Every cup has a story...

Hello!

2018-02-13T13:38:00.001+08:00

So much have been neglected here. So much so that saying sorry sounds so trivial. Oh well 2017 has come and gone and we are well into February of 2018.

WHA!

Like, did I miss blogging? I certainly did. And do. But when you keep stopping midway into a sentence and ran out of ideas to phrase yourself properly, you just stop and can't finish. Can't finish. For like 6 months ago! Haha.

Anyway, this is a short update. Last Dec we had a family trip to Koh Samui, Thailand... a beautiful gem of an island. Every year since my girl turned 1 in Dec 2015, it has been a bi-annual tradition for us to take a family trip away from home.

Koh Samui, Thailand @ Dec 2017

So for this year when she turns 3.5, a return trip to Danang, Vietnam in June sounds like a really good idea since the last we went there in Dec 2016, it was 'winter' to them and it was wet/rainy/cold throughout. They say June is summer in Vietnam, so hopefully we could have more time under the sun, on the beach and in the pool. Which are my daughter's main playground. Me? I only usually just enjoy the FOOD and the SCENERY of a new place. :-)

And how has your 2018 been so far? I look forward to mine with lots of hope, faith and prayers. Hope it's not too late for me to wish you all ...

HAPPY NEW YEAR 2018!

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!

HAPPY CHINESE NEW YEAR!

Danang's best - Vietnamese iced Coffee ...

2017-08-23T15:47:00.000+08:00

I have perhaps discovered the best coffee in the whole wide world. It may not be Starbuck's class, but it is definitely in a class of it's own. Behold the Vietnamese Iced Coffee.

This little delightful discovery was made in Da Nang, Vietnam last year on our annual birthdays cum anniversary family trip out of the country. I mean, I have always known that Vietnam has wonderful coffee, I just didn't have the opportunity to savor and appreciate it back when we visited Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh in 2014 (at the time, 5 months pregnant, no caffeine more than a mug a day).

1 part coffee, 1 part milk. Not just any coffee, specially brewed Vietnamese coffee. And not just any milk, Vietnamese own special condensed milk. Apparently, the milk is part of the secret. I tried using Malaysian owned Susu Cap Junjung, nope, didn't even come close.

Even though it's half-half, the taste is not even sweet, yet just the right bitter-sweet or 'kaw' that I would look for anywhere. Man, I still wish I'm in Danang now where I can have it every morning.

Even my little girl loves it. We had a last cup at the airport on the way back to Malaysia, and Sasa practically drank half of mine. Good girl.

Vietnamese Iced Coffee on the beach, by the pool, anytime anywhere. Oh by the way, this is a really late post. Maybe when Malaysia Airlines fly to Danang someday soon, I'll return here to get my daily dose. Till then. (pictures are strewn here and there ... sorry. Blogging on the go).

Where Borneo Begins...

2017-05-29T13:32:00.002+08:00

I have set foot at that very spot -- which according to historians, geographers, surveyors, cartographers, forestry experts etc -- is Where Borneo Begins. This place is located at the remote and idyllic Tanjung Datu, accessible via Sematan in Lundu District. A landmark in the middle of nowhere. Apparently, according to experts, this is the westernmost tip of Sarawak.

Landmark - Where Borneo Begins...

Now to get here, one could either take a one-hour boatride from Sematan Long Jetty passing through the seasides of Kampung Telok Melano and Tanjung Datu National Park, to reach the shore of Tanjung Datu. Or in my case - we took an alternative route which included a 45min drive via the underway Pan Borneo Highway from Sematan town to Kampung Telok Melano, then another 20min boatride from the jetty of Kampung Telok Melano to Tanjung Datu shores.

Boatride to Tanjung Datu via bautiful turquoise open sea...

It was a worktrip, hence the roadtrip. On a sidenote, the Pan Borneo Highway on this side of the highway is progressing rather well, in my opinion.

Pan Borneo Highway in progress...

And to reach that spot, one must hike for at least 15 - 20 mins up a jungle trail. There's no way you can get there without sweating it out a bit. :-) So be prepared to wear at least a comfortable pair of hiking shoes. The trail is not difficult at all, just imagine yourself going into the jungle looking for wild mushrooms or truffles or bamboo shoot. *saya anak kampung so ini macam a walk in the park sajalah =)*

Hiking!

