Having d Pool All 2 Myself

Yesterday morning, I decided to head out for a swim at my dad's club at Bukit Kemuning. To my suprised, it was empty despite that school holiday has started & it's a public holiday too. The swimming pool has been closed for renovation for at least 1.5 years and it was re-opened several months ago. Usually, when I go for an evening swim after my work. It was packed by the same families that I often see them each time I go. It has turned into a very quite an attraction for many after the face-lift renovation.
Yesterday, I felt so great having the whole pool to myself with only 3 pairs of dragonflies as my companion; catching each other by the water surface. Occassionally, landed on the pool side for a rest. Once a while, a group of birds flying in the sky and at times, fly down to have some drink of the pool water. Just simply serene...

I had set my alarm this morning to go for a swim once again. But, it was raining and I had to cancelled it and return to sleep. Then, I decided to drive out by 4pm to have my swim before the rain come because I already hearing some thundering in a distance... Once again, the pool is empty and I spend some time snapping pictures. Today, it was so windy that you hear it singing and the water is warm and I managed to swim for 30 minutes before it started drizzling and it got heavier and I had to come out of the pool to take my shower. Didn't even get to use the jaquzzi because yesterday, it was not functioning due to some wiring-issue.

My Cactus is Living

This cactus finally shows me that it's continue LIVING!! Hooorrraaayyyy!!!!

About a week after I got it as a gift, one evening I noticed the current brownish part become soften & lifeless. I was devastated when overnight a full green cactus turned red-brownish top-part half of it's size.

And I googled up about it, wondering what does reddish-brownish colour cactus means. Some research and reading tells me cactus do not need daily watering and needs alot of sunlight. So, I make sure it has plenty of sunlight for the whole week but condition still remain for several weeks. Thank God the bottom portion remains green and firm.

On 22nd October, I decided to re-pot this cactus as it breaks my heart to see its condition and I'm delighted that I'm finally seeing it alive again! Today, I see mini-growth whereby, it's as though "babies-cactus" growing out from the brownish portion. Two are sprouting at the top and two more sprouting in the middle; where the brownish portion ends.

Eyebrow Liner

My first eyebrow liner!! Ta-da... paid RM38

Since, I'm at Mid-Valley Mall today for my company's annual dinner preparation at Garden's, I detour to get my eyebrow liner from Empro. Got to know about this product since last year when I was flipping the magazine but never actually attempted to get it until today. Besides, only found out Empro's outlet at Mid-Valley 2 months ago when I was shopping with my parents & niece. Not convenient to get eyebrow-liner when my parents are around... *grinz*

The lady recommended me "golden brown" and asked me to pay RM10 to re-shape & trim my eyebrow. Well, no harm learning again how to draw with a rather unique eyebrow-liner; it boast of it's triangular-shape-pencil. The way I see the lady demostrate to me was so easy to draw...

I accidentally rubbed my eyebrow on my way back home and so I looked in my car mirror while I was waiting at the traffic-light and I noticed that, the lady had shaved bald my right-eyebrow edge!! It looks squarish if I don't use the eyebrow-liner *OMG*sobs*

Once I got home, I practised to draw back my right-eyebrow while refering to my left-eyebrow. I hope I will do it right for the next few days since now I can't leave the house without using the eyebrow-liner till my eyebrow hair grows back at the edge...

Cold Hill & Wet Fall

*THIS POST WAS ACCIDENTALLY DELETED BY AN UNKNOWN KEYBOARD FUNCTION*
**ALL MEMORIES JUST REMAIN FROM PHOTOS BUT NOT ABLE TO RECALL THE STORY THAT I USUALLY BLOG AFTER MY TRIP**
It's my 2nd trip to Bunge@ Frasers Hill. This trip, Fazly drove up with his new Persona with Khairul & Nisa in the same car. Pai, Shiela & two adorable kids; Sarah & Lisa convoy along. Faritz & Idah joined us much later in the evening. I played the Organizer & tour-guide role with much enthusiasm but the impressiveness of the bungalow wasn't as much as my first trip here with my other group of friends. Thus, there wasn't much amazing thing to look forward to except the highlight of me organizing the BBQ activity by the Jeriau Waterfall. The odd & even hours up & down road usage is being practise again so this became a bit worrying as time management is important.

