Wahseh!Wahseh!cruisin' and bruisin' leaving footprints on the sand Articles
If Everything Goes Well...
2007-07-28 09:31:00 We'll be moving to Shijicheng (Century City) mid August. We headed for that area a little earlier than the appointed time. We found lots of shops, restaurants and a supermarket in the surrounding area. We had a quick lunch and walked to the place to meet the agent.Our first impression was that it was very clean and green. Lots of trees and landscaped garden made the place very inviting. There were no cars allowed in to the main area as there is a basement car park. David says he can jog along the paved walkways in the evenings.We expected the apartment to be on the 2nd or 3rd floor judging by the pictures sent by the agent but were pleasantly surprised that it is actually a low rise unit with its own entrance. A few steps up from the garden compound to its own patio and the front door.Kathleen was waiting for us outside. It was a blistering day and the sun was out in full force so we were glad she turned up earlier and switched on all the air conditioning to cool the place down.On ... More About: Travel , China , Home , Thing , Well
Finished!
2007-07-27 07:40:00 I've just finished the last Harry Potter book.And it was an amazing read like all the rest in the series. Full of details, emotions and action. If you've ever wondered why so many people, young and old alike are crazy about the book, you should seriously try reading at least one of them.Some people find it spooky, those who don't read seem to enjoy the movies and for some they don't even like the movie because they say it is scary. Some take issue with the fact that it has wizards and witches which seem to border on the dark and evil side but when you sieve through all that you will find a story of life. In any case, a deeper research is necessary if you feel there is a religious controversy - ignorance is a dangerous thing! I started at Wikipedia.A story of triumph over evil; of hope; of courage; of compassion; of love and forgiveness, parents' love for their children, and friendship; of grief and sadness; of ordinary people showing strength, integrity, loyalty and sacrifice; ... More About: Books , Finish , Nish
What Will I Do With $1 Million
2007-07-27 05:30:00 I read Bok Jae's post and I decided to post about this as well but first...I am quoting from the book, Celebration of Discipline by Richard Foster and this is where I gleaned the 10 steps to an outward expression of simplicity:-First - buy things for their usefulness, not their statusSecond - reject anything that is producing an addiction in youThird - develop a habit of giving things awayFourth - refuse to be propagandized by the custodians of modern gadgetryFifth - learn to enjoy things without owning themSixth - develop a deeper appreciation of creationSeventh - look with healthy skepticism at all "buy now, pay later" schemesEight - obey Jesus' instructions about plain, honest speechNinth - reject anything that breeds the oppression of othersTenth - shun anything that distracts you from seeking first the Kingdom of GodWith that said, I think I won't do anything with that $1 Million . At least not anything that my Father doesn't want me to do.I want to be a good steward of His... More About: Religion
Mighty Boys
2007-07-27 05:22:00 Look at my nephews enjoying a day out in the sun.I'm so glad the inflatable pool has come to good use - I would have jumped in if I were there! More About: Family , Boys , Mighty
Apartment Hunting
2007-07-27 04:52:00 We've decided to look around for a better apartment in Ningbo. It looks like we are going to be here more often than in Malaysia so we might as well make our stay here more comfortable.David and I started getting active on the Ningbo Guide and HelloNingbo forums to see if we could get information and help to find an apartment. We've located the apartment blocks where we want to stay and have made an appointment to view one of the apartments tomorrow. The area we are looking at should have more shops and eating places and would be convenient than our current place.We don't need a big place because cleaning would be a problem but we would prefer a sizable kitchen and modern furnishings. Its not really the aesthetics but modern furniture would be more comfortable.On another note, David will be taking his China driving test next week. His business partner said he will loan us a car when the need arise until we decide to get our own. I really wonder what it will be like to drive here! More About: Personal , Travel , Driving , Home , Hunting
Live a Debt Free Life
