Photo Hunt - Thankful

PhotoHunt theme: Thankful

There are countless things to be thankful for in our lifetime.

Each day is a blessing indeed and I'm so thankful to Goddess of Mercy for her abundant blessings that flow throughout my life.


I am thankful for the golden opportunity to conquer the majestic Great Wall of China with my hubby and it was just so marvelous.


I am thankful and fortunate for the food that we have because I believe not all people can eat three complete meals a day.


I'm thankful I have eyes to see such a beautiful world the Lord has created and the opportunity to see so many different people from all walks of life.



Have a great weekend and Happy Photo Hunting!

PhotoHunt

Why are men UNFAITHFUL?

Recently, a close friend of mine confided in me that she 's going through a rough patch in her marriage. So rough that most likely she's considering a divorce. The reason she 's seeking divorce is because her hubby has been cheating on her. She was so devastated and her trust in him has diminished completely. I feel sad for her and I can feel her severe pain. If I were in her shoes, I'll be stranded in misery not knowing what to do.

It's truly difficult to advise my friend what to do. It really depends on the condition and she also has to take into consideration that she has two kids with her husband. I fervently hope they can work things out for the sake of their kids. Somehow, that literally depends on her mindset to forgive and his willingness to save their marriage. I guess it takes time to cure all things in good time and hopefully she'll get over this sad episode and be her cheerful self again.

It appears that when a man cheats, the blame usually falls on the wife for not giving her hubby the best intimacy. Apart from that, they engage in affairs due to an unhappy home life and communication breakdown. Well, I'm not saying all men are likely to stray. Some women can be just as bad as well. I’m not in the position of giving judgment, as I always believe that you cannot totally understand them unless you encounter the same situation as they are. So far, my hubby is faithful to me and we still have that special spark between us.

Why are men unfaithful? Boredom? Unfulfilled Desires? Nagging wife? Pretty woman with a voluptuous body? Not getting attention? HOW TO STOP THEM?

Wordless Wednesday - Paris

Paris is undeniably one of the most romantic cities on earth. Ranging from churches, magnificent architectures, historical monuments and museums, this romantic city has it all. It's something you just have to experience for yourself to really know how cool the city is.

With so much to see in Paris, the best way to move around is to hop on one of the sightseeing bus tour of Paris.


a Catholic church located in the heart of the city

Seine River, which is situated right across the outstanding Eiffel Tower, is the best known river in Paris.


The Moulin Rouge in Paris, the world's most famous cabaret show.

the Arc de Triomphe is a must see monument when visiting Paris.
What would Paris be without the Eiffel Tower?

Paris skyline as seen from the Eiffel tower on a bitterly cold evening. It showcased a captivating perspective of the city skyline.



Have you ever seen a shot of the Eiffel tower from the first level looking down?
Well, now you have.

Does it make you dizzy?

Photo Hunters- Warm

PhotoHunt theme : warm

Most people seek out beach or tropical warm weather destinations for their great escapade in regards to the tremendous cold, wet and snowy weather back home.

I enjoyed the beautiful paradise of Xiamen a.k.a Piano Island where it houses Asia's largest piano museum. The weather was rather warm and humid, just like what I felt right at home! In case you’re wondering, where in the world is Xiamen - it’s situated directly across the Taiwan strait. The great part about the entire island was the place's free traffic streets. Motorised vehicles were strictly forbidden here. The only way to get around the island was by foot or via the island's electric powered vehicles. With the warm weather and blue skies, the resulting atmosphere was quiet and restful indeed.




PhotoHunt

Sibling Rivalry

We've been struggling with issues of sibling rivalry between our No.1 and No.2 for quite sometime. Trust me, they can be the best of friends and yet they can also be the worst of enemies, all within the same time. As parents, we are bound to feel the stress when the kids are bickering and squabbling amongst each other. It is driving me bonkers. Somehow, I put in my best effort to be discreet in handling the situation.

I understand as they go through different phases of their lives, their varying needs can lead to disputes and jealously. I love all my 3 kids equally and try hard to be as fair as possible by giving an equal amount of time, affection and attention to each kid, so that they do not feel left out . Seriously, I believe that problems between siblings are likely to arise from unfair treatment from some parents who are taking sides with their brother or sister. Having a favourite child can obviously cause a rift between the siblings.

Although No.1 and No. 2 are four years apart, my fervent hope is they remain close as ever. I encouraged my kids to be supportive of one another in time of need, readily help each other with problems and that they continue to be best of friends! That said, I truly treasure the relationship I have with my siblings and I'm happy for the loving and strong bond that still exist between us.

As far as No.3 goes, my toddler is doing great and such a happy go lucky kid.

As the saying goes, blood is thicker than water. Friends may come and go, but siblings are forever.

Appreciate your thoughts.

Wordless Wednesday - Smiling Faces

Smiling hearts shine smiling faces. It just warms the cockles of my heart to see such lovely smiles. I hope they make you smile as bright as the faces on this page always.

Have a wonderful Wednesday!

