Unstructured Outdoor Learning

Liverpool beat Aston Villa 2 - 1 :)

Les Célébrités

Today is the 31st of March. Tomorrow morning will be the 1st of April, when the sun rises, quarter of the year have already gone. It’s that time of the year again. A time when I reflect on the past 3 months that have just passed and highlight some of the best and not-so-good parts. Mostly to help me to remember :)

But today is also another special day, a special week as a matter of fact – it was Good Friday on Friday & Easter Sunday today. So, counting my Blessings today is an added significance and importance. I want to count my blessings today. I am being very blessed with a roof over my head, with food on the table, with a healthy body, mind & soul, with a wardrobe full of clothes, with a warm & comfortable bed, with my parents who always bicker non-stop with each other, with my Baby Sis’s I-phone that allows me to play Candy Crush, with friends & foes, with a good job in an international organization, with the figures in my bank accounts, with the non-turbulent & painful life that I going through (as in, I am not suffering) and most importantly, I have also just recovered from my current illness. It’s heaven. Thank You GOD, Praise To The Lord, Bless You GOD for spending a little more time on me.

I also want to Thank GOD for my March Blessings – I have completed my first 10KM marathon in the Brooks Marathon 2013, the 101 Shelter Project (where we finally get to view the TownHouse, in the end it was not to our liking, even though in the first place, we actually thought that this is what we wanted), the progression of the 2013 contract where I already have 12 suppliers who have already put pen to paper (no doubt, I was very slow in getting everything finalize as compare to Jonas where Jonas manage to complete everything by March. I still haven’t pass the middle benchmark yet, so I still have a long way to go), I get to go to Hong Kong for the second time & also get to step onto the Shenzhen soil and stay at two 5-Star Hotels :) I am indeed very Blessed. I want to be continued to be encouraged. I want to lead by example on what Faith is all about.

My Ruby’s Mistress

This week, I’ve been a bit spoiled! My social life has exploded; I’ve been out and about every day and every evening! :)

I was on leave on Thursday & Friday (was clearing last year leave, this week was the last week to do so). I have been occupying myself with lots of chores. From renewing my passport, to getting my new MayBank passbook, doing some banking at the Hong Leong Bank, settling off my Public Bank Mutual Trust Fund, brought my mom to cut her hair, groceries shopping, sent my car for service, dinner with Victoria on Friday night, follow by drinks with Victoria & Niki at Silver Spoon etc. And yesterday - attended Snow Petrol's third baby full moon dinner at Klang’s V Garden. It was also a gathering for the former French comrades. Good to catch-up with everyone – Edward, Singrid, Betty, Matthew and Celtic. I was being covered with laughter, updates, giggles, a big hug from Singrid. It was all very cute.

Then the second session continues by attending Mr. Karan’s wedding in SS15 Subang. Mr. Karan was one of the top Team Baz Division Manager at the store level who really helps to push for the sales. Again, it was good to meet up and exchanging pleasant greetings with my fellow former French colleagues; majority of those who came are from the back office and at the operation level. These are the people from the supporting team who helps me a lot in keying the data, raising PO and arranging for the logistics.

Finally, ending the night with Ling Ling & Celtic at SnowFlake for some Taiwanese desserts. It was so good (the sesame ball, the pearl, the cold soya milk), I was so tempted to go for the second helping :)

Midnight Basketball

In E-Tiara, Subang; not only lays my favorite diner – Ben & Nick’s, but I have also discovered a lovely Japanese gem – called the Haikara Style Cafe & Bakery. Met up with Victoria on the Friday night. Was supposed to have dinner together at Ben & Nick’s; but when I mention that I have heard that this Japanese restaurant was good and I didn’t had the opportunity to sample their food yet, immediately; Victoria suggested that we should tried it out. It is wholly-owned & run by a Japanese family. There is the husband & wife team, helped by their teenage son. I have to say that they are a very good looking, stylish, polite & humble unit. The café do not served the usual Japanese sushi but they serve cooked Japanese food. The environment is very comfy and cozy. Their food is slightly pricey, but its delectable and they are also very famous for their Swiss Roll Cake (Charcoal Strawberry Roll Cake & Choco Roll Cake). They are as good as RT Pastry, but creamier :) They are also pretty to look at; with colorful fruit toppings. Delicate soft frosting and light moist cake…it certainly can make all of my problems go away :)

