Am I Talking Alone?

Well…its been a while since my last posting! Easily 4-5 years? But who's counting? Lol…bad joke!

Suddenly I feel this urge to write again. What's its gonna be this time? I don't even have a topic yet. There's so many things happening the last few years. But today I'm just feeling a bit….urghhh…just lost a whole iPhoto file in my Mac just because I was irritated by some file arrangements that doesn't look right and trying to fix it!

Its been a while since I last use my lappy…and suddenly I remembered those days when I don't have a smart phone and an iPad. Those years when we don't have facebooks and Whatssap. Haha…! We either communicate by email or sms. We still do…but the email now is for spams and marketing and official communications. SMS…for those who don't have whatssap! Hihi

Aiiihhh…out of topic again! Back to lappy! Only use it once in a while but I still insist on keeping it even though my phone and iPad can access me online anytime! So today…when I got frustrated over the loss folder…I started browsing and then wondering what happened to my blog! So here I am.

Looking at the dashboard, I realized I had easily 8-10 unpublished posts. But they're all so outdated news. I may rewrite to update the current news or just forget about it. And I wonder if this one will get posted at all…

You know, after all these face booking and whatssaping….blogging sounds like Im talking alone! Hehe… Yup…thats it! Thats my topic for today. Something has to start somewhere…so here my first post after sooo long! Sorry it doesn't have any substance…but my goal today is to post something…for a start! Later…mates! (Wonder if my blogger friends still around?)

OF Dreams, Vision and Coincidence

TUESDAY, APRIL 6, 2010

OF Dreams, Vision and Coincidence

Talk about dreams, vision, or coincidence?

May I just reiterate, that this is no big or major, nor an important event, but just a small coincidence in a daily life experience, that is somehow significant to yours truly, truly.

I have been 'in-love' with iPhone eversince it hits the market. That was way back in 2008. Its not even available locally here in Malaysia. But there are friends and people I know who bought it from the US or Europe and brings it back here, not to mention some black market item, you cant tell if its original or 'under the sea' product.

When it finally arrive here, 2 things that stopped me from jumping to grab it.

1. My HTC windows mobile phone was ever so reliabale. I have no problem at all with it and its applications. It was so easy to use and very user-friendly. its like a mini-computer, so to speak.

2. The phone is available only through one service provider. My family just transfered the whole family account from that service provider to a competitor because of their lack of customer service, which is another story. The bundle package was also not too attractive as I pay less on my current service.

Well, with that two major factors in mind, I decided that iPhone is not for me, at least not for a while, and I don't see any signs of aging coming from my current phone. Its like a hanging wish-list! I even wrote an entry about this a few months back titled 'Ancient Phones'. But little did I guessed (or remembered) that freaky things can happen to make things happen!

I was at a mall about three weeks ago with my little darlings, and we had lunch at Burger Kings. Well, kids will always go for fast foods, and the mom didnt object either! While eating and facebooking, I also read sms'es. Then we went to browse around while waiting for my other girl watch her movie with friends.

One of the stop was the Apple Store. The kids played with the Macs while my attention was stuck on the iPhone on display. Sighing wishfully, I put the phone back to its dock and take a copy of the leaflet, not knowing why, thinking I dont intend to get it as yet! Well, humour me, I told myself.

Then we proceeded to MPH bookstore where I planned to read some gardening or home decor books. After choosing the books and head to the member's lounge section when I remembered to sms my girl and let her know our whereabout. That's when I found out that my phone was missing!

I recalled the last time I used it was at the Burger King, and made a dash there! I felt so lost without it, like going around n...d.! (lol) But of course, the odds are, it wasn't there anymore. The cleaner hasn't seen it, and the group that sat at the table were the second batch there. For some reason, I wasn't panicky or upset, but a bit lost and sad. I loved that phone! Not giving up hope, I left my numbers to the Manager and even the Customer Service counter of the mall.

