A Message by George Carlin

I just received an email from a friend today about something written by George Carlin, a comedian of the 70's and 80's . I thought of sharing this message here. The short writing is simple but yet truly reflect our irony and complicated way of urban life. Enjoy.

The paradox of our time in history is that we have taller buildings but shorter tempers, wider Freeways, but narrower viewpoints. We spend more, but have less, we buy more, but enjoy less. We have bigger houses and smaller families, more conveniences, but less time. We have more degrees but less sense, more knowledge, but less judgment, more experts, yet more
problems, more medicine, but less wellness.

We drink too much, smoke too much, spend too recklessly, laugh too little, drive too fast, get too angry, stay up too late, get up too tired, read too
little, watch TV too much, and pray too seldom.

We have multiplied our possessions, but reduced our values. We talk too
much, love too seldom, and hate too often.

We've learned how to make a living, but not a life. We've added years to life not life to years. We've been all the way to the moon and back, but have trouble crossing the street to meet a new neighbor. We conquered outer space but not inner space. We've done larger thing but not better things.

We've cleaned up the air, but polluted the soul. We've conquered the atom,
but not our prejudice. We write more, but learn less. We plan more, but
accomplish less. We've learned to rush, but not to wait. We build more
computers to hold more information, to produce more copies than ever, but
we communicate less and less.

These are the times of fast foods and slow digestion, big men and small
character, steep profits and shallow relationships. These are the days of
two incomes but more divorce, fancier houses, but broken homes. These are
days of quick trips, disposable diapers, throwaway morality, one night
stands, overweight bodies, and pills that do everything from cheer, to
quiet, to kill. It is a time when there is much in the showroom window and
nothing in the stockroom. A time when technology can bring this letter to
you, and a time when you can choose either to share this insight, or to
just hit delete...

Remember; spend some time with your loved ones, because they are not going
to be around forever.

Remember, say a kind word to someone who looks up to you in awe, because
that little person soon will grow up and leave your side.

Remember, to give a warm hug to the one next to you, because that is the
only treasure you can give with your heart and it doesn't cost a cent.

Remember, to say, "I love you" to your partner and your loved ones, but
most of all mean it. A kiss and an embrace will mend hurt when it comes
from deep inside of you.

Remember to hold hands and cherish the moment for someday that person will
not be there again.

Give time to love, give time to speak! And give time to share the precious
thoughts in your mind.

AND ALWAYS REMEMBER:

Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments
that take our breath away.

If you don't send this to at least 8 people....Who cares?

Whose next?

Met up with Toonli and Jionghua a few hours ago for dinner at Jing Jing Cafeteria just opposite The Concourse (my ex-co, haa...). Actually we were short of 2 guys then but it was kind of expected. It had been almost half a year since our last gathering and after so many years since graduation, we are still the same as before, ha ha... Now just hope that it don't turn out leaving only me and Jionghua attending her wedding as I'd heard news that one or two of the others might not make it.

Toonli's getting married next week, how lucky she is. She passed us some of her pre-wedding pics and invitation card to the banquet which would be held in Johor (...far...). I find her bridal photos shoots at Johor were quite well-taken, maybe I might consider having mine shoot there also.

~Sign~ Wedding invitations received one after another, when would I be able to be the sender instead of the receiver...?

Lets Sambal!

I suddenly got a craving for sambal food after having a few servings of rojak at the hawker centre lately. Prawn paste's the culprit, ha ha... So I'd made a trip to supermarket yesterday to pick up some ingredients for the recipe.

Actually this is my first time making belanchan (prawn paste) chilli paste and it turn out quite good. The sad thing is that I have made it too HOT & SPICY, maybe should have cut down on the bird eye's chilli next time.

But first I will just elaborate on how to make the sambal chilli paste because I made 2 dishes with this paste.


SAMBAL CHILLI PASTE
Unfortunately there is no pics for the paste.

