Happy Thoughts for March 31st, 2010

 (source)

Things that made me happy today:

• Not getting too sick and being dismissed from jury duty before I got really sick.
• Being able to work on crafty goodness.
• A new Lost episode <3
• Playing Pokemon Mystery Dungeon: Explorers of Time and naming the Pokemon in my group after myself, my boyfriend, and my friends (dorky I know but it makes me smile haha).
• The fact that Garfield Minus Garfield is infinitely funnier than normal Garfield comic strips.
• Being able to buy some embroidery patterns from Urban Threads.
• The Spring weather, we've been able to leave the windows open today. 

Dismissed

I got dismissed from jury duty (yay!) and I never got a migraine (yay again!) and they're going to send me $25 for showing up on Monday (even more yay!).

 This is how I feel right now, like a bubley happy fish. Wheee!

 I'm so relieved. Even though I didn't get a headache from the lights yesterday they left me feeling completely drained. I feel super dizzy and weak. I know when I feel more run down it's easier for me to get a headache. The room we had to wait in was so bright I'm sure even with my sunglasses I would have gotten a headache but luckily the hoodie I borrowed from Trevis has a hood that I can pull down almost to my nose so I hid in it the whole time I was there. I'm sure I looked very weird but it stopped me from getting really really sick so I can't really complain. Hopefully on Wednesday I'll be feeling more back to normal. I think the only thing I can do today is rest because I'm not seeing very clearly, the room is spinny, and it feels like my head is trying to float away. All that makes it hard to get anything productive done.

On another note, I've been eating at least two or three oranges a day. We're about to run out. Normally only my dad eats them so I'm sure he's noticed them disappearing much quicker than usual. I've been eating a bunch of the apples too, I can't help myself they're so yummy!

Jury Duty

So tomorrow morning I have to report for jury duty this really wouldn't be a big deal to me at all if 1. I could drive. and 2. Government buildings weren't required to use Compact Florescent Light bulbs. Florescent lights are my biggest migraine trigger. I had to pull out of public school because of them. If it weren't for those two things I'd be super excited about jury duty. I've wanted to go since we did a whole unit about law in my 4th grade Target class. Instead of being excited I'm worried to death about getting sick (I really really don't want to accidentally throw up on someone >.<).

(source)

My wonderful boyfriend has done so much to try to help make this week better for me. He's so sweet. He made me yummy food so that I would have something I could just microwave and eat after getting home. He bought me a new magazine and made sure I have lots of Nintendo DS games to take with me so I don't get bored if I have to wait around a lot (he got me a new Pokemon game ^_^). He made sure I had dollars so I can get stuff out of vending machines and made sure I had one of his hoodies with the big hood so I can pull it down over my eyes to shield me from the light. He also made sure I knew when all of his class times were so that I know when I can call him during the day and then after all that he tells me that he hasn't done anything. He makes me feel like the luckiest girl in the world. Here's to hoping I'm not too sick to keep up with his Tumblr this week, it's definitely the least I could do.

Happy Thoughts for March 25th, 2010

 (source)

I've had a frustrating day so far trying to deal with doctors, fax machines, lost medical records and all kinds of stuff so I thought I'd make a list of good things to help make myself a bit more relaxed and happy.

Things that made me happy today:

• Snuggles from all my pets right after I woke up.
• That I'm slowly (but surely!) getting over my fear of talking on the phone.
• My boyfriend calling just to tell me he loves me.
• My new Tarepanda bag and how organized everything inside is.
• That I'm getting better at giving myself French manicures (practice, practice, practice).
• Finding my Nintendo DS charger so I can play my new Alice in Wonderland game.
• Finding my old Game Boy Color<3
• Making paper roses like these:

Pixies: Where Is My Mind?

I think this song sums up how I've been feeling lately. I've been so loopy and out of it because of my allergies I end up just staring into space instead of accomplishing things. The video isn't official but I thought it was lovely and wanted to share.

Quit here, Go there

I quit my job after working for about 4 months yesterday. I submitted my resignation last Friday and today is my last day. I am going to enter a new venture in my life. *wink*

I would be flying to KL tomorrow afternoon for my entrepreneur training for 2 weeks. The company called me up for training last week. Since I have missed out the first training, I would not want to postpone it further.