For the next 2 days, I couldn't decide what phone to get for replacement....DUH! I was half hoping that someone will call me to return the phone...double 'DUH'! LOL! Actually I know what is the most ideal replacement, but the factor No. 2 above is still stopping me. That would also mean that I have to change my 10+ year old phone number which I had retained everytime I buy a new set. I called my current phone company to enquire if the rumour that they might take iPhone soon is true, but they confirmed Not. Then I called another company who are taking 'pre-orders', but they can't tell for sure when it is coming. (btw, they're available now...hah...they just lost a customer!)

It was my DH who eventually couldn't stand it and asked me to decide what phone I want...lol! Even then I was still thinking....and thinking...or not thinking at all! My eldest son asked me to take a Blackberry, so I researched some of its features.....hmm, not bad. Then there's also the cheaper version of Blackberry called Blueberry. lol! I can get that, and play with it until my current phone company brings my iPhone in. But my DH just can't stand it anymore....!

Then, whadaya know.... I found the iPhone leaflet with the promo package in my handbag that I picked up on the day I lost the phone! "Humor me..!" I recalled telling myself on that day. I actually picked up the leaflet without realising I had lost the phone! Freaky, isn't it?

And with that, I finally decided its ok to change, that change is inevitable, and a change of number goes with it! And you can guess the rest of the story!

Haha....long story! Thanks for reading!!

Playing in the Garden

catHello everyone! Happy Cots!

Its been a while since I last post the pics of my kitties here. I've a few stories to tell, but I need to rush for now. So I'll just post their latest pictures, you can see how adorable they are. Enjoy!

Sugar n Munchkin

Munchkin!

Sugar!

Honeybun - watchful Momma!

For more fun and Cats Stories, visit Gattina at http://gattinamycats.blogspot.com :)

Fun Caricature

Hello my blogger friends! I am back! My apology for MIA for a while....did you missed me? I know Anya and Kareltje did! Thanks Anya for checking on me. I am doing great, except I haven't been blogging for a while. Can I blame it on Facebook?...lol! I hope to start again soon!

Just to share, if I may say, this cute LOL, caricature of moi, done this morning. Very impromptu, offered by the cartoonist, so I just oblige it for fun. I did not pose that way, in fact, i was just sitting in front of the desk....haha! Ok, see you again, soon!

We Love You Oreo!

How do I break this piece of news? Oreo is one of the longest cats that have been with me, gracing my days with his sweet meows...

At about 10 years old now, he had been in my care for almost 8 years. I adopted him when my single cat, Candy was on heat. So a breeder, now a friend of mine, suggested that I take Oreo for Candy. Oreo has fathered a few beautiful cats in my household including Minty. And his grandchildren, Sugar and Munchkin. I will definitely miss him dearly.

We noticed that he'd been having difficulty going to the toilet the last couple of days. Upon close monitoring I decided to take him to the vet this morning, after confirming that he will not be surgically treated based upon the symptoms that I described over the phone. I was about to place the carrier in the car, and greeted him, but no answer. Not even a faint weak sound heard. The minute I took a look at him, I knew he's no longer around....

Words cannot describe how I feel right now. My only consolation is that he did not suffer for long, or go through any harsh treatments, as I've seen happened to my friend's cat who had the same disease. Its a normal old cats disease called PKD or renal failure.

Farewell Oreo..... We love you!

Idealess Cooking

During one of those days, when you just don't know what to put on the dinner table, you don't feel like eating out, the thought of delivery orders doesn't appeal to you, and your guilt of allowing the kids to enjoy the instant noodles is too much.... How about this?

Grilled Chicken and Prawns

Nasi Lemak, Sambal Tumis Udang plus fried anchovies and Cucumber.

For this meal, you just need to marinate the chicken in barbeque sauce (instant) and the prawns in butter, pepper and salt.

The rice, cooked incocunut milk, add some shallots, garlic and ginger plus 1-2 pandan leaves. Salt to taste. Anchovies, fried and cucumber sliced. Simple prawn in sambal. That's it!

Recipes available upon request....moi too lazy to type, as lazy as the cooking...hahaha!

Fun Flipper!

Munchkin playing with a cut branch in our backyard garden. What's hillarious is how she fell after the last flip. The sound of her drop may not be captured in this clip, but that's what makes the camera lady laugh her head off and fell to the ground...lol!

