Life is full of sorrow and happiness, ups and downs. I create it as some kind of day-to-day life into words. Just to release what I feel.. although not completely what I really feel :)
As usual, let me update the list of the book I read for the second half of the year 2018. I started it with August since I had no time to read in the month of July :)
August 2018
August 2018:
1. The Perfect Nanny - Leila Slimani
2. Sadness Love Openness - Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche
3. The Sound of the Mountain - Yasunari Kawabata
4. She Regrets Nothing - Andrea Dunlop
5. Do This For Me - Eliza Kennedy
September 2018
September 2018:
1. The Woman in the Window - A. J. Finn
2. Those Other Woman - Nicola Moriarty
3. Beautiful Liars - Isabel Ashdown
4. When Life Gives You Lululemons - Lauren Weisberger
5. The Light Between Us - Kathie Khan
6. My Book of Life by Angel - Martine Leavitt
7. Sea Prayers - Khaled Hosseini
8. See All the Stars - Kit Frick
October 2018
October 2018:
1. Chronicles of Love and Death - Norma Levine
November 2018
November 2018:
1. Hot Tea Across India - Rishad Saam Mehta
December 2018
December 2018:
1. Three Little Lies - Laura Marshall
2. The Wild Woman's Guide to Travelling the World - Kristin Rockaway
3. The Next Person You Meet in Heaven - Mitch Albom
4. Killing Commendatore - Haruki Murakami
5. The Sadness of Beautiful Things - Simon Van Booy
6. All the Lives We Never Lived - Anuradha Roy
I love books quote (Pic source: Google.com)
With it, I managed to read total of 40 books, as per my goal I set earlier this year. Yayyy!!! But this time I read mostly novels instead of Buddhism related books. Hehehe.... Perhaps I just wanted to get away for real life and sunk myself into other people's world, to see how others could generate such idea into writings, and so on.
My wish for you for the upcoming New Year 2019 :)
Just one more day, it will be the end of year 2018. Hope all of you are doing great in this year, have filled your life with so much beautiful memories (be it good and/or bad), lived your life to the fullest, realized so many dreams that once it looked so hard and far to reach, and welcoming 2019 with open arms, full of positive energy, good feelings that everything that you do will be good and great, realize more and more dreams of yours, and most importantly, be happy!!! :)
Last running event (10-km Standard Chartered Marathon) of the year - 8th December 2018
Time was indeed running, just like the Standard Chartered10-km marathon I had last Saturday, 8th December 2018. I often heard about it before, but first time finally joined it. I had it together with PY and also with my brother, sis-in-law, their relatives and friends.
10-km Run For Hope at the beginning of the year 2018 - 21st January 2018
Finished it slightly faster (1h20m) than the one I had beginning of the year - Run For Hope on 21st January 2019 (1h28m). It still felt just like yesterday though.
This month I had no travel planning to anywhere as I had so many doctors' appointments, purely landed my butt at my home sweet home, doing things I loved doing, spending quality time with my families, keeping in touch with many friends who stayed all over the world, and so on.
Christmas gift from the heart - Home-baked lemon cake :)
With the latest purchase of new toy, I kept practicing and made the better version of marble cake. Also, I learned the second cake that I loved eating, from YouTube, which was lemon cake :) It turned out quite well. Made small versions and gave it as presents for my dear friends, while the big one - as my dear son's Birthday cake :) Btw, my friend liked it so much and suggested me to sell it :D She would be my first buyer of the bigger version of lemon cake!!! Thank you la for your support and encouragement!!! :)
Baobei turned 16th today!!! Yayyy!!! 12.12.2018
Did I mention Birthday??? Yeah.. today is my Baobei's Birthday!!! He's been living for 16 years now since he came out from my belly hehehe... And the cake that you saw at the above photo, was the large version of the lemon cake that I made :) Looked not bad right??? :D (Baking cake - sweeten's people's lives - and staying at home as a housewife was my dreams since the initial days of my life :) Thank Buddha for giving me a chance to realize these dreams although I am not sure how long this will last!)
Oh, I also made video compilation above today, the continuation from his 11th Birthday to the present time. Pardon me for the poor quality video and the watermark that appeared, as it was a free trial version :P (Earlier on, I made his 0 to 10 years video compilation, which you can watch it here :))
Started wearing reading glass - oh man... getting old now... sighhhh.....