You see... Given, this place has huge tourism potential. And yet, it saddens me that not much has been done to make the place more known to the world. While I might have my doubts about the geographical authenticity, it is only because of how we seem to be treating this national treasure and world landmark. The trees are overgrown and nearly hid the photo-worthy platform while the trails leading to it might as well be trails leading to God knows where. Perhaps they want to maintain its natural state... I however half disagree because there are no proper indications that this is what it is supposed to be "WHERE BORNEO BEGINS". I mean, there's nothing else to see beside that, so it might as well be amazing right?

A memory worth keeping...

We have a lot to learn from our neighbor who has the other Tip of Borneo. But let's leave that aside while I glory in the fact that I have reached Borneo end to end! Wohoo! More on The Tip of Borneo soon.

P/s: We actually wanted to reach the Lighthouse which is a further 15min hike from this spot, the whole point of the work-visit, but that's irrelevant to this post.=)

And with that I declare myself back from blog hiatus! Yay!

Hello ... been missing you Blog!

2017-05-25T11:37:00.002+08:00

Nearly June 2017! Almost 6 months from the last entry. But I am making a comeback (said that before didn't I?) and Coffee Girl is back! Didn't realize I miss writing again until I log in to this almost-dusty space.

To sum it up, been pretty busy since February with work stuffs. I thought I could catch a breath in between, apparently not. But it's not necessarily a bad thing, in fact I sort of expected them and thus was mentally prepared.

Got to make a short one today since I'm borrowing a bit of time to stall over an assignment. So here's what I had been up to this week: A short work-related trip down the currently underway Pan Borneo Highway via Sematan to Telok Melano.

With colleagues and peers at the Pan Borneo Highway...

And as for my little girl, she is now 2 years 5 months and has been diaper-free for the last 2 months! Wohoo! More on that later. Last week she had a high fever coupled with coughing and flu, all which made her rather clingy and cranky especially at nights. Whenever people asked me my secret to weight-loss (a bit only lah, all those post-baby fat), I would just answer 'lack of sleep' because I know my diet hasn't change all that much. Yup!

2yo Sasa having her breakfast...

It'll be June soon and a much-needed holiday is coming up! Will be back with more updates! Here's wishing all my Dayak friends and all those celebrating the upcoming festive! SELAMAT HARI GAWAI! HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

And to all those looking forward to the upcoming Ramadhan month, SELAMAT BERPUASA!

It's 2017! Helllloooo!

2017-01-05T09:50:00.001+08:00

My my how time flies when you're not blogging much anymore. And look it's already 2017! Hello Hello Hello lovelies and Happy New Year You You You and You!

2017, we are OK!

Gotta say I miss blogging and I must say there has been numerous times in the past few months that I tried to make a comeback but words simply won't come although there are so many things I can blog about. Perhaps I just lost my mojo, or perhaps I forgot how to be readable again, or perhaps I was simply busy. Yes you know, with work, a toddler, a house to keep, work travel etc., pretty much the same stuffs a lot of you are experiencing out there too, except in my case, blogging became neglected and the more I leave it behind, the more rusty I get.

But let's try anyway, okay?

A little update:
1. Celebrated my 3rd wedding anniversary on 14 Dec. Going strong.

2. My baby girl turned 2 on 16 Dec. That made her a toddler now, and as per the airlines, no more an infant, so she is entitled to her own seat, although she kept insisting on sitting in my lap throughout flights in and out. She has now learned to talk and her pronunciation is getting clearer everyday although sometimes she still indulges in her baby talk -- the one where she just open her mouth, speak incoherently rolling her tongue with every word. Cute actually, something I'll miss soon. Her understanding of things also improved a lot.

Briskwalking along Danang's Port Front....

3. Celebrated my birthday on 22 Dec in Danang, Vietnam. Officially a year older and well, age is catching up so there are no time to dilly dally anymore.

Surprise complimentary cake from the hotel in Danang...

4. Yes, we travel to Danang, Vietnam before the Christmas holidays. Fell in love with Vietnamese iced coffee, the best I've ever had ever. I even learned how to make my own while there -- was really so easy. Except here back home, the taste isn't the same. Must be the condensed milk that we use. Danang was a much better city than Ho Chi Minh and Hanoi (I've been to both previously), the food and coffee here is sooooo much nicer. Although in their defence, I was 5 months along when we went to the later 2 cities so my appetite and food adventure were repressed. I'll blog more about Danang soon!

5. Weight loss journey has been coming along slow but surely too. Gaining my pre-baby weight is acceptable, although that is still considered overweight by the BMI calculator. So this year I'm extending the journey to get my ideal weight again (again as in the last time I weight according to my height and gender was like when I was a teenager. Hah.) No strenuous exercise, no complicated calorie counting (suck at those), just a brief effort every day to do something fun and yet calorie burning. Go figure. As long as it takes baby!

