Its common sense to ask first!

Dont you just HATE it when someone you know gives out your number without asking you first. The person who calls you up happen to be someone you dont think you would like to meet and wish he / she would stop calling and get the hint when you never make an effort to call up nor meet up.  I absolutely hate the idea of knowing that my number is being given out like raffle tickets and im not even told about it.  There is a thing called invasion of privacy here!

Me ABSOLUTELY no LIKEY!

Grr….

Sorry for the lack of blog here but for some reason WordPress is still not being cooperative with me uploading photos! I dont know why….im quite tempted to terminate this blog and try elsewhere but then again Word Press is the only blog site I know that has category function that I like ..so far …..

Good Food & A Spot of Weekend Football!!

I love it when Im in the mood to cook especially when it turned out good! Last night was one of those good cooking moods. Normally I prepare my dishes with the ingredients from the scratch but I did the lazy cook method of using pre-packed ingredients ^_^ so what was I in the mood for yesterday?

Chicken Tandoori

Using the pre-packed ingredients all I did was add in the yoghurt to set it and marinate them. Even the briyani rice I used the pre-packed paste ..all I did was add in the peas. The only thing I’d take credit is my mint sauce and my stir friend spinach.

Yep I was in the mood for some Indian food. Today ..whats on my menu ? Im still thinking …a bit of a lazy mood today since its the weekend. Maybe I’ll get some onigiri instead at the supermarket for my dinner IF I can get my butt off the sofa and go to Isetan to buy them. We shall see! Anyway thought I share my culinary success photo of Chicken Tandoori, Briyani Rice, Mint sauce and Stir Fried Spinach. To finish off a superb dinner I made a pot of freshly brewed coffee courtesy from Miss Ai !! PERFECTO!

Grrr, am I the only having problems uploading photos today or what! Its effing annoying!! I was going to post a photo of what I cooked even …

Anyway I managed to get my butt off this afternoon to Isetan as I was in the mood for some onigiri and other sushi however WordPress is in a bitchy mood for uploading photos I cant post it here today ..ah well. All the food (Onigiri, Inari Sushi, Takoyaki and Miso Soup) are all happily settled in my contented tummy and next would be a nice sweet raisin cake I got from the supermarket top with a cup of nice hot coffee! Im off to prepare those so I can have them while watching my English Premier League, my team Arsenal vs Tottenham Hotspurs, its a London derby so GO GUNNERS!!

:: EDIT ::

Weird I can upload these two Halloween images but I cant upload my foodie photos, whats with that ?!

:: END OF EDIT ::

To all celebrating this ghoulish day

 

Have fun TRICK or TREAT-ing

Hope everyone’s weekend has been a good one so far !!

Halloween images found from pumpkinpatchesandmore

Snail Mail & Recurring Dreams

Theres nothing like receiving snail mail that would make my day and those filled with cute, interesting or yummy surprises just add tons of brownie points for a good day.

A month ago,  I received this magazine from Naoko. The articles are interesting to read and the photos related to each article are just really great to look at and admire especially the food where you just feel like grabbing them out from the page and eat them if you could.

Thank you Naoko ^_^

 

Kateigaho magazine from Naoko

 

Lovely article about autumn

 

Mouth watering article about FOOD!

 

Then a few days after that,  I got to collect a package filled with yummy goodies!! Thank you Ai !!

 

Coffee & Chocolates from Ai

The coffee is just absolutely delicious, the flavor is wholesome and strong and I love it.  Drinking this with the chocolate especially the Venezuelan blend, I got addicted to those sexy dark babies. The Marron chocolate is sweet and creamy ..trust me I had to erm resist from being stingy with my husband. I rarely eat chocolates but if they’re very yummy, not overly sweet I’ll eat them with sheer delight.

 

Recently I had this strange dream ..well its basically a recurring dream but this time I find it strange. I know when I dream of someone that means the other person whereever he or she may be is thinking of you or vice versa. I tend to dream of my ex-boyfriend. He is not much for me to rave about except he was good looking during the days when we were dating and with that long hair of his who couldn’t resist falling for him eh, what he did was unforgivable for me and well unforgettable too. Since the day he left me and I finally accepted the fact that I can never be with him I would have dreams of him. Recurring ones ..sometimes his brothers & sisters would be in those dreams. This time its his Uncle! Younger uncle of almost the same age as him. What the HECK!

