Puppy Love

me with babe

Have always wanted to have pictures with a puppy  and therefore I couldn't resist  the chance  when  my friend adopted a puppy two week ago. So here I am posing with the friendly puppy named babe  and having a doggie fun time at my friend's house. I got licked and nibble at my legs as if  to say i love you...awhhh...so adorable, clever and cute babe...I miss you already.

Check out this website if you are interested in adopting a pet or if you want to put  a pet up for adoption  - www.petfinder.com

 WOOF!

Brooks Half Marathon 2012

11th March, 2012

Venue : National Stadium Bukit Jalil

Distant : 21km

 Before the start of the run @ 5.15am

 Race starting time was supposed to be 5.30 am but  was  8 minutes behind schedule. Can you spot me running beside H?

 

Bib collected at Brooks The Curve

Another medal!

Goodies bag and the mystery gift.

1st HM for the year.  Didn't get the Pb I first intended  but nonetheless enjoyed the run and loved the route.

Upon signing up, knee was still good. Then during training knee felt not good and not the same anymore. *funny & cute...right?* I do not have this problem earlier. But still I went there and felt daunted with doubt in mind whether I can finish the 21km. Left knee was acting up on me and  I took every step cautiously as not to push myself and over strain my left knee.  With that in mind my goal was to finish the run and forget about the PB. Felt pain now and then *ouch* but nothing too serious to give up, just slowed down and  shifted more weight on my  right good leg. As a result of that, my right calf muscle was most painful for a couple of days ... sigh.

Finished I did.

What I will remember most.....

* My first time inside National Stadium Bukit Jalil ;)

* Did not overtake my running partner H at any point during the run as I always  did :(

* Many angry and impatient motorist honking :(

* Seeing the break of dawn at 10km mark :)

* Many photographers took pictures as we ran inside the stadium towards the finish  line...sure felt glamour for awhile heheh... ;)

* My 1st run with a knee pain :( I know...should go and see doctor lah

* Left the place missing my previous 'good' knee...where did it go? :(

Am I giving up running? Nope. Not just yet  and my brand new Brooks Ravenna 3 confirms it! Fits very nicely and comfy. Am itching to try it out at the next run which gonna be....

Pineapple

3rd February, 2012

Have you ever seen a pineapple plant before? No...I have to admit I haven't seen how a fully matured pineapple grows. It is a very rear sight for me.. at least. Loved the fruit but  doesn't have the slightest idea of how to grow it. A visit to a friend's house changed all that. More often than not, in general, we know the fruits but seldom know how the tree looks like until we see the fruits hanging from that particular tree.Then you would wish you could reach out and pluck it only that its not belong to you and you might get a real nice scolding from the owner.

Anyway, back to the pineapple plant.

 My friend's pineapple - Josapine pineapple

Never  seen a pineapple grown in a flower pot in a garden before like this one. And according to her, it took 3 years for it to grow that big. Wow. That's a long long time and I admired her patience. She has two of em.

Envy, I decided to plant my own. The pasar malam fruit seller was kind enough to give me 2 thorny parts of the fruit and I bought a packet of black soil as fertilizer and viola...my very own Josapine in a flower pot in my very mini garden. Two of em also heheh...

Looking good and  just need a little (or lots of) patience and counting the days to see the fruits of my labour. Or in other words..."ong lai lai lai" or "ong mali mali"

Guaranteed juicy & sweet and pack with copper, fiber, manganese, thiamin, vitamin B6 & C.

:)

Otto Hutt Dragon Back Run

1st January, 2012

Venue : Kelab Penembak Bandar Di Raja Klang

Distant : 15KM

One of the toughest route with 8 big hills and not counting the slopes but I managed to conquer it all and survived to write it hahah... Tough and yet challenging at the same time...my strategy was to walk uphill and run downhill. Envied those who can run up hill effortlessly. Taking one hill at a time, with rubbery legs, after each hill it left me breathless and counting on my knees to steady me...and taking a deep breath before climbing the next one.  The road is long and straight and after one hill the next one is in sight. One hill at a time, I can do it, the end is near...that was my mantra...phewww!!!

