+ a life = a story +

Singing For Change

2011-06-11T13:12:00.003+08:00

Browsing through my itunes and I found this.

The song is old but the lyrics still applies till today.

We are all singing our hearts out for a better tomorrow.

Dear Mr. President

(by Pink feat. Indigo Girls)

Dear Mr. President,

Come take a walk with me.

Let's pretend we're just two people and

You're not better than me.

I'd like to ask you some questions if we can speak honestly.

What do you feel when you see all the homeless on the street?

Who do you pray for at night before you go to sleep?

What do you feel when you look in the mirror?

Are you proud?

How do you sleep while the rest of us cry?

How do you dream when a mother has no chance to say goodbye?

How do you walk with your head held high?

Can you even look me in the eye

And tell me why?

Dear Mr. President,

Were you a lonely boy?

Are you a lonely boy?

How can you say

No child is left behind?

We're not dumb and we're not blind.

They're all sitting in your cells

While you pave the road to hell.

What kind of father would take his own daughter's rights away?

And what kind of father might hate his own daughter if she were gay?

I can only imagine what the first lady has to say

You've come a long way from whiskey and cocaine.

How do you sleep while the rest of us cry?

How do you dream when a mother has no chance to say goodbye?

How do you walk with your head held high?

Can you even look me in the eye?

Let me tell you 'bout hard work

Minimum wage with a baby on the way

Let me tell you 'bout hard work

Rebuilding your house after the bombs took them away

Let me tell you 'bout hard work

Building a bed out of a cardboard box

Let me tell you 'bout hard work

Hard work

You don't know nothing 'bout hard work

Hard work

How do you sleep at night?

How do you walk with your head held high?

Dear Mr. President,

You'd never take a walk with me.

Would you?

Missing in Action

2011-06-01T22:18:00.002+08:00

Now where shall I begin?

The last I blogged was nearly a year ago.

No, I didn't loose my inspiration.

It's just that lots of life changing events had happened the past year.

I had a fair share of sweet and bitter moments.

Not to mention that I'm a full time early childhood educator and studying at the same time. I have been a busy bee!

But, I guess now it's a much smoother ride with an occasional roller coaster ride that keeps life interesting.

What's new about me?

Tons! I have grown... and NOT in SIZE... XD

But, the way I think and the perspective I have for life.

My mind is simple and yet sophisticated.

And, I'm ever changing for the better.

So stay tuned... I have a life to share! :)

xoxo,

Anne Marie

Music has its Humour

2010-07-28T20:26:00.003+08:00

Well I found this and I know its quite an old video,

but it never cease to make me laugh.

Enjoy! ^^

Victor Borge on Hungarian Rhapsody

music has no borders

2010-06-27T17:22:00.005+08:00

Even if your deaf doesn't mean u can't convey the message of music in your own way.

It didn't stop Beethoven and it shouldn't stop any of us!

Hope you enjoy this video as much as I do!

*inspired*

A School Day With Jimmy Choo!

2010-06-26T17:14:00.000+08:00

Last term we had a visit by Jimmy Choo!

He spent sometime drawing some shoes with the kids!

Me being a Lai Ma (Godma) to Leanne.

Shoe drawing session with Jimmy Choo

Autograph session

SAL Bangsar team

Goofing around with the very priced shoe drawn by Jimmy Choo

Yours Truly,

signed by Jimmy Choo

Guilin, China

2010-06-26T11:46:00.001+08:00

Got a free trip to Guilin for 4 days & 3 night all inclusive except flight.

So off mom and me flew there and the weather is tropic winter with slight flurries!

Well I don't have much to say but just pictures to show what Guilin, China has to offer.

Local delicacy -Fried mini soft shell crabs

Along the Li River

Master Painter during lunch

Tai Chi with the elders.

Beautiful oriental architectures.

Winter floras.

Tau fu fa and it comes in salty, spicy and sweet flavors

Underground treasure (Honey)

By the fire place.

For culture.

Detailed craftsmanship.

Ancient printing.

Oriental living.

Life underwater.

Underground beauty.

Ending with a beautiful sunset

Me signing off at the Li River

I'm a proud aunty again for the 4th time! ^^

2010-03-17T19:38:00.004+08:00

On the 15th of March 2010,

from a family of 7 , has become a family of 8!

My youngest nephew, baby Ayden Reed Tan was born on this day!

Weighing 3.43kg and 48cm long.

Baby Ayden eyes wide open!

Sleeping now... heehee so adorable for now... :P

Caitlyn no longer mei mei. Now jie jie!

Caitlyn baby sitting her baby brother. Awww....

Welcome to the family Baby Ayden!

With lots of love from YeeYee & PoPo

will see you in a month or so! heehee

HUGS & KISSES

*hearts*

"I'm going to the Gatsby Deodorant Street Fair"

2010-03-16T17:38:00.004+08:00

I'm going to the Gatsby Deodorant Street Fair!

AND THAT DOESN'T MEAN I'M A STINKO!

It's gonna be fun! And while I'm at it I get to win cool gadgets worth up to 15k!

To win those prizes all I need to do is to bring my lucky charm for the lucky draw

Wrestle my way by being a sumo wrestler in an air bag suit

Battle like a gladiator (just hope that its lions from my imagination)

and

play other amusing and addictive games that you can expect at a street fair!

So come on down to

Front Foyer, Ground Floor, Berjaya Times Square, Kuala Lumpur.

on the

17th April 2010

from

10am till 5pm

I'll see you peeps there! ;)

for more info check out this website

www.gatsby.com.my/streetfair

Multimeter-in Mr. Kenny Sia

2010-02-06T11:23:00.003+08:00

Just goofing around at KBU college in the engineering lab with Kenny Sia on how to use a multimeter!

LOL

It's so electrifying!

