Hit 10K in 10 months?!?

MooMoo is really "CRAZY" when it comes to taking pictures...  her iPhone's photos just hit the 10K mark in less than 1 year, as she got her phone in October 2011.  MooMoo really gotta clean up her photos before her iPhone fail on her.  = p

* "Destiny is not a matter of chance.  It is a matter of choice.  It is not something to be waited for.  It is a thing to be achieved." --- William Jennings Bryan

Rest In Peace (R.I.P.)

God really heard MooMoo's prayers and actually brought MooMoo's brother home with him.

It's pretty funny that MooMoo could not sleep today... tossing and turning... MooMoo usually do not have a problem to zZz like a pig but she just keep having funny dreams and could not zZz.  At around 4am, she suddenly awoke and check her phone and she saw a message from her mom that said, "I think your bro have gone back..."  MooMoo is a bit stunned after reading the message as earlier on, we were just discussing about him going back to hospital for checkup in the morning.

Anyway, MooMoo thinks it's still the best for her brother to go back home to God than to hang on here with all of us, for further sufferings.  Thank God for ending his sufferings and pain that he has gone through.  Thank God for letting MooMoo see him the very last time and bid him farewell.

Rest In Peace... You will be missed dearly and stays in our hearts forever.  Goodbye for now... till we meet again.  May you reunite with Ah Mah, Ah Kong and Ah Mi in heaven.  Please do bless us all when you're in heaven and watch Xin2 grow up healthily and happily.  We all LOVE you very much!!! God bless you always...

* Wherever you are, you will always be in our ❤s... May God bless you and be with you always... R.I.P.

How much does it takes to care for your loved ones?

Recently, MooMoo just went back home for a few days.  MooMoo realized that her house had turned into a mini clinic with all the medicines, chemicals, syringes, etc.  There's really a lot of learning in order to take care of your sick loved ones at home.

It is always easier to care for your loved ones when everyone's just healthy and living well.  Things would be just so different when your loved ones as sick or dying.  People always say that it's always so easy to find someone who loves you and share happiness with you... but when it comes to sharing sufferings and go through hard times with you, it is more difficult.  Then, when you're in your death bed, you will know who are the ones that really care for you.

How much are you willing to sacrifice for your loved ones?  In this current world, not many who are willing to sacrifice for their loved ones... sad but true... some love for a reason and expect more than giving... if you were to love 100%, would you expect 100% of love in return?  It is rarely happening... therefore, some would rather not love 100%.  Of course, there are some out there who gives 100% or more and never expect anything in return, which is great.

If your loved ones are dying on their death bed, would you take leave or quit your job just to be with your loved ones throughout his/her remaining life?  Or would you just still go to work like normal?  Guess this would be all up to each individual's priority in life and how much does your loved ones mean to you in life.  Career VS Loved ones?!? = p  Is just providing $$$ enough?!?  Or you just need to spare some of your valuable time, care and love?!?

MooMoo's brother is now basically living on the nutrition pack through Intravenous (IV) Drip, as he no longer can intake any food.  It is really saddening to see him so weak and fragile.  MooMoo was really shocked that each time she visited him, he lost so much weight that she almost could not recognised him.  MooMoo almost teared when she helped him massage his super thin hands and legs.

No matter how great or how tough one person is, when you're sick and dying... everyone would be the same... as you will be weak and fragile, like a baby.  Guess that's how God made us all.

MooMoo have never been super close with her brother since young but she knows that her brother does love her a lot, in his own ways.  Though MooMoo always quarrel with her brother, she still loves him so.  It was pretty shocking when MooMoo's brother actually requested her to hold his hand for at least 1/2 hour without letting go... as far as MooMoo recall, she never really hold his hand... only when they were still little kids.  MooMoo grew up in a very Asian Chinese family, which is not very open with hugging and kissing each other, as a family member.  With his ego, he would have never ask MooMoo to hold his hand but MooMoo realized that he has changed so much physically and mentally.