I know I need to have a closure so I can finally be at peace and exorcise him out of my life but seriously if I know for a fact that hes there, I’d feel nervous and my heart would race. Dont get me wrong I dont carry the torch for him to feel like that no, not at all ..I just dont want to see him face to face anymore. Blegh…

Have you ever experienced recurring dreams of your ex?

Its raining here and I should be napping, yet Im awake and Ive got a bit of a headache ..darn it!

 

Retail Therapy, Random Photos & Unhygienic People

Well I am back from my brief holiday UNFORTUNATELY I have no photos to share with you. I did not get to go to any tourist attraction as, well, there is NO tourist attractions nearby for me to see or visit ..most of them are an hour or two hours away from Bandung. Bandung is pretty much famous for the factory outlet stores. I know there are many lovely natural beauties to visit but as Ive been told I need to drive out to get there as its out of the district itself. Such a shame but I consoled myself with a much needed retail therapy Designer goods are plenty at affordable prices and you just can’t resist not buying them but thankfully I can resist my impulsive side of shopping. I just dont want to buy clothes or jeans that I would only end up going ‘Huh ..why did I buy this for again?’

ANYWAY since I have no photos to share, let me share some random photos I took before I went on holiday.

Going to the mall during the festive season you will always be welcomed with the decorations in conjunction with what the festival is. This time its DEEPAVALI – The Hindu Festival of Light. For more information, you can read more details of the festival – Deepavali

Diwali lamps display

Rangoli

I really like looking at the Rangoli display if I ever see any, they’re very very colorful and intricately done.

Today has been an atrociously hot day, I couldn’t believe it. I could do with a nice cold drink when that very thought was wiped away from my mind. This neanderthal out of the blue stood by the stairs looking 4 steps down at us pedestrians when he decided to do some spit practising with no clue at all that when he does his ‘thing’, people are walking past by .. and he does it still without any sense of shame ..thankfully no innocent pedestrian was ‘hurt’ with that fella’s disgusting habit. I wish there was a sudden gust of wind where that ‘thing’ hit right back at him in the face ..EWWW disgusting to picture but yep I wish that had happen.

I cringed when he did that ..I thanked that I walked slowly to avoid it too.  When I saw that happen I was shocked.

Whats with these people and spitting in public?! Worse the sort that regurgitates before spitting ..for crying out loud !!

Another thing was when I was at this hotel having my breakfast. How can I enjoy my meal when the person next to me was blowing her nose constantly! Talk about losing my appetite right there and then!

My flight yesterday have somehow inspired me to a page on my likes & dislikes about travelling ..currently Im writing down the list before typing it down online ^_^

Hope your week starts off beautifully compare to mine but Im not complaining ..tomorrow is another day which I hope will be a much better one!

Ta peeps!

Away For A Short While..

In a bit of a rush at the moment and Ive got an hour left before heading to the airport.

Away for 9 days and back this 25th. Got some photos taken while I was at the mall yesterday but for some reason WordPress was not being too cooperative with me in uploading photos so this will have to wait when I return

Take care and catch up with your blogs when I return!

Ciao!

T

A day of ZERO tolerance but Im still cool…

Its been a rather slow unproductive day for me. I just look forward to meet up with a friend tomorrow and take some photos of the festive displays at the mall. Im just glad I managed to get a few tasks done before I go away for 9 days. Most importantly a package filled with an Ultraman gift for my chipmunk of a nephew and some baby clothes for my youngest sister who’s expecting her second child next month.  I never thought a few pieces of clothing together with a box set of toys could weigh that much Well anything for my favorite nephew …as long as he doesnt start coming up to me for money instead of toys That’ll be the day!

Dont you just love shoppers who decide to stop in the middle of your path that leads to the escalator? It annoys me when that happens especially when Ive got a heavy load on my shoulder ..sure sure lady take your time finding your bearings in the building why dont you?