It happens that few of my friends from Kuching will be going there the following week. So I would staying over the weekend with them, and we will plan what to do on Saturday. I would be renting an apartment. I would not be alone as I get to know few people from Sarawak would going there too. All about networking! Hope to catch up and get to know them well over there. *wink*

While I am away, we have sorted out the arrangement for the children. Baby Jay will be put at baby sitter’s house and during the weekend, hubby to bring back the baby. Since my princess is bigger, she can follow her uncle and aunties. I would not worry too much about my girl; she is very independent without me. I am just concerned about hubby looking after Baby Jay over the weekend. Sigh!

Stuffed clams

Talking about creativity, my brother-in-law came out with this stuffed clams with minced meat..It is like eating "ngoh hiang" (spring rolls) but a little twist to it. Got to dig the meats from the shells with spoons otherwise you will tend to bite your teeth into the hard shells. Lol!

Guessing game

When people asked about my age, I always asked them to guess my age. Usually they will guess 5 years (the most 8 years younger). Thank god for that! Either they are being modest or I do not look my age at all. Lol!

Or probably the people that I mixed with. Mostly are younger. And not to mention my colleagues who are all born in the 80s (around 1985 - 1986). I look like big sister to them in the office (sometimes they asked advices from me in term of works and relationship), but it does not make me feel older than them.

One afternoon while meeting with a lady customer, she suddenly asked my age. As usual, I never reveal my age willingly, so I asked her to guess. Again she guess I am around 28. Oh well, I just let her believe that I am that age. *wink*

Besides age, I always been mistaken to be a non-Chinese. Few times my customers speaks to me in English or BM when I speak Chinese to them. Only when I show them my name card would they speak Chinese to me. Funny!

Blessed by God

I have been married for almost 6 years. However I have not yet baptised and recognised as a Christian in the eyes of God. Initially I planned to register after we were married, but we never get down to it. I am thankful that hubby did not force me into it, but I wish that one day I would be able to attend my first communion. At least I do not feel awkward when I go to church.

Once a while I do follow hubby to church on Sunday morning but the service is conducted in Chinese. I, being a “banana” do not understand what the priest was trying to convey most of the time. However I decided not to trouble my hubby by going to an English-medium service as hubby is not used to listening to the sermon conducted in English.

So here I am mumbling on my baptism. Must I go to Chinese or English session? Hubby said he will accompany me so I guess he would be choosing to go to the Chinese class. Hmm. As for the kids, we will definitely get them baptised, and go to confirmation class when they are bigger.

I used to read Bible before I were married but never finish it. Every other nights, hubby will read Bible before he goes to sleep. He said he wants to be disciple and be closer to God. I admired his determination. Some day, darling. I will follow God's path. :) He has blessed me with good husband and two lovely children. Thank you so much. Amen.

Thanks Boy

This has to be one of my favorite Post Secrets ever. It's so cute and sweet. This puppy's face reminds me of my old doggy Pancho, I miss him.

Just For Fun: Are you a child of the 90's? Bold the stuff you remember!