Happy COT's! For more fun cat stories visit Gattina's here!

Indoor Cat

Is that worm is see squirming in the grass....eeewww!

I don't know why Mummy put me here.....just to have that square thing clicking in my face.

Hey, Munchkin, wait for me!! I can't move, or the worm might get me!

Thank goodness, but are we done yet? Time to get inside? Is it? Is it?

Sugar is not used to outside world yet, as Mummy is too protective about letting her out on her own. While Munchkin is playing like her second home, running around chased by the girls! Can't get a good shot of her at all! Lol!

For more fun stories, visit Gattina at My Cats and Funny Stories.

Impromptu Post

I am about to break a rule.

I've been surfing around and visiting blogs and I see many beautiful family photos and happy moments. Previously, the minute my other half knew I became a blogger, he made me promise not to reveal anything about our personal life and details. I just kept quiet, not saying yes nor no.

Today I am going to bend the rule a bit, maybe one time, this time. In fact, this post might be taken off anytime as I see necessary. So don't be surprised if its no longer here in future...lol!

So here, I am attaching my recent family photo, during the recent Raya hols.

Before and Now!

I really cannot imagine how they grow so fast! Sugar and Munchkin. Their birth date was early June, and now is like they are already 4 months old! Its getting more and more difficult to get their pictures as they hardly sit still. Well, whatever I can get for now...

Sugar - 1 month

Sugar - Now

Munchkin - 1 month

Munchkin - Now

For more cats fun stories, visit Gattina at My Cats and Funny Stories
(Sorry Gattina, my computer was under Virus attack last week and I lose all unsaved photos incl the COTs logo - will need to copy again later! lol)

Who Are You?

You look friendly enough to be a friend
Fun enough to bring some joy
But you are not what you seem you are

You make me laugh behind my tears
You had me cry behind my smile
Who are you?

You vent upon my cheers
You glee upon my mishaps
Why do you?

I know who you are!
Someone with a cold heart
And a cruel mind....

But I am basked in my blessings
And I thank Him all the time
And I don't care what you are!

And don't worry my dear reader friends
That someone is definitely Not You ;)

Hee hee... I Made Vadai....

It is an Indian snack. I thought it was called magelek. It was an old time favourite and I haven't had it for years. I don't know where to get them nowadays. I searched for the recipe online, but in vain. Somehow, I found out by accident from the images, that it was also called vadai. My friend once told me that it is so simple to make this, so I gave it a try.

After all the kuih raya during the festive season, this is a refershingly different taste. Since all the kuih raya that I made finished by the 2nd and 3rd day of Raya, either I replenish them, or just buy a few more....haha! I think I will make some some more. But not just yet!

Somehow the thought of producing something spicy and savoury seems much more inviting as opposed to the creamy yummy taste of raya cookies. Later! lol

Vadai

150gm dhal - soaked
100ml water
1 onion - diced
1 garlic - chopped
1 red chili - chopped
1/2 tbsp curry leaves - thinly sliced
1/2 tsp cumin
2 tbsp rice flour
salt

Soak dhal for a few hours.
Blend with cumin coarsely.
Add all other ingredient.
Shape into paties and fry to golden brown.

Crispy on the outside, soft and yummy in the inside... Think about it!


Edited: 3rd Oct 2009

I just realised that dhal is not known at some parts of the world, esp America and Europe, so for the benefits of our friends, I am attaching here some info and nutritious value of dhal.

Source: Easybean.co.uk


Toor Dhal is in fact a pigeon pea and not a lentil as you might expect from its appearance. The dhal is prepared by milling dried pigeon peas to remove a thick coat and to split the seed. The origin of the plant is unclear, although they are now mainly grown in India. Young green pigeon peas are eaten in the Caribbean. Pigeon peas are noted for being highly nutritious, as well as for their delicate sweet flavour.

Typical nutritional values per 100g cooked pigeon pea dhal:
energy 496 kJ / 117 kcal
protein 8.8g
fat 0.5g
fibre 4.4g
sodium trace

Curiosity Kills the Cat?

I think Not! Infact they're the cutest on earth when they are curious!