Ingredients
1 handful of red bird eye's chilli
1/2 handful of green bird eye's chilli
8 stalks of dried chilli
1 stalks of lemongrass
5 shallots peeled
5 garlic peeled
2 slices of belachan (prawn paste)
3 tablespoon of oil

Methods

1. Heat the belachan in a wok for 5-10 minutes.
2. In a food processor, grind the remaining ingredients (except oil) to a fine paste.
3. Add in the belachan to continue processing.
4. Heat the oil in the wok and stir fry the sambal paste for about 10 minutes until fragrant.
   

SAMBAL BRINJAL (EGGPLANT)
The soft texture of the cooked brinjal is delicious. I like to squeeze in more lime juice for the sweet and sour taste.

Warning: Very Hot & Spicy

Ingredients
2 large brinjal (eggplant)
2/3 portion of sambal chilli paste (see above)
1 stalk of large red chilli cut diagonally (optional)
1/2 cup of dried shrimps soaked in water
2 tablespoon of oil
1 big bowl of tamarind juice
2 tablespoon sugar
2 limes
Coriander for garnish

Methods

1. Cut the brinjal into big pieces
2. Drain the dried shrimp and process in the food processor until fine.
3. Add the oil and stir fry the minced shrimp for 5-10 minutes.
4. Add the cut chilli (optional) and sambal paste and stir for a few minutes
5. Add the brinjal and stir then add the tamarind juice (Add more water if too dry)
6. Cover the wok and let it cook for about 5-10 minutes
7. Add sugar and salt to taste
8. When ready, add the lime juice and turn off the heat.
9. Garnish with some coriander

SAMBAL IKAN BILIS (SMALL DRIED FISH)
This is what you usually have with nasi lemak (coconut rice) but with plain rice or porridge is nice also. And can adjust the taste to our preference.

This dish can store in the fridge for about a week

Ingredients
1 cup ikan bilis
2 tablespoon of sugar
1 lime juice
1/3 portion of sambal paste (see above)
1 cup oil
1 bowl tamarind juice
Some coriander for garnish

Methods

1. Wash the ikan bilis
2. Heat the oil until very hot. Then fry the ikan bilis until crisp in the hot oil.
3. Remove all from wok. Stir the sambal paste in the wok and add tamarind juice.
4. Add sugar and salt to taste.
5. Add the fried ikan bilis and let it cook for a few minutes.
6. When ready, add in lime juice and serve on a plate
7. Garnish with coriander.
   

Active Weekend

It was a fun last weekend for me. Travel down to East Coast Park for an afternoon of cycling on Saturday. I am glad my cycling skills has not gone rusty over so many months of idling, ha ha.. We didn't manage to complete cycling the whole stretch of the park but I actually discovered some spots which I have no idea of their existences, or have my memory failed me?

Though it was just a casual cycling, my thigh muscle sore just after 2 hours of continuous paddle and gobbled in 2 bottles of plain water just enough to quench my thirst. On our way back, Alvin and I were thinking whether it would be nice to stay near the sea and the result turn out to be more cons than pros. Anyway it was just meant to be a casual discussion.

The movie 'Beowulf' started showing last week so we decides to watch after the workout. It is 100% animation movie and some scenes were quite gross, no wonder it is rated NC16. Supposing to be a glory show but erm... I find it quite funny though, haa..

So whats for Sunday activities? Jogging. We were suppose to go jogging at Yishun Park during dawn and yes as predicted, we overslept! What to do? We just have to delay till 6pm instead (it would have been 4.30pm if not for the rain), and I am proud of myself that I managed to complete one whole external circumference of the park with lesser brisk walk. That is an improvement compared to the previous Sunday!

Alright even though I've burnt some calories, I also make sure I don't overeat as my appetite tend to increase after working out. Well, hope that I could reach my ideal weight someday after all the efforts I have put in.

