Ideal Guy

I mentioned VPL and my BIL actually know what it stands for!!!

Geezzz...

The other day there were some email discussions with Shen, OrangeMaple and KG. When Shen mentioned VPL, I had to actually ask what it stands for. I was the only one among the gals who didn't know, and I was told that it is a MUST know term. Ohh... okay.

MC was shopping for some lingerie today accompanied by BIL and me. I told them I want to actually revamp my pajama series and I showed them what I will do later (when I have the budget, they are really expensive for that amount of fabric). I then said, my ideal guy would be one who doesn't mind shopping for lingerie with me (perhaps I'm wrong, I had a general opinion that most guys are a bit shy when it comes to being inside the lingerie department). For us ladies, we choose our lingerie mainly for comfort, practicality and "effectiveness". So ideally, the guy should be there then to give his opinion on visual appeal and erm... ease of removal (Hey, it wasn't me who had came up with this...) otherwise, BIL suggested an "operating manual" to be given to the person concerned. Ha-ha-very-funny. But nevertheless, it's quite logic.

I didn't know, however, guys are also into things like VPL. Maybe VPL will only concern those guys who wear trousers that will result in a visible panty line? Or are they concerned about the ladies' VPL? Perhaps that's why although many people say things like "who's going to look at it" when it comes to undergarment, but still many would rather wear briefs that has got "Calvin Klein" on it just in case it shows. And I have no idea what is a "Y-front" or... ermm... I can't even remember. But yes, BIL you can perhaps give me a "briefing" some time. Or perhaps MFG can actually do that.

I'm always into experimenting recipes. It's not very hard having volunteers as "guinea pigs", but I actually need, ideally, people who can inspire me besides tasting. A guy who likes whatever I bake (unbiased) would definitely be a very ideal guy for me. Something that is baked with passion will always taste better and different, and normally to have this passion, there must be a target person during baking. My baking is always skewed towards the liking of my favorite people.

Was telling KG (and MC before that) that at this recent incident, I've been my most patient and reasonable self. Haha... people who know me, including these two gals here of course, would be most amused. I told KG that my ideal guy would perhaps not be one who can actually tolerate my tantrums but someone who can miraculously make me forget my tantrums (leave alone provoking me) and bring out the best in me. A guy who is the most good looking in the world might not be perfect. But a guy who makes me the most beautiful, radiant and cheerful whenever he's around, would be ideal.

A guy who allows me to be the most original and most comfortable me, would be the most ideal guy...

White Chocolate Bread Pudding

The post is lacking something sweet. Was not in the right mood to post up the baking stuff last week.

Uncle was not feeling well last week and he had problem biting his food. So my auntie had requested for this pudding mainly to indulge my uncle. They had always like this pudding, very rich and definitely something you will think of when you are looking for a sweet indulgence. It's best eaten with vanilla ice cream or vanilla sauce. I'll normally make a white chocolate vanilla sauce but I didn't make the sauce with this because I made the pudding at 10pm at night and was really sleepy by the time I took the pudding out from the oven.

Good thing was, my cousin bro could just come pick it right when it's baked since they are now staying down the street. The unfortunate incident was I burnt my arm in the oven. There is still a very visible burn mark on my arm. :(

Pudding made of croissants, loads of raisins and a white chocolate custard sauce.

Is there always a choice?

I think I am also having some "frequency problem" (as I quote sis) with mum lately. But what can I do if I cannot tune her frequency to suit my hearing? She must be the one who love me most in this world with the most sacrifice. I should really tune my hearing and make sure I don't have a problem with her. I shall try...

I was told lately that certain information was not shared with me because the person does not want to worry me. But yes, the piece of information had got to me, and no, the person doesn't know that I knew. Is it a good idea? - Keeping it as a secret just because you do not want to worry other people? Put it the other way, would you want information to be kept from you so that you won't worry? Or you would rather know, share the worries and be prepared? What would your choice be?

I remember when my ex-boss (from previous work place) resigned, I was really surprised, close to shocked, when he announced that in the section meeting. Geezz... he could have told me earlier, no? He told me later that he had wanted to, gave me hints way before the announcement but he just didn't tell me because I was going away for a trip - and he didn't want me to worry. I also remember "warning" my few close work mates way before I tendered my previous resignation because I really care about their feelings and didn't want them to be caught off-guard when the day came. Wouldn't you do the same if you were me?

This week was not my typical week with usual routine and feelings, so my mind is a bit wild.

Went to swimming today. Since I didn't do so well in my workout this week (only went to gym on Monday) so spent more than one hour in the pool, and my back had a clear outline of my swim suit. I must get a sun block lotion. Sigh... but what happened was, I was eating like a pig after that. Tsk! I could have just refrained myself from all those junk food! Very fattening stuff. One of those things I will regret when I made a bad choice.

Perhaps doing a pump class tomorrow is not a bad choice?

