0 Close Encounter with Datuk Lee Chong Wei

At the rate things are going for badminton in Malaysia, I dare say there won't be another star coming along anytime soon to match the likes of Datuk Lee Chong Wei. So if I were me, and I am me, I would get his autograph before he retires.

Thrilling, exhilarating..these words reflect what I felt during the Maybank Malaysia Open Super Series 2012 final match between Datuk Lee Chong Wei and Kenichi Tago at Putra Stadium last month. I was there in person. The atmosphere was indescribable.

It was an easy win, but watching it from the telly would have greatly reduced the euphoria. When it comes to sports, you gotta watch it up close and I don't mean sticking your nose out towards the square electronic box we have at home.

I enthusiastically waved the Team Malaysia banner everytime he scored. I was terribly caught up with the chanting and supportive crowd. 1Malaysia? Oh yes, it was visible here.

Match in progress. Look at the hoards of photographers.
(Right) Datuk Lee Chong Wei

The crowd goes wild!

Go, go, Team Malaysia!

We left the building shortly after the match. I saw a queue and got in line, not really knowing what I was there for. Queue first, figure it out later was my motto. It was announced that we could have our photos taken with Datuk Lee Chong Wei and have his autograph. Whoopee! I suspected it!

If there's a queue, there's gotta be goodies and goodies I got - a cap, bags, pens and notepads. Generously sponsored by Astro.

There I was in the sweltering heat, perspiration pouring down my skin. It was so hot, I had to turn my back against the sun. HE was late. When he finally showed up, despicable queue cutters started to gel in with the line. I fired one who dared crossed my path. Hell hath no fury like a woman who got cut in a queue.

Getting in line.

When my turn came, the golden words were, "Come, come."  Years down the road I'd like to be reminded what Datuk said to me. Hey, it's personal! But no photos were allowed. I guess they realised it was an unrealistic attempt. It would take too long with this many people.

That's my card he's signing off.

Should I frame it up?

5 The Sweetness of Bubur Cha Cha on Chap Goh Meh

It is said that we celebrate Chap Goh Meh with Bubur Cha Cha because Cha Cha (pronounced che che in Hokkien) means "abundance"  or "prosperity". These are auspicious words synonymous with the Lunar New Year, which we always wish upon others for a blessed year.

Some traditionalists argue that it is supposed to be pengat, not bubur cha cha. I'll leave the technical matters to the experts. What matters more is the love that it spreads.

Serving bubur cha cha to family and friends is a practice that has been carried out for years by hubby's side of the family. No wonder people in the olden days were more attuned to their neighbours. With traditional practices that require sharing and togetherness, it's hard not to see why people were closer in the past. 

This is my first attempt at making it. I got the recipe from my sister-in-law. There's a small twist to the usual bubur cha cha recipes I'm accustomed to. I was told to add bananas. I've got to say that it's an excellent combination, really tingles the taste buds.

Banana is key

Sweet potatoes, Yam, Bananas, Beans, Coconut Milk

Some cendol-like jelly

Pandan for a nice scent

The end product, a sweet endeavour

5 A "New" New Year Resolution

I'd like to think so, away from the usual "Lose weight, live a healthy lifestyle" thing. Those are more like Doctor's orders, something I should do before my next medical check-up. I can hear my Doctor groaning already.

Unashamedly, I admit to have scoured the bookstores for KL Lifestyle's January issue when I found out that I was featured in the magazine, for their segment on New Year resolutions. 

Vanity, it had me in its fold, entangled. I had even offered to autograph a copy for a friend. She sniggered, without remorse.

KL Lifestyle

4 Lychee Popsicle - Ice, Ice Baby

The surly wind gushed through my front door, strewing my once neatly laid floor mat into a corner. The lighter decorative items fall over. You'd think that it would be a cool day to just hang out but I found it impossibly hard. I was pouring in sweat (an exaggeration) even with all that wind.

All I could think of was a nice cold drink or ice cream to help ease the discomfort I was feeling from the heatwave. I was reminded of a cool snack I used to serve during parties. It was a handy recipe and quick to do.

Mostly, it was going to be a soothing respite in this humid weather. So I decided to make a tray for myself. Check it out - Lychee Popsicles! It IS addictive..I found myself walking to the fridge every once in awhile, eager, but also lamenting that I really shouldn't overindulge.