Fresh Prince of Bel-Air
Fraggle Rock
G.I. Joe
Are You Afraid of the Dark?
Secret World of Alex Mack
Nightmare Before Christmas
Welcome Freshman
Space Cases
Roundhouse
The Muppet Show
Muppet Babies
Eureka's Castle
Salute Your Shorts
Hey Dude
Legends of the Hidden Temple
You Can't Do That On Television
G.U.T.S. Do do do do you have it GUTS!
What Would You Do?
Double Dare
Rocko's Modern Life
All That
Ren and Stimpy
Clarissa Explains It All
The Torklesons
Pete and Pete
Stick Stickley Write to me, Stick Stickley, PO Box 963, NYC, NY State, 10108
Goodburger Welcome to good burger home of the good burger can I take your order?
Angry Beavers
Sponge Bob
Hey Arnold!
AAH! Real Monsters
Loony Toons
Animaniacs
Pinky and the Brain
The Babysitter's Club
Kablam!
Gullah Gullah Island
Richard Scarry
Dumbo's Circus
Ocean Girl
Mystery Files of Shelby Woo
Snick Snacks
Dunkaroos
SNICK
Koala Yummies
Where In The World Is Carmen Sandiego?
Nick Magazine
The Goonies
Ernest Movies
Radio Flyer
Disney Watchers
Adventures in Wonderland
Homeward Bound
The Adventures of Yellow Dog
Milo and Otis
Neverending Story
Who Framed Roger Rabbit?
The Lion King
Labyrinth
101 Dalmations
The Secret Garden
Pete's Dragon
Hocus Pocus
Secret of Roan Inish
Land Before Time
Dinosaurs
Fern Gully
Secret of NIMH
Gummi Bears
Care Bears
A Little Princess
Little Pony
Black Beauty
Rainbow Brite
Lady Lovely Locks
Candyland
Sorry!
Trouble
Don't Wake Daddy
Mousetrap
Jenga
Don't Break the Ice
Hungry Hungry Hippos
Cooties
Tinker Toys
Sky Dancers
Polly Pocket
Hypercolor T-Shirts
Lite Brite
Scrunchies
Side Ponytails
Stirrup Pants
Jellies
Saddle Shoes
Barbies
Beanie Babies
Tamagotchies
Yo-Yos
duncans
Choose Your Own Adventure
Pogs
Goosebumps
Magic Attic Club
American Girl
Island of the Blue Dolphins
Saved by the Bell
Full House
Step By Step
TGIF on ABC
Sabrina, the Teenage Witch
Boy Meets World
Clueless
Mork and Mindy
Simpsons
Flipper
Eerie Indiana
Third Rock From The Sun
Tracey Ullman Show
Ghostwriter
Growing Pains
Titanic
Felix The Cat: The Movie
Jonathan Taylor Thomas
Home Improvement
Tom and HuckMy Brother and Me
Kenan and Kel      
Hanson Mmmbop
Inspector Gadget
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles
Power Rangers Go go power rangers
Hot Wheels
Creepy Crawlers
Easy Bake Oven
Flower Making Kits
Weinerville
Wild and Crazy Kids
Playdough McDonald's Sets
Animorphs
Rainbow Fish
If You Give A Mouse A Cookie
Bailey School Kids
Wayside School
Mrs. Piggle Wiggle
Boxcar Kids
Ramona Quimby
Amber Brown
Roald Dahl
Allegra's Window

Woodland Wonder

This is a sampling of a collection that I have been working on for Woodland Tails. It is a collection developed for babies with a menagerie of woodland creatures who are fully delighted with their natural surrounding. Since we all know that pink lambs and aqua giraffes are naturally at home with oversized flowers, oblong trees and colorful mushrooms, the setting, though whimsical seems the perfect landscape for the adoring creatures who inhabit it.

This collection is probably my favorite to date. The inspiration behind these little creatures comes from many years ago, when I had a brown, velvet dress with tiny woodland creatures tossed about the print. I can’t remember it exactly and I only have a small photo of myself wearing the dress, but as I recall, the animals were a giraffe, peacocks, deer and horse. The photo of me with my crooked bangs (on the blog, to the right) is of that little dress that encouraged me to create Woodland Tails. It’s my version of that happy (or pouty as the photo will tell:) time in life when Mom dressed me in her favorite clothes because, well, that was her job and she may as well have enjoyed it. Thanks, Mom, you made a good choice. :)

Korea - Blow our pockets!

This is going to be the last post of my Korea vacation diary. After many days in Korea, I am bored of eating rice, kimchi and cabbages on every meals. By Day 6, almost all the kimchi on our tables were left untouched. Hubby started to complain about missing his Sarawak Kolo Mee and Sarawak Laksa. Lol! And my litle gal also complaining about missing her cartoons as she found that Korean cartoons not interesting (or probably she did not understand what are they talking about). And I have a hunch that I lose some weight too. Probably from eating healthy food and walking every day.

Continue with my Day 6. I would simplified my Day 6 in this post. Basically on Day 6, a lot of damages done. On our pockets. Lol! After Gyeongbokgung Palace, we went to the following places in Seoul.

Ginseng Outlet - we were shown the clips of ginseng and how to difference the good and bad ginseng. Good ginseng must be more than 6 years old (from planting to harvesting). In ginseng outlet, we can choose either to buy ginseng products in capsule, liquid or powder. Both liquid and powder can be used to cook in soup or pour in warm water for drinking. Korean ginseng used world wide as a way to recover health, strengthen body immune, and calming the mind. We bought RM6000 worth of ginseng products there.

Cosmetic Centre - a lot of brands were sold in this outlet. We ended up buying this Feel brands, amounting to more than RM3000! Plus my 2 SILs and MIL, we are spending on its peeling gel, BB cream, toners, emulsion and night cream. And we have many samples as gifts too. *wink*


Amethyst Factory - Korean has one of the five greatest gemestones in the world, i.e. amethyst. Other gemstones include diamond, ruby, emerald and sapphire. I bought one pendant and a ring for myself and a pendant for hubby as a Valentine gift. Overall, I spent nearly RM2400 there. *Faint* Credit card overloaded.

