Happy Merdeka to fellow Malaysian!

Image via Wikipedia

Happy Merdeka Malaysia!

Today might be just another rest day for others, whilst for some individuals and veterans find this is one hell of a special day for they have fought for Malaysians. Younger generation might not acknowledge the meaning of Independence Day. Freedom they say. So what freedom do they have in mind? Perhaps they demand parents to stop judging and controlling per se.

Do Malaysians take things for granted then? Does your parents and school teacher really explains and describe to you what does Merdeka means? It’s not just reading from your History text book about how Tunku Abdul Rahman who cried out Merdeka 7 times on 31 August 1957 then declared a public holidays for the rest of the years.

All those years in high school, we kept on reminding ourselves the date of our county’s Independence Day. During my school days, the simplest thing that I ever remembered and understand the reason behind Merdeka is a day we are free from foreigner invasion. I am sure adolescents today have the same idea.

Do you remember how to sing the song Setia? Demi Negara yang tercinta…..

It has been years since it last aired on TV, while Michael Jackson’s song broadcast more frequent than our national anthem Negaraku. Don’t you think? I do know some who has totally forgotten our National Anthem’s lyric. MTV music has invaded our national TV.

What ever it is, how faithful or patriotic you are, we have come all the way to 52 years of Merdeka so Happy Merdeka to the Peninsular Malaysian and Happy Holidays to the East Malaysian!

Not for fainted heart reader.

This is not for a fainted heart reader. The content of this post might be gruesome and revolting. So please read at your own risk. I am not responsible for any loss or anything that happens while and after you read! LOL.

So what is this about? Getting curious what I am going to discuss in this post? Before I start, here is a little hint. It’s something sticky gooey, or may be hard, sometimes it gets runny and sometimes it drops like a hard lumpy stone one by one and sometimes it has cracks on its surface, it might be smooth may be other time its mushy.

Got the answer yet? Need another hint? Sure, it might be dark in color, yellowish, and green, red or may be brown?

Have you figure out the answer yet? Ok it’s about poop. May be not, shouldn’t be that vulgar, feces or ordure if it’s alright? I guess I will use the word stool than. “Stool with colors?” Don’t startled yourself. Continue reading…

Stool comes out from your bowel. Right like you don’t know. I am not going to say anything disgusting in here. May be a little information concerning your health and knowledge. Have you ever notice what color is your stool? Does it changes everyday? How about the texture? Stool implicates what and how your body is doing. It’s a sign that tells you what is happening inside your body.

A healthy stool is most commonly brown in color. The color of human stool will vary depending on our diet, defecation frequency, bile production, and state-of-health. Most shades of brown and green feces could be considered normal. Bile is a yellow-green fluid produced in the liver and stored in the gallbladder that helps digest fats. As bile travels through the digestive tract, it is altered by digestive enzymes and the green pigments are changed to brown.

Check out what color is your stool.

Color	Possible Cause
Brown	Generally considered normal. Multiple shades of brown can be seen in the same bowel movement. This is due to enzyme actions on bile.
Green	Generally considered normal. Increased consumption of green leafy vegetables and green plant powders frequently causes green colored feces. Certain food colorings and iron supplements can also cause green colored feces.
Black	Bleeding in the upper gastrointestinal tract can be a cause of black, or tarry, feces. Other possible causes can be ingestion of iron supplements, bismuth subsalicylate (Kaopectate, Pepto-Bismol), or black licorice.
Yellow	A decreased ability to absorb fats in the diet can lead to yellow colored feces. Infections with certain intestinal parasites can lead to this decreased absorption.
Bright Red	Bright red blood in the stool can be caused by bleeding in the lower intestinal tract (colon, rectum, or anus). Most often this bleeding is caused by hemorrhoids and tears in the rectum. Red feces can also be caused by the consumption of red food colorings, beets, cranberries, and tomato products.
White or Clay	This is generally an indication of decreased bile in the feces. This can be caused by some medications, hepatitis, or bile duct obstructions.

So if you do find that your color is a bit different, it’s best that you seek for medical advice. Just incase you are doing detoxifying or colon cleansing, colors and texture of stools might vary from day to day. Medication and food intake can cause of color changes too.

Some might say, I might be too heaty as the Chinese would say so I got this weird color of stool and this badly foul smell. Bear in mind, if it is only for a day or two is normal but if the symptom persists its way to freaky.

How do I come up with this? Well I have been changing my diet plan by adding freshly squeeze juice drinking before my meals. It has got my attention that my stuff have been changing texture and colors. I am not going to describe it here. Stay healthy!

