Contact Me

Contact Me
Contact Me

Working Mom Blogger

Working Mom Blogger
Working Mom Blogger

Health & Wellness

Health & Wellness
Health & Wellness

 

 

Project 365 2011 - Photo #365 - Final photo for 2011 featuring Mecha!

Mecha

Mecha! One of the rarest from Android Mini Collectible Series 02. My lucky hand got it on the last day of 2011. ^_^\/


And this photo marks the end of Project 365 2011. Proud that I've completed Project 365 for 2 full years: 2010-2011. Not gonna continue for 2012 but might do something different. 

;)

Lastly, a wish:

"Hope makes all things work. Faith makes all things possible. Love makes all things beautiful. May you have all three for the new year. Happy New Year everyone!"


0

Good things from 2011 for a better 2012!


Wanna keep this 2011 obligatory year-end meme post short and sweet. So, let's get started.

I'd say there are 4 major happenings in my life in 2011. I'm not referring to global events, those you can go Google them yourself. :P

So what are they? Chronologically speaking:

1. Changed job in August: Gathered my guts to do so after 4.5 years with my second job. First job lasted for 2 years. Now, this is my third job in my history of employment so far.

2. Signed up for personal training with Fitness First: Lunges, squats, sweat, sore muscles. All in the name of lovely curves in time for our wedding. :P

3. Gotten my first Android phone: It's a Samsung GALAXY W. W means Wonder; it's a good phone for Android starters.

4. Gotten engaged on 25 December: It was the most perfect, magical moment planned by the fiance. :) Our engagement post is here.

So what's on my plate for 2012?

One major event: Wedding & Honeymoon

If you wish, follow updates about my wedding adventures here. ;)
 


Annual year-end posts:


That's all. What about you?

May you end 2011 with fond memories and begin 2012 with many more new adventures, blessings, and even fonder memories! Have a blast everyone!


2

Project 365 2011 - Photo #364

Death-star-light

Saw this giant round black light shade hanging from the ceiling and it reminded me of Death Star.

0

My 2011 Movie List


Archive: 2009 Movie List | 2010 Movie List

Here's my 2011 Movie List - watched, blogged, rated. 


Disclaimer: I'm not a movie critic, I'm just an average movie maniac & cinema-goer. The lists below are based purely and solely on my own opinion. :)

Rating:

 
1 (Not Recommended At All)
2 (Poor Yet Watchable)
3 (Okay)
4 (Recommended)
5 (Highly Recommended)

 

Rating = 1

Rating = 2

Rating = 3

Rating = 4

Rating = 5

2

Project 365 2011 - Photo #363

Tweetclub

One good thing about the Facebook Timeline "mayhem" is that you can discover good stuff such as when I became friends with fellow Tweeples after an outing with them called the #twtclub in January 2010. :D

0

Movie: The Darkest Hour (2011)

Survive The Holidays

The Darkest Hour (2011) is a science-fiction movie about an alien invasion in Russia.

Synopsis: Five young people - Sean (Emile Hirsch), Ben (Max Minghella), Natalie (Olivia Thirlby), Anne (Rachael Taylor), and Vika (Veronika Ozerova) - have to stay and work together to survive alien invasion in Moscow. They must find a way to safely board a military submarine rumored to be in a nearby river.

Seriously, the trailer looks really good. And honestly, if you've watched the entire trailer, it pretty much shows the entire movie. So yeah, I was a bit disappointed.

We've watched too many sci-fi movies with apocalyptic theme and so, we'd have certain expectations. This movie has a lot of expected similarities - aliens, aliens' aggressive attack, some survivors scattered here and there, empty streets, wrecked cities, military.

The difference is, the aliens in this movie are invisible and it's difficult to kill them. And yeah, you'll be watching all sorts of innovative ways to defeat some of the invisible aliens.

Another point, I love the fact that this movie is shot in Moscow. At least, it's something different from LA or NY or London.

If you ask whether watching this movie is a waste of time, I'd say no. Just watch it without expectations and you might enjoy it. :)


0

Project 365 2011 - Photo #362

Sunny-day

A lovely quote for him: You sure do make it a sunny day.