I want one too says Mr. Snowman

Now this is what I call a "cool" idea, crunchy but not hard

Sweet lychee with cucumber and a lil lemon

Easy peasy

A rough guide, as usual.

Ingredients:
- Lychees (from a can) or alternatively Rambutans, Longans (your fancy)
- Toothpicks
- 1 small cucumber, finely chopped
- A little bit of lemon juice and lemon zest

Todo:
- Mix chopped cucumber with a little bit of lemon juice and zest.
- Mix Lychee juice (from the can) with a bit of water to dilute it a little (so that it's not too sweet). Leave aside.
- Stuff cucumber mixture into a piece of Lychee.
- Place into ice tray.
- Pour some of the diluted juice into the Lychee, let it overflow a little.
- Place a toothpick in the center and freeze for a couple of hours.
- Ready to serve, when frozen.

Tastewise : A sweet lemony flavour, lightly crunchy, not hard on the teeth.

0 Sunway Rymba Hills, Sunway Damansara

3-storey Forest Villas (Zero-lot bungalows)..mmmm..heavenly. Anything with the word "forest" in it sounds like Utopia these days, except that we all know that it's scarce and there's just too little of it to go around.

That said, I'm keen to see how this development will tie in with the natural greens behind it.

Access is via the flood prone (I wonder if it still is) Persiaran Surian road (near Palm Spring Condo). From the junction, the view seems neat enough with townhouses and trees along the way but driving further down, you'll see several factories before reaching the intended location. This doesn't contribute well to the exclusive feel of the development. That makes the RM4mil tag seem over-the-top.

Barring these unfavourable elements, Sunway Rymba Hills would have been an ideal buy.

Why? Because it's built on a private hill which makes it a less attractive target for thieves. The unobstructed view is a plus. I also love the idea of sipping tea alfresco, in the compound of my house without the prying eyes of passers-by, the nose-pinching Alam Flora's garbage truck and the "honk-honk" of a roti man.

The show unit was closed for refurbishing (will reopen in a week, says the Guard) so there was no opportunity for me to explore the place further. It would have been interesting to view a bare unit. I hope it's designed where homeowners can expect to move in immediately without renovations required. Now, that would certainly be "WOW".

Unobstructed view

Corner facade

Looks promising

Not too flashy

Estimated completion date: 2013

0 I ♥ Kia Sportage

My criteria for a great car rarely involves scrutinizing the specs of a motor engine, petrol consumption or examining safety features. I would, with IFs, but most of the technical stuff boggles me.

Checking boot space, THAT, I can handle.

I just want to drive...something that has a sunroof, a good radio, a spot where I can put my drinks and little fancy features that stand out amongst other cars (I don't know what, of course - it's a job for the engineers).

Hah! I never imagined there would be a day I would find such a car but I did in the Kia Sportage, during a leisurely Sunday drive. Pretty much made the day a perfect one... although I didn't sign up for a unit.

Wait a minute..grey's not impressive! Bah!

Front

That's rugged enough for a girl

Sunroof..awww, a dream come true

Fancy feature - a rear camera!

Push-start button (Located right, below aircon)

The steering wheel

My likes:
1) A rear view camera display which appears on the car mirror when going in reverse.
2) Sunroof because I love the bright outdoor feeling.
3) Push start engine button.
4) Smart key system, a neat idea. Just touch the door handle and the doors open automatically. Works only if the keys are a foot away from the car. This means that I never have to take my car keys out of the bag again.
5) Small enough to park easily.

It's pricey at RM140k but kiasu fellas will never admit that. ...no class-lar if "too cheap". Waiting time 3 months.

4 A Christmas Eve Special

Festive themes are my favourite. I put in the effort because of my love for variety. It is the spice of life, they say.

Christmas Eve arrived. I stoked myself up to surprise everyone with a warm hearty meal. On the menu? Fried rice...*pause*, baked chicken and pumpkin soup.

When food was served, it became an affair for the paparazzis at home, including me. Clicking and clicking away on my little digital camera until the food was no longer piping hot. Well, that's a silly thing to do..

The table is set

Christmas, Asian style!

Baked 4 chicken drumsticks with tomatoes and potatoes

A special dish for Aunt Em

The day ends with good fruity wine

3 They have a HOME?

Citizens of  the less
What do  they possess
Certainly not a prestigious address!

