Birthdays are meant to be special...

Piggilot goes to Port Dickson...

Waking up to the fact that I'm about to reach another decade/chapter in my life, recently, I've decided to celebrate it by going away from the rat race lifestyle. Taking a baby step, I took the path to visit Port Dickson for a getaway of 3 days 2 nights.

*caution: Author decided to take many goofy pictures. Please contain laughter and ignore silly poses.. Lol And this post is more descriptive and elaborate than usual*

Seremban Beef Noodles

Hearing negative remarks about nothing much to eat in PD, we decided to drop by Seremban for some beef noodles. No... I didn't dine at the famous one in the market; instead we dropped by the one nearest to the Seremban Highway. It's a corner shop called "Quinn". Check out this blog for more pictures.

Piggilot eats beef noodles

Quinn Seremban Beef Noodle
108, Jalan Toman 6,
Kemayan Square,
70200 Seremban.

Food was average and not memorable. (you can see how I simply took a picture of the dish... haha) Instead, I really missed the Tangkak beef noodles I used to eat on the way back from hometown. What's the difference?

This Seremban beef noodles taste better in dry style with its dark sauce. What's disappointing is very little ingredients despite paying RM6/bowl! The noodles didn't taste all that wonderful with the sauce.

What I missed about Tangkak beef noodles? Ooohhh the beefy clear soup and the internal cow organs!! Lol. They will serve a nice portion of beef, stomach, tendons, mmm... Pardon me for being so "chinese" for having a penchant for guts. Currently, I'm salivating at this picture below!! Yummy!

Picture borrowed from http://choopaulo.blogspot.com/2006/11/tangkak-beef-noodles.html as I have not been there in years!

***
Armed with a list of places to visit, we dropped by the tourist spots to check out the historical significance of these places.

Kota Lukut

There was a museum at the foot of the hill and the fortress (Kota Lukut) was a drive-up in a winding small off-beat road. In fact, we didn't realised there were steps up to the fort from the museum, that we drove all the way up to the fort before we went to the museum. I was a little worried we will end up to no where.

Piggilot tries to climb Kota Lukut

Some pessimistic people might say, "Hah? Kota Lukut is just a pile of rocks. What is there to see?".

However, I beg to differ ... look at the lovely red rocks they used to build the fortress. Look at the workmanship and most importantly, imagined how it functioned as a sturdy strong fort against the attack of enemies. There's a 2-3 metres deep moat around the fortress. There's even a well at another corner; not sure if it's the poisoned well as mentioned in the description at the signboard.

Piggilot loves red rocks

There's the Lukut Museum which is open to public and free admission. It's a 2-storey building made of concrete and bricks at the lower floor with wooden structures on 1st floor. You can see local traditional attire, music instruments and some historical events of the town. (Off-hand I can only remember these items)

Piggilot visits Lukut Museum

Avillian Admiral Cove, Port Dickson
What's a holiday without nice accomodation? We chose this place because it was within our budget and had quite reasonable comments from Tripadvisor.

In fact, the sad thing I personally feel about hotels in Malaysia is the bad upkeep despite exorbitant prices. We can get nicer hotels for half the prices in Bangkok (after conversion). In fact, I'm not that particular about the cost - if the hotels were decent, clean, tastefully decorated with good service from the staff, I wouldn't mind paying more. Somehow, you can't find a nice affordable boutique hotel to runaway from urban life once a while.

Avillion Admiral Cove PD's rooms were about half the price of their sister-hotel Avillion. I suspect because of this, they provided very basic facilities. The lobby itself was small, cozy and not overbearingly grand like most lobby. It overlooks into the cove beside. Staff were quite efficient although they kept asking for print-outs of our booking particulars when we checked in. We've booked online and paid with our credit cards... Why do we still need print-outs when we have showed the credit card? Hmmm...

Recognise the hotel by the colour of the buildings. Looks and feels more like a serviced apartment.