Of course, MooMoo agreed to hold her brother's hand for at least 30 minutes without letting go.  MooMoo controlled herself trying not to tear in front of him and spent some time talking to him.  The way he have spoken is like bidding farewell.  MooMoo is always scolding him for giving up so easily but after spoken to him, guess it may be good for him to be off from all the pain as soon as possible.  It has been very tough on him going through all the never-ending pain and sufferings.  He is also worrying on the cost spent on him, living such a meaningless and painful life.

MooMoo really don't know what is right and what is wrong... Is it wrong to decide when you should go off yourself as you have enough?  In Catholic beliefs, it may be wrong as it is seen as taking your own life when God's the one who determines when you die?!?  Is it right to support the decision if he choose to let go?!?  Is it good that we keep making him to hang on and suffer futher?!?

Anyway, MooMoo just hope the best for him and may God release him from all the sufferings and pain that he goes through as soon as possible.  May God grant him peace when it's his time.

May God bless everyone with good health. ^=^

* Living a LIFE may not be 'FREE'... especially when you're sick... When MooMoo was younger, she used to think of $$$ as very BIG.... Then, she learnt that $$$ is not everything and to her, it's not that important after all... BUT can one live a LIFE without $$$?!?  *Sigh*

Super Charming & Talented Idol: Lee Hom

Last Saturday, MooMoo went to watch her 'Super Charming & Talented Idol' - Lee Hom.  MooMoo bought the ticket 2 months ago and it cost a bomb.  This is the most expensive concert MooMoo have ever watched.  MooMoo wanted to get the most expensive tickets but it was all sold out so she bought the 2nd category instead.

This is the 1st time MooMoo is watching Lee Hom's concert.  MooMoo wanted to watch it earlier on but kept missing it.  This time, since it's held in Singapore, MooMoo finally have the chance to watch him performing live.  It's really a concert worth watching... "MUSIC-MAN II"... though MooMoo never watch the Part I... Haha!  Lee Hom said this is the upgraded version of Part I.  ^=^

This is a picture taken before the concert starts, at the Singapore Indoor Stadium.  All seated nicely waiting for Lee Hom to appear on stage.  

This is taken from where MooMoo and her friends' seats.  At least, MooMoo still can get a good view of Lee Hom, though not so up close and personal, like how she watch her Magician Idol.  =p

MooMoo getting ready her cheering tools provided by Starhub.  Hahaha!  MooMoo realised that watching concert in Singapore is slightly different from watching it in Malaysia.  The audience in Singapore is more well behaved and more passive.  =p

Pictures and videos are not allowed but there are still a lot of people taking pictures and videos.  Hahaha!  MooMoo's friend sitting at the most expensive seats even brought her DSLR to take pictures. MooMoo very good girl... didn't really take pictures and videos... she only took a few towards the end when the concert is ending.  Lee Hom was just singing alone, interacting with the audiences without the backup vocals, music backgrounds and stage effects.  He is just so charming and talented.  He can really melt one's heart.  ^=^

MooMoo like the way Lee Hom perform his concert... in a very creative way.  Although he didn't have any guest artiste, he did very well with all the songs presentation.  MooMoo personally loved the segment where he present his song with a special comical animation effect and the Acapella Medley which lasted about 10 minutes.  Good job, Lee Hom!!!  

* MooMoo had a GREAT workout today... doing her favourite instructor's classes... Sculpt and Balance.  So long no do Sculpt, tomorrow sure will ACHE like MAD.... =p  Need to start working towards slim down and tone up for this coming Oct... Ganbatte!!!

BRAVE

Today, after gym workout, MooMoo went to watch "BRAVE" with some of her friends.  MooMoo always love animation by Disney... and it is even greater when it's a co-production with Pixar.  They work great together.

Disney-Pixar productions that MooMoo like: Toy Story, A Bug's Life, Monster Inc, Finding Nemo, The Incredibles, Up.  There are 3 that MooMoo have not watched though: Cars, Wall E and Ratatouille.  They are currently working on 2 new productions, Monsters University and The Good Dinosaur to be released in year 2013 and 2014 respectively.  Looking forward to that...

