Last Episode of June

"sweetie r u teachin tmr bp lm?"

"yup.. with someone tt with me. coming?"

xxx

Yes because I missed classed on Friday night so need to double up the next day. On Friday evening, I left the office slightly late, and considering a few facts, I didn't go to gym:

1) That particular class, I was told, has been really packed. Gym buddies not there, so it's difficult to "slot" myself into class if late;
2) It's theme class;
3) Brought a top that says "Body Combat" so didn't want to wear that to do other workout;
4) My girl friend wanted to get a ride home and she was waiting at 1U while I gym - so might as well hang out with her and go home early instead of having her waiting.

So I went for a drink and snack with my gf and went around for a little shopping. Gf wanted to get her usual shampoo supply from Himalaya... I later got a present from her as well from the shop. Thank you... the set consist of a shampoo, hair cream, oil and a walnut face scrub.

xxx

Had a good 10 hour sleep woke up still sleepy this morning. Went to gym as planned. Walked pass Starbucks on my way to gym and yes, hobbes the Starbucks poster boy was there.

Later outside the class, I was greeting by this familiar face when I asked hobbes who's tt-ing with him. A very friendly face which I was trying so hard to recall where I've seen... and then ohh I remembered... I saw him a lot at SPK previously; there was this one time when he must have gotten so upset (I don't know why, don't ask me) that he threw a couple of weights right behind me which really gave me a shock. My impression towards him - VERY rude. Supposed this the same guy?

The problem with me, I would always switch into my day dream and dull mode when I don't do classes with my regular GXI. That's why I'm choosy when it comes to instructors.

Hobbes started his class by introducing self and "as usual team teaching with me today is..." Erm... huh? Didn't get his name. I think Hobbes didn't say.

xxx

Question: "So are you also going to Bali?"

Answer: BIG grin...

xxx

At the end of the class, I've learnt that if I want to join this new guy's class, I would have to: 1) learnt how to react faster with delayed cue; 2) concentrate on instructor's movements as sometimes cuing will not be verbal; 3) get used to remarks such as "we have nice legs..." (we? hobbes yes, but we...?) "... most regulars still did it wrong..." "look at me please..."

Grabbed my usual ice lemon tea + 100 plus before going off to shower, wanted to wish hobbes a good trip but didn't seem to be able to locate him... But instead, the new instructor of the story asked: "Hey, would you be able to give me some feedback? I know you've been doing classes for some time so it's good to get some comments" (so I'm not the most-regulars-still-did-it-wrong member then). My answer "Sorry, I was day dreaming in the class, so I don't know. I'll pay more attention the next time so I can give you some feedback"

What do you expect me to say though? Still not sure if that guy is this guy. We should always try to be modest right? Who are we to give comments? Well, at least he speaks good English and was most of the time quite motivating. But of course I didn't tell him that, as I don't think those were constructive comments.

It's only Wednesday?

It's only Wednesday but it felt like Friday to me in terms of energy level... I should be going to bed, but have been busy replying sms-es. One of the text was from a supplier saying he had emailed me the quotation. at 10.30pm! Very committed, so curiosity kills the cat, I had to come on line to take a look at that... while on line, might as well update blog when I had the chance. Had been an extremely busy week, had 6 meetings yesterday, 4 today and 5 tomorrow. Supposed to rest and sleep early since it's an off day from gym today but here I am 11.20pm.

Went for little brother's free style step last night, was greeted by Hobbes surprise expression and a half-way-hug. Passed him the little indulgences, and he had kindly announced that my baking was nice (thank you!). Later in class, little bro thanked me for the cupcakes through the mic (thank you too - free publicity) and then little bro dreamily greeted us with "welcome to body step". I was doing quite good as well in terms of dreaming - too many stuff in my head: trying to figure out the format for my timeline chart, things to be updated for the spreadsheet and my still one paragraph marketing strategy- amidst my thoughts, I heard my name being called a few times - what? Ohhhhh... wrong steps! :p And then I was amazingly distracted by the lady in front of me who did her kick mambo cha cha cha so perfectly that I secretly wish bro did not incorporate these in the choreo - her kick was the perfect ballet-toe-pointed-kick which reached above the head level (how did she do that?)... 10 minutes through the class, I felt really tired, the effect of pump the night before was edging in, and suddenly I remember that we (office mates) were supposed to go for our walk or if rains walk the staircase the following day. Oppss... I thought then I needed to "reserve" some energy for the next day (which was today, and was supposed to be my off day from workout, and by the way walk cancelled to tomorrow) so I was doing really tiny movements from then and only wanted make sure I moved along with the rhythm while trying to give little bro my sweetest ok-smile when he asked "are you ok?"