Original photo from here.

0

Movie: Ghosts of Girlfriends Past (2009)

You can't always run from your past
 
Ghosts of Girlfriends Past (2009) is a romantic comedy with a plot based loosely on Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol. 
Synopsis: Connor Mead (Matthew McConaughey) is a successful fashion photographer and a womanizer. One day, he's invited to his younger brother's wedding at his dead Uncle Wayne's (Michael Douglas) house. He arrives during the rehearsal the night before the wedding and meets Jenny Perotti (Jennifer Garner), a former girlfriend and childhood sweetheart. Disbelieving the institution of marriage, he begins to offend the guests with his actions and words.

That same night, Uncle Wayne appears to him as a ghost and tells him that three ghosts will visit him: the ghosts of girlfriends past, present, and future. Will Connor learn and fix what he's broken in his life so far?

This is a light-hearted rom-com, so don't expect much weight except for a couple of cheesy lines and some so-called lessons in life for womanizers in general.

The only redeeming value in this movie is this quote by Connor Mead after he's awakened from his stupor:
"Someone once told me that the power in all relationships lies with whoever cares less, and he was right. But power isn't happiness, and I think that maybe happiness comes from caring more about people rather than less."

If you would like to gain some "insight" about people who don't believe in marriage, you might want to watch this movie, just for fun.


0

25 Dec 2011 - With Hand & Heart - It's a Yes ♥

December 2011 will always be remembered as truly the best blessed Christmas ever. 

It's indeed true with this quote, "Christmas isn't about finding the perfect gift, but it's about finding the perfect moment with your family." 

And yes, it's the perfect moment for an unforgettably lovely proposal. :)


The Irish Claddagh ring stands as a monument to love, friendship, and loyalty. The design is striking and unmistakable, two hands (symbolizing friendship) joined together to support a single heart (signifying love), and upon it a crown (signifying loyalty). Its motto, not surprisingly, is 'let love and friendship reign'. 

Quoting the fiance, "The Bates family motto is 'Et Manu Et Corde' - With Hand and Heart, same as the ring." 

Being a Bates, David has Irish blood in him. In fact, he explains to me thoughtfully, he has been preparing to propose with an Irish Claddagh ring when the time comes. 

David has always been a thoughtful and logical person. When he gives some thoughts into planning something, the result is always surprisingly meaningful. That's what I love best about him!
 

******************************

Okay, story time!

 
Part 1

The day we arrived for Christmas eve in Terengganu, he was sent to town to get some ice while I was sent to the kitchen to help his mom with cooking. 


You know what? Later I was told, this entire episode was actually a "show" with some help from his parents. They had discussed the plan beforehand. The reason his dad asked him to go to town to get ice was so that he could prepare the proposal bouquet. The reason I had to stay in the kitchen to help his mom was to prevent me from following him to town. :P 

When he came back with no ice, he said nonchalantly that the town had ran out of ice, I believed him. Now that I knew the story, I wondered if his parents chuckled in the kitchen at that time. :D 

Part 2 

The next day, after attending Christmas mass, he said, "Let's check out the private beach at Primula Beach Resort. It looks like a good place to take some photos." So, I agreed, unsuspectingly. 

We strolled at the seaside and enjoyed Christmas day breeze for some time, then we headed back to the lounge because he said he needed the toilet. I waited for him at the lounge. Hmm... come to think of it, he was away for quite a while at that time. :P 

Part 3 

My phone rang.

David: Are you checking Twitter?
Me: Nope, why?
David: Check Twitter now.
Me: Okay.

When my mentions page was loaded, I saw these tweets:


I panicked. 

O_O 

Then, David appeared out of nowhere like a ninja with a bouquet of sunflowers and a little box. 

Part 4 

I was flabbergasted. He was nervous. We looked at each other and didn't know what to do. 