2007-07-26 04:40:00 I remember listening to Pastor Caleb's sermon many months back about living a debt free life. He exhort us to live within our means and learn to differentiate between wants and needs.In the book, Celebration of Discipline by Richard J. Foster, there is a chapter on Simplicity. In this chapter, he quotes Ecclesiastes 7:30 "God made man simple; man's complex problems are of his own devising" which really rings true to me. A lot of our problems are a product of our own doing.My family was not financially able at the time when I started college and all throughout university I've had to work to supplement what allowance I was given under my scholarship. I was definitely not wise with finance and would actually spend most of my hard earned money. When I started a proper job I was earning very little but the department commission and bonus was excellent. I went crazy.The first thing I did when my income qualified was to get a credit card. What a mistake that was. I kept thinking that it... More About: Life , Finance , Free , Live , Debt
Shopping Shanghai
2007-07-25 13:47:00 Where do I start...I think China is a veritable shopping country. With most things from the world manufactured here, there are retail outlets in every street and every corner. Every where you go in China, you'd inevitably meet someone trying to sell (or cheat you of) you something!You can find anything and everything and end up with nothing because the choices makes your head spin. The prices sometimes make your jaw drop - it can either be so expensive that it is ridiculous or extremely cheap that it is unbelievable.This is an example of what it means when I say that everything is "Made in China". I visited my friend in Switzerland last year and she drove us to Interlaken for a weekend. Since it was a tourist site, there were a lot of souvenir shops. There was a wood specialty shop which sells handmade wooden toys and decorative items and I fell in love with this musical carousel. I bought it for close to RM100 and felt quite pleased.Fast forward to October last year when I was in ... More About: Shopping , Travel , Food , Shanghai , Ping
Win $2500
2007-07-25 11:03:00 Over at Ashwin?s blog, you will find one crazy blog owner!! You can win $2500!! To enter just copy this text and paste it in your blog!! But hurry, this competition will not last long! So get posting!Everyone is saying that this is the biggest blog competition ever and this post is my entry form!Wish me luck :)
Motel 168 at Anyuan Road, Shanghai
2007-07-23 09:17:00 We are destined not to stay at Mote l 168! When we were traveling to Huangshan, Esther booked us into the branch at Tunxi which was too far from Huangshan itself so we didn't stay there.In Shanghai , David made a telephone booking and was told that his cell number and name would be his booking number. We had the motel mapped out so we sorta knew that it would take about 10mins by taxi.The taxi driver was blatanly lying! First he said he didn't know where Anyuan Road was and asked to see the map. Then when we queried him, he said of course he knows the road. Then we asked him if he knew Motel 168, he said he didn't. Then later along the way, he said he did!! Anyway I made a mistake. I spotted a huge building with Motel 168 splashed across its side and told the driver to stop. This was just round the corner from the train station. We got off, walked there and found out that the building was under renovation and the street was Chang'an Road!We decided against taking another taxi and ... More About: Travel
Identity Crisis
2007-07-23 04:10:00 I am in China now.When David had a UK visitor here, the visitor asked if we were Chinese. David said yes but I clarified - I am Malaysian but Chinese by heritage. I was born in Malaysia. So was my father. I am only a 2nd generation Malaysian as my grandparents came from China.David on the other hand insists on telling people that he is Chinese but that would just confuse people to think that we are China nationals, which we are not. He said that if tell people that we are Malaysians, they'd think that we are Malays! But David doesn't understand the beauty of diversity in Malaysia (or the diversity I thought we had!).My best friend is Indian, my first boyfriend was Malay, my good friend in high school was Malay and the person who influenced me a lot to seek God is Indian but to me they don't have race. They have names.Malaysia is my home.But Malaysia doesn't seem to want me or the likes of my kind. (Please don't jump the gun - I am merely expressing apolitical sentiment - my ow... More About: Personal , Identity , Crisis , Isis , Cris
My Harry Potter Book!