After checking into the bungalow & leaving our belongings, we head out for lunch at the one and only stalls near the playground. After our lunch, as we have ample time before our tea-time is serve at Bunge, we went around the town, the stable and the Jeriau Waterfalls. We stopped by the Olde Smokehouse too but we were not welcomed by the Front Manager which mentioned to us that if we are not patrons to the place, we are not allow to sight-see the place.

THE STABLE JUST COMPLETE RENOVATION A FEW DAYS BEFORE OUR ARRIVAL, IT'S CLEAN AND NOT SMELLY. FAZLY GOT HIS HORSE RIDE WITHOUT EVEN BEING PULL BY THE STABLE-ASSISTANT. VERY RARE OPPORTUNITY!

THEY EVEN HAVE LEMON TREE IN THE MIDDLE OF THE HORSE TRACK BUT THEY DON'T ALLOW US TO PLUCK THE AVAILABLE LEMONS. :(

OUR TRIAL TRIP TO THE WATERFALLS TO CHECK-OUT IF WE CARRY OUR BBQ EQUIPMENT+FOOD LOADS WILL STILL KEEP OUR SPIRIT TO COME BACK FOR THE BBQ AGENDA THE NEXT DAY. I'M CHECKING WITH FAZLY IF HE IS HAPPY WITH THE BBQ SPOT AS IT'S RIGHT UNDER THIS FLIGHT OF STAIRS; STILL A STEEP WAY DOWN, RIGHT BY THE WATERFALL SIDE. CONFIRMED ACCEPTANCE BY ALL TOO! :D

After our evening tea; which was quite a letdown & disapointment as the scones were kind of "blerk" that Khairul & the rest of the guys suggested to feed them to the monkeys that visit the garden around the compound but very cautionly ensuring the landlord is not looking or around. The jig-saw puzzle making started...

A few minutes later; at 6.09pm. The frame is done...

10 minutes later... 6.21pm. Any progress?

After dinner @ 9.26pm, continue with jig-saw puzzle.

After my unpleasant shower as I showered half of the time in darkness, I continue to help them too @ 9.39pm.

When I checked back the photos, I noticed, nil pictures taken for the steamboat dinner. It's definitely too good for Faritz till he forgotten all about the camera. Hehehe!!

LIGHTS OFF!!
LIGHTS ON **SURPRISE!!**
HAPPY BIRTHDAY SHIELA!

A FAMILY PORTRAIT

A note to Sarah: I will never forget the sweetest & warmest remark given to me by you for many years to come, "Aunty Faith, you're so beautiful." It melts my heart upon hearing it while I was preparing the surprise birthday cake and you helped me with the candles.

This trip, no sunrise to see because it was too cloudy & misty @ 6am. So, I went back to bed. By 8.15am, the sun is already bright and we were all back fixing the jig-saw puzzle while waiting for breakfast to be ready.

**LISA & SARAH**

Two sisters; so lovingly sweet even in the early morning.

**AMERICAN BREAKFAST**

JERIAU WATERFALL; HERE WE COME!

*GENERAL MEETING*

 =HOW SHOULD WE START THE FIRE??

=ANYONE TAKING THE MINUTES?

FAZLY, KHAIRUL & PAI SETTING UP MY NEW BBQ SET & WE BOUGHT THE SMOKELESS-ENVIRONMENTAL-FRIENDLY CHARCOAL WHICH AMAZINGLY WORTH IT DESPITE WE PAY A LITTLE MORE FOR IT BUT IT'S HIGHLY RECOMMENDED. WE CAN DO OUR PART IN SAVING THE ENVIRONMENT AS LITTLE AS THIS. THE STARTER WAS A BLAST!! AS IT HAS A MINI EXPLOXION TO OUR SURPRISE AS IT'S ALSO FAZLY'S FIRST TIME USING THE "NON-AYAM" BRAND STARTER. *CHUCKLED*

Dato on standby just in case an extra hand needed or was he planning for a zoom-in picture with his camera??

   

The heat is ready to cook. 

Hot dogs first to BBQ because it's the easiest among all. 

Left our footprints here from 7th to 9th November 2009...