All of a sudden, he passed the bouquet of sunflowers to me, knelt down on one knee, and said a speech or something. I think my heart stopped beating, I was even more panicked, and all I remembered was I nodded my head and said, "Yes", and the ring was secured on my finger. :D
  
Then, he explained to me why he was asking me so many questions about Twitter mentions the day before. He also said he didn't go to the toilet, he was at his car posting tweets from his laptop and the telco's "wonderful" network wasn't really helpful but thank God I wasn't on Twitter while he was posting halfway. :P

****************************** 

This was my first Christmas in his hometown; and on Christmas day, he popped the unforgettable question. Quoting him, "The beach is a place that will remain forever. That's why I chose the beach." 

******************************

View more photos on my Facebook album. :)

8

Project 365 2011 - Photo #361

Octopus-keychain

The pinkish, roundish parts with a red dot each look so wrong. They are supposed to be the octopus' tentacles but now, they remind me of boobs.

0

Project 365 2011 - Photos #357-360

Christmas-terengganu Casio-g-shock-baby-g Roast-chicken-stuffing Custard-cake

Okay, this is a belated post for the past few days of Project 365 2011.

December 2011 will always be remembered as truly the best blessed Christmas ever. It's indeed true with this quote, "Christmas isn't about finding the perfect gift, but it's about finding the perfect moment with your family."

So much delicious food, hearty laughter, lovely caroling, wonderful presents, and most importantly, spending superb quality time with family members, a hedgehog, and a cat! :D

Oh, and also, his unforgettably sweet proposal. :)

Blessed Christmas and Happy New Year!


0

Project 365 2011 - Photo #356

Gaya-sihat

According to gayahidupsihat.my, my ideal weight is 47kg. My current weight is 46kg. I prefer to lose, not add 1kg. :)

0

Christmas & Year-end Giveaway by FlexiRoam for you!


The latest catch from FlexiRoam

FlexiRoam offers Malaysian travelers Unlimited roaming service for a significantly lowered rate! Essentially, FlexiRoam is an affordable roaming service and for only RM10 per day, you can receive and make unlimited amount of calls to Malaysia without changing to a new international mobile number.

Sounds good? Before we get any further, let's do some research.

What is FlexiRoam?

FlexiRoam is a service that allows you to make and receive international roaming calls on your mobile while overseas for FREE or a flat rate per day.

"FlexiRoam's mission is to make travelers happy as they deserve to stay connected with friends, family and business counterparts without worrying about exorbitant phone bills that could end up costing more than the low-cost flight ticket they may have bought for their trip."
- Jef Ong, CEO


You see, it's almost Christmas and 2012 is just around the corner. You might want to get something for your friends who are bitten by the wanderlust bug! So, FlexiRoam is a fantastic gift option because:

1. It is ideal for those who travels to overseas a lot, and if not a lot, perhaps on certain occasions like honeymoon, weekend getaway, etc

2. It is ideal for those who need to make & receive calls while traveling overseas and at the same time wish to save on their mobile roaming bill

3. It is ideal for those who want to use their current local mobile number while traveling overseas


******************************

The giveaway

 
FlexiRoam is giving away RM500 worth of credit to 10 lucky winners! Each winner will receive a roaming pass worth of RM50!
 

Note: If you're one of the 10 lucky winners, you will need to sign up for a FlexiRoam account for free in order to be eligible to receive the RM50 worth of credit.
 

You want it? Come and get it!

Share this article on your Facebook OR Twitter accounts. Then, notify me by emailing me the link to your post on either FB or Twitter. Be sure that you're doing so with a valid FB or Twitter account and email address so that I can contact you if you're one of the lucky winners.

I'll announce who the 10 lucky winners are on 31 December 2011, so hurry up and keep an eye on my blog! :)

Happy winning!



******************************

For more information about FlexiRoam, log on to http://www.flexiroam.com/


3

Project 365 2011 - Photo #355

Diy-bangle

This is good for Christmas! :D

DIY: The Bangle

What you need: Safety pins of the same size, two sets of stretchable thread

Step 1: Insert the stretchable thread into the head of the first safety pin then rotate the next safety pin so the thread goes into the back instead.
Step 2: Insert the other stretchable thread into the other end, completing and securing a full-length bangle. Tie the ends together tightly.