Time To Buck Up

It's been almost half a year since I resigned from my previous accounting job. I would say it is really a period for me to find myself again. Many people have been asking me what I am doing during the idle, did I go for another job interview or what are my plans. Overall, I enjoyed my freedom, get to go for vacations with my dear and friends, spend the time reading and might do some workout when my weighing scale strays over.

Frankly speaking what I want is freedom and to do something I enjoyed rather than be stuck on a job I have no interest in and ended up feeling like a robot. However I confess initially I did not really have the courage to face reality. Sometimes I wondered have I depend to much on Alvin on everything or am I spoil by his submissive character?

Prior freedom, independence is also a virtue which I would be working towards. Letting my future husband brings the bread home sounds fortunate but maybe not so for long term. Therefore I should do something with my wits to provide for myself and fulfilled my dreams. If any successful woman can do it why not me?

Simple Meal For Myself

My Dinner

Cooked up 2 dishes and a dessert for myself last night while mum and dad had gone to visit a relative. I choose to stay at home to avoid answering those dreadful questions of why am I still jobless b'cuz they could go on and on. I know they meant well anyway.

I m gonna share my recipes for these dishes, erm... may not seem fabulous to some but as to self-cooked dinner alone at home, it is a feast.

RED UNPOLISHED FRIED RICE

Healthier Fried Rice

Ingredients:
1/2 cup Unpolished rice
1 1/3 cup of water
1/2 cup Mixed vegetables
1 cup chopped Spring onions (left some for garnish)
1/3 portion Chinese sausages diced
1 medium/large Tomato diced
1 tablespoon chopped Garlic (the more the better)
1/2 cup chopped Onions
1 egg
2 tablespoon Olive Oil (extra virgin if u prefer)
1 tablespoon Pickled green chilli

Seasonings:
A pinch of Salt
1 teaspoon Black pepper
1 tablespoon Light soy sauce
Few dashes of Dried mixed Italian herbs

Methods:

1. Cook red unpolished rice in a rice cooker with water.
2. Heat olive oil in a hot pan and stir fried the egg with a pinch of salt until texture is almost firm. Remove from pan.
3. Sauté chopped onions and garlic, add in the Chinese sausages and stir until fragrant.
4. Then add in mixed vegetables, tomatoes, cooked egg and soy sauce. Until all is mixed well, add in cooked rice and stir.
5. Stir-fried for about 2 mins and season with black pepper and Italian herbs and stir for another 2 mins.
6. Lastly throw in spring onions and mixed quickly with heat turns off.
7. Garnish and served with pickled green chilli!

(Tips: Cooked rice must be cooled to room temperature before stir-fry)


VEGETABLE WITH OYSTER SAUCE

Looks Just Like Those Serves In The Restaurant

Been to any chicken rice stall and ordered any of this dish before? Looks tedious right but it is actually very simple and healthy. Notice I added lots of garlic here? Trust me it is really fragrant and superb when mixed with the rice.

Ingredients:
4 stalks Bok Choy/Xiao Bai Chai
3 Shallots sliced
1 tablespoon chopped Garlic
4 tablespoon Sesame Oil (olive oil will do to)
3/4 cup Hot water
1 basin Cold water

Seasonings:
2 tablespoon Oyster sauce
1 teaspoon Raw sugar

Methods:

1. Bring a pot of water to a boil and blench the vegetable for about a min.
2. Transfer the blenched vegetable to the basin of cold water to stop its cooking process. Next you may arrange them nicely on the serving plate.
3. Heat the oil in the wok with a pinch of salt and add in shallots to fry until it turns golden brown. Remove from wok.
4. Sauté the garlic in the remaining oil. Add the seasonings and hot water and let it simmer for a few mins.
5. Drizzle the sauce onto the laid out vegetable and garnish with the fried shallots.

(Tips: Add a drop of oil into the boiling water for a glaze touch to the vegetable. Make sure the shallots are dry before frying.)


More to come............

KFC - Kentucky Fried Cruelty

I have not eaten KFC for guess almost a year already. The reason being I feel so oily and sinful after every meal. The last time I had one was due to my craving for their chicken's crispy skin. And I am all the more grateful that I had tried to curb my temptation when I came across these videos supported by celebrities to boycott KFC.