2017 is going to be great! I can feel it! So let's move on along and take the year year by storm! Have a good week ahead you you you and you!

Signing off for now,
Coffee Girl

The Apprentice...

2016-10-27T12:58:00.000+08:00

Geez I have not been updating much at all. Malas ka apa *tone: questioning oneself*

Anyway, the year is fast coming to an end. Nothing big has happened so far, yet. By big I mean anything life-altering. Not that I am expecting anything big to happen, i.e.

Fast forward to today: I am currently in the process of recruiting my little otter to assist me in updating this blog, if possible, daily. Training process has been hands-on, extensive, full of eagerness, and not forgetting fun. So far I am pleased with the outcome. I should be able to reap the results in about 3-4 years time, all things considered.

The Apprentice undergoing extensive hands-on training...

It's almost coming to a wrap up, but hope you have/had a wonderful October everyone! Hahaha

And sometimes...

2016-09-08T14:45:00.004+08:00

There was a time in my life when I thought I wanted to be a doctor. So I made sure I enrolled in the science stream class, made sure I pass my Biology subject, made sure I pass my Add Maths, and was pretty sure I didn't faint at the sight of blood.

Sometimes I wanted to be a Radio Deejay. That would've been cool too. Playing your favorite songs on air, becoming one of those radio personality with a voice without having to show your face because you dislike direct communication or insecure about your looks, working flexible hours and still make ends meet...

Sometimes I wanted to be a teacher because my dad was one... A Pastor because saving souls was detrimental and I could relate... A Musician even though I could play just one instrument... An Actress because I could shed tears at will and talk to the mirror like a pro ... A housewife because I wanted to keep the house and raise children on my own...

But sometimes you meet people and things change. Sometimes what you did to get there -- all the efforts and hard work -- did not go hand in hand with what your heart really wanted at the time. And sometimes, confusion reeled in with the tie between your heart and your head. Sometimes some days are better than others and sometimes things were just looking up and in a split second it was gone. At growing up stage, what do you really know what to do with your life anyway?

Well, we can only walk so far, but when you make your decision at the crossroad, your course in life changed. And sometimes you can't go back but move on. Sometimes you just have to go with the flow, for what else can you do? But sometimes it isn't always a bad thing either, sometimes it turns out for the best. Sometimes, not all the time.

There are so many 'sometimes' in our lives that we wish for things to be different. But upon looking at where we end up at, sometimes in 'sometimes' itself we forget to be grateful and give thanks that things did not turn out the way we initially wanted it.

I guess what I am saying is, I accept and am grateful today for what I have become, what I have gone through and where I am right now. I am still a nobody where fame and fortune is concerned, but sometimes, life isn't just about all that. We need to be thankful too and act like it.

It's all part of life, living, live and let live.

Okay, good talk.

September cheer!

2016-09-01T15:52:00.001+08:00

Heralding a new month is always exciting. And by the time you realise how much you didn't get to do, the month changes. Like, my previous post was on 1st August, and now it is 1st September and there was absolutely nothing in between. Oh well. There's 12 months in a year and it never seem to be enough either way. Funny isn't it. Although it is a very good thing that 'not enough time' means I had been occupying my days doing worthwhile work and stuffs. So then there's nothing to regret. =)

Meanwhile, life must go on. I set on about trying to compose a poem for this entry, but it began to sound so lame that I abandoned that route for lack of a better rhyming skill. Well till next entry then!

Happy September everybody! May the Good Lord bless your days till the next month comes around!

Here's a good ol' simple breakfast to herald in September! <3

August is here!

2016-08-01T16:29:00.001+08:00

My Homeland has been pretty busy this whole year... and us right along with it. Next thing I know, it is August already!

Along with time passing, my baby will be 1 year 8 months. She is now conversing with us on a daily basis in incomprehensible baby talk. I wish I could decipher every word to understand her better, and yet she sounded so adorable and funny I could just listen to her babble on and on and on...

hellllloooooo!

So this is a short entry. July has come and gone. And we have 5 months till it's the end of the year. Not sure if I am happy or sad about it.

Enjoy these short moments everybody! ALL HAIL AUGUST!

Some days are better than others...

2016-07-29T10:45:00.002+08:00

And some days are just better with a cup of tea...

Indulgence...

