Stop Trying Hard To Please Everyone

I have a confession to make, and I'm doing this because I'm finally able to come clean and be honest with myself. So, what led to this? I have come to realize that I have been trying so hard to please everyone and appeal to people as a good friend (and hopefully a dependable one too). I constantly get on the better side of people, and by doing that, sometimes it works against my natural behavior (and eventually causes a conflict within myself). Sometimes being a diplomatic may seem as a good move to avoid conflict, but in the long run if I don't make decisions for myself because I'm too concerned if others might be offended, I might just lose myself in the process. It's the same advise I'd given to my friends, but somewhat unknowingly I fall victim to the very same scenario too. However, it's gotta stop. 

I am a good friend (probably better than I might imagine, I don't know), I am a good support too, I am opinionated, I am highly versatile, I am multi-talented with vast interest, I do crave for limelight, I love the feeling of winning, I dislike losing but I can accept it, I am very analytical, I do a lot of self reflection (in a matter of time), I feel a lot of emotions on the inside but I am scarily collected and calm on the outside, I can smile in the toughest time because that is the only way I can feel stronger, I often make a joke or a bad pun in serious situations to ease out any tension, I want to be someone's hero one day, and this is who I am.

Night Time is Bright Time

It is this time of night (approx. 1:00AM at the time of writing), that I spend time either learning some new stuff from the Internet (namely YouTube), or reflecting on what has happened earlier in the day or week (depending on how frequent the reflection happens). Yeah, I think a lot at night. Might not come as surprising to many people, since there are many out there who are like me.

It's funny (or weird) how only night time I feel at ease or at peace with my thoughts and that I can truly get things sorted out. I tend to be able to think better with an unbiased mindset and make certain life decisions. Yup, I make my decisions and choices after putting in some thoughts and risk calculation (or rather gut feel) there.

In fact, if I'm not too tired from all the work during the day, and the learning in the night, I can even continue my work or plan the work for the following day. It's not that I love the work or am a workaholic, it's just that I think it'll make life easier that way for myself. After all, I have the capacity to do so - stretch the limits right? Hahaha.

Many don't know or don't appreciate how important it is to do personal reflection (be it a particular day or time of day). I've learned much from my past experiences and others, that taking a step back to reflect back on what I've done and spending quality time with myself allows me to "observe" what went wrong and what went right, how did the interaction with someone else went, how do I feel about certain matters and why did I have feel that way. These are very important elements in every day life that many of us tend to miss out as we brisk through the days busily to achieve our goals.

My nights felt very bright, perhaps even brighter than day light itself, because I can see the "light" at the end of the tunnel after reviewing things. Sometimes, I managed to find the answers I'm looking for, sometimes I ended up with more questions. Sometimes, I recalled of certain past memories, while there are many other times I think of the possible future based on my current circumstances. There are even times I missed people who are at a distance, but I'll also look forward to meeting like-minded friends who I've yet to befriend. See how bright it is yet? =D

My Web Blog Article Got Published!

Well, technically only Part 1 of 2-parts blog was published. Still, it is an #achievementunlocked! So, what happened was I submitted my draft, had it reviewed and was corrected a few times over. Only took forever for that to end. Hahaha just kidding! It was a few times bouncing back and forth between myself and the reviewer. Once done, it was marked as ready for publishing and when the date arrived, it went online - on the corporate web forum! *omg so excited!*

The feedback those who read it were very encouraging! Of course, none of this would be possible if I hadn't had support from my friends and colleagues. Willing to try is one thing, having the courage to see it through is another. Oh, I can't wait for my second part to be published too!

Let me see if I can get permission to upload my web blog here, once both parts are out on the corporate forum! Hehe =D

P/s: I'm also writing a personal piece. Hint: It's about heroes! (but don't get your hopes too high on it!)

Writing is tough job, even if you know what your message is

Recently, I've been given the opportunity to write some articles for the company I'm currently working for. Embarking on this journey as a starting writer, I began to realize how difficult it is to construct professional-grade writing as it is very different than writing a blog like this. I've always thought that writing is just about the way one feels about a certain matter and how one communicates it as if he or she was speaking to another person. But I've found that there are more aspects to consider besides just getting the message out i.e. how does my message reflect me as a writer, will the readers understand what I mean, are my facts factual enough, etc.