Before watching the clips, I felt sinful b'cuz I had foiled my diet plan but now I guess if I would have taken another bite, my sins were to the poor chickens. They actually shows the public how the chickens were tortured before they were ready to served on your plate.

‘Kentucky Fried Cruelty’ with Pamela Anderson



Bea Arthur Speaks Out Against KFC

Maybe I should try to cut down on my meat intake as well. Our eating habits definitely can't totally change in just a day or a video but I think by increasing more vegetarian dishes in our meal we might be able to do it and feel less sinful. :)

By all means veges are excellent for a healthy body and complexion too!

Taipei - Day 8 of 8 (Sat 22 Sep 2007)

Alas! Last day. Our driver is suppose to ferry us to Taoyuan Airport at ard 3.30pm so we can't really travel far this day therefore we just take our time to prepare. Fortunately we did some packing up the night before so it was not so rush on this last day.

Thank god this day is the only day when I could wake up at 8.30am for the whole Taipei trip!

It's My McDonald... & Fried Chickens (Not KFC la...)

I'm sick of the same breakfast for 7 consecutive days at the hotel and had decided to head outside for the last Taipei morning meal. Haha... Macdonald spotted! I ordered the hotcakes with pork sausage and harsh brown plus a pippin hot coffee.

Ah...most important meal of the day settled and we happened to pass by a shop selling fried chickens (so early in the morning?) so of course we had 2 pieces takeaway for snack later.

Pack up and GO!

Although we had most of the belongings pack, the room is in a MESS! Cups with last night's leftover tea, our clothes draping on the hangers and chairs, toiletries everywhere.

Since we gotta check out the room at 1.30pm, we would had to place our luggages at the reception while we wandered around XiMenDing until our driver arrived.

Strawberry Ice Cream Cravings

What can we do? Walked pass shops and streets...snacks again, heh...

Eat like a glutton huh?

Mmm...quite satisfied now. There is a hawker selling spring onion pancake, I gave it a try then. Finally i had to surrender, I am really full.

Departmental Store Clip

Well...not food every time, came across this departmental stores selling most of the beauty products from Japan. There were some off-the-shelf cosmetics which is unavailable in Singapore.

If u've seen the clip u will notice me holding a powder casing in my hand, it looks so nice so I bought one with the pressed powder sold separately. I bought the lipstick of the same series too and also an eye shadow. Oh no, run out of cash, this is when mastercard comes in handy...

Time to gather

Alright, time to gather at the hotel now and just take one last shot of Taipei street. By the way, it was still drizzling with slight wind.

The feeling to leave is sad and thrilled. Irony right? Maybe I should clarify, sad for the fact that the vacation had came to an end and thrilled b'cuz I would be back to my own country, my home in a few hours time! But Alvin thinks otherwise, he feel sad to leave b'cuz he claims that Taiwan seems homely to him. (Hey or is it b'cuz girls here r much prettier huh!?)

Oh by the way guess what? We happen to witness the drama shooting of the local media crew! I saw one of the boyband member from "Fei Lun Hai" but I can't remember his name. He was the one who starred in "First Kiss". I had wanted to take a picture of him but he don't seemed to look at my direction. Too bad it was not Wu Zun that i saw, haha... anyway all its members are charming.

Bye Bye Taipei!

Boarded the plane and ready to set off. It was a pity we couldn't shoot the night scenery else it would come out dazzling. From my window pane, the night view of Taiwan from the sky is spectacular...

If we were to travel Taiwan again, our next destination would be TaiZhong and Alishan!

Taipei - Day 7 of 8 (Fri 21 Sep 2007)

Since we have already covered most of the main destinations, we will explore the rest of Taipei in our schedule in a more relaxed pace.