Another thing that peeves me are STARERS!! Oh yes starers ..those that stare at you as if your nose just turned upside down or your eyes are at the back of your head or you’ve got a dangling particle stuck on your forehead … whats with that eh? Nowadays I just stare back at them when they do that or better yet I noticed when you smile at them that sort of wake them up but of course I wouldn’t simply smile for no reason though … like this odd man whom I bump into a couple of times at the mall … I dont know whats his problem but whenever we cross path he would really stare at me ..it doesnt really freak me out but it does annoy me! I dont even know him ..friends do advise to not even try and approach him for fear he might do something that might endanger me or sort of encourage him instead. Well I wont but it just annoys me when he does that …

Last peeve of the day for me …

Does this happen to you when you’re shopping ? While shopping around you realise you’ve got a ‘tail’ .. a ‘tail’ that wont stay put? 2 boutiques I went ..2 potential boutiques turned me off when this sales girl kept following me whereever I went to. To add more to the aggravation is when they tell you that its on discount or theres a promotion of buy 1 free 1 or that you can try ..I KNOW DAMN IT ..I can obviously READ ..last time I checked I did pass with flying colours that I could read my ABCs and 12 fricking 3s … and when I asked this one sales girl who actually asked for it from me what style was the pair of jeans I was looking at? She looked at me dumbfounded and pointed out to me the word on the price tag, ‘Yes its jeans ..’ Biting my tongue from being a total mental lack of sleep bitch I asked in a calm voice, ‘What style is this pair?’ (Since it doesnt say whether its boot cut or bell bottom on the tag) She paused thinking what needs to be said and instead asked me what size would I like! WTF! I havent asked for a size availability ..instead I just muttered nevermind and left … *rolls my eyes in anger* Today I have only so little tolerance with annoying people.

For once I want to be left alone when I shop and browse. I know I can read and if I need help I’ll scream out for it.

Wow just a few minutes ago I got to see some fireworks outside ..I rarely see fireworks over here because of all the high buildings around but this one was just perfect. I saw all the colors and right now either my neighbour upstairs or downstairs are playing some loud music … dont you just love inconsiderate neighbours or what?

Ah well at least that firework display ends my day of annoyance. Im heading off to bed ^_^  Night all!!

That long of an absence eh

Whoa! My last blog dated 28th September?! Wow ..didn’t realise its been that long since Ive blogged ^_^ Ah well let’s just say I’ve been

1. Distracted by Facebook – yes Im one of those poor sap who got sucked into the FB world

2. My blogging mojo is currently undergoing a total blackout

I really wish I have the inspiration of blogging but I can never ever find any, Im more of a reader than a writer … funny and they say Geminis are born writers …pffffftttt!!

Anyway Im going to try my best to keep this up ..

Today’s been quite a nice day for me. I got to meet up with 2 of my friends for lunch. Its been quite pleasant despite me feeling groggy and grouchy due to lack of SLEEP! I swear if anyone knows a good remedy for snores ..PLEASE SHARE THE TIP WITH YOU … I love my husband very much but I do not love his ear shattering snores! It kills me especially when I have a problem with sleeping. Im not like some people that can just knock out the moment they hit the pillow ..I take a bloody while to finally log in to Slumberland. Worse I am a light sleeper ..just the slightest sound can wake me up.

I do feel bad when I growled out loudly in anger last night because that woke him up. Call me inconsiderate but think about me ..the one who seems to be having a bit of sleep apnea here.  As soon as he found out what bugged me he went back to sleep with a snore within SECONDS and me?! Heavy lid still struggle to sleep …. I would’ve cancelled my meet up today so I can sleep my eye sockets out but I didn’t as I rarely meet my friends over here either.

So yea if anyone has good tips for snorers do share the tip with me why dont you?

The other day I had an online conversation with my sister about the importance of family. I’ll pose this question to whomever thats reading this

For the sacrifice that your parents have made for you so you’ll have the best education, a good life …would YOU ask them to pay you back when they ask for your help financially? I had been one difficult child growing up but NEVER ONCE would I ask my father, especially my father, to pay me back when he asked me for few dollars ..never! I feel ashamed to even ask him …a few bucks cant repay what he had given me. Heck  I wouldnt even question him when he asked me if I could provide him a supplementary card ..why should I ?