-photo courtesy of Kenny Sia-

my job = gets to meet Malaysian Astronaut

2010-02-06T10:24:00.006+08:00

I guess you peeps are wondering what have I been up to and what's my job like.

I'm working at Steps Ahead Learners Bangsar branch as a pre-school teacher.

This is the pre-school I'm working in.

And... 3rd week into my job and I get to meet the Malaysian Astronaut!

Dr. Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor!

This is him with a child. (He's good with children)

A candid shot with the astronaut...

Ms Sandra (the girl with the red hair) is so enjoying it :P

Putting my artistic skills to use...

I painted the back drop for the kids to take photos in an astronaut suit with the help of my fellow colleagues.

And here's the SAL Bangsar Team! Thanks for letting me be apart of the family! ^^

-photos courtesy of Sandra Wong-

Life changing decision

2010-01-30T18:20:00.002+08:00

You all must be wondering why the certain silence recently.

Well it's because that I have just made a choice not to continue my degree course after one semester into it.

It's not because that I did terribly in my exams ya! I did quite well actually. Lol.

It's just that I wanted a change of scenery. Hahaha... thinking ahead for the future.

Anyways I have been hired as an international pre-school teacher. ^^

So that's why the long silence. I needed to settle things down for a bit.

Will get back on the Penang & Guilin trip soon.

Cheerios,

Anne Marie

Back from Guilin, China

2010-01-10T23:10:00.005+08:00

Just got back from my Guilin, China trip a couple of days ago.

Will update soon I hope and on the Ipoh/Penang trip.

Tomorrow uni starts again and I'm a little nervous about my results. =S

wish me luck!

sneak peeks

crazy goofy moments from Ipoh/Penang

Guilin, China

Optimism

2010-01-01T23:21:00.003+08:00

- a burst of optimism -

amcheong's 2009 memoirs

2010-01-01T20:14:00.019+08:00

It's the first day of 2010 and I wonder how time flies...

Now I'm looking back through the things that I have experienced and achieved... I would say that 2009 is a most fruitful year for me! for now... heehee

Here's a small recap of the bitter sweet :-

1) A revamp of myself:- new confidence & new smile (I got my teeth fixed)

2) I was a Musicon Celebrity - The Holograms

3) My first 4 original music masterpieces

4) MET THE LOVE OF MY LIFE! a.k.a @tanyeehou

5) PeTA 2009 showcase of my diploma masterpieces & GRADUATED

6) I have been JUNK-ed (featured in Junk Magazine)

7) Traveled to Istanbul

8) Found my love for photography composition

9) Lost a dear friend - Gary Leon Robert (RIP)

10) Degree in Music- change my major from classical piano to classical vocal

11) continued my French since I was 12

12) Took up art lessons

13) Baked my first cake in a rice cooker!

14) Felt like a star at the Nuffnang Blog Awards

15) My first classical vocal recital

16) My first Art Exhibition

17) Spent lots of time travelling around Malaysia with the beloved boyfriend and friends!

Cameron Highlands, Melaka, Ipoh & Penang and hunting for glorious food!

Now to lose those calories... heehee...

Thanking God and Life for all its wonders!

It's a life worth living for!

Lessons learned,

Memories cherished,

A new year is here,

so make it better than before!

Happy New Year! ^^

Heading up north for some fun!

2009-12-20T16:39:00.002+08:00

Hey all,

Will be heading up north to Ipoh then Penang for 4 days,

with the beloved boyfriend and Sara & Zhi.

Will be back for Christmas!

So see you peeps then.

XOXO

Happy Christmas!

Anne Marie

Chestnuts roasting on an open fire

2009-12-11T12:03:00.002+08:00

Just want to share with you peeps a song that always gets me into the Christmas mood!

Its 'Chestnuts roasting on an open fire'.

It always gives me a fuzzy, warm and cozy feeling of Christmas.

Feeling lots of love.

A good friend dedicated this to me... none other than the talented Jinx Chin!

And I want to share with you all.

Enjoy! ^^

Happy Christmas with love,

Grand Bazaar Istanbul - Final Day

2009-12-10T23:26:00.007+08:00

On the last day of our adventures in Istanbul, what more can we do but SHOP! Yes yes shopping! For a few souvenirs to remind us of beautiful Istanbul.

So mom and me headed to THE GRAND BAZAAR!

The Grand Bazaar (Turkish: Kapalıçarşı, meaning Covered Bazaar) in Istanbul is one of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world, with more than 58 covered streets and over 1,200 shops which attract between 250,000 and 400,000 visitors daily.

At the entrance of the Grand Bazaar.

Oh one item you must get when you are there is the "Evil Eyes" (blue eyes ornaments) It is believed by the locals that it will protect them from evil and also it will bring bad omen's to those that they this like.

It's an endless maze inside the grand bazaar.

So much to choose from.

It is a musician's heaven too. ^^

Everything is divided into sections according to type of goods.

A shop filled with lights.

Spice and sweet delights to excite your senses.

Lots of clothes and blings for the ladies to shop and it is at a reasonable bargain price!

We started exploring the grand bazaar about 830am and by the time we exit on the other side it was already 4pm

So mom and I bought good turkish coffee, famous turkish apple tea, turkish delights, an "evil eyes" ornament, a dress, beaded jade and stone necklace from Afghanistan, 'evil eyes' bracelets, and etc.

After all the looking around &bargaining we had some local food. I don't know what it is called but it taste real good!

Here is what it looks like very simple but delicious.

This man stays behind that hot stove all day to make those food.

This is mom all tired and happy!

And me back on the airplane going home.

Istanbul is one of the best cities I have ever been and I would love to go back there someday.