Mental Blog

I've got this habit of composing my blog mentally whenever I come across interesting topics. I've been doing loads the last few days, just that those mental posts did not make it to the actual one. :p

After the heavy weights training for the heart, the heart was put under a soothing session of retail therapy and then it was being poured out during dinner with OrangeMaple. The original plan was for the owner of the heart to slot in a short session of cardio workout before dinner, but there was a slight delayed. Whoopss...

Wednesday was supposed to be off day from gym. But of course replacement gym can always be done, but there was dinner with my Counselor so no workout again. Meanwhile, weights piling up again through heavy duty food intake.

Last night, I was all prepared for pump with good sweating out and maximum weights. Sigh... I was working until 10.30pm. I don't mind working late occasionally but if only it was worth the long hours. What happened was my new colleague (who is my junior reporting to me) had to present to big boss and I strongly felt that it was something that was a little unreasonable to ask of her at her level. However, I do not deny that it is a good opportunity for her to both learn and prove herself. I took it positively nonetheless and had tried my best to encourage, support and make sure that she was also positive and excited about the challenge. It was a fruitful night, and this gal has really good attitute! Although the presentation slides were not quite completed, never mind, we thought we could still work a bit after dinner and shower at home. Managed to speak to MFG while driving home - don't forget the tennis session as promised!

Okay, to cut this story short, we work really hard last night and she was under so much pressure today waiting for her time to present - big boss couldn't slot her in at a firm time, and I was on leave today leaving her all alone to face her challenge. To show my support, I had stayed in front of my laptop the whole of this morning, at home, on my off day, to go through the slides and feed her more information. As a consequence, I was rather late (later than I had planned) to lunch.

About the lunch... It was great catching up with ex-colleagues and we were quite pleased with ourselves for being able to delivery a little surprise to the birthday gal - KG and I were the surprise guests. Haha... After lunch was coffee at Dome with KG, updates of my romance aka Korean series.

Meanwhile, checked with my colleague how she did with her presentation - she said still waiting. Poor gal. By the time I drove out KLCC for home, she text me to say it won't be today. Geeezzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz....

I should have gone to gym last night, my colleague could have worked on the slides during "official" working hours today and do without the pressure of waiting all day. So tired, better make sure this doesn't happen again!!! Some challenges are rather stupid.

Meanwhile, heart is fine now and I'm sure heart will do well.

Thanks for staying tuned. I hope there are more to write about my Korean series...

I promise

... that I will blog tomorrow.

其实幸福可以很简单

我发觉幸福其实是一种可以选择的感觉。

很多时候我们把幸福的定义写的太过复杂，把幸福的标准定的太过高。当现实与梦想的距离相差得太过大的时候，心情当然会跟着转灰啦。

我想，要有阳光般的心情首先要把事情简单化，把顾虑放下，知足的享受现在的每一刻。

有你缴付午餐，买水果和那五分钟特别的陪伴，那不就已经很幸福了吗？

Heart Extreme Overweight

Heart had been fed with unbelievable information that it became so heavy. Just when I thought that my story has gone over the roller coaster ride and finally coming to a rather cheerful journey, the train track had been bombed today by another news and the train is plunging.

Forgot to grab a snack before gym today and I was feeling rather weak in class. Still, I thought it would be really effective for weight lost if I just get a smoothies or fruit juice after gym class. I was pretty determined, moreover, I wasn't in a mood of food cravings.

Shoulder was tired and just when I thought it had recovered, I discovered the pain during the first few punches in combat. Knee also felt jabs of pain ocassionally - I must have been on too much high heels, plus some rather incorrect standing pose at gym.

(I think Shen is about to skip a few paragraphs, if not the entire story, of this so very long post...)

Today was new release both combat and pump were with more than one instructor team teaching. I was really feeling the overweight mixed with lack of energy in the class till I'm sure my movements were even softer than one doing ballet. With the heart busy sinking, I could only vaguely feel that this new release is more fun. Maybe I can direct you to a review by someone with a clear mind, unlike a clouded one like mine.

I could feel the weight pressing down on me during warm up of pump. The overhead presses were giving considerable amount of pain. Thanks for cheering me Carebear! (by the way I hate the warm up track due to to many biceps curls! Bottom halves some more!!)

Chest track - reduced 1kg from the usual weight of my bar in order to reduce pressure to the shoulder and chest, but I found that the weights were still piling up onto the heart. Since I didn't had enough weights on the bar for chest, back track was 7.5kgs. By the time it reached the 2nd set of clean and press during the final part of the track, the pain was really overwhelming. It was so painful during triceps dips that tears were welling up. Thanks Herny for cheering me!

I actually felt like crying during shoulder track. How can I ever imagine that such pain is possible. Anyways, skipped the conditioning track. Really didn't think I could do any pose which involved the shoulder.

The baker needed to be "indulged" after suffering all the pains... a sandwich for the stomach; Salonpas for my shoulder; new flat shoes to protect my knees, perhaps?

As for the heart - more painful and challenging endurance trainings and I'm sure it will be strong enough to deal with any pain. I hope tonight's training, with all the heavy weights it carried, was sufficient for the heart to grow stronger.