I don't like the necklace. Not pure silver so as you can see, it turns rusty. I need to replace it with my own necklace. No wonder they keep giving us 2 necklaces each there. Lol.

Dong chung ha cho (Chinese caterpillar fungus) herbal shop - here we did not spent since we have bought some ginseng products earlier. In this shop, we were shown experiment on how Chinese caterpillar fungus can seperate sugar contain in a Coke. Impressive! Again, Chinese caterpillar fungus products come in liquid, capsule and powder.

Lee Tai Yuen - It is a street like Petaling Street, selling many souvenirs, clothing, toys, food, and other household products. One interesting marking about this place is most foreigners in Korea are there. So, you would not feel alien there as you could heard people speaking English there.

Melonia ice cream

One thing that I enjoyed tasting in Lee Tai Yuen is this famous melon ice cream. I have a friend who told me he enjoyed eating ice cream during winter because it would not melt and it is not cold to take. Hmm, I don't know. After few bites, I have to forgo finishing up the ice cream.

So, here is the end of my Korea vacation. After 6 hours on the plane, and spending 6 nights there, it is a great winter vacation. Although we find the food not suit to our taste, but we did enjoyed its simple meals and kimchi. Nevertheless, I still like the sunny and warm sun in Malaysia. Miss the beaches, food and people here. Lol!

Korea - A tiring Day 6

Day 6

It has been a tiring week for me so far. One probably because my Baby Jay is sick, he keeps waking up few times at night. Not asking for milk as he dozed off before finishing half of the milk. He just keep crying and even take more than 5 minutes to soothe him down. So, every morning, I did not feel like waking up. One afternoon, I even came back to take a short nap. Lol! That is how my week so far. Must go to bed after finishing up this post.

Going back to 2 weeks ago.....

There are so many things to share with you on Day 6 in Korea. Day 6 is the most tiring day in Korea as we had to visit 7 places in a day. So we started our Day 6 at around 7.30am. We headed for our breakfast and then started our first venue which is the President House and Ancient Palace.

The bus dropped us at this park where not everyone can enter as it was highly guarded by their security. You cannot run or go wandering around otherwise the guard will question you. So, we had to follow our tour guide closely behind.



This mountain resembling a head of dragon. Do you see the two "eyes"? This dragon mountain is believe to proctect the palace during the olden days.



After few snaps at the park, we walked down the alley to Cheong Wa Dae (The Blue House).



Cheong Wa Dae is the presidential residence of Korea. Its signature marking is its blue tiles. We did not tour Cheong Wa Dae, just few snaps in front of the guard house. Lol!

The Gyeongbokgung Palace is right opposite the presidential residence. We have to wait till 9am for its opening. This palace is built in 1394 as the main palace of the Joseon Dynasty. It is the most comprehensive and grandest palaces of that period.



Once the entrance to the palace was opened at 9am, our tour guide went to the ticket booth to purchase tickets. Before we tour around the palace, we detour to the National Folk Museum of Korea which is situated next to the place and it took us about 15 minutes walk. We need to take toilet break. So we tour in the museum before going to the palace. The museum displays the living of Korea during the olden days, its culture, how Korean words developed from Chinese to current state and food display. Actually cameras are not allowed but the staff there were very accommodating. They allowed us to take shots as long as we did not use flash light.


Next the Gyeongbokgung Palace.





This is the hall where foreign delegates were welcomed and entertained.

The Korean kings resembles pheonix, unlike the Chinese kings are made believe to be from the dragon descendants. However, as the country under China proctection, every year there will be entourage to the Korea from China. Once the palace were given a beautiful dragon poster by the China king.

To show its superior position, the palace places the dragon design on the ceiling. During the reign of Japanese in Korea, almost all antiques and stuff in the palace were taken away except this Dragon design.



Pavillion where the king gone to meet up with his concubines.



The map of the palace.

Day 6 continues...

Korea - The Winter Story of Everland

Day 5

There is a story to be told in Everland every day. Snow sled down the slope, ghost house to visit, Safari World to visit, 3D House to feel the thrill, Rotating House that make you spin and a lot more that make you want to stay longer in Everland.


If you are planning to go to Everland next time, please plan for a stay over as half day is definitely not enough as in our case. Or probably because it is school holiday so all those youngsters came out and visit Everland. Everywhere we went, it was packed with people and long queues. Not much games to play as the queue itself took many hours.