I should get my arse in gear now and start packing my clothes for my trip this Friday. Hopefully I’ll get to blog about something much more interesting tomorrow instead of a silly rant of snorers & inappreciative children

Back but Tired

Ive been away for the Aidilfitri celebration hence no updates! But now Im back so let’s continue my blog about Bali, shall we?

Being a Hindu country, Bali stands out in a Muslim dominated Indonesia and this makes it interesting and unique to tourists / visitors. Having rent a car we had the opportunity to explore more of this island. We got to see such stunning hidden beauties of the waterfall, lakes, the mountains / volcanoes, the breathtaking view of the sea and its coastline as you drive uphill, the lush green villages as you drive into the road where you’ll see the rich padi fields. Its a beauty one after another that you can never get bored admiring it again and again.

Bali has much to offer to those who visit her from her ancient cultures and traditions, ancient rituals, colourful holy festivals, architectures, woodwork and more …oh and of course, for me, F-O-O-D !! ^_^  Let me share with you more of Bali, C’est parti !!

My apologies for the poor quality of this shot but I did try my best to use the macro shot option and I could never get it as clear as it should be. Bad close up, I know, but I thought I show everyone what can be seen in these offering baskets

It is called ‘Canang Sari’  made of palm or coconut leaves containing little bit of food, petals, shreds of pandan leaves and an incense. Canang is the name given to the small square of the basket decorated with the colorful flowers and Sari means essence. It is very much like an art form associated with every ritual in Bali. The Balinese believes in the forces of the sprits living in our world and their devout offerings not only appeases the spirits but also to thank the Creator, Sang Hyang Widi Wasa for what they receive in their lives. You can find the Canang Sari offered in Temples, Family Temples, cross roads, sidewalks, alleys, houses, shops, sacred statues and anywhere which the Balinese believe is sacred. All this is done by devout devotees to ensure that balance is maintained in the universe, Tri Hita Karana – Parahyangan – Pawongan – Palemahan which means God – Human – Nature.

Staying at guesthouses in Bali is one of the reasonably priced accomodation. In Ubud, I just love how each accomodations are designed / decorated for the guests. Such beautiful landscape all around for those to see. The fish ponds, the family temple, the paths, the swimming pool. Its amazing how big the land is too! The above is Melati Cottages and the one below is Sari Bamboo guesthouse, both at Jl.Penestenan Ubud. My favorite has to be Sari Bamboo because  the owner are very friendly and welcoming, breakfast is simple but delicious. Melati Cottages is ok, service and breakfast are average but their room rates are ridiculously steep compare to Sari Bamboo. Another favorite accomodation that I like to stay but unfortunately it was full is Dana Sari which overlooks the rice padi field located at Jl. Hanoman. The owner’s wife is also very welcoming, friendly and hospitable. I remember staying there when I had that gallbladder problem. Despite the pain I enjoyed sitting in the balcony overlooking the rice padi field, feeling the breeze. Breakfast is always served when we’re awake and its very simple with Balinese coffee or tea. Its these type of down to earth accomodation that makes one’s stay memorable.

These are photos of Dana Sari accomodation taken in last April 2009, which I thought I share with you here too

Dana Sari Guesthouse

Jl. Hanoman

The balcony where I sat most of the mornings and sometimes afternoons and evenings too when its much more cooler.

The lady in blue is the owner’s wife. We had a lovely conversation when we met exchanging informations about our countries, our culture, our languages and our history.

A Bale Benggong

A Balinese gazebo which you can find almost anywhere at a residence or at a guesthouse / hotels. If I had one of these at home, I’d probably spend more time in here than inside the house providing its not too hot with no skeeters and no pongy smells

Well Im off to do some other things now or I’ll never get my cute lil tush off this seat and do nothing productive

See ya!

What Makes Bali … BALI !!