NEVER???

CAN THINGS NEVER BE STRAIGHT FORWARD???

ARGHHH....

I will still pamper you...

Seriously, I didn't know how to tell you. Maybe I should really have a script the next time. Wait, I don't think there will be a next time.

Did you know you look really cute blushing? Although you said I was not blushing, but I was really all jumbled up inside. It's not difficult deciding to tell you how I feel, but it's really difficult deciding where to start. So, I was really very thankful that you were actually sensitive enough to be able to guess what I wanted to tell you. You've made my life so easy.

Even though you said "I don't know what to say" but you actually have told me what you wanted me to know, right? You said you do not want to mix up work and personal matters; I respect that and agreed that it would be complicated. Although I was prepared to discuss "solutions" but it didn't seem you had any other thing in mind other than a full-stop.

Like I told you, it was not a session for "yes" or "no". Everyone around me (except for work mates) knew about how I feel. It didn't seem fair that the whole world knew except for you (typical scene in dramas, the person involved will always be the last one to know). And I certainly don't want you to find out from someone else, or accidentally come across my blog (though I know you won't have time to be reading blogs). It's really a relief because keeping secrets from the person you care so much is actually very torturing at times. So which means I don't even have to hide my blog from you now on.

My thoughts were right. You've actually picked up the hints (which I was overdoing on purpose for the pass one month). You would have done something about it if you were interested. You did not distance me because you felt that it was the right approach but you felt that you were not in the position to bring up this topic. Yes, my thoughts were right and you've chose the right approach.

Now, lets see... what's next then?

You want to keep things professional and I cannot change your nickname from MFG to BF (and no, MFG is not Molded Fiber Glass or My Favorite Game, Google will not tell you what it means...).

I will still get special lunch sponsorship from you even though others don't get (provided it's not obvious?). That's one of the things you would do out of being not "fair".

And you will bring me to play tennis (yes, you would have to teach me how to play first); and organize group bowling and karaoke sessions.

You told me you were not uncomfortable and had enjoyed the attention; and I will still pamper you...

I could hardly balance

I told you I've decided to tell him right? Did I mention the day I've chosen was actually yesterday?

Early morning during breakfast with MC and BIL, we were talking about the amount of support I got from the blog readers, known and unknown. And at one point, we jokingly said that perhaps TTB should get some hints and signs from the newspaper and try to foretell the "result". I think I'd turned a page of the Star paper that said "Earthquake" "Evacuate"... something along that line. And before we left for our respective work destination, BIL said this was what I would get from the "whole world"...

Thanks guys for being such great cheerleader. And as I said, I almost feel bad if I still don't do anything about this.

It wasn't hard to decide whether to tell him or not. It's actually more difficult to decide when is the right time. There were simply too many things to consider, and I couldn't really predict the consequences. I needed time to find out a few things and also to confirm the "status" of my heart. More importantly, I must also find out if my favorite guy would be able to handle this piece of information or not right?

So it has been decided that the time should be yesterday.

Those few who knew about this had conveniently blamed me for resulting in them not being able to work all day. Haha... Funny enough I was the one to calm them down. I was not trying to act cool, but the butterflies only found their ways into my stomach right after work during yoga time. With the butterflies fluttering in my stomach, I found it extremely challenging to stand properly in all those balancing poses. It didn't help with him just standing beside me, did it?

Since I didn't prepare my "script" other than that one line mentioned last night. The only line I managed to deliver was really just that one line.

Followed by "I really don't know how to tell you this..."

:p

Taking chances?

If you know that the person doesn't like you, will you still tell him you like him?

Palmist used to tell me that I think too much - by looking at the complicated and congested lines on my palm. That perhaps explains why I like to analyse, plan (too much) and do a lot of what-if's.

If the guy likes you, he would have told you he likes you; If he doesn't, he won't change his mind just because you told him you like him, would he?

Most of the time I have "scripts" ready for different scenarios. Kimchi G would know very well what I mean. Haha... I do mental notes all the time and my head is sometimes like a crystal ball that shows me the future(s) - difference is my crystal ball shows all sorts of possible futures but seldom reflect the future accurately.

If he had picked up my hints and didn't do anything till now, it means he is not interested; If he hadn't picked up any hint, he's either being too modest, or he's an idiot. (Whoops... maybe I should use another word... let me see...)

MC always tells me I have to be impromptu. The actual words she uses would be "BE SPONTANEOUS!" Okay OKAY! Lets do without script then and try to react when it goes ya? But still, we need planning for all projects, plus Plan B, and C and D so on so on...

Okay, stop analysing already...

The other day I told Carebear that I've decided to tell him. She asked me how? I said erm... Just ask him out for dinner and "tell" him?? And she asked again, the "how".

Oh! Right.


Just say "hey... erm... hi! Arr... There is something I simply MUST tell you!"?



And then I'll say... Erm...



