Mundane Week

It has been a week after Hari Raya break but I've noticed the holiday mood is still lingering, especially around the office. The enthusiasm of working has not resumed. Furthermore with the weekend approaching, most of the white-collars already started planning a line of activities to be accomplished.

For the past 6 days, there wasn't any interesting or happening events that I could blog about. The week was pretty ordinary. I was so bored that I ended picking up an interest to snap photos while driving. I know it's risky to do so but I couldn't help it as I only spotted nice views when I am driving. I am as well impressed with the 3.2MP camera on my cellphone. The images captured turned out to be quite attractive. =p
Well, I don't recommend this 'hobby' to all, even though you are a skillful driver. There were several times where I almost 'kissed' the car in front of me. So, again this act is not advisable. However if you have decided to adopt it, do it at your own risk!!

Traffic Free

Today is the first working day after a long stretch of break due to Hari Raya Aidilfitri. I managed to crawl out of bed slightly later than my usual time and was ready to face the traffic. Knowing the traffic, I've prepared a bottle of Vitagen and 2 slices of biscuits so that I could get some bites while being stuck in the traffic.

To my surprise, the road was clear and it took me only 20 minutes to reach office at the speed of 60km/h. I was amazed as everyone should be back to work today and traffic should be congested. I was driving that slow that I could even snap a pic of the traffic-free road. Anyway, it's a good thing as I could save some fuel. =p

The office is rather quiet now (only 7 colleagues) are around. Where is everyone else? Are they still enjoying their holiday? Hmm....probably some of them are sun-bathing at the beach now, some are enjoying dim-sum, some are still sleeping under the warm and cosy comforter, and perhaps some don't even know today is a working day?! =)
Whatever it is, I am in office getting ready to work. Yes, I've just said WORK, perhaps after my bottle of Vitagen. Well, weekend is just 2 days away! How difficult can it be? =)

Nikkor Lens

Finally after some thoughts, I've decided to get myself a new addition - Nikon 55-200mm Normal-Telephoto Autofocus Lens. After reading a few reviews and comments from users over photography forums, this is apparently the best companion for my existing kit lens. I have not start shooting with the new lens as it was raining today. Was stranded indoor. If the weather is good tomorrow, I'll test it out!

Oh yeah, I have bought a few filters as well. I've bought Ultraviolet (UV) filter for each lens, mainly to protect the front of the lens. It is easily mounted on to the lens. A UV filter is mostly transparent to visible light, and can be left on the lens for nearly all shots. It has no effect to the photos taken unless strong UV filters are used. Well, I will explore further when the weather gets better.

One of the lens that I heart most is the Polarizer filter! =) I have always wanted to own one ever since I first saw the photo of clear blue sky with white-fluffy clouds taken with this filter. I couldn't resist when the sales girl was showing me the variety of lens. The 2 main effects of this filter in photography: it reduces reflections from non-metallic surfaces, and can darken the sky. I am really looking forward to a sunny day tomorrow! =) Can't wait to try out these new accessories! By the way, did I mention that these newbies cost quite a bit? Need to fully utilize them well enough! =p

Lucky Day!

Two days ago, while driving back home from work I called in to a local radio station for a contest. I was just trying my luck as I have not been able to get through the hotline once. I always dial in when the DJ announces the hotline number. Without knowing which contest, I took up my cell and started dialing in. As usual the line was busy and at times there were connection error.

Suddenly, my line got through and I heard the familiar voice of the DJ. I couldn't believe that I was the lucky caller! =) I was ecstatic for a while then I realized that I don't even know what contest was going on. Thankfully the cheerful radio DJ was very helpful. She was guiding me, errr....more of telling me the correct answers. Without any trouble, I managed to pass through the quiz. It was fun but also embarrassing as I sang on-air and a few of friends could recognize my voice! =p

I was delighted as it was my first time calling in to this radio station and won 2 tickets to "F1 Rock Concert" @ Fort Canning Park, Singapore! Can't wait to see 张学友 and 张惠妹! A good start for the 4th quarter of 2009! More to come ya! =)

Ghost Festival (中元节）

This Friday will mark the end of 7th month lunar calendar. 2 days ago a grand ceremony - Por Tor, was held in the neighbourhood where I am residing to conduct a proper sendoff for the spirits. The annual event was held over 3 days where several rituals were carried out to transmute and absolve the sufferings of the deceased. Prayers were chanted and food is offered to those lost souls and spirits wandering between the living and lower realms. During this period, the deceased ancestors "return" to visit the living of their descendants and seek for entertainment.