Source: Female magazine, December 2011

0

Movie: Petaling Street Warriors 大英雄•小男人 (2011)

Petaling Street Warriors (Chinese: 大英雄•小男人) (2011) is the first period kungfu comedy to be produced locally in Malaysia and Singapore. Yuk-sing Ma (马玉成) from Hong Kong serves as action choreographer.

According to Wikipedia, this movie is inspired by a controversial legend about Emperor Jianwen of Ming Dynasty, who is rumored to have fled to Southeast Asia when he was dethroned in the year 1402 by his own uncle, Zhu Di, who later became Emperor Yongle.


Synopsis from Petaling Street Warriors' FB page: Set against the background of Petaling Street in 1908, Petaling Street Warriors tells the story of a pair of married couple, Shi Duyao (Mark Lee 李国煌) and Zhung Lichun (Yeo Yann Yann 杨雁雁), who operate a Hokkien mee stall in Petaling Street, where they suffer from the inefficiency of the colonial government and suppression by the Chinese gangsters.

While trying to impress his wife, Duyao encounters a mysterious yet strikingly beautiful kungfu expert, Xiaoju (Chris Tong 童冰玉), who claims that Duyao is a descendant of the missing Emperor Jianwen of the Ming Dynasty. To stop a group of Qing warriors and Japanese ninjas from robbing a treasure map that Duyao doesn't even know he has, Lichun and her cousin, Liukun (Namewee 黄明志), finally reveal their kungfu, turning Petaling Street into the ultimate battleground. Facing enemies of unthinkable powers, could Duyao unravel the mystery of his real identity and come to his wife's rescue just in time? 
So, what do I think? To be honest, this movie is just soooo AWESOME! After I've watched Nasi Lemak 2.0 in September this year and when I saw Namewee's name on the Petaling Street Warriors movie poster, I knew I have to watch this movie.

Without providing spoilers, let me give you five (5) reasons why you MUST watch this movie:

1. Impressive action sequences: I can't believe my eyes. I've always been under the impression that Malaysian and Singaporean stars can't be compared to Hong Kong stars. But this movie has proven me wrong. Pay attention to action sequences between the two female leads - Yann Yann and Chris Tong; and also sequences involving the evil eunuch. Brilliant!

2. Superb, solid performance from the cast: Everyone is fantastic, including the supporting cast and extras! And I really enjoy listening to different languages - English, Malay, Japanese; and Chinese dialects - Mandarin, Cantonese, Hokkien, Hailamese (not sure it should be Hainanese). Awesome!

3. Smart comedy: Amidst tension fight-or-die moments, the scripts are crafted with just enough in-depth comedic relief that doesn't jeopardize the movie's storyline or make the audience feels stupid by laughing way too much. Smart!

4. Catchphrase: What phrase? It's called Jidut! Watch this movie to understand its meaningful. Jidut!

5. Subtle nuances of citizenship and governance: To me, this is the most important part of this movie. I tear a bit when Sun Wen or Sun Yat Sen (one of the characters) speaks something along this line. I don't remember his exact words but the message is good. Salute!
 

Something to be proud of: After viewing the film as it underwent post-production work in Hong Kong, numerous Hong Kong filmmakers call the film as the "watershed" and "milestone" in the history of Malaysian Chinese film industry. [via] 

Finally, all I have to say is, go watch this movie. Make yourself proud, make the Malaysian Chinese movie industry proud!


2

Project 365 2011 - Photo #354

Klcc

Haven't been to KLCC for quite a while. Still love its late evening view.

0

Movie: Blood Curse (Coisa Ruim) (2006)

Blood Curse (Coisa Ruim) (2006) is a Portuguese supernatural horror movie. 

Synopsis: A successful biology professor Xavier Monteiro (Adriano Luz) moves to rural Portugal with his family - his wife Helena (Manuela Couto), eldest son Rui (José Afonso Pimentel), daughter Sofia (Sara Carinhas), youngest son Ricardo (João Santos), and their grandson (Sofia's son) after inheriting a huge house from his ancestors.

Being an intellectual family, they are not prepared to what they are going to face when they discover the country's community has many hidden and disturbing secrets where superstition still runs rampant. They begin to hear disturbing stories about the history of their inherited house.