BBQ Chicky-Wings on Oven

Next weekend, I'm incharge to prepare BBQ chicky-wings for the trip to Jeriau Falls; Fraser Hill. It's my first time to feed 8 adults and I had to admit, I'm not very sure it will turns out good. Since, Mom & Dad are away to Singapore, it's an opportunity to play-around in the kitchen without anyone breathing down my neck every 5 minutes. Hehehehe...

This morning, the trip to the wet-market wasn't too pleasant as it was drizzling and after purchasing the chicky-wings & breakfast, headed home to have breakfast. After that, out again to Tesco to get some dry-items for Fraser's trip and also to get the sauces to marinate the chicky-wings. Saw the squid on sale too and decided to try that out for dinner tonight.

Two marination prepared for the chicky-wings. One is with LKK-char siu sauce. Another is with soya-sauce, salt & paprika powder. As for the squid, simply just soya-sauce & salt.

1st marination with LKK-Char Siu Sauce

2nd marination with soya sauce, salt & paprika Squid marinated with soya sauce & paprika powder

Well.... pictures tell you the outcome!!

Ta-Da!!

Sucky Salsa

Today is the last day of my Module 2 salsa class...
And I feel really SUCKY about myself & my performance...
First, I did not enjoy learning it as much as I did when I was in Klang...
Second, I can't remember the footnotes well and the terms for different styles...
Third, the time is always so short & the class is rather crowded at times & I feel dizzy with lots of spinning from...
Fourth, I don't feel the sense of belonging... & it's just kinda a little stressing...


SO, I'm wondering...
should I continue with Module 3 that is starting two weeks from now?
Or u-turn back and re-join the Module 1 that had already started and have the class at 2pm-3pm?


SIGH...
I dunno if I'm going to improve for my dancing skills...
Or I'm just born not meant to have the dancing-talent in my blood-stream...
Music is my passion...
Anything with "notes" are easy...
But, what about "footnotes"??
Aaahhhh...
Is there a book that I can buy on the footnote?

Watching "UP" Online

I downloaded "UP" about a week ago and when I wanted to watch it last Friday night, turns out the version I downloaded is in Spanish language. So, I had no other choice but to delete the file and decided to look for an English version but failed. Thus, I start searching online to watch. Despite that I dislike sitting in front of the laptop to watch a movie but that's how I spend my Sunday afternoon...

Synopsis
A young Carl Fredrickson meets a young adventure spirited girl named Ellie. They both dream of going to a Lost Land in South America. 70 years later, Ellie has died. Carl remembers the promise he made to her. Then, when he inadvertently hits a construction worker, he is forced to go to a retirement home. But before they can take him, he and his house fly away. However he has a stowaway aboard. An 8 year old boy named Russell, whose trying to get an assisting the elderly badge. Together, they embark in an adventure, where they encounter talking dogs, an evil villain and a rare bird named Kevin.

CHARACTER : YOUNG CARL

CHARACTER: SENIOR CARL

CHARACTER: RUSSELL

VIDEO-SNAPSHOTS WATCH ONLINE : CLICK HERE

Salsa - Module 2

I couldn't believe it when I smsed Jason this morning and he said I should attend his Module 2 class at 4pm!!! A few days ago, I smsed him to check if the Klang dance school will continue the Thursday evening class as for the last 3 weeks, I end up being the only student of his (except for 2nd-class that Kavita joined) and because of my faithfullness (as claimed), so he told the dance school owner that he won't proceed with the Klang class unless there are 5 committed students other than me.

So, I got my refund from the Klang dance school and thus the 3 private classes (I had to declare it this way) are FOC!! How COOL that is?! Totally, didn't expect that coming...

Jason asked me to get my dance partner along since he wanted to continue his salsa lesson and since I wasn't very sure where would I fit-in in Module 2 or rather, this questions kept popping out from my brain since I got his sms, "Module 2?? Am I ready? Have I learned what I'm supposed to in other Module 1 classes?" Ooohhh... I was really lost... confused...