2007-07-22 17:06:00 Shanghai Foreign Language Book s tore @ 390, Fuzhou LuNo lines, no queues, many copies of the books.....This is what I found when I entered the Shanghai Foreign Language Bookstore on Saturday, 21st July 2007, the day of the worldwide launch! It was about half past ten in the morning.I had David call up to find out information and he was told that they'd be opening at 7am - 2 hours earlier for the launch. The news I read seemed to suggest that they were anticipating an overnight queue! There might have been and I was kinda late!Wah! So many copies :)Cheaper than in Malaysia!Special signed edition!Anyway, I grabbed my adult version then saw the special edition version plus the complete book set and so wanted them but gave way to practicality...as usual.I came away with some other cheap Bantam classics - only RMB16 which is a steal to me. I also bought an Interactive Chinese language learning software which I've been meaning to get.After paying, I was told to have my HP book stamped wi... More About: Travel , Harry Potter , Potter
Endometriosis and Nurofen
2007-07-19 06:37:00 I was diagnosed with stage 2 endometriosis (endo) a few years back. It was diagnosed after I had a laproscopy (key-hole surgery). The doctor cauterized all the clots and after the surgery, I had less painful menstruation.Surgery is not a cure and over time, the clots can return. I have a high threshold for pain but the pain associated with menstruation for me is something I cannot bear without medication. I tried to do without it and suffered. Now I take a painkiller even before the onset of pain.It is debilitating and ruins 2 days of my life every cycle. I am considered fortunate because the pain can be controlled with medication. I have read of some cases where the clots grow on other organs causing extreme pain and discomfort, almost paralyzing those who suffer this acute form of endo.I rely on Nurofen which I find effective and they've become like sweets to me :( I recently discovered Nurofen Plus which contains codeine. Codeine is another painkiller and combined together with ... More About: Personal , Trio , Dome
Enough of Toys
2007-07-19 01:44:00 I decided some time ago that I would only buy books for my nephews and niece. David's got 5 nephews, 1 niece and I've got 2 nephews and 1 due in September. A total of 9 kids to buy birthdays and Christmas presents. This is not including kids of close friends and I do love them all very much.So it is books then. I don't really mind that they pay less attention to books as presents or that their eyes don't light up when they open their presents. I personally feel that books make better and more educational presents than plastic toys which they get bored of after a while. Ryan, my sister's son is the exception. He loves books and that has endeared him to me.Besides books, I'd buy them practical things and at Identity Direct I find gifts that can be personalized. That would make a great gift especially when they are of school going age. They would like something to set them apart.But Aunt Tracy is not that bad...I sometimes indulge them. They are kids after all. So giving them toy... More About: Family , Toys , Pay Per Post
The Early Bird...
2007-07-19 01:23:00 Gets the Opps!I am awake at 5am because I have a blocked nose. I rarely wake up before 9am so I am definitely no early bird. I don't stay up late either because it makes me feel heavy headed the next day.So I end up missing all the great opportunities on PPP.Today I realized that I have to change my sleeping patterns to earn some money. But do I really want to?I do know that the lack of sleep can wreck havoc on your health and I must say that David would not approve if I am not in bed at the same time as him (scrub out those dirty thoughts!!) because we spend quality time talking just before sleeping.I know, I know.....I'm the one doing most of the talking and this is where most men complain that we just won't stop talking when they need their sleep!Well you've heard the facts right? Men use 7000 words a day while women use 20,000. And I use 10,000 of it during that quality time!! I know when I've hit my quota when David respond with, "sleep ah, ok?" or "talk tomorrow can ah?"S... More About: Personal , Early , Bird , Pay Per Post , Earl
Meeting Like Minded People