Istanbul Series - Day 6

2009-12-10T23:06:00.002+08:00

- between time -

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- image -

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- a living -

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- flawless -

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- summer warmth -

Basilica Cistern & Gulhane Park, Istanbul - Day 6 - Part 2

2009-12-10T22:20:00.010+08:00

After leaving this post for so long due to schedule overload.

I will now continue with my journey in Istanbul. The last post was about Day 6, part 1 at Tokapi Palace. Now for part 2, after lunch my mom and me went to the Basilica Cistern.

For those of you who are wondering what is a cistern. Well it is a receptacle for holding liquids, usually water. Often cisterns are built to catch and store rainwater. The Basilica Cistern is the largest of several hundred ancient cisterns that lie beneath the city of Istanbul.

Going down beneath the earth... Feeling all damp and cold... This is what it looks like...

What a beautiful sight!

And Located in the northwest corner of the cistern, the bases of two columns reuse blocks carved with the visage of Medusa. The origin of the two heads is unknown, though it is thought that the heads were brought to the cistern after being removed from a building of the late Roman period. Tradition has it that the blocks are oriented sideways and inverted in order to negate the power of the Gorgons' gaze.

Beware of the Medusa's head! muahahahha

Later, surfacing from beneath the earth where the warm summer sun shines music greets me.

And nearby there was a few men having a jamming session of traditional music.

Then mom and me walked around and somehow we came to Gulhane Park. The landscape is beautiful. It's like walking into a Disney fairytale.

Florals were everywhere. Mom is definitely enjoying the flowers. I wish Malaysia had such beautiful landscapes in the city.

And this is me signing off for day 6.

Up next the final day of Istanbul... THE GRAND BAZAAR

Singapore 2009

2009-12-10T21:06:00.009+08:00

P/S:

This is a back dated post from October sorry for the late updates. I have been so busy with uni. So Sorry!

As you guys know every year I'll go down south to Singapore to visit my sister and my niece. This year the trip was different. I went down with my beloved boyfriend and a big bunch of nuffnangers from the Asia Pacific Region.

Why so many people?

Well bloggers from all over that region were attending the 1st Nuffnang Asia Pacific Blog Awards. As you know by now it was an event to remember.

Updates on the full event: http://www.nuffnang.com.my/blog/2009/11/09/napbas2009/

Bloggers were the stars of the night! and I too felt like a star! ^^

Here are my moments on camera:-

My Protégé Ms Zoe Yve and Me

Zachary Wong and Me

We were each other's replacement dates while our bf's were working that night.

And finally the one and only

Tan Yee Hou a.k.a the beloved boyfriend

All Thanks to Nuffnang for everything! ^^

--------------------------------------------------------------------

And not to forget I family. Of course I dropped by and visit them. It was a short one but nonetheless great. My baby niece is so big and cheekier than ever and we will be expecting an addition to my little family too... well not so little anymore but all happy news! YAY! ^^

Here's my cheeky baby niece and growing!

From this...

To this...

and now I'm missing Singapore already!

Under Our Tree

2009-12-07T19:52:00.011+08:00

Christmas is just around the corner, tanyeehou and I just put up the Christmas tree.

And a little old school song to go with it...

*NSYNC's Under My Tree

It's that time of year
Christmas is here
Everybody's back together again
Spreading the joy,
Spreading good cheer
Toasting to another year's end
So thankful for,
All of our friends
When the party is over,
The night's just begun
I promise the best part
Is yet to come
Slow dance together,
Two become one
That's what we've waited all day for
No one else but me and you
Nothing I would rather do
Then hold you all through the night
Under my tree
Bring along the mistletoe
Keep the music nice and low
I'll show you how good it could be.
I wish that Santa could be here to see
It's beautiful
Under my tree

The fire's aglow
We've got Nat King Cole
Singing us a song from his heart
Sleigh bells and snow
Makes us feel close
To the stars
When carols are sung and
The fire has died
The embers still burns with the love in our eyes
We cherish the moment
We savor the night
That's what we've waited all day for

No one else but me and you
Nothing I would rather do
Then hold you all through the night
Under my tree
Bring along the mistletoe
Keep the music nice and low
I'll show you how good it could be.
I wish that Santa could be here to see
It's beautiful
Under my tree

No one but me
No one but you
See rendez-vous (under my tree)
No one but me
No one but you

When the party is over,
The night's just begun
I promise the best part
Is yet to come
We slow dance together,
Two become one
That's what we've waited all day for

No one else but me and you
Nothing I would rather do
Then hold you all through the night
Under my tree (under my tree)

Bring along the mistletoe
Keep the music nice and low
I'll show you how good it could be.
I wish that Santa could be here to see
I wish that Santa could be here to see

No one else but me and you
Nothing I would rather do
Then make all your dreams come true
Under my tree
Such a cozy rendez-vous
Just relax enjoy the view
I'll show you how could it could be.
I wish that Santa could be here to see
It's beautiful, beautiful, beautiful under my tree

It's that time of year
Christmas is here
It's that time of year
Christmas is here
Full of love and good cheer.

A picture of us Under Our Tree! ^^

My first E & R

2009-12-07T18:44:00.007+08:00

hey hey people... as you all know that I haven't been updating my blog recently because I have been super busy since my degree semester started here's a few updates in uni. ^^

MY FIRST CLASSICAL VOCAL RECITAL

I have changed my major instrument from classical piano to classical vocal! Yes I sing too! ^^

For those of you who missed it here is a couple of pictures, It's ok that you couldn't come for the recital because there will be another one soon.

For those who came thank you so much for your support and do come again for the next one! ^^

Here are a couple of pictures...

Here are some of the vocalist who sang including me on the 3rd from the left

This is me during performance

MY FIRST ART EXHIBITION

While I was busy singing I was busy drawing and painting as well for my first art exhibition along side my other course mates! All of this is done in a 16 weeks art crash course.

