**~~Happy Chinese 'NIU' Year 2009!~~**

While we are all busy cleaning up or 'helping' to clean up and getting ready to travel home for the family reunion during this festive season, it is with joy and that same cheerful festive mood that I wish all of you my friends,

~~~A very HAPPY and Prosperous Chinese 'NIU' Year 2009!!~~~

May this year be a great and fantastic year full of joy, luck and good health/wealth for you and your family!!
**All good things and happiness be with you and your family all year round**

GONG HEI FATT CHOY!!

Can you keep a secret?

I find there are lots of people whom we can talk to, but how many can we really trust?

If I were to tell someone a little story, and not mention it to him/her, he will probably forget about it or adversely, he may go off and accidentally spun the story out to someone else as a topic in a conversation.

However, if I were to tell him a story and emphasized that "This is a secret, don't tell anyone"
Well, I can bet that this story will be out in no time and God knows to how many people out there; probably some are even strangers to me.

I used to think that this is not a big deal nor it doesn't really matter, we can't control what happens out there and what people just wanna say.
But, to a certain extent, I guess sometimes it does bother me when people just talk about or bring up whatever that I've told them before.

I am naturally a rather secretive person and I do not like to talk or brag about my own personal life or whatever stuffs I have...it's just a natural protective nature I have.
I don't really like to confide my stories and my life to anyone; no matter how much I trust the person. It is not easy and sometimes, well, being human I tend to have a slip of tongue despite the tight-lip person I am.
It's a little too late to pull back whatever I have said after I have said it, isn't it....and it leaves me with that guilt-ridden feeling and butterflies/knots in my stomach, wondering whether I should have said it.

Well, sometimes, being too chatty may not necessarily be a good thing although I myself personally can vouch that I have been a pretty good keeper with secrets.
I rarely talk about other's stories unless it was shared on the internet for the reading of everyone.

I don't pride in telling others about my own stories, etc....whether moving to a new house, shifting to a new workplace, getting prizes in lucky draw, buying something new, etc.
It's my personal life and if I choose to tell my friends, they are usually the close-knitted ones and I trust that it will be guarded the same; something personal.

Perhaps this is one part that some of you may not know about me yet, but if I choose to tell you something, I hope you won't be the one to blow that in your trumpet to another; especially when it comes to personal things such as home addresses, salary (which I don't tell, of course...no one does anyway!), how much I am paying for this and that.....oh please!

If I choose to trust you, do you think you can keep a secret?
*winks*

Save a Life, Donate Blood~

(Picture taken from communitybloodservices.org)
"What do you when your loved one is in need of blood and there is no more supply in the hospital?"

This is the tagline that I have been hearing repeatedly on the radio this whole week (while I was sick as well).
It is in conjunction with the plight sent out by the National Blood Centre to our noble Malaysians out here to donate blood.

The Blood Centre has recently highlighted that there is an insufficient supply of blood in the bank and has called to all Malaysians to support their blood donation drive which will be carried out at its premises in Jalan Tun Razak.

I have been hearing so much raves by the Hitz Fm Djs on this event and how they have been calling out to all Malaysians out there to help to save a life.

I am not writing this to just help to do the promotion nor am I paid by any organization to pledge to all the good Samaritans out there.
But I would like share a story; a personal experience which I believe can enlighten on the importance of the blood donation.

If you were to ask me, have I donated blood before?
Well, I tried once; in secondary school but I was disqualified due to the criteria...haha, weakling me and my low blood count as well:p
Weight is also another important criteria; after all, you need to be healthy enough to carry healthy blood and to save another's life, right?:)

So, since I couldn't very well help out and I still strongly advocate the importance of blood donation, I would love to share a little story of my own.

I was hospitalized a few years ago (can't believe it's been a few years for now) for dengue fever and knowing the general symptoms, the blood platelet count will definitely be very low; which could endanger lives.
The doctor will determine the need for blood transfusion or platelet transfusion depending on the risk level of the platelet count.

I was fortunate enough to be at the early diagnosis stage but the virus was still pretty strong as the fever made my blood platelet count drop to a danger level in a matter of a few days only.
It was a terrible time to go through and my whole body felt like it wasn't even mine as it was so weak!
There was no desire to eat nor drink and I just felt so tired and drained out.