Nyonya Acar Fish (Fish Pickle)

Nyonya food cooking may differ in taste from one region to another. I've to confess that Nyonya recipes are complicated affairs which requires many hours of preparation of the herbs and spices.

My mom is fortunate to have inherited such precious recipes from my paternal grandmother who is a Nyonya. I was introduced to Nyonya food at a relatively young age and remember vividly my late granny's scrumptious meals which include Perut Ikan, Fish Pickle, Gulai Tumis, Jiu Hu Char (Stir-fried turnips and carrots with dried cuttlefish), Sambal Prawn, Chicken Kapitan and many more.


I have always been spoiled by my mom's amazing nyonya fish pickle, so rarely I can find others that is up to par. Acar fish is fish slices that are deep-fried and are pickled together with white vinegar, slices of cucumbers, gingers, turmerics, garlics and strips of red/green chillies.

This tantalizing delicacy is one of the most appetising meals at home. My hubby is such a sucker for this delicacy and it fits his taste buds perfectly. Trust me, he could just eat platefuls of rice with this dish alone. At his request, I learnt to make this dish from my mother but somehow, it didn't turn out too well to his liking but I'm sure there's always room for improvement. It's never easy to please my hubby's taste buds but as long as he knows how to eat, that's all that matters. :)

Happy Valentine's Day!

With Valentine's Day lingering in the air, I believe almost everyone is bitten by the love bug. It's that time of year again when all romantics frantically express their love to their Valentine. Having said that, it's Valentine all year round for me which means pretty much like any other day. I personally feel that this special occasion shouldn't be the only time to express love for your partner alone rather, it should serve as a reminder to devote time to your loved ones everyday if we put our heart and soul into it.

In the spirit of Valentine, whether it simply means gathering with friends, taking the afternoon off to be with your family, surprising your beloved someone with a home-cooked meal or for wannabes to get started, I hope everyone has a fun- filled day and a great get-together.

Just as Valentine is a time for great cheer, I believe it is also a season for giving and sharing in the world of blogosphere. I apologize for not responding to tags but I would like to spread some love and happiness to all my blogger buddies.

Eastcoastlife, Mariuca, Monica, Foong, Molly, Lina, Buzzing J, Azlan, Kriscell, Levian, Chin Weng, Tekkaus, Julia, quachee, TZ, JL , Ai-ling, Jane, and Sue

Wordless/Wordful Wednesday - Mt Pilatus, Switzerland

The Swiss Alps have always intrigued me. I just couldn’t resist the temptation of taking photos in the remarkable Alps. A moment to cherish! It's like heaven on earth! Everyone was admiring the spectacular scenery of Swiss Alps. We truly enjoyed the walks and hikes at the summit. It will be an experience I will never forget and will enjoy for the rest of my life.

Here are some of the magnificent views from the main level of Mount Pilatus...

It's 7000 feet up one of the higher mountains of the Swiss Alps

No matter which angle you look, the view just blows you away.

Looking over Mount Pilatus, from the highest peak!

The view from our gondola coming down towards Lucerne!

The view was simply breath taking.

Pilatus, Mountain of visions

Happy Chap Goh Meh

Today is Chap Goh Meh or Chinese Valentine's Day. Chap Goh Meh literally means the fifteenth and final day of the Lunar New Year period as celebrated by Chinese worldwide. According to the custom that originated in Penang, it used to be the day when young maidens tossed mandarin oranges into the sea or river, together with a wish, in a hope for a Prince Charming. So for those single ladies, hope the orange you throw into the sea tonight will find its way to a good gentleman............ if you believe so. :)

We will be having a sumptuous feast to mark the end of the Chinese New Year in a short while.

HAPPY CHAP GOH MEH!

Music Monday - I Do (Cherish You)

With Valentine's Day fast approaching and romance fills the air, I guess most couples are pretty much in a lovey dovey mood. It goes without saying that all loving couples would be extra sentimental and extra romantic this month.

So guys, listen up. Whether you are planning a romantic night out or dining at home with your Valentine, you might want to consider rousing up some good tunes to set the lovely ambience. This is one of my favourite love songs by 98 degrees, I Do (Cherish You) and I would like to dedicate this specially to all the lovey dovey couples out there.

And not forgetting to my beloved hubby for

sharing my joys & sorrows,
understanding my inspirations,
being my lover & best friend,
filling my life with much happiness
and loving me for the rest of my life...
I DO.

Lyrics | 98 Degrees lyrics - I Do (Cherish You) lyrics

Come join Music Monday and share your songs with us. One simple rule, leave ONLY the actual post link here. You can grab this code at LJL Please note these links are STRICTLY for Music Monday participants only. All others will be deleted without prejudice.

Dragon Fruits - The Fruit of Health

I first tasted dragon fruit during my trip to Hong Kong some years ago and they just blew me away. These fruits have a sweet, juicy pulp and a delicate aroma with a unique flavor that's like a cross between kiwi and pear. I've also discovered that dragon fruits, the fruit of several cactus species, are rich in antioxidant, dietary fiber, calcium and potassium.

