Return......

It has been 8 months since I last posted a blog. So many things took place within such a short time!

Frustration, sadness, laughter & tears...no matter what had happened, the sun is shining brightly now! :) I have now return to keep up with more posts & updates.

Watch out for this space...stay tune!

Ramadhan Month

Time really pass by quickly, the Ramadhan month is back! I last blogged about Ramadhan when I was in Dubai. Well this time round, am experiencing it in my homeland with a bunch of foreigners workers. Just to share a funny yet annoying scene that happened recently.

Chris: "Hey everyone, tomorrow will be the first day of Ramadhan. This means the Muslims will be fasting - no food & drinks for them!"

Everyone turned and looked at him in dazed as there was an email sent out earlier informing everyone.

Lim: "So...?"

Chris: "So...from tomorrow onwards, no one is allowed to drink and eat in public! Make sure no food and drinks can be found on your desk!"

Everyone gave Chris a puzzled look and resumed to work. Chris left proudly as if he had made a great announcement.

Henry (German): "Wow! I didn't know it is so strict in Malaysia. The non-Muslims are not allowed to eat in public??"

Jenny (Brit): "When I was in Singapore, people are allowed to eat in public. Why not in Malaysia?"

After several questions and queries, Lim finally voiced out.

Lim: "Hey guys, there is no such law in Malaysia that we (non-Muslims) are not allowed to eat in public or in front of the Muslims. You guys don't need to hide yourself in pantry."

"By the way, the announcement was made by a Korean who was raised up in Australia. :)"

New Hairstyle @ Shunji Matsuo

A new hairstyle for a better lifestyle! =) I've heard so much about this salon - Shunji Matsuo at Sri Hartamas and finally today I've stepped in leaving the faith of my hair in their hands. I was the 3rd customer of the day and without any delay, the stylist's assistant (a Thai girl) gave me a hairwash. I would rate her 4 out of 5 as she accidentally wet my blouse during rinsing. =) Other than that, she has good strength giving me a nice head & shoulder massage. Also not to forget, the minty shampoo was cooling, leaving the scalp fresh after wash.

Immediately after that, my new hairstylist - Terry, greeted me with a big grin! His first impression to me - friendly, calm, fresh & yummy. After running through my hair texture, he started to snip confidently. His haircut techniques were unique & he maintained a positive body language through out the haircut session. I could see his passion and professionalism when he carried out his job, which impressed me a lot.

Finally after 2 hours, I have a new hairstyle! It is a total contrast - the short hair has lifted me up, I felt great after the session! I love my new hairstyle but I love my hair stylist more! ;) Definitely 2 thumbs up for him!

~Picture courtesy of Okinawa~

The difference between......

What's the difference between "To love a person for who he is" and "To love a person for what he is"? I was asked this question by a friend and it took me some time to answer. I was wondering would one actually thought of these when he or she is in love?

Well in actual fact, to love a person for who he is means - you fall in love with his character. You are attracted to his attitude, personality and most of all his true self. He is the person you can foresee to spend the rest of your life with, you look forward to spending quality moments together, his temper sweetens your relationship and ultimately his presence is an assurance to you. According to surveys, a couple will have a lasting relationship if both parties are into each other for who they really are.

In contrast to that, to love a person for what he is means - you love (or rather like?) your partner for what he has in life. You are basically attracted to the luxurious items surrounding him. For instance, you choose to be with your partner because he is well to do, drives a luxurious car, owns a decent house or just because he always uses designer goods. These are the non-living things that make you think that you are in love with him, but in actual fact, you are attracted to the external factors. Obviously, this relationship does not last. Even if one party is sincere and truthful to the other, the bond between both will not be strong.

I was skeptical initially, thinking true love only happens in romance movies. After reading several articles, I have been convinced that there are individuals out there who really fall for a person's personality.

It probably takes time for you to come across such individual, hold on to faith - if the special someone is meant to be with you, he'll cross your path in life. You might want to re-evaluate your relationship with your partner if he appreciates your penthouse but complains about your snoring! =)

~Find a partner who completes you!~

Attainment of Bliss

"As an inspirant, you should always seek the truthful and joyful, and avoid all thoughts that are sad and depressing. When your devotion is well established, even if depression, doubt or conceit appears, you can easily discard them.

It is best that as an inspirant, you are joyful, smiling and enthusiastic under all circumstances. This pure attitude is more desirable than even devotion and wisdom. If you are worried, depressed or doubting, you can never attain Bliss, no matter what spiritual practise you perform.

Hence, the first task of an inspirant is the cultivation of enthusiasm. Never get inflated when you are praised, never get deflated when you are blamed. You must analyze and correct your faults. Be a Spiritual Lion." ~SB~ 23-05-2010

Lead-Free Mug

Saw something new yesterday - a lead-free mug. Never heard of it before and therefore gave it a try. I've bought it purely because the mug is pretty and it's safe to be used in hot water - according to the salesgirl. =)

I've google-ed to read more regarding lead-free as I didn't know that some mugs are not safe to be used. After reading several sites, only that I realized mug that has been colourfully painted, vibrantly coloured or decorated with cute designs are at high risk of being contaminated by lead. It is believed that the colour and ingredients used to paint the mug contains lead or plumbum that are harmful to our body.

