Undilah, Registerlah.

TGIF! A week flew by, just like that. We had a busy week at work as the new students start to come in. It will be the same for a few more weeks before they settle down into their routine. Really glad that we have and will have new colleagues joining us. I am relieved that I do not have to go through throngs of resumes again to pick out candidates for interviews.

On the home front, one kid was sick after another these past weeks, so had many visits to the clinics. Otherwise, it was as usual.

I recently burned a big hole in my pocket. I indulged in a very expensive branded bag. Probably won't happen again for a very long while after this. After getting it, it is sitting in my closet inside its' dustbag. I am still hesitant to use it. But since I already bought, I really should be using it. Feeling guilty about it, though.


Back to politics for a bit. I saw that matters regarding Hudud law is being played up again in the news. This is another sign of the General Election looming. As always, this is seen as the main source of discourse between parties in the opposition coalition. Personally, I think there is no point discussing about this when the opposition still remains as oppositions. So whatever is being reported  is just propaganda to stir up fear amongst the non-muslims, trying to make them afraid of PAS. I totally don't buy it, it is no big deal. There is a Chinese saying that goes something like this: the ship will be straight once it gets to the harbour, so what is the point of worrying about something that hasn't happened yet and probably won't happen for a very long time? I admit, I don't know enough about Hudud and how the implementation will affects non-muslims in the country but don't we have more pressing things to take care off? Like rampant corruption, abuse of power and human rights violation under our noses, just to name a few. So don't get too hype up about non-issues. First things first.

Don't forget to register to vote if you haven't and check your voting details on the SPR site if you have registered. So when polling day come, go out and UNDILAH, JANGAN TIDUR! For a better Malaysia! Cheers!

On ISA and Nasi Lemak

For the last few days, the hype was all about the PM's announcement about abolishing the dreaded ISA (and a few other laws)! This is definitely a positive development although I wouldn't pop the champagne just yet. One thing is for sure, the election is looming round the corner. The PM is sure fighting for his survival, after his popularity went downhill because of the handling of Bersih 2.0.

It also shows that the ruling government is indeed aware that it is the demands of the people that such unfair laws be repealed but it also shows that the same government had been adamant  about keeping these laws until now! Why?! Basically, I think it is because these laws are to their benefit, so doing away with them was far from their thoughts. But the situation has changed drastically from 10 or 20 years ago. More Malaysians have access to information and alternative opinions in this information age. People are no longer as gullible as before, believing every word the authorities says. This is definitely a big win for the rakyat!

Oh, 16th Sept was Malaysia Day and we celebrated with a movie, Nasi Lemak 2.0. The kids did enjoy it a lot, still singing the songs they heard from the movie. My personal opinion, the movie was so so only. But it was still a commendable effort from Namewee and all the guest local celebrities that helped him. I am not really Namewee's fan, not at all. His songs to me are too vulgar although the tunes are okay. Nevertheless, I still think he has good potential. I was further impressed that the movie was shot using a Canon DSLR! Amazing! Adibah Noor and  Adflin Shauki were so lovable on screen, as always. The script, the cast and the cinematography were quite good, only the plot is a bit stale. However, I will still recommend it a watch, firstly to support Namewee's effort and secondly because there were many funny moments that were so Malaysian in the movie. So go watch soon.

About Moods and Moon

Haven't been feeling too swell for the past few weeks. Gosh, hate to admit I am not young anymore. What takes so little effort before now seems like an uphill task for me. Each time I go up the stairs, I can hear crackling noises from my joints and bones! I think I am paying the price of not taking better care of myself when I was younger. So to those who are still young, do pay attention to your body and keep it in tip top condition all the time!

Life is the usual busy-busy. Haven't got time to bake or make clothes lately since hubby been working late. Besides, I didn't really have the mood. So every evening it's TV, and then off to bed.

Lately, the thought of getting into business to sustain our children and lifestyle beyond our working life has been cropping up often. I remembered I mentioned several times before about investments. I have delved into it with little success so far, my stocks are making losses and I think the Public Mutual Funds we started are also suffering. I guess I will just continue to hold on to the stocks and continue to invest monthly to the mutual funds for long term gains, like 5 to 10 years. So basically I have learn that trying to make money, especially in stocks ain't easy! To make faster and significant gains, we need to buy in more volume. To be very safe, we need to buy blue chips stocks which cost too much for small investors like me. Also, the stock prices are subjected to sentiments out of our control, small fry investors like me, are mostly the ones to suffer and pay the price. Frankly, it's like a gamble. Maybe it's just me, but looks like mission impossible, sadly.