MooMoo personally like this "BRAVE" movie, though there were a lot of mixed reviews on it.  Well, there's nothing greatly wow-ed in the story but MooMoo kinda like the way it is presented.  There are funny moments as well as moments that make you wanna tear.  It kinda reflect the reality of life where sometimes, you just want to change the way things are, so much that you go all the way for it.  But, at the end of the day, the change may not turn out to be how we want it to be.

The story is about a Scottish princess, Merida who chooses to defy her mother, who wants her to be a dainty princess and to get married.  Merida is one tomboy princess, who loves Archery and horse riding, which is totally opposite of what her mom wishes her to be.  She asks for a spell to change her mother and the witch gave her a cake with a spell in it.  Merida was hoping for a change in her destiny after her mom ate the cake but the change is not what she was hoping for and in the end, she just got to be brave to fix the problem she has created.  MooMoo will not tell the whole story here, to spoil everything.  

Some people actually critiqued a lot about Princess Merida's striking orange curly hair, which is really like the big focus in the movie.  Some people actually wanted to watch the show because of the 'CURLY' hair... like Ms. Mo.  MooMoo can't imagine Mo with curly hair like this...  Maybe it would look real good, but she better don't colour it GREEN.  Hahaha! =p

MooMoo loves some of the quotes from the movie and also the songs in the soundtrack.  Here's some of the quotes.

"Our fate lies within us. You only have to be brave enough to see it."

Quote from Princess Merida:

“I need to live my own life, follow my own path
I wished for things to change, and that’s the problem
Seems I unleashed the wee tiny ancient curse..

I’ll do anything to make things right again and save the kingdom
I just have to be BRAVE”

MooMoo like this song called, "TOUCH THE SKY" by Julie Fowlis.  Here's the song from YouTube.  Check it out!

"Touch The Sky"

When the cold wind is calling
And the sky is clear and bright
Misty mountains sing and beckon,
"Lead me out into the light"

I will ride, I will fly
Chase the wind and touch the sky
I will fly
Chase the wind and touch the sky

Where dark woods hide secrets
And mountains are fierce and bold
Deep waters hold reflections
Of times lost long ago

I will hear their every story
Take hold of my own dream
Be as strong as the seas are stormy
And proud as an eagle's scream

I will ride, I will fly
Chase the wind and touch the sky
I will fly
Chase the wind and touch the sky

And touch the sky
Chase the wind, chase the wind
Touch the sky

* If you had the chance to change your FATE... would you?  Careful what you wish for... sometimes, it may not turn out to what you want it to be...  we can choose to die... or to live shorter.... but we just can't choose 'not' to die... or to live longer...  MooMoo believed that each one of us have our destiny that cannot be changed... the only thing that we can change... is how we live our destiny and to be BRAVE to face or react to our destiny... and to live our life to our best we can... ^=^

One of MooMoo's Idol: Magician 劉謙 (Lu Chen)

One of MooMoo's Idol is in town.  MooMoo is a flower heart girl... having so many Idols.  Hahaha! But they all from different categories what... Magician, Singer, Actor, Actress, etc...  This 劉謙 (Lu Chen) a.k.a. Louis is a real cool magician.  MooMoo loves his magic and the way he present them.  You can check them out in YouTube. i.e. teleporting a ring into an egg, making dead prawn come alive, etc.  He has got a blog (http://www.wretch.cc/blog/LuChenmagic) but it's in Chinese so it's a bit hard for MooMoo to digest.

The other time, MooMoo thought she's crazy as she recall seeing that her Idol is coming to Singapore but when she start searching for the information 2 months back, she could not find any info at all.  Then, she decided to leave it.... till recently about 2 weeks ago, she saw the advertisement from Resorts World Sentosa (RWS).  OMG!!! MooMoo must not miss it. = p

MooMoo was searching high and low for people with OCBC credit card as they offer 15% discount.  MooMoo was in great luck coz when she approached her colleague for her OCBC card, her colleague mentioned that she is a RWS member.  The RWS offer was even better as they have 30% discount.  Yippee!!!  MooMoo's colleague even drove her all the way to RWS to buy the ticket on a Friday lunch, though she was on leave that day.  So kam tung!!!