I can construct the skeleton-structure of the article within moments, given I have the idea on the core message to relay to others. This is the easy part, and I think any seasoned writer would agree on that. Then, it comes to consideration of factors like language, readability, simplicity, purposeful and call-to-action-after-reading, This is where it gets mighty tough. One sentence may some times take what seems like forever to produce because I'm thinking and perhaps reconsidering writing it differently as I go. So, I "spit" out words on the draft with bullet points or mind-maps, to connect them much later. After spending some time doing that, now I have a cluster of words that I need to assemble into a sentence which I intended on much earlier. I don't know if I'm doing it right, but it seems to be working gradually for me. In between, I'll need to take a break, step away from my work, and to resume them when I have "fresh" eyes.

After hours of doing that, I think I might have just gotten one paragraph sorted out. Thereafter, comes more troubles - doubting the paragraph I had just produced, and the continuation to the next one. Repeat these, and before I knew it, countless hours have passed by.

In order to have something to write, one doesn't just think of an idea and produces a wonderful article. I have to ensure what I want to "say" is valid, has some facts to it and not just purely made out of my opinion or assumption. Some information may be common knowledge (e.g. drinking water is good for health), while some could be unique to certain industries or practices (e.g. consumption of RO water in long term may lead to health issues). This calls for conducting due research on the respective areas, and boy, can they be a pain at times! There's just too much information available on the Internet, and not all of them are true or accurate. I have to be very careful when reading articles and be wary of the sources of information.

At the end, I was able to put together a piece of work which I believed was ready for reviewing. It was no easy job. I had shown my draft to a few close friends, to get the initial feedback before I hand in my work to a professional. They gave me different but valuable opinions and insights on areas to improve. I had to carefully digest and reflect on their feedback. Long story short, I repeated some of the things I mentioned earlier, and another few days have passed by before I actually submitted the work.

I used to think it was easy for those who write books, especially when they have a series or sequels or both! I thought as long as one has sufficient experience and knowledge, it would be easy to write them down. Clearly, my perception is inaccurate and immature. I will now appreciate more when I read other people's work! To all the authors out there, you guys are simply amazing and thank you for sharing your stories with the world!

I Hate Funerals

I can't say enough how much I hate funerals. I know no one likes it. But I HATE it with a Passion!

So, why do I dislike it that much that I have to repeat the word 'hate' twice? Everyone knows funerals are to honor the passing of loved one(s) and pray that he/her may be at peace where ever the after-life is. However, it messes me up on the inside and because of that, I'll have another million questions running through my head!

Emotions are stirred up, tears slowly creep up and the body reacts to the solemn music and atmosphere. I'll try to hold it in as much as I can, but each time it gets tougher to keep them all in one place without 'exploding'. Then comes questions about my own life - purpose, meaning, legacy, etc, as I hear the life stories of the deceased and reflect on them.

Another reason for my loathe towards funeral is seeing a good person being taken away. We could use one more person like that, but instead of having one more, we lost one. Yes, some people have told me that I can stand in as a "replacement" of the good guy, until another one shows up. But, I'm no good-guy quality as the deceased was. It was natural for the departed ones, but it'll take me a lot more than just wanting it. And comes the debate of doing the right thing versus doing things right.

Long story short, I really despise funeral.

I'm A Generalist; I want to be a Specialist!

For as long as I can remember, I've been able to do so many things that catches my attention. I've tried, tested and know how certain things work (whether it's sports, scholastic, professional work, or even niche hobbies). But I hadn't had a deep interest in any of them. Thus, I only do a good job, but nothing great beyond that.

I've been a data entry clerk, waiter at a hotel, event management crew, break-dancer, rare stamps and coins collector, surveyor, sports "coach", champion school actor, runner-up rifle champion, team lead, 5-star Uber driver, volunteer at charity events, sales executive and many more. I've also slept on the streets, petrol stations and shopping malls. Why you may ask. That's a very good question actually. I guess I wanted to find out what is it that drives me to go on. Sometimes I even asked what inspires them to see if it could give me an idea.

