Macau in the Summer

Hong Kong in Summer

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First things first,

I never knew I'd miss chilli sauce *wink*

And I am loving asam laksa even more..

The nearest option I got was the Singapore Laksa that I had at the Venetian.

Which was quite good *Thank God*

Otherwise I would've put up a b$*%h fit! :)

My mum had a great time, and I think that she's never in her life took on so much public transportation and truly did give her legs a good walkin'!

Per usual I decided to do the "when in rome do like the romans" path, so I got us Octopus cards and used it on the MTR/Busses/Trams you name it, we've travelled on it. Heck, you can even use it in 7E/Circle K! The only time I sat my buns down in a cab was when we were heading to the Macau ferry terminal, that also was due to our heavy than heck luggages filled to the brim with our finds!

In Macau much of the same thing, the hotel we stayed at was a stone's throw from the famed cobbled road of Senado Sq, so walking to the historical sites was within 10 - 20 minutes tops!

And Macau is really very much like Vegas!

Had heaps of summer fun in both Hong Kong and Macau!

And the bit of flesh between my thumb and index finger is injured due to excessive usage of chopsticks which is closely linked to how much of food we consumed, and yes, I brought home some holiday weight!

lui yan kai, mongkok

my mum and I were in the famed ladies market of mongkok, and found that most of the stuffs sold here are from thai-land, which is a cut off. Anyways, it was supremely packed and I thank god that I had a really good tea break before coming here.

And the tong lai char is certainly good.

Ok we're off to sogo and stanley today.

Here's Niki!

Last weekend, we ate ..

Shrimpy affair at Bubba Gump's

Niki and her daddy having a pow wow

cajun shrimp, butter shrimp, y'all delicious all the same

Lunch at Tarbush

Lovelies, I have a new friend for you ..

I've been going on and on about a particular LV model which makes the perfect everyday bag, hubby finally caved in :) *evil grin* .. and so my closet of bags have a new buddy, meet my oh so lovely lv galliera pm ...

Isn't she lovely ...

Those four words

and it's not what you think..

today Niki and I hung out abit in the evening before I started tutoring her on her Ejaan.

Had a little heart to heart session.

Poor girl, apparently there's a boy in her class who's been playing hot and cold with her, and using those dreaded four words that strikes fear in a pre-schooler's heart.."I don't friend you!"

Niki was pretty close to tears when she related how this boy was treating her, one day they're friends and the next they're not and worse thing is he's trying to steal Niki's best friend, a certain Ms K. So she's asking me why can't he treat her as a friend everyday.

I was dumbfounded. How was I to explain to a gonna be 5 year old the mechanics of friendship and the dreaded topic of boys?

Well I copped out and told her I'll call her principal right that moment and basically have Ms Principal right this matter by having a one to one with this particular boy. Spoke to Ms Principal who solemnly told me thay she'll talk to this boy and the class teacher for good measure, to make sure he play nice.

Easy peasy, when the going gets tough, it's always the same whether you are in pre-school, or primary school or secondary school, you just tell the teacher and let them deal with it.

I on the other hand am relieved that I have evaded the dreaded boys subject for another day, that day will come I know, by then I hope that I'll be talking to a much older Nikita.

*Sigh*

Johnny Depp ...

'nuff said!

Aloha Alor Setar

We're back in AS for a short weekend break, just to get away from it all actually.

And yes, it's a glutton's weekend.

This morning went for the best dimsum breakfast at this place near PMC, and

OMG!

Rm1 for a bowl of curry laksa .. unbelievable

Coffee or tea for 60cents .. free flow .. unreal

Dimsum galore, came to only Rm40!

Mana nak cari ..

Food paradise la, tomorrow before we head home gonna go eat somemore, no surpises there right?

Hong Kong & Macau here we come

In the midst of planning a trip to HK & Macau. HK hotel done, booked into a place in Wan Chai per advise by Vicky, feels it will be more central to everything.

It's just gonna be me and my mum.

Two words ..

SUMMER SALE!

Not exactly romantic

But nonetheless very fulfilling, we had our anniversary early dinner (we skipped lunch so we can tuck in more, see) @ our favourite haunt Tony Roma's.

