2010 Recap

It's already the last day of 2010. In another few hours, we will be stepping into year 2011. How extremely fast, it's been a decade since we past the millenium. I don't know if you guys still remembered but a decade ago as we prepared to made the move into the millenium, there was so much hoo-haa about millenium bugs that would wiped out all our computer systems and whats not. But still, 10 years had past and I think we had only got better with computers. hehe.

I wouldn't say year 2010 have been an extremely exciting year to me (in fact I thought 2009 was kinda more exciting) but it has not been a bad one either. All the same many wonderful, awesome and memorable events had definitely took place. I remembered writing this post at the beginning of the year regarding my dreams in the year of Tiger and looking back at it now, I actually did managed to achieve 4 out of the 8 that i wrote - a new phone, a new laptop, saw the turtles and hit 100k here which is more than what I had expected. So I didn't get to go to the USA Disneyland or South Africa for humanitarian but I did travel quite a bit and did community work back home. I guessed diving licence and underwater camera can wait.

I like to do a recap on my whole year because I get all nostalgic and happy as sweet memories come flooding back. I wouldnt say these are my top 10 moments of 2010 because there were simply too many memorable ones. It's like every time spent with family, Human Torch and friends are all precious ones and there's no one place that I had traveled (locally or overseas) to that's not exciting or fun.

But just as a quick flashback, here goes the recap of my year in 10.

#1 - Took part in the Tiger Run at the beginning of the year with Siew. The best part of it all was actually having Siew as my crazy companion in dressing up as a kitty while I was a supposedly leopard and we took lrt all the way fr Subang back to Bukit Jalil. Despite all the weird stares, I never regretted painting my face like that.

#2 - Spent a nite in the airport on CNY eve because there was just no direct flight back JB and I wanted to be on the first flight the next morning. It was my first time, I'm never used to never having my bed to sleep in hence I didn't had a very good sleep but surely a good training for the Amazing Race! haha

#3- Attended a former classmate wedding at the World first Glass Temple right here in Johor Bahru. The temple is one of the most beautiful temple that I had seen with it's grandeur of glasses inside out. Definitely a place worth visiting in JB.

#4- Went Cambodia and in Phnom Penh, ate bugs; crickets to be exact for the very first (and perhaps last) time in my entire life. A whole freaking cricket with it's head, eyes, legs, intestines and everything else intact. Taste = unforgettable.

#5- Also in Cambodia. Visited the majestic Angkor Wat and all the other Angkor temples. This is one heritage site that is a must visit. We spent a whole day there, from sunrise to sunset just temples hopping and marveled at the architecture and beautiful carvings. (Had not blog about this but will-do-in-future, stay tuned!)

#6- Fired an AK 47 in Vietnam. Deafening experience! (Will blog about it in future too so stay equally tuned!)

#7- Went to Universal Studio Singapore. This pic was in Travel 3Sixty October issue.

#8- Islands getaway are always my fav and  paradise Perhentian surely make it into my fav top 3 islands in Malaysia. Also saw my first giant leatherback turtle here ever since I came to Turtle Land.

#9- Second mum and me trip. This time to Guangzhou. We did a lot of shopping, walking and shopping. It was certainly a very fun trip.

#10- Finally, it's hp revolution time. I went from classic buttons to touch screen smartphone and now I dont think I can ever revert back to classic buttons. Got myself an Android and I'm absolutely hooked to all the amazing Android function and games. Just among some of my fav apps and games are Whatsapp, Twidroyd (that explains why I tweet so much more now), Eponyms, PDF viewer , Where's my Droid (a function to search for your phone), Angry Bird, Hungry Shark and Fruit Ninja.It's the next best thing I had gotten myself so far. hehe.

Of course, without all you awesome people, 2010 wouldn't had been so rewarding either. I feel really grateful and blessed to have Human Torch, my family, beloved friends and also friends and readers from the blogosphere to shower me with love, care and support throughout the year. Thank you guys and girls! ;)

As usual, new year resolution(s) are made as I move along the year but one of it next year will definitely be to pass my P3 exam smoothly. I'm sure 2011 is gna be very thrilling year for me as I move on to the next phase of my life. Even thinking about it is enough to make me nervous already. But aye aye, I'm not gna sit around for the next 6 mths worrying about all these uncertainties.

