Lost & Found

You can't find it when you need it. When you don't or no longer need it (& have finally moved on), it's there or seems to be everywhere. Sounds familiar doesn't it?

I was discussing work with my boss in his office this morning. Half way through our conversation, I noticed two things on the cupboard behind him. Guess what I saw....

See them?

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Look closely


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See them now?

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Yup, it's the cherry blossoms I thought are gone forever. They are right there, on the 'tree'!


*La la la... it's spring... the sky so blue, the grass so green....Wild flowers everywhere la la la.....*

G'day?

You won't believe what a morning i had!

My Friday morning started very well - woke up on time, went downstairs to have yummy homecooked porridge for breakfast then left home early to go to tax office as planned. It was quite a smooth morning - it was not hot, there weren't many cars on the road and I didn't have to wait at the tax office. I didn't go for breakfast at my favourite coffee shop like i told my friends i would because I already had breakfast at home.

I then dropped by the post office on my way to office to courier my letters. Even the Q at the post office wasn't very long and in a few mins, i got my chore done. It felt like a nice day because i accomplished many things before 815am in the morning! *la la la....* Just when i thought today would be a good day, something happened! there is ALWAYS something to spoil a good thing!


I was at the junction, wanting to turn left. As you know, when u are turning left, u will look right for the oncoming cars. That's what i did and when the road was clear, I stepped on my accelerator then i heard a noise coming from my lefthand side. Damn! I knocked a stupid bike or should I say, the bike knocked me!!


Man, i cursed & cursed & cursed because it's going to cost me $ again!!! The first thing I asked the woman was if her leg was hurt. luckily she was ok. The side of her bike protection was slightly spoilt. Actually it was her fault. She should be behind me instead of being on my left because it is a junction! There is no way anyone could see her! She was lucky that she didn't die! Knowing how uneducated the local bikers are, there is really no point arguing with them. No matter what I say, she will argue her way to get compensation from me.

As i was finding out the cost of the repair with my friend who is in the bike business on the phone, two fat (they make their motorbikes look tiny!) traffic policemen saw us and they stopped to inquire. One said that it costs abt $34 to fix. i thought it is ok. Not very expensive. Then the other fat policeman said I have to give medical fee. What?! She said her leg wasn't hurt! The stupid woman then claimed that she felt a bit 'sakit' (painful), pointing at her foot. @#$#*&$!! Clearly, she just wanted money.

My friend told me that it'll costs abt $70 to fix it. Seeing how dishonest she was, I told the woman that it would cost around $25 to $30 to fix & I'd give her $20 as medical fee. So all in all, I gave her $50. Come to think of it now, I should've just given her $30 since she said her foot was ok in the first place! *sigh* I'm too nice (stupid)! Why do we always regret our action?! I don't think she would fix her bike. She just wants money! I lectured her as I gave her $$. Geez... why am I paying for someone else's carelessness & stupidity!

Now my day is totally ruined! What a stupid morning! My Bidayuh colleagues once told me about a 'pantang' (superstitious belief) that they have - once u say you want to drink or eat, u must do it otherwise bad things will follow. Hey, now I recalled. Last time, my colleague and i didn't go for a drink like we said we would, then i knocked a car. This time, i told friends that i would eat breakfast after my trip to the tax office but i didn't. See what a mess i was in? You think it's a coincidence?

Oh man, with $50, i could drink 28 glasses of teh c peng (iced milk tea) 0r 14 plates of chicken rice or 16 bowls of kolomee!!! haiiii... :(


It's frustrating that things like this happened. But looking at the bright side (i always look at the bright side), by not going for breakfast, I might've avoided something bigger & worse. Plus, I was being nice for giving her $50, although she didn't deserve any, that puts me in 'credit' in the good book.

Hmmmm.... Now i feel better....

Losing My Mind

It all happened in one night (in one hour, to be exact).

First, I left my mobile phone (not containing any pictures or videos like Edison Chen's) on the chair in gym. Luckily I realised it as soon as I stepped into the changing room. It was still there when I ran back for it *lucky*

Then, I left my sky blue always-with-me water bottle in the changing room. Just after I walked out of the door, my friendly gym taker chased after me, holding my bottle in her hand *lucky lucky* She is my heroine...

Went for a drink after that. My iced lime juice with sour plum was refreshing. I really needed some sourness to wake my mind as I had been very careless and forgetful with my belongings. Must not let it happen again. Before we stood up to pay, I made sure everything was with me. Just when I was taking money out of my purse, I realised that the cherry blossoms attached to my mobile phone were missing! I didn't worry that much since I'd been very lucky for last two times. Luck must have run out because it's 3rd time UNlucky for me... They couldn't be found anywhere and are gone forever....

*sad* I lost the cherry blossoms Jane gave me :'(

From this (on the right)

to this :(

LIVE to eat..........

It was B's birthday yesterday. We celebrated by having Japanese Buffet at Cafe Majestic at Crown Riverside last night...