Is the new pump that tough? Told Trainer that the new track was tough and he said (must be with a surprised tone - I guess - donno because was a text): "Huh not really la. I did on Mon n it's quite easy." Oh is it because I increased my weights despite only doing one pump class last week? Trainer said (this time I'm sure trying to make me feel guilty for being so weak) "I've not done pump for ages 2 and I increased my weights s well - 15 (each) for squat, chest (!!) n back. Triceps n shoulder 7.5. Only lunges was bit tiring" - OK, I shall not feel bad, Trainer uses 140kg during weights train for squat, so definitely ok for me to feel tired and tortured.

Noticed favorite instructor still on MSN, still with the display message as "can't wait to get out from Dubai"... hmmm... So he's still not board the plane obviously. Asked him whether he's really coming back or not and he said of course because he's gonna start teaching back in KL on July 1st... well, he still has about 3 days to fly himself back to start his first class back here on Sunday, so last minute! Favorite instructor's comment to that was "welcome to Dubai". So confirmed if he can fly back on time, he will be teaching BP and BS at SPK this Sunday. Which also means another choc cake supporter back on the list...

Cupcakes with Cadbury Caramel and Brandy Butter Icing

I've got this really delicious Cadbury Diary Milk with Caramel centre during my last trip in London. Since the cupcake baking last weekend was last minute, I need to ransack my kitchen for suitable ingredients to "value add" my cupcake to give it a touch of surprise element (hopefully).





I was not sure how much these chocolate squares will melt during the baking of the cupcakes and although I've placed the chocolate in last, I would expect them to sink to the bottom anyways (unlike chocolate chips) since the texture of the cake mixture was very light. So if anyone were to eat the cupcake from the top (which is not advisable because you will be eating the sweetest part of the cake - the icing - and then left with the reduced-sugar-cake.) then you will only discover these chocolate squares during the last bite. But if you eat it the normal way (peel off paper cup and attack the cake from the side trying to fit proportionate amount of icing and cake into mouth - I normally use a fork/ spoon to eat my cupcake) I suppose the second bite will bring you to this discovery.



The cupcakes were baked on Saturday night and left to cool... while I think of what to do with the butter icing... and tried to finish my spreadsheet.

If I've taken a good picture of my butter icing, you would be able to see at the background and find out what I've added into the icing.



The challenge was to have enough amount of brandy for the taste to be noticed while maintaining the consistency of my butter icing - the shape of the piped icing will not be distinctive enough if the icing is too diluted. The result was not so bad, but I don't remember how many spoons of brandy I've added (must be quite many till I lost count haha).

Tried one of them so I can take picture of the cross section, and also to decide whether this recipe stays on the menu... Mum love the icing; I think there should be more chocolate chunks.

Little Envelope

I like checking my handphone screen to discover a little yellow envolope indicating sms received. It's very warm to get sms from friends. Got an early message from Jon...

"True friendship requires real effort. Even when everyone is busy with their own lives, a simple msg reminds each other that u r not 4gotten. Gd morning Sweetie."

I certainly had a very good morning, enough muscle ache and looking forward to another sweat out session tonight. But for now, I pray that I get through my six meetings without secretly scolding anyone.

Good morning to you too darling...

An Episode at Gym

I was really short supplied with baking stuff, among them, cake boxes which I desperately need for tomorrow, so told my boss I need to go out during lunch time and will be back for the 2pm meeting with one of the suppliers. But plan didn't go well because my colleague set a 12.30pm meeting last minute (which the supplier only came at 10 minutes to 1pm). By the time I left the office (yes! I must still go during lunch time because that shop closes at 6pm) was 1.30pm and I had to manage driving to Section 23, shop, drive back, while trying to multi-task eating my sandwich lunch in car, within half an hour. It's such a pressure to shop at bakery supply shop within limited time!

I was back in office at about 2.10pm and the supplier was not there yet... if I knew I shouldn't need to rush. (I know the title said episode at gym, but I can't go to gym till I finished work right?) Anyways, the supplier then came at 3.40pm! I got so annoyed I told my boss don't waste time joining that meeting, I went in, talked to the supplier for 1 minute and left the meeting (and left him with my graphic designer to brief him the necessary). Such a waste of time, his excuse was when he called I was out to lunch (which must be what, 2pm? 2.10pm?), I actually asked him "you didn't think I was going to have lunch till 3.30pm, did you?" which I got no answer to...
... and I got 6 meetings with 6 suppliers tomorrow!