If you're going to have a cheat day, I always say, do it properly and make the most out of it so that should you ever regret it later, it was worth it.

Have a wonderful weekend lovelies!

P/s: A crazy week, and then an anticlimactic week, and then me... setting side coffee in place of tea. Some days I wonder should I continue referring to myself as Coffee Girl?

Laksa Sarawak Review: Certified Best Ever at The House Cafe, Padungan...

2016-07-02T14:16:00.002+08:00

The Laksa Contender! I know I said the last one was the best Laksa Sarawak I've ever had, well I found yet ANOTHER cafe that serves a really delicious worth-waking-up-for Laksa Sarawak in town. And because I love it so much, this is now on top of the list of all the best Laksa, in my opinion. Haha that is, until I can find another one that either matches or topples it.

Anyway, it's here at The House Cafe, Jalan Padungan (right next to Wisma Mahmud, and facing the river directly). The stall - Alfred Laksa. Serving every morning until 11.am at least, and closed on Sunday.Alfred and the boys look like they are regulars at the gym too. =)

Alfred Laksa stall at The House Cafe, Padungan

The gravy packs a punch, the chicken meat is tender, the coriander leaves is in generous amount, and the prawn - springy and medium size. Ask for the specials, it comes with extra chicken meat (with the skin etc). The special however, normally finishes off as early as 9.30am, sometimes 10.00am and is RM11 per bowl. After that, you can make do with the 'big portion' which is the normal laksa but is served in a big bowl, none of the extra chicken meat.

The 1aksa Sarawak special...

I'm currently teaching my little girl to appreciate Laksa like her mommy does, so her initiation has been pretty adventurous and she's adapting well to it - starting off with the vermicelli noodle/bihun minus the gravy, sometimes the chicken meat only or the eggs only with an after taste of the gravy. And today I just fed her a few spoonful of bihun right off my bowl and the chicken meat, and I must say I'm proud of her taking it so well and not minding the spicy taste at all.

Carissa with her Aunty Catriey and paternal Grandma...

By now, you should know I am sucker for Laksa Sarawak. Can't have enough of them. Oh my weightloss journey is still proceeding steadily and although Laksa packs a mean bowl of calories, it's ok because it's breakfast and you know what they say about breakfast. Never skip it. Have a good July y'all!

Motherhood, diet, weight management, all along that line...

2016-06-23T11:31:00.002+08:00

Back to talk about my current favorite topic.

Motherhood changes a woman's body forever. I'm not going to sugarcoat it because being blunt about it is easier than looking for diplomatic words. But before I go any further on this post, please know and remember that I am not complaining whatsoever and not even regretting anything. This is purely a first-hand observation and experience-sharing.

It has already been 1 year and a half since the birth of my baby and the day I turned into a mommy. What sparks today's entry? 1. My baby is not going to be an infant any longer boohoo.. but she is now running so all the more reason for me to run after her; 2. I am getting close to regaining my pre-pregnancy body in a verrrrryyyyy slow or delayed sort of pace; 3. I have not been updating as regularly as I initially thought I should and I want to make a good comeback (so y'all don't up and leave yet okay).

Why is losing my post-baby weight so difficult?

I could've just ventured on a strict Beyonce cleansing diet right after the confinement period, but I didn't. Besides, diet and me, we have some sort of a love hate relationship. Although plus points for lemons, the star!

Or I could've restarted my jogging routine -- and I did and even acquired a pair of sparky new sneakers for motivational purposes -- but it stopped midway. That was last year.

OR I could've just signed up with any of the weight management packages available around town, but I didn't either because the last package I signed up pre-baby days were still underutilized and I figured I need to get my money's worth back before I take up another one.

I never thought much about signing up for a gym membership because the last time I did that in the spur of the moment, I ended up going 4 out of 10 times which is equal to utilizing 1 out of 3 months which is also equal to wasting money. I traveled a lot in those days, so yes, bad idea to commit to anything more than 1 month.

To sum that up, up until my little girl turned 18 months last week, I have only lost about 5kg since then (not including the 7kg from the immediate birth and during confinement phase). Frustrating? Of course, every time I look at my unused dresses. And the pants that I can't zip or button anymore or the baby-tees that now looks like it's gonna burst every time I put on one. That, plus the fact that my wardrobe expanded to include maternity cloths + post baby clothes + other new clothes. I either need to buy a new closet OR lose these kilos. Take your pick.

