies of the yr. It's a heads on collision between King Khan's magnum opus "Don" and Hritik's big gamble "Dhoom 2". Both are sequels to successful films, they both star as villains, and both are action-adventure-thrillers. Let the battle begin!

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The sequel to the 2004 superhit, Dhoom 2 stars Hritik Roshan and Aishwarya Rai together for the first time, and as villains! Abhishek and Uday Chopra returns as the good guys in this action adventure. Whereas, Esha is replaced by Bipasha, who stars as a cop too (?!). Looking forward to lots of cool stunts, the great cast and of course, the music!

Watch the really cool Dhoom 2 Trailer! And more News on Dhoom 2
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Based on the successful erstwhile classic of the same name, which featured the legendary Amitabh Bachchan and Zeenat Aman, the contemporary and stylishly crafted Don, features Shah Rukh Khan playing a double role in one of the most defining performances of his career, teamed for the first time with former Miss World, Priyanka Chopra. With more stunts and use of technology, this is the new age Don!

Event pixs of Don Music Launch, SRK's new suave look, techno look for Don and more News on Don

Let's Keep This Short

2006-08-30T01:22:00.000-07:00

Overheard--
A woman on a cell phone: "Why would I read your blog? I don't even like talking to you."
(San Francisco Chronicle, submitted by Ellen Denmead)

OUCH!!

Crazy weather

2006-08-30T01:18:00.000-07:00

The weather's been out of whack these few weeks. With blistering hot afternoons and breezy rain in the evenings. Usually its quite alright if I'm at work (free aircon!) but during the weekends, it can be trying. Came across this article about how to keep the home feeling fresh during the hot afternoons. May wanna give this a try...
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When the weather turns warm and sometimes sticky, most of our homes could use a little help smelling and feeling fresh. Clean summery scents can do a lot for us, but we don’t want to rely on plug-in air fresheners or air freshener sprays: both contain chemicals thought to be harmful. Instead, we can rely on the wisdom of our great-grandmothers, and use natural ingredients to make our homes smell delightfully refreshing and clean. Read entire Summer Scents article.

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My favs are Lively Lemon, Vanilla Odor Remover and Cinnamon Trick...

I've been Tagged

2006-08-22T18:39:00.000-07:00

I've been tagged by Starry Nights. This is the first such tag for me...so here goes...
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I AM THINKING ABOUT: a major something and a beloved someone....
I SAID: good morning to a stranger today....which was quite nice...
I WANT TO: be able to fly but since that's not possible...i'll settle for finishing this overdue tag first ;)
I WISH: that all the fighting in the world would just cease...
I WONDER: what the future holds for me...
I REGRET: that I did not get to know my grandfathers better. Both passed on, when I was very young. Would love to have gotten to know them as an adult.
I HEAR: my mum baby-talking to my cat...very funny!
I AM: a simple, straightforward girl-woman who's still learning about life....
I DANCE: badly...but who cares as long as I'm having fun and the music's pumping loud!
I SING: in my head when I am happy....
I CRY: quietly for sad, happy, touching moments...
I AM NOT: sure what to write for this one...hahaha....
I MAKE WITH MY HANDS: crafts for family and friends....
I WRITE: or rather type alot...both for work and leisure....short stories, poems, articles, reviews....
I CONFUSE: when I can't convince ;P
I NEED: to spend less and save more....

I tag Life's Ironies, Me Myself and Nobody Else, Farhana, and RubyxCube... Happy tagging, guys!

