The Hidden Gem

The flea market at the LG floor... 

I wish I have discovered the "hidden gem" of PJ earlier... having stayed there for 9 years when I was a student and during the early years of my work life.

Call it the hidden gem, for it has what I've always been looking for - good CDs, turntable for my father to play his old records, and other goodies that I did not expect to see in a humble-looking shopping mall.  Here's speaking of Amcorp Mall.

So near, yet so far
Years ago, I used to take the LRT from PJ to KL and thus, passed by Amcorp Mall, which is located next to the Taman Jaya station.  In short, I was a frequent passer by, but strangely never visited it when I was in PJ.

I wish I found it earlier

Penang Asam Laksa at Ka Fei Dian 

I felt as if on cloud nine when I saw this Asam Laksa... a dream that finally came true a little too late, but still better than none.  Being a frequent passenger of public transport, I could have conveniently taken the LRT to Taman Jaya and then walk over to Amcorp Mall to pacify my food crave, but no.... I didn't know earlier.  Anyway, I still enjoy Asam Laksa very much although not the same way as when I used to crave for it
.

Pre-Wedding Photography Preview

Background
I'm pretty shy when it comes to taking and sharing photographs of myself, and therefore only pose for official purposes - 99% of the time.

I'm not...
Please forgive me if I sound narcissist today, but I swear that it actually seldom happen. After all, I've always got to go on extra miles to gather enough confidence to pose for photographs, let alone self-admiration. :P

For the first time
So long after establishing my blog cum diary, this is the first time I'm putting up photographs of my husband and I on the blog after I for so long... so I'm a little excited.

Before I divulge into the photography experience recently, here are just a preview for what's drafted for my pre-wedding album. There are many more to come, both indoor and outdoor photographs.

For a start, let me share a few indoor photographs here. I am no pretty supermodel, but just a humble young lady with an ordinary life (a life that's challenging as well, as I'm physically-tired from shouldering the responsibilities of 2 people at home).

Indoor photography in evening attire...
(photographed in the studio, behind is a huge glass panel cum window facing the main street)

In full white-attire...

And finally, in Chinese costume comprising mandarin-collared attire and "kwa qun"...

Digressing a little
In light of what just occured recently, it's no surprise that I particularly like my cousin's remark that I looked like my mom in this picture. I suspect the reason behind liking the remark so much is because I miss my mom very much.

For the first time ever, folks think that I finally look like my mom, yay... *.* Anyway, if I look like my mom at all, I'm probably only a distorted version of her. My mom's naturally-beautiful, I'm not.

Back to the topic today.....

Pre-Wedding Photography in a Nutshell
My summarised list of facts & commentaries:

1. The Studio: Victoria in SS2, PJ

2. Costume SelectionReasonable. I'm generally satisfied with the range available. For our package, we are allocated 2 white wedding gowns and 1 evening gown for indoor photography, 1 white gown for outdoor, and 1 set of traditional attire (in which we have chosen the "kwa qun" over Japanese and classical French costume).

3. Make-up and Hair
I do not know the name of the resident bridal make-up artist, but she's very professional, puts in a high level of effort in ensuring perfection, and friendly. I'm happy with her work.

4. Photographer
Again, I do not know their names. I only know my SA's name.
Our photographer is a young guy, assisted by another who's also around his age. I had a pleasant experience with both the photographer and his assistant.

5. Album Design
I'm neither a designer nor anyone deep into the art of photography, so I won't be able to comment in details. From what's shown to us during the viewing session, the proposed draft looked fine.

But please do take note that there are many "more premium" designs and types of album available, and the SA will try to persuade clients to take them up.

Ultimately, it boils down to your personal preference. My only advice with this regard is to be decisive of what you really want/need for your album and frames.

6. Outdoor Photoshoot
It was very hot... literally-speaking. It's 3 pm by the time we finished the indoor photography. As I have yet to unravel my outdoor photographs, I'll only divulge the venue then.