It was quite lonely at first, not until a familiar rear sight caught my eyes...You guessed it right...caught up with Herman at 6km. Asked him as always..."What happen to you?". Actually, he was having an energy bar and had some near cramp episode and thus had to walk...The qualifying time given was 3 hrs. Plenty of time and no pressure to finish fast...So the rest of the km was done running, walking and chatting, huffing and puffing. 

At the finish line, Azza was there waiting for me and gave me a "high 5". Appreciated the   moral support. You did swell!

Every time I see a hill, I changed to walking mode. Lacking of leg power, stamina are some of the reasons. So, my resolution for this year 2012 is to run uphill instead of walking. This is my personal challenge. Can I do it?

 

 The NB shoe and the lucky no. that won him the grand prize. The price tag is RM299.00

Two weeks ago Herman fell down at Malakoff and got an early Christmas and New Year ang pow. This time  the fate changed and was so lucky to have won the grand prize for the lucky draw. Definitely a good way to start the new year and I hope all things good will follow thru out 2012. Unfortunately, the shoe doesn't fit and the sponsored items are not exchangeable. Looks like we have to look for a buyer who wears size US 6 1/2.  Wonder why don't they give NB vouchers instead?

First finisher medal and certificate for the year. Nice and I loved it!

Happy New Year. Hope 2012 will be a good year for my family, friends and everyone. Peace on earth and hope no natural disaster :)

    

A Fabulous Christmas

26th December, 2011

 

Had a fabulous Christmas with The Mersey Beatles. They gave us an awesome performance and brought back great memories of The Beatles, one of the famous  band from Liverpool. Loved all their songs and grew up with it. Great crowd - clapping and dancing along, great energy.

Among some of the songs are Help!, Yellow Submarine, Sergent Pepper Lonely Heartclub Band, Hey Jude, Eight Days A Week, I Wanna Hold Your Hand, Twist and Shout, Please Please Me, All My Loving, Love Love Me Do, Yesterday and many more...

Enjoyed every moment and sang my heart out till my voice gone hoarse.

It was indeed FANTASTIC!

 

Malakoff 12km

18th December, 2011

Venue : Bukit Kiara Equestrian & Country Resort, K.L

This was  our 1st Malakoff run and we managed to squeeze in one last run before the year exit 2011. We expected it to be hilly but  I always reminded myself that surely there is nothing more brutal than the meru hill and besides will take this challenge as part of our training for the upcoming dragon back run on 1.1.12...the rolling killer hills of meru aha!

It was 5.15 a.m when we reached the venue and having found a parking spot at the roadside, we could now relaxed and took a short nap, put our running gears on and I even had my breakfast of bread in the car which was quite hard to swallow so early with plain water...(had milo earlier at home)...

Next we walked down towards the clubhouse and looked for the international sign which was the toilet...and a long queue awaited us...and we thought we were early...Anyway, walked further down to the start/finish line and around the vicinity. Had sampling of nestle finesse cornflakes and powerbar...again I find it difficult to swallow it this early...

Didn't had a good night sleep last night probably because of an overloading of dim sum which was very salty and then later for dinner a plate of fried kuey teow ... salty also...what happen I don't know...could be the cook not in a good mood! Anyway, told Herman its our substitute for ORS to avoid cramp for tomorrow run hehehee...

Then waited for the start off time and there were no one to warm us up and apparently we have to do our own warm up session...somehow I felt the atmosphere was lacking of excitement...or was it me?

The run began at 7a.m for women and 7.10a.m for men. I paced myself but only for about 300m, then its was uphill right up to the main road in which I walked. The  loop began from the main road. There were 2 big uphill task along Jalan Beringin, Bukit Damansara and  we have to do a  2nd loop and face both hills again. Running downhill was a breeze with no brakes. Uphill was torturous even just by walking and still managed somehow.

Collected the goodie bag and after which I had fried mee and tau foo fah for breakfast while waited for my partner. Wonder what was taking him so long???

Finally he called and said he had a fall. I hope it was nothing serious. Only about a month ago, he tripped while jogging...OMG...not again. I now know why I had a bad feeling on the way here and wanted to tell him to cancel it.