I spent my time reading sometimes. The above was among few books I had been reading this month. And I guessed I had the old people eyes now. I needed the help of the reading glass in order to read now. Sighhhh..... our body could not lie the age I was holding now. It kept deteriorating one way and another. Hope it would not get worse in near future.
P.S. This book showed you how you should give your miserable job up (of which you hung unto it because of it's so highly remunerated) and instead, follow your passions and dreams doing what you love doing to have a happier life, plus follow your heart to love and let yourself be loved by someone who loved you. You deserved happiness in life after all!!! Nice read, believe me!!! ;)
Not forgetting to spend time watching the latest famous K-drama - Encounter or Boyfriend from TVN every Thursday and Friday at 9.45pm. Hahahaha... My Myanmar ex-colleague introduced me this drama and I had been hooked since its first episode. Watch it if you find the access at anywhere you stay guys!!! The main stars - both guy and girl - were very good looking. But the guy's characters that attracted me most - traveler, photographer, reader, and so on... ;)
Walk and move up!!!
Well, raining season was here again!!! I hardly got any chance to cycle in evening time due to the rain. Lucky my friend gave me the watch that could track my steps every day. With it, I could find out how much steps I had made each day and tried to walk at least 10,000 steps every day. So far, I could only make it on alternate days instead of every day though, but better than just sleeping whole day in my room :)
Baobei's part time job as a waiter!!! Jia you!!!
Since Baobei reached 16 this year, he was legally allowed to work part-time. This holiday time he started utilizing his time to work and try various jobs before settling to this one. He felt that this suited him best since he received staff meal allowance (delicious meal) daily.
Both hubby and I were very proud of him since he had shown initiative in finding the job, going for interview himself, and saving his money to buy the thing he had been wanting to have (in this case, his dream was to build-in his own PC and put it in his room. Looks like he would have it pretty soon... :D) Although tired, he managed to appear to work on time and never once he found excuse not to go or to quit, yet. Well done Baobei!!! Keep up your good work and positive spirit!!! :)
Christmas trees decoration at Orchard Road :)
And yes, Christmas was coming to town!!! If you were here in Singapore, never miss walking along the Orchard Road at night time. It was the best time to see the lighting and Christmas decorations along the famous shopping belt area in the country. I too, did not miss it this year, had a sweet date with dear hubby ;)
Well, this coming 17th, I will be celebrating the 10th year survival Anniversaryas the SLE patient (Lupus). It has been with me perhaps much longer than 10 years though before I was detected and confirmed of having it. All I could say was that all my worry that I had 10 years ago whether I could still be alive 5 or 10 years later was really useless.
There were ups and downs in between but thank Buddha it was nothing much. Just like the recent low blood count was detected (anemia came attacking me again!!!), but after taking the medicine regularly everyday (instead of 5 days a week), my blood count had gone back to normal. Phewww!!!
Health and Happiness Quote (Pic source: Google.com)
If you were wondered how I could manage to live this long, well, the above quote might help answering your question. Peace of mind, heart and soul was the key, so did laughter and love. No matter how much possession you had, if you could not make peace with yourself, it would only bring you worry and stress, and make you unable to sleep.
The past has already gone and the future has yet to come. Live at the present moment. Seize your days doing what you love, and love what you are doing. Realize your dream when you can no matter how difficult it might sound or be. Because no one can guarantee that you can still live tomorrow.
I read it from somewhere the beautiful messages below:
- Don't wait until you happy, then you smile. Smile, then you will be happy :)
- Don't wait until you become rich, then you donate. Donate, and you will be richer!
- Don't wait until people notice or care about you, then you notice or care about them. Do care about them first, then people will care you back.
- Don't wait until you get an inspiration, then you write. Write first, then the inspiration will come accordingly!
- Don't wait for people to love you, then you start to love them. Learn to love them first, then they will love you back :)
- Don't wait until you are rich then you will live in peace. But first, live in peace then there will not be only money that comes to you, but also many other kind of luck in you life!!!
- Don't wait until you become successful then only feeling grateful. But be grateful first and you will have more success in life.
And last but not least, don't wait until you free then you pray or learn the Dhamma. But spare your time to pray and learn the Dhamma first before everything else!