MooMoo had lunch at the "Malaysian Food Street" in RWS.  There were lots of Malaysian food in there and all the food looks tempting.  Food there were expensive though.  Food taste wise is just OK if compared to the food in Malaysia itself.  MooMoo enjoyed the satay but it was $0.80 per piece.  After lunch, we headed to buy the tickets.

Initially, MooMoo wanted to watch the 8pm show.  There were 2 shows, 3pm and 8pm.  Unfortunately, the category 1 tickets for 8pm were all sold out.  MooMoo was shocked as she thought that not many people would want to pay so much to watch a magic show.  It was pretty hard to find 'kaki' to go watch with her as the show is quite expensive.  

Then, the manager came over and told MooMoo that there were still some seats left for 3pm show.  It was last minute released by the sponsor. Guess what?!?  It was a 1st row seat!!! Lucky MooMoo!!!  A bit disappointing not to be able to watch at night though (feels more magical at night...haha!)... but at least get compensated sitting front row.  

This Saturday is the MAGIC SHOW.... MooMoo is so looking forward to it.  The magic show theme is called "DAZZLE Lu Chen Singapore 2012".  It better be dazzling with the expensive ticket, up, close and personal in the 1st row.  Haha!

* Sometimes, MooMoo wish that she has magical powers to be able to teleport herself here and there, so that she do not have to sit in long aeroplane rides to travel... to be able to cure people from diseases and not suffering further... to be able to make all the unhappy things disappear...   

Singapore National Day Parade 2012

Today is Singapore's National Day - 9th August, 2012.  Every year, there will be a grand National Day Parade (NDP) in Singapore to celebrate Singapore's birthday.  They have many rounds of rehearsal to make everything perfect.  Last Saturday, MooMoo's friend invited her to watch the full dressed rehearsal as her friend got extra tickets and it was the first time MooMoo ever watch NDP live.  Though it's not the actual NDP for today but at least MooMoo got the preview for it.  ^=^

Apparently, the NDP tickets are not for sale and you need to ballot for it by going through the registration process and selection through the ballot.  I got friends' who love to go but never get to go coz not lucky enough in the ballot.  Then, MooMoo should consider herself lucky to be able to watch the NDP rehearsal live.  = p

One thing MooMoo didn't really like about the NDP is that the crowds getting in the place was not very well controlled.  MooMoo think that it was due to the collection of the goodie bags.  Yea... you get to watch the NDP and get a nice goodie bag.  ^=^

The parade started at 6pm and around 5:30pm the place was already pretty crowded.  Most of them were dressed in Red or White, same like their national flag.  MooMoo is also a good girl... she wore red to give support.  Haha!

There were a lot of volunteers cheering and trying to get the audiences to cheer along with them.  Luckily, that day's weather was good and it didn't rain.

There were lots of programmes... such as the "Red Lions Freefall Display" with all the professionals diving down with their parachutes up in the sky.

Then, there were marching from all the different contingents from the Military and Home Team, Uniformed Groups and Civilian Organisations.  All looking so smart!

There were also the 'Aerial Flypast' show in the air, creating different formation display in the skies.  It was beautiful.

Then, it was followed by the 'State Flag Flypast' display.  You can see it flying accross the top of the Marina Bay Sands.  

There were also beautiful fireworks in the night.  The fireworks lit up the skies so brightly and it was pretty an awesome view.  Too bad, MooMoo didn't have a camera with her... only her iPhone.

There were also performances like some acts to reflect Singapore, such as 'Reflection of Our Identity', 'Reflection of Our Spirit', 'Reflection of Our Love' and 'Loving Singapore, Our Home'.

Lastly, it ended with everyone singing their National anthem in Bahasa Melayu and also reciting their pledge.  MooMoo did enjoy herself watching the NDP 2012.  

Check out the things in the goodie bag... lots of stuff yea... this is not everything as all the food and drinks are all consumed by MooMoo while watching the parade.  Haha!

MooMoo and friend even played with the tattoos given in the pack.  Cute, right?!? = p  Well, "HAPPY 47th BIRTHDAY TO SINGAPORE!!! ^=^"

* MooMoo had a GREAT day today... doing her favourite STEP and PILATE class... plus watching a good movie "BRAVE"... 