2007-07-19 00:45:00 If I wanted to meet someone who loves book, I'd join a book club. If I am like some friends I know, who are into sports I'd try fitness personals or fitness dating.I think that it is necessary to find something in common with your potential other half. I am not really into sports and neither am I much of a fitness person but David is. I did take up golf with his encouragement but my interest waned when it became such a challenge to play well. Plus it was time consuming!I would be a couch potato if I could help it but David, on the other hand is very disciplined when it comes to fitness. He would make the effort to cycle to the gym while we are here, at least twice a week. I do go, for a swim, instead of using the gym but I am quick to find an excuse not to go if I can help it! It doesn't leave me much in common with my husband except both of us love to travel.A little time apart is good for married or dating couples because some alone time helps keep our individuality but it wou... More About: Personal , People , Friends , Pay Per Post , Like
Harry Potter Book Launch
2007-07-18 23:58:00 When I posted about the latest release of the Harry Potter book, I had no idea that the worldwide launch date is this Saturday, the 21st. I haven't been keeping track of dates!I found out today when I checked my email to find a reminder from my local bookstore back in Malaysia.I am so gonna go wait in line for it at the Shanghai Foreign Language Book s tore, said to open 2 hours earlier for the launch. But after reading the online news excerpt on Shanghai Daily, I seriously wonder whether I'd start the night before!I am so happy that David picked this weekend to go to Shanghai! This is really going to be the highlight of my weekend. Forget the shopping - I should be holed up in the motel reading!ps. Hey, Lis, your friend can't top traveling over 300kms for the book launch! More About: Launch
Ling Moves to Brisbane
2007-07-18 23:16:00 My friend Ling is moving to Brisbane this September and I know that she's already started packing.They've got quite a task ahead because not only are the moving, they are moving from South Africa where Mike was posted for a year. Their original home is in UK. So she's packing up in South Africa, shipping some things directly to Brisbane, going back to UK for a few weeks, then shipping things from the UK to Brisbane!Won't she get confused as to where her things are?I was on skype with her the other day when she mentioned having to ship her rice cooker with the batch going directly to Brisbane and she's wondering how she'd be able to boil rice for dinners without it. We rely on it so much! Mike came up with an idea to boil batches of it to freeze :) I wonder if she's really doing that?I know Mike's company is hiring international movers to assist them. I've watched these movers at work once when another friend, Casey moved from West to East Malaysia. They were quick, efficien... More About: Travel , Work , Moves
Smart Online Shopping
2007-07-18 17:06:00 I've noticed that to do smart online shopping you should try to get coupons or discount codes before you buy anything. You get some good deals with the coupons or codes. Sometimes you get free shipping with the coupon and that in itself is a savings if you are purchasing something heavy!I've heard so much about Blue Nile from Doris and I have been tempted to buy some jewelery. And it so happens that couponchief.com has a coupon for 20% off sterling silver for Blue Nile deals.This is a sponsored post More About: Shopping , Smart , Online , Online shopping , Ping
Definitions
2007-07-18 11:59:00 My friend Michael was commenting that a lot of people are asking if he will be living permanently in Vancouver. I get the same question about our stay in China and I said, I understand why the queries.See, people like definition. They need to place things in defined compartments. I guess I like it too. I have been in constant conflict with David over the length of our stay here in China. As long as there is no definite period, I am at a loss as to how to plan for anything. What I've learned so far is to let go and let God decide. I have no definition of time, day or date nowadays. Everyday passes like the other.People also like definition as to our religion. Countries like to definite their state. Are they a secular state or a Muslim state, or it is important to define the country as communists, socialists, democrats and etc...Why is it important to have definitions?The recent case of Lina Joy (Wow! She's on Wikipedia) is about definition. She was defined as a Muslim but she isn'... More About: Politics , Definitions
Highlight of My Day
2007-07-18 10:35:00 The highlight of my day is shopping :)There's nothing much to do in this city if you are not into shopping. There are shops everywhere selling all kinds of things in Ningbo city but as far as the fashion is concerned, I'd rather give it a miss. Anyway it is too hot to think about wearing nice clothes - I am always in shorts and tees.No walking in the park in this weather and nowhere else to hang out except shopping complexes where you, at least get to enjoy the air-conditioning. I guess this is why we see a lot of people lounging around on benches at Wanda Plaza where Wal*Mart is located.I even spotted a young girl squatting beside an air vent to get the full force of the cold air!So it is our first visit to Wal*Mart which opened early this year. We were more interested to check out the cinema which screens English language films - we wanted to watch Pirates of The Caribbean. The cinema was deserted on a weekday and we also noticed another reason for the lack of customers. The tic... More About: Travel , Highlight