Sometimes a decision to be assertive with oneself appears out of nowhere. Perhaps it was some friend's offhanded comment on the fat ass fat thighs fat arms everything fat which wasn't that fat before. Or the unfiltered question 'are you pregnant again?' upon looking at my visible baby bump. Well, something must've triggered it, but let's not over-analyze it. =) It makes me upset a bit.

Women like me, who gains faster than they lose, are abundant the whole world over. I have friends whom I envied who can drop kilos just like that after giving birth. Their secret to weight loss they said? Breastfeeding. But I didn't so I can't and will not comment on that. Plus, I secretly think they must be starving themselves (but that's just me making myself feel better) at meal times.

Motherhood is rewarding in itself that every time I look at my little girl, I go through a time-travel phase when all that existed was me, my huge belly, and the constant movement that reminded me of a life depending on me and my every decision. So every time that happens, I tell myself that having all these extra weight that just refuses to fall off, is worth it and I am blessed because I know many girlfriends out there yearn for the experience. There is totally nothing for me to complain about but so much more for me to be thankful for.

But of course I do want to regain my shape back, if that's what you're asking. Of course I don't want to stay fat forever, are you kidding? Haha.

Either way, between becoming a wife, a mother and a working mom, I have only about 1 to 2 hours to spare each day for a quick workout. Oh by the way, don't be fooled into thinking I have completely abandon all workout efforts, but sure, if you want to feel good about yourself. No don't. We ladies are supposed to support and build each other up, not tear one another down. Remember that every time you look at a new mother and the thought that enters your head is 'Wow you look big!'. At least she has a good reason. As a general rule, mentioning a girl's weight-gain to her face is a no-no, even more so when she's single. When I was single, I used to cross out all potential male-companion who ever commented on my weight or physical appearance, it has always been a sensitive subject for me back then that I put that on top of my mental checklist. Who cares about your looks when you can't even act as a gentleman at least for a few hours?

Anyway.... I digress.

So yes. In case you're wondering, I went into the operation room at 78kg. Went out 73kg as a new mom and 70kg went I went home with the baby. Up until this day, it has been a yo-yo ride. You do the quick math/guess, or don't.

Here is where I tell you that I am a work in progress, and although it has taken me almost 2 years to get back on track, I am back on my feet alright. I have set a mark and a whole wardrobe as my goal. Not going to be easy, I perceive, but it's a journey. You don't get there overnight. Perhaps when I finally get there, I'll let you in on how. =)

The only thing that can stop me right now is when baby no. 2 is on the way. *sly smile* Meanwhile, let's do this!

Here's Carissa saying Hi from Bali!

Pic taken on 3/6/2016 in Seminyak, Bali

Side story...

2016-06-13T16:17:00.000+08:00

I used to write really good posts... I mean, in my own standards, yes, I'd say they were good because when I go back to reading them, I get this 'wow, did I write that?' reaction from myself.

Lately however, I feel like I have lost the desire to write, to blog, stuffs that involve putting words down. I've lost my mojo.

Or perhaps, I have found something else better to do with my time. :-) than blogging.

This of course, will make me lose my followers, readers, fans (can I call some of you that please? ) and such... but sometimes sacrifice have to happen.

Meanwhile, you stay awesome. I will return when I return. I hope.

Have a good month ahead everyone!

Best Laksa Sarawak review pt 2: Laksa Sarawak udang galah ...

2016-05-23T15:13:00.002+08:00

My Top 10 Best Laksa Sarawak places is still valid, but I have found yet another BEST LAKSA SARAWAK in Kuching! And to tell you the truth, this is by far, on the top of my list.

The place? Laksa Chef Ahid at the new Benteng Kubah Satok, next door to Kubah Ria. I came across Laksa Chef Ahid via an event I attended where he opened a stall for Sarawak Kitchen. I fell in love ever since. Not just because he serves mighty big and fresh tiger prawn (just the way I like it in my laksa) but also because his laksa gravy packs a punch. And what made history is that on the same day I discovered this guy, the YAB Prime Minister went all the way to sit at his table the same evening (it made the news lah of course) but it was coincidental.

Chef Ahid operates a stall each at both New Benteng Kubah and Kubah Ria, with different operation hours. You can request for 'biasa' which is the normal portion you get with tiny shrimps and all for RM5, or you can request for 'udang galah' or special (why go for less) in which the price will differ according to weight/size of the udang galah. That means, in one average seating, I could be paying between RM10 - RM30, and I don't mind it at all. =) You can't really put a price on yy love for Laksa Sarawak.