Lets be spontaneous!

:)

A solution for loneliness?

As part of the effort in creating some conversation topics, we've been asked about our marital status (typical Malaysian topic regardless whether it's a close contact or not) and whether we feel lonely being singles.

Although I've more to say when he asked me the same question, but to be polite and in order to just tag along with the flow of the conversation, I gave a simple "no" as my answer. But of course this was what I wanted to say...

The definition of lonely is really very vague and I will never think that this description can be used to illustrate my single-hood life. Moreover, "being alone" is something I enjoy all the time. So, whether I feel lonely or not is actually not a relevant question. On the other hand, my question would be - are we looking for a partner just because we want to solve our loneliness "problem"?

If I am lonely, say, I could go out with friends and spend time with my family, couldn't I? If, say, ALL my friends and ENTIRE family are busy and have got no time for me, I could do things on my own, couldn't I? Like going to gym, shopping (yes I like shopping "alone") or read a book (how do I handle company if I want to focus on my book?).

So you see, I really find that quite a funny question.

And I certainly do not think that a partner is a solution to loneliness. In fact, I believe in freedom and space even though we are with a partner. We still want to do things on our own most of the time. We still have our own friends and family (although we would have combined most of them). We still need to have time and space for ourselves unaccompanied.

You are right when you said you rather be alone then suffer the rest of your life being with the wrong person. I agree that it's not about us going all directions searching for "someone", it's about meeting the right person. And I feel that even meeting the right person does not mean sealing the deal. We cannot choose to grow feelings; feelings grow on their own, in their own time and own accord.

We can only expect the unexpected.

What's with the decision?

Just being creative in writing post in a back dated way. (in reply to LGM's comment)

Did you know I did RPM on Sunday? Yes, RPM. So of course I'm still suffering from pain in the butt. I could even feel it during Monday pump in squat track. Perhaps it was the best decision to skip combat.

Since I am NOT an RPM regular, I forgot how to set my bike (and I did beginners' option because I am NOT a regular, I repeat, not regular). So thanks TD for setting my bike again! TD partnering with L, the class was of course fun filled and full of energy. I actually love most of the tracks because I like the songs. I particularly like that FreeStyler song a lot, however, that same song in combat, if I've not mistaken, is for a very torturing conditioning track.

It was such a comfort (I don't mean the workout, just the mental feel) to have Lady Nina riding by my side. Luckily it was a static bike and not a real ride, otherwise, with the pace I was riding, I would have been like an hour behind Lady Nina. I realized that it's a different kind of strength you need in RPM, and definitely very good endurance training for both body and mind.

I was reminded by TD that it has been a long time (just one month only by the way!) and there's still no new chapter in my romance story telling. Okay. But TD, must you confuse the Lady by telling her I'll be making a decision in 2 months' time? I did say to give it another 2 months because probation period is normally 3 months right?

However, I totally agree. It's time to make a decision and do something. I think the heart is ready.

What colour was your Monday?

MC always said hers is blue.

My recent Monday was suppose to be one with cheerful colour. No boss, no pressure. But I was feeling rather sick. The night before was extremely hot, could sweat by just sitting there. Then Monday was a rainy day, painted with a rather grey colour. As a result, sinus got bad and felt really sick. It didn't help with me going into the rain during lunch time.

I thought I spent almost one hour chatting on MSN with a few people, my main chatters were Carebear and MC actually. So by the time I left office, it was one hour later than I should have if I wanted to make it to combat. Not that I couldn't leave the office earlier, I was also feeling rather ill and lazy. Too bad I missed the class because Farid was there, I could do with a good company. I'm sure my combat class will be filled with fun brilliant colours if I joined.

Went down to warm up at the cardio wave since it's still quite early and I was being presented with a creamy colour TFF when I headed back to the locker room! Thanks LGM! Had half of that to fight back my hunger. My dinner that night was fruit smoothies from O'Briens. And they only told me yesterday that FF members gets 10% discount. Did you know? No one told me. Humph... After buying so many meals there!

Teacher Carebear looked rather tired last night. Doing night-morning-and-night pump class is no joke eh. That didn't mean the tracks were easy though; and it didn't really look like the instructor was carrying light weights though she said she wanted to reduce the weights she was going to carry. Me on the other hand had obediently reduced my chest weights to avoid further "damage" to my shoulder pain. I tried doing 6kg for back track but it was a bit too light. So though I knew that there was going to be a bit of a pressure for the shoulder during clean and press, I had maintained my 7.5kg weight. Finally, the plank position was not so very friendly to the shoulder either. But i survived pump class with flying colours!

Of course I didn't. Just want to use colour as closure of this post.

My Favorite Breakfast

We've set ourselves so many targets in life and we always content ourselves with the success of achieving our goals. Some of us though, managed to be content with life itself - a good weather, breeze of wind, blossom of flower, your favorite song on the radio, a cup of great coffee and a piece of delicious chocolate cake. :) And I found out today, breakfast with your favorite person -over freshly baked scones with butter and jam.