When the blood platelet count dropped to the risk level, that's when the doctor decided that it's time for a blood transfusion.
However, at the same time, the whole level of the ward was occupied by dengue patients as well; which left the medical staff to weigh and decide on the blood transfusion carefully.

I was only provided with half the number of the packets needed for my condition; as they did not have a choice. There was an insufficient count of blood in the blood bank and my family had to pledge to friends and relatives to donate blood.
I truly praise the noble people in my church and my relatives who did not hesitate to step forward to donate their blood.
Till this day, I am still in full gratitude for their kind hearts and noble intentions.

To obtain blood from the bank, you will need to gather enough donors to fill up the amount of blood which has been taken from the bank in the first place.
Since I have acquired some of the blood, I will need to return the same amount of blood packets back to the hospital's blood bank.

I can tell you, if it was not for these great people, I dare not imagine what could have become of me today.

That's why I could fully understand the notion highlighted by the media and the hospitals on the blood donation.
It is truly a miracle and you are in the power to do that to save another soul and give them the opportunity to cherish this beautiful world they were brought into.

As mentioned, there are also a few things that you can take note when you are getting ready to donate blood - these are also the standard procedures followed by the hospital staff when they take your blood:
1. You must weigh > 45 KG
2. You must have had at least 5 hours of sleep before the blood donation
3. If you're recovering from flu, fever, cough, sore throat or any illness, it's best to wait until you've fully recovered to donate your blood.
4. Pregnant women, weak and frail senior citizens, and people on medication/drugs are not encouraged
5. You should not be suffering from any major ailments such as anemia, HIV (of course!), diabetes, etc.

This is what I've gathered so far; however, it is fine to drop by a kiosk to check if you are eligible enough to do so.
Anyone can try to donate blood but not EVERYONE can do so; as the doctor also needs to perform a quick check to ensure that you fit the minimum requirements.

But again, if you've made the first step to walk up to the booth, you deserved a big clap on the back and a salute :)

Needles?
There is no fear in it; it's a quick process...and if you are still afraid, just think of a smiling face on a recovering patient when they received the blood you've donated.
Think of how a life has been given another opportunity...

I am sure you can do it!
Cheers~

Cleaning after one's MESS!

I will be moving to a new place soon; and typically we will all do that cleaning up before we move our stuffs in, right? To ensure a livable and comfortable environment for ourselves to live in.

As I paid the place or in precise the room I was about to move into 2 days ago with the hope of sweeping and vacuuming a little, I was greeted by much more mess than I've ever imagined!
Seriously, I can't even believe that the previous tenant was a lady because the state of the room? GOSH, it looks like it hasn't been cleaned for years!
Dust was so thick everywhere; on the window sills, bed frame, cupboards, dressing room, floor and another gross part, there's hair everywhere!
The room comes with a bathroom attached to it, and needless to say, I found hair too on the floor.

I was thoroughly disgusted by the condition of the room!
I have been staying out for the past 7-8 years now and this is by far the worst place I've ever seen!
I wonder how did that woman manage to stay in a room without cleaning it up regularly.
Not that I am such a fussy pot or a super duper Kleener, but I would definitely clean my room every now and then to avoid more work in the future when the dirt accumulate.
Furthermore, it is also for the comfort of my own living anyway!

YUCKS and YUCKS are all I can say about the room and the previous tenant!
I still say it's unbelievable how a WOMAN can stay in a room in such a state!

Sighs....I definitely much more to do than meets the eye:(
Will update further when I get things done....
I hope it will not make me sick again!

FIRE-Works on New Year's Day

1st of January 2009 was greeted with a great display of fireworks in the sky at midnight and these popping sounds lasted all the way into the wee hours in the morning.

As usual, I was up early to catch the first sunrise of a brand new year (something that I like to do on occasions like these; rather than partying my night through and getting a few hours of sleep:p)

The town was rather quiet and I did see a few punk kids holding some sticks or logs for whatever reason which I do not want to know.

On Macalister Road, there was something which was even much more happening than the fireworks for this is one REAL FIRE WORK!

A Rapid bus burst into flames and the Fire Department were working hard to put out the fire so early in the morning amongst the crowd of 'concerned' Malaysians.