Our deluxe room in the vista wing (the newer wing) was decorated in a modern style with a black dark feature wall at the back of the bed. At the corner was a feature pendant lighting above a table and chair for business men to do some paper work or have some light meals. Next to the window, was a daybed which was bigger than a twin sized bed. It's enough for another adult. However, it might be hard to sleep there as the access door to the air-con ledge is just next to the daybed. There is no insulation to buffer out the noise of the air-con's compressor.

Other items found in the room was the LCD tv with limited Astro channels, a pantry in the bedroom with a sink and mini bar, a wardrobe with ironing board and iron too. Oh yes, there is even internet connection in the room through cabling and not wi-fi.

spacious bedroom with nice little touches

small pantry style incorporated in the room

The bathroom looks spacious as there is only shower and no bathtub. I noticed most modern designs are heading to this direction. The circular shaped iron-wrought towel railing is different from the traditional stainless steel circular hollow rods.

don't know why the picture autorotates itself.

The toiletries provided were very minimal and feels quite dismal; small soap, a small bottle of conditioning shampoo, shower cap and cotton buds.

More pictures of the hotel can be found in this review.

We strolled along the beach before dinner. Oh yeah, technically, Avillion Admiral Cove do not have a beach but they share a small portion of the beach next to the hotel. You can see in this picture that they placed potted plants to demarcate the boundary for the beach.

Birthday dinner
After googling for places to eat in PD, the name "El-cactus Mexican Restaurant" popped up and we decided to check it out since we passed by it on the way to our hotel. The restaurant is just along the road and has a large signboard which you cannot miss. Beetrice reviewed here about the food there.

piggilot dines in the sunset

I had a lovely large portion of lamb shank and a strawberry frozen margarita. Not all the drinks on the menu was available. The price is equalavent to Chilli's but the meal was of a larger portion. I just love the smooth meat of the lamb with its gravy. I know - I'm not good at describing food in detail. Lol. But I enjoyed my meal immensely. :)

Caution: If it just rained, try to avoid sitting next to the shrubs. The mosquito had a nice feast sucking my blood too. Lol.

Birthday cake
Call me traditional but I think all birthdays should be celebrated by blowing a candle and making a wish. Since the hotel was very basic, we couldn't get any cake from the hotel. (Don't get me started on the very basic minimal choices of the breakfast spread the next day. But it's edible - just very minimal choices)

Anyway, we went round PD town looking for a cakeshop with a decent piece of cake to fullfill my birthday requirement. ;)

After driving for almost half and hour, we spotted a corner shop which sold cakes and western-cum-asian dining. Guess how much does a piece of cake cost me? RM7/slice! Gosh.. the prices sure have gone up.

piggilot is satisfied that she finally found her slice of birthday cake

I'm glad despite everything... I had a nice birthday. Thank you Lord for allowing such an opportunity to arise.  :)  Will continue to blog more about the rest of my visit and food reviews! :)

Fainting Spells

When I read the historical novels, you tend to find it hard to believe women of those days can easily faint and need to be awaken with smelling salts. This kind of portrayal always made me feel that "women" were perceived as weak.

However, I'm a little embarrassed to admit that I had experienced it myself twice this year. It made me wonder if I needed to go for medical check-up or perhaps take better care of myself.

First time it happened, I was gung-ho about bringing my bro's dog for a walk-cum-run in the morning. I was always looking at his sad-puppy-eyes and forlorn look when he lies on the floor looking bored.

Hence, one Saturday morning after sleeping in, I decided to bring all the dogs separately for a walk-cum-run. With the last dog, suddenly I started breathing very heavily and felt tired. I quickly headed home and when I reached the gate, my vision started to blur and my legs buckled. I grabbed hold of the post/gate and called my mum. She didn't even take me seriously when I told her I was going to faint (because it never happened before).

Sighh... maybe I should have eaten breakfast first? lol Especially the bak kut teh that my parents packed for me that morning.... *smack on the forehead*

***
Second time....

Last weekend, I needed to go to a particular site in Kuala Lumpur to take some pictures. After a nice lunch of roast goose (RM40 for half a goose!! Pricey!!) near Pudu market..  we headed to the site. I walked for hardly 10-15 mins and reached an overhead bridge. I was taking pictures in the shade when suddenly my vision became blurry and I felt a deja vu; I felt that I might faint. Quickly, I crouched down to rest my head on the railing. Phew...