Here are my works ^^

Here is my still life charcoal sketch

here's my watercolour piece... not very good at it though

on the left is my mix media piece and

on the right my first masterpiece I call it Beethoven's Symphony No 5

p/s: Special Thanks to Kelly Tan a.k.a Curry Egg for coming to see the exhibition. ^^

A view from above on the show cases.

p/s: special thanks to my sayang tanyeehou for being there for me.

muax. love love!

And this is how my first semester ended.

*feels proud of accomplishments*

“I’m a Sherlock Holmes in the Making”

2009-12-02T10:23:00.002+08:00

“I’m a Sherlock Holmes in the Making”

HeeHee... I FOUND IT!!

The Land of Cheeser Dot Com - Cheeserland.com

KYCakap Dot Com - kyspeaks.com

I <3 U

2009-11-02T14:07:00.002+08:00

Never in a day that I don't think of you...

Being with you is just an un-endless joy of happiness...

You are my everything... and

I LOVE YOU!

Happy anniversary darling.

Busy... sorry for no updates

2009-11-01T20:59:00.004+08:00

Hey Hey...

Sorry lately haven't been updating... It's the end of the year and the semester is coming to and end so busy busy busy... will update as soon as possible with all the stuff like finishing the final day of my Istanbul adventure, the Nuffnang blog awards, my personal life happenings and etc...

Promise I won't be away for too long...

Cheerios ^^

Anne Marie

Internet symphony no 1 "Eroica"

2009-10-12T13:58:00.007+08:00

I was browsing through youtube for my project on Beethoven's symphony no. 3 "Eroica" and I bumped into a symphony for youtube named Internet Symphony no 1 "Eroica". Its a marvellous composition and you can feel the grandeur feeling of heroism in it.

It was written by renowned Chinese composer Tan Dun for the youtube symphony orchestra.

Unconventionally, Tan Dun has included drum brakes and rims from automobiles as additional instruments. Tan Dun also embedded a main theme of the first movement of Beethoven's Symphony No.3: Eroica into his work.

Hope you peeps would enjoy this wonderful composition as I did. ^^

Updates:

This is how the youtube symphony orchestra was built through auditions on youtube. A perfect concept to get people together from around the globe.

french 101 part 2: numero?

2009-10-12T00:06:00.005+08:00

well I have been super busy this past few months as the semester is coming to an end.

Last tuesday night in french 101, we were learning numbers.

*classmates tired and trying to be as enthusiastic as possible*

Numero...

0 = zero (zehro)

1 = Un/une (pronounce as ughn)

2 = deux (pronounce as the)

3 = trois (pronounce as tuar)

4 = quatre (katr)

5 = cinq (sughn)

6 = six (sis)

7 = sept (set)

8 = huit (uit)

9 = neuf (nervf)

10 = dix (dis)

everyone woke up when it came to the number 11. why you say?

Well let me ask you how would you translate the number 11 referring to the table written above?

This is how my classmate Roydy translates numero 11...

to him its Un un (ughn ughn in a "no no" gesture)

*everyone just fell out of their chair laughing*

so Mr.Chia our lecturer says if you do that I'll give u a big "un un" with a ZERO!

*Mr. Chia with a big exclamation laugh*

Well in order for u to learn a language better all we need is a little humor to it and we will remember it the rest of our lives... Lol

by the way number 11 is translated as NUMERO ONZE!!

back to my studies now.... tired....

"Indulge in the Uniquely Singapore experience"

2009-09-27T16:13:00.004+08:00

I should be given a chance to experience the rich blend in culture, cuisine, arts and architecture of Singapore because I’m an explorer who loves to indulge myself in food, culture and adventure and Singapore has it all! And I would enjoy every moment and every step I take if I am given the chance.

My perfect Itinerary to explore Singapore in one day starts of in the morning.

MORNING

At 8am off to SENTOSA exploring what nature has to offer going through the dragon trail the stopping and getting an up close and personal with Mother Nature by visiting the underwater world and Dolphin Lagoon.

And moving to Imbiah lookout point for some exhilarating excitement by hopping on the Skyride for a scenic tree top view and straight to the Sentosa Luge a Part go-cart, part-toboggan race down a 650km track!

Then head on back to mainland by taking the cable car for one last look of Sentosa.

Afternoon

Heading on to Mandai Orchid Garden for lunch while enjoying fine garden dining at the Vanilla Pod Restaurant and Bar. Well might get to do a little orchid shopping too for mom’s little garden at home.

After refreshing at the Mandai Orchid Garden, off to more sightseeing by hopping on the Heritage Hippotours to experience major heritage sights and their architectural like Chinatown, Little India and Kampong Glam and if have a little more time I’ll take the city Hippotours where I get to see the Botanic Garden and The Raffles Landing sight and a little shopping too.

Evening/Night

Right before sunset I’ll hop on the river cruise where I get a view of the city from the river like how traders do in the old ages and also I get to see the beautiful sunset of Singapore.

Its dinner time and I want to experience what the locals eat. So the best place to experience that is at Chomp Chomp! A place filled with hawker stalls where I get to taste all sorts of food satisfying my taste buds.

After dinner I would take a flight on the Singapore Flyer which is the world’s largest observation wheel to see the Night cityscape's of Singapore.

And to end my Singapore adventure right before midnight is to be launched up into the sky at 200km per hour to a dazzling height of 60 meters on the G-MAX and scream at the top of my lungs so Singapore would hear me.

And this is how I “Indulge in the Uniquely Singapore Experience”

"Its Krrunch Time, Get Playful!"

2009-09-27T13:13:00.011+08:00

It was a slow moving day...

I'm at home and I have to sketch for my 101 art class.

I was feeling so uninspired.