The best thing about Chef Ahid laksa? I can have them at any time I want (unless past 10pm i.e)! And the second best thing? It's close to home and that means I don't have to drive all the way to Stutong for Fat Cat's laksa!

A whopping Rm25! - This one is at Kubah Ria, the stall at the end near the BBQ stall.

And another version! - This one is at Benteng Kubah Satok.

Operation hour (if I'm not mistaken):

Benteng Kubah: 8.00am - 2.00pm

Kubah Ria: 11.00am - 10.00pm

April... May... June! New stuffs are in!

2016-05-07T12:43:00.001+08:00

So not even one entry for April? I must've been pretty occupied, or just plain lazy. But here is May, and let's start all over again!

I have a few things to look forward to and some of them I have embarked upon just recently. To share with you briefly:

1. My own weight-watching project - mainly to drop the post-baby weight after been delaying for a year plus now. You see, Carissa is now 1 year 4+ months. But between becoming a new mom and getting back to work, I was only giving myself a break and trying not to take it too hard on myself. But now that my little girl can run and I can run along with her, it's only appropriate to kick-start this mini-regime now. Only been at it for 4 days now including today and already my body is feeling the change. It's so good to run and sweat I have forgotten how that felt like. All I need to remember right now is believing that my system will work, and follow it through diligently.

2. Finally had the courage to change my skincare product. Been a week now on Hada Labo brand (I know I know, I'm so outdated...) and I must say, it's pretty promising. Not to complain on my previous brands much, but I like how easily my facial skin absorbs this one and it doesn't leave any greasy or 'packed' feeling, especially since I'm so lazy to be doing so much on my face on a regular morning of a normal working day. Currently on 3 items for now - cleanser, hydrating lotion and moisturizer gel - cukuplah I figure.

3. Cutting down on my caffeine intake. Such irony from Coffee Girl, right? Well, actually not cutting them off altogether, just the amount and type of consumption. These days, I'm on board the black coffee only - hot and sugarless at its best. So in a way, slowly eliminating my sugar intake as well. I had done that before and it was rewarding, but then I got derailed when I was pregnant because it seemed that all I wanted to drink was sugary stuff. Time to continue the habit!

4. After the busy April, anti-climax May, I just can't wait for June! Last December, we went to Krabi, Thailand -- our first outing away from home as a family. Then, Carissa just turned one and she was still practically an infant - carrying her was partly how I got my buffed up right arm hahaha (not muscle ok). But now that she can walk, a holiday with a tag-along tot will be so much fun and adventurous. Need to be fully fit to run after her here and there. Here's a trip from last year at the Crab Monument in Krabi... =)

The other new stuffs, let's leave them for now. Happy weekends everybody! And for my compatriots in Sarawak, Happy Voting Day!

Easter joy...

2016-03-28T13:00:00.000+08:00

There will always be a chance to be bad. To belittle others, to badmouth a person, to crush spirits, to seek revenge, to repeat a vicious rumor, to lie, to betray, to just stand there and watch a wrongdoing being committed... the list is endless.

But there will also be an opportunity to be good. To be kind, to uplift others, to tell the truth, to put aside differences, to forgive, to be faithful, to stand for justice, to see the best in everyone and every situation, to be the better person.

In spite of the horrible things this world has seen and done, there is always a glimmer of hope and an opportunity to overcome.

When that time comes, which road do you take?

Have a Blessed Easter my fellow Christians.

Photo credits: http://www.dw3c.org

Short nothing...

2016-02-23T13:21:00.005+08:00

So teruk lah me.

September 2015 absolutely no entry post.

October 2015 satu entry post.

November 2015 satu entry post.

December 2015 satu entry post.

January 2016 satu entry post.

February 2016 satu entry post. Well almost.

How la like dis?

Kelakar Bahasa Sarawak boleh sik? Nya camtok... Nak madah kita tok nak bertanding election PRN kotan busy gilak, sik juak. Nak madah malas, sik juak. Nak madah sikda idea, berlobor. So apalah alasan? Tangan sik cukup kali nak. Dah lejuk kali kitak orang nanga ku mintak maap sebab sik apdet. Sikpalah, apa boleh buat.

By the way, Tony Roma opened a branch in Vivacity Mall, Kuching. I only go there for the deep fried wild mushroom. :-) Not so much for its well known rib eye steak.

Anyway, this makes it 2 entry posts! We saved February!

And so it's February...

2016-02-03T16:20:00.002+08:00

... and still I am not done being free a bit in my time to focus on writing and updating this blog here. Such promises, still none being kept, or followed through, let alone started on. Tsk tsk tsk.

