4 Lion Girl supports Earth Hour

I have an account with stripgenerator.com which I haven't used in ages. Today, today..my creative juices were flowing like rivers in torrential rain. ..I cannot draw for the life of me..

It IS Earth Hour day.

Back home, we used to say "Terer or not?" when we're very impressed with our work. Terrer, meaning terribly impressive.

 So ............ terer or not?

Inspired by Lion Girl at http://theliongirl.blogspot.com/

0 Buzzworthy Sri Ananda Bahwan, Tanjung Bungah

I haven't been so excited for Indian cuisine until Sri Ananda Bahwan, a restaurant located in Tg. Bungah, Penang, just opposite Flamingo Hotel. My taste buds have been severely dulled by the less exciting mamak fare found in KL from the likes of Bestari, Pelita and so forth.

Hence, my decision to relocate to Penang. Just kidding. If you could retire anywhere in the world, where would you go? I'm always governed by my stomach. So I guess where good food is. Aiyorr, that's lame.

Sri Ananda Bahwan has a nice cosy set-up, perfect for overstaying and long conversations plus that game of monopoly. The food isn't terribly overpriced although it's a popular tourist haunt.

Inviting entrance

Nice surroundings

The sweet stuff

First impressions were pleasing as I walked into smiles from friendly waiters. My nostrils lifted a little as I was drawn into the waft of aromatic spices.

Finally I arrived at the sight of piping hot curry dishes, laden in stainless steel food warming trays, that was very much alive in colour. Attractive and appetising.  They say looks can be deceiving but it was not the case here. The food is delicious and none too greasy. The skies never looked bluer than they did that day. I thought I was in heaven.

I truly enjoyed my meal and the company I was in. Perhaps they played a big role on my enjoyment too. Good company is, after all, the secret to great food.

I would visit often if I weren't living so far away...

Our feast, a "hands-on" affair

Rava Thosai, light soury taste, perfect texture

Not too oily Puri with dry veg curry, perfectly matched

Vadai is light

Spicy dry curry chicken, the bomb

If you go really early in the morning, you can get coffee with a shot of fresh goat milk. Locals say it's out-of-this-world. We were late. *shame, shame*

Coffee or was this milo? I forget

Mango lassi

3 Still growing up

Inane activities of two friends who have yet to master the gentility of womanhood. I'm on the brink of my forties and still, I struggle to attain this "refinement" that's been etched in my mind since young. Mom's always insisting that I put on lipstick whenever I leave the house...that I dress up for guests. Any show of real emotion is held in check to maintain a certain ladylike-ness.

I've become more laid back since I left home and I'm really comfortable with it. I guess there are seasons in my life. Be this Summer since life is more colourful now and I am easily lulled into excitement over the most silliest things. Child-like curiosity..I still have it! That is something to shout about, surely.

"Hey Sha, is that ....?" Jen started.

"Oh my God! It's Hush Puppies!" I responded, pulling her along. Not that I own a pair..

There was no time for us to question the logic of our actions, we'd already asked for the store assistant's help to snap a photo of the two of us together.

Next thing we knew, a small crowd had gathered, a mini photo session was underway.

And that was my wonderful weekend.

2 She's somewhere I cannot go

Here lies an angel

1 March 2012 - Aunt Em left us quietly, in the wee hours of the morning unbeknownst to her beloved husband sleeping beside her.

I left my Uncle a message hours before as I did every week since she left for home. They were words of encouragement. I knew things were hard on him. He never stopped trying, he never stopped believing. It was our mantra. Aunt Em was never alone in her fight against cancer.

Mom woke me with a phone call at 7.00am to relay the news. I was calm. I knew before she said it. Mayhaps I was in a state of disbelief.

A couple of hours later, my heart rallied between quiet acceptance and anger over the unfairness of it all. I held back tears. At least, I thought I did. My cheeks were wet. What happened...

Aunt Em was always there for me. We used to spend hours talking over the phone. Nothing held us back from sharing our innermost thoughts. There were laughter and tears. We motivated each other all the time. She always took the time to encourage me on with chants of "Jia you! Jia you!" .

It's hard to believe I won't be seeing her anymore. My mind scrambles to remember what we did last together, what we said last to each other, when we last held hands.These memories are all I have of her now.


She’s somewhere I cannot go 
Don’t wipe these tears
They’re not of sorrow
God has lifted her fears
And gifted her a tomorrow

A tomorrow in heaven
Free from pain and Earthly pursuits
Amongst angels, not men
Amidst paradise and bountiful fruits

Don’t say she’s gone forever
Because she’s right here
In our hearts, where we treasure her
In memories we hold dear ..she is here!

~ Sharon D. @ 10 March 2012

4 The Calamity of Calories, Mat Salai delivers

For some of us, it's clearly reflected in the spare tyre around our belly and if I'm not careful, mine will be reaching the diameter of a four-wheel drive.

Aaah, where is my resolve. Defeated by a greasy burger, a hundred times tastier than the average Mc D's.... a hundred times tastier...
  
Somewhere around Desa Sri Hartamas is Mat Salai, a local initiative, selling burgers in a small kiosk. 

I thought I'd give it a try, so here it is. One bite affirmed my initial saliva-drooling thought that it could only taste heavenly, but when was the last time I ever really complained about anything I ate anyway. Sigh..

The packaging and oh, a website!

It says "Eat without fear"

Laden with sauce

Juicy, juicy

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.