Got my spreadsheet out to my boss just in time for me to make it to combat. (and by the way I am suppose to be working on my marketing strategies and not updating blog, but I just got this story telling mood attack). Combat class was so happening today, the last minute guest instructors - KH and Renee - definitely made a difference to the usual Monday combat. The arrangement had, for one, turned our kung fu master into an almost jammer when he started doing the shimmy and hip shaking - and you thought the combaters have not been poisoned enough by our darling Tony. Those who were not in the class today, you missed out a lot! Though, I still can't imagine how one can manage to "flex your muscles" and then....... "shimmy" :D.


Pump was the usual torture, I always plan to go a bit light with my weights considering that it's only Monday and it's back-to-back class, but always ended up doing the torturing amount of weights - "torturing self" has somehow became the motto of pump classes.


Gave up having dinner after class so I can come back early to do some work and get to bed as early as I can... Before I left, cupcakes for Swee, for the first time, thanks to Wookie's suggestion; and Wookie, my new found food taster, who has abandoned his handphone but was in search of his dinner dates. As I only have the combat master's number, I could only offer to contact the master for him. When the call was picked up, I straight away launched into my purpose of calling, which was "Hello! Where are you ah? blah blah blah..." till I heard from the other end "who is this please?" Oppssss! How rude of me not to introduce myself first (I hate it when someone, who has not given me his number before, calls me, no who he is, and straight away ask things like "how are you?" "what are you doing?""where are you?""do you know who I am?" (of course I don't!) "you really don't know who I am??" (NO I DON'T!) etc etc... I find it very annoying so I try not to do this myself) Nevertheless, moral of the story is - never take it for granted, not everyone would have my number saved in their phone book, so I must remember my manner and always introduce myself. Anyways, Wookie, that was a waste of my phone money, (oppss... correction, my company's money) to call someone who was just in front of you.


Lastly, to my little sweet stuff: I hope you will play a good role and fulfill your duties as little indulgences. Hope you guys are not a disappointment to those who have kindly accepted you into their hands.


Nite nite and sweet dreams.

Raisins Cupcakes

"Can u make 6-8 cupcakes with lots of raisins and natural colour icing 4 my boss?"

Got this sms from my auntie while trying to channel all my creative cells for the birthday cake decoration yesterday...

"Can but ltr, tryin to finis w decoratin yr son's bday cake! Yrs 4 Mon rite? Shud b ok"

I never reject my aunt's order - only once but I was really sick that time, took MC for 2 days. The other time aunt's sms read "... life and death..." but since I was half dead myself, I'm sure I was forgiven for causing death...

After I was done with Alex's birthday cake, I took a break before baking more cakes. Sometimes when I bake too much I get very nauseous. Started baking after dinner and was done before midnight, which was quite a good record, I often
bake till 2 o'clock in the morning. Left the decorating till this morning, got up quite early and am done with the decoration. I still have loads of office stuff to do!

Anyways... Due to this last minute order, I had to delay my chocolate cake offers. (Meant to bake chocolate cake to cheer up Hobbes and a treat for little bro.) Sorry guys, but I still have something for you. Yes, you've guessed right, cupcakes, but not these raisin cupcakes (ok, one of them is raisins). I've got a more indulgent version of cupcake and with a slightly more "wicked" version of butter icing... Lets keep that as a surprise and to be told as another story, publish after Tuesday.

Got a missed call and sms from Wookie and need to apologize for my delayed response - I was really busy - Wookie, called just in time to reserve himself some cupcakes (the "surprise version") and since he did remind me of his Queen, I've re-work my allocation list and erm... had to cross out "office" for this round because really not enough cupcakes and also since I didn't make any offer to them yet.

The "instruction" from Wookie on the preparation of his Queen's cupcakes were "make it sweet with loads of icing..." which I straight away suspect that he was trying to sabotage me - this didn't sound quite right... will see... but for you guys - "beginners" should take it "light" for the first time ;)

These cupcakes are sweet enough for my regular food tasters, too sweet for office (for office cannot pipe on the icing, can only smear on a thin layer); and merely ok for my Aunt's group (so need to reduce sweetness of the cupcakes). These cupcakes are always large size so that the amount of cake can be of good proportion with the icing (so the cake will not taste too sweet overall)

Chocolate Banana Marshmallow Cake

"Jie, can I have a chocolate cake?"

"Having a party ah?"

"Ya lo, this Saturday"

(which was today)

"Erm... but I made you chocolate cake last year wo... I'll make you something special lah"

Ok, so I came up with an idea, a new recipe I just received from MasterChef - Black Forest Cake

But when I interviewed Alex the birthday boy, he said not sure if he and his friends like cherries. Okayyyy... well, I'm just trying to stick to chocolate cake but give it a bit of variation.