Well, hope after practicing it, you too could live a happier and healthier life, with peace of mind, heart and soul everyday :)
Sabbe Satta Bhavantu Sukkhitatta
May all sentient beings be happy and healty, free from suffering, life full of peace and joy.
After returning back from Taiwan trip, I was searching online to find a good deal for the mixer. Basically, I needed it to try to make nougat, after learning it from my very good friend in a Taiwan.
She advised me buying the handheld mixer as it was much cheaper compared with the stand mixer. But personally, I wanted to find a not too big, reliable, good quality - which could last long - at the very best price :D
It seemed like the Universe listening to what my heart was saying. After searching high and low, one day, it led me to a very good deal of Kenwood Chef mixer from the Carousell. And when I asked the person about it, he said the offer was available from Robinson at JEM.
It was "Black Friday". Obviously everyone would flock into website or headed to various shops, in order to find a special deal, or great offers. I did the comparisons among few Kenwood mixers beforehand, and I felt that this model was fitting my requirement perfectly (including my budget). Therefore, on that day, I hurried returning home, signing up as the buyer, and buying it online. Moreover, the delivery was free for purchase over certain amount (I did not have to carry it all the way home!!!)
My new toys!!!
Just like a dream came true, few days later it reached home. Wow!!! I still could not believe that in my course of life, I finally had my own mixer!!! Yes, I studied hotel management before, prepared large amount of pastries before, but it was all done in school. Never once I practised it at home afterwards. And now, almost 20 years later, I had forgotten almost everything!!!
I thought I needed to make something for the start, something I liked eating :) So I did some research from YouTube on how to make the marble cake (it was my favourite during my college time as it was the only snack available at the lobby bar and was sold at a very reasonable price - SFR1.50 each).
First cake baking after almost 20 years!!! :P
So few days ago, after the evening run near my house area, I went directly to the nearby supermarket and purchased things required to bake the cake. I went home and took a bath. To gain some support for my first step, I shared the YouTube video with my sister-in-law and told her that I'd bake it right at that night. Hahaha... She was a bit startled with my determination and there I went!!!
My first supposed "marble cake" had turned out failing miserably and turned into a "chocolate cake" instead. Hahaha.... :P Luckily it was still edible and the chocolate taste was good ^_^"
What supposed to be (top left) and how it ended up (right) :'D
It had been a long time since the last time I made any cake. I had no idea what speed I had to choose and for how long to create the white thick formation from the egg and sugar. In the video, the person just showed us the result and did not mention the strength of the mixer and the duration to mix. Lol!! That was why there was no yellow white colour appeared on the cake. Well, mistake was learned and it led me to watch more videos regarding the making of the similar cakes and this afternoon, I tried it the second time!!!
Second trial ;) I considered it half success :P
Tadatadaaaaa... Well, not bad!!! It's half success!!! Lol!!! Still need some improvements but at least I got the batter texture much better than before!!! It should be using stronger beat and at certain time!!! I was thinking that the chocolate gave so much weight and it sunk when I put it on second layer. Maybe next round I will just have to put less chocolate on it. Let's see!!!
Well, practice makes perfect!! Most important, Do Not Give Up!!! Keep learning and practising!! And once I know how to make this one, I will learn to make the other cake, so on, and so on... And next time when you want to eat the freshly baked cakes, you know who you need to find!!! ;) Let's see how long this passion lasts!!! :P
It was almost 2 weeks ago since I attended dear Baobei graduation. The O-level exams were still going on after that, but they held the ceremony earlier. And the best thing was, everyone graduated no matter how good or bad their results would be.
Graduation message year 2018
I came with my mother-in-law since hubby could not make it due to work. We sat near where my dear boy was going to sit. There were many classes for the Sec 4 level and only 1 class for the Sec 5, but apparently not many parents attended the graduation ceremony. Perhaps the timing was not fitting their busy schedule as it was held at 2.30pm.
So then it started with the speech by the school principal, then continued with video clip presentations made by fellow teachers and students of each class. After each class video presentation, the student was going up the stage one by one and given their certificate and congratulations wishes from their form teachers.