I ate a lot - Salmon sashimi, handrolls, unagi, tempuras, cooked salmon pieces, seaweed, Jap beans, walnuts bread, choc fondue, fruits tarts, choco-cino etc.... *puff puff* Food were good and tasted much more delicious when they were eaten with a bunch of good friends. I had so much until I lost track of the things I put into my mouth. My friends were so full that they seemed to be stuck to their chairs whereas me, I kept going back to the buffet bar for more stuff! Amazing huh?! Somehow, I just felt like eating! Hehe, I didn't feel full. Weird I know.... Now you know why I was ranked the #2 Great Eater in Beijing.

This morning, I woke up feeling F-U-L-L. Wanted to go out for my favourite Cha Kueh, pork porridge and teh c peng but I couldn't. Normally, it takes people 20 mins after meal to feel full. How come my brain only tells me that after 8 hours?! Terrible ;) No wonder I'm forever hungry.........

Today, I had one Californian Almond at Big Apple Donuts & Coffee after my snacks at McD. Yummy - crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside... Love the crunchy bits but it wasn't very satisfying - too tiny and too soft thus, not very filling (i still prefer Krispy Kreme but Big Apple donuts are the best I can get here so I shouldn't complain ;p). The donut shop is new in town. I can't believe I actually Q up for 30 minutes just for one donut! I blamed it on my friend because she wanted to try... Her Choco Ring (coated with Belgium choc) looked heavenly! *slurp* Gonna try that next time....

white Choc + crunchy almond flakes. Can somebody pls pass me some fresh cream or ice cream???

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On a different matter. An American from Ohio at a dinner said to me 'Jennifer, you need to eat more' at a dinner last Tuesday. I need to EAT MORE? Oooo hoo hoo... no one has ever said that to me :) I think it's cool because I often hear my family and friends telling me that I eat too much ^^

Not sure what caused him to say that. My tall build (& hence I am able to hide the 'spare tires') or my empty plate (which I cleaned up in 5 seconds)? Whatever it is, I feel happy that he is concerned about my food intake. But if he had witnessed my eating capability, he would have made a different remark ;p

Sometimes I wonder, if I was a superhero with non-stop eating capability, what good could my 'power' bring to the world...

Kissing Goodbyeeeeeeee

I hate goodbyes. It's so hard, especially when we have spent so many years together! I have never shown my appreciation after all you've done for me. Sigh, we humans tend to take things for granted until we lose them. No wonder there are so many words of wisdom from the wise ones who have gone through the 'regret phrase', to urge others to cherish while we still can. Sadly, many learn the real meaning only when it's too late.....

I feel sad now because today is the last day we see each other :'( For all the years we have been together, you have never failed me. You stand by me whenever I need you. Even at times when I am in a bad mood and abuse you, still you do not walk away from me. Not even a word of complaints from you! You are still there for me even when you are sick and weak.

You are always there to make sure that I am well taken care of and that I safely arrive at my destinations. You scare off those who try to bully me. Sigh, the thought of being without you depresses me :( My life is more meaningful and easier with you around. I will definitely miss your distinctive look and skin colour. Everytime family, friends and even strangers see you, they know I'm with you. With you gone, I will no longer be as well-known....


Purple Dino, thanks for your companionship. I will miss you greatly :'( *sob sob* You will always have a special place in my heart.....



"The best things said come last. People will talk for hours saying nothing much and then linger at the door with words that come with a rush from the heart. "

~Alan Alda~

Back to Nature

I'm so excited! After months of consideration, Jenn has finally granted boss' approval to take leave! ^^ Yayeee... I'm going to Vietnam this coming June V(^V^)V


This time, I'm not going on a vacation right after my exam. That means two things - no stressing out over luggage-packing instead of my studies liao. No bringing a face full of break-outs to overseas liao 不需丢脸丢到外国去了 :p

This trip is not going to be as easy-breezy and luxurious as my previous Beijing trip. As we are only spending short 8 days in Hanoi, every minute every second will be very precious. When I told Jane about our itinerary, she said "wah, sounds like a hardship camp leh" haha... Hardship? Yalor, compared to our Bj trip, this one does sound very tiring but isn't that more suitable and interesting to young and energetic ppl like me? hehe...


3 days in Hanoi - just get lost in the city....




2 days of cruising, swimming & kayaking in HalongBay


3 days of mountain & jungle trekking in Sapa.
Getting to Sapa isn't easy. Need to sleep on choo choo train for 10 hours to get there. Oo, it will be a good experience! Need to trek 7 hours as soon as we arrive at 7am to villages. What's more interesting, we will be home-staying with a local family. We will trek another 6 hours to a different village on the next day and 4 hours on our final day in Sapa. Then it's 10 hours of train ride back to Hanoi. Have I lost anybody so far? haha...

