lynnyap's posterous

Another New Year and no resolution please

A quiet Christmas passed by and it's 2012 already. Time does fly this year, as Chinese New Year is just around the corner and you can sense the urgency of retailers and traders trying their best to keep up! The joyful Christmas decor in all major departmental stores have transitioned to a burst of red everywhere, the official Chinese New Year colour. Boutiques and clothing lines are featuring red and its related shades in their selections...soon the firecrackers will start firing.

For Christmas, Jon bought me L'Occitane hand cream which I love and need (no thanks to washing dishes and constant mopping of floors), and Coralyn made all of us ADORABLE hand-sewn owls from felt! They were the best! Coralyn's pressies were books by Alice Sebold and a miniature set that she had to assemble herself. Minh got his new Maisy book and miniature cars, and Jon didn't really get anything as we didn't have a chance to shop for pressies at all...so I gave him my precious Lemongrass soap so he wouldn't feel left out. But he didn't mind at all. Jools gave us really cute Belgium chocolates, such a treat! We took pictures of them before eating the Santa and reindeer...:)

I poached a chicken and steamed some bok choy for lunch, which we ate with steamed rice. That was our Christmas lunch and it was good. The rest of the day was spent resting at home and doing nothing, something we never had time for.

To usher the new year, Jon bought asian style roast chicken, braised vegetables, indian spiced fried chicken for Minh which we ate with plain rice and call it a feast. We never go out on new year's eve as traffic is crazy and the crowds have a tendency to be unruly. So we spent the entire evening watching television and waiting for the fireworks to start. Minh was awake when the fireworks started, so Jon and Coralyn took him to the 14th floor of our condo to get a better view. I sat in the dark bedroom, watching the fireworks and singing Auld Land Syne to myself...that was good for the soul. I also prayed for peace and serenity.

I hope that wars will stop and human beings will start to be kind to each other...happy 2012. Wishing never hurts anyone!

(download)

Just a short note

Our balcony faces a secondary jungle which hosts a lot of insects and small creatures and it's not surprise to see amazing moths often. I don't know their names but am always intrigued by their beautiful patterns and colours. My wish is to get a better camera so that I can take clearer pictures for my blogs...one day soon.

Coralyn designed and made her own jewelry from recycled copper wire! She used snub-nosed pliers to twist the wire into a necklace, bracelet and ring in a funky modern design, pretty cool! If she still has the interest after her high school education, we may have to think about sending her to learn proper jewelry design and making at a trade school. I'm happy that she is good with her hands, as I am a klutz when it comes to handicraft! 

Still Cooking and Baking!

The culinary journey continues and we have been cooking and baking quite a bit. I have to admit, I find myself leaning towards more baking than cooking nowadays, and I don't know why. I think it's a maternal thing to want to bake, as most people tell me baking is like having a baby! Perhaps it's the images that have been projected over the years that good mommies bake for their kids, no thanks to vintage movies and magazines. Although I don't mind looking like those pin-up moms in the 50s with their tiny waists and beautiful coiffed hairdos! Wishful thinking, Lynn...

Made a batch of roasted tomato and garlic pasta sauce, which we added mussels to it and ate it with pasta. Then there was the beautiful Orange Butter Cake with Choc Chips and Raisins, that was good! Jon had us drooling at breakfast one day, when he cooked roasted cubes of potatoes, topped with pan-fried bacon and an egg with runny yolk. I could have that everyday if I weren't watching my weight! 

I found a good recipe for banana cake and did my version of Banana Cake with Cream Cheese frosting. It's our new favourite! Megaa, my cat rescuer neighbour, also loved it. Of course, the reliable and constant Roast Chicken, this time marinaded with Jon's sage and rosemary rub and basted with butter while roasting. The next one was breakfast again, with roasted potatoes, pork sausage and a lovely fried egg. We love a hearty breakfast and this was luxury for us, most mornings are toast and butter really. And last but not least, I baked two versions of muffins on the same day, one was Carrot Marmalade and the other was Buttermilk Coconut. 

Will continue when I can! Enjoy the pics!

Christmas around the corner

End of the year again! We are all enjoying Coralyn's school hols and are glad of not having to rush like mad cows in the mornings. After our Fraser's Hill trip, we decided not to go anywhere too far this hols for a few reasons. First, it's too expensive and too much of a hassle to look for cat boarding for Misty; there will be a lot of things to prepare and take along with Minh's needs, the weather has been very unpredictable and severe with massive floods in many states; the condo needs a lot of minor repairs done...the list goes on. And it's more carbon friendly to vacation somewhere close, like Port Dickson or Morib for a day. 