Since, I'm all geared-up for the class at SS18, Subang... I have to brave myself to attend the class. I was a little lost when I get into the dance center where a young girl smiled to me and asked me how she can help me. I was advised by Jason to seek the Manager's advice on the fees that I should pay but she/he is not around and won't be turning up anytime at all. Confused again, but I told the girl that I'll pay later after the 4pm class; after I speak to Jason.

We started with the man's footnote which I was a bit lost (as usual)... I just don't understand why Jason thinks I can just get into Module 2 after 3 classes with him only. I really having alot of doubts and worrying for my performance. To our surprise, FH knew one of the student and after our class started, walked in another familiar face. Hehehe... such a small little world... I had to say... the turning & spinning makes me dizzy today but, it was an enjoyable class which now becomes Jason's motto for me to salsa and I personally has to agree! "E-N-J-O-Y"

Jason complimented on my new salsa shoes and I told him it was not what I had in mind though... I'm not sure if he is always giving compliment as part of his positive-thinking or he meant it as it is. Hehehe... Anyway, I hope I don't struggle to catch-up on this Module 2 and I have to practise alot since he gave me a CD which I think if I want to improve, I got to work-hard *chuckled* Till my next scribbles on salsa... hope to take some pictures too in my classes...

Salsa Shoe

I picked up my first customed-made salsa shoe from San Lee, Cheras today. First look at it was a heart-dropped of dissapointment. I thought when I see the shoe, I would go, "wow" like the way I see the other dancers' shoes on the dance floor several occasions. But, my own shoe doesn't even "impressed or call out to me" the way I look at others. Sigh... I hope I don't grow to dislike it...

The cream colour came out to be brighter against the black... and I thought the black colour should be a material of suede and not velvet. But, I wasn't in much position to "comment" or "complaint" since this is my first time in my life to customised a pair of shoe! For RM110, I can't really whin about it either... Overall the shoes on display at the shop, I think San Lee's design are rather old fashion but I think if you read about them, they have indeed been around many years... so, I thought, I'll probably check out another shop if I plan to get another pair in the future.

With its heel that is 2.5 inch in height... I'm surprised that so far, it's been comfortable to dance with, which should be important criteria for me as a beginner0-dancer. Even the aunty that measures my feet said I had such a thin feet. Hehehe... *embarrassed*, I always called it "duckie-flat feet" and that's why I always have problem choosing the right shoes or wanting to wear pretty shoes that eventually, I don't get to own them due to my thin feet.

Preservation Hall Jazz Band

Attended my first jazz band performance at Dewan Philharmonic with Scott. I took a trip down to KLCC via the LRT and it was very crowded when I got to the Mall surprisingly, with the H1N1 outburst and yet people are wearing mask and still spending alot of time in the crowd. Was a little confused with the location to pick up the tickets as I thought we were in the Conventional Center instead of the Philharmonic Hall. What a blur case I was at... *knock knock head*

Had dinner at Chinoz and enjoyed our fountain view a fair bit since the performance only starts at 8.30pm. They had stopped serving/making my favorite main course; pasta serve with duck-meat & olive oil. So, had to rethink of what is tempting with a reasonable price too...

We had a great evening as the performance was very entertaining, lively & jazzy. Since there is no camera allowed in the Hall, I had an opportunity to take pictures of them & even a short video when they continue to parade out from the hall to the already-arranged tables for their autographing section.

A Short Video of Preservation Hall Jazz Band outside the Hall : Video One
A Short Video of Scott in Action : Video Two (only for the intended viewer)

Salsa - Module 1

Attended my first salsa lesson tonight. I was rushing back home to grab a quick dinner before I head out to the dance studio at Jalan Kasuarina. Phew... was I exhausted with the driving and also the rushing. But, I was the earliest to arrive and had an ice-breaker section with Jason; the instructor and Fai; his assistant. After 20minutes chit-chatting and getting to know a little about the instructor and his background in the salsa industry. Turns out, his instructor was Sam from Havana EStudio.

Started the first lesson after 9+pm knowing that I was not in a hurrying and none of the other 8 students are turning-up (which out of them, 3 have fever), Jason & Fai taught me as 1 and only student. I had to say, its a privilege and it's like a private-class and I get lots of attention!! Hehehe...

With no dancing background & experience, I think it's only right to tell out front about this when I'm seriously going to take up salsa. Jason teaches "on-1" lessons.