It's about movie

I have been watching movies at home. The increasing numbers of people diagnosed with H1N1 has discouraged me from visiting the cinemas. Hence I can only relish the movies in my bedroom, utilizing the small old 32 inch screen with not much of a surround sound TV. So here I am going to give you ideas and comments of the movie that I have watched lately.

I have watched B13, not a fan to this movie. It’s in French, slept half way through the movie.

Tsotsi an African film won the Grammy award for the International movie. The movie didn’t give me a good impression either I almost slept through the movie too. I guess I am getting old for movies.

Unborn is a horror movie involving a dead twin’s ghost who wants to be born. It’s not my cup of tea. I find the movie very endured and dull. No scary and startled scene. It is kinda like the old vintage ghost movies. Boring!

Awake, an old movie by Jessica Alba. Do you know then when one person is under anesthetic on an operation table, there is a chance where you might not be completely put to sleep? Your body is totally dead but your mind is still awake. You can hear all the procedure and operation while lying on the cold metal table. So this patient is undergoing his operation, with his mind still awake. This is where the secrets reveal.

Friday the 13, Jason comes to live to kill. A movie to kill your time, the synopsis of the movie is simply predictable. If you have watch House of Wax, Urban legend, you can block out this movie. Well may be a few naked blond scenes you might want to take a peep.

My movie of the month will be 7 Pounds. It is tremendously reckon as this is the best movie of all and it was not out shown in the cinema. I do think every individual should watch this. Will Smith, the main actor who wants to make redemption himself to help 7 strangers who need help. I am not going to mention the reasons behind all this. It is an awesome movie; Will Smith himself is so great in the movie. I am so into him right now. An emotional touching movie you wouldn’t want to miss.

Ten principles for Peace of Mind

1. Do Not Interfere In
 Others' Business Unless Asked. 
 
 Most of us create our own problems by interfering too often
 in others' affairs. We do so because somehow we have
 convinced ourselves that our way is the best way, our logic
 is the perfect logic and those who do not conform to our
 thinking must be criticized and steered to the right
 direction, our direction. This thinking denies the
 existence of individuality and consequently the existence of
 God.. God has created each one of us in a unique way. No two
 human beings can think or act in exactly the same way. All
 men or women act the way they do because God within them
 prompts them that way. Mind your own business and you will
 keep your peace. 
 
 2.. Forgive
 And Forget: 
 
 This is the most powerful aid to peace of mind. We often
 develop ill feelings inside our heart for the person who
 insults us or harms us. We nurture grievances. This in turn
 results in loss of sleep, development of stomach ulcers, and
 high blood pressure. This insult or injury was done once,
 but nourishing of grievance goes on forever by constantly
 remembering it. Get over this bad habit. Life is too short
 to waste in such trifles. Forgive, & Forget, and march
 on. Love flourishes in giving and forgiving. 
 
 3. Do Not Crave For Recognition: 
 
 This world is full of selfish people. They seldom praise
 anybody without selfish motives. They may praise you today
 because you are in power, but no sooner than you are
 powerless, they will forget your achievement and will start
 finding faults in you. Why do you wish to kill yourse lf in
 striving for their recognition? Their
 recognition is not worth the aggravation. Do your duties
 ethically and sincerely. 
 
 4. Do Not Be Jealous: 
 
 We all have experienced how jealousy can disturb our peace
 of mind. You know that you work harder than your colleagues
 in the office, but sometimes they get promotions; you do
 not. You started a business several years ago, but you are
 not as successful as your neighbor whose business is only
 one year old. There are several examples like these in
 everyday life. Should you be jealous? No. Remember
 everybody's life is shaped by his/her destiny, which has
 now become his/her reality. If you are destined to be rich,
 nothing in the world can stop you. If you are not so
 destined, no one can help you either. Nothing will be gained
 by blaming others for your misfortune. Jealousy will not get
 you anywhere; it will only take away your peace of mind. 
 
 5. Change
 Yourself According To The Environment: 
 
 If you try to change the environment single-handedly, the
 chances are you will fail. Instead, change yourself to suit
 your environment. As you do this, even the environment,
 which has been unfriendly to you, will mysteriously change
 and seem congenial and harmonious. 
 
 6.
 Endure What Cannot Be Cured: 
 
 
 This is the best way to turn a disadvantage into an
 advantage. Every day we face numerous inconveniences,
 ailments, irritations, and accidents that are beyond our
 control. If we cannot control them or change them, we must
 learn to put up with these things. We must learn to endure
 them cheerfully. Believe in yourself and you will gain in
 terms of patience, inner strength and will power. 
 