Again, I stood up and continued taking pictures as I thought it was one-off. But it felt like the blood was draining away that I couldn't stand up for long. I'm not sure how long this went on but it was a walk-squat-walk-squat journey back to the car. I tried my best to stand still but my vision was off - like how you play with contrast or some setting in Adobe Photoshop. Creepy!!

Alas, I'm safe and healthy back home. I think it must have been the hot weather? Shrug.. Need to drink more 100plus and water in general.

Anyway, please, do not equate me like these fainting goats!! :P  I did not faint... but nearly?
New mantra: Health first!!

Images taken from http://webecoist.com

I miss shopping

I found the secret to cure shopaholics. It's called replacing with "work". Lol

I'm not a workaholic!! It's just a combination of work need to be done with lack of manpower and sense of responsibility. Hence, work, work work...

I've missed shopping. Since working late for this year, I've not really enjoyed shopping as I used to. I can't find nice clothings for myself and even shoes that makes me go ga-ga.

Sighh.. in fact, the latest shopping spree I did was on toiletries. Lol

Guardian is having a promotion on selected items.
I bought a few bottles of their body scrub (Guardian SPA Bath Scrub 750ml) with 2 scents: Green Tea or Lavender at RM8.88 from RM16.80. What a bargain! ;)

Initially, I've bought body scrub separately but I find them too oily. Hence, I've decided the lazy way of getting a bath scrub (body scrub cum shower gel) I prefer lavender for a relaxing feel at the end of the day but the smell of green tea is quite refreshing.

Next item worth considering is the Dove shampoo and conditioner range. Since they are trying to sell off their old packaging, grab a few of these items while stock lasts.

Hence, that's the end of my toiletries shopping spree. hahaha .. sad.. :P

Katy Perry Parody by Hitz.fm

I don't know about you but I've been listening to Hitz.fm of late because of morning show (JJ and Ean) and Richard Reed's Hollywood Gossip. Lol

Anyhow, somehow, I've been hearing Hitz.fm parody of California Girls by Katy Perry rather often. In fact, more often than the original song that when I heard the original one, I was still thinking of the lyrics of the parody. Lol

Why? Just listen to the lyrics. I find the part where they want to "censor" some words by having another person talking over is more interesting than the usual beep. Enjoy!

Hitz.fm Boyz (Parody of California Girls)


Original song (California Girls by Katy Perry)

Contemplating

I've been contemplating...

Should I?
Should I try?
Should I venture?
Should I dare?

Looking around ... It seems all right. It is an oasis. But somehow, within me, the void is pulling me in like a black hole. What is missing?

***
We always use an excuse/events/activities to make a goal post in life. When we finally reach there, we make new goals... and the rat race continues.

But what if, we don't put any new goals and stay stagnant? Do we just let life pass by quickly till we leave here? Or do we learn to stay still and "smell the roses"?

I personally, find that in everything we do, we must learn to do it in moderation. But somehow, at this floating stage, I want to make new goals and give myself more options to try. Or do I really?

I don't know and I don't want to think too much as this will give myself unnecessary worries when the Bible already says "Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own." (Matthew 6:34)

So what should I do? I hope in my quiet time, somehow He will reveal His will to me and give me a glance of the task ahead...

Birthday meals (upcoming food review)

This year is all about the stomach. Lol

I've got lovely birthday treats and ang pows this year. Will share with you the meals (cum review) of the places I've tried recently. :)

Video Game History (based on Discovery channel) Part 1

I happened to switch on to the Discovery channel to watch Rise of the Video Game: Level One.
Did you know?

Pong by Atari

The first video game EVER created was "Pong" by Atari in 1972?
If you're at least an 80's baby, you would know Atari.