I'm a Generalist. I had this mindset the very moment I realized that I can do anything that I set my mind to it. I developed my own methods, after much reading and learning of the current process of how things are done - applied them to my studies, work and personal life. They've been very helpful so far. However, comes the issue of my short span of interest after which I know how they work and when I find out that it's not what I want. This has been ongoing for years and years. While others are getting more focused into one (or a few areas) in work and in life, I think I'm too diversified. I believe that the reason I'm like that, may most likely be my fear of failing and that I'm doing all of this as a mere gesture of ensuring I have any general skills I need for survival purpose. Well, I think it's about time to let go of some stuff, make a decision and take a leap of faith - to be a Specialist!

On my journey to be specialist, since I'm been working as a consultant (fitting many roles, depending on the projects assigned), I'm still figuring which exact field I'd like to specialize in. I've recently completed a training with a certification (not participation ones) along with it. In addition to that, more questions have popped up in my head over the years, and it's being more specific too. I guess with more work and life experience, you'd get a better idea of the things you want or don't want. I need to also ask more experts about it, to make sure I'm on the right track as well. This transition isn't going to be an easy one! Wish me luck!

Keeping my fingers crossed!

End of Q1 2017

Man, time flies so fast, and I just realized that almost a full quarter of 2017 has just passed by! No kidding!

Looking back on things, a few things happened, and I'm glad at least I achieved a few good moments =) I've been pretty busy working on my career and at the same time ensuring that I enjoy life too. I even started a few side "quests" and can't wait to see the results of that by end of the year!

However, the question that still lies around is "Will I be able to identify my purpose in life, and what motivates me?" I know, I know, it's a 2-in-1 question but I'm greedy like that.

Well, all the best to me in finding the answer that! I'll keep "fighting" on, in any way that I can.

17122016 Secret Garden Chinese Restaurant

Hello, hello, and this is coming from a very cozy and posh place, called the Secret Garden Chinese Restaurant PJ (家園私房菜). A group of us FoodInkers are called in to review their new and upcoming steamboat menu. They've been known for their Chinese cuisines with home-like environment, so it's a surprise to many that they'd infused steamboat into the upcoming menu.

I'll be honest and say here that I've not heard been here, let alone tried their food yet. So, I'm pretty excited to see what will be served! I like the name of their restaurant, and when I got to know the reason behind their concept, I was more thrilled to get a taste of their food!

Secret Garden is located in Sea Park, PJ, but it's not exactly very visible (hence like a secret garden) if you're just driving around the area. Also, Secret Garden is themed in such a way, that when you walk into the place, it feels like coming home ("HOME SWEET HOME!") and it gives you a soft sense of security when you're in the place. The interior of the place is by far one of the most amazing I've seen to date - there's live plants, wow-ing wall paintings, feng shui, lots of space (something you don't see often today), and it's not just the traditional round tables, but also the long ones (which are for large groups of 10 or so).

 The panoramic interior view of the restaurant

The unique long table

The live plants and charcoal walls

The Secret Garden mural

Isn't it gorgeous?!

A feng shui setup with lots of woods and water running around

The display of the seafood that you can have!

Their signature dish - Signature Taiwanese Style Braised "Dong Po" Pork Belly

RM38 small, RM66 large

I was immediately in love with this at first bite!

They melt in your mouth! (Yes, read it twice please!)

Close up shot

Provided were some sauces and condiments to make our own style of sauces

We were shown some varieties, but I'm just sticking to soy sauce, lime and some chopped garlics

Then, we had the Steamed Free Range Duckweed Fed Chicken with Homemade Sauce
Have you tasted chicken which was raised for more than 120 days?
The meat is more tender and taste better than the normal ones.
Most importantly it's huge! =D

Note: This must be eaten when served warm, and if it is cooled down (no, it can't be reheated), the skin and meat will be chewy. For those that always "feed the camera" first, please pay attention to this, and don't say I didn't warn ya.