"Ok then you can have anything you want with the chocolate cake lah, like peach blah blah..."

Erm... peach and chocolate...? alright, that's not so "matching".

"Ok jie, what about banana!!"

Oh, brilliant, not so original, very the secret recipe, but oh well, will try to improvise as I get on...

So, Chocolate Banana Cake

... and then we went shopping, while passing by this candy shop, I asked...

"you want marshmallow in your cake ah?"

Since marshmallow is his favorite, the answer was expected "YES!"

So, then... The story of Chocolate Banana Marshmallow Cake.

Bananas marinated in

lemon juice and brown sugar

Bananas arranged on top

of the first layer of chocolate cream

A spread of fresh cream before

the next layer of cake

Another layer of choc cream

Marshmallow

Rocher to decorate the top layer

I had a great time decorating the cake... Mum came into the "working scene" while I was assembling the cake and she said "won't collapse meh?"

Hmmm... So far so good. What was actually in my mind was not whether it's going to collapse, I know it won't lah! (that's the reason I had fresh cream between each layer, it will definitely hold) I was thinking more of how the birthday boy is going to cut the cake... and I can't wait to see how the cross section of the cake will look like - I have specifically gave instruction for pictures of the cake to be taken after the cake cutting (I've sms-ed to check half hour ago, and they still haven't reach cake cutting.... humphhh....).

Normally I like to decorate the cake with lots of Cadbury Favorites minis... but the cake is already very elaborated (the sides have been intentionally left un-coated so that the layers can be seen). The cake was looking very cheerful and fun with the marshmallow, I recon there is no need for any more dramatic effects, instead, the cake should end with some more-serious-and-adult-look. So the top layer was only decorated with Ferrero Rocher, a happy birthday tag for the 3D effect and some writings - suitable for a 19 year old young adult?

Happy birthday Alex, may all your dreams come true...

Review (24/6/07): The kids said marshmallows don't really go well with chocolate cake. And marshmallows are too soft, the cake fall apart during cutting. So forget about marshmallow on a many layer cake. Nevertheless, I think marshmallows are good decor for cupcakes. Finally, the conclusion is - when you put all your favorite stuff together, it doesn't necessarily mean perfect.

The Story of 16 June

I'm having problem with my house internet, that's why I've not been able to update my blog... Besides, I've been really really busy. No baking for me last weekend - there is a gym do plus night outing on Saturday; Wedding reception and shopping on Sunday.

Lynn sms-ed me about Young replacing the Saturday pump class at Maxis, so last Saturday I woke up earlier than normal so that I can get to the 1pm pump class on time. I've not been to Maxis for some time and from what I remember, I was always rushing or almost late for classes whenever I go there on a Saturday. I left the house without much delay or drama, the traffic was reasonable, in short, there was no reason for me to be late. Ha!! But guess what I had to do? - I missed a turning and went the long way, worse, into the traffic jam! Goshhh... So I ended up rushing again, but quite on time. Ok, that's not so true, not on time but the class before pump ended later. Managed to catch up with Young before class, we both found out that we will be heading to Cineleisure for the Miracle 2007 thingy and we ended up with the plan of Young going with me since he doesn't drive. I did tell him I MUST get my baby's food at GE Mall before that, in fact I planned to gym at Maxis also so that I can drop by at GE Mall for that purpose.

Young's pump class was great as ever, except for some small episodes and the sound system - the mic was too soft. I've not been to Maxis/ KLCC for I think about 3 months or more, I went gawping at the changes like - no more strudels? Oh! automatic card swiping (I don't know the proper name for this mechanism) before FF reception? Ah! main studio no more glass window? Eh... new slippers for the shower area!

After Maxis, we managed to grab some lunch items to eat in the car after "shopping" at GE Mall, I was expecting some traffic getting to Cineleisure, and I was really dreading to think about getting a parking space at Cineleisure (so I went all prepared - changed to a multi-purpose combat-jam outfit which I can jump straight out from the car and into the classes). Well, Lady Luck was really looking after me that day... Traffic was, actually, no traffic and I managed to get a "pink" spot at Cineleisure straight away! You know about the "pink" parking slots at Cineleisure right?

A fantastic idea by the very considerate management at Cineleisure. There are parking lots reserved near to the escalators for single female drivers. How many malls have got this? It's definately an added reason for us ladies (singles only - or unless you alight everyone at the lobby and park and only pick them up again later - NO! this is just a joke, give priority to those who really need this extra safety) anyways, as I was saying, good reason for us to choose Cineleisure as our hang out place.