The shopping malls have started to deck their event halls with extravagant Christmas decor and I manage to take a few pics of them. One Utama will feature an underwater fairyland, while Midvalley Megamall is a Christmas Maze with a gazebo. For us, it's just another day and hopefully a peaceful and serene one...we are not people who relish parties and boisterous celebrations. For me, all festive seasons should be peaceful and spent with loved ones or unfortunate kids/senior citizens. All the 'presents' that people make a mad dash for during Christmas will inevitable end up in the rubbish dump sooner or later, so to me, the best pressie for Christmas is a good chocolate bar, preferably with recyclable packaging. But that is just me...:P

I wish everyone a peaceful and compassionate Christmas, may it be a day with kind thoughts and good deeds, and no warring or fighting. For the children, I wish them good health and joy, and may they be loved wherever they are.

Merry Christmas to all.

Fraser's Hill (Birthday Trip)

Celebrated my birthday yesterday with a day trip to Fraser's Hill in Perak. Yes, I am definitely older and wider at the waistline...but I'd like to believe that I am wiser too. Things with my Dad still haven't improved, and there is nothing I can do except wait it out I supposed. There are days when I tell myself, you can't change anybody else except yourself, so learn to let things go. Holding on to anger and frustration will eventually affect our cellular system badly and may cause irreparable damage to our health...:) 

Why Fraser's Hill? Well, it's the nearest hilltop resort next to Genting Highlands and Cameron Highlands, both of which I loath as they have become commercialised 'havens' with very little regard for nature and the creatures that live there. Genting is essentially a gambling den and is always packed with owlish gamblers who do their thing night and day. Many have lost their fortunes there and I have yet to hear of anyone beating the casinos. There is a section that boasts of an enjoyable theme park for families, been there and didn't really have a good time. It's like being in a plaster and styrofoam fairyland with huge sculptures, fancy lights, loud music and expensive food. Not my cup of tea. 

Cameron Highlands was a letdown the last time we went, too crowded, lacking in basic facilities like public toilets, and everyone was only interested in selling their wares. Not much quiet nature to enjoy as the roads were all filled with cars and people cramming their cars with vegetables, which they would probably have wasted anyways. Told myself I would forgo my favourite Boh plantation and cafe, just to be away from too many people.

So naturally Fraser's was the first choice. The drive took us about an hour and a half, and the ascent was about 15 minutes of winding road. Both Coralyn and I were a little car sick when we got to the top. The weather was cool and there was a slight drizzle, and we noticed that the local council had renovated quite a few familiar spots and moved some eateries to a designated area. Didn't see Ah Fui cat's owner this time as the kitchen was out of sight from the dining room. We had tea and coffee and went for a drive for a look-see. 

The main playground was full of people and there were definitely more stalls and eateries now...sadly it's becoming commercialised like Cameron Highlands too. I supposed it couldn't be helped as the council would need funds to upkeep the place and attract visitors. But there was still a lot of nature sites that were preserved and the colonial architecture as well, so one can still get some peace and quiet while observing the birds and little creatures. Fraser's remain a top birding site in Malaysia and it's not uncommon to see birders hauling their bazookas, I mean, humongous lenses through the trails. 

There used to be only one way up and down the hill, but now traffic can go both ways all the time via different roads, so the timetable of the gates no longer applies. As we were leaving, we could see the mist rolling in already. Had dinner at Esquire Kitchen in One Utama and called it a day.

It was a really good day with my loved ones, and Minh and Coralyn did enjoy themselves. Thank you, my dears. 

Thoughts for the moment

It hasn't been a great month. Dad is still not talking to me and even avoided my phone calls today, as he knew I would be wishing him a Happy Birthday. What is a girl to do? So my letter of apology did not work, well, at least I did everything I could. If he wants to be difficult, let it be. I cannot be feeling bad about the choices someone else makes, life goes on. If he doesn't want to see the positive side of life and continue to dwell on the past, then it's going to be a miserable journey for him. Come to think of it, I have never heard my Dad saying anything good or nice about his children and grandchildren; all I ever hear are complaints and dissatisfaction. Such as waste.

On a funny note, Jon took some pictures of Minh's toys in weird positions, I swear I could hear them saying something hilarious to each other if they were alive! Ahh...that is what men do when they have time and a camera. 