So whether you be partying the year away or spending it quietly, I like to wish all of you a very Happy and Blessed 2011. May the new year of the next decade install better surprises and accomplishments for everyone. Cheers in advance! :)

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Rapunzel, Rapunzel Let Down Your Hair

Not that I actually mind having those super long shiny silky hair of Rapunzel. Well, my hair may not be as long as Rapunzel yet, but it is certainly super duper long already because I had not cut them for a very long time. I did trimmed the ends but that's about it. So even though I love my long straight hair now but at the same time, I'm getting kinda bored of my look already. It's like I felt it's time for a change of hairstyle, a change of look. Question is, what kinda hairstyle? Like I had done curly, straight, medium, long, dyed them in red, purple, brown, mahogany and whats not, hence it seems that whats left is................... short then *gasp* The last I ever had short hair was when I was 16 and that was also because I was in some competition that required me to chop them short. Ever since then, I decided that I look hideous with short hair because I have a pretty small face so I had not dared to venture back into short hair. And why do I not love my hair long when I can style them anyhow I like even on bad hair days. And I like to twist around my hair or play with them when I'm stress or nervous or even excited. And in emergency, if you need a thread, I can just pull a strand off my head and use it as a thread. (ok, I had never done that but that's what my friends always suggest I do anyway :p)

My long long hair. This was taken like 5 months ago and now it's actually even longer. My hair does grow quite fast. Too fast actually the black roots are all creeping out.

If I continue keeping them long, soon I'll be sitting on my hair

I can simply just bun them up for a different look

Another type of bun.. not forgetting I can add all the cutesy hair accessories after styling them

The hair bow

My fav side braid

And the best part of all, I can cheat them short. So I can have short hair too when I actually have long hair.

That's why I had been comtemplating about doing anything at all to my hair because they are just fine as they are now and I'm afraid due to a moment of impulsiveness, I might end up with some ugly hideous hairstyle that I totally regret. I know I'm in such a dilemma. On one hand, I like them just the way they are now, on the other I had this sudden impulse to just go chop them short. Like real short.

Actually, I kinda reallly like this pixie hair cut on Emma Watson. She looks younger and better in it I think

I like this kind of asymmetrical short hair too but it looks like it requires a lot of styling and I prefer something thats easier to maintain (and also what if I dno how to syle it to be as stylish as this)

I find this kinda mohawk short cut kinda cool too but obviously too cool for the hospital. I can just imagine my dean giving all her disapproving comments, so I guess this will be a no-no.

This bob looks totally lovely but then again, my hair has a problem of curving nicely in like that when it is short, so I will never be able to have a nice bob like that :(

Really, what should I do? Those short hair cuts looks totally gorgeous to me but I'm really afraid I can't take those looks. Can I?  Maybe I should just leave my hair straight as they are; boring as it may be, but at least they complimented me well. What will you do if you guys are me? :)

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Le Bouchon

Bonjour! (decided to insert some French word since I'll be blogging about French dining :p ) How was Noel everyone? Its 2 days post Christmas and 4 days before the end of 2010. This is certainly a very exciting time of the year. I hope all you had a merry peaceful Christmas. Im finally back smelling the sweet smell of home. And by home, I mean back here in good old JB and not KT. hehe. This was the first Christmas Human Torch (decided to give DD a new name on my blog :p) and I celebrated together (outside KT), so we kinda wanted to try something different. In the end, we decided to go for French fine dining at Le Bouchon in Changkat Bukit Bintang. As it was Christmas eve, they only had the Christmas dinner set menu and we couldn't go ala carte.

To start off, they gave us some complimentary bread which were soft and warm, pastries and cookies with olive paste. I'm not 100% sure if it's olive but it tasted very much like olive though.

First up is Amuse Bouche which is Fin De Clair Oysters with Caviar Sherbet (caviar hidden under sherbet)

Then it was the Pan Seared Foie Gras and Caramelized Figs served with Burgundy wine glaze. For the record, I ate foie gras for the very first time in my life that night. I never thought I will be able to put that piece of alcoholic fattened goose liver into my mouth but I did. And surprised surprised, the taste and smell is actually bearable, if not good ( I don't expect anything bizarre to taste good one. And bizarre food to me is anything outside chicken meat, fish, beef, duck meat and vegetables) It had a very rich creamy texture, almost like eating peanut butter.