All I could come up with is 2 bored looking cartoon animals on my sketch book

Then mom placed a canister of Pringles in front of me

and inspiration started flowing in...

Each time I ate a piece of Pringles chips the cartoons have more KRRUNCH to it!

Lets have a look at the cartoon drawings...

The Pringles adventure of PigGy and MooMOo...

On one fine day at a barn there was a pig and a cow stoning...

PigGy: Oinks... It's like a fine day... BUT I don't feel like rolling in the mud...

*piggy sighs* .......

MooMOo: Yeah tell me about it! I don't feel like chewing those green lush grass.... something ain't RIGHT!!!.....

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PigGy and MooMOo stoning...

PigGy: This is "good living" But... I think we need some spice!!!

MooMOo: Mooo... *AGREES*

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Suddenly...

Anouncement: ..... Have FUN with PRINGLES!!! ....

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MooMOo: ARE YOU THINKING WHAT I'M THINKING PIGGY!!!???

MHoo MHoo MHoo...

PigGy: OINK!!! *yes*

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MooMOo and PigGy chases the truck delivering Pringles and stops it. The driver stops the truck and MooMOo starts dancing in front of the truck diverting the driver's attention.

Driver: Clearly PRINGLES has made my mind FUNNY and has made this boring work a whole lot MORE FUN!!

MooMOo poses...

MooMOo: *Queen's ENGLISH* Am I not the MOST HANDSOME COW YOU HAVE EVER SEEN!

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While MooMOo is behaving all goofy in front of the truck.

PigGy was behind taking the Pringles.

Out of excitement PigGy accidentally... Well...

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PIGGY FARTS WHEN IT GETS EXCITED

MooMOo: REMIND ME NEXT TIME TO WEAR MASK

PigGy: SOWEee... All will be good once THE PRINGLES ARE OUT! puuttss... *FARTS*

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And back at the barn PigGy and MooMOo is having a KRRUNCH-ING TIME with their "good living".

PigGy and MooMOo: "Its Krrunch Time, Get Playful!"

An uninspired day became a fun playful day, all with PRINGLES. So go get a canister or MORE! So for YOU too it'll be "It's Krrunch Time, Get Playful!"

1st cake baked from a rice cooker

2009-09-23T21:58:00.003+08:00

This is my first time baking a cake and to make things even more interesting I used a rice cooker!

And surprisingly turned out GREAT! and it TASTE GOOD! Moisture just right.

This is my first chocolate raisin cake. ^^ *so proud of myself*

Inside the rice cooker. Just baked.

On the plate.

Up next work on presentation. XD

Cameron Highlands with the other half

2009-09-23T20:05:00.010+08:00

Had a weekend trip with tan yee hou during the Raya breaks and it was a good one away from the urban life.

First we stopped at Bidor for lunch for the famous Wu Tao (fried yam with char siew inside), the famous duck drumstick noodle and bought the chicken biscuits at Pun Chun Restaurant. [I can't believe that they have their own blog!] Boy it was yummy! As my other half would put it... "Can sing wan! *sings...aaaaaahhhh*" Lol

After that we pumped petrol and Yee Hou was annoyed by the que at shell and after that headed up to Cameron's using the old roads.

We arrived at Cameron's about 530pm and had dinner at about 8pm at one of the charcoal steamboat shops. After dinner we drove up to Brinchang and watched lighted nurseries. It was like a cities of lights *yee hou tan is so romantic* XD

Oh while we were up there we bought Kinder Joy to entertain ourselves. I kept getting the good toys and the other half was manipulating me to give them to him.

Next morning we had breakfast at T-Cafe, such a charming place, nice food and rustic ambiance.

I love the chicken pie!

This is yee hou tan's glam moment having breakfast!

It was a rainy day but it didn't stopped us from going anywhere. We tracked up mount Irau's trail half way urban style with umbrella's and a macbook! Yeap! a macbook because the other half doesn't feel safe living it in the room. Anyways it was freezing cold up there. I don't know how campers camp up at mount Irau.

After the hike we stopped by at the Boh Tea Plantation and took some pretty pictures using a manual camera.

Then headed down to Kea Farm where we bout like 6Kg of strawberries for Rm80, 6 packets of cheery tomatoes for Rm10, 10 pieces of sweet corn for RM 10, 7 different bunch of flowers for Rm 20 and 2 potted "naughty boy" (lilies) for Rm15.

It is a very good buy to us!

When we got down it was already late tea time. The other half manage to convince me to go to KFC nearby. The chicken pieces was big but the air-cond was killer freezing. I wonder whose idea is it to have air-cond up in Cameron Highlands. =.=

Later we went to hunt for roti naan and tandoori chicken at restaurant no 14 but attempt fail because all sold out. Had roti canai and tosay instead and headed back to devour the strawberries.

The other half enjoying himself.

Next morning we woke up at 530am to go watch sunrise at the Gunung Brinchang tower.

Wanted to get a dramatic shot of the sunrise something like this http://www.flickr.com/search/?w=all&q=brinchang+sunrise&m=text

But out attempt failed again because mother nature was in a moody mood.

After breakfast we took a nap, packed up and left for home. Well even though mother nature wasn't much on our side but we enjoyed very much of our time up there. ^^

Now back to work... =.=

monday morning SCRATCH @tanyeehou

2009-09-21T10:38:00.005+08:00

Tan yee hou arrived at my house gate and this is how he greets me.

Yee Hou: dear can you please let me in so I can SCRATCH MY BUM BUM!!

Me: *laughs non-stop without opening the door while he tahans to scratch his bum bum*

my day is never complete without him!

*now he's in front of me looking like this*

JINX for the ladies!

2009-09-21T09:12:00.005+08:00

Jinx is a good friend of mine who always surprises me with his talents!