Monetize Your Blog
2007-07-18 10:14:00 There are a lot of ways to monetize your blog - ways to make money online. Selling a product is one of them.What started out as journaling for me via a blog has become a way to earn a few extra bucks on the internet. Since I spend so much time in front of the computer, I may as well try my hand at getting some returns instead of just losing my already bad eyesight!I am in China - the world's supermarket, I just have to find a supplier of an item I may want to sell on the internet. There are a ton of small gift ideas, clothes, accessories and toys for kids available here. David says it's not so much what you can buy, it's who you can sell to that matters. If I don't know the demand market, I might as well forget about selling anything.Wholesale Sunglasses sounds like a good product. I could buy Sunglasses, try to set up e-shop and sell to the world.I love wearing sunglasses but it is more a necessity for me than a fashion statement. I have very eyes which are very sensitive to br... More About: Blog , Monetize
Porsche Thief
2007-07-18 05:23:00 This is shocking...but this is embarrassing...all from Malaysia!Thanks Mas for the original story. David read the news today and found the embarrassing piece and we had a good laugh over it! More About: Humor , Porsche , Thief
Rent a Home
2007-07-18 03:27:00 If I ever have the chance to travel to the US, I'd like to visit Los Angeles, San Francisco and Las Vegas.There is something about San Francisco which appeals to me and it would be weird if I say that the architecture draws me - but it does. I love the old houses - I fell in love with the house filmed in Full House with the park across the road!I could also visit my mandarin teacher who moved to San Jose. It's not that far from San Francisco and I am sure she managed to find a nice place to live with her son. She's got a teaching job at one of the local schools there.If I were her, I'd be looking for houses for rent in the San Francisco area! I'd more likely choose an apartment instead of a house. We live in a 3 storey house back in Malaysia and now find it too big. Having lived in an apartment for more than a month now in Ningbo, we find it easier to maintain.I'd love to rent a loft if I could. With big airy windows and an open concept but if we are planning for kids - maybe ... More About: Travel , Home , Pay Per Post , Rent
BlogCatalog Community Organ Donation Awareness Campaign
2007-07-17 10:10:00 I believe my life here in temporal. My body is only a vessel and my soul is intact when I die. I am for organ donation.In support of the awareness campaign organized by Blog Catalog I would like to highlight some sites like United Network for Organ Sharing and Matching Donors if you live in the US or British Organ Donor Society for worldwide links.If you have never considered organ donation, give it some thought today. I have. More About: Community , Blogging , Campaign , Awareness , Donation
Football
2007-07-17 05:32:00 I am not really into football but I sorta know what's going on because I am surrounded by football fans - a lot of my friends, talk football.David cannot be said to be a fan but since he follows sports news, he knows what is going on. My mother in law on the other hand is a fan! I am not sure if she is a supporter of any club of the English league but she definitely stays up to watch most of the more popular matches.As far as football is concerned, the news I read is about Posh & Becks and their move to LA. I can't help it - it is splashed across every website I subscribe to for news!And now there's fantasy football! So if you are an all round football fan you'd enjoy this. You don't have far to go to enter the game. But note, American football is different from the football or soccer as it is called, played by David Beckham.This is a sponsored post More About: Sports , Football , Pay Per Post , Ball , Foot
Ignore the Flesh
2007-07-17 05:22:00 I was thinking last night about becoming Christ like. It is not easy and definitely not a walk in the park because we are governed by wants of the flesh, our genetic make up, our past habits and basically our feelings.If we want to emulate and walk like Christ we have to ignore the flesh - or generally anything that may detract us from being like Christ.It's very much like focusing on Christ's character. A lot of things influence me but feelings control how I act or react. The tendency to let these feelings rule my life is great because it is almost reflex. If I want to emulate Christ, I have to ignore those feelings and do what He would do in any given situation. Focus on what He would do and do it - ignoring my basic instincts.It is tough but really a mind over matter. I think that climb up Huangshan highlighted that. My body was screaming for rest but I still had another 3km climb. So you strengthen your mind and tell your body to put one foot ahead of the other. Trying to be C... More About: Religion