Anyhoo...this was his story and created history at Malakoff..."I slipped on the sandy bump and knew I was going to fall and tried to steady myself but still lost my balance and fall hard to the ground. Luckily a chinese couple who were near behind helped me up and asked me if I was ok or not. Said I am ok and continued running to the finish line with the couple behind me...and immediately went for medical aid. Malu only they were video taping me at the same time. I am going to claim my PA insurance"

Injuries sustained on the right palm and right knee after the nasty fall. Except for the palm, the knee was injured again at the same spot while jogging a month ago...

He skipped the breakfast. Left the place and drove straight to a clinic in Klang. The doc gave him a jab and 2 weeks of medical leave. Herman said "This is an early Christmas gift and New Year angpow. Everything happen for a reason, I know myself...think positive" Well...good thing he had PA insurance.

The finisher medal

I wish him speedy recovery as the dragon back run is around the corner soon.

We Run KL 10K

27th November, 2011

Venue : Padang Merbok, K.L

This year the route was much more interesting as we ran through historical places of Kuala Lumpur. Along the routes, we passed by Parliment Negara, Muzium Negara, Little India, KL Sentral, Masjid Negara,  Tugu Negara and back to the finish line at Padang Merbok. It's a great and fun way to know KL thru this kind of event.

    

The finisher item. Cool, Cute & Chic Pen drive

At first I was not keen on signing up for this event but changed my mind after seeing the nice tee shirt..I liked it.

Then I was not keen on running on that day cos no doubt I will get  a finisher toy like last year...I disliked it.

But not bad at all this time to have a pen drive after we crossed the finish line...I loved it.

Now I will join this event every year! Just do it.

Gonna store all my running medal, running photos and all things running in this cutest pen drive.

CICM Responsible Care Run 2011

13th November, 2011

Venue : Setia Alam Welcome Centre

Distant : 10km

Another running event at Setia Alam, this time was organised by CICM.

It was really great to come back here again this year to participate it. Loved the route..clean, quiet environment, flat road and not so much traffic gave me a peace of mind to really enjoy and finished the run as fast as my legs can go.  And though I didn't finished in record breaking, podium standing time...I thoroughly enjoyed it all from the beginning till the end of the lucky draw. Haha..still no luck in getting a prize but what the heck...the actual prize is the feeling of contentment and happiness in participating it!!

Food, drinks, fruits were aplenty to pamper us...What else should I ask for??

Am proud to say I finished in position 123...there you go ... I conquered the 1st, 2nd and 3rd position at one go..heheheh...

Cheers!

Ship Book Fair

6th October, 2011

During my early twenties, the very 1st time I visited a floating book fair. Back then I was staying in  K.L which was actually quite far and further more I do not know my way around. No choice, I had to coax a friend to drive me all the way to Port Klang  just to get a glimpse and then get aboard the Doulos ship for the sake of seeing books in the ship. Its sort of killing 2 birds with one stone. See ship and see books at one time; an adventure I can't miss at that time hehehe...

A very long queue to go on board.

Enjoyed the scenery and breeze aboard Doulos ship.

Now 2 decades later and living not far from Port Klang, there's no reason not to visit the floating book fair again although its a different and a smaller ship...I like the idea  to shop for books in a ship ...and perhaps sail away? How is it that I have missed them in between now and then? But I'm sure it won't happen again cos I  can check their schedules at the website. My own fault for not reading newspaper more often for updates and current affairs. I should not always be behind a book and be oblivious of my surroundings but it a habit hard to break lol.

 

The floating Logos Hope from afar. On the background is the bigger cruise ship Virgo.

 One for the album

 

Two decades version of me :)

 

 A series of murals on the wall depicting the story of a prodigal son.

The books I bought. 4 in all. RM52 in total - cheap.

The entrance fee is RM1 per adult. Once enter there is a mini theater in which we sat for a while for a short introduction and was briefed on  the flow of direction from the entrance to the exit. Then we proceeded to the book fair and I could have finished the tour in 10 minutes. I bought some books as part of donation cos out of  their 3 generators, 2 was down and they need some donation to purchase new generator for replacement. Herman donated RM10...how sweet...

The books were priced at units. 100 units is RM8. For easy reference there are charts at the side of the bookshelves. All sorts of books are available just like  a book shop should have. Cooking, fiction, motivation, spiritual, kids section etc...cds, ship mementos, souvenirs and such. It is not a very big ship, so the books are quite limited in varieties.