Lobster Consomne - clear broth of lobster bouillon paired with Pike fish quenelle

Raspberry Sorbet with Petit Vegetables

My main course for the night - Poach Sablefish served along with roasted zucchini, sweet tomato, grilled fennel, asparagus puree, Anna potatoes and laced with port wine reduction

Human torch went for the veal instead. He had Sauted Slice Veal with Porcini mushroom served with grilled artichokes heart, tomato confit and Roesti Potato with chive's sour cream

My fav part of the meal - desserts. :) Cheese Souffle and Wild Berries paired with a glass of Poirre William. I didn't like the Poirre William though.

Assorted Non-Pasteurized French Cheeses paired with a glass of Fine Ruby Port Vino. Among the cheeses was the blue cheese which Human Torch really love despite it's distintive smell. 

I seriously fitted into that dress better last year. T_T

Honestly, I wont comment much on the food because I'm not a French cuisine connoisseur but if you ask me, I find the food mediocre only. Sure, they have some good French delicacies but nothing absolutely seven heaven or that makes my palate craves for more; perhaps because French delicacies are never really my favourite to start with. I also realized that fine dining comes small (as in the portion of food are all small) with some fancy-sounding names. The overall ambience was not too bad, with everyone speaking only in hush hush, yellow warm lights illuminating the restaurant, traditional brick walls, wine bottles lining the room and even a fireplace with logs minus the fire. The staffs too are pretty friendly and attentive. Generally, it was still a great dining experience and I definitely had a bon diner with Human Torch. :)

Le Bouchon Brasserie,
14 & 16, Changkat Bukit Bintang,
50200 Kuala Lumpur
Tel : 016-976 0868

Disclaimer : This is not a paid advertorial or review. The blogger is not responsible for any discrepancy. Thank you. :)

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Season to be Jolly

I'm feeling really excited right now. Christmas is in 1 day time and I'm going to KL again in a few hours. I nv celebrated Christmas in KL because every other year, I'll be back home in my hometown, so although I had a few plans in mind on what to do on Christmas eve already, but KL-reans, what do you all usually do on Christmas eve? (erm besides playing with foam at Bkt Bintang) Christmas is always one of my fav time of the year and it always makes me feel all jolly molly, warm and fuzzy. I know maybe a lot of ppl out there is silently hating the snow  but being a snow virgin, I must admit, I still fantasize much about a white Christmas and eating turkey, log cakes and fresh gingerbread by the fireplace with a chimney with Christmas carols playing softly and anticipating the arrival of the jolly fat man with his presents, reindeers and elfs. Ok, the last bit is probably only in fairytales but who knows, maybe someday my fantasy might just come true. But anyway, turkeys, Santa and presents are not the only reason why I love Christmas. If you are a Christian, you will rejoice because this is the day that Jesus is born. If you are a non-Christian, this is indeed the season where everyone else is also jolly molly and there's lots of sharing, caring, loving and even forgiving going around.

Now usually in KL, there will be plenty of Christmas decos around especially in the malls so if you have been shopping around for Christmas gifts, definitely you'll have realized them. It is actually quite interesting to see how creative the malls are each year and we always like to give our own verdict of which mall have the best deco each year. haha. For a few years, Mid Valley had always been my favorite. But I think this year, I actually like Pavilion one more because they have fake white Christmas trees. #bias

Just a summary of whatI did in KL 2 weeks ago.

@ Pavilion

Also at Pavilion

This is my bear pal no.1- Fatty. This year, Mid Val is invaded by plenty of life size bears and toy soldiers which is quite a refreshing twist to the usual Christmas trees only. So many people were swarming those bears, hugging them, playing with them, camwhoring with them etc. Actually I dont think they are just life size. They are definitely larger than life and I think they might just give me a heart attack if someone had placed them unknowingly in my house.

Bear pal no.2 - Snowy

Bear pal no.3 - Biggy

Toy soldiers at attention

A very candid pic at Gardens

A very failed max Rapunzel imitation pose cuz my hair is not as long as her yet. haha. We also watched a few movies but my fav is Rapunzel among all. And you guys should watch it in 3D because the effects are very beautiful in 3D.

Also met up with some of my coursemates who were down in KL for their forensic posting then.

Had one of my fav sushi in town - Sushi Zanmai

There were a few warehouse sales when we were down in KL over the weekend. DD and BH loots of gundams from the Litt Tak warehouse sales. I nearly fainted when I saw all that. Believe me, this is just the tip of the iceberg of their recent surge of Gundam/toy mania.