Niki came along for the ride, providing the correct amount of lighting if you get my drift.

As per usual, the ribs were magnificent, omg, I can still smell it on my fingers as I type.

I now know for sure that I'm a piglet!!

Our Seventh Anniversary

the not so newlyweds

Today the 7th of July marks our 7th wedding anniuversary!

Today is a work day and a school night, too!

But yay!

Happy 7th Anniversary, honey and *warning* sappy stuffs are going to be said;

"Honey, thank you for the most wonderful 7 years as your wife,

I can't think of anything I'd rather be,

My love, I look forward to spending the rest of my life with you;

And if there is a life after this, I hope to spend it with you too,

Cos I seriously don't think anyone else can live with me!

I love you, and forever will.."

Nikita!

Our baby :)

Growing into a young lady already..

Phuket photos

The resort's beachfront, maketh happy sunseekers ;-)

our fab ride

Honey and his jung (tic)

on shopper's high

marley's

RIP MJ

Exactly one week ago today, MJ passed on.

We were in Phuket and we got a text from Vicky's Dad which read, "MJ is dead, amma is very sad"

Yes my in laws, happening people who really loves music are one of those lucky ones whom attended MJ's one & only concert in KL many years ago, and they're huge fan of the man.

We couldn't believe it until we turned on BBC news, and realised that the news is indeed true.

Since then, much news has swirled around the fallen superstar, but I am keeping it real, MJ was a true icon, let the man rest in peace, everything else that was said or remain to be said, is not important, what is important was the legacy he left us, his songs, his music and his moves, there can never be another MJ.

May you remain the King Of Pop forever, and this is one of my favourite MJ song of all time .. it's classic MJ, let us remember him this way..

Sawadee-ka from Phuket

Vicky <3>

View from our chalet @ Thavorn

View from Sweet Home


The lovebirds; Lynnsay & Nishan (who happens to be great eating companions!)

Us in front of chalet #157

Just got back from a truly gastronomic experience while in Phuket, I really couldn't fathom how much food can be consumed by a group of four..but that's what we did ..

Found this gem of a place called Ab-Zab, under the Sweet Home Hotel; which served one of the most delicious Thai food ever, to prove it we ate there three days in a row!

The whole trip was utterly wonderful, as we cramped a lot of eating and shopping into our four days and four nights! Phuket's got this new mall called JungCeylon which is a must visit! *giggle* and it was Mid Year Sales and Robinson's was having sales! Oh the joy!! :)

Photos will be uploaded once I find the darn cable!

Till the next post, I'll be dreaming about Glass Noodles in Tom Yum Goong!

I know, I know, I'm a glutton.. feeling hungry now ... eeerrrkkk!

** Photos above from my phone, have yet to find my camera cable ... aiyo!

Six months ago..

I started taking yoga at a yoga center near where I live.
To say the least the experience has been really eye opening and rewarding.
I thought like all bushy tailed yoga greenie, I would experience weight loss, would at least have a semi hot bod, alas that was not to be ..
Indeed my body is now more toned but nope I have not lost any weight ..
crikey .. instead I think I gained about 1/2 to 1kg? Can it be??
Anyways I tend not to stand too long on the bathroom scale in fear of...that it might rebel and start creaming "Get Off me, You Oaf!"

So rather than I ramble on about weight, I'd rather write about how it (yoga, I mean not the bathroom scale) has changed my lifestyle for the better.. I feel stronger, healthier, happier (yup my fave this) and dare I say it, my skin actually looks better abit glowier :)

So rather than I try to explain what yoga has done for me in my own words I'd rather prefer that you read this article from http://www.cyberastro.com/:

Benefits of Yoga - Why Yoga Exercise is Good for You Yoga books tell us that Yoga, as we all know, is aimed to unite the mind, the body, and the spirit. Yogis view that the mind and the body are one, and that if it is given the right yoga kit and tools and taken to the right environment, it can find harmony and heal itself.