Coralyn is now into planting beans and sewing felt dolls...glad she is into good hobbies and not playing computer games all the time!

Minh is still not speaking, we are getting worried by the day. He can recognise letters from the alphabet and some numbers but I have yet to hear him say a full sentence or call me Mommy. His favourite letter is 'B' and he will say it phonetically every time he sees one. He eats most food now, leaning towards fried and crispy stuff such as french fries and crisps...it's a habit I am trying to break. I don't want him to be obese or hypertensive when he grows up! Veggies are beginning to be less of a threat and he's okay with most of them, as long as they do not resemble their original form. I am so pleased that he has taken to my pasta sauce! Yay!

I am still baking and cooking (and eating of course), these are the things I look forward to everyday. Painting is still an impossible dream but I am sure I will start again when I can...

The Amazing Butterfly

Found a cocoon that must have escaped my attention a couple of weeks ago and wondered if it would be the same butterfly specie that I always take care of. Waited for a few weeks and voila! the butterfly emerged and it WAS the same specie! This time the cocoon was camouflaged to look like a dried twig instead of the usual green, so I learned something new about the butterflies; they are able to adapt their and change their cocoon to resemble their environment! Nature, you amaze me everyday...I love you!

Here are shots of the newly emerged butterfly next to its cocoon...enjoy!

Also is a photo of my attempt at ceramic painting, don't laugh, I am a beginner.

Logos Hope in Penang

The highlight of our last trip to Penang was the Logos Hope visit. I have never been on a large ship before and better still, it was a travelling bookstore! It was a sunny day and we had to park quite a distance away from Port Swettenham, so carrying Minh and negotiating crazy Penang traffic was quite the experience!

All adults had to register at the entrance and upon reaching the suspended steps, we had to pay a small fee to enter. Minh was intrigued by the prospect of climbing the steps and refused to be carried. So we endured his slow ascent towards the doorway, apologising to those behind us. We were greeted by a staff member, who with the aid of a video, gave us a brief history of Logos Hope and some minor rules and regulations while on board. I was so excited to see the rest of the ship that I didn't hear much of what he was saying...ooops. 

Then after the introduction, we headed straight for the bookstore! It wasn't a big area, no thanks to being spoiled by giant book concessions like Borders and MPH, but the prices and range were pretty good. Bought a couple of books for Minh and Coralyn and also for Edric, my nephew who tagged along. After paying for the books, we went to the cafe area where drinks and snacks were sold at premium prices. Minh loved the bland popcorn but I didn't quite take to the cake with guava filling, something weird for my palate. 

Coralyn and I also attended an AIDS awareness talk that used headphones to usher you to different 'rooms' via a story. Then there was a discussion with a staff who worked with AIDS patients in the UK. Everyone agreed that education and empathy were the best solution to get rid of the stigma and misunderstanding about AIDS. After that, we left for home.

While walking towards the car, we passed by a few travel agencies and saw a cat waiting outside on of them. Suddenly an indian man appeared from within the shop with a big container of cat kibble and started feeding the cat! We were so happy to see that and took pics! Kindness is everywhere if you know where to look.

Ahh...Penang...you hold such bittersweet memories!

Earth Camp Gopeng

Coralyn attended a one-day environment appreciation camp named Earth Camp last month. The campsite was in Gopeng, Perak and we took her there whilst the three of us stay put in Ipoh. Earth Camp's aim is to let people experience nature and have a bit of adventure as well. The entrance to Earth Camp was actually at the main caving site of Gua Tempurung, so we had to pass the Gua Tempurung entrance and followed the signs. 

The journey to Earth Camp was lovely, parts of the limestone hills could be seen and there were greens flanking the car. We saw some darling cows and a majestic buffalo on the way, as well as a crystal clear lake. The campsite was simple, with tree houses and a huge dome that could accommodate 20 people. Minh did some exploring outside the main camp area and he loved to pick leaves and stones around him. 

Didn't get to see the surroundings as we had to bid Coralyn goodbye while she boarded the lorry to take campers to the hiking site. Minh cried when the lorry started off, he thought he wouldn't see his sister again. Then we tagged along with Kent and family to Adeline's rest house. Am and Sam came in our car and Minh was acting out of sorts; he kept staring at Sam and was crying non-stop. Jon guessed that Minh must be thinking that we had exchanged Coralyn for Sam! Poor dear! He only stopped crying when we reached Adeline's rest house. We decided not to join them for lunch and went to check out of yucky Ritz Garden Hotel and checked into Syuen instead. We had a really bad night at Ritz Garden Hotel.