Again, with my devil-may-care attitude with regard to wedding-related arrangements such as photography, tradition and ceremony, I'm fine with anywhere as long as the scenary looks good on photos.

7. Pricing
Just like the rest of the studios, extra charges are inherent in all the photography packages offered. My advice is to be prepared with 20% extra because even if no additions are made, for e.g. assuming that you don't add anything extra to your photography package, the extra sum will inevitably crop up.

Last, but not least...

Marriage goes beyond photography per se... it takes a lot more than just a wedding.

Rainbow on a gloomy morning

Rainy mornings often remind me of a rainy morning in summer '05. This beautiful rainbow further sweetened my nostalgia down memory lane.

Here's a zoomed in image of the rainbow...

How Long?

The RapidKL Kelana Jaya Line (PUTRA LRT) has got a few 4-car trains a few months ago. However, they're currently still under test runs. It's real, I've spotted the new trains a few times now. Below is a video by "kelvinkhew" on YouTube:



Personally, I can't wait for the day when Rapid finally launch the 4-car trains into actual service. Firstly, our 2-car trains are already way overloaded like crazy. For a long time, we've been in dire need of trains with larger capacity due to the ever increasing number of passengers. Secondly, like most people, I'm excited to experience new things, including new trains. Given a choice, I'd like to remain in PJ and commute to work at KLS for just 20 mins by LRT daily (than to drive over everyday or to take other train like KTM Komuter because compared to LRT, Komuter service seems inconsistent).

Here's another video, posted by "turbokitube":

Strangely, I get excited when I see the new trains on test runs. At the same time, I wonder how long are we going to wait before we get to ride on them... it's been a few months already.

Housekeeping

I've suddenly got a great desire to change what's around me. I've recently changed the set-up of my desk at home. There's nothing spectacular about the arrangement, and this is what I ought to have done long ago. The only difference now is maybe it looks more feminine now.

The desk looks "student", except that there isn't any academic book on it. The HP Mini netbook (yes, it's a netbook & not a notebook) which comes with my DiGi Broadband subscription is one of my latest major purchases. The PC speaker is "stolen" from my dearest brother who no longer uses it. :p

Green jewellery box from W.X, black one is a gift from a cosmetic company. Purple magazine holder and semi-round jar, all for RM 5 each from Hinode Shop (yes, I am a junkie of cheap household items). Hanging items on the speaker are free gifts during Chinese New Year.

At least whenever I'm in the room now, I feel more at peace with my stuff. Anyway, after the massive desk revamp project, I've also done likewise to my cupboard and bookshelf. The upper deck of my bed remains the same with the few alternate sheets every now and then, but my desire is itching me up whereby I feel like buying a comforter which I saw at The Mall recently. It's quilted, the fabric has a comfortable texture and cute prints.

However, it's a little pricey and I'm still considering; I wonder if I need such a huge piece of comforter that can fit a queen-sized bed to replace my blanket which I feel like replacing, when my bed is only a single bed on the top deck (as opposed to my roommate's on the bottom, which is wider).

Of late, I've developed a type of thing about not being able to stand mess. For good or bad, since it seems like an "obsession"? Even when the washing sink in the bathroom starts to have little stains, I'd scrub and polish them away. Don't know why, a few dots on its white-coloured surface are enough to disgust me when I want to wash my face. Unlike last time when all that did not matter.

I just don't mind doing the cleaning myself although my landlord has a domestic helper who can help; I find great satisfaction in doing the cleaning myself. Good "lah", so I'm a copy of my mom now for liking to do such work. Parents really influence their kids a great deal! If that's the case, should I become a mom one day, I must set a good example to "my kid(s)".

Suddenly, I developed a preference for greater feminity... except for my car which I still prefer to be non-feminine i.e. absolutely no decorative items for car interior.

Driving Woes

Travelling pass a new test-drive unit of Perodua Alza somewhere around PJ...