Not only colourful and cute mugs are exposed to lead, some plain glasses also contain lead - captured during the process of glass making. Thus, do not think that a plain glass is always good for drinking your favourite hot tea. =)

After much surfing, I came across quite a number of sites that actually sell lead-free mugs lately. These mugs are mostly ceramic mugs and decorated with lead-free paint. The paint are scientifically proven to be lead-free as well as plumbum free. Therefore, they are safe to be used with hot boiling water.

With all these information that I've read, I am pleased to be the new owner of my lovely tall ceramic mug which is lead-free and also 100% hand-painted! =) Taking into consideration of the benefits of using a lead-free mug, it pays off to pay a little more to own it!

So, maybe it's time you should check and consider to replace your cute mug - for a better living! =)

Flu Flu Go Away

It is true when the elders say "When age is catching up, our health deteriorates." It was proven today - I used to walk and have fun in the rain without catching cold, but today, I was caught in the rain for less than a minute and I am down with flu already. It is so unbelievable!

Well, I wanted to recover asap so I've googled home remedies for flu. Meanwhile, I was holding a box of tissue, using sheet after sheet. I was hoping to find simple and practical remedies for fast relief, but after an hour of clicking and reading several links, I gave up totally. The remedy is either involving ingredients that I've never heard before or it has not been proven. I admit that I am not an adventurous person - at least not on edible stuff.

Finally, I've decided to pop-in a flu pill and gulped down 2 big glasses of lemon juice. I could not tolerate further as the thought of getting dehydrated due to running nose kept crossing my mind. It sounds funny but you'll never know....

Guess what, I've typed this blog for the 3rd time. I've accidentally deleted it twice earlier, due to...err...age catching-up??

Tears of Joy

21st April 2010, Sunny Day

"Today is a sunny day. I woke up earlier than usual and happily getting ready to school because it is my birthday today. Mummy sent my sister and I to school along with a birthday cake to share with my school friends.

My teacher put 6 candles on the cake and all my school friends sang Happy Birthday song to me. Suddenly my eyes were watery. I do not know why my eyes were watery when my friends sang loudly surrounding me. I shared the cake and party packs with my friends.

Daddy brought my family to TGI for dinner. I had my favourite chicken and chocolate ice-cream. I told daddy my eyes' problem in school. They were watery even though I did not cry as I was not sad at that time.

Daddy told me that my eyes are okay and those are not water - they are called tears! I do not really understand what are tears but I am happy that my eyes are okay."

~adapted from Gerald's diary~

After reading the above, I was intrigued by this 6 years old boy. Is he just being sentimental or is he an Indigo child? Or is it telling us that kids nowadays are able to narrate their feeling in such detailed manner? At such tender age, he is able to feel the joy and warmth around him. Isn't it a wonderful thing? =) Am wondering what other wonders will take place...

-baby photo courtesy of fotolia-

外面的世界

最近经常听到这首歌,本人觉得旋律还不错,歌词也让我想起过去.
外面的世界真的有那么精彩吗?

<外面的世界> 主唱: 莫文蔚

在很久很久以前
你拥有我 我拥有你
在很久很久以前
你离开我去远空翱翔

外面的世界很精彩
外面的世界很无奈
当你觉得外面的世界很精彩
我会在这里衷心的祝福你

每当夕阳西沉的时候
我总是在这里盼望你
天空中虽然飘着雨
我依然等待你的归期

在很久很久以前
你拥有我 我拥有你
在很久很久以前
你离开我去远空翱翔

外面的世界很精彩
外面的世界很无奈
当你觉得外面的世界很无奈
我还会在这里耐心的等着你

A New Day

After 3 months long of being "jobless", I finally started my first day in a new company. The day was not heavy but somehow I left office at 6pm, which is unusual for me!! Looks like I have to get use to working late now. Well, now I can totally understand the phrase "Getting out from your comfort zone needs a huge effort!" Hopefully, I will get use to it real soon. =)

Yesterday was a day where I did nothing, intentionally, so that I won't be striving hard for the year of 2010! This is one of the superstitious practice of mine. =) I picked up this practice as I remembered reading an article that says on auspicious day or important dates, one needs to spend the day leisurely - welcoming the positive and good energy into your life! Though it is not scientifically proven but there is no harm practising it, right? =) I'll keep you posted if it is working!

Another good news to share - my friend has delivered a baby girl today! Both mother and baby are doing fine now. Can't wait to see them! It has been quite a while since I last held a newborn. Now am wondering which lovely name will the parents name her.

Lastly, I would like to thank everyone from the bottom of my heart for the well wishes (no matter it's via SMS or FB)!! =) God bless...

Sg Klah Hot Spring Park

Hot springs on a burning hot day! Sounds crazy but I did it! =) It was a fun experience. I knew nothing about this place till I hop-on a ride with my nephew & niece to this wonderful park.

Sungai Klah is located 10km away from the town Sungkai in Perak. The journey to the park took us 1 hour 30 mins. With the entrance fee of RM10, you get to enjoy the park.