Beginning of his Secondary school life
All through the event, I felt very emotional. Being seated in that hall, reminded me of the day the parents meeting being held when my son started his first secondary year in his school. At that time, he was still short, cute, and chubby! ^_^ And now, he had grown taller than me, growing moustache, hairy legs, and still a bit chubby, although lesser chubby than last time, perhaps I would call it handsome :D
I felt I cried few times during the event hahaha... secretly of course, just felt grateful of how he became now. He's much quieter person now, maybe cool was the better description, more mature (he could think of how to earn money by buying and selling things online, and soon would do part time job during holiday time), good at managing his money (knew what to and what not to spend, how to get better deal for the same stuff, etc.), not invest in relationship early (well, I might be wrong on this but I asked him many times if he had any girl friend but he never confessed haha...), and once he liked doing something, he would put his heart and mind into it.
My growing up son :)
I never expected him to be wonderfully perform academically as I knew how stressful educational system in Singapore and I didn't want to give him too much pressure on it. I think he knew what he could perform and what he could not and I respected his choice. Most important he knew all his strengths and weaknesses. Although he tended to give up on what he disliked, he could put so much efforts on what he liked. So that also one of his good characters. With that, I believed he could still survive in this realistic and materialistic world.
And it's good that he had kind personalities (not once I heard him fighting with others, jealous or harm other people). He too could help up with housework, e.g. if I cooked, after having it he would wash the dish; hung clothes when I was not around at home, etc. He also could help me doing some other things that I could not because I was not around. He was someone I could rely on. Oh btw, he was having good interest in cooking too although I seldom had chance tasting his cooked food :P
My cool son ;)
So dear Baobei, thank you for being such a great son for us. We never expected you to be perfect. We just wanted you to learn and live your life happily and independently. We might not be able to walk through this life journey together for a long time, but since we were still having it, let's live our lives happily and full of love. I wish you all the best for your next education level and live well.
It was our last sightseeing day in Japan and the place to visit today was Osaka!!! It was convenient to travel there from Kyoto. There were few types of train you could take. One was by Shinkansen (bullet train). You could reach there in 15 minutes time but it cost 1,420 yen (almost S$18) for single trip fare, that also for unreserved seat (reserved seat cost double). Second, by Special Rapid Train. It took 29 mins to reach and the ticket cost 560 yen (S$7) per trip (3 stops away). And the slower ones would take from 40 mins and more as it stopped in more places and cost less - 410 yen (S$5). I found that the Special Rapid Train was the best choice to take.
Huge stones made to build the surrounding gates that protected the Osaka Castle - Japan
Once reached the Osaka station, we took cab directly to reach the famous landmark of Japan and historical building - theOsaka Castle. It was my third time visiting it. It was still looking the same :) Find out their history hereand visitor information in this link.
View of Osaka-Jo Hall (multi purpose arena) in Osaka from Osaka Castle observation deck, Japan
Visitor could go up to the Observation Deck where they could see a panoramic view of Osaka from the above. Lift was available up to level 5 then continued with staircases to 8th floor. Once done, they could go down slowly by staircase and see the various exhibitions related to the buildings in each floor.
My dream Cafe - Cafe Lau Lau - Osaka, Japan
We had lunch at one local cafe - Cafe Lau Lau - not too far from Osaka Castle. The place was small consisting of one counter table that could fit 5 guests plus 2 tables for 4 pax and 1 table for 2 pax in another side. The menu was fixed daily. Like for lunch, there were only 2 set lunch menu offered. Set A - Chicken katsu with rice, salad, seaweed pickles and miso soup and Set B - Spaghetti Bolognaise (beef) with toast bread and salad. Both set cost 900 yen (S$11.50) and included coffee/tea or orange juice.
The opening time was from 7 to 9 am, then 11 to 6 pm. Therefore they did not cater for dinner, only breakfast and lunch set. It was kind of my dream cafe. Small place that offered simple menu (daily menu based on the owner's choice), reasonable price with delicious food and decent portion. Although the location was a little bit inside, many guests came and went while I was there. Only 2 staffs were there preparing and doing everything. Hmm... nice na??? :)
The famous landmark of Osaka's Minami area - Glico running man near Ebisu bridge - Finally I saw it!!! :)
We visited supermarket nearby before taking cab and heading to the other main tourist place in Osaka - Dotonbori canal and street :) Although I went to Osaka three times, this was my first time visiting the Dotonbori street. I was very happy when finally could see the above landmark - Glico running man signage near the Ebisu bridge (been looking at it at other people's photo, but could not see it myself from previous visits).