Taiwan Storyland

We went to Taiwan Storyland to experience the old Taiwan's life. The props makes it great for photo poses. They have got this oldies movie posters that was drawn by hand in those days, arn't the old folks talented?

Lost In Time

It would be very boring if we were to just stroll the place and look at their prop settings so we are just using our imagination...and we come up with this (see below)

Comic strip

While browsing through the pics at the hotel room that night, Alvin made up this script which we find it hilarious. I actually improvised on the pics to make the effect.

Silly Students and Provision Shop

The old classroom had a little piano which I find it classic and cute. Before we enter the storyland we were given some coupons which we could actually use it to purchase food and souvenirs at their provision shop. In case we ran out of coupons we just need to top up the difference by real cash. So we brought some prunes there.

Lunch Time

There were food stalls too for visitors and crews to have their meals. The ambiance was very nostalgic with simple design porcelain bowls and spoons.

Yam, Glutinous Rice and Radish Cakes

I ordered the plate of mixed rolls made out of yam, glutinous rice and radish. Taste really good especially with the sauces. It comes with a soup too.

Wah...Strawberries Temptation!

After we got out of the timezone, we just stroll around the area looking for some dessert after our lunch. I spotted this cute strawberry themed cakeshop, "Berry"! Their moose, cake, puff, crepes were all of strawberry flavors and the designs were so adorable...! Ha ha... how can I not try one? Tastes sweet and satisfying yummy...

Lin's Family Mansion

We had walked pass many streets before finding this place. This mansion was originally owned by a very rich family some decades ago and now is preserved as a historic site. Imagine a family who lives in this huge place? It was like a maze b'cuz there is so many pathways.

Antique Deco

It was very much like our Chinese Garden but much much spacious.

Oriental

Their bonsais were well looked after. Erm... the place is calm and serene and very quiet, not many visitors actually. However we could always can find fun things to do...

Fish Feeding Clip

We spent NT$30 to feed the fishes and lover ducks (yuanyang).

Yuanyang

The fishes just came swarming in a group splashing the water when feeding them. The yuanyang have got a nice and bright feathers.

The Storyhouse

This house was build by a Chinese rich merchant in the old days. It was recorded as the only European structure building in Taiwan.

The organization that preserved this house would quarterly held events and exhibitions. Visitors could smell a fresh wooden scent when stepped in. It was then related by the souvenir shop owner that the scent was actually release by the wood named hinoki which was used into build the house. Hinoki is a high-quality wood which helps in succumbing the humidity inside the house.

Well... thats all for this day. We were back early to the hotel room to start packing up our stuff for next day's departure in the afternoon.

Taipei - Day 6 of 8 (Thur 20 Sep 2007)

A bright and scorching day at Long Shan Temple. The place is very much like Si Ma Lu in Singapore with many devotees offerings incenses, fruits and flowers.

Majestic Long Shan Temple

It has Taoist deities and Buddha statues seated at their main hall which I find it interesting b'cuz usually we don't see this kind of combination in most temples.

Spectacular Carvings

Raised my head and I m in awe...their sculpting are something to praised about too. It is so detailedly carved and the golden pieces actually adds to the majestic of the historic building.

Hua Xi Street

Near the temple is a stretch of a street named Hua Xi Street. Since we are too early, we don't get to see their stalls selling snakes tonic wine and stuffs.

Tickets to a Bird's Eye view

Next stop, we are rushing to Taipei 101! We bought the tickets to their building top for the bird's view. The fees are a bit more expensive than I had expected though. It is inevitable to experience ear blockage on our way up especially when the building have the fastest speed lifts in the world.

Taipei 101 Intro Clip

There is something in the building that still beats me. What is the wind damper for? It is placed in the middle at one of the highest floor. Maybe someone could explains about this?

Taipei 101 surging high

Finally gotta capture this significant building after our few days stay in Taipei. We'll be back in the evening for the night view shot. Haha...