Korean enjoyed their holiday very much. They do not stay at home, like what Malaysian children do (or maybe mine). Instead they will go to Nami Island, Everland and other places of interest to spend their holidays before schools reopen.



We reached Everland around 1120am on Friday morning. Before we started the tour and fun, we had our lunch Alphine Food Fair. Nothing much to say about the seafood fried rice that I had since it is complimentary with the purchase of ticket. At least it filled up my tummy. Lol!



My little gal managed to take photo with the cute mascots while they on their dancing routine around the Everland.




Our tour guide brought us to the Safari World where we sat in an enclosed bus and see rare white tigers, bears and lions. The animals were to perform simple tasks, i.e. show its tongue, show its teeth or stand on two legs, then they will get some treats from our bus driver. We were lucky to be able to catch a glimpse of a liger (cub of male lion and female tiger).




Then we visited the Animal Show which lasted 20 minutes. After that we decided to go on our own as we wanted to ride the T Express, the steepest wooden roller coaster in the world! And boy! It worth all the waiting. Nearly 3 hours waiting in the queue for the roller coaster which last less than 5 minutes.



By the time we are out from the roller coaster it is nearly 4pm and we were half way through this Double Rock Spin but time was not enough. We have to be at our waiting site by 5pm. So after about 30 minutes queue at the Double Rock Spin, we abandon our plan and headed back to the main entrance.




Some other time, Everland.......

Found Objects: March 7th, 2010

I've been reading lots and lots about terrariums lately. I'm not sure why but for some reason they fascinate me. I'm thinking of making one to keep in my room. I wanted to get an aquarium but I've been really afraid one of my cats (Buzz) will find a way to get the fish out of the tank. He's really stubborn and gets fixated on doing destructive things. I'd feel awful if that happened to poor fishies on my watch. A terrarium will be a good replacement for now. I still really really want fish but until I feel I can make a completely safe environment for them I'm not going to get any.

If you don't know terrariums are, they're like little worlds you can create in things like fishbowls, vases, even plastic soda bottles. In the past they were used to observe plants and small animals in an enclosed setting. In the Victorian era people also used them to transport tropical plants on ships. They became a trendy thing to have in your home for awhile but eventually their popularity faded away. They're similar to having a regular house plant and a lot of them don't need much watering. I think they're cute and charming, just have a look for yourself.

 

Here are a few cool things I found while researching.

Tutorials:

• In Depth Tutorial
• Beginners Guide: 1 Hour Terrarium 
• A Guide to Moss

Stores that sell tiny things perfect for terrarium decorating:

• Two Green Thumbs Miniature Garden Center 
• Tiny Things Are Cute 
• Plantscapes

I'll be gone this week for Spring Break and such so I wont be posting but hopefully I'll have a lot to write about when I get back.

Korea - The bears & the seagulls

Day 4 continues

Teddy Bear Farm

When you step into this outlet, it feels like you are in a different world. A magical world of teddy bears. It is full with figures of big and miniature teddy bears. You could not resist the temptation of not taking photographs of and with the bears in this Teddy Bear Farm.


After a morning of skiing and bruising at Ski Resort, it took us about 3 hours ride to the Teddy Bear Farm. Again our clever bus driver took a wrong turn. Initially he took the correct turn and I saw the farm, but he suddenly make a U-turn and heading to the other direction. After finding out that he was lost and asked for direction, then we headed to the correct farm. Lol!



After our toilet break, we have a tour around the farm (it is more like a toys house) on our own. The owner did not bother about us at all. Look at all those bears!! Aren’t they adorable? Those are not for sales and even if they are, we cannot imagine the price. I bought 10 key chains of white bears in Korean traditional costume, which cost 5000won per piece (equivalent to RM15). There go my RM150!

Daepohang Port




After a great tour in the Teddy Bear Farm, we headed down to the famous port, Daepohang Port. It is famous for its fresh seafood. Freshly catch from the sea and served and eaten on the spot! I saw some funny sea creatures, wonder what were those?


And we ordered a fish there too! Don't ask me what fish is it, as I really don't know. It likes a flat fish, with flesh on one side (on top). And Wow! The meat was really fresh and sweet. I would not need wasabi and soy sauce with it.

The port was packed with seagulls as you can see from the picture. They were not afraid of human beings at all. My closest encounter with seagulls. What do you think those stones in Daepohang Port resemble?

365 Project: March 1st- 4th, 2010