Good music from him! This one is from Jinx to the ladies! Enjoy! ^^

visit Jinx at www.jinxchin.com

p/s to Jinx: I love the tone of your voice!

Topkapi Palace Istanbul - Day 6 part 1

2009-09-14T18:35:00.015+08:00

It's a beautiful morning in Istanbul on day 6.

After breakfast mom and me took the tram down to the old city (Sultanahmet).

Walked around and passed by the Hippodrome.

We did a little souvenir shopping and headed towards the Topkapi palace which was the official and primary residence of the Ottoman sultans for 400 years of their 600 year reign. Since 1985 it is a UNESCO world heritage site.

This is what it looks like from above a model of the whole palace & the inner part of the palace.

Mom at the imperial gates.

Walking through the first courtyard.

The gate of salutation which leads to the second courtyard.

The imperial Divan (council)

The imperial treasury

The Gate of Felicity which leads to the 3rd courtyard and private residential areas.

Entering the Harem which was the home of the valide sultan, the concubines, the sultan's favourites and the wives of the sultan, and the rest of the royal family including the servants.

walking through the Eunuchs courtyard in the Harem

This is the interior of the crown princes room.

All the windows are decorated with stained glass.

The Imperial Hall.

The courtyard of the favorites. The favourites were conceived as the instruments of perpetuation of the dynasty in the harem organisation. When the favourites became pregnant they assumed the title and power of the official consort of the sultan.

The fourth courtyard of the upper terrace.

mom in front of the grand kiosk

After walking through the whole palace and reading everything I see it was already lunch time.

so after lunch at the old city off to the Basilica Cistern and a stroll at the Gulhane Park stay tuned for day 6th part 2

the baby photographer @ my niece

2009-09-13T21:10:00.005+08:00

my 3 year old niece is a professional photographer in the making!

here is my niece... such a tall baby of her age

This are her shots of a lilies

I love this last shot!

My talented baby niece

she says... I have fruity thoughts! *cheeky grins*

getting down and dirty for art

2009-09-06T17:24:00.004+08:00

Sorry for the long silent lately...

I have been so busy with my uni life. So much to do, so little time.

Anyways I took up art 101 as an elective subject in uni.

And this is the result... 6 weeks of learning how to sketch with charcoal.

final project for this session,

2 weeks of work 4 hours each week and its still not finished...

And I have to get real dirty with it... :P

well just my both hands looks like this!

Next up watercolours! ^.^

Istanbul series - Day 4

2009-08-22T23:45:00.003+08:00

Istanbul series - day 4 - 04072009

- Bosphorus -

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- Of age -

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- Finest Details -

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Boshorus + Golden Horn Cruise & The Dolmabache Palace - Istanbul - Day 4

2009-08-22T21:12:00.020+08:00

The 4th day of my Istanbul Adventure.

Mom and me decided to take a cruise on the Bosphorus and the Golden Horn.

So our journey began early in the morning starting at the jetty getting on a private boat.

The first monument we saw was the Suleymaniye Camii

unfortunate we didn't visit it because it was closed due to restoration.

It was a really cool yet SUNNY day.

I got sunburned by the time I got back to the hotel.

But it doesn't stop me from cam-whoring under the sun. :P

The we got a glimpsed of the Galata Tower.

It use to be an apex of the fortifications surrounding the Genoese citadel of Galata.

Now its a restaurant and cafe and the top of the tower providing a marvelous view of Istanbul and the Bosphorus.

Then we passed by the Dolmabache Palace and a few other monumental palaces.

After that we passed under the Bosphorus bridge.

We then passed the Rumeli Fortress.

And this is the view of the Bosphorus bridge from the Golden Horn.

After the cruise mom and me went to for lunch and then we visit the Dolmabache Palace and the Harem. When we got there we were just in time for the changing of the guards.

This is the Dolmabache palace gate.

The changing of the guards.

From the garden view of the Dolmabache Palace.

Unfortunately we weren't able to take any pictures inside of the palace but walking in there just makes me feel like a princess. ^^

Do click on the link above you can get a glimpse on what it looks like inside from wikipedia.

And the last picture taken by an Indian couple from London. Well the husband was taking the picture the wife was sitting with us posing in front of the exit.

Mom and me took a break on the 5th day because we were tired for 4 days non stop of sight seeing. Well up next the 6th day Istanbul - Tokapi Palace, The Bascillica Citern, The Gulhane Park and around the old city.

Under construction...

2009-08-12T20:34:00.003+08:00

Sorry for the messy layout...

My blog is revamping so its under construction...

Sorry for the inconvenience....

Justice for Gary Leon Robert web

2009-08-10T22:34:00.006+08:00

From RIP Gary Leon Robert (we miss you)

Dear fans, please spread this address to everyone you know.

Both locally & international to create awareness & ensure this won't happen again.

Be a member.

Ask them to spread too.

Go to http://justiceforgaryrobert.webs.com.

Put it as shout out on Facebook, Friendster, Twitter, Blogs, etc.

Please and thank you!

Facebook's morning blurness!

2009-08-10T11:31:00.005+08:00

My friend Aaron Ho has been classified as a "HER" on facebook.

[by the way Aaron is a guy!]

And I thought I was blur this morning in uni! LOL

French 101... Lol

2009-08-06T08:35:00.004+08:00

Well last tuesday it was week 2 class of french 101...

So we were given a task to create a short simple dialog on what we have learned and to present it in front of the class.

When it was Fatin's and Syafiq's turn, their dialog sounded like this...

Fatin: Bonsoir! Comment allez vous?

(Good Evening, How are you?)

Syafiq: Bonsoir! Ja vai ca va. Merci Et vous?

(Good evening, I am fine. Thank you. And you?)

Fatin: Ja vai tre bien. Vous vous appellez comment?