"Good texture... not too sweet, can taste the aroma. Love the crunch top, I like it. Actually no complaints."

"I think I can open a shop already."

"You certainly can..."

"But which means I will be resigning from my current job"

"But that's your dream right?"

Yes, that's my dream. And you are too.

Also, like I've just told you, you are just so perfect. Very ideal.

You would know when it's time... or not.

Just when I thought it might be "time", some "signs" telling me that it's not a good time.

Humph...

Need to catch up with sleep and organize my story before telling. Till tomorrow, or Tuesday if too tired tomorrow night.

Scones

I tried the Simon Rimmer's Scones recipe. The one I gave you, Carebear.

I've already have a recipe which I'm happy with actually, and it's my ex-boss' favorite. But I do really want to try this out since it sounds like a great recipe. The difference between this recipe and mine is the sugar content - this one higher. Other than that would be the additional baking powder, I supposed will make the scones lighter.

The amount of raisins I personally think is too much, I suppose about 30gm instead of 55gm. With this amount, you have about 10 raisins in a scones. I don't think we should overload the scones with raisins, firstly it will be too sweet and overpowering the scones, secondly, it's difficult to cut them up if you wish to sandwich butter and jam in the middle.

Actually, I normally just smear some butter and jam on the scones while I cut them up - instead of sandwiching the butter and jam in the middle.

Finally, I'd used a cutter instead of shaping the scones free-hand today. I still prefer free-hand shaping, it's more manageable, and i like it "taller".

The above were shaped free-hand because it's difficult to cut the remaining dough with cutter towards the end. These below were from the cutter with exact directions of the recipe (rolled dough into 1.5cm thick).

I've no idea if this is a more delicious recipe or not. I might have it for breakfast tomorrow. MFG will try it out for me later.

I will try asking Carebear to try, I'm sure you would do me the favour dear? Since you might be baking this, might as well find out whether you like it or not before you bake. :)

Pecan Chocolate Biscotti

I got this recipe from here, with slight variation.

It's not as delicious as my previous almond chocolate chips biscotti. I feel.

I will need my panel taster to advise whether pecan nut is a good idea for biscotti. Cousins said pecan is not nice. But I thought due to the shape of the nuts, they appear really cute on the biscuit giving special designs.

In terms of the method, I've got a few findings:

1) It's very difficult to actually process the chocolate and sugar together if the chocolate is too soft - the mixture is damp and did not mix well with the egg/ flour mixture later (see the darker part on the biscotti? That's what I mean). So, in countries like ours, it's best to chill the chocolate first. Or I feel it's easier to just mix the sugar with the dry ingredient and then grate the dark chocolate into the egg mixture before other ingredients. The dark chocolate would have to be freeze so that it's hard enough to be grated.

2) The temperature is a bit low, I would say 180C is a better temperature at least for the second time baking. With the given temperature and time, the biscotti is not dry enough therefore not crispy.

3) I've not used white chocolate for coating before, it was quite a mess. Perhaps the room temperature was too warm to allow the white chocolate to set and coat the biscotti properly. Besides, the biscuit crumbs will start to contaminate the white chocolate while we start dipping the biscotti in.

I would actually scrap this recipe. Panel tasters agreed or not?

Shop till you drop?

Today is the first day for us drivers (who had renewed our road tax in April and May) to claim our petrol allowances (not sure what is the term they used). Mum and me went over to the nearest post office, which happened to be at a shopping mall near our house. We had planned to go get a few "necessary" items after getting our RM625 allowance.

After we took our numbers at the post office, we realized that it will only be our turn after some 230 people. Oh well, we can always go shopping first, besides, we were quite sure a lot of people were going to give up and result in a shorter waiting time.

And so there we were, spending some money in advance in the departmental store (by the way, I've just donated my last 50 dollar note to get a book of coupon for the Miracle event. I got "caught" by little bro and this liang lui on my way out from gym last night. So, it's good return for a good course so to speak).

A good half an hour later, we both got ourselves new swim suits. I have not bought any swim suit since I came back from studies overseas and I didn't replace my old swim suit after I've lost 2 sizes through PT. So, yes, I got myself a swim suit which is in size S. :) And little did I know that swim suit fashion had evolve so much, it's mostly in two pieces now. No, I didn't get a bikini - I might get that if I'm going off to some island for a romance getaway or something. We got swim suits because we are planning for weekly swimming (replacing our weekly, used to be weekly, squash session).

Went back to the post office and they've attended to about 50 odd people. Okay, not bad. Continued with shopping. This time I got new bra and so did mum. Although I tried about 10 different ones, by the time we returned to the post office, there were still some 100 over people ahead of us.

So we went lunch and just then I got a text from LGM informing about warehouse sale of the same brand where I've just bought my bra. What a coincidence. But no, I'm not getting anymore. For now.