During that time, dragon fruits were not popular in Malaysia. These days, it is no longer uncommon to find such fruits here and in fact, they are organically grown here to meet the needs of local demand. As far as I know, that there a few varieties of these fruits but I personally have only come across two kinds, the red kind like the one I'm holding, and the white flesh. The differences in taste is subtle but I personally find that the red flesh tastes better.

They’re easy to prepare and actually kind of fun to eat. So how do you enjoy dragon fruits? I usually slice it into half and scoop out the flesh with a spoon. You will discover a sweet creamy flesh with crunchy seeds like kiwi. I eat dragon fruits very often here. They can be quite pricey though. Dragon Fruit tastes so much better if it is chilled. It is extremely succulent and juicy, you should try one, its full of natural richness. I like the crunchiness when I bite on the sesame kind of black colored seeds.

Alternatively, you can cut into cubes or bite sizes. My kids enjoyed showing their ‘bloody’ teeth to me whenever they eat them. :)


A word of caution. The red coloured juice can easily stain clothing so do be careful when cutting into it. Eating too much of this fruit may also result in reddish colored urine and faeces.

YAY! BlogExplosion is finally back in action

I haven't been able to access blogexplosion (BE) for the past few days. I kept wondering what can be the reason behind for not being able to log in. Even my referral link was vanished from my blog as well. Some people were saying that it had completely closed its doors, while others were saying that the site was in the midst of some server issues that was affecting all of their sites. When I logged in my BE account last night, I was pleasantly pleased that the problems have been resolved and the server is working again. YAY!

I've been using this program to explode my traffic from time to time. The basic rule is you surf other BE member blogs and in return you generate free traffic to your blog at the same time. The feedback was overwhelming indeed. I've also discovered some aspiring talented writers through this program. I've always been looking for other ways of driving traffic to my blog and finding other people's interesting blogs.

So far, sites like BE and Entrecard are among my favourite traffic generators. Ever since Entrecard was launched, it spread like wildfire over the blogosphere. By joining the system, I have found hundreds of great quality blogs to read. To be completely honest, I hate to make excuses but it's pretty time consuming to simply read through all posts and I scarcely have time to put up a wonderful comment that each blog truly deserves.

In the meantime, enjoy BE by clicking the button at the bottom of this page. This network is worth checking out. Happy blogging!

Prayers for my GRANNY

My beloved, precious granny holds a special place in my heart for some reasons. She's humble, down to earth sort of woman who cares about everyone around her. She is undeniably getting older which is 90+ and she became progressively too weak recently. As it turned out, my aunt couldn't take care of her and was forced to place her into a wonderful residential care home in Penang where some other folks live. Furthermore, my aunt was working and there was nobody to look after her. It hurts to live so far from her, how I wish I got to visit her more often.

The first few days were extremely discomforting for my granny. When we visited her a fortnight ago, she was a bit restless, threw up a few times in the afternoon. All food served was strictly vegetarian, so no meat of any kind, which was not too pleasing to her taste buds. To make matters worse, she was incredibly weak, she couldn't walk and barely eat anything for fear of throwing up. She's one of the strongest women I know, so to see or hear her in such a manner makes my heart sink.

When we visited her last week, we saw some positive signs. Hooray! She's feeling so much better and walking around the residential home as if she owns it. Looks like she has adjusted remarkably fine and actually seems to like the place. She cannot walk swiftly though, so she has to walk with a walker with some assistance. She has regained the weight she lost which is a good thing indeed. That's what you get from a healthy vegetarian diet I guess.

Sigh! Now looking at these, I just can't imagine myself living in an extreme old age. That said, I think 70+ would be an ideal age for me, but do you have the right to say goodbye to the world? Regardless, death does not discriminate between young or old. People of all ages die.

Suffice to say, thanks for reading and please keep my granny in your prayers that she will regain some strength and uplift her spirits in good time.

The Kek Lok Si Temple, Penang

The Kek lok Si Temple a.k.a. as the Temple of Supreme Bliss is one of Penang's icons. It stands majestically on a hilltop in the heart of Ayer Itam, Penang and this spot is a must visit location for tourists. The entire area was busy enough to keep your eyes rolling around it and capturing detail shots of the scenic views. The climb to the temple was not particularly strenuous, so everyone made it to the top. When I was a kid, I always looked forward to the souvenir shops leading up to the temple which offered good bargains. Those stalls sold an extensive range of almost everything, from Buddha statues to wall paintings, mugs to key chains, T-shirts to jewelleries and much more.

The best moment to visit Kek Lok Si Temple is during the Chinese New Year, where you will see lots of thousands of colourful lanterns lighting up the surroundings at night.

The entire place comes alive with a stunning display of colourful lights, dynamic colours and wondrous beauty

The Ten Thousand Buddhas Pagoda

This is one of the several large hall for assembly and prayer, where deities of various statues are being venerated.

Golden Buddha smiling for peace

The gigantic bronze statue of Goddess of Mercy or fondly named as Kuan Yin is undergoing restoration. It was anticipated that the RM40mil project is scheduled to be completed by the middle of the year. This is truly impressive and I bet it will look even more stunning when the statue is completed.