Compared to Jane's VIP business trips, mine does sound a bit torturing but I kinda like it that way. It will be fun to mingle with the local people and also ppl from around the world... Sapa is a untouched place full of many different ethnic minorities & beautiful scenery. All I need to make sure is that I've enough SD cards to take postcard-like pictures :) Feel like packing my bags and going this instant! haha... But before that, I better make sure I have good stamina (& $$) to do what I hope to do :)

And I want to eat authentic Vietnamese Beef Noodles too but minus the beef as I don't eat beef ;p



"Don't ask yourself what the world needs; ask yourself what makes you come alive. And then go and do that. Because what the world needs is people who have come alive."

-Howard Thurman-

Gifts from Janeeeee - REVEALED

Sakura and Mt Fuji

Would be perfect if I could enjoy these snacks under the cherry blossoms....

Seeing is Believing

Went to India Street with my friends today. I've been planning to go there ever since B mentioned that her mum bought a lot of papadoms there at a very cheap price to fry at home. Very economical and also healthier since we use fresher oil at home and can eat anytime and as many as we want. Actually, I bought 4 packets of papadoms in AUS but they don't taste the same. A bit too salty.

We reached India Street before 8am. We wanted to get there before the weather gets too hot and the place becomes too crowded. Had a bowl of black sticky rice soup at Open Air market to boost up our energy. kinda have craving for it that day. Not bad & only costs RM1.20. haven't had that a loOOOoong time!


After our quick breakfast, we went hunting for papadoms. Passed by several Indian stalls there. Wahhhh, i almost vomited on the spot! Jane's stories about how dirty Indian food is are right... You really have to see it with your own eyes to believe it!! I saw a lot of cockroaches and other bugs, live and dead ones right on top of the dried goods! And some look as though they have lived there for ages!!! In the cartoon world, there would be a signboard saying "Home Sweet Home" liao. I started to imagine how rats and cockroaches playing hide and seek at night. Yucks!


What's worse, the shop owners don't even bother to chase or clean them off! Aren't the owners worried that the customers will be scared off by those disgusting creatures? Obviously not because the revolting sight doesn't have any negative effect on the Indian buyers at all. May be to them, dried goods with bugs indicates fresh goods? There are many Chinese grocery stores nearby. Their dried goods look so much fresher and cleaner than the Indians'. At least I didn't see any bugs resting themselves on the goods...

My AUS friend is right ~ Indian stalls are dark and smelly. Not only that, they are dirty too. After today's trip to "Little India", I think I'm gonna say goodbye forever to Indian food. Hmm.. probably not forever. Just don't have it too often. Hmm.. may be it's alright to have a few pieces of papadoms once in a long long time... Hmm... May be no harm to drink Ginger Milk Tea more often since it doesn't involve any spices & it's good for health.... Hmmm.... May be not all Indian restaurants are dirty 不应一竹竿打翻一船人... Hmmm... may be I'm still in denial....... ;p

Gifts from Janeeeee~~

These are presents from Jane, all the way from Nihon (日本 Japan).

Love the magnets! The sushi, har gao (prawn dumplings) and cake look so deliciously real that I almost swallow them! haha... Thanks Janeeee~~ You are the BEST! :)

The beautifully wrapped boxes are cookies Jane purchased in Tokyo. *好幸福* [I can actually taste Japan without going to Japan!] According to her, all the Japanese shops gift-wrap everything you buy. 好细心哦。These cookies are so nicely wrapped that I can't bring myself to unwrap them!! *不忍心* Wanna know the content? (I wanna know too!) Have to wait til I'm done with admiring their beauties ^^

close up of my magnets

Honest Trick

This morning, a friend described how delicious her beef noodle soup at a new Taiwanese eatery in Perth was. Yummm.. Taiwanese beef noodle soup is nice. A bit like the beef noodle soup in Kch except that the meat are chunkier and tenderer. The soup is also a bit spicy with noodles that look like ramen... ;P'

Talking about Taiwanese beef noodle soup, I was reminded of a funny incident that happened a few years ago when I was in Taipei. One of the signature dishes in Taiwan is its beef noodle soup (& many many others. Jane can tell you that ;p). It is a must-eat item on your food list.

I remember ordering a bowl of beef noodle soup at a shop in Taipei city. Was too hungry to even take a good read of the menu and just proceeded to order a bowl of 牛肉汤面 (beef soup noodle). When it came, I flipped thru the noodle with chopsticks, searching for meat. None sighted. It was just plain noodle and dark coloured soup. Feeling cheated, i called the lady boss over and asked her about it. She went 'Ahhh, you should've ordered 牛肉面汤 (beef noodle soup) instead'

^O^ OOOOOOoo... when I thought about the wordings, it does make sense you know. 牛肉汤面 means 牛肉煮出来的高汤加面 （beef soup - meat + noodle） while 牛肉面汤 means 牛肉加面再加汤 （meat + noodle + soup）!!! 真高明! I couldn't argue because everything made sense! I was the one who had misread and misunderstood the wordings! hehe... I better work harder on my mandarin ;p *embarrassed* pai say pai say