After lunch, we still had time to shop for some kitchen stuff, mainly plastic containers to improve our storage system. All in all, we spent almost 3 hours "waiting" for our turn. And we spent another half an hour after we got our "allowance" to shop for a pair of new pumps and a bluetooth hands-free for me.

It's great to have extra money to shop! Okay, now I've got to pay for the petrol from my "own pocket".

开不了口

刚刚读过Carebear的post. 令我很感触的是这句 - “一个连喜欢与否都说不出口的人...” - 那里谈的是另外一回事，可是令我相到，有时候喜欢一个人，真的会遇到开不了口的情况。

如果真的开不了口，那该怎么办呢？

等待，或许有一天？

那一天，可能是时机成熟，又可能是时间已把一切冲淡。

Button Malfunction

I went home three times today!

Another chapter to add to my Attire Management would have to be Crisis Management! That's where Plan B and emergency responses have to be planned in.

This morning half way to work, I discover that one of my buttons did not fasten well. But no matter how many times I tried to snap them together, they just don't stay fastened. Only then I realized that the button was broken, as in broken into half. So even though I had a sewing kit (which I didn't have - MUST remember to keep a set in handbag) or use a safety pin (which so happened I didn't have one!! MUST remember to have a FEW in handbag) it wouldn't work because it was the front button just across the chest - and thus adding on to TTB's wardrobe malfunction series of crisis.

After using a few seconds to run through a few possible solutions (including wearing gym wear, or the sleeveless t-shirt which I've packed to be worn after gym), before I missed the only junction to turn back, I decided to go home. NEED a proper working attire.

(Home journey #1)

Luckily the traffic was not so bad, so I wasn't so late to work. I was extremely busy at work, loosing half an hour was already delaying completion of urgent matters.

To make urgent matters even more impossible to be completed - mum called just after my lunch to say she had got no keys to go into the house. Sigh... will leave MC to tell the tale of why mum no keys.

(Home journey #2)

For info - didn't actually arrived home because cousins supplied a set of keys. Convenient to have cousins staying just down the street!

Certain posture in yoga today was hard for me due to shoulder pain. Well, I actually could do those poses if I really want to, but perhaps I should give the shoulder a break. But, due to desperate weight reduction aim, I went to combat after yoga and I found it difficult to do hooks and elbows. No matter, the class was awesome! Renee and Lilian were a great pair making loads of stage performance possible, and I feel would be a guarantee of fun filled and motivating class to attend.

(Home journey #3)

Attire Management

I'm sure at one point or another we went through these mornings when we thought "I don't know what to wear to work". Lately I was thinking, perhaps it will be more interesting (for self and others to look at) to have "theme" of the week or something like that. So say I wear dresses for this week; next week I will do shirt-fashion and followed by perhaps suits only the week after. And so on.

For me, on top of work clothes planning, there's this what-to-wear-to-gym planning (you are getting the faint impression that I'm vain already?). What to pack for the gym bag will depend on what class(es) I plan to join. For example, I will pack shorts for pump; quarter length tights for step/ RPM and long pants for combat/ balance/ jam etc. Since I wear all sleeveless top (I used to wear t-shirts and track pants only when I started gym-ing, so thanks to PT I'm now more "fashionable") so it's only to decide what kind of material and colour to pair with the bottom. So vain is it? Haha... partly to dress to the "occasion" but also certain type of gym wear is more practical for a specific type of workout. Of course "image" is another thing lah, say pink top with loads of ribbons for combat will make one really "outstanding" in class right? (Although I DO wear this green top with PINK ribbons to combat occasionally - it's COMBAT GREEN top!); And wearing a flowing long pants might result in pants stuck under the paddle if I use that for RPM.

I've not even gone into which pair of shoes for what class yet, and whether the colour of my socks should match the shoes... I won't.

Oh, not to forget bandanna for cardio classes (which should, naturally, match with the colour of the gym wear).

Then finally, it's the "synchronizing" of work clothes with gym wear. What? Haha... It's just minor lah, but with proper synchronizing one can prevent small episodes. Like so...

If I plan to wear shorts for gym, I would avoid wearing pants and court shoes to work which I usually have a pair of knee high stocking underneath - the stocking will leave a "line" on the knee due to prolonged wearing of stocking. So not very nice when wear shorts. Then say IF certain work clothes needs also coordination of under garment, for example black to go with black pants, then the gym wear should ideally not be white, to avoid black undergarment showing underneath the white pants.

Okay, so complicated. But actually, it's not lah, just exaggerating my train of thoughts everyday when I pack my bag. I don't really sit down and draw up a plan for my attire and I seldom have "crisis" with the coordination. Oh, I wore a black bra underneath my black dress today to work. No, didn't have anything to do with gym wear crisis, but so happened I packed a sleeveless white top to change into after gym. So, I'm sure many passer-by thought I wanted to show off my bra. Haha...

It's expensive to put on weight

I am almost pre-PT weights!!! It's alarming. I spent almost two thousand bucks for my training and that's a lot of money down the drain. Though, I had to say, I don't really look pre-PT and I am not as flabby as then. Just that there's this dramatic increase in weight. That's why I went on and on about loosing the weights.