I was surprised to see the park was crowded even though it was 12 noon! Majority of the visitors flocked to the man-made waterfall which has water slides & wading pool. They are filled with cool & refreshing spring water. Avoiding the crowd, I headed to the hot spring pool with the kids. =) There are several pools in the park with different temperature - from warm to boiling hot. There is a designated pool where visitors can enjoy boiling eggs. For those who are looking to have a quiet & quality time of your own, there are several private hot spring pools available for rent at very reasonable price.

The hot spring dip was refreshing & apparently it helps to relieve stiff muscles, rheumatism, insomnia and skin related problems. I would definitely return for another dip. A good place to relax & getaway from work stress! =)

The Big Day

The long awaited big day of my family has finally come to an end. Well, it's not an end afterall as it is just a new beginning for a lovely couple. They are now all set to face the new phase of their life, welcoming the new journey of happiness and blessings from all.

The memorable day was witnessed by relatives and close friends. A big thank you to all as they have made the auspicious event a memorable & successful one. With the joyous laughter, delicious food and most of all the presence of far-away relatives, the bride and groom were deeply touched. They were filled with happy tears though it was a tiring day. All these memorable and heartfelt moments were captured, and yes, I am still waiting for the 'end-products'. =)

Well, a great toast to all who has sent their wishes! Also, a sincere thanks to everyone who has contributed to this big day of the year! =) May the new couple lives happily ever after......God Bless!

New Year Resolutions

Chinese New Year has finally arrived & yet the busy days are not over yet! =) Well, no matter what we should always look forward to doing something different or new when a new year arrives. As for myself, I've come up with several new resolutions for this year....

I WILL......

1. ...not drink instant coffee as I believe the best espressos do not come in a 3-in-1 packet. I'll train myself to become my own barista! ;)
2. ...stimulate my senses by creating a refreshing ambience. Using relaxing scents to soothe my soul & stay regenerated always!
3. ...broaden my musical tastebuds this year by exploring the music genre. Moving out of the comfort zone is a good thing sometimes! ;)
4. ...be one with nature! Make the world greener by saying 'No' to plastic bags!
5. ...inject more colour into my life. Invite more vibrant, tangy colours to brighten my day!
6. ...spoil my inner child. I'll reward & pamper myself and those around me with wonderful treats ! ;)
7. ...be more of a neat freak!! Be more organized & say bye-bye to clutter (this is a bit tough...)
8. ...sleep like a queen!!! =) I deserve the best life, thus I'll indulge in luxurious beddings befitting royalty.

It's always easy to say than doing it. I'll make sure I'll stay with these & achieve them within a year~ =) Let us all work our way to our new resolutions!

The year has not ended...

....yet. Yes, the unlucky year is still lingering around. All the unpleasant matters are befalling on me! Sigh...what a year!

This morning I woke up from the wrong side of the bed. First, I didn't have a good sleep from the previous night. Then, when I was getting ready to leave home, I had an unusual feeling - that I will lose some money for the day. As I was planning to do some shopping today, spending is definitely part of the activities. Thus, I totally ignored it. Believing that positive thinking will attract positive energy!
Things didn't go that way unfortunately! After an awful and lousy breakfast, I headed to a store to begin my shopping. I was enjoying myself, checking out some stuff in the store. When I left the store and wanted to make a phone call, only I realized that my handphone was not with me. I searched my bag & car but there was no glimpse of it! I borrowed a mobile to dial my own number & only hearing a lady's voice repeating this..."Sorry, the number you have dialed is currently not available. Please try later."
I was devastated as I got to accept the fact that I have lost my phone - all the data and contacts! Immediately, it struck my mind that I have my IC, credit cards and ATM card in my pouch too!! Without further delay, I got back home to terminate all my cards.
What an unlucky day I would say as I should have listened to the "sign" this morning. Hope that today's visit to the police station will complete the year of Ox. Though I still can't get over it, hope the upcoming days will be much better!!

~Mr Bad Luck, please stay away from me! Thank you!~

Not My Day....

I lost all my pictures taken in a recent trip while I was transferring them to my PC today! Not sure what has caused the loss of files & I can't get them back! Have tried several software to retrieve them back but to no avail!!! =(
It's a lesson learnt for me. I'll make sure to save a few copies of my files to several different storage devices to prevent any files loss for no reason in the future! Nothing can be done to retrieve the pictures of the trip now, left only the good old memories....

Well, apart from losing my photos, I've also received another sad news. Today is definitely not my day....
Saw this sketch & it totally depicts how I feel right now....thanks Sasha!

Expect The Best!

Expect only the best!

What seemed difficult today,
may be manageable tomorrow.

Take each obstacle as a challenge
Trust yourself and be strong
Belief in your own potentials
Strive a little harder and always do your best
Keep on believing in your dreams

Always remember that no matter how things turn out,
you can make the best of them! =)

Picture resembles GuiLin LiJiang Waterfall Hotel ~ listed in the Guiness Book of Records, waterfall is 45 meters high, 72 meters wide at the top and 75 meters at the bottom.