 7. Do Not Bite Off More Than You Can Chew: 
 
 This maxim needs to be remembered constantly. We often tend
 to take more responsibilities than we are capable of
 carrying out. This is done to satisfy our ego. Know your
 limitations. . Why take on additional loads that may create
 more worries? You cannot gain peace of mind by expanding
 your external activities. Reduce your material engagements
 and spend time in prayer, introspection and meditation. This
 will reduce those thoughts in your mind that make you
 restless. Uncluttered mind will produce greater peace of
 mind. 
 
 8. Meditate Regularly: 
 
 Meditation calms the mind and gets rid of disturbing
 thoughts. This is the highest state of peace of mind. Try
 and experience it yourself. If you meditate earnestly for
 half an hour everyday, your mind will tend to become
 peaceful during the remaining twenty-three and half-hours.
 Your mind will not be easily disturbed as it was before. You
 would benefit by gradually increasing the period of daily
 meditation. You may think that this will interfere with your
 daily work. On the contrary, this will increase your
 efficiency and you will be able to produce better results in
 less time. 
 
 9. Never
 Leave The Mind Vacant: 
 
 An empty mind is the devil's workshop. All evil actions
 start in the vacant mind. Keep your mind occupied in
 something positive, something worthwhile. Actively follow a
 hobby. Do something that holds your interest. You must
 decide what you value more: money or peace of mind. Your
 hobby, like social work or religious work, may not always
 earn you more money, but you will have a sense of
 fulfillment and achievement. Even when you are resting
 physically, occupy yourself in healthy reading or mental
 chanting of God's name. 
 
 10. Do Not Procrastinate And Never Regret: 
 
 Do not waste time in protracted wondering " Should I
 or shouldn't I?" Days, weeks, months, and years may
 be wasted in that futile mental debating. You can never plan
 enough because you can never anticipate all future
 happenings. Value your time and do the things that need to
 be done. It does
 not matter if you fail the first time. You can learn from
 your mistakes and succeed the next time. Sitting back and
 worrying will lead to nothing. Learn from your mistakes, but
 do not brood over the past. DO NOT REGRET. Whatever happened
 was destined to happen only that way. Why cry over spilt
 milk?

My boss...TOBY

Toby’s neck dermatitis is getting better after counter check up. My pocket is drying up as well. His dermatitis starts to heal only when he wears the E- collar. Whenever I take off the collar, you will see him doing his yoga; he will start his yoga licking and started to scratch excoriation like no one’s business. What I don’t like about this E- collar is, when Toby wears it he will hide him self at the corner of the house. Not moving at all. I know he hates the collar. He will become active once the collar is off his neck..

Few weeks ago, after he had his dermatitis problem, he started to play and sleep with my dogs. The eldritch attitude of his got me concern. He usually drinks at his bowl now he is drinking from the dog’s water container. He groom him self too much and has causes hair loss and rashes. It’s a good thing to see that he plays and sleep with the dog but I feel uneasy seeing all this. This is SO not him.

I asked my vets. To my amaze, I was told Toby is depressed and might have psychology stress. I am not sure what he has in mind but his attitude got my nerve. Does he think I am a bad mom?

He thinks he is a dog? Or am I neglecting him? The funny part is does he need a cat talking psychiatrist?

All this while, Toby is the boss at home. He owns me! He is my master I am the servant. I have to keep his litter clean, feed him. I have to ask him if I am allowed to groom him. I have to be qui vive if he is in the good mood for any activity. I have to meticulous what I have prepared for his meal. He only eats cheese cake, strawberry yoghurt, Tai Thong moon cake and McD’s nuggets for dessert. He only eats lavish exquisite food, he is fastidious and persnickety. What ever it is, I am a loyal servant. I will serve him till the end either his or my life. I do think I need a psychiatrist too. LOL…

Please advice if there is real a cat shrinks out there. I love my master. He needs to be happy!

In love with Canon EOS500D

Image by Christian Ulf Petzold via Flickr

I am so in love with Canon EOS 500D lately. I am deeply and madly in love. Well, it is pricey. *Sigh Praying hard that it will fall on to my hands one day. *Yohoooo* with echo... I hope you will hear my prayers hahaha... I am not sure how I got infected and affected with SLR cameras mania but it really caught my attention. The features the function, it's just simply awesome.