Dotonbori canal and street - Osaka, Japan
There were various shops and restaurants along the Dotonbori canal, including the huge Don Quijute shop with a rotating ferris wheel overseeing the nearby area . There was tourist boat as well. And if you still not having enough Ichiran Ramen, they had a joint over there :)
Japanese snacks - Takoyaki balls, Okonomiyaki (Japanese pizza), Yakisoba (fried noddles), etc. - Osaka, Japan
If you were hungry, you could buy the takoyaki balls (Japanese wheat-flour based balls filled with octopus and topped with takoyaki sauce, mayonnaise, and dried bonito). It was very famous in Osaka. There were Okonomiyaki (savory pancake or also called Japanese style pizza) and Yakisoba (Japanese stir-fried noodles) too. I did not try it all though as I was saving my stomach for the dinner feast :D
One of shopping heaven area - Shinsaibashi Osaka, Japan
We had free time there until dinner time and just spent it walking around the area from the Ebisu bridge all the way to Shinsaibashi shopping arcade and return. The place was full of people but still manageable. And finally, the most awaiting time - dinner time!!! :D
We wanted to have the Kobe beef at Steak House Juju at the first place, but it was closed for private guest. Therefore, we went to other alternative place and headed to Steakhouse Gekkokamen. The place requested each of us to order beverage to accompany our meal. I had local beer - Coedo Ruri Pils followed by Asahi dry beer, while some tried the warm and cold sake (Japanese liquor).
Japanese Kobe beef, other origin sirloin, and scallop dinner from Steakhouse Gekkokamen - Osaka, Japan
It was my first proper teppanyaki dinner in Japan tasting the delicious sirloin steak from other area in Japan complete with the other side dishes. Some ordered the scallops, abalone, tenderloin and sirloin Kobe beef, which I could have tasted as well. Wow!!! The Kobe beef was tasting differently!!! It really melted in the mouth!!! Yummy!!!! I was very fortunate being able to experience such expensive meal and thank you to you know who you were for the treat!!!
Fyi, the 120g tenderloin Kobe beef cost 16,800 yen (S$210), and 160g sirloin Kobe beef cost 14,600 yen (S$182), while my sirloin beef portion from other area cost 9,900 yen (S$124), and all course set need to add 2,500 yen (S$32) per pax. Now you understand why I felt very fortunate for the meal hehehehe........ :D
The round and bright full moon above the hotel where we stayed - Kyoto, Japan
After dinner we went back to Kyoto by train. That was our last dinner there. Time to pack our luggage as we went back the next day.
Arigato gozaimasu - Thank you very much!!! Feeling grateful for everything!!! :) (Pic source: Google.com)
It was such a wonderful journey and thanks to someone who had planned and arranged it all. I had such a wonderful time with everyone and felt very grateful for everything, and to everyone. Thank you, thank you, and thank you!!! With this, I end my post on Japan trip and let's see what comes next!! ;) Wish you all enjoyed reading it!! Have a good time wherever you are!!! Cya!!! :)
This morning I took a train ride from the Kyoto main train station to Saga Arashiyama (purple line) - the nearest station to reach the famous tourist place - Arashiyama Bamboo Grove. The one-way ticket cost 240 yen (S$3). It was only 6 stops and took about 15 minutes to reach.
Rent bicycle information in Arashimaya - Japan
To reach the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove from the train station, you could just walk down the path or rent the bicycle. The bike rental was located not far from the train station and the information as per the above signage. I had a walk there though :)
Arashiyama Bamboo Grove - Japan
Many fallen bamboo trees scene were seen due to the Typhoon Jebi (Japan strongest' storm in 25 years) that happened back in September 6, 2018 (see the background my the above photo), but it did not deter tourists from visiting the place. You could also choose to take the rickshaw wearing the kimono to experience the ambiance fully at your own additional cost, which did not come cheap.
Nonomiya-jinja Shrine - Arashiyama, Japan
In a while you would pass by the Nonomiya-jinja Shrine (a shrine of marriage). Many women visited this shrine to get the marriage blessing.