Then, the both of us hit over to Silver Spoon (Gourmet Yet Casual Dining Experience), Publika to meet up with Niki. Another charming watering hole, which oozes class & fun. It really stood out on its own, even though it kinds of dwarfed out by its giant neighbors – Fat Boy’s Burger Bar, The Social, The Bee and Ben’s Restaurant. I still think that this place is a definite keeper. It was a relaxed night out, hanging out with Victoria & Niki who are always cheerful, happy and appreciative of the simple life. The both of them make me laugh at the silliest jokes, their passion for the 80s & 90s music, movies & TV shows and the both of them had both the brains & beauty. Delicious :) At my age, if I can still find (new) friends that I can pour my heart to and not worry if I will be judged, it’s a huge privilege :)

Nature Play

Ken+ Dinner - I was invited by the supplier to attend a CNY dinner at his house in Puchong where he personally cooks all of the main dishes for us. He has the kitchen of a professional Head Chef. How cool is that. Was there together with Celtic & Stephanie...plus some of his team members from the key divisions. I have known the supplier since my days in M13 when I was a Management Trainee. Of course, over the years, unlike Celtic who keeps on hogging on the Plastic & Cleaning category, I have been managing different portfolios since entering the retail industry. I felt very fortunate that this supplier still remembers me and I have also cross paths with his team on several ocassions. Minus my Management Trainee Program, I have been dabbling seriously in the Household, Stationery, Bicycle, Camping, Sports, Nautism, Live Plants & Live Pets, Furniture, Luggage and Toys categories. I’m a Jack Of All Trades, Master Of None :) It was also good that I was able to meet up & catch up with Seth again. Seth has quit the buying trade and took up a position in the supplying business. It was indeed a very tasty Chinese dinner gathering altogether.

Mid Basket – Night Ball

If your current job requires you to be steadfast – carrying out repetitive tasks day in and day out with a high attention to detail and your personality describe you as someone who craves socialization, enjoys a variety of work and prefers a more strategic planning role – well, your profile seems to be at odd with your work requirements, the conflict between your identity and your output may cause high levels of anxiety & frustration. But make no mistake, even if your personality and strengths do not match your job, it doesn’t mean that you cannot perform them well, it just requires more effort :) – UnKnown.

I shall wait :) Think Positive, Be Positive. There is always a reason for everything. I just need to find that spark back. If I don’t manage to find it back by this year end, I have to move on already next year. I have been going through the same emotions & cycles which is endlessly spiraling through my life which I find it to be too repetitive and finding myself stagnant. It’s not the industry, it’s the job scope. I am very impressed with people who can find the ways to sustain themselves & their passion all year round. Retail is always ever exciting, fresh, new and vibrant. It’s like fire. And no matter how vividly you remember the fire scorching the soft skin of inquisitive fingers for that first time, you will still reach towards the flame again and again, mesmerized by its beauty, and warmed by its flickering heat. And this goes on and on.

Ten Tiny Things Walk

I have been a very Sick Ham for the past 2 weeks; after I came back from Hong Kong & Shenzhen. Even after seeing the doctor, after taking all of the medication, up till now, I am still not 100% cured of it. It was sore throat at first, then the flu and the coughing. My nose was non-stop wet, I was blowing & blowing till my ear hurts. I don't remember there were so much water around. I don't remember that I have flu for this long. I think its a superbug. There were body aches, my head aches, and my skin and hair feels SO GROSS. It all hit me like a train. I basically woke up in the morning and WHAM.

But Thank You to Mama Ham who keeps on making one Chinese remedies after remedies to make me feel better. Mom, you are the best! :) It is time like this that always put me in a reflective mood once again. It changed the way I see life & people. I respect life & people even more now. It is so precious to be healthy. I try to live it to the fullest – whether being with family & friends, in work or doing the things that I love :)

Sew Funky

Extra Super Tanker Restaurant, The Club @ Bukit Utama – congrats to Jack & Michelle. It was very unfortunate that I was not able to attend their wedding lunch as I was very sick :( I not only missed their big day but also the gathering of former classmates of Club 21 :( I have never even seen some of them after leaving SMKSSAAS. Usually, it is so hard to gather everyone at one place at one single time…I really missed the opportunity. Hopefully, there will be another round.

Tales From The Topographic Ocean

The first time when I was in Hong Kong; back in January – I manage to eat a number of Hong Kong’s must-have, must-try, must-eat signature dishes. However this time around, I get to try a lot of the upmarket gourmet food :) Actually, there are many international expatriates who are working in Hong Kong, thus like KL, there are also quite a number of specialize restaurants around. There's so much to be had. A very good balance.