There are a few things about Spanish and Portuguese supernatural movies. They are usually atmospheric thrillers, slow-paced, causes slow-rising tension, and with truly creepy moments here and there. You won't be seeing too much blood and gore because they are usually not slashers or torture flicks.

Also, there will be heavy nuances of outdated Catholic traditions, especially those related to exorcism, chants, superstitions, and of course, the devil. And usually, the movie is shot in lavishly beautiful and breathtaking rural landscape with magnificent structures. This is true with this movie.

Another similar movie is a Spanish supernatural thriller - The Appeared (Aparecidos).

So, if you want to watch something that gives you creeps and jolts, you might want to watch this movie.


0

Movie: Mission: Impossible - Ghost Protocol (2011)

No Plan. No Backup. No Choice.

Mission: Impossible - Ghost Protocol (2011) is an action spy movie, which is also the fourth installment in the Mission: Impossible seri
es.

Synopsis: This is not just another mission. The IMF is shut down when it's implicated in a global terrorist bombing plot. Ghost Protocol is initiated and Ethan Hunt and his rogue new team must go undercover to clear their organization's name. No help, no contact, off the grid. You have never seen a mission grittier and more intense than this. -- (C) Paramount

Let's take a look at the cast of good guys - Ethan Hunt (Tom Cruise), William Brandt (Jeremy Renner from The Town), Benji Dunn (Simon Pegg from Shaun of
the Dead), Jane Carter (Paula Patton).

Here are the bad guys - Kurt Hendricks (Michael Nyqvist from the Swedish movie The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo) and Sabine Moreau (Léa Seydoux).

According to director Brad Bird, this movie is shot in IMAX, as opposed to 3D, as he felt that the IMAX format offered the viewer more immersion due to its brighter, hi
gher quality image, which is projected on a larger screen, without the need for specialized glasses. [via]

I personally enjoy watching impossibly stylish, fast-paced, and gripping stunt scenes in different parts of the world - Budapest, the Moscow Kremlin, Dubai, Mumbai. The action scene whereby Ethan Hunt is scaling the Burj Khalifa tower in Dubai, the tallest building in the world gives me the jitters. This is definitely the best moment of the entire movie!

I like this comment the best: "...brims with scenes that are e
xciting and amazing at the same time; they're brought off with such casual aplomb that they're funny, too. Ghost Protocol is fast and explosive, but it's also a supremely clever sleight-of-hand thriller."

Simon Pegg provides smart comic relief to the movie without being overbearing. Even Jeremy Renner joins in the "fun" without being overly casual amidst tension. Tom Cruise, as usual, the suave pack leader. Michael Nyqvist's stoic appearance is very convincing as the mad nuclear scientist who believes that world peace will be achieved by starting a nuclear war.


Oh, and the BMW i8 concept car is featured in this movie!!!



Seriously, if you don't watch this movie, you'll lose out on enjoying another
big-budget popcorn entertainment before 2011 ends. :)

If you wish, you can watch it at the TGV IMAX theater.


0

Project 365 2011 - Photo #353

Shopaholic-manhattan

Sophie Kinsella's "Shopaholic Takes Manhattan".

Synopsis:

With her shopping excesses (somewhat) in check and her career as a TV financial guru thriving, Becky's biggest problem seems to be tearing her entrepreneur boyfriend, Luke, away from work for a romantic country weekend. That is, until Luke announces he's moving to New York for business - and he asks Becky to go with him! Before you can say "Prada sample sale," Becky has landed in the Big Apple, home of Park Avenue penthouses and luxury department stores.

Surely it's only a matter of time until she becomes an American TV celebrity, and she and Luke are the toast of the Gotham society. Nothing can stand in their way, especially with Becky's bills miles away in London. But then and unexpected disaster threatens her career prospects, her relationship with Luke, and her available credit line! Shopaholic Takes Manhattan - but will she have to return it?

Read:


0

Movie: Conan the Barbarian (2011)

Enter an Age Undreamed of Conan the Barbarian

Conan the Barbarian (2011) is a fantasy movie based on the Conan mythology.