So back to the drawing board for me. I have been trying to do some rough costing for a few 'businesses' that I have interest in, on paper they all look pretty good. But in practise, well, we can just say it will be a very different story. But both my hubby and I agreed that ultimately, we need to move towards it, somehow.

Moving to a lighter mode, the Mid-Autumn/Mooncake Festival is next Monday. As usual, we will have a small feast with the in-laws and put up some lanterns for fun. Will need to go get some mooncakes this weekend. Hopefully can also 'songlap' some from the office (gifts from vendors) so I can save some money. Mooncakes nowadays cost an arm and a leg. Last year, I did mention about making them myself but like I said, not in the mood lately, so will have to settled with the expensive ones on sale. Besides, I couldn't find the mould.

Penang Escapade

Alternate Dim Sum Shop that we went to, Fu Shan was impossible.

We set off before 5am and reached Ipoh at 7.30am. We looked for 30 minutes in Ipoh town and finally found the famous Fu Shan Dim Sum. And it was indeed famous, at 8am the place was jammed packed. People were lining up outside and around the tables, I could see people standing beside tables waiting for others to finish their food so that they could sit themselves on those tables. Even the one opposite it Ming Court was crazy crowded, so we settled for one that is less crowded around the corner. The food was quite ok, and the best thing was the price. The bill came up to less than RM30 for 2 adults and 3 kids. Way cheaper than in KL.


After breakfast, we went our way to Penang. By 10.30am we crossed the Penang Bridge. Since it was pretty early still, proceeded to Penang Hill (Bukit Bendera). The crowd there was crazy too. We lined up for more than 30 minutes to get tickets for the train up the hill. There were only 2 counters opened?! I was surprised that they didn't have a more efficient queuing system or opened more ticket sale counters. But it was worth the wait. Tickets for malaysians are priced at RM8 for adults and RM4 for kids (3 and below is free) and students, there was also a family special for 2 adults and 2 kids at RM18 which we bought. It ride took less than 15 minutes and it goes all the way up.

Penang Bridge with little traffic.

Penang Hill view from the train downwards.

The top of the hill was quite cool. The view from up there was really nice too. The indian man selling kacang putih was doing brisk business at RM2 a pack. We had some steamed chick peas which I had not have for a long long time. Tasted so great. Also had ice kacang and some other snacks. The weather was cool and nice, so we enjoyed it there. We were supposed to meet my brother and his entourage in Ipoh at 8am and later at Bukit Bendera at 10.30am but they missed both meeting times. So at about 1.30 pm, we lined up for the train to come down the hill.

Flower Power!

Kacang Putih!

Asam Laksa @ RM2.50, tasted great

Then it was time for lunch, we drove towards Georgetown and found a little lane with some hawker stalls which had locals eating there. So we parked our car and had our taste of authentic Penang hawker food, assam laksa at RM2.50 (albeit small portion), char kuey tiow and many others. When we had our fill, it was time to check into the hotel. Even with our iPhone google map, we had difficulty finding Berjaya Penang Hotel. Finally, past 3pm, we found it! The hotel room was pretty nice although the upholstery looks a bit worn and old. But the size of the junior suite I booked was nice, with a small living area separated with a sliding door form the bedroom with a king size bed.We all bathed and rested. But at about 5pm, we went out to the Toy Museum and finally met up with my brother and his family and my mum. The entrance fee was a bit steep, RM10 for adults and RM6 for kids, 2 and above. Inside, we saw models of many many toys and cartoon characters. Personally, I didn't think it was worth the money but if the kids enjoyed, then I guess it's ok. 

KungFu Panda (my favourite!) with the kids and their Grandma.

After the visit, we went to Gurney Drive for a stopover but we have already decided not to eat there. So after a brief stop, we drove to find another place to eat. My brother saw a restaurant called Kapitan Kopitiam and we stopped there for dinner. Food was quite ok and the ambiance of the place was pretty nice for families like ours. After dinner, we retired for the night promising to wake up early and meet at Kek Lok Si next morning, at 7.30am.

Beautiful View of the Pagoda.