(I am very well. What is you name?)

[while all of us was listening so attentively and the silence broke when...]

Syafiq: HUH??? APA DIA???? *looking confused*

out of blurness he spontaneously spoke back in Malay! and syafiq didn't realize it till we told him. LoL

FRENCH CLASS IS FUN!

It just doesn't make sense! It doesn't seem right on Gary's death!

2009-08-05T21:17:00.005+08:00

It just doesn't make sense how Gary died due to dehydration.

It just doesn't seem right.

It is said by the Shah Alam mayor that Gary has received the best treatment possible from the civil defense department when he collapse. Well IF IT DID HAPPEN HE WOULDN'T HAVE ENDED UP DEAD. If he was going to leave the medic camp they should have stopped him knowing that he's not well enough to leave. Clearly he wasn't well enough to even move unless someone carried him.

And if it is dehydration, he would have shown signs when he collapsed and I'M SURE measure would have been taken to keep him hydrated IF HE WAS GIVEN MEDICAL CARE.

It is clear that he collapsed at the finishing line and to end up at a waste dump site at the basement tunnel of the stadium is just ridiculous! The medic camp and the waste dump site is clearly stated isn't near at all. IF HE WAS WELL ENOUGH TO LEAVE THE MEDIC CAMP.

The first thing a normal person would do is to get to their friends first and to get their belongings. Its common sense.

How can he actually wonder off? Who actually saw him wondering off?

Does the plot seem right to you?

Here are some articles from the Malay mail on Gary's death.

Gary died due to dehydration.

Gary's Mysterious Death.

Family claims organizers were negligent.

Updates on Gary Leon Robert - news report

2009-08-04T08:17:00.004+08:00

The following is the news report in Malay, over at mStar Online (click here). For those who can’t read Malay, here are some key points translated from the news report:

A student from the Universiti Tenaga National (Uniten) who was reported missing after participating in the Adidas King of the Road Marathon yesterday (Sunday) was found dead in a tunnel at the Shah Alam Stadium today (Monday).
Gary Leon Robert was one of the the 10,000 participants in the run which was held by the Shah Alam City Council with the cooperation of Adidas Malaysia Sdn. Bhd.
The body was found in the stadium’s tunnel at about 1.05 p.m. with help of police dogs, according to Shah Alam District Head of Police, ACP Noor Azam Jamaluddin.
The search was mobilized on Monday morning after Gary’s father lodged a missing persons report at about 4 p.m. Sunday at the Police HQ in Shah Alam.
Initial examination found injuries to the chest and lips and the body was send to the Tengku Ampuan Rahimah Hospital in Klang for a post-mortem.
The student was reported missing right after the race by a friend of his and the organizers immediately searched the stadium grounds and race checkpoints to no avail.
A search by City Council enforcers on Sunday night and Monday morning failed to yield any trace of the student.

Rest in Peace Gary Leon Robert

2009-08-03T21:23:00.009+08:00

For Gary Leon Robert,

A talent, smart and a kind friend who have gone back to the Lord too soon.

You will be remembered in our hearts and in our minds.

Gary Leon Robert was last seen on the stretcher due to over exhaustion in the stadium being stretched to the medic camp. He fainted shortly after he ran the whole course 22km in the Adidas Kings of The Road 2009 @ Stadium Shah Alam on Sunday, 2nd August 2009 and went missing mysteriously after 10am.

His family couldn't make a police report because it wasn't 24 hours yet.

Earlier today I found out that he was found in the stadium's basement covered with rubbish, his face bruised and had passed away.

For those who did this to you they will pay!

God is Great... Justice will be served!

To Gary Leon Robert's Family my deepest condolences.

Our prayers are with Gary and with you.

Istanbul series - Day 3

2009-08-01T12:03:00.004+08:00

03072009

-Guarding-

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-richness-

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-innocence-

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-charming-

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The Princes' Islands - Istanbul - Day 3

2009-07-26T22:42:00.035+08:00

On the 3rd day of my Istanbul adventure, me and mom took a day tour to the Princes' Islands.

Well you all must be wondering why is it called the Princes' Islands! Well its because during the Byzantine and early Ottoman period, members of the dynasties who fell out of favour were sent to exile there. Until late 19Th century, when regular steamer transportation showed up in the seas around Istanbul, these islands were considered remote and far-away places. Apart from the exiled princes, only a handful of monks found these islands inhabitable then, a fact which gives the islands their former name in Turkish: Keşiş Adaları (“Islands of the Monks”).

Princes’ Islands consist of four major and five minor islands. Me and mom visited the largest island which is Büyükada.

The day started off at the pick up point in the old city sultanahmet.

While we were waiting mom and me strolled along a small bazaar and got some sourveniers.

Mom made friends with the shop owner.

After that our journey began all the way to Büyükada island.

As you can see from this 100 year old map!

It's a very charming island with European architectural style.

Fish is food priority here...

Good Stuff but make sure to ask for the price of each type of fish before you order or else you'll be wondering why is the bill SO EXPENSIVE!

I find that Istanbul is very rich in fruits as well...

They even have 3 types of raspberry! Apparently the white one is sweeter.

This is where it all begins at the Clock Tower its at the center of the town.

We dropped by at the church of St. Francis of Assisi on the Island. Unfortunately we are not allowed to take photos inside the church. But from the outside it doesn't seem much but when you enter it the interior is in gold and heavily ornamented.

The kids from sunday school. So innocent!

The island is filled with charming houses. It's like those you see in the movies.

So is the interior. I couldn't help myself I love big mirrors.

Me and mom at the indoor fountain of a famous hotel.

Apparently one of the Ottoman's sultan use to dance around this place with a maiden.

The best way to see the island is to take a phaeton ride.

Just get on one and enjoy the scenary!