Pork slice! with some food decor 

(not the Santa and Snowman will not be part of your menu, LOL)

Some ingredients for the steamboat, brought to you by the fabulous mermaid

But the pork-slice-wrapped doll and this mermaid capture many people's attention!

Secret Garden Imperial Chicken Broth

(I'll put below the price and packages available for CNY menu)

Premium Wild Forest Truffle and Mushrooms Broth

(I'll put below the price and packages available for CNY menu)

We have tobiko squid balls, truffle balls, pork balls with mushrooms, fish slice, handmade fish paste, handmade prawn paste, seafood dumplings, chives pork dumplings

We were also enlightened by the Chef whom demonstrated to us how the handmade pork balls are made.

He made it look so easy, and everyone was like "I think I can do this too"

Video of Chef making the pork balls

And we were given a try to make our own pork balls!

Behold, my very own pork balls!!

(Don't cheekily smile there, I know what you're thinking!)

They also serve Yee Sang but of course, it's only available for the CNY package.

CNY STEAMBOAT Package 1

Price:

• 6 pax = RM388
• 10 pax = RM688 

Appetizers:

• Yee Sang with Salmon
• Taiwanese Deep-Fried Crispy Salted Chicken

Broth:

• Secret Garden Imperial Chicken Broth

Hot Pot Ingredients:

• Seafood Platter: Tiger Prawn, White Clam, Fish Maw, Scallop
• Sliced Pork Neck
• Sliced Beef / Sliced Lamb
• Handmade Pork Balls with Mushroom
• Handmade Tobiko Squid Balls
• SG Seafood Dumpling “Kao Zi” and Chives Pork Dumpling “Kao Zi”
• Handmade Fish Paste
• Mix Vegetables and Mushrooms Platter
• White Bean Curd
• Fu Chuk Skin (Bean Curd Skin)
• Udon Noodle

Dessert:

• Herbal Jelly with Wild Honey

CNY STEAMBOAT Package 2

Price:

• 6 pax = RM888
• 10 pax = RM1688

Appetizers:

• Yee Sang with Jelly Fish and Salmon
• Taiwanese Deep-Fried Cripsy Salted Chicken and Fried Sotong

Broth:

• Premium Wild Forest Truffle and Mushrooms Broth

Hot Pot Ingredients:

• Seafood Platter: Abalone Clam, Tiger Prawn, Geoduck, Sliced Snapper, White Clam, Fish Maw, Sea Cucumber
• Sliced Japan Sendai Beef
• Sliced Iberico
• Handmade Black Truffle Balls
• Handmade Squid Balls
• Handmade Pork Balls with Mushroom
• SG Seafood Dumpling “Kao Zi” and Chives Pork Dumpling “Kao Zi”
• Handmade Fish Paste
• Handmade Prawn Paste
• Mix Vegetables and Mushrooms Platter
• Homemade Organic Black Bean Curd
• Fu Chuk Skin (Bean Curd Skin)
• Taiwanese Bamboo Charcoal Ramen and Taiwanese Spinach Ramen

Dessert:

• Chinese New Year Special Dessert

Location:

Secret Garden 家园私房菜

7 & 9 Jalan SS 23/15,

47400, Petaling Jaya, Selangor

Operation Hours:

Mon - Sun :

11.30am-3.00pm

6.00pm-11.00pm

Contact:

03-7887 6999

Note: This place is mostly packed on normal days, so I'd reckon you quick reserve a table with them if you're thinking of having a CNY meal there.

10122016 Friendsmily Steamboat House

It's been a long while since I went to a steamboat house, and was grateful to be invited by FoodInk to Friendsmily Steamboat House (FSH) to try out some of their menu!

First, a little background on the place. While it's recently opened (Nov '15), the main business is actually from Kingfisher Seafood Mart (KSM) who has been in the business of selling fresh and frozen seafood. You can actually buy the seafood from KSM and have FSH cook it for you. How cool is that?! However, there'll be surcharge if you require them to steam is a specific manner (you'll find out more when you're there!)

Not sure if there was a label error, but I kinda thought this was snails

Up close shot

This is one mean crab, I tried to get closer, and it reacted to me (like all the time!)

Thank goodness its pincers were tied up, else I'd be needing 911, lol

the prawns are super active!