Synopsis: In the Hyborian Age, Conan (Jason Momoa), a fierce Cimmerian warrior begins a quest to hunt down Khalar Zym (Stephen Lang) who killed his father Corin (Ron Perlman) and his entire tribe many years ago.

Khalar Zym is a warlord who's trying to reunite pieces of the destroyed Mask of Acheron in order to revive his dead wife who was an evil sorceress and conquer Hyborea. To do so, Khalar Zym and his daughter Marique (Rose McGowan), who's also a sorceress need to find the pure blood descendant of the sorcerers of Acheron, Tamara (Rachel Nichols). A fierce battle soon follows and Conan is the only hope to stop Khalar Zym's evil plan.

Okay, this is a fantasy movie, one that has barbarians, warlords, battles, and witchcraft. Everyone fights everyone to death and there will be a hero who saves the day and a pretty heroine who takes your breath away.

I've heard a lot of negative comments about this movie but I'd say for such genre, this movie does favorably well in terms of entertaining special effects and action sequences. The storyline is pretty straightforward, the no-brainer type.

Don't compare this Conan with Arnold's Conan and you shall survive watching this movie. :)


0

Project 365 2011 - Photo #352

My sister's latest plush toy is a furry yellow duck that reminds me of nothing but DiGi and Windy's Quackerina. Hahaha.
1

Project 365 2011 - Photo #351

Galaxy-w

Rupture, our Android robot says "Hi!" to his new Android kin - the Samsung GALAXY W.

^Y^


1

Project 365 2011 - Photo #350

Throttle-clean

So proud of David! He "dislodged" and cleaned the throttle body of his Savvy and Andrea's Savvy by using kerosene, a toothbrush, a piece of cloth, and water. The bottom right corner of the image shows how the throttle body looks like.

According to Wikipedia, in fuel injected engines, the throttle body is the part of the air intake system that controls the amount of air flowing into the engine, in response to driver accelerator pedal input. The throttle body is usually located between the air filter box and the intake manifold, and it is usually attached to, or near, the mass airflow sensor.

0

Project 365 2011 - Photo #349


Knot

Original photo from here.

I want to get Sophie Kinsella's "Shopaholic Ties the Knot". It's the third book of the Shopaholic series. I'm currently reading the first book, i.e. "Confessions of a Shopaholic".


0

Matrimony - it's a lifelong thing

Photo source

The vocation of marriage is a calling to the state of holy matrimony. It is the sacrament by which a baptized man and woman establish between themselves a lifelong partnership for their mutual good and for the procreation and education of children.

The man and woman, freely, legally, and in faith, surrender themselves to each other and to Christ. It is a permanent union, bonded by the power and grace of Christ.
 

Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and they shall become one flesh. - Genesis 2:24

For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife and the two shall become one flesh. So then, they are no longer two but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let not man separate. - Matthew 19:5-6


God gave us this special person to be our spouse, to vow until death do us part. We will promise to share our lifetime experiences together. Our sacramental life begins and continues throughout our lifelong partnership.
Matrimony is not something we receive; it is rather, something that we become, i.e. a sign of God's love. Nothing can show the relationship of God to His people better than the married couples who are themselves transformed by God's love.


Photo source

There are 3 necessary conditions to be fulfilled in order to enter into Christian marriage:


1. Must decide freely
2. Must commit to lifelong fidelity

3. Must be open to the possibilities of children


Finally, here's something symbolical about the exchange of rings. The exchange of rings symbolizes complete faith, hope and love to one another, without beginning and ending.

Looking forward to this lifelong partnership, commitment, fidelity, and faithfulness. I believe it's gonna be nerve-wrecking and challenging, but fun and exciting at the same time! :P

If you wish, follow updates about my wedding adventures here. ;)


0

Win Samsung GALAXY Note with DiGi's GILA Smartphone Giveaway Facebook contest

Christmas is approaching and it also means - time for GILA Smartphone Giveaway! Identify your best Ally and team up with him/her to win a PAIR of Samsung GALAXY Note smartphones. It's easy with DiGi!

Click the 2 links below and
VOTE
for my teams DAILY!!!

Super Cili Padi
awesomepossum


0