There have been loads of reviews and stories about the Miracle 2007 already in the blogs, to me it's not as happening as last year and the lower ground level was a bit stuffy, with mixed smell of laksa and sweat, yeuwwww... can you imagine? New tracks were ok, though, I did find some of the new combat tracks erm... a bit boring; Jam was happening but since I've not been much of a jammer, not to mention only did jam once this year, I was managing terribly - very uncoordinated!

After the day of good workout, I managed to fixed up a last minute dinner date with my Partner In Crime (for gym, that's what Lynn calls us...). After considering hard and long what to eat, we ended up at Kim Gary; and after studying the menu hard and long we ended up ordering the same food (yes, even the drinks!)

Ice Milk TeaSoup

Cheesy Beked Rice with Chicken ChopCoconut Pudding
Green tea with lime and sour plum

Elaine ordered this extra and she highly recommend it
Our original shopping plan didn't happen because the shops were already closed. Bumped into Zaza, Yew Mun and Eugene at Empress Cafe - Eugene putting up the slide show for Zed's wedding reception the next afternoon; Zaza just only having dinner (at almost midnight) cuz he just got off work.

Needed more sleep to look "normal" the next day....

Smoothies

Energy Booster Smoothies

Milk (I use low fat) - 200 ml (I had almost double, depends how much you want to drink)

Mango - 50gm (just approximately only, if you like mango put more - and this is obviously without skin)

Honeydew - 100gm (up to you)

Blend everything together, be creative and prepare according to your liking and taste, if you like it thicker then less milk more fruits.

Enriched with vitamin A and C, can help in reducing tiredness of eyes also according to the recipe. I'll have this when I'm lazy to have breakfast or need an energy booster before gym - cannot eat too much just before exercise right?

Antioxidant

Breakfast: Banana + pumpkin + milk - blended. (it's an energy booster according to mum's newspaper cutting)

School holiday is over :(. Of course I'm not a student, but everyone benefits from school holiday right - good traffic! Meaning, had to wake up and leave house half hour earlier, true enough traffic was quite bad. Oh, my boss said cookies very nice... hee... I mean, "phew", that's a relief. Told him it's healthy (used brown sugar what... and it's cereal right? Never mind the butter k)

I was focusing on research today (among other tasks which might just pop up of course) and the main topic today was free radical, antioxidant and health supplement. A great topic to research since it might help me live a healthier life (haha). I don't take dietary supplement (because when you don't have so much disposable money, shoes might be more of a priority), took Vit C only when I'm sick, say when I catch a cold. I take lecithin occasionally when I feel guilty of consuming too much oily food.

These were what I found:

Free Radicals

After going thro this...
CH4 + Cl2CH3Cl + HCl

... and this...







... and going thro the numerous type of free radicals....

"There are numerous types of free radicals that can be formed within the body. This web site is only concerned with the oxygen centered free radicals or ROS. The most common ROS include: the superoxide anion (O2-), the hydroxyl radical (OH ·), singlet oxygen (1O2 ), and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) Superoxide anions are formed when oxygen (O2) acquires an additional electron, leaving the molecule with only one unpaired electron. Within the mitochondria O2- · is continuously...." (!!!???)

This is slightly better...

"The nucleus of an atom is surrounded by a cloud of electrons. These electrons surround the nucleus in pairs, but occasionally an atom loses an electron, leaving the atom with an "unpaired" electron. The atom is then called a "free radical", and it is very reactive. When cells in the body encounter a free radical, the reactive radical may cause destruction in the cell. According to Dr. Harmon's free radical theory of aging, cells continuously produce free radicals, and constant free radical damage eventually kills the cell. When free radicals kill or damage enough cells in an organism, the organism ages."

Then I came across an interesting statement:

"Heart disease is NOT caused by eating butter and eggs. The traditional view has been that when you ate butter and eggs and other foods high in cholesterol, you increase the amount of cholesterol in your blood stream. This is false."

So, stop worrying about indulging youselves in desserts k... oppss... sorry, side track...

Okay. In short:

How free radicals are formed (from what I understand):

- Chemically activated forms of oxygen, which are generated in our body from day-to-day living;
- Our body oxidize food for energy which produce certain amount of free radicals;
- Due to pollutants, sun, stress, poor diet, alcohol, smoking and some medications which caused our body to produce high levels of free radicals;
- Some free radicals arise normally during metabolism;
- Our body can normally handle free radicals but when antioxidants are unavailable, the free radicals production become excessive;
- Production of free radicals can form dangerous chain effect;
- Free radicals damage accumulates with AGE!
- The higher toxic metal in our body, the higher the free radical activities. (so it's important to detox!)