Oh Lordy, never will we stay at Ritz Garden in Ipoh again! The room was small and dirty and smelled like an old ashtray, plus the aircond vent looked like it had not been cleaned in ages. The light switches were falling apart, carpet stained badly and the view, well...what view? When we opened the window, all we saw was the back of a huge banner. What was worse were the prostitutes boldly walking in the lobby and taking the guest lifts to the floors. Jon was horrified at the thought of our kids staying at a hotel with all these activities going on. Nothing bad about prostitutes really, it's their job, but that hotel just wasn't a family friendly one. Syuen is still the best in Ipoh and their price difference was minimal. But when in Ipoh, try to sample the hawker fare. It's way better than the hotel breakfast buffet.

Food-wise, Foh San dimsum was a pleasure. Everything was good and fresh. Wish more shops were opened then, as it was a public holiday that day and many were closed. Also found a quaint but busy coffee shop called Kong Heng that had killer pork satays. 

The next morning, we visited the famous temples of Ipoh and fed the fish and took some pics. The temples were built right into the caves but sadly Jon's hands were shaky and most of the pics turned out blur. The most fascinating things were the ancient kiddy rides in one of the caves, I had never seen such old working ones before! Cool!

We waited for Coralyn at the mouth of Gua Tempurung caves around noon, as that was the last activity for Earth Camp. Met up with other families whose kids were also there and were told they had been waiting for more than 4 hours already. Suddenly we heard cheers from the caverns and one by one the campers emerged, wet and dripping but happy to see sunlight again! Coralyn looked tired as she smiled at us, must have been quite an experience for her to be away from us for the very first time. Yup, have to let my baby grow. Minh was happy to meet a friendly cat while Coralyn was at the showers, he sat down and started patting the lovely kitty. 

After we left Gua Tempurung, we stopped at Kampar for lunch at a restaurant named Kam Ling. Food was good and cheap, will definitely go back when we are in Kampar.

Coralyn loved the camping experience, especially the white water rafting and caving but she wasn't too happy about hiking...partly because she was out of breath due to her asthma. All in, we had a great time!

The Danger of Lack of Information

My lovely neighbour Megaa came over a couple of weeks ago and surprised me with two packs of Actizen foot masks. She said she bought them in bulk and got a discount for them and would like me to try them out. Actizen is a French product that is touted to rid your feet and soles of dead skin cells and the result, baby soft skin. Being curious and with an immense desire to have baby soft skin on my feet...ehem...I decided to try them out. I thanked Megaa for her thoughtfulness and used the foot masks a few nights later.

Upon opening the pack, you will find two separate plastic packets with some transparent liquid in them. I read the instructions and ingredients and everything seemed fine and in the right order. There was definitely no warning or caution message for people with sensitive skin, so there I went. Cut opened the internal packets and slumped my feet into them and taped them tight as instructed. Then to be mobile, you would have to don on socks so that the plastic packs are held in place. It felt like walking in squishy, cool gel but soon the tingling started. I took it that the mild acids were doing their job and kept going. You are supposed to wear them for at least two hours.

Fifteen minutes passed and the tingling got stronger and turned into a light stinging. I chugged on, with the idea that baby soft skin would be the ultimate gift and carried on despite the irritation. One hour later, my feet felt so painful and raw that I could not take it any longer and pulled them off like they were on fire! Oh boy, did my feet look red and swollen! It was like being stung by hundreds of fire ants!

I looked at the Actizen cover and read through every word again; there was no mention of people with sensitive skin should avoid it or any warning at all...so much for French cosmetics companies. They really should warn people about the itching and redness for those with sensitive skin...quite irresponsible or is it just plain French arrogance? :P

I could not sleep for the next two nights due to the bad itching and swelling, no aqueous cream or lotion or aloe vera gel could help. Purgatory. The third day the itching eased a bit but it took at least a week to stopped itching. The peeling started three days later and boy, my feet looked like red lobster molting! There was so much skin-shedding that my cat would go into shock if she had seen it! The shedding took about a week to clear up and yes, the skin on my feet are newer and softer BUT not even close to baby soft. Perhaps it was because I didn't wear them for the total two hours and let my feet be cooked in acids? Perhaps. Not using them ever again and I politely returned the other Actizen packet to dear Megaa. She had better luck than I did as she does not have sensitive skin. 
Posterous theme by Cory Watilo
  
​