Wooloomooloo Bar & Grill – I know, what a funny name isn’t it? :) It immediately reminds me of Woolies (Woolworths; a retail chain in Australia) or a restaurant that serves good lamb dishes (wool is from lamb after all). Wooloomooloo (what a mouthful) is an Australian Steak House. It is situated on 29 Wyndham Street Central. The bright lighting and well-spaced tables provide intimacy, while an open kitchen allows the diners to share the drama from nearly all vantage points in the large room. The diners can also enjoy the spectacular city waterfront view while enjoying their meal. The ambience is contemporary, stylish, sophisticated, and definitely relaxing. There were many expatriates in their smart casual attire around too. I enjoy my three-course lunch very much; my mouth quivers, my eyes roll back and my chest sighs with pleasure of the taste & texture :) But I find it to be a bit too oily for my liking though.

ARUN THAI – it is an upscale Thai restaurant specializing in modern, yet classic Royal Thai cuisine that boasts an array of exquisite Thai dishes and an extensive wine list. It's located in the newest mall in Tsim Shat Sui, K11. Apparently it is co-owned by the multi-award-winning Australian Celebrity Chef and restaurateur Chef Kham Signavong. It is the sister restaurant of Arun Thai in Sydney, Australia. The décor of Arun Thai, is like the concept for the menu, is modern with a traditional twist. The restaurant uses a dark colored palate with various textures to create a contemporary vibe. The color scheme matches very well with the red bar stools and red light fixtures on the ceiling. However, I find that their lighting is too dim, thus it is a bit hard to read the menu in the dark. I practically have to squint my eyes to read it. The seating area is not really that spacious, we keep on bumping into each other hands & elbows, thus creating quite an uncomfortable environment for fine-dining. Their menu is extensive, including dishes made with various kinds of fresh seafoods, meats and vegetables. We had their green curry, tom yam soup, pandan chicken, fried fish cake…all are very fresh and are perfect meals for dinner. The flavors of all of the dishes are very well balanced too.

Now, I love street food and occasionally I don’t mind some luxury food indulgence too. The difference between the two (where ever you are, which ever the country you are in) is the food preparation itself. The most significant is the meticulous attention to every step of the selection, preparation, cooking, and presentation of the food. This means that meats and seafoods are deboned, thoroughly cleaned and neatly cut before cooking, and vegetables are finely sliced and cut into perfectly bit-sized pieces. This attention to detail is carried through in the arrangement and presentation of the food on the plate. That’s why we always pay more :) There is a belief that dining like royalty, one benefits from all of the harmony and blessings that comes from consuming such regal treats.

The Diamond Of Jeru

Another good hotel that we stayed in while we were in Shenzhen is the Shenzhen Baolilai International Hotel. Yeah, it sounds very Chinese-like :) But this is a huge building. And they are just as good as the Nikko Hotel in Hong Kong. It is a large-scale international business hotel constructed with the standard of a premium five-star hotel and with the full investment from the Baolilai Group. Covering a total land area of 25,000 square meters, and with the total construction area of over 110,000 square meters, the hotel has a fashionable and exalted appearance and integrated with the modern and simple construction style. The hotel is located in the center of Fuyong Town in Bao'an District of Shenzhen, adjacent to the Town Hall of Fuyong, Wanfu Shopping Mall and Fuyong Bus Station and with Feng Huang Mountain in the opposite side. It's also close to the No.107 National Road and Guangzhou-Shenzhen Highway and is only a 5-minute-drive away from the Shenzhen International Airport, enjoying a convenient traffic system. I also manage to check out that the hotel has 502 luxurious rooms of various styles. The large-scale multi-functional banquet hall and conference rooms, Chinese restaurant, Western restaurant, Japanese restaurant, supreme Cantonese cuisine restaurant, Cigar Bar, Lobby Bar and the revolving restaurant, etc., as well as the well-equipped health-keeping and recreation facilities such as the luxurious KTV night club, the super-large sauna water cure club and swimming pool, gym, chess and poker room, billiards room and tennis courts, etc. make the hotel an ideal choice for recreation, business and conference activities. Of course, since they have so many facilities. We even have our foot massage there. Why are all the bosses like foot massages? Is it because of the whole day of standing & walking around? Last time it was with Juan Carlos in Thailand, now its with Leonardo.