Here's Sugar trying to get the feel of the sofa. I always tell her not to climb up the sofa....its a forbidden territory. But did she listen? Lol!

Mommy: "Sugar, get down!"

Sugar: "Well, ok, ooookkk! It doesn't taste good anyway....! (The sofa after she licked it) I have other better things to do!"

Hey, that's an interesting looking box there. I wonder what is it?

I wonder what's in it? I just can't reach in!

Haaa..! I know this one! I can smell "Munchkin wuz here!" Hey, so were Mommy Honey and ....moi!

Haha...for more fun and cat's stories, visit Gattina at My Cats and Funny Stories.

Conclusion Story of Kitten Tails

So, the little girl was actually yours truly. Until today I still remember that cute little kittens, I believe were persians because of the fluffy coat. Someone had left them there mysteriously because they were not there before, and there were no signs of any mother cat around. Or were there? I don't know.

How do they get fed? Being a 5 year old, it didn't occur to me that the kitties might need food...lol! I only wanted to play with them. Somebody, or the mother cat must have been feeding them, because they are a playful, active and healthy bunch.

Until today, I wonder where the kittens had gone to, because I don't find it reasonable that they left on their own. Someone must have taken them somewhere. Or was it actually a dream....? I don't think so.

Anyway, not until a few days ago, after I related the story, it struck me like a lightning bolt. The three little kittens that I missed so much is actually already here in my home! They're Oreo, the Cream Cameo, Minty, Blue-smoke, and Honeybun, the red and white bi-colour cats! Of course they are not the same kitten that I found, but somehow, here at this stage in my life, I have them all! All 3 of them!

And I believe this is partly, the power of dreams and visualization. How these furbabies entered my life can be read here. The rest is the law of attraction, and most importantly God's will.

For more fun at Cat's stories, visit Gattina at My cats and Funny Stories.

Kitten Tails

"...it was a beautiful day. A five year old girl had a mission. She was really excited. The day before, she was playing in an empty house just vacated by her neighbour who just transfered to another district. It was a government teacher's quarters and the garage was unlocked.While playing hide and seek there, she saw three little kittens! It was the cutest cats she had ever seen! They were so fluffy and rounded she just had to hold them. She remembered vividly, that the colours were creamy white, grey and orange. But she also scared them away! They all hid in the drain under the drain cover. And the cover was really heavy. She waited for the kitten to come out, but, it just wouldn't. It was getting dark, and already time to get home. So she decided to come back the next day and play with the kitties.

Upon reaching the empty house, she quietly open the garage door, and the kitties were playing with each other. It was so fun watching them play, but as soon as they sensed her presence, the kitties hid under the drain again. The little girl only managed to see glimpses of the three kittens here and there when they sneaked out to check her whereabouts. She spent a few hours there before realising that she got tired and need to go home. But she was too happy indeed.

The next day she went to the empty house again hoping to play with the kitties. But they were no longer there! She looked everywhere, but there were no signs of their whereabout at all! The kittens dissapeared as mysteriously as it appeared. Heartbroken, the little girl went home. Everyday she will go to the empty house to check if the kitties had come back, but they never did!

So one day, after several hopeless visits, tearfully, the little girl vowed, "I'll find it someday...." And every now and then, the girl will remember the three little furballs which sometimes made her smile, and sometimes made her teary, thinking of that brief sweet encounter.

For more fun and cats stories, visit Gattina at My cats and Funny Stories.

Edited: The conclusion of this short story will be on next week's COT. Stay tuned! :)

The Wedding

The 'Pelamin'
The red carpet to the 'pelamin', where the bride and bridegroom seated throughout the ceremony.
Live music, an entrancing traditional melody called 'Gamelan'.

Believe it or not, these are some of the flowers left after they dismantle the decor. I took it first, then informed my neighbour later...lol!


My sweet neighbour gave me this fruit basket and 2 'Bunga Telur' as a token of appreciation for being a 'cooperative' neighbour...awwwh!

On top of it all, the caterer sent us these dishes, nasi beriani, ayam tomato, dinding daging, dalca, acar buah and kueh puteri 2 sebilik just before the dinner setting. So sweet and thoughtful of them!