Reflection and Reporting: Learning to Bake

Hi folks! One of my goal is to learn up new skills. Here's one of them: BAking. First attempt using Pre-made dough but judging from the results(overbaked) I still got lotsa experiments & lessons before getting it right! Gambateh!! What new skills are you picking up this year? Pls. share! Cheers! :)

Reflection and Reporting: Filial Piety

Hi folks!

This year, another goal I wish to achieve is to practice : FILIAL PIETY.

In Confucian ideals, filial piety (Chinese: 孝) is one of the virtues to be held above all else: a respect for the parents and ancestors. 

(From: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Filial_piety)

This is somewhat an unfamiliar term for those who are not familiar with the Confucius teaching, but nevertheless, this virtue has been imparted in other forms or terms.

For example, in Malaysia education, the Malay term for it will be "Kasih Sayang kepada Ibubapa.".

Frankly speaking, I am not considered very filial person. Or shall I say I have not progress much in this field.

Yes I do care a lot for my family. I have been trying to reduce the financial burden of my parents by giving tuition since Form 2 (age 14) till my college years. I studied hard to earn a scholarship so that my parents will not have to crack head and back to pay for my sis (who is one year apart from me) and me through universities.

In a way, it makes me more independent and grow rather "distant" from my family. During college times, I would work during the holiday, spending very little time at home. Even though at that time, i made sure i called home every week. Something which I tend to forget to do now that I have my own family and kids.

So this year, I hope I will maintain this routine to call my parents weekly if not more often and try to visit them as often as I could. 

Whenever I told my child whatever i wished, e.g., wish they could drive me when they got their driving license, wish they would provide me with some surprises (good ones of course), be a good and responsible person..etc...I reckon I should do it to my parents too :) 

So I hope I can bring them for trips and outings more often too. Have to really cherish while they are still around.

And I hope I can be more supportive and encouraging with my words and not to talked back/preaching when I don't come into terms with their ways or mindset.

My children are my mirrors towards how I should be treating my parents.

And, as the wise saying goes, " Our parents don't need our filial piety. It is us, Children, who needed to practice it.". How true!

So, have you called your parents lately? Why not make the call or the visit now?

Cheers!

Reflection and Reporting: Eat and Serve Healthier Food

Hi folks!

This year i have not really confirm or rather conclude on my New Year Goals/Aspirations so to speak....

I have got lotsss in mind to do and achieve...but priorities ..is the key.

I like to do it one at a time or at any one time and...record each small tiny steps leading towards each of my goal.

So today's reporting will be on my Health and Parenting Goal: Eat and Serve Healthier Food :)

One of the many recipes i wanted to experiment is smoothies. This is especially for my kids and hubby in mind.

Of course, first i am my first guinea-pig and my own critics before serving the rest of the crew ;)

This particular one which I have tried : Banana-Avocado Smoothie (verdict: yummy and heart-healthy)

Ingredients are simple:

• 2 bananas
• 1 avocado
• 3/4 glass of apple juice

Method:

Put all into blender and blend to smoothie perfection!

(i use my ever trusty hand blender ...very easy to wash..)

By the way, one of my friend taught me to freeze the unfinished bananas, so I am able to whip this yummy smoothies anytime I have ripe avocados at hand. Simply take out the frozen bananas from the freezer and thaw it for 10mins(if you have a power juicer, you can blend it immediately!). This give the smoothies a cool taste minus the ice.

Today offered this drink to my son who walked into the kitchen full of curiosity. And yep he finished half glass of this yummy-licious drink! Makes mommy happy n proud & excited to try some other yummy recipes ;) One of the thing i could add in now perhaps is some extra nutrients like flaxseed powder etc...

How are the recipes you have been experimenting lately for yourself or family? Pls. do share!

Cheers!

Early CNY Pai Nien

We have it earlier as my siblings mostly married outstation folks. So they be balik kampung tomorrow..

Early Scrumptious Reunion Dinner + Karaoke + Games

Vege char siew, cold dish, curry, pun choi, yakult, cocktail & sushi. Karaoke & family quiz games. I won the big red packet! Yey! :)

Happy CNY to all!

Hi folks!

Today is a rainy and rather jam-packed day. I believe lotsa people will be making their home for CNY celebration with their loved ones.

To those who are driving, be safe on the road.

Happy Dragon year to all! May it brings a mystical and miracle change that we all need for the year 2012 for the better!

Let's start from each and everyone of us to be a better person...each day!

Gong Xi Fa Cai!

Cheers!

Moonlight Movie@ Bukit Kiara

Hi folks! 

Last Sat, we as Unifi users are invited to a moonlight movie marathon@Bukit Kiara Equestrian Indoor Arena. 

Theme: Beachwear. 

At first I thought it's those movie in the car with a big screen. But kinda disappointed at the venue..too stuffy &hot to hold a movie marathon! I must say this event is not as organized as it should be..lots to improve, from venue to event details, timing, expensive & long queue to get the pricey F&B! As an invited guest, we need to pay for the meals. It makes no sense at all to state the starting time at 6pm but only start the show after 7pm. Making us wonder about dinner time.....or... are we merely considered another potential client of the exclusive F& B stalls? We don't get our so-called VIP Guest to pay for their meals do we? If so, then make the event after dinner time to avoid the long queue and inconveniences caused especially to family with young children.

Hope they will improve on their event organizing skills...definitely thinking more than thrice to participate in any of their future events... hohoho...

Cheers to a happy and fruitful day!