Yoga therefore is considered therapeutic. It helps you become more aware of your body's posture, alignment and patterns of movement. It makes the body more flexible and helps you relax even in the midst of a stress stricken environment. This is one of the foremost reasons why people want to start Practicing Yoga - to feel fitter, be more energetic, be happier and peaceful. Yoga is a science that has been practiced for thousands of years. It is consists of Ancient Theories, observations and principles about the mind and body connection which is now being proven by modern medicine. Substantial research has been conducted to look at the Health Benefits of Yoga - from the Yoga Postures (Asanas), Yoga Breathing (Pranayama), and Meditation.

The information on Yoga Poses & Benefits are grouped into three categories-physiological, psychological, biochemical effects. Furthermore, scientists have laid these results against the benefits of regular exercise

Physiological Benefits of Yoga
Stable autonomic nervous system equilibrium
Pulse rate decreases
Respiratory rate decreases
Blood Pressure decreases (of special significance for hyporeactors)
Galvanic Skin Response (GSR) increases
EEG - alpha waves increase (theta, delta, and beta waves also increase during various stages of meditation)
EMG activity decreases
Cardiovascular efficiency increases
Respiratory efficiency increases
Gastrointestinal function normalizes
Endocrine function normalizes
Excretory functions improve
Musculoskeletal flexibility and joint range of motion increase
Breath-holding time increases
Joint range of motion increase
Grip strength increases
Eye-hand coordination improves
Dexterity skills improve
Reaction time improves
Posture improves
Strength and resiliency increase
Endurance increases
Energy level increases
Weight normalizes
Sleep improves
Immunity increases
Pain decreases
Steadiness improves
Depth perception improves
Balance improves
Integrated functioning of body parts improves

Psychological Benefits of Yoga
Somatic and kinesthetic awareness increase
Mood improves and subjective well-being increases
Self-acceptance and self-actualization increase
Social adjustment increases
Anxiety and Depression decrease
Hostility decreases
Concentration improves
Memory improves
Attention improves
Learning efficiency improves
Mood improves
Self-actualization increase
Social skills increases
Well-being increases
Somatic and kinesthetic awareness increase
Self-acceptance increase
Attention improves
Concentration improves
Memory improves
Learning efficiency improves
Symbol coding improves
Depth perception improves
Flicker fusion frequency improves

Biochemical Benefits of Yoga
Glucose decreases
Sodium decreases
Total cholesterol decreases
Triglycerides decrease
HDL cholesterol increases
LDL cholesterol decreases
VLDL cholesterol decreases
Cholinesterase increases
Catecholamines decrease
ATPase increases
Hematocrit increases
Hemoglobin increases
Lymphocyte count increases
Total white blood cell count decreases
Thyroxin increases
Vitamin C increases
Total serum protein increases

Yoga Health Benefits versus Exercise Benefits
Yoga Benefits
Parasympathetic Nervous System dominates
Subcortical regions of brain dominate
Slow dynamic and static movements
Normalization of muscle tone
Low risk of injuring muscles and ligaments
Low caloric consumption
Effort is minimized, relaxed
Energizing (breathing is natural or controlled)
Balanced activity of opposing muscle groups
Noncompetitive, process-oriented
Awareness is internal (focus is on breath and the infinite)
Limitless possibilities for growth in self-awareness
Exercise Benefits
Sympathetic Nervous System dominates
Cortical regions of brain dominate
Rapid forceful movements
Increased muscle tension
Higher risk of injury
Moderate to high caloric consumption
Effort is maximized
Fatiguing (breathing is taxed)
Imbalance activity of opposing groups
Competitive, goal-oriented
Awareness is external (focus is on reaching the toes, reaching the finish line, etc.)
Boredom factor

Simple things in life

Hope your weekend was happy.

It rained and it poured and it was sunshiney.

It couldn't make up it's mind. but still, it was beautiful and green and good. i saw my favorites. i ate my favorites. i snuggled my favorites. i learned a lot.

There were late night marathons (of Bones!), laughter with family.

Father's Day dinner with the rest of the daddies in the Narayanan clan. Niki bouncing onto Vicky and wishing him Happy Father's Day much to the delight of Daddy.

Spent the day just relaxing. both father & daughter happy as clams.

But first, let me back up. Sunday night during the Father's Day dinner, i learned something worth writing down. i learned that serving others is a good way to love others. We caught up and drank wine. Talked some more, laughed and drank more wine.