So near and yet so far. What could've taken just 10 minutes took 30 minutes as a result of this massive congestion. Whether PJ or KL, there isn't any difference.



People (like me) can never stop complaining. With a car, I complain about stressful driving under our indeed stressful driving condition. Without a car, I suffered inconveniences under the hands of our generally insufficient public transport system.

TGIF? Not really

Just a diary entry. It was a tiring week (during the weekdays), so I decided to sleep in more on Friday morning. Waking up at almost 7 am, and work at 8.30. Parking spaces are limited and surely, by the time I arrive, there wouldn't be spaces anymore. The wiser thing to do is to NOT drive for once then.

Transportation Woes
Resorting to shortcuts is sometimes deemed nice. Being driven from one place to another for once in a bluemoon is nice. However, with the generally poor public transportation system in our country (unfortunately....), waiting for a bus or cab can be a pain at times. No wonder our roads get more and more congested - people have no choice but forced to buy cars.

Anyway, I was glad that I still managed to arrive on time.

American Coffee
Moving away from the above, I had my first try of American coffee (some Americano stuff which I didn't really know) when I met my brother for a drink during lunch break. Both of us were too full for a lunch, so we had sandwiches and coffee at Starbucks (my bro likes coffee and Starbucks... a coffee-fan just like my dad).

Frankly, I'm not a great fan of coffees, and therefore not a frequent customer of Starbucks. I thought I wanted something non-ice-blended or topped with creams, so I went for that. What came out was merely black coffee. Now I know.

"How come you didn't tell me that I was merely ordering black coffee?" was my first question to my brother. "Why ask me?", my brother replied. I said "I thought since you're formerly in the food industry, you might...". Being a 'jakun' in coffee-drinking, I should have asked the Starbucks guy.

Taste-wise, Americano was not too bad. But a cup of coffee did not manage to keep me awake throughout the evening. I was still feeling sleepy. So far, coffees have never succeeded to keep me awake, unlike many people who are able to burn the midnight oil with just a cup of coffee. I am the type who can drink coffee at 8.30 pm and go to bed at 9 pm - from real life experience.

The one with the longest hair in my family
None other than my dearest brother, of course. His hair is longer than mine, the style and colour reminds me of Takizawa Hideaki (or Tackey) from J-pop duo Tackey & Tsubasa. Be on the lookout for the guy with that description at Low Yat G-floor.

For better, or worse?
I thought I could sit comfortably in a bus, but no. Who am I to know after all, since I've not really taken the town bus during peak hours before this? I crossed the long street from across KL Sentral in order to go to the cash deposit machine to urgently pay my credit card bill of RM 10 in that particular bank (the nearest branch from my workplace being there). It's just a small sum and I didn't want to get penalised just because of lateness. I thought maybe I'd want to hop on to that #99 bus. Instead of walking a big round back to KL Sentral. Since the bus is already there right in front, why not give it a try? Besides, I could actually go home straight by that bus, since I didn't drive.

The bus was still new and air-conditioned. In the beginning, I felt comfortable. Later as the bus arrived at Midvalley, more passengers got in and from then on, I started to feel sick. No puking of course, but I was in discomfort all the time.

Tempted to
Firstly, I was tempted to get down at "Universiti" station and then continue with LRT. Second thought came and mysteriously, I didn't get down. Until I got to the next place, which was Asia Jaya. I should have got down there, but I didn't. I should have, because later there was a massive traffic congestion ahead.

After passing by Jaya 33, Colgate-Palmolive and all those places nearby, the bus reached Seapark. Again, I was tempted to get down. But if I were to get down, I'll need to walk for a long distance to that Paramount station. I'm okay if I don't carry any valuables with me, but together with the company's laptop, I thought it's not a bright idea to do so. Snatch-theft is the reason why.

After enduring 1 hour of discomfort and such, I was relieved that I've finally arrived.