I'm never a fan of Crocs but I realized their designs are getting better and better these days. So, I might just get me self a pair someday. Anyhoos, I went to the Crocs warehouse sales too and it was absolutely crazy. There were so many people, everyone was dragging boxes and practically grabbing the shoes as though the shoes were free. Sizes ran out super fast and obviously only extreme sizes were left so lucky all extreme sizes ppl.

I had been to a few warehouse sales in KL before and I must say, each warehouse sales were crazy, be it the recent Litt Tak, Crocs or previous ones. I will never believe our country is actually in recession now or the world economy is having recession or there's economy downturn or whatever if not because I know them from the news because in every single warehouse sales in KL, there will be mountain of people and they will be grabbing all the items as though they were free. The nicer looking items are usually the ones that finish first and in the end, only the ugliest of the lot are left and even that might have people grabbing them. And although the warehouse sales are usually for a few days, don't expect to find anything your size even if you are 3 hours late. These people are so eager and hunger for the sales that they will be there right when the door open and start their grabbing session. It's almost like going for war. You better get your shield and arrows ready the next time you want to go to a warehouse sales.

Now that we have finish the shopping, movies and decos, it's time to move on to my other fav, food.

*The following contain some non-halal food, so viewer's discretion advised.*

Xiao Long Baos - one of my fav comfort food. Managed to satisfy my cravings for them at Din Tai Fung. Oh yummy yummy.

Din Tai Fung also have the mini version of the xiao long baos which they called baby xiao long baos.

To be honest, I preferred the adult ones more to the baby ones because the bigger ones have more soup in them and has a thinner, more translucent skin. The smaller ones on the other hand tasted drier and the skin thicker.

I'm not a fish head lover but this fish head noodle have me falling head over heels for them. Actually it's just the soup. I think I had never tasted better fish noodle soup before. Their soup is rich and thick and has a very wonderful combination of milky sweet, minimal sourish and saltiness taste to them. Absolutely love the soup and I think I can just drink the soup for every single day of my life without getting sick of it. Well, I'm just saying but it's really good. The fish and noodles are also not too bad themselves but the soup is the bomb.

Win Soon Cafe,

46, Jln Kuchai Maju 9,

Off Jln Kuchai Lama,

Kuala Lumpur

Tel : 03-7981 9287

At the other end of the shophouse on the same row as Win Soon Cafe is this quite famous pan mee shop call Jojo Little Kitchen.

One of their top seller is this dry siew yok pan mee. I must say I'm surprised at how lean and crispy their siew yok is with minimal fat. I can see why it is one of their top seller.

Their other top seller is this chilli pan mee. Now when it comes to chilli pan mee, I always thought the Madam Chiam one in Connaught is quite good, but this is even better seriously. Much more flavorful. And they do have a wide selection of pan mee. All very innovative pan mee version like century egg pan mee, pork chop pan mee, chicken feet pan mee etc.

Jojo Little Kitchen,

30, Jln Kuchai Maju 9,

Off Jln Kuchai Lama,

Kuala Lumpur

Tel : 03-79871090

This Madam Chiam aka Mei Yee pan mee used to be of my fav chili pan mee but I tink they have now met their fair bit of competitor and is losing out in terms of flavor and attitude. Both shops allow customers to add as much chili flakes and sambal as they like and they have the same ingredients. But in terms of choices, Madam Chiam has less variety of pan mee but has other type of noodles like the curry noddles etc. Nonetheless, some say here is better so I guess each to their own palate. hehe.

Madam Chiam Curry Noodle House,

2, Jln Cerdik, 

Tmn Connaught,

Cheras, Kuala Lumpur

Tel : 0162107559

One of my all time fav KL food is 'kai wo pao'. It is actually like a loh mai kai (glutinous rice cooked with dark sauce, chicken, mushrooms, onions) and egg covered in pao with some char siew at the top. Whatever it is, it tasted very good and is one of my must-have whenever I go have dim sum at this restaurant.

The filling of kai wo pao. Like super yummy can. *ah drools

Clan Restaurant,

140, Jln Radin Anum,

Sri Petaling,

Kuala Lumpur

Tel : 019-3825455

That pretty much sums up my very jolly weekend in KL. Lastly, I will like to wish all of you a very Merry Happy Christmas in advance. Enjoy the last minute shopping, the food, the companion, the spirit and of course, the holidays. Tis' is truly the season to be jolly. *christmas carols play* :)

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