Images googled online

I've played the computer version of this game. It's a 2 dimensional sports game which simulate table tennis. It's interesting to find that the creator used the simplest sound to make the hitting sound. You can try playing the classic version here. The console used for this game is so huge and bulky so unlike the new Playstation in the market.

Images googled online

Space Invaders by Taito

"Space Invaders is one of the earliest shooting game and the aim is to defeat waves of aliens with a laser cannon to earn as many points as possible" (taken from wikipedia).

I remember playing this game in the computer too or was it in a video game console? Lol. You just have to shoot the aliens which are slowly approaching you at the bottom of the screen. As the aliens reach nearer, the music beat gets faster making you more agitated. In the documentary, they mentioned the sounds were made based on 4 notes to follow the heart beat. Guess that's why it was so addictive then. ;) You can try playing it here. It's nice to relive your childhood. haha...

Images googled online

Pac-Man by Namco

This game was created especially for girls as the games then were more to shooting and male-orientated. The Japanese game designer, Tōru Iwatani explained that he derived the idea from watching girls eating dessert. Hence from the pizza shape - he got Pac-Man. Lol (This was shown in the documentary).

Pac-Man’s name comes from the Japanese dialect word: paku-paku, which means eating. In principle, the game was called Puckman in Japan which changed to Pac-Man later. In order to give a strong dose of excitement to the game, the ghosts are equipped with a bit of artificial intelligence.

Each mission had its own ghost, Blinky (red) chasing Pac-Man, Pinky (pink) is directed towards a short distance from the mouth of Pac-Man, the rest moves randomly. (I didn't know this. I thought all of them were chasing Pac-Man... hahah)

The player controls Pac-Man through a maze, eating pac-dots. When all dots are eaten, Pac-Man is taken to the next stage, between some stages one of three intermission  animations plays. Four enemies (Blinky, Pinky, Inky and Clyde) roam the maze, trying to catch Pac-Man. If an enemy touches Pac-Man, a life is lost. When all lives have been lost, the game ends. (taken from Wikipedia)

Somehow this classic game is still being played today. And I still get enraged when I lose! Lol You can play it at sites like this to relive that experience.

Conclusion
Wow..... I was so excited watching that, I had to share it here. I can't wait to catch the next episode which talks about the all-favourite Mario! I have the mp3 in my handphone but am too shy to use it as a ringing tone. Lol

I would like to share the 2-dimensional pc games I used to play or watch others play in the big black floppy disk which is obsolete now. Till the next entry!! :)

Excerpt Book Review: Mentoring Paradigms (Edmund Chan)

I bought this book during the last seminar by Edmund Chan which I attended a few years back. I've taken into reading books with short chapters during the traffic jam while driving to work. This book is called Mentoring Paradigms (by Rev. Edmund Chan)

This book has 30 paradigms on mentoring which is about 4-5 pages long each; it's easy to read but requires personal reflection. I try to read and ponder on each paradigms while I drive to work/stuck in the traffic jam.

Hence, today I shall share with you Paradigm no. 6- Mentoring with The End in Mind:Perspective, Posture, Pragmatics and Power

(Note: It is hard for me to paraphrase the words he used because I find that Edmund Chan's words have expressed the true meaning very effectively. I'll be quoting a lot of his words in italics in this review.)

 A Certain Kind of Perspective
"We need to encounter the truth, experience the truth and embrace the truth."

We are being mentored by the Scriptures. This is the way to renew the mind by our daily devotion. Rev. Edmund continue to stress that there is no short-cut to this. It is a daily investment to allow the Scriptures to tutor our hearts to obey it (in his words).

A Certain Kind of Posture
There is a certain receptivity and meekness that marks true disciples (Isa 66:2)

He continues to explain that meekness is not weakness. I perceive the meekness here as humbleness. I like the way he explains the posture in terms of three aspects: brokenness, meekness and openness.

A certain kind of posture is thus about a brokenness of heart before God, a meekness of heart in God and an openness of heart to God. (by Edmund Chan)

A Certain Kind of Pragmatics
Pragmatics is intentional skill development -a disciplined and growing competence in both life-skills and ministry.