Reason behind
I can guess why I felt sick and uncomfortable in the bus.
1. Too many people
There were so many folks inside, and the air-conditioning was insufficient to cater to so many 'breathes'. It's more uncomfortable than being in the packed LRT.

2. Naturally so...
People are unique from each other. It is perfectly understood that after a long day out, some people sweat, and bacterial mechanism contributes a lot to causing unpleasantness. I have nothing against anyone regardless of whether they have or don't have sweat-related problems. Reason being when a person has done no intentional wrong, we should not despice a person for his/her physical-related factors, i.e. no reason to hate anyone for things beyond control.

There were also smell of 'minyak angin', probably because there were some passengers who felt as dizzy as me and therefore, applied 'minyak angin' (but I didn't apply). I did not go and frown upon those people involved. I closed my eyes and endured the hard journey.

Back 'home'
Whewww.... The blasting air-conditioner was just a joy. In light of the crowd and discomfort earlier, I immediately went for a thorough shower. The joy of the pleasant shower cream, shampoo, and even my Bio Oil (I'm currently using Bio Oil in attempt to lighten the scar on a certain part of me... which worked a little because the brownish marks are lighter now).

The aftermath
It must be gross that my appetite was affected after that. I didn't go for dinner because I was still feeling a little uncomfortable. I only had a soup at 10.30 pm. I thought, 'habislah', if I really fall ill, then all the appointments over the weekend have to be cancelled (there are 3 appointments). My face felt hot as if feverish. The only drink I had was a can of 100 Plus and a little water.

I was only hungry late at night. By which time, I no longer felt like walking/driving out alone. It just felt creepy to do so. Never mind 'lah', just stay home and call for a delivery.

Adios for the moment!

Korean House, SS2

Despite being a foodie who loves eating, I hardly write anything about food, together with pictures. Thanks to my beloved Casio Exilim, I'm able to have a few pictures here. ;) I'm a camera novice who still has a long way to learn, so the pictures may be imperfect. :)

It's the 2nd time I had Korean food in my whole life. The first time was in Japan a few years ago (weird huh, having Korean food in Japan), had Korean-style barbequed meat. So yesterday, I went to one in SS2 for hot pot with my roommate and housemate.

Since I've not been to Korea, I don't have a clear idea of how Korean food is. As long as the taste is good, I'll be more than happy to eat! By the way, the restaurant is Korean-owned.

1st preview:




The appetizers...



A little of everything in small plates.

Next, comes the main course. It's a small-sized hot pot with seafood and vegetables. The broth tasted nice, a little hot and spicy.



At Korean House, free refills are given for tea. It's kind of cool that we're given complimentary dishes as well, as below:



This egg serving reminds me of chawan mushi served at Japanese restaurants. But this one tastes different of course.

Next, we're also served with a chilled drink. I don't know the name of the drink, but one of its main ingredients is ginger. It tastes gingery and sweet. Very nice, makes the body feel warm upon drinking.



Overall, we had a good time dining at Korean House. The staff were very polite and the service was very good. It was around 11 pm when we're done with dinner, and it was a great delight that we're given a little discount. Will defintely consider returning one day. Meanwhile, I also wonder if there's any chance to go to Hartamas for more Korean food there, and maybe even the country itself?

On the Road

I was driving past SS2 when I was stuck in a traffic congestion in the evening. Cars not moving although the light was green. So happened that it was right in front of a row of bridal houses.

Peeping though the glass panels of one of the houses, I saw a lady dressed up in white bridal gown. Must be selecting gowns, I guess. She turned, flipped, etc, accompanied by a few others who's pointing to a few angles. Wow, I was seeing it so clearly.

Despite not knowing who the 'dressed-in-bridal-gown' is, I felt happy for her. I was thinking, 'congrats, and good luck...'. Of course, I realise that marriage is not simply any business, i.e. it's not say wed means wed.

"Jauh panggang dari api". I have no business thinking how is marriage like at this moment, since it's something far ahead. Don't want... don't want...