The story of the prodigal son is depicted in pictures on the wall. Good Story. There's also a cafe that cater for  snacks and soft drinks and lastly before exit they also have  a RM1 section selling magazine, pencils, small books etc...I liked the interior of the ship, it's kept neat, tidy and clean and only 1 deck is open to public. The sea was so calm, I don't feel any swaying at all. Loved every minute of it there.

Their world map.

A book lover I am. The End.

NB Run For It 5

11th September, 2011

Time flies...seems like a very long time since  the last time I joined a running event and this is my 1st finisher medal for the year...'wa lau eh'. With no prior running at all for so so... very long (just walkabout at the jogging area) and with a few extra kilos on board (sigh), I am glad that I did  sign up for this 'run for it 5' event. Today weather is nice and cooling, perfect for outdoors activities. Except for blisters on the sole of my foot,  it kinda  keep the flame and passion of running on going again. Yay, after crossing the finishing line in slow mo, I know in me, all is not lost yet and am optimistic all will turn out well. I will be joining more events in time to come until I cant run no more hehehe...

Miss the crowd, miss the goodies bag, miss the fun atmosphere, miss my sweaty smell and miss the good use of my two legs :) Gonna keep on moving...

Thanks to KPAC for making this an annual event and am looking forward for 2012 run for it 6. I especially like the lucky draw cos everyone looked so hopeful to win a prize, holding on to the precious bib no. and getting ready to make a dash to the podium to claim it. Me included. I nearly win one but missed by a single digit....hehehe...so near yet so far.

Unlike the 2 previous years, we run a different route this time which is very near around my housing area, passes by a few nasi lemak stalls and am tempted to  drop in the house for a quick stop but on second thoughts forget it because once in the house I might just take a shower, change and continue with my sleep or have a cup of coffee with nasi lemak. I like this route better though and Herman do agreed with me.

John Ford Coley Concert

12th February, 2011

 

 

I had a great weekend. Celebrating a belated birthday of Herman's (5th/2), celebrating the 10th day of CNY and of course  an early  Valentine's Day, all in one celebration. When I heard that John Ford Coley was coming to perform at Arena of Star, Genting Highlands (for Valentine), my mind was made up that I will not miss this once in a lifetime concert.

Tickets were sold at RM120, RM80 and RM50. The concert started at 8.00p.m with a group from Istana Budaya performing some 1Malaysia traditional dances and afterward  John Ford Coley made his entry to the stage. I was eager and thrilled to hear him sing his 1st song. I got my camera ready and tried to get a few good shot from afar. Although it was prohibited to take pictures, many people were just snapping away. Clearly, he had a lot of fans over here in Malaysia  and we are one of them.

A good pianist and guitarist, he sang his all time best songs which are 'I'd really love to see you tonight', 'nights are forever without you', 'soldier in the rain', 'we'll never have to say goodbye again', 'love is the answer' among other favourite hits. The audience clap and sang along with all his  beautiful romantic songs and all were  enthralled by it. Towards the end, he give us the extra by doing the rock and roll numbers such as 'twist and shout', 'la bamba' and 'hippy hippy shake' and that guy can rock too! The night ended too early and too soon at 9.45pm, felt like not enough of it.

Formerly known duet as England Dan and John Ford Coley, they were well known in the 70's and 80's and I bet the younger generation now won't know them at all. Although, many years has passed, he still delivers his songs beautifully and sure bring back memories of yesteryear.  I had a wonderful and  enjoyable time throughout the concert. 

I am hooked on concerts now and am looking forward for more in the near future. Till the next one...Cheers!

Gong Xi Fa Cai!

 

 

Here I am wishing everybody a very happy and prosperous Chinese New Year 2011.May the  Rabbit year bring  good health, wealth, harmony, lasting luck, success and prosperity throughout the year.

Gong Xi Fa Cai !! Gong Xi Fa Cai !!

A Turtle Story

24th January, 2011

Something unusual happened today. After lunch and was heading home, as usual Herman was driving, and all of a sudden he swerved the car to the right and avoided running over a turtle in the nick of time. I was like 'what the hell', and he said 'a turtle, quick quick pick it up' . As usual lah, I have to do the scary part, and so with both my bare hands I carefully lifted it up and put it inside a box behind the car booth. The turtle was trying to cross to the other side of the road and that road was actually a busy one. 