Once again, i learned more than ever to appreciate what i have. to appreciate who i have. to love deeper. to live bigger. and to not feel sorry for myself but to look around and see what i can do, see how i can help, see how i can make a difference, see what ways i can make a change for good.

Happy Father's Day shoutout

Yanu,Ammu & Lei

The wives

Me & the kids

The Dads

The Dads were really busy

Niki and I would like to shoutout to Niki's Daddy

"We love you!!! so, so much, you mean the world to us!"

And also to;

Niki's Tata,

Niki's Granpa

Uncle Siva

and Uncle Mohan

You guys are Daddies!!

Photos from our Father's Day celebration in Gem's PJ

Beauty Finds

This is totally random, nevermind la ok.

I'm having a crappy headache and just wanna post my top 5 + 1 beauty finds.

Yeah, I can be so "vain" .. *ahem!*

1) Two words: Lip Glass. MAC, Clear, to be precise. Can't live without it.

2) For moisturizer, I have used Oil of Olay {with sunscreen} for 2 years now (previously I was using a more frou, frou brand, it did crap for my skin!) and I swear by it. Light enough to not get cake-y with make-up, but enough moisture that I'm covered even in the the humidity of the ever changing Malaysian weather!

3) Mascara? Chanel mascara previously, now not anymore, thank God for silky lashes, and yeah .. for Roy too!

4) My next go-to make-up tip. The ever humble wet wipes makes a kick-ass make-up remover for the super lazy (moi!). At least for your eyes, you can wash your face for the rest.

5) You can't go wrong with O.P.I. Nail polish. They're expensive little bottles, but totally worth it. They won't be gooing all over your nail polish collection anytime soon, the bottles last forever, as does the colour on your fingers and tootsies!

6) Aveda all the way for hair. Aveda's Sap Moss gives amazing volume. Love it. Anti-humectant tames the frizzies, and makes me feel polished and ready to go. Plus, you can't beat the fact that it smells like you've just stepped out of a high end salon when you wear it!

See the good in people

Yeah that's what we should do but we don't do enough.

Be kind, it's hard to be when the world is built the way it is. making it more like a dog eat dog world.

But I want to have hope, have hope that there's good yet to be discovered, that all of us as hard as we want to project ourselves, are still innocent and good.

I want to believe that man has yet to live to their full capacity.

Kuantan before the lazy, hazy

Kuantan, just 3 hours from the city and with a beautiful beach to boot!

Closet Trekkie

JJ Abrams and the crew of USS Enterprise

Nero, Uhura, Spock and Kirk

First and foremost those that reeaalllyy know me would know that I'm such a nerd! (dejavu, I think I wrote this before)

I love Harry Potter, I love to read, I love the smell of musky old books, I love the Six Million Dollar man, I love Eureka and not to forget a die hard Bones fan.

But alas I'm not so much of a trekkie fan ..

That was until I saw the movie, omg, it was great! and I think I'm now a fan!

Though I will not be ab le to explain the timeline of the political history between the Klingons and the Romulans, or an Enterprise to errrr another ship. And neither can I dissect the complex relationship between Kirk and Spock.

I do admit that the Star Trek brand has a rather heavy geek-factor associated with it, and that most people wouldn’t actually admit to wanting to watch the latest Star Trek movie.

But I have no problems with telling you that I enjoyed it immensely, and having eye candy in the form of Kirk and Spock didn't hurt at all.

My hubby and I watched it together, Niki wasn't that excited so we left her at home. Anyway. I really liked it! It was a cool action movie, the story, cast and characters were all great, and I particularly liked how you didn’t have to know anything about Star Trek to enjoy it.
There were plenty of insider jokes for those who are die hard fans, but it never got in the way of the pace of the movie. In fact, as I looked around the cinema at the end of the movie, all of the audience looked like completely normal people, well your regular closet geeks if I may say so.