It was badly burnt; suspected to be a major overheating of the engine compartment.


Hopefully the bus driver's unhurt; but I guess it's an empty bus.

The next time you think of the fireworks, don't you think this is definitely going to put a whole new perspective into your mind?
Talk about starting the new year with a BANG! (Thank God there is no explosion:)

Amy's Wedding

Amy is a good friend of mine.
We met at workplace and we were involved in those activity-organizing communities for the department (GPTW). Somehow, over time, a few of us became so close that the term Chi muis and heng tais started to form.
We have been traveling together; for leisure, for official activities; had meals together, hung out on weekends, etc.

Imagine our joy when we were invited by this sweet girl to her wedding and to team up as the "Chi Muis" on her wedding day.
We flew in from Penang to Johor Bahru; and the guys flew in from Sarawak (they attended her church wedding the week before in her hometown which most of us couldn't make it)
Well, the night we flew in on Air Asia unfolded many surprises for us.

Firstly, our flight was delayed.
Reason?
Air Asia had a problem with their luggage handling, as they have announced.
As I was taking the window seat, I saw the staff heaving the luggage out and then heaving them into the storage compartment.
We all guessed that they must have forgotten to unload the luggage from the previous flight before loading the current ones.
SCARY huh?
Imagine if your luggage was in there?

Secondly,
Senai International Airport turned out to be a huge disappointment!

I was rather shocked to see the empty hallways and the lobby upon arrival.
In fact, we were even made to wait for a taxi which so happens to 'run out'
What kind of international airport runs out of taxi??



Ironically, we were played the tune 'The Lion Sleeps Tonight' on our flight.
When I was waiting for the taxi with my friends, the airport started turning off all the lights.
Hahaha.... The Lion may never sleep tonight; but the Airport is definitely sleeping tonight!
GOSH, this is definitely the first time I've seen an airport shutting down at midnight and it's an International airport!

The Hotel we stayed in

Anyway, most of us settled into sleep immediately when we arrived; except me and Jennifer.


We barely slept and we were the first ones to arrive at Amy's suite the next morning to help out with the games preparations for the groom and his entourage:)

A quick glimpse of the games:
Game No.1:
Suan Tien Khoo Lat (Literally translated as Sour Sweet Bitter and Spicy or the Spices of Life:)
Ingredients
The Sour Part
Pure yoghurt without sugar


Squeeze in the lime juice to make it even more sour!

The Sweet Part

Sweet bananas


Milk










The Bitter Part
Young Bitter Gourds


Stuffed with Chinese bitter tea's medicated powder and coffee powder


The Spicy Part
Bird's Eye Chili


Cheese



Wasabi


Wrapping the chili


Girls hard at work






All Ready now:)


Another game: 10 Commandments


The games played (not too sure about the order)
Game No.1:
Chinese: Pai Chu Wan Nan
Literally translated as Going Against All Odds
How to play: The groom and his team will be given either a sarong cloth or a pair of pantyhose to wear according to the instructions provided.

Then they will need to figure out their method to move with only 5 pairs of feet on the ground to the 2nd part (there is a total of 12 pairs of feet then)
I thought that was pretty wicked..hehe, but they managed, KUDOS:)

Game No.2:
The groom has to sing the song which was used as the ringtone for him on the bride's phone

Game No.3:
The 10 Commandments from the groom to the bride
How to play: The Groom has to recite every line and sign with agreement

Game No.4:
The Sour Sweet Bitter and Spicy (Spices of Life)



Game No.5: Imperial Concubine Presentation
How to Play: The guys have to wrap up the groom to be presented to the bride inside the room

Our pics with the bride:)




Chi Muis





Arrival at the groom's house








Buffet served by the groom's family


Our breakfast
Sweet pancake

It was really really sweet!

Sweet glutinous rice balls in soup


The Bridal Car...


Dinner was at the Straits Restaurant (I can't recall the full name)


The registration table manned by the chi muis








It was a wonderful wedding and we were all happy for the bride and groom whom we have known for some time.
For the food served during the dinner, kindly refer to my food blog here