How are you all doing? I've been feeling rather fat these past few months but still, I am thankful that I am healthy. Fat from all the good food and feeling content just makes me feel at ease.

I've been around town since January came along. Anticipating to be busier as the months unfold etc. But that's all good, just going with the flow, riding with the waves, embracing every moment of truth.

Oh nothing, just keeping a promise that I should enter at least one post a month, if I can help it. This here qualifies.

Till next short update.

Signing off.

Prayers for 2016...

2016-01-20T17:46:00.001+08:00

Hullo 2016 late as it may be tho'

Here are my wishes I'll have you know...

To pay what I owe

Return what I borrow

Befriend every foe

End whatever row

Careful what I sow

More rooms to grow

No space for sorrow

Real feelings to show

Enjoy the meadow

Out from the shadow
Welcome every tidal flow

Ride with the tempo

Less goodbye more hello

Love with true gusto

From here on after so will I go

May bright and clear will be my tomorrow.

Amen.

I may be 20 days late to wish everyone, but Happy New Year 2016 everybody! May the year be kinder to all of us, even treat us exceptionally nicer this time around, who knows?

On another note, 10 Jan was my 5th year Anniversary as Coffee Girl! Here's a Double Celebration on the 5th Year Existence! May my blog continue to breathe, live and let on! And be updated consistently. Fooh fooh! Amen!

Cheers!

December... my month of many celebrations!

2015-12-23T17:06:00.000+08:00

Yes!! I turned a year older yesterday! A Year Wiser so the saying goes! Another number added to the 3 series. Yes I am getting very old! But wait for it...!! I celebrated in Penang! Why Penang? Because we just came back from Krabi - celebrating our 2nd Wedding Anniversary AND our lil one's 1 YEAR BIRTHDAY! Penang was the stop-over, the anticlimax after the sun and food in Krabi! So yes it's a 3-in-1 Holiday Package! And we just got home today! I'm still a little bit jetlagged (kononnya) cause we had an early flight! Of course everybody slept! But me, cause the lil one slept on me so I must stay alert to be her steady pillow!

December is my favorite month!! We get to do this every year I hope! I hope lah! If the finance permits! Oh Why am I shouting! Hahaha! Cause I'm still excited!! Ahahaha! *crazy old birthday lady*

No cake... A hot coffee to go is very generous enough... *sans makeup*

Sorry sorry, must be the adrenaline rush from the morning travel and lacking sleep.

Anywayyyyyyyyy... This is a short one okay, because I haven't been blogging much and none at all in December, but I'll be back! Stay tune for the Holiday Trip review for the best tom yam found in the unlikeliest place and best/worst hotels!

Meanwhile, if you don't hear from me again after today till New Year, here's us wishing you:

Have a blessed holiday everyone! Love you bye!

Hello from the Otter side...

2015-11-24T16:01:00.000+08:00

Oh Hello!

Have I been gone that long?

I try not to think too much about what to write these days because over-thinking things might end up with no writing being produced. Same goes to not giving any thoughts about what to write which will result in just sub-par quality entry. Who wants that, right?

Hence, this would perhaps justify leaving off blogging for a few long dry weeks and nearly two months of hiatus. But I am not one to give excuses since you all know I have an infant who will not be an infant anymore in a matter of weeks -- update: she will be 1 year old in exactly 3 weeks! - so yes, having a baby has definitely changed all my timetables and how I prioritize, and that is definitely not a bad thing. It's a miracle I still can't fathom even unto this day.

But enough about the glimpse into motherhood.

You see, having my time fully occupied has given me less time to sit and ponder about life in general, putting them in words, and publishing for people to read. There are so many current issues I wish I could touch on and yet words continue to fail me. Sometimes I think I am losing it -- the ability (if you can call it that) to write coherently and wisely (if not intelligently). Or perhaps I just need my mojo back, whatever it is and wherever it has gone to. Rome wasn't built in a day neither is a good piece of writing... but that's just me quoting lines trying to make myself feel better.

Check and balance or so it's called: You gain some you lose some.You make some, you give some. You love some and you loath some. You come up you fall down. You live today you die tomorrow. And still life goes on just fine at the end of every day.

Before I get carried away, best to sum this entry in one sentence: I'll be back! * air fist-punch!*

Till then,
Coffee Girl.

Happy International Coffee Day!

2015-10-01T08:41:00.000+08:00

So after completely missing out on September, I'm back! And coincidentally, today 1st October is also the International Coffee Day! Here's a little apt snippet (courtesy of the Huffington Post) on why you should drink coffee everyday. I don't need 6, I just need one.