The next morning, we woke at 6.30 am got the kids up and ready and we reached Kek Lok Si at 7.38am. My mum, brother and his family, who stayed in a different hotel at Batu Ferringhi, were running a little late, so we parked our car near the market and begun our walk up. Later we regretted this as we saw cars driving all the way up! My 2nd was already crying because he was tired but I pushed them on. When we were nearly there, my dear brother drove passed us! So we ended up at Kek Lok Si at about the same time! We walked around, took some pictures and went out the hill. My two sons took a ride on my brother's car while my hubby, my little princess (who would not follow them in the car) and I, walked down. Walking down seem to take a much shorter time and less effort. We met my brother and had breakfast at some hawker near the market place. It was the usual char kuey tiow, lor mee, har mee, etc.. By then, I think I already have an overload of mee and kuey tiow. After some shopping of tau sar perng, buah pala, etc. we moved on to our next destination.

The last stop was the Snake Temple which is in Bayan Lepas area, quite a little way away. My brother used his GPS and after like 20 minutes drive we found the temple. There were not that many snakes there but the kids saw a few of them and that seemed good enough for them. Then it was time for us to rush back to check out from the hotel, we managed to find our way back, had quick showers for everyone and checked out. We stopped for a snack of apom before we drove around Georgetown, with the thought of going shopping again but we ended up on the road to the Jetty. My brother had suggested earlier to take the ferry back and my hubby thought it was a great idea because they may stop the ferry service in future and we will have no such chance anymore. Since we found the jetty, we drove in and waited to board the ferry. I was pleasantly surprised the ferry service was free (Note: I found out later that getting off the island is free whether on the bridge or the ferry, pardon my ignorance!) and it was surprisingly the highlight of our trip! The kids enjoyed it so much, my eldest even got to drink some sea water as he stood right at the front of the ferry when some sea water splashed up.

Ferry Ride was most fun!

Overall, it was a nice trip. Two things I dislike about Penang. Firstly, it was the traffic jam which was caused by the long public holidays we have timed our vacation. Secondly it was the the people asking for money from you when you park your car in any tourist spots. I don't mind if we are paying the local government but I would hate for some drug addicts or some gangsters making their living off tourists like us, illegally. Now for the things I like about the island, it's very clean! And it's very historically looking, with many old and beautiful building from colonial times. Of course, the food is really good and cheap. And we have missed trying out some others like nasi kandar, etc.. Maybe another trip can be planned but I wouldn't know if it would be soon, hopefully not as long as another 5 or 10 years.

Long Raya Break

The Raya is just around the corner. I would like to wish all  my muslims friends Selamat Hari Raya and Maaf Zahir and Batin.

 Yesterday, my eldest turned 8. On the same day I met with his English teacher who complianed of his horrible writing and absent-minded attitude although he is smart. This is the first time I have to go meet a teacher to hear complaints about my children. Felt like I was reprimanded for not doing enough, :(. Anyways, I told the teacher I will check his homework more often and make sure he does not tear pages off his exercise books. Teacher even encourage the use of the cane! I am already a very strict parent when I take time to look into his work but maybe I don't do that often enough. Anyways, Happy Birthday boy and please buck up.



8 years old today!

Our plan to Penang next week will be more fun now since my brother and his family will join us together with my mother. Now I am trying to draw up a schedule since we will be travelling in 2 cars. I am thinking about travelling very early in the morning and stop for breakfast in Ipoh before proceeding to Penang. Hopefully the traffic will not be too bad. Will write more about our trip next week.

Recycling starts with YOU!

I saw a TV programme last week where they were discussing about recycling and what can we do as normal folks. A few important things were suggested by this learned Dr who is holding a position in Penang government (so sorry I forgot his name).

The use of plastic bags, was high on the list to reduce. As we know Selangor and Penang have started the no plastic bag day on Saturdays. But some of the shopping places I see in Selangor are not really doing so. It's probably because of their customers complaints. Businesses cannot be blamed because naturally, making money is their priority. If their customer are not happy, they will not be making money. Therefore I think, recycling needs to start from oneself, from the mindset of the people. When there isn't a demand for plastic bags, they will die a natural death.

There was also a discussion about those so called biodegradable plastic bags. Apparently, bags that are said to be biodegradable in Malaysia are not certified to be really biodegradable. They are only disintegrating physically, meaning that they break into pieces with time or when exposed to the outside weather factors such as sun and rain. The problem is they do not break up chemically, so the bags have broken into smaller pieces of plastic but those pieces are still there to pollute the environment. This is something I didn't realize. So biodegradable plastic bag are no go too.So people, bring your own bags when you go shopping, not just on Saturdays but everyday. If you do take home plastic bags, make sure you use them repeatedly until they are unusable.