First, I learned this... occasionally, I skipped a step or I didn't leave up my foot to make a step... Hhhmm... honestly, I don't think it's as easy as it seems... coming from me that is quite a tomboy... this sexy-dance may not be that easy to pick up especially, I had to have a good posture with my hands and the way I leave them up at my waist and not down on my side. Also, since the steps are done slowly, I even had the intention to jerk up my shoulder every single steps I take... Thinking back on the replay Jason showed me on how I did my steps, I had to laughed and make sure I remember not to do that.


Second, I learned to step right with my right foot and left foot to the right. Then, left with my left foot and right foot to the left. This is very simple but still I tend to missed a step.

Third, I learned to make a turn after the 5th step. I had Fai to be my partner to also learn how to be lead to turn with an arm raised and how a partner can raise his arm and still do not require to turn. Jason requested Fai to trick me a few times to make sure I'm alert and I never failed to be tricked. Hahaha!! During the turn, it is also important to make sure that I don't show my armpit but keep my elbow at the shape of an L-shape from my shoulder when I turn. This is to ensure I don't hit my partner with my elbow when I turn and also to make a graceful turn. And I'm not supposed to leave my left foot up-high into a L-shape when I turn either.

Before Jason let me leave, he make sure I learned how to listen to the music and know the timing on-1. So, I was given a short quiz to test me if I know how to count along with the music.

I left the dance studio by 10.30pm without even had to pay my RM200 fee yet; which is an advantage despite that this is not normal but I guessed, some people do it for passion and not for the business. I'm just glad I stumbled over this place in the website and I had to say, I had a GREAT first-day lesson with an instructor that I'm comfortable with too. But, I had to do some "homework" as well... I can feel a little sore... time to Zzzz...

Salsa Workshop @ Havana Estudio

I enjoyed myself very much at the Wednesday Salsa Social Nite at A li yaa where dance-partner first introduced me to the salsa environment. So today, dance partner brought me to attend a salsa workshop at his dance class; Havana Estudio.

To be frank, I was very nervous and paranoid as I'm not sure what am I to expect in this kind of workshop and social-gatherings. Sam; the instructor doesn't seems to realize the existence of me; that has no dancing experience whatsoever before. But, what can you expect when you just pay RM10 that comes with pizza & soft-drinks. The price came with learning a few basic steps for salsa and merengue.

Drew a circle in the picture to identify myself in the dance floor. This kick-start the salsa workshop whereby the basic steps are taught. The instructor in black & her dance-partner in white-top & yellow-skirt; Jen.

My head is always turning towards the instructor as I'm still figuring out the steps & making sure I did it correctly and I think I still couldn't differentiate the music tempo if my dance-partner don't count and lead me *chuckled*.

Merengue; a much slower & easier dance step compare to salsa. Personally, I prefer this one more due to the less complication and less spinning-speed. But, dance-partner felt this very boring as it's just plain-marching-alike kind of dance. He probably will doze-off while standing (or rather dancing)!!

After the brief introduction to the basic steps of salsa & merengue; the social night started with dimmer lights and bigger crowd. I can feel the heat coming with the packed-like-sardine dance room and this is the time where you start seeing lots of good dancers enjoying themselves. Meanwhile, we had a few rounds of salsa and trying to get myself into it from what I had learned. In this picture, dance-partner trying to learn the new technique he saw in UTube and somehow, one part got us tangled & we were figuring out how to untangled correctly with grace!

*Phew* I felt sweaty and that my bra is slipping lower underneath my dress. So, I had to excuse myself to the toilet to get that adjusted but I think after that, I was a little worry that it doesn't work that much as it continues to slip with the spinning-steps I constantly do *shy*. On & off, I had to keep pulling it up in public which I feel kind of embarrassed. I had to make sure the next time I attend another social night for salsa, I have to wear well-supported bra-stripped & a dress that don't show my bare-shoulder.

Other than having an impatience dance-partner who shows me black-face when I can't get one of the harder steps learned, I enjoyed myself for the night. Despite that I got kicked several times by the men behind me - that hurts at my heel & the skin-above my heel! Just hope I don't get the blues & bruises tomorrow.