Maybe it could be a lost pet, a stray pet or even an abandon pet but I doubted it. Or it could be washed up from its home after a heavy downpour and was looking its way back. It looked lost and it was in such a pitiful sight, in the middle of the road and I am glad we took and welcome it to its new home, our home that is! Think of what might have happen if it falls on the wrong hands? Turtle soup, perhaps??

We decided to keep it for the time being until it grows too big for us to handle. Then we will release it back to nature, far away from civilization. Right now its in a plastic aquarium with water in it and I bought a big bottle of terrapin food, and its well fed and safe. Had yet to name it though.

Whether its a dog, a cat, a hamster, a rabbit or a snake or whatever pet you might have, when you notice somethings not right with them, please take them to the vets before its too late.

Last but not least...Be kind to animals

Mr. Turtle ( Did you choose the owner of your new home?)

Nothing to do...

Nothing  to do

Simply pick up a book

And read it through

As I turn the pages

The adventure slowly unfolds

Too engross  ever since

A page turner, a best seller

Love the plot, love the suspense

A thriller or a mystery I wont miss

From dawn to dusk I continue

No where to be

At home I'll be

With a book or a magazine

To explore and to learn

To places I can only imagine

Experience by others I can feel

Examples I can follow
Ideas I can borrow

Inspirations I can get
Hope to be there one day

Finish a book and crave for more

Pick up another
Wonder what's in store

Just a book I'm content with

A window to my imagination

Ever since

Cheerio :)

I - CITY, The City of Digital Lights

25th December, 2010

It's the time of the year when everyone will just pack their bags and go for a nice holiday. Well, not everyone... Feeling somewhat bored and restless  and needed some activities, an idea just came up. Why not go to I-City which was not very far from my house and to check it out.  Might be a good place to relax and unwind. Herman & I decided to go early at 6.30 p.m as we thought the city won't be lighted up until when it's dark.  We followed the signboard and viola  was there within 20 minutes.  Upon turning to I-City, there was a check point and we paid RM10.00 per entry and it was  to redeem F&B for dine in. Many cars were already making a beeline in the level parking area. So round and round we drove up until to the 3rd level and  luckily managed to squeeze in between a tiny parking spot and there were still many more cars trailing behind us.

Next we had dinner. There were 2 options. Buffet steamboat or Blue Apple Bistro. Steamboat was packed so we chose the bistro for a quick dinner but  in the end waited an hour for the food. We ordered  black pepper udon, mushroom soup with garlic bread, vietnam roll, otak roll vietnam skin, curry fried rice omelette, carrot juice and durian ice blended for the bill to add up to RM50.00 to redeem the RM10.00 voucher. We normally do not eat that much but just to make good of the RM10.00 voucher.

We were stuffed after dinner  and  we strolled along the vast open area and soaked in the colorful and brights lights of I-City. Woo....so many beautiful bright lights.  There was also a giant LED screen and many  food stalls in tents at one side of the area and a few fun fair stalls for the kids. As the evening wore off, more people started to  pore in from where (I dunno)  took pictures and  so many kids everywhere. It was pretty crowded. Some people got into the spirit  of Christmas and was donning santa's hat.

There were also some shops selling all kinds of lighted and glowing toys and stuff. I bought a square glowing LED color change digital alarm clock (MoodiCare clock) for RM10.00. It display time, date, alarm time, temperature and can change to seven different colors. (On the box it says the special features are: it can soothe and relieve pressure and stress which are caused many  outside factors such as work. Our mood can be adjusted with the changing color and...it's made in china.). I bought it for remembrance.

Below are some pictures taken from my humble 7 years old Olympus Camedia digital camera.

 

 

 

BIG GLOWING CACTUS

 

 

 

 

INSIDE THE SAFARI. Entry fee is RM2.00 per person. Little children will love this area.

 

 

END OF SAFARI.

I took the last 2 pictures from outside the window of a building. To experience snow walking, the entry fee is RM25.00 for adult and right now there's an  opening promotion of buy 1 free 1. We decided to skip this. Maybe next time.

After 2 hours of strolling, we were pretty much beat and headed for home. On the way out, more cars was jammed up on the way in at 10.15 p.m. Still.... the night was still young. MERRY CHRISTMAS!!