Activities during the 3 days include preparing ritualistic food offerings, burning incense, and burning joss paper, a papier-mache form of material items such as clothings, gold and other fine goods for the visiting spirtis. Elaborate meals would be served with empty seats for the deceased and spirits treating them as if they are still living. A makeshift open air cinema is setup, playing movies for the spirits as entertainment. Live performances were put on at night and at high volumes as the sound would attract and please the spirits. The first row of seats are always empty as this is where the "guests" would sit.

Families in the neighbourhood offered a great variety of food and beverages to the unknown homeless souls so that they would not intrude on their lives and bring misfortune and bad luck. Incense stands for prosperity in Chinese culture, so families believe that there is more prosperity in burning more incense. Businessmen and shop owners in the neighbourhood gathered to build altars for the deceased and priests/monks alike perform rituals for the benefit of souls. Monks often throw rice or other small food into the air in all directions to distribute them to the homeless spirits. The altars are setup in the street with fresh fruits and also sacrifices displayed on it. The grand finale of the event is when few monks chanted an hour long prayers to make sure all the hungry ghosts and wandering souls find their way back to the underworld.

There is a belief that there are souls who remain in the living realm to seek revenge to those who have wronged them in life. What do you think?

Godiva Chocolatier

I had craving for chocolate while I was window shopping earlier. After an hour of walking, I finally ended up at one of the world's best chocolate store - Godiva Chocolatier.

Without any hesitation, I approached the chiller storage which has a premium selections of truffles neatly arranged. Being a chocolate lover, I've decided to pick a few truffles especially those with alcohol. I love the bitterness of dark chocolate and a little alcohol, a perfect combination! Truffles are my favourite and what more when they come in a mixture of dark chocolate.
It took me quite a while to decide which flavour I should buy as all of them look so tasty! I was wishing the sales guy could give me a free tasting and I was too shy to ask for one. After picking 5 different flavours, I made my way to the cashier and happily waiting to collect my little golden paper bag. I took out a piece of RM50 note and was thinking should I get another extra truffle for my mum. Just as I was about to ask for another piece, I heard the cashier's voice..."That would be sixty Ringgit please." I was stunned for a while and after passing him the note, I quickly dipped into my bag to top up the balance. I was still in the state of vagueness when the cashier, with a smiling face, handed over the petite precious bag to me.
Upon reaching home, immediately I took out a piece to enjoy! While I was luxuriating in it, I could hear a voice behind me..."Each bite is precious! Indulge every bit of it!"
Well, it is slightly pricey but the truffles are really good! Will I revisit the store? Hmmm...will see how it goes. They are just chocolates afterall! =)

The Ugly Truth

Catch this new romantic comedy - The Ugly Truth, if you want to laugh out loud at a guy's dating rules. Both main characters are hot and sexy! Katherine Heigl (Abby) does have a great body and her curves can sweep the guys off the ground. The gorgeous blond lass, seen as Dr. Isobel Stevens in Golden Globe-winning series Grey's Anatomy, managed to reveal not only her beauty but also the intellectual personality of hers in the movie.

As for Gerard Butler (Mike), the muscular, dark brown & hot Scottish makes the women drool at his every moves. The good looking 6'2" lad with grey-green eyes was humorous and sensuous in the movie. Though at certain scene, the fine lines has laid bare his age, he is still hunky and symmetrical.
Alright, my confession - for a while I was building castle in the air, fantasizing I could wake up one morning next to him! =p

I actually remembered The Ugly Truth Rules (which is a guy's view) from the movie:

Rule #1 - Never criticize a guy
Rule #2 - Laugh at whatever a guy says, even it is not funny
Rule #3 - Men are very visual (Duh! Who doesn't know this?)
Rule #4 - Never talk about your problems to a guy

I somehow find there is some truth to the above rules. These manly rules get Abby her perfect guy but the relationship doomed because she's been acting and not being her true self.