Some become squatters
Others are low-cost apartment dwellers
Those on the streets? They’re homeless beggars

We’ll give you a 100% loan
We, the Government, we listen to your moan
The poor?…. They groan

Expensive apartments are constructed
Million dollar bungalows are mooted
What’s there for the lower income bracket?

“Material costs are high!”
Developers cry
Their crocodile tears never dry

Home is where the heart is
But how can it be this?
Broken lifts, cramped conditions and graffitis..

~ Sharon D. @ 24 December 2011

6 A night with Martin Yan, courtesy of a friend

Martin Yan brought True Passion to our shores recently. A night at Mandarin Oriental Hotel, with wine from Jacob's Creek. How did I get in? Through Meri, who's currently holding the good luck charm. She won an entry to the exclusive event from a contest organised by AFC channel.

Chef Martin Yan - he's not drunk. That's just my camera.

Wine's always been a drink that I associate with the words "acquired taste". It isn't something that would easily storm my taste buds into awe, like Coke or Ice Lemon Tea.

This dinner event was certainly an eye-opener, wine-wise. My enthusiasm for it heightens with each passing day, particularly Jacob's Creek's Sparkling Rose - this would make a delectable gift if anyone cares to get me one as a Christmas ..ahem. I am so, SO inspired to buy a bottle myself to toast the New Year in. That's a LOL moment in my books if my friends, who know me well, hear of this.

The 6-course meal was served as Chef Martin Yan regaled us with stories of his cooking experiences and showed us his mad chopping skills. It was a rich and delicious offering which I am more accustomed to seeing on TV and comes paired with an excellent selection of wine.

Photos of "sustenance", as Thor would put it..

The wine

Oven Baked Sea Treasure Broth (Chef Ricky Thein)

Cantonese Stle Steamed Cod Fish (Chef Ricky Thein)

Peking Sweet and Sour Prawns (Chef Martin Yan)

Australian Lamb Cutlets, 3 chili sauce (Chef Martin Yan)

Sweet Temptations (Chef Holger Deh)

Before we left, Martin Yan left us a souvenir in the form of photos and a personally signed thank you letter.

Me and Martin Yan

Thank You!

What's in the goodie bag

2 Marché Restaurant and Lin

Lin buzzed me on Facebook.

"Hey, I wanna go to that market place you wanted to bring me"

And this was like for the hundredth time. I had promised to take Lin there but every time the opportunity came up, we'd already stuffed ourselves full from a heavy breakfast or from some in-between snacking. Typical of both of us. We enjoy good food with a dose of hometown gossip.

We finally made it to Marché after what seemed like ages. 

"Eh, have you ever eaten snails?" Lin asked, not really caring for an answer.

A wave of trepidation washed over me as I answered her with a cautious no. But there she was, nicely piling the bowl up, making sure she maximized every inch of space available. I could only stand and watch in admiration at her enthusiasm.

The first thing we did, as we settled down on our table, was to try out the snail sausage salad. I had imagined it to be chewy and something-pretty-nasty... but it was exactly the opposite. I'm sorry I doubted it's deliciousness based on it's name and what I know it to be.

Our taste buds were further excited with one slurp of pumpkin soup, so rich and creamy  that it was a dream come true.

Then, came pizza and dessert, which did not disappoint either. Maybe we're just greedy..

Anyway, check out our spread.

Snail sausage salad

This snail sausage salad up close!

Pizza

Pumpkin soup

Yummy desserts

Market-like set-up

He's preparing our fresh juice

0 StART FM (Flea Market) Charity Bazaar

Meri's always passionate when sharing about her experiences in Bentong Farm Sanctuary. I've never been there but the animated expression of her face and voice excited me enough to find out more.

She showed me photos which spoke of that lovin' feeling. What they do is amazing. It's a place where animals can truly call "home", a no-kill sanctuary. Dogs, goats, cows, ducks and many other animals roam free. Their medical needs and food are taken care of. They get lots of TLC from the keeper and volunteers of the farm.

A stream where you can dip your toes in, green trees which dance to the call of the wind, hilly paths with furry friends. That's what I call inner peace.

As it is, there's a charity bazaar being held this Saturday to raise funds for the sanctuary, which is in dire need. Be there, because you care ♥

Flyer taken from StART's Facebook Event's page

Check out the details here: https://www.facebook.com/events/158900090872472