Thoof
2007-07-17 04:51:00 Now that I am away from home I need personalized news of issues I am interested in. I read a lot of websites offering news on world politics, technology, Malaysia's national news and general stories of interest but I have yet to find a site which I can personalize.Thoof works a bit like Wikis. You can add to the story but the trick is that if another registered user has already made some changes, then there will be a vote to see which story gets published.In Thoof's words:-"Thoof is a website that offers interesting news articles, websites, videos, photographs, and other links from around the web. Everything on the site is posted by Thoof readers, and can also be improved and edited by those same readers. What makes Thoof unique is a sophisticated algorithm which discovers a reader's interests and tailors the stories to each reader's individual tastes. Every Thoof reader will see a personalized page with stories he or she will find interesting. All that you, as a reader, have to... More About: News , Pay Per Post
Harry Potter and The Deathly Hallows
2007-07-16 12:12:00 I saw this postcard and had to laugh. It is taken from Postsecret.I am here in Ningbo where it is impossible to buy any English language books and I really want to get my hands on the new Harry Potter book - the finale.Many, many years ago, Caroline bought the first Harry Potter book for her niece. She said that it was the craze among teen readers. Soon some of her friends were reading it. I couldn't help be fascinated so I bought a copy and the rest is history.It was the same with the rest in the series. Reading a book that you can't put down is really nice. The story gets its grip on you and you just lose yourself. I've re-read all the books a few times and it still makes a good read even though I already know the ending!I signed up for the pre-order of HP's Half Blood Prince the year before ( I think) and paid a price that wasn't even confirmed. One of the term of the pre-order was that if the book price is more than what you paid at pre-order stage, you'd have to top up an... More About: Travel , Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows , Deathly Hallows
Praying for Dwi
2007-07-16 08:52:00 Dwi is my Indonesian helper back in Malaysia. She came to live with us April last year and have been staying with my cell members, Paul & Jannie while we are here. She's really a good helper and have warmed all our hearts with her good cooking and her eagerness to help everyone.Yesterday we received an sms to say that she's had blur vision. On confirmation with Paul, we found out that if she does not get treatment her vision will be impaired. They are taking her to see a specialist tomorrow. David and I together with our cell members are praying hard for healing for Dwi.I've contacted her by sms to encourage her. I can't begin to imagine what it's like for a 19yr old girl with her future ahead of her to be on the brink of losing her eyesight. I hope she takes heart that we are all supportive and will see that she gets whatever treatment necessary. More About: Family , Friends , Pray
Power of Schmooze
More articles from this author:2007-07-15 08:18:00 I got another award on Sunday from Bok Jae and was really surprised. 2 awards in one day! I was walking on air. It's not really the award that matters - it's more the person giving the award that means more to me. It says that my friend remembered me :) and that makes me feel special.The award says I have the power of schmooze. It took me a while to post about this award because I am wondering if I really have the power.If you are wondering what it is?"You?re eligible for this award is due to your natural ability to converse casually, especially in order to gain an advantage or make a social connection. You effortlessly weave your way in and out of the blogosphere, leaving friendly trails and smiles, happily making new friends along the way. You don?t limit your visits to only the rich and successful, but spend some time to say hello to new blogs as well. You are the ones who engage others in meaningful conversations, refusing to let it end at a mere hello - all the while fosterin... More About: Power 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 |
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