Share with you some memorable quotes for The Ugly Truth:

Abby: "My cat stepped on the remote."
Mike: "Well, be sure to thank your pussy for me."

Mike: "It's not for you, it's for your bean."

I would recommend this movie for those who needs a good laugh. Have fun and enjoy the great romantic comedy.
Remember, your great love is out there, you just need the right rules! =)

Tiramisu @ Alexis

Alexis Bistro & Wine Bar

Bangsar Baru
Rating: ***

Price: Slightly above the bar (RM380 for 5 pax)
Comments: Finally! I've made a trip to Alexis after reading so many deviating reviews about it especially for the adorned Tiramisu. Being a Tiramisu lover, it's a must try for me! The cake, surfaced with crunchy almond nuts & the cognac soaked sponge cake embedded with chocolate shavings is a perfect combination. I was in 7th heaven when I took the first bite with the strawberry sauce. Thumbs up for this! Tasted another star-studded item - steamed garlic clams with Chardonnay sauce. The sauce is delicious, thanks to the aromatic flavour of the great white wine. Alexis, occupying 2 floors has a great atmosphere - cool backdrop, nice bar, great lighting & comfy seats. Last but not least, a few glasses of Lychee Bellini & cocktails ended the flawless evening! =) I will definitely revisit!

Umaiya & Fullhouse

Umaiya Japanese Restaurant

Damansara Utama (Uptown)
Rating: * *
Price: Affordable (RM170 for 4 pax)

Comments: Food is not fantastic but the ambiance is quite cosy. Tasted different types of sushi - fresh veg, could have included more fish roe. Soba was alright - well decorated. Soft shell crab was oily & not crunchy enough. Will consider to revisit.

Fullhouse Lifestyle Store & Cafe
Nui Ze Xui @ Ara Damansara
Rating: * *
Price: Affordable (RM120 for 3 pax)

Comments: Food is pretty mundane. Spaghetti was tasteless. Dessert - nice to see only! Would recommend the Chicken Chop, tasty sauce & generous portion. Praise them for the charity dinner set - fund raising for the Morakot in Taiwan. Thumbs up for its cool setup & decoration of the restaurant! =) Worth to visit, if you have a bored evening!

Obessesive Shopping Disorder

I had a thought over my spending habit lately & am questioning myself whether am I suffering from Obsessive Shopping Disorder (OSD)?

OSD aka Compulsive Shopping is a form of process addiction in which someone feels compelled to shop. This type of process addiction results in the expenditure of large amounts of money. While it might seem laughable to be “addicted to shopping,” compulsive shopping is actually a serious problem!! Compulsive shoppers are actually out of control, which means that they are unable to stop spending money. They believe that if they shop they will feel better.

Compulsive shopping and spending generally makes a person feel worse. It can be a seasonal balm for the depression, anxiety and loneliness. It also can occur when a person feels depressed, lonely and angry. A chronic compulsive shopper shops constantly to feel better, becoming addicted to the process of shopping and spending money. Some may become compulsive in response to stress, failing relationships, or problems at work.

Shopaholics, basically go out and buy, to get a high, or get a "rush" just like a drug or alcohol addict. According to research, shopping addiction tends to affect more women than men. They often buy things they do not need. Women suffering from OSD often have racks of clothes and possessions with the price tags still attached which have never been used. They will go to a shopping mall with the intention of buying one or two items and come home with bags and bags of purchases. Does this sound familiar to you?!

Well, below are some tips to prevent shopping binges:

• Pay your purchases by cash or debit card
• Make a shopping list & only buy what is on the list
• Avoid discount warehouses. Allocate only a certain amount of cash to spend if you do visit one
• Talk a walk or exercise when the urge to shop comes on
• If you feel out of control, you probably are. Seek help from support group!!
  

Shopping and spending will not assure more love, bolster self-esteem, or heal the hurts, regrets, stress, and the problems of daily living. While many of us have treated ourselves to something special in response to depression or unsettling events (I do that often), bear in mind that there is a difference between setting a budget for a special treat instead of going on a spending spree which spirals out of control!
I will spend some time to curb my spending habit & am thankful that I am not a chronic shopaholic! =)