Books and Beverages

2006-08-14T22:58:00.000-07:00

LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - Starbucks Corp. on Monday said it will begin selling a new novel by author Mitch Albom in its U.S. stores this fall as part of a broad strategy to boost entertainment offerings in its coffee shops.
Sales of the book, "For One More Day," will be supported by a marketing effort that will include in-store signage, a 25-city initiative to encourage customers to discuss the book at Starbucks stores, and a charity tie-in to promote literacy.
Starbucks declined to disclose the terms of the deal with the book's publisher, Hyperion.
The company, which is based in Seattle, has parlayed successful sales of music compilation CDs into a small but profitable business that has included deals for exclusive content with musicians like Bob Dylan and Alanis Morissette.
This year, Starbucks extended its reach into the entertainment business through a deal in which it promoted the low-budget film "Akeelah and the Bee" in its stores.
Selling the latest book by Albom, author of "The Five People You Meet in Heaven" and the memoir, "Tuesdays with Morrie", takes that strategy a step further, said Ken Lombard, head of Starbucks Entertainment.
"For One More Day," which Starbucks said "focuses on the connection between parents and children," goes on sale in Starbucks stores October 3. It also will be available in traditional retail outlets, where it will go on sale about a week earlier, Lombard said.
Starbucks is timing the beginning of its promotion to coincide with Albom's book tour, during which he will visit Starbucks coffee shops in eight cities, Lombard said.
The company wants to offer music downloads at its stores and has said that more video and entertainment content on its Web site would be forthcoming. A video conversation with Albom will appear online in conjunction with the book promotion.
From Starbucks to sell, promote Mitch Albom's new novel
Related : Albom Online

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Looks like his last year's suspension did not have any bearing on this match made in corporate heaven.
Will Albom's woes taint journalism?

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10...

2006-08-14T01:26:00.000-07:00

This is hilarious....and exclusive to locals here.
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Ah Lek was asked to make a sentence using 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10.
Not only did he do it 1 to 10, he did it again from 10 back to 1. This is what he came up with.....

1 day I go 2 climb a 3 outside a house to peep. But the couple saw me, so I panic and 4 down. The man rushed out and wanted to 5 with me. I ran until I fell 6 and threw up. So I go into 7-eleven and grabbed some 8 to throw at him. Then I took a 9 and try to stab at him. 10 goodness he run away.

10 I put the 9 back and pay for the 8 and left 7-eleven. Next day I called my boss and told him I was 6. He said 5, tomorrow also no need to come back 4 work. He also asked me to go climb a 3 and jump down. I don't understand. I am so nice 2 him but I don't know what he 1.

Green Moment

2006-08-07T02:26:00.000-07:00

A friend of mine forwarded me this email. Not sure if it really works or whether it is safe. So if anyone out there can point to some reliable answers would be really grateful. If it does work then I'm all for it (for some reason the author seems to think that writing in caps and putting exclamation marks everywhere would make you jump on to the idea). Anyway...
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PRESERVE YOUR FRUITS AND VEGETABLES

MY INDONESIAN MAID SHARED WITH ME A WEEK AGO THAT SHE TESTED A WAY TO PRESERVE FRUITS AND VEGETABLES, WHICH SHE SAID WAS ONE OF MY AUNTY WHO TAUGHT HER WHEN SHE BABY-SIT AT ONE FAMILY IN KL. THAT FAMILY WAS USING "ALUMINIUM COATED PLASTIC BAGS" TO KEEP THEIR FRUITS AND VEGETABLES FOR WEEKS AND ITS STILL FRESH!!! ITS SO AMAZING!!!

I THOUGHT ITS A GOOD IDEA TO SAFE SOME UNWANTED RESOURCE WHICH MOST PEOPLE WOULD THROW THEM AWAY WITHOUT 2ND THOUGHT. AND HERE I AM SHARING WITH YOU THE USEFULNESS OF THE UNWANTED RESOURCE IN ACTION.
HERE IS THE KIND OF ALUMINIUM COATED PLASTIC BAG FROM QUAKER. YOU CAN USE ANY OTHER ALUMINIUM COATED BAG WOULD DO.

LOOK AT WHAT MY MAID FOUND... AFTER 1 WEEK... THE VEGETABLES ARE STILL FRESH!!! AMAZING!!! ISN'T IT???! NO DEHYDRATION AT ALL.:))

BUT DON'T FOLD OR SEAL THE OPENING OF THE BAG. JUST LEAVE THE BAG OPEN AND IT WILL DO THE MAGIC WORK FOR YOU ALREADY... HAHHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA....:)) TRY IT OUT... YOU WOULD SURE LIKE IT VERY MUCH TOO.

** INSTEAD OF THROWING THE USEFUL THINGS AWAY, RE-USE IT AGAIN, AND YOU WILL BE INHERENTLY JOINING THE GROUP OF "SAVING THE MOTHER-EARTH" CAMPAIGN TOO. :))

Things I Hate...

2006-08-07T02:21:00.000-07:00

Just somethings that rub my the wrong way for some reason...Sorry am in a cranky mood...
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1. People who point at their wrist while asking for the time. I know where my watch is pal, where the hell is yours? Do I point at my crotch when I ask where the toilet is?