I like that this sentence he used "Life is too short to be lived without thoughtful, skilled competence". He stressed the importance of this skill to have the emotional reservoir and capacity to deal wisely with them-not react to them."

A Certain Kind of Power
God's very presence is His very power!

Rev. Edmund explains that power belongs to God. Power in man is a by-product. Hence, sadly, fallen humanity has tried to grab power through pride or shun God's power through unbelief and sometimes do both.

Conclusion
I must remember to let the Scripture mentor me daily to remember the right perspective so that the Holy Spirit can nurture me to grow in the right posture to learn the right skills needed to be used by our Father God. I pray, I'll remember not to stray from the path.. :)

Earrings Frenzy

I had a passion once. It was earrings.

I would buy those cute little studs or dangling ones to my fancy. Thankfully, I don't really buy that much but I just like some of them. It's easier for me to wear earrings than necklaces or bracelets. Plus, I don't want to pierce my ears again if the hole closes. I still remember how it felt - like my ears got stapled!!

My small collection of earrings. (sorry not very clear picture - took with my trusty handphone) The earring organiser was reviewed before here.

That's my small collection of earrings. I've stopped buying earrings for 2 years or so. Suddenly, I spotted an interesting one which got me buying again. Broke the hiatus of not-buying-earrings.

Oh well... what do you think? Not really cheap actually - RM10/pair. My friend commented that it looked cheaper than that. Sighhh...  (I think she's referring to those 3-pairs-for-RM10-earrings) But have to admit, the quality looks better than those. The earring hooks are thicker.

Earring 1 - This earrings got my attention... like some jumbled up wire mesh.

Earring 2: Wasn't really too keen on this one but just wanted a huge earring for a change. Lol. Maybe I should have gotten the longer dangly ones.

How does this look? Not so nice? Oh well...  the excitement of buying has worn off. Lol

Maybe I should take the time to make my own earrings. If only I had the patience and steady hands to make it.... (excuses!!)

Well, here's another attempt to arrange my earrings to make it more interesting to me. Lol  Can you see the difference? I was trying to add on the plastic "hangers" as usually done in the shops. Okay...okay.. I should get a better hobby than this. lol

Song Review: Man of His Word

Suddenly, I felt like looking for this song again. I bought the album long time ago in cassette and funny enough, a year later I found the CD version but I never bought it. Arghh... regretting now. Wish I can have a copy of this song.

Besides the famous hit "Butterfly Kisses" from Bob Carlisle, I remember liking the story about his parents in this song too. Listen to the lyrics. :)



In the final days of summer, 1944,
with just a preacher and a witness and a humble band of gold,
They set out to find the future, not a penny to their name.
Still with all the unknown danger, she knew her heart was safe,
cause..

He was a rock
He was the one that she ran to
And when he said the words 'Forever'
She knew that it was true

He wasn't a saint
But he was saint enough for her
He was a man,
A man of his word.

In the final days of summer, 1964,
found a family undivided, divided on the war.
Turning son against his elder, debating wrong and right,
He was the image of his father, though they would not see eye to eye,
still...

He was a rock
He was the one the boy ran to
Cause' when he said the word 'I Love You'
He knew that it was true

And even in the worst of storms
There was an anchor in his world
He was a man,
A man of his word.

Clutching a strong belief in the bible,
through all the sweetness in his life, and the bitterness of war,
He knew what God had made him for...

In the final days of summer, 1994,
surrounded by his family and the presence of the Lord.
He set out to find his future, the one he'd always known,
He didn't want to leave his family, but he knew deep in his soul,
The lord had called him home...
cause...

He was the rock
He was the one the man ran to
And when he said the words 'forever'
He knew that it was true

He wasn't a saint
he is the one the saints bow to
Receiving a man,
A man of his word...

He was the one that I ran to
Cause when he says the word 'forever'
I know his word is true

He isn't a saint
He is the one the saints bow to
Come to the man
The man of his word.