So as part of my desperate weight lost regime, I resumed my Monday combat last week. But last week was not a good week in terms of overall workout because I only managed to go to gym twice. This week, I told myself, I have to make sure there are sufficient workout, and that's why the back-to-back class again last night.

Actually, I was very hungry half way through combat. But the number on the weighing scale with my undesirable weight kept popping into my head. So it lead me on and with that I managed to finish the class AND continue with pump, cutting down only the chest track weight due to shoulder pain. But I've thought about it, the shoulder pain can't have caused by pump.

I weighted myself in the locker room after class. I know I know, not accurate - supposed to be lighter though due to sweating out right? BUT, I was as heavy as ever. So instead of getting myself the RM7 plus egg sandwich at O'Brien's for dinner after I left gym, I only had a Banana Refresher which cost me RM10. It IS expensive to put on weight. Definitely.

But... I'm so blessed. I did not have any cravings for food today, in fact, I didn't feel like eating much. Did my gym at LM tonight mainly to company MC so I only managed to get on to the stepper for a 30 minutes workout, burnt less than 300 calories. Sigh........ I wish we could make it to a Carebear pump class today. But I did manage to catch up with FI whom I've not seen for ages. Also wish I could join FI's class weekly. Sigh.....

On the another note. My auntie and family had finally settled down in the neighbourhood. Spent the whole weekend helping out. Actually it was BIL and MC helping most, I was just there to do small minor tasks. No baking for the passed weekend since I've baked enough during the week. However, I was supposed to refill MC's cookie jar. Next weekend sis! And I've got a new idea for the biscotti which I hope I'd time to try out this weekend.

Finally, I need to make sure I get enough sleep since I heard one of the reasons one might put on weight is due to lack of sleep.

So, nite nite guys.

A new cupcake message

Made these for Yoga Instructor's order.

I also have some new range of cake "toppers" collections for very special occasions.

From left: Milk and dark chocolate chips; Chocolate coated coffee beans - rum flavour coating; Coffee coated coffee beans - dark chocolate and Cappuccino flavour coating; Milk and white chocolate chips assorted colours.

Death By Chocolate Cake

I was talking to MC just now about giving a name to my chocolate cake. Besides TTB's chocolate cake, perhaps we can call it Death By Chocolate Cake.

Any other suggestions for the name of this cake? ^_^

This is a rich moist chocolate cake with milk chocolate icing. Based on the feedback, this chocolate cake has been a success every time it makes appearance on celebrations or given as presents.

The cake is very moist and though sandwiched and glazed with milk chocolate icing, it's not too sweet because of the reduced sugar cake.

I am still not quite happy with this chocolate cake decoration. I mean, chocolate coated strawberries are great I think, but need something which is more "convenient" - I was so sleepy the other night and couldn't even afford to wait for the chocolate on the strawberries to be properly coated and dripped dry, that's why the pool of chocolate around the strawberries. Some of the strawberries actually fell off the cake the next morning because it was too "slippery". Plus, the strawberries were a bit wet too. Perhaps the mini chocolates are still one of the best options.

2am

So tired, not enough sleep because I was decorating cakes till 2am last night (or it should be called this morning?) - did up a chocolate moist cake with chocolate coated strawberries. And 3 boxes of cupcakes (36s, 16s and 8s). Will post picture tomorrow.

Really hoping to be able to make it to combat at TC tonight since I've not been to gym since Monday. So today double class (I've got yoga in the office this evening).

Will I see any familiar faces over there tonight, say IF I make it to class lah.

I need to loose 3kgs

... at least.

The traffic was just crazy today! Took me almost 2 blardi hours to get home. Humphhhh!!!

One thing I am glad was I already filled up my petrol tank and only had to wait for one car at the gas station just now. But the journey back was TOO crazy, felt like screaming in the car! I text-ed Carebear when I left the office, that's when she was travelling from Kuching to Miri I think. AND I was still NOT home yet when she reached Miri!! Took me longer time to get from Taman Tun to Cheras. Can't believe it!!

Ok... calm down.

MC is back today! Yay, but she has gone to bed, too sleepy I guess. We planned to go hang out tonight, but we were surrounded by cars when we went out, luckily we managed to find a way to "escape" to come home. Everyone was out to the petrol station causing massive traffic jam all around.

I should have gone to the gym and loose those weights I desperately need to loose. I think since I have been eating as usual, I need more workout to burn the calories.

I give myself 2 weeks to loose that 3kgs!!!

that inspired me...

It was a rare opportunity that we went on a Europe trip last year without parents. We were MC, BIL, me and most of all, their first time away so far without parents, my cousin sister (occasionally nicked name as TLA in this blog) and brother. There was a lot of walking on our free and easy tour. It was like an adventure to the kids! Although tired, we always found ourselves enjoying immensely when we sank into comfortable environment at our pit-stop eatery places.