Here's a short video of them.

Something's caught their attention?

Surcharge for steaming the seafood.

This is what I mentioned earlier.

Had a good tour around the KSM, and I must say the prices here are very good compared to the local supermarkets! I'm definitely interested in coming back to get some stuff, especially the scallops and seafood tofu! After the tour, went back to FSH to find that lots of food prepared!

CHECK IT OUT!! We've got all the good stuff yo!

Don't think I'll need to spell out the items on the table.

Take a look for yourself!

Close up shots

This here is the Wintermelon Pot.

Honestly while this looks absolutely stunning, I didn't think it's practical at all.

We had a tough time to cook the ingredients and to scoop them up.

But was it any good? It's darn AWESOME!

Love the taste!

If it wasn't any hassle, I'd reckon this is hands-down-you-must-try!

In case you're wondering what's on the other pot,

it's the 1/2 Plain Soup and 1/2 Sweet Corn Tomato Drumstick Pot
They're nice and tasty, but I'd still prefer the soup in the Wintermelon pot

Camera "eat" first.

Many of the FoodInkers were busy capturing the food

I figured I might as well so something too!

Seafood Pan Besar (Talapia)

This is one heck of a meal!

You get mussles, scallops, prawns, abalone slices, sotong, clams, and of course the talapia fish too!

You can check out the prices below and for more info.

They've even got some menu packages which includes Yong Tau Fu !

Sweet deals!

Close up shots

Capture of the menu listing for you! =)

Another shot of the Wintermelon Pot with lots of food in it!

Even caught a video for you!

If you're into fresh seafood, then there's a good recommendation for you! You can get some grocery shopping done, and optionally eat them immediately after purchase! Hahaha.

Location:

Friendsmily Steamboat House

No.7-1 & 9-1,

Jalan Damai Perdana 6/1B,

Bandar Damai Perdana, 56000 Cheras

Contact: 03-91079374

Note: Kingfisher Seafood Mart, is just below it. 

Don't miss the chance to check them out too while you're there!

Train to Busan: Top 5 Flaws

Source: www.shaw.sg

Love it or hate it? I LOVE IT! But I won't be talking what I love about it. I think it's pretty obvious if you googled out or read the reviews about it. Honestly, I'd suggest you to just watch it - like go buy a movie ticket for whatever next screening available for you!

Well, I don't do vlogs, as I'm a nervous-wreck in front of cameras, so this will be in a written form instead. If you don't like it, there's always the X button at the top right of the tab/window. Feel free to comment below on your thoughts about the movies, or if you found more flaws about the movie.

**Beware of Spoiler Alert**

#5 First Zombie Onboard!

Saw how the first zombie got onboard the train without anyone noticing? The Train Attendant didn't feel anyone moving behind him, or the loud stump the person-before-turned-into-zombie made? As the person-before-turned-into-zombie was "its" way trough the carriage, no one felt suspicious at all? That's one super effective biological weapon there!

#4 Zombie's Nature

The zombies are portrayed to be highly sensitive to noise, and they react at the sight of a human. They have poorer sensitivity to light as compared to humans, therefore in very dim light, they are not able to detect humans. How do instinctively detect human? Not by smell nor heat senses definitely, otherwise all the human characters would have been long dead.

#3 The Escape Plan

I get that they want to go to somewhere safe. But, it's not really a battle against time so why the rush? They had already identify the zombie's reaction to human sight, available light and sound. One of the main character (before he turned into a zombie and jump off the train) was able to calm down to figure out the routing of the train and plan their way through the carriages to get the other survivors. Shouldn't he also be able to come out with a plan to hide away from plain sight? There are a lot of materials to build a cloak-like cover.

#2 Evil IS Dumb AF

Trying to get rid of some people because they might be a threat, is an naturally acceptable act of fear. But why would you lock them in a safer location than where you're at, and not put yourself there in the first place? Let's do a quick recap. There are 3 carriages, in an orderly manner, at this point of context: A. Carriage with Zombies, B. Carriage with survivors, C. Carriage with outcasted survivors. (C is furthest away from A, while B is just after A) See the picture now? So, ladies and gentlemen, here's the unexpected outcome! The evil "geniuses" were busy securing the joint-point of carriage B&C, instead of fortifying the joint-point of carriage A&B. Thus, allowing a suicidal old lady to bring a WTF-moment into the story!