Most people are aware that paper should be recycled. So we often see the old newspaper collectors coming to do their round in our neighbourhoods. Apart from that almost all type of waste materials can be recycled. Plastic water bottles, aluminum and tin cans, beverages  packs, packing materials etc.. For more facts about recycling, this is a good site to visit. Even styrofoam packing materials can be recycled. But from my knowledge, the recycling centres in Malaysia usually do not accept them for recycling as the effort and maybe cost to do so are too high. So if you can, one of the first thing you can start immediately is to minimise or stop completely the use of styrofoam packings. Bring your own reusable containers when you go pack food outside.

I am sure most people have heard "reduce, reuse and recycle". Very importantly to note, is that the sequence of activities should be as stated. Firstly, you need to reduce your waste. Use less and therefore waste less. When you do have waste, reuse them. Like using paper on the other side, or reusing plastic and glass container, etc. Then, finally when you really need to throw them away, you recycle them. The last one is done by separating your waste right at the point when you discard them, usually this means at home. I have started to have a recycling corner at home for more than 6 months now. We have 3 big bins, for paper, glass and tins/plastics. Then, we also have our regular bins for things we cannot recycle. By separating your wastes, you reduce the amount of rubbish that will end up in a landfill somewhere. This is very very important, do not expect some other human to go through your thrash for you to try and salvage recyclable materials. Either you do it or they will end up polluting the environment in some landfill.

Our recycling corner at home.

For the materials that you have separated, you have a few options to get rid of them. You can sell them at many recycling centres that I can see everywhere, you can also give them to the rubbish collectors who will then sell them and get a little pocket money or you can do like we do, we give to a charity organisation that give a strong emphasis on environment protection work. Every few weeks, we will send our items to their centre.

I have heard people complained, why do we only do this and not that? Why do we stop people from using plastic bags when there are more horrible pollutants in other wastes. My answer is very simple, start small, every bit counts. Cultivate the habit and start learning more about the different types of wastes and how to recycle them. If everyone can just take responsibility of his/her own trash and do the 3 Rs, we can reduce a substantial amount of the 19,000 tons of rubbish Malaysians produce daily.

What’s Up and Coming Up

There were disturbing news about the riots in UK this week. It is sad to see even a country like United Kingdom can descend into chaos (albeit not at a scale that would cause long term effects). It just goes to show that dissent can appear even in one of the world most advanced countries. From my readings, the riots and looting are the actions of unemployed youths trying to steal or rob stuff that otherwise they cannot afford. Leaders of countries should be proactive in battling issues that are affecting a big group of their citizens. More damage is done when actions are implemented after the frustrations of this group exploded. Yeah, you are right, it's easy to say that in one sentence but nobody said being elected leaders is a walk in the park. It's not a job for people with underdeveloped brains or guts (which we have a bunch of them in office here).

Apart from this, we also have the stock market massacre! All over the world, the stock markets, led by the US' Dow Jones, have been falling like crazy. It recovered a bit yesterday but who knows what will happen next. Here lies the opportunity to earn money and also to lose money. Looking my past experiences, I would be extremely cautious. Stock investment is really a hard ballgame to play. Oh well, we'll see.

Locally, we hear of the raid by Jais in a dinner at a church building. Won't really bother myself about it. It's not the 1st time ridiculous things like this happen here. But Malaysians have to remember, Malaysia is a country that we should all love and cherish. The government, the ministers and the laws etc., they are not Malaysia. These may come and go, government and ministers may be voted out, laws may be changed but Malaysia is country, my country. Please do not be frustrated with her, it's not her fault that things are getting from bad to worse. She is not the enemy, she is in need of her beloved citizens to make the right choices at the ballots. Oops, got carried away and a bit emo. You people know what you people need to do.

Now for something more relaxed. Planning to have a 2D 1N trip to Penang with the Brady Bunch. Booked a hotel already and come Raya holidays, we will be on our way. Been a long long while since I last went to Penang. In fact, I don't even remember it. So I am so looking forward to see the island again. Definitely will try to find all the famous authentic Penang food and see Kek Lok Si, Bukit Bendera, etc.. Maybe meet the Chief Minister at the same time in Komtar. If I do, I will make sure I snap a picture with him. Only worry now is who can help feed our dog which by the way is recovering nicely from her 'operation'. I am now looking for automatic dog feeder, will try to find out where we can get one.

 
There is a MATTA fair going on this weekend, maybe it's a good time to grab some cheap tours, planning to go somewhere over the sea with hubby end of the year. Short trip somewhere but haven't decided on the destination yet. While waiting for all that, I will be busy finishing my project runway - PJs (pants and shirt) for the boyz.