Durian Feast with Colleagues

Last, last Friday, after work, MooMoo went "Durian Feast" outing with her colleagues.

It has been quite some time since her last outing with colleagues.  There used to be monthly food outings last time. Guess everyone is just too busy and things changed when there are also a lot of changes in the company.

Anyway, after work, MooMoo's colleague suggested to catch a bus to Balestier road  as the recommended Durian stall is there....it was not a good idea... coz very bad traffic jam. After one hour bus ride, feeling hungry, MooMoo ended up a bit sick.

Before heading for Durians, MooMoo and colleagues went to have a light dinner at Boon Tong Kee Chicken Rice place. The food there tasted quite good. Yummy!

After that, they headed for desserts, the "Durian Feast". The initial shop that they wanted to visit, ran out of stock for Durians....  = (   

The shop is called,"Combat Durian", pretty interesting huh... Haha!!  MooMoo wonder after eating the Durians, can do Combat! = p

After all the effort going all the way there, they decided to eat at the next stall.  It's not that bad after all. MooMoo ate 3 types of Durians, "Mao Shan Wang" - Cat Mountain King?!?  Haha... "D24" - no idea why is it called D24... sounds like bra cup size... then lastly, "Butter Durians".

Everyone was satisfied after the meal and the Durians.  Yummy Yummy!!! But, personally MooMoo thinks that it is definitely cheaper to eat Durians back in Malaysia and really eat all you can.  ^=^

* Eating Durians makes MooMoo think of Piggy... and also Chicky family... =p

MooMoo's urge to Bake

Lately, MooMoo just have this crazy urge to bake... as well as to do crafting.  The "ART-ATTACK" season is back!!!  Well, it started with Piggy saying that she wanted to make Tiramisu before she left to Australia...  Then, she left her bottle of Kahlua at Chicky's house, ending with we never tasted the Tiramisu and she's already residing in "Down Under" now.

Since there's a bottle of Kahlua sitting there... might as well do something with it, instead of letting it collecting dust... Haha!  Then, 2 weeks before MooMoo's landlady and ex-landlady came to MooMoo's house wanting to do Tiramisu.  This makes MooMoo even more excited in making it herself.  ^=^

In the end, she decided to go buy all the ingredients and start out her "Project Tiramisu" this weekend.  It took awhile for MooMoo to buy all the ingredients, especially the lady's fingers and Mascarpone cheese.  MooMoo tried out the Classic Tiramisu, which is easier to make.  

The following ingredients are required:-

1. 6 eggs, separated

2. Mascarpone Cheese 500gram

3. Lady's Fingers 300gram

4. Sugar 150gram

5. 3/4 Litre Strong Coffee

6. 50ml Kahlua/Brandy/Bailey

7. Cocoa Powder

Separating the egg yolks and the egg whites are a challenge to MooMoo.  She killed one of the yolk.  Haha! And just that one small little mistake that left a drop of yolk in MooMoo's egg whites, caused her so much trouble.  Arrgghhh!!!! :p

MooMoo actually started making the Tiramisu around 10pm on a Saturday night, hoping to finish everything by 11pm, as the whole process should take about less than an hour.  

1st, you separate the eggs and you beat the egg yolks with the sugar till smooth and creamy.  After that, you add in the Mascarpone Cheese and mix them well.  Then you can add a bit of brandy inside but it's optional.  Once it's done, you can whisk the egg whites till fluffy and add in to the Mascarpone Cheese mix.  Fold in from bottom to top.  

Everything went fine with preparing and mixing all the ingredients, till when it's time to whisk the egg whites.  Nightmare!!! It usually takes about 5-8 minutes to whisk it till fluffy and stiff but MooMoo whisk it for almost an hour and it didn't get stiff at all.... till MooMoo give up and decided to continue the next day.