Refreshing Treat

While finding our way to the National Palace Museum we stop by a dessert shop for a rest. Whew... it was a hot day but i appreciate it. (better than a raining weather) Until here, we were kind of lost and confused about which bus to take. However the stall owner is kind enough to direct us the way. But we choose to hire a cab instead which was also a wise choice as I could have a comfortable short nap along the way...

National Palace Museum

Thrust me it is super hot here! The museum is huge and spacious, it has been told that Chiang Kai Shiek had actually brought many antiques artifacts along with him from China when he came to this country. Therefore for whatever reason, it is worth taking a stroll inside the palace.

Seeing Is Believing

Wow... I am so close with China's ancient civilization. The artifacts and antiques are amazing. I got to know their lifestyles and cultures in the past. Still wondering are the figurings of the Tang's Dynasty women really 100% abstract from the females during those period or did they improvise some of the features? Most people know that the aesthetics aspect of females during that period were of plump and voluptuous shapes and when i saw the female porcelain figures I have to agree it is really beautiful...

Their jade carvings were stunning as well...fortunately the old skills were not lost b'cuz till these modern days the carving skills could still be spotted in largely populated China.

Danshui's Fisherman's Wharf

Of all the places that I have visited in Taipei, I adore this place most and have fallen in love with it. It is truly charming and dreamy. The ocean blue sky is enchanting... i love it.

To whoever is planning a trip to Taiwan, you should go visit this place be it whether you are single or attached.

Lovers' Bridge

Just wanted to clarify here, although i edited some contrast feature to the photos but originally it is still well-shot with the nature background. I am just adding some touch to enhance its beauty.

I noticed there were many couples who went there for their wedding photo shoots too and they should. Haha... Well... I wish I could have my wedding photos shoot overseas too, must be unique I think. The best is to have professionals do the make-up and I would just sit and be like a queen, haha... Ladies should know how tedious it is to apply make-ups, so time consuming and tiring, however we still do it to make ourselves looks good.

Vast Sea View

The sunset in Taiwan is earlier than Singapore. It is then around 6pm and we could see the sky turning orange...

During Sunset

Nice timing for us! The sun sets fairly fast and we had to hurried back to the bridge for the memorable shots.

Cherish Every Moments

Luckily we brought a tripod along for these valuable shots. It is a wise investment for the vacation.

At The Wharf

This is an overview taken at the end of the wharf. The mountains, hovering clouds match perfectly with the Lovers' bridge and the lightings...

Night time now and the little pub near the bridge had a singer playing the guitar and singing songs by Chang Yu... I feel sad to leave the place (another reason is I am too tired to walk!). Hopes to visit this place again next time...

Miramar Ferris Wheel

We took the bus back to Danshui mrt station and alight at ShiLing station. Miramar is considered too far if we wanted to walk or take a bus there. So we hired a cab instead. We were trying to find the Ferris Wheel when we reached there and we found it! We took pictures at the large empty car park in front of the shopping mall (another wedding couple spotted taking their shots).

Time is precious and we hurried up to search for the ticketing counter. Tickets were sold at the movie tickets counter. Movies, cafes, restaurants beside the Ferris Wheel? Wow... Honestly speaking, when i saw the height of the wheel, fearing that i would be up there hanging in the sky inside a cabin, I intended back out but i keep psyching myself of how can I not take the ride when I m already there? Hard on my poor guts again after Leofoo Village.

The view is excellent with gorgeous lightings (but huge consumption of electricity, no good) i could see Taipei 101! FYI, the fees is S$7.50 per person.

Taipei 101 Night View and Eslite Bookstore

Alas our last stop, Taipei 101 again because Alvin insist on snapping its night view here. Guess we were a bit late for most of the lightings are out in the building. On the right photo, behind us is the Eslite store, I like their floral boutiques inside.

Well, see? We ran so many places on this day, I definitely no need to worry about putting on weight in this food paradise country, ha ha...

Do Not Disturb

Ha ha ha... I feel so happy! Day mission accomplished! Whew...... Finally can rest and sleep now....after washing up of cuz.