More photos of my Bali trip

Why do I like Bali ? Apart from her beauty of landscapes, sunsets and sunrises its the culture and traditions that are still practised widely throughout this mystical island hence giving it that exotic factor, that attracts me alot. The island’s strong Hindu influence can be seen in the religious rituals practised by the people and in the architecture is considered as unique in a nation where Islam is the main religion for the country of Indonesia. I love looking at their craft work on polished stones and wood, it is so intricately carved, shaved and shaped that you feel tempted to buy them. Their furnitures are impeccably well made, well designed that you can hardly see any defects on the carvings ..well thats what I see on some of the furnitures I have seen, touched and sat on.

This is the small offering baskets called ‘Canang Sari’ which you will always see laid on the ground whether its the street, alleys, entrances or other surroundings of an altar/shrines/temples/family temples, a house and business premises. My apologies for the poor quality of the photo. I tried my best using my Macro shot to get the close up

Canang Sari

These offerings are done 3 times a day carried out by devout Balinese to the Creator, Sang Hyang Widi Wasa. This is basically a ritual of giving back what has been given to a person by the Creator.  In showing one’s gratitude of what is being offered in our world. The offering is also meant to appease the spirits and hopes to bring good health and prosperity blessed upon one’s family.  This is one of the rituals that is still being practised which is considered a duty and respectful thing to do to maintain a good relationship between human and spirits.

I always try my best not to step on them when I see it on the sidewalks and so forth. I am the sort of person who believes in respecting a society’s culture, traditions and rituals. If I did step on it, not that I fear of upsetting the spirits, I would quickly apologise for my negligence. Yes call me silly but thats a practically the Asian in me so sue me!

The deity statue of Ganesh

The wonderful thing when you rent a car / motorbike you get to travel around the island and find very interesting sights. As we drove en route to Ubud using a much longer route heading towards Amed, we drove with a view of the mother of all Volcanoes in Bali. It was rather bright the sunlight so most of the photos I took didnt come out very nicely but I took a photo of this statue that stood all alone by the bridge ..it may look dry from this photo but trust me it was so windy as I tried to take this photo, slightly eerie (to me)  despite it being daylight.

Altar

Balinese Traditional Altars that you will see WHERE EVER you go and stay.

And that my friends are some of the things that make Bali (to me), BALI!

I love snail mail and surprises!

Two blogs in one day ..now thats progress from my side Anyway …

As I was getting ready to go out and start my day facing the hordes of shoppers and mad traffic plus pollution, the security phone rang and I wondered what it was all about. A letter arrived he said and so I said let the despatch man up. In my mind what letter could it be? Could it be Ayumi’s package ? I got excited but I was even more surprised when it was more than a letter …the despatch had a bouquet of roses for me which got me more curiouser ..holy cow! Do I have a secret admirer? How the hell do they know where I lived  or maybe it was my husband surprising me but then a thought crossed my mind, ‘What the hell did he do wrong?!’  Secretly, I was hoping for some food or biscuits

My 3 stalks of roses, so pretty!

And when I looked in the cute pink bag all I could do was squeal with happiness at the cuteness of the plush toy. When I checked the card I just had to dial the number of the sender and let HER hear my squeal of happiness in full blast. Sorry Kak Zar I hope I didnt make you temporarily deaf ^_^

Mashimaro, isnt he so cute!

Anyone who knows me, family & friends, know how much I love anything that just looks cute to me and this marshmallow rabbit looking baby oozes so much cuteness!!  SO CUTE!!! I wonder what other half will think when he sees this My wife the little girl at heart ..

Music CD from Ayumi-san

Also today I received a package from my good friend,  Ayumi. Recently we have been exchanging music cds containing songs we like to listen to and this cd contains more Japanese songs that she shares with me. Arigato gozaimasu Ayumi san for your letter and the music cd, I look forward to listening to your choice of songs. I CANT WAIT!!! I recognise some of the names on the cd like Angela Aki and Exile.

Ah such a good day! Even the heat and the sudden change of weather doesn’t affect my mood and wipe away the Cheshire Cat grin on my face!

Splendid!! Yes people, I love snail mails and surprises!