Why is it bad to have excessive free radicals (from what I gathered):

- Cause heart disease, cancer, inflammation and other neurodegenerative diseases (e.g. Alzheimer's, diabetes, Parkinson's disease, Osteoarthritis, Osteoporosis, conditions effecting memory, dementia, joint pain etc);
- Result in ageing;
- Effect eyesight, skin and over vitality.

Something that particularly interested me about the relation between exercise and free radicals:
Exercise and oxidative damage
Endurance exercise can increase oxygen utilization from 10 to 20 times over the resting state. This greatly increases the generation of free radicals, prompting concern about enhanced damage to muscles and other tissues. (oppss!) The question that arises is, how effectively can athletes defend against the increased free radicals resulting from exercise? Do athletes need to take extra antioxidants?

Because it is not possible to directly measure free radicals in the body, scientists have approached this question by measuring the by-products that result from free radical reactions. If the generation of free radicals exceeds the antioxidant defenses then one would expect to see more of these by-products. These measurements have been performed in athletes under a variety of conditions.

Several interesting concepts have emerged from these types of experimental studies. Regular physical exercise enhances the antioxidant defense system and protects against exercise induced free radical damage. (phew... ok no worries gymfreaks) This is an important finding because it shows how smart the body is about adapting to the demands of exercise. These changes occur slowly over time and appear to parallel other adaptations to exercise.

On the other hand, intense exercise in untrained individuals overwhelms defenses resulting in increased free radical damage. Thus, the "weekend warrior" who is predominantly sedentary during the week but engages in vigorous bouts of exercise during the weekend may be doing more harm than good. To this end there are many factors which may determine whether exercise induced free radical damage occurs, including degree of conditioning of the athlete, intensity of exercise, and diet.

Thus, so far, the solution or scavenger to excessive free radical is antioxidant.

Where do we get antioxidant?
- Fruits, berries & vegetable - dark and deep colour ones (5 servings a day);
- Some teas (green, red, white);
- Energy bar, cereal and chocolate, especially dark chocolate; (told you chocolate is healthy!)
- Dietary supplements - Vitamin C and other vitamins and minerals;
- In more scientific names:

• Beta-Carotene - orange coloured food
• Lutein (for healthy eye) - dark, green leafy veges
• Lycopene - tomatoes, watermelons, guava, papaya, apricots, pink grapefruit etc
• Vitamine E - almonds & other nuts, mangoes, broccoli, in oils (weat germs, corn, soybean)

(Among the most potent antioxidant fruits are raspberries, blueberries, and pomegranate.)

Cornflakes Cookies Sunday

Had a detox fruit juice for breakfast - apple + cucumber + lemon. It's very nice and refreshing, try it.

Then it was baking time - cornflakes cookies as planned.

I've baked this before... and after many trial and errors, many sufferings of my "Guinea Pigs" during tasting, I finally got a confirmed recipe with help from all my official food tasters. Ya, yay! But guess what? I lost the recipe... PDA battery went dead when I went to London in Feb. I've recovered the recipe (almost) but no more notes on tips... and as I went thro my baking today, I've suffered a lot on setting the right temperature and timing alone... leave alone forgetting how time consuming it was baking cornflakes cookies. Unless the normal drop cookies (as in say chocolate chips cookies ala Famous Amos style) these cookies are individually coated with cornflakes before baking... not like simply-roll-cookies-over-the-cornflakes coat, it's assembling-piece by-piece-on-to-the-tiny-cookies coat.

Why the hassle? Because the cookies are going to look not quite the same... The assembling will give the cookies the 3D effect which is more appealing to the eye. (look does matter!!)

Just roll over
Individually coated

So the total hours devoted into this ordinary looking cookies were:
- Preparation of dough - half hour (prepared the night before)
- Assembling to give the cookies the 3D effect - 4 hours (!!!)
- Baking - 15 minutes each batch

Total cookies made only about 200.... and I later remember I normally make the cookies in batches, which explained why I don't remember spending so much time baking cookies ever. I've put a note beside my recipe warning myself about the time required.

More changing of plans

My plans for the weekend have been changed so many times overnight... first was supposed to rest on Saturday so I have energy for Sunday class and thereafter continue with Monday so on so on until my rest day on Wednesday. The Sunday class plan was cancelled last night since we would like to remain as the choosy bunch towards teaching instructors, I wanted to settle with staying home the whole weekend, even nicely declined (I hope I did sound nice enough) a movie invitation (thank god for having great friends around who are ever ready to keep you company) and plan to sleep and do my baking at home, OH! and some research for work, nearly forgotten about it despite my direct boss reminding me last night thro MSN chat. Told mum about my plan and she said "why ah not going to the gym?". I thought I was being a good girl for staying home and mum was at one point against the idea of my hardcore gym regimen. Okayyyyy... then I carefully said since I need to buy something at Leisure Mall, I will just drop by gym for some light workout then... So that's the plan, changed again.