Me and mom on the phaeton ride.

This is our tour guide for the day. Mr. Emu, I got him to pose for me with the old school elevator. He's an anthropologist and speak 6 or 8 different languages. It was a most educational / relaxed / fun trip ^^

And last but not least all of us during Lunch!

Next stop Bosphorus and the Dolmabache Palace- Day 4. ^^

Stay Tuned.

Boot Camp Orientation

2009-07-24T17:34:00.002+08:00

I'm back from my boot camp orientation.
Lost all communication from the outside world for 4 days.
My phone was taken away from me and I haven't had something this tough in a long time.

Anyways was happy to get back until I heard that my other half met an accident.
Broke down in tears when I heard and cried even more when I saw him.
Still copping with it and giving all my support to him.
He got discharged already and recovering.
I could have lost him. *sobs*
Wouldn't want to imagine it!

My degree is starting on Monday. Its a new experience for me. Wish me luck! or What my other half would say All The Best!

Will continue with the Istanbul post soon... I hope.

Istanbul series - Day 2

2009-07-17T16:47:00.014+08:00

02072009

- soar -

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- fear -

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- picnic -

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- delicacy -

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- secret -

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- job -

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The Great Bursa - Outside Istanbul - Day 2 - Part 2

2009-07-17T11:38:00.036+08:00

After Lunch, we visited the Yesil Cami literally translated as the Green mosque. The mosque was right next to the Hunkar Restaurant. Yesil Cami also known as Mosque of Mehmed I was built because to show that peace has returned after the battle among siblings in the country.

Yesil Cami main entrance

The door is crowned by a half dome with a cascade of mocarabe (stalactites)

that taper into the a star.

The interior of the mosque is decorated

with a mosaic blue-green tiles of the walls and richly decorated eyvans.

Next we walked over to restored Ottoman Traditional Houses

it has been transformed into a shop.

We got a feel of what kind of lifestyle the people during the Ottoman lived.

To me I would say pretty extravagantly!

Mom in front of a Traditional Ottoman House

Looks nothing much outside but look at the interior.

Its so charming .

They even have a secret garden at the top of the house!

After that our guide took us to UluCami which means the "great mosque" of Bursa. It was built in the early Ottoman period, in 1399, it resembles more of seljuq buildings of inland Anatolia than the typical Ottoman mosque such as The Blue Mosque in Istanbul that was built later.

This is the our Bursa guide. He's one funny fellow.

The UluCami from a far

The UluCami upclose

UluCami's interior

For our last stop we walked to the old silk market in the cover bazaar. Boy, it was bustling with people usually people who are about to get married come here to shop for goods. They have all sorts from wedding deco to jewelerry to wedding dresses to home deco etc etc etc and all at a bargained price which depends on how good is your bargaining skill! :P

This is the entrance of the covered bazaar

This is inside the bazaar which looks pretty big to me

and now makes me wonder how big actually is the grand bazaar?

That will be on the last day of my adventures in Istanbul. :)

So what's next for my adventures in Istanbul?

Well we'll be heading to the Prince's Islands for Day 3!

The Great Bursa - Outside Istanbul - Day 2 - Part 1

2009-07-17T11:33:00.006+08:00

Day 2 in Istanbul, Mom and me decided to take a day tour outside of Istanbul.

We went to Bursa which is the first major capital city of the Ottoman Empire. It was famous for being the largest center of silk trading and also famous for their therapeutic thermal baths.

Our journey started with a coach ride across the Bosphorus Bridge to the Asian Side of Istanbul then took the ferry down to Yalova. While enjoying the country side view we drove to Bursa. It was quite a journey to Bursa. It took us about nearly 3 hours to get into the city of Bursa.

On the way to Galata

The Bosphorus Bridge to cross over to the Asian continent.

Taken from inside the coach.

And then we boarded the ferry crossing over to Yalova

It was a fine day, The Turkish flag flying proudly

Joining us on the ferry ride was a winged friend which accompanied us all the way to Yalova and back.

As soon as we reached Bursa we went on a cable car ride up to Uludağ mountain, also known to be one of the Mount Olympus because it is said that the ancient greek gods watched the Trojan war from this mountain and it is closest to Troy (Hisarlik). It is also the highest peak of the Mamara Region at 2,543m above sea level.

On the cable car going up the mountain.

As you can see Bursa is surrounded by greens.

The city is frequently cited as "Yeşil Bursa" meaning Green Bursa in a reference to the beautiful parks and gardens located across its urban tissue and as well as to the vast forest surrounding the region.

This is a view of Bursa from the hills of Mount Uludag.

Breath taking.

At the first stop of the cable car is a valley where Pony rides are available around the valley. It is also a picnic spot.

After coming down from Mount Uludag we went to have lunch at Restaurant Hunkar. We had a 3 course meal which consist of Soup and Greek Salad; Iskander Kebab (Kebab of Alexander the Great); and creme caramel.

The restaurant has a really nice rustic ambiance to it.

Mom enjoying the ambiance. :D

The appetizer for lunch...

but my breakfast looks like this everyday too...lol

This is the famous Iskander Kebab.

It doesn't look much but its pure yummi-ness!

Its bread(at the bottom) covered with meat served with sliced tomatoes, yogurt and butter sauce!

Yes I know what you're thinking... the calories!!!

And when I got back I put on 5 Kg despite of all the walking around exploring!

Newly made friends!

Indian family from London & Bosnian family from Canada!

Up next Yesil Cami (green mosque), UluCami (Grand Mosque), the restored Ottoman Period Houses & The old silk Market in the covered bazaar.

Stay Tuned ^^

a reply to you

2009-07-16T23:41:00.004+08:00

A reply to Joy

Knowing you love me and I mean everything to you

makes me want to love you even more.