So my dearest coffee mates, if you haven't had your cup of daily dose of goodness today, go have one now! Better still, buy a good friend a cuppa! Even better, make your own pot and share with your closest friends or family! Even better still, buy me one!

Here's my Caramel Macchiato... courtesy of Trenos Cafe, currently my favorite coffee spot.

Happy International Coffee Day everyone!

Homeland, Malaysia...

2015-08-31T08:09:00.000+08:00

In the words of Mark Twain: “Loyalty to country ALWAYS. Loyalty to government, when it deserves it.” Period.

In the patriotic sense, loyalty therefore, is not given, it is earned. And I quote, "Let every nation know, whether it wishes us well or ill, that we shall pay any price, bear any burden, meet any hardship, support any friend, oppose any foe to assure the survival and the success of liberty."

Even though I can choose any country I want to live in, I still choose Malaysia. At times, she may have her downs, her ugliness, her imperfection, her destitution, her insecurities, and her unrest...but she also have her ups, her beauty, her wholeness, her assurance, her wealth, her peace. In spite of and because of those, it's the only home I can truly call my own. I don't know about you but I'm counting my blessings that I was born here instead of somewhere else.

This is a Happy Malaysian post and I don't care what you may think or say. No matter what is currently broiling in my country, I will still stand by it.

HAPPY NATIONAL DAY MALAYSIA!

The lil one in her Team Malaysia jersey...

Ah Huat Instant White Coffee...

2015-08-21T09:37:00.000+08:00

Instant coffee current fix? Here goes...

I grabbed a packet of Ah Huat 3-in-1 White Coffee from Everrise fast lane counter the other day, and I've been hooked on this brand ever since. Grabbing just any on the go was actually a gamble since 2 out of 3 times I always ended up disliking the taste and therefore blacklisting the brand while the packet will be left untouched until it reaches the expiry date (and then disposed of). A waste of money.

But this one time gamble paid off. Who knew right? Which is why you should never gamble.

Anyway, back to Ah Huat brand. The one that got me started was the 'Classic' type. Delightfully, it wasn't sweet at all and not aromatic either (I hate it when my coffee smells weird...). It smells like white coffee, thankfully, and tasted even better... creamy but slightly bitter on the side.

And then I tried the 'Low Fat' type. It was even less sweet and slightly more bitter than the Classic. The 'low fat' tag kind of give me a better feeling but of course we all know it's probably a lie, but who cares?

Ah Huat Low Fat White Coffee (blue), Ah Huat ClassicWhite Coffee (brown...

By the way, ignore the OldTown White Coffee satchet. I like the hot cup they make for me at Old Town cafe, but the instant one is nothing close to it. This one is actually bitter than I prefer, like it lacks sugar and cream altogether. So... this is one of the failed gamble I was talking about earlier.

While I would still take Aik Cheong 2in1 once in a while (I still have a few satchets left and the brand is also not too bad), I have altogether chucked Kopiko (too bland), Super (too bland and too smelly), CheckHup Ipoh White Coffee King (too sweet and creamy and gave me headache) and Nescafe (stopped being a fan since 2003, too sweet and smells weird). By bland I mean my system has probably gotten used to them and therefore just doesn't do the trick anymore. Sorry for these bunch, no offense.

Yes I agree instant coffee is not good for health especially on a frequent basis... but it's as close to having a good quick cup of coffee whenever I feel like having one. This one trick I swear by: When your pee starts to smell like coffee, do a few days' detox and go coffee-free until your pee stop smelling like coffee. Now I remember why I stopped taking Nescafe 3in1...

On a different note, the coffee at any coffee shops served using traditional cups and saucers, priced at RM1.20... is still the best kind.

Have a good weekend ahead people!

Short August...

2015-08-20T10:46:00.003+08:00

Well will you look at that... no posts for August, until now. Seems like someone has been a busy bee indeed. And always came home tired to do anything but spend the rest of the day with mah lil family. How time flies. I wish I can take a holiday every now and then. But we're saving that for year-end.

Anyway... am still here. Life must go on etc. And right at this moment, making full use of this breather to pen a short one for now.

If I didn't say it earlier, I'm saying it now...Have a great August! Till September comes. Bidding you a short good one with this caffeine fix from Trenos Cafe, Jalan Keretapi, Kuching.

Really nice coffee and nicer food at Trenos Cafe, 3rd Mile, Kuching