For true fans, here's a clip of an interview with JJ Abrams the director of the new Star Trek movie:

Brief interviews with director J.J. Abrams and his Star Trek movie cast and here are excerpts.J.J. Abrams :"Casting the movie was a huge challenge and we were incredibly luck to find these actors. I've never had to cast something that pre-existed it, where the actors have to take over these iconic roles. I said to all the actors, ‘Please do not do impersonations of any of these actors. This is all about you owning it, and the only way it's going to work is if you are free to do your own thing.

'"Anton Yelchin :"I thought I was born to be this character. [he laughs] No, I actually wasn't a fan of the series, but I'm a fan now. I watched a lot of the original series, there's just something so great about it, you can't help but love it. I was worried about meeting Walter Koenig (the original Chekov) during the actual shooting of the scenes. He came on the set once I was done with the majority of them, and he was very kind and wonderful and complimentary, and it meant a lot to me to meet him and hear what he had to say and what he thought.

"Karl Urban :"I would define myself as a long-time fan of the original series. I watched it as a boy religiously every Saturday morning. About two years before I found out that they were making this new Star Trek I bought the entire DVD box set and watch them with my son. So, when they started casting, I didn't necessarily need to go back and study up. I felt that I knew the characters and the archetypes and the relationships really well. I had such a huge admiration and respect for the wonderful contribution that DeForest Kelley donated to Star Trek in developing his character so well for 40 years. It was a real privilege to be given the opportunity to develop a younger version of the character.

JOHN CHO (Sulu):Although I wasn’t a Trekkie, my primary connection to the show was just being excited about George Takei being on television, yelling across the house, ‘There’s an Asian guy on TV, come quick, he may disappear.’ I wrote George a letter after I got the role and asked if we could sit down and have a meal, and he was very sweet. I was a little nervous and I told him so, because he casts a pretty large shadow, and he said, ‘Hey, John, relax, they are going to be calling me the old guy who played John Cho in a few years.’

ZOE SALDANA (Uhura):I spoke with Nichelle Nichols a couple of times, and the response was completely overwhelming. I meet Nichelle and there was this overall excitement that Star Trek was coming back and that we were stepping into the family. We felt completely supported, and the pressure was just removed the moment Mr Nimoy stepped on the set. It made it easier for us to approach these characters, not only remembering the fundamental essences of all of them, but also not being afraid to add any innovation. That’s where JJ comes in. I thought it was incredibly witty to make it the beginning and show them as young people that are not comfortable in their own skin. They’re meeting for the first time and they’re starting off with a clean palette. And sometimes knowing the end can give you a better perspective on where to start.

ERIC BANA (Nero):I cockily thought that I would the free-est because I was playing a villain who’d never been seen before, and the other actors were going to have all the baggage and pressure, but I was completely wrong. I think the reality is the pressure is there on every movie. But all the crew of the Starship Enterprise have done the most comprehensive, respectful, re-imagining of the characters. I think all of them had the hardest job in Hollywood this year, and they’ve done an incredible job.

LEONARD NIMOY (Spock):Zachary Quinto’s [who plays the young Spock] choices in his performance often surprised me, in a very positive way. I often thought, ‘I would never have thought to do that, and I think that’s a wonderful idea.’ Everyone in the cast is very talented, they found their own way to bring that talent and intelligence to this movie and I think it shows. When Karl Urban introduced himself as Leonard McCoy and shook hands with Chris Pine as Captain Kirk, I burst into tears. Karl’s performance is so moving, touching and powerful that I think DeForest Kelley would be smiling, and maybe in tears as well

Trekkies, Live Long & Prosperous

I've been meaning to write...

Yes I have, but work has been overwhelming.

Alot of people actually question me about this, but "when it's your own, you also carry double the responsibility"

With this particular challenging project at hand where we need to do outstation mobilization.. well that's just doubles the fun doesn't it?

Anyways today is gonna be another busy day because I'll be conducting interviews, I posted an ad in the papers and truth be told I wasn't expecting such an overwhelming response but that's just what I got! My phone was ringing off the hook and morning yoga took a backseat.

Interview's gonna start at ten.

What I'm looking forward to ..

even if tomorrow is work, I'm sure we can add a dash of leisure to it ..

We're going to be at the Xterra Triathlon tomorrow, to find out more about this event go *here*

TC Kuantan here we come!