Nonomiya-jinja Shrine - Arashiyama, Japan
Marriage talisman was sold in the shrine office. The place was small but worth visiting.
Shops and restaurants full of tourist - Arashiyama, Japan
I walked through the main road where many shops and restaurants were there on the both sides. Just walked all the way straight until I saw the Arashiyama most iconic landmark - Togetsukyo Bridge or the Moon Crossing Bridge.
Togetsukyo Bridge or Moon Crossing Bridge - Arashiyama most iconic landmark - Japan
It was originally built during Heian period (794-1185) and most recently reconstructed in 1930s. In late autumn the view here would be super fantastic!! The greenness that you saw on the above photo would changed into colorful autumn leaves.
% Arabica coffee - Arashiyama, Japan
Not far from there, you could find % Arabica, the artisanal Arabica chain selling some of the best coffee in the city. It was a long queue but I guessed it was worth waiting :D
Display of Yudofu set lunch - Yudofu Sagano - Arashiyama, Japan
We continued walking towards the Japanese yudofu (beancurd) specialty restaurant called Yudofu Sagano in less than 10 minutes walking distance. We came earlier so we waited there until the restaurant opened at 11 am. While waiting we could see the set lunch menu displayed outside the main entrance.
Actual lunch dining set - Yudofu Sagano - Arashiyama, Japan
There were 3 types of main course available for guest to choose for each set lunch: cold tofu, boiled tofu, and cold noodle, while the other side dishes were served equally in each set. Lunch set cost 3,800 yen (S$47.50). The above was what it looked like in actual :)
Yudofu Sagano - Japanese Dofu specialty restaurant - Arashiyama, Japan
We were seated in tatami style with glass window overseeing the beautiful Japanese garden. It was said that the view would be even better during spring time, as there would be cherry blossom trees. The tofu portion was quite a lot. I was very full with all the dishes served, feeling blessed lah!!! :D
Beautiful garden view at Yudofu Sagano - Arashiyama, Japan
The above was the garden view seen from the other angle. Felt so serene and peaceful :)
Tenryu-ji Zen Temple - A United Nations World Heritage Site - Arashiyama, Japan
After lunch, it was time to do some exercise. Tenryu-ji Zen Temple was the next destination. The temple had some scenic area for people to appreciate and it was one of the United Nations world heritage sites. If you would like to know more about its history, click here.
Tenryu-ji's Kuri (temple's kitchen and administrative office) - Arashiyama, Japan
Ticket and other visiting information could be found here. Too bad the main Hatto or Dharma hall was closed by the time I reached as there was event going on inside. Therefore, we were only left with a choice of visiting its beautiful Sogenchi Teien or Sogen pond garden located right next to it.
Beautiful Sogenchi Teien (Sogen Pond Garden) view next to the Tenryu-ji Temple - Arashiyama, Japan
The garden was really beautiful offering a picturesque autumn leaves reflection by the pond. What a lovely view!!! :)
Quote inspiration from the Sogenchi Teien - Arashiyama, Japan
It inspired me to write the above quote :)
Beautiful nature inside the Tenryu-ji Temple - Arashiyama, Japan
People could walk in and around the area. Various mushrooms could be spotted on the wooden steps as well and the bamboo grove was somehow connected to this temple offering a serene ambiance. Overall, I had a very enjoyable time there despite no chance to visit the main temple area.
Mid-Autumn Festival dinner celebration inside our hotel room :)
We went back to Kyoto by train and it was free time afterwards. I spent it walking around the Kyoto train station. We had dinner gathering inside the hotel room, celebrating the Mid-Autumn festival eating the moon cakes that I brought all the way from Singapore. We had some other food and/ or snacks, fruits, accompanied with Kyo-Baishinan Umeshu (sweet Japanese plum wine) and Chinese tea.
Late night supper :P
And late night when I felt hungry, someone helped me buying the Japanese dry instant noodle and my favorite orange jelly from 7-eleven. Thank you to you know who you were!!! Without it, I would not be able to sleep peacefully that night... Hahahahahaha..... :P
So, another day passed by and one more day, one more post. Hope you do not get bored reading all these posts :) Let me call it a day for now and see you again!!! :)