Since I only planned to do light weights, I had a light breakfast, Taufu Fa and one piece of popiah. Headed to LM quite early, (compared with days I want to join class) and while I was driving, I got an sms from Hobbes which changed my plans slightly...

"Dear, i might be teaching in Leisure Mall. Cuz Eric forgot to look for covers..."

"Oh? I'm on my way there 4 shopping n weights train. If u teach I'll convert my free weights to an hour of torture w u"

"Ha ha... if you ur up for it, I'm even teaching steps"

"Tat sounds like wat I'm wishing for..."

Well, change of plans again, but luckily I went there early, so I still get to do all my shopping (plus the unexpected shopping) and make it to class on time... Originally I ONLY planned to get ingredients for my cornflakes cookies, but this shop which looked like Vincci caught my attention with their "50%" sign. The shoes are really nice, the strappy ones which are so my favorite lately and after discount they are only within the region of RM20 ish... BUT, no size! It's always like that, is everyone wearing the same size as I do? Finally I found this really strappy one, comes in black+grey; green+olive and brown+beige. Got the brown one since I've got a lot of brown suits, it will go well with black too. Well, happy as I was with my purchase, I ended up buying a pair without any discount. How many times we've ended up in this kind of situation?

Then was to get an external modem for my home PC and ended up signing for Streamyx because the package comes with free modem. Besides, my sis the Master Chef and bro in law will be back soon, compared with their now 9MB broadband connection, my 56Kb dial up is going to really annoy them.

Lastly, the supermarket, and I proudly announce that I have stuck with my shopping list, cornflakes and brown sugar, and didn't stray to any other stuff.

To the gym then... Hobbes has lost some weights with stress written all over his face. I've nearly forgotten how much exams can stress one out... nevertheless, the opening of his class, after asking any first timer, was

"lets aim to kill ourselves today!!!"

Woooo... and he delivered his promise, according to Hobbes, everyone in class had transformed from talkative to mute when it reached the end of the class. Whenever I feel like being tortured Hobbes' class, pump or balance the same, would be quite perfect!

Wanted to stay back for BS but that was an hour gap, and it would be a bit late to get home with my plans with mum... so gave up step. BUT later found out mum had went out on her own... so another change of plan, but revert to my original plan - SLEEP!

Change of plans.....

Gym plan this Sunday is cancelled cuz the Combat Sifu is not teaching... must things be in such coincidence? I planned to check with Farid when I saw (thought I would) her just now, but forgot she's still far away for her team building thingy till Fiza reminded me... But lucky I checked with the instructor concerned about the class in question, I will be quite upset too if I turn up class and realizing that it's a different instructor. Yes I've always been very particular about instructor, I'm sure many of us do (while many others don't care, but that's not the point... anyways...). You would have to agree with me, it's sometimes very annoying doing certain instructors' class, sometimes even boring and not motivating... To effectively workout at classes, we need to be really motivated, the level of workout intensity is after all, all depending on how much we want to push ourselves, the same class might do miracle for some people but might have no result for others. So, anyways... since the Sifu also don't know who's replacing him, and when I check the internet later at home FF timetable for Axis has been wiped out of instructors' name (why? What happened? Which reminded me also to check with Hobbes if he's teaching - even though LM timetable does have his name - well, he's not teaching!!! See what I mean about these timetables?) so I texted my PT to tell him about the news... thinking that he might just want to do the class regardless of who teaching - well, he's always the one who will give me a piece of his mind about me being choosy about instructors, he said "just follow the music..." well, guess what? Trainer said if that's the case he won't join the class! Huh?! luckily I told him, now who's choosy also? Anyways, plan postponed to 2 weeks later cuz next Sunday is Zed's wedding, and she said "putus kawan" if we don't turn up. Besides, Trainer won't be around next weekend either.

I'm still deciding what would be my baking of the week... checked with my boss before I left office what he would like to eat perhaps I can bake (taking the lazy option of letting other people decide for me what to bake)... He said well, only if I'm in the baking mood... hmm??? But I'm always in a baking mood, I told him (well, not completely true, I wasn't when I was sick two weeks ago, and I wasn't when I was really upset some time before that, but that's another story...). Since he's a chocoholic, I suggested something chocolaty, but he said doesn't have to be... so, it's back to square one... but on my way back, and after speaking to wookie (who mentioned some oatmeal) I think I will bake the cornflakes cookies. Just told Hobbes about this cuz I think that he was the one who mentioned miss eating cornflakes cookies... anyways, there's a "yay" from him... So I guess cornflakes cookies it is...