I was particularly in love with this place called The Caffettiera and my diary reads...

Our next mission was to locate a highly recommended tea room and the best galaterie in Rome... This was what the city guidebook said about the places: La Caffettiera Politician from the nearby parliament buildings lounge in the sumptuous tearoom of this temple to Neapolitan goodies, while lesser mortals bolt coffees at the bar. The rum baba reigns supreme, but ricotta lovers rave over the crunchy sfogliatella and rich pastiera.

We found the Caffettiera after walking passed a castle and the Pantheon. According to the guidebook, the Pantheon was built by Hadrian in AD 119-128 as a temple to the most important deities; the inscription on the pediment records a Pantheon build 100 years before by General Marcus Agrippa. The bronze doors are the original Roman ones. Inside, the Pantheon's glory lies in its dimensions. The diameter of the hemispherical dome is exactly equal to the height of the building. At the centre of the dome is the oculus, a circular hole 9m in diameter, a symbolic link between the temple and the heavens.

We were so tired by the time we reach the Caffetteira... we found a sofa seating area and the tea room was a fantastic place to hang out and unwind (not that we were done for the day yet). Their hot chocolate was superb, I had one with hot chilly pepper (ya... very special and spicy) and it's delicious! Alan's coffee was a but strong, but it looks really good! The cakes were great, we didn't get to try the recommended sfogliatella but the ones we ordered were just great. We spent more than one hour here and the best thing was no one bothered us and we didn't feel pressured at all to leave by the waiters. We spent lesser than at the earlier cafe we went and got so much more in return. Really highly recommended!

And so I thought, isn't TeaRoom a wonderful idea? Make that my dream...

Working on the dream

A quick post before I "start work"...

Completed my BC + BP combo last night. Feels great to have worked-out more than usual but I do have this pain on my left shoulder again, pain and not muscle pain.

After not joining combat for a long long time, especially Master C's, the class felt more interesting for me. Perhaps I should join this class only occasionally. As for pump, tough as usual. I had actually reduced weights for squat and chest track.

For the squat track, two reasons to reduce weight for me - instructor warned that the track IS tough; and instructor was using 11kgs, do I want to do the same? Of course I reduce to 10kgs lah. Lucky I made the right decision. Phew...

As for chest track, since I've worked my upper body in combat, I expect me to have less strength. And Carebear said we will be working from bottom up - and Hobbes Push Push track last Saturday sprang into my head - so reduced from my usual 6kgs to 5kgs only. (So, I'm pretty sure my shoulder pain is not because of pump).

Before joining class, I'd tried one of my own banana muffin (which cannot be called so, should call them choc chips muffins) and it was rather tasteless. So, the banana muffin recipe was not good (see comments under the banana chocolate chips muffin post) and I feel that I'm better when baking chocolate and cheese items. So perhaps I should stop baking banana muffins haha...

Anyways... I decided before class that I don't need to have dinner since I was feeling quite stuffed after eating the muffin. BUT, after pump, I was really hungry and in dire need of replenishing energy (to drive home). Ended up getting a mozzarella and vege toostie from O'Brien's before leaving TC.

Okay, I've decided to seriously look into my TeaRoom dream. So, first thing first, the location - ideally a neighbourhood type of environment, but with nearby offices. Not in the mall, at shoplots area but not Mont Kiara or Bangsar type of overly busy shoplots. Near to and convenient for all my friends so that they can drop-by all the time for a good gossip sessions (and of course to contribute to my "salary").

Any idea? Do share...

I wish...

I wish I can manage to do a back to back BC + BP tonight - I'm off from gym tomorrow so that I can bake a birthday cake for end of this week.

I wish I can hug all my friends now for their support - I know everyone wishes for great things to happen for me (soon), I'm crossing my fingers too.

I wish I can just believe that dreams are signs and will come true (exclude nightmares please!) - a gal friend just sms-ed me telling me she dreamt of attending my wedding with him (haha) but that is just a dream.

Banana Chocolate Chips Muffin

I'm sure this time they can be called muffins...

So happened mum bought some bananas a few days ago. And I've bought these new muffin paper cups which look too cute to be left aside in the cupboard. Finally, I do want to confirm a banana muffin recipe so I can "move on". (Carebear, the paper cups are good enough without the muffin trays actually - you can see from the picture that they were not supported by the tray)

I didn't try any after I baked them, too full. Will try one for breakfast tomorrow morning perhaps. The fact that the muffins had risen very well, I already liked this recipe. I leave it to the tasters to come back with the feedback.

The recipe made 12 which is just the good portion for tea-time bake. Mum bought Pisang Rastali which was different from those I normally got at the supermarket. I would expect them to give better aroma actually. And no banana essence added but added chocolate chips just to be "safe" - so that they could some how also please the chocoholic.

Thought the cupcakes were rather dull, so glazed them with honey to add some shine. However, I wouldn't expect the honey to give much aroma since it's just the Giant brand honey. Nonetheless, I think I could still get the effect - which I hope will last.