Well at the mean time I would just love to get hold on a second hand used SLR camera for me to practise as a beginner. Mind me if you guys out there have one to offer me a good deal.

Errr, yes I am still busy editing and learning to edit pictures.

Busy a bit la lately

I have been busy exploring some photos editing tools. I am sooo into it at the moment. SO might be a bit later to write a new post.

Today's supper special

I was considering to skip supper today coz I notice some of my favorite pants are kinda tight lately. *sigh* I admit I have gain lots of weight. My waist line is 2 inches bigger.
So super tua pui liao! Got to loose weight for my coming trip coz I have to wear swimming suit for my beach vacation. Please support me by not feeding me. LOL! I am just pulling the leg of. Yes a bad habit! I got to supper cold turkey!

So what’s for supper today?

Kung Pou Rice Paddy Eel (黄鳝) and Baked Escargot

How do I prepare my Escargot?

1. Empty the shell.

2. Marinate the snails’ meat with chopped parsley, garlic and shallots.

3. Warm the cooking pan. Fry the marinated meat with evaporated creamer. Fry till it’s thick and creamy.

4. Fill in the meat back to its shell with the thick creamy gravy. Add mayo and cheese.

5. Then baked in the microwave for 10 minutes.

As for Kung Pao eel, it’s as same as how you prepare Kung Pau Chicken .

The Eel

Ingredients for Kung Pao eel

Tada! Consumption for 4 person. Ask me if you need more details on the ingredients. I might have guided too swiftly. Condiments are not really measured. Everything is by instinct.

Tips on how to avoid spotting ghost in hotel rooms.

12 ways to avoid haunted hotel rooms:

1. Knock on door or press door bell before entering, meaning to ask for permission to stay there.
2. When entering hotel room for 1st time, enter sideways so as to allow the 'dirty thing' to leave the room.
3. Leave a pair of slippers (each facing opposite directions) at door entrance. 'Dirty thing' coming in will follow the slipper and go out.
4. Place a glass of water and a pinch of salt at head of bed.
5. Flush toilet bowl before using.
6. Do not close the bible if it has been left open.
7. Avoid wearing black & red clothings. Wear yellow clothings.
8. Before sleeping, close toilet door & also switch off toilet lights.
9. Don't sleep facing big mirror.
10. Before sleeping, do not leave slippers together but each facing opposite direction to each other or in a messy way.
11. DONT FORGET YOUR GARLIC PILLS

12. I think the best way is to leave the room if you find its haunted !

What i heard today.

I am lucky that there are times Kent will read and tell me interesting articles.
Today he read me an interesting article that made me so poignant to share with you out there. Cut and scanned from a newspaper. I do think every parents should take this into consideration. A littel thought of sharing ....

And the winner is .....

I checked my email frequently. Its already end of the month. I have yet to receive any email or call. Heart beats faster than ever. When are they going to call? It’s already time! My phone is still in good shape so shouldn’t be a problem. for it to receive calls. Or may be Digi is upgrading their services?

While checking my email, out of no where Air Asia sends me an email stated Congratulation Quest For Gold Winners!

Hastily, I clicked on that particular email. I read

“Dear Catherine Khor,” and those are the only three words I saw. Heart beats faster. I can’t wait to see all the content. Suddenly, my cursor was no where to be found, my lap top hanged and my line got disconnected.

Super KNN ! I exclaimed. Why does this always have to happen when I am in a rush?

Then my page starts to load again in a very very extremely slow motion. I jumped up and down. Why is it so slow? I was impatient.

Finally I saw the word. “See if you are the 10 lucky winners and the result for the Air Asia quest for gold has the out come.

“The winners for the competition are ……..

KNN ! Where is my name ???? I looked at all the name one by one if it has misspelled or something. Where the heck is my name? *Sigh it was a sad and grim moment. I was speechless. I lost the fun now! All the effort and the cuckoo while clicking the token for months, every 3 hours a day has brought me nothing. Not even consolation prize how about a Koala’s pen or a kilo of kangaroo meat?

*Sigh … where’s me lady luck? Gone to pang sai liao ah ? What ever lah hai...

Congratulations to the lucky winners!!! Lucky Bastards!

What's for Supper?

It’s my day off. I can do what ever I want!

Had dinner in Ichiban Boshi which i regularly patrons and wander around in Pavilion - did a bit shopping then head back home with some Take Away.
Share a bit what I ate for supper while writing this.

Carl's Jr

Chili Fries
I crave and miss for Johnny Rocket's

Mini Cream puff

No I did not finish it all. :) Not for 1 people consumption!