Recap for the week...

On Monday I came into the office, well not crying yet, but like a zombie because I only had 4 hours of sleep the night before, stayed up late to complete a presentation slide. Luckily learnt from a gym friend about the "cold spoon" method (chill a metal spoon in the fridge or use ice cubes and apply it cold on eye area) because my eye bags were at its fullest. So it sort of allowed me to at least maintain a presentable look at work. Later the day, I got to know that we need another set of presentation material, erm... no need to produce from scratch but still took some time to prepare considering I am quite a newbie for power point.

Tuesday... you would think I had done better with my sleep... but no, still only almost 4hours. I decided to skip gym that day so I can save some time for my beauty sleep. Was supposed to gym with Shen at Manulife, but at the end she did a change of plan and I later informed her I canceled gym. (and not sure why, i just thought of "cc-ing" that text to my favorite SMS buddy informing the same. It's always a delight to get replies from my buddy, he told me to go home as soon as I finished and reminded me to have my dinner... so warm. And his last sms reminding me to drive really safely (now who's the one who got himself in an accident earlier on huh?). In the midst of the sms-ing mood, I just thought of asking my Personal Trainer to join me for BC and BP on Monday, but of course he said he had to work (well, I know! Simply asking) But then he said he will come this Sunday! Wah... extreme good news, it's gonna be soooo cool having him with me in class.

Yay! Wednesday I had an additional hour of sleep, successfully did 5 hours and I felt great through just that one hour (or was it the effect of warm sms-es). No need to do "cold spoon" that morning. Still, loads of work to do, more to modify on the presentation slides for the session in question to happen that particular afternoon. So come lunch time, I told my direct boss that I can't go for lunch and asked if he can ta pao my lunch for me. He must be one of the nicest boss in the world... the lunch pack was really cool - Indonesian fried rice, the condiments are all in a very organized food container, I like their concept of filling the chili into a cored cucumber (instead of putting in a small plastic container, you know what I mean?). But since late lunch, I had gastrick later, as I have guessed anyways. That day I left office early to join my friend for a dinner in KL. Took me one hour to reach and dinner was, errrrmmmm... Boring, which my friend obviously knew.

Slept at midnight which was much earlier than any day in the whole week so far, but was really tired the next day... But I felt quite cheerful already since it's almost weekend, and most work were done, even had time to surf the net - for competitor info k... After work was our first ever company outing, good workout! Texted my sms buddy telling him I will still go gym, which he of course approved of, but more reminder on driving safe... so sweet of him.


Hee.... this is practically how I look now, it's almost end of the working week, and just got a confirmation that my trainer is coming to BC this sunday. Really looking forward to the class. I feel like telling everyone that he will be there.

My plan for the weekend - more workout, do some baking (not sure what to bake yet, but I might delay that to Wednesday so I can supply the food on Thursday as part of the energy replenishment before (or after) our tracking. Finally, lots and lots of sleep....

Exercising outside the gym

The big boss of my company has announced every Thursdays as our company outing day, to promote further interaction of employees outside the office environment, and most importantly to promote a healthy lifestyle... well, we are a wellness company after all.

Last week was supposed to be our first outing, but since it was pouring (to many of my colleagues' disappointment - and some reliefs) we didn't get to go. So, yesterday was our fist outing, a healthy and relaxing walk at Bukit Kiara forest reserve. The supposed to be relaxing walk turned into brisk walking and part running for me because I was seriously trying to escape from being caught in the rain! The result - 5km within 45minutes. Only perhaps 20% of sweat compared with the result of a BC/BS class but was enough good exercise plus lots of fresh air unlike the stuffy-full of bacteria-bad ventilated gym environment.

By the time everyone reports back to the starting/ ending point, it was almost 7.30pm. Since it's still early and it would be very congested going home at that time, I thought, what the heck, lets ajourned to the gym. Went to Manulife to do some free weights since that's on my way home, and free parking, also the free weights area over there is, I feel, one of the least intimidating one.

Dinner was miso soup ala mummy stlye - Chinese style seaweed and tofu soup (well, what do you expect a weight-concious person to have for dinner anyways)

Beginning of a blogger's life

I've been planning to create a blog for some time... but since I was more interested in posting pictures of my favorite desserts and food, I created a fotopages instead. It was great sharing photos with friends and family, save the "email me the pictures" hassle. However, fotopages does have its limitation. On days when I just simply feel like storytelling but no pictures to share, fotopages doesn't seem approaprite - well, fotopages is for photo blogging and not for blabbering right? So finally, I've find time to create this and thus the beggining of my blogger life.