#1 It Ain't Safe Until The Young Lady Sings!

The golden moment goes to the young girl who sang at the ending moment, indirectly signaling to the military personnel that she and the pregnant lady were in no doubt humans. So the billion dollar question is: Who taught/told her to sing for safety? I'm assuming she knew (or someone knew) that it's safe to sing! Like we didn't already know that sound attracts zombie, regardless of light's presence. The young girl knew it was her fatal mistake that contributed to her dad turning into a zombie, and by any means, anyone with that experience would remain silent after a long and loud cry. Even the military was covertly operating as silently and distantly from the gate as possible. Mind blowing instinct she has, doesn't she!

And there you have, the Top 5 Flaws of the hottest Korean movie in town, Train To Busan!

Feel free to leave your comments below on your thoughts about the movie!

Mozzie Repellant, Made with Young Living Essential Oils

Just collected my package from Mama Pam (ok that's what I call her, but you shall call her Pamela or Pam for short). As soon as I saw her post on the mozzie (mosquito) repellant, I was intrigued by the idea! It was the perfect gift for my sis, since my sis now works in Singapore (and we all know about the Zika virus).

Mama Pam's someone who's very quick to take action. I was just commenting on her post at FB, and she sent me WhatsApp messages with details about the mozzie repellant. I know her and trust her recommendations (even back when she was blogging, I could rely on her taste for good things). And there, I was sold! Ordered myself a spray bottle with a refill pack.

Now, before I show you the good stuff, I must give yet another compliment to Mama Pam. When she quoted me the goods, she had forgotten that she quoted me based on slightly above the costing price (that's almost bare minimum profit). When she came to realize it, she was honest with me, but yet she didn't demand the extras. Now, I shop a lot online, especially from product distributors and many in this case would have apologized but request me to top up (and we're strangers before those transactions are made). So, here's a perfect example of an honest and nice entrepreneur!

Yes, I'm pulling both her legs; I wondering if I can get discount from future purchases, hahahaha. Just kidding Mama Pam! I'll continue to support your business with discount or not!

Nevertheless, what's said above is nothing short of the truth =)

Alright, so here's what the items look like:

To me!

The package looks simple and nice!

Here's my spray bottle with the refill pack!

For more info, please contact Pam Song at pamsong@gmail.com

Source: Pam Song's FB

Here's the Young Living Essential Oils used

I took a couple of sprays on my hands, and I instantly took liking to the scent of the spray! When Mama Pam told me "This repellant smells divine", she isn't kidding! After I showered, I sprayed my my whole body with it! And ya know what?!  I SMELL GOOOOOD~~! Got my mum curious about the fragrance too!

OK I just remembered that this package is actually a gift for my sis! Oops!I better get one for myself instead!

If you're getting yourself some mozzie repellants, get this! Worth the bucks, I tell you! And also support Mama Pam =D


Oh ya, another tips, the mozzie repellants can be coupled as droppers to your water based air purifier, because they're 100% therapeutic grade essential oils. Let the divinity scent spread everywhere!

More info MOZZIE REPELLANT pricing:

• 2oz Premix with spray bottle - RM25

• 5ml refill - RM50
  * Just drop 30 drops into the spray bottle each time and fill with distilled water (should be able to refill 3x)

• 15ml refill - RM130
  * Just drop 30 drops into the spray bottle each time and fill with distilled water (should be able to refill 9x)

For more info, please contact Pam Song at pamsong@gmail.com

Belated Birthday Gift from Sis!

Was quite surprised by my sis, when she got me a belated birthday gift! Well, if you know me well enough, you'd probably already know that I don't celebrate my birthday and neither I do fancy birthday gifts for myself.

So, yeah I am surprised by my sis, even though I don't quite express it in anyway. Here's my way of saying thanks to my sis!

Thank you my darling sister!

A very thoughtful gift!

=D

Guy has gotta always smell good!