She stored everything in the fridge and threw away the egg whites' failure.  Before she sleep, she went to google and found out the reason.  The slightest grease can fail the whole thing.  =.=""  

The next day, MooMoo went to buy new eggs to try again.  Now, there's 6 yolks sitting in MooMoo's fridge.  Think it will end up in the dump since MooMoo don't cook.  Tapir suggested to do something with recipe that needs egg yolks only.  Good idea but weekdays usually no spare time for baking.

This time round, the whisking of egg whites were successful.  Yeah!!!  At last... people takes 1 hour to make Tiramisu... MooMoo took 2 days to complete the whole task.  Sweat! LOL...

After all the mixing is done, you can prepare the layering.  You will have to prepare your coffee and make sure it is cool down before you start dipping your lady's fingers in the coffee.  Dip front and back to lay them nicely in the tray.  After laying one layer of biscuit, cover them with a layer of the Mascarpone Cheese mix.  Then repeat the same thing over again for another layer.  

Finally, top it up with sprinkling of Cocoa powder at the top layer.  Voila!  It's all done and you can store it in the fridge for at least 2-3 hours before you serve them.

Personally, MooMoo thinks that making it in the clear small container is better than in a large baking tray.  It is more presentable and you can check out the thickness of the layer you have applied.  Plus, the biscuits will not move around when you apply the Mascarpone Cheese mix.  It's also easier to serve in small containers.  You can just use a spoon and dig into it.  Haha!

Well, here's MooMoo's virgin 'Tiramisu Making'... Hope it will improve the next round...  ^=^

* MooMoo actually skipped her favourite Balance class today... =p

GE Women Run's Fringe Benefits - Interesting!

This year, MooMoo signed up for Great Eastern's Women Run's 1st Half Marathon event, which will be held on 11 November, 2012.  They usually only have 10km runs but this year, they included a new 21km category, in conjunction to their this year's rebranding activities, to rebrand the company from a "Life Insurance" company to a "Life" company.  

Due to the GE Women Run, there have lined up a series of events and MooMoo have signed up for the 1st event - Morning Run + Cooking and Hearty Breakfast.  It was pretty fun and MooMoo enjoyed herself.  

It started with a short 3km run around the Singapore Flyer.  We started with warm up and ended up with cool down, instructed by the True Fitness gym instructors.

Next, we headed back to the Bayview room for our cooking activities.  Before we start cooking lessons, we were served breakfast.  Yummy!!

They taught us how to make smoothies and also a main course,"Pasta with Laksa Cashew Nuts Pesto", which is quite an interesting dish.  Instead of curry leaves, they used laksa leaves.

You just plucked out all the laksa leaves from the stems and throw away the stems.  Then, we also have red chillis and some garlics.  You will have to blend all of these together with some fish sauce.  After that, you add in cashew nuts and blend it together with olive oil.  

Once all is blended, it looks like this.  It is very fragrant and crunchy with all the cashew nuts inside.  This will be the paste for the pasta.

After that, it's cooking the pasta time.  They do not use oil... only salted water... cooked about 11 minutes.  Each different brand of pasta require different cooking duration so you gotta check out the instructions on the packaging.

This is the end product of the pasta.  Looks good right?!?  It tasted quite good as well.  MooMoo can explore to cook this when she's free next time.

Next, all were given a free ride at the Singapore Flyer.  It's been quite awhile since her last ride in year 2008.  MooMoo never paid for the ride as she thinks that it is not worth it.  The last time it was free due to company event.

Everyone was surprised to see some more food when they walked in the Flyer capsule.  Hahaha!  All were served with cakes and pastries, as well as different types of tea.

MooMoo wanted to try out this tea but the waiter, a bit blur, mixed up her tea with another girl and end up, MooMoo had to drink some Ginger Lily Tea. Yucks!! =p

Here's some beautiful, nice views taken from the Flyer. ^=^

Everyone was given a goodie bag for the event.... Free stuffs from all the sponsors.

Plus, MooMoo was very lucky today as she won a Polar watch during the lucky draw.  It's been quite some time since she last won a lucky draw.  Thank God for everything!! ^=^

* It's really funny that everytime, MooMoo said that she does not really like something or someone, she will end up with the thing and get related to that someone... Ironic! =p