2 People who are willing to get off their ass to search the entire room for the T.V. remote because they refuse to walk to the T.V. and change the channel manually.

3 When people say "Oh you just want to have your cake and eat it too". Damn right! What good is cake if you can't eat it?

4 When people say "it's always the last place you look". Of course it is. Why the hell would you keep looking after you've found it? Do people do this? Who and where are they? Gonna Kick their asses!

5 When people say while watching a film "did you see that?". No Loser, I paid $10 to come to the cinema and stare at the damn floor.

6 People who ask "Can I ask you a question?". Didn't really give me a choice there, did ya sunshine?

7 When something is 'new and improved!' What the hell?! Which is it? If it's new, then there has never been anything before it. If it's an improvement, then there must have been something before it, so it couldn't be new.

8 When you are waiting for the bus and someone asks "Has the bus come yet?". If the bus came would I be standing here, dumbass?

Body Language

2006-08-03T01:27:00.000-07:00

Couldnt resist putting up this joke...
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A woman gets on a city bus. She looks at the driver and holds up one hand; the driver holds up two hands.
Next, the woman points up; the driver points down.
Then, the woman grabs her breast; the driver grabs his crotch. Finally, the woman grabs her butt & gets off the bus.
A curious passenger asked the bus driver what the odd motions were all about. The driver explained, "The woman is a deaf-mute. She asked me if a bus ride is five cents, and I told her it was ten cents. Next, she asked if the bus was going uptown, and I told her it was going downtown. Then, she asked if the bus was going pass the milk-farm, and I told her it was going pass the ball-park."
The passenger interjected,"Okay, but why did she grab her butt as she left the bus?"
The driver continued, she replied "Oh shit!I'm on the wrong bus!"

Cartoon from The Londoner

Introspective..Me??

2006-08-02T18:41:00.000-07:00

Tried this simple personality test (all you need to do is choose the pix that appeals to you). Kinda true!
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Introspective Sensitive Reflective

You come to grips more frequently and thoroughly with yourself and your environment than do most people. You detest superficiality; you'd rather be alone than have to suffer through small talk. But your relationships with your friends are very strong, which gives you the inner tranquility and harmony that you require. You do not mind being alone for extended periods of time; you rarely become bored.

Mariah's Wardrobe..!!

2006-08-01T21:17:00.000-07:00

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Pixs are from the Summer 2006 issue of InStyle...Good gosh!

Engineering vs Management

2006-08-01T01:23:00.000-07:00

Once upon a time, a man in a hot air balloon realized that he was lost. He reduced altitude and spotted a woman below. He descended a bit more and shouted. "Excuse me, can you help me? I promised a friend I would meet him an hour ago, but I don't know where I am."

The woman below replied. "You're in a hot air balloon hovering approximately 30 feet above the ground. You're between 50 and 51 degrees north latitude and between 114 and 115 degrees west longitude."

"You must be an engineer," said the balloonist.
"I am," replied the woman. "How did you know?"

"Well," answered the balloonist, "everything you told me is technically correct, but I've no idea what to make use of your information. The fact is, I'm still lost. Frankly, you've not been much help at all. If anything, you've delayed my trip."

The woman below responded, "You must be in management."

"I am," replied the balloonist, "but how did you know?"
"Well," said the woman, "you don't know where you are or where you're going.

You have risen to where you are due to a large quantity of hot air. You made a promise, which you've no idea how to keep, and you expect people beneath you to solve your problems. The fact is, you are in exactly the same position you were in before we met, but now, somehow, you've
managed to make it my fault!!"

Image from Full Range Leadership

Killing time....

2006-08-01T00:10:00.000-07:00

Your Seduction Style: Au Natural

You rank up there with your seduction skills, though you might not know it.That's because you're a natural at seduction. You don't realize your power!The root of your natural seduction power: your innocence and optimism.
You're the type of person who happily plays around and creates a unique little world.Little do you know that your personal paradise is so appealing that it sucks people in.You find joy in everything - so is it any surprise that people find joy in you?
You bring back the inner child in everyone you meet with your sincere and spontaneous ways.Your childlike (but not childish) behavior also inspires others to care for you.As a result, those who you befriend and date tend to be incredibly loyal to you.

What Kind of Seducer Are You?