Chun Kiat + Soo Pei = Ivan & Reanne

iCreate 1.0

2011-10-28T21:18:00.000+08:00

Must be those inspiration day for the kids.

With some assistant from mommy, Ivan and Reanne turn their imagination into craft toys with some recycling boxes.

Ivan create an airplane and Reanne made her very first girl robot. Reanne named her creation Bi Bi.

I can see that both are very satisfied with want they have made. And they happily post with it!

Ivan's super airplane

Reanne's Bi Bi robot

Tribute to Steve Jobs

2011-10-06T20:39:00.001+08:00

On October 5, 2011, Apple announced that its visionary founder had died. "We are deeply saddened to announce that Steve Jobs passed away today," the company said. "Steve's brilliance, passion and energy were the source of countless innovations that enrich and improve all of our lives. The world is immeasurably better because of Steve."

Although I am not an Apple product user as per say (yet to purchase iPhone, iPad etc), I believe the betterment and innovation of technologies brought about by Steve Jobs is immense if not immeasurable. In many degree he has through his beloved creation Apple have changed the world. Even the words he shared challenge us to re-look our life purpose in whole. He talks about dreams, life, death and love.

My favorite quote of Steve Job, "Stay Hungry. Stay foolish"

May you rest in peace.

The Pursuit of Happyness - Real Thing

2011-10-03T21:51:00.002+08:00

Do you still remember the movie above starring Will Smith and his son? I'm sure you do. It's an amazing movie re-telling the real story of Chris Gardner from homeless dad to millionaire stockbroker. This is what he got to share:

You struggles to earn a living might be different from his or anyone else's, but Gardner says the answer to pulling yourself up is the same. Find something you're passionate about and go for it. "Maybe it's not time for us over 50 to be finding a job," but instead finding a career to create,Gardner says. "Maybe it's time to find our button and push it."

Here's his advice for people contemplating a midlife reinvention:

1. "Ain't nobody gotta dig it but you." Forget what other people think or say. Do something that makes you happy. "We're afraid that because everybody might not like it" we shouldn't do it, Gardner says. "But you gotta push that button."

2. Go with what you love, but stay grounded. "Probably the hardest question I get asked is 'How do I choose between passion and practicality?'" Gardner says. "I can't answer that. I had to do both. I was passionate about pursuing a career in financial services. But I was also passionate about feeding my child."

3. Start a business. Gardner added his voice to the chorus of experts who see a wave of small-business startups run by baby boomers pushed out of Corporate America due to ageism or the bad economy. That's OK, he says, because entrepreneurs over 50 are in a better position than younger workers to capitalize on their "reputations and Rolodexes." It's the start of a creator economy, he says, "with a whole lot of folks being entrepreneurial."

4. Have a plan. If you're starting a business, hope isn't enough. You need a plan that's clear, concise, compelling and consistent. On top of that, you need to be committed to what you're doing, he says.

5. Play to your strengths. "Your skills, talents and expertise are transferable" to other types of jobs and industries, he says.

6. Look out for yourself. "The cavalry is not coming....and things might be getting worse."

7. Remember what's important. For a long time, Americans worked to get things, Gardner says. It's time to focus on what really matters -- family and friends.

8. Any progress is progress. "Baby steps count, too, as long as you're moving forward," he says.

Reanne going to kindergarten next year

2011-10-01T19:16:00.004+08:00

Another significant mileage will be taking shape soon in our family. We have registered Reanne to attend her very first year kindgarten this coming new year 2012. Reanne will join Koh Koh Ivan in the same school.

We can see that Reanne was fairly comfortable while she was in the school interacting with the teachers. Ivan also looks excited. While waiting for the new school term to start this three months, we need to get Reanne prepare to begin a new routine. Waking up two kids early in the morning, wash them, dress them, feed them and send them to school will going to be double the effort for mommy. Nevertheless it's a great milestone!

On 2

2011-10-01T18:49:00.002+08:00

The following wall backdrop have caught my attention for quite some times already. I was unable to resist myself to take out the camera to capture some photos with it. Walla!

We are brother and sister.....2 years gap

Already attended 2 years kindergarten

See we are 2gether

We are 2 pretty sisters

Logos Hope - Largest Floating Book Fair

2011-09-29T17:24:00.002+08:00

THE MV Logos Hope is the newest ship of Operation Mobilisation (OM) and will visit Port Klang from 29 Sept to 23 Oct 2011. This is the vessel's first call in Malaysia. Logos Hope replaces the MV Doulos which last visited Port Klang in 2006.

Known as the world's largest floating book fair, the ship carries over 5,000 titles on a wide range of subjects for sale at discounted prices. Through this, the ship has met the educational needs of communities around the world. The book fair will open daily for the general public.

Logos Hope is also here to bless the community through conferences and seminars on board, through ministry teams sent on outreach, and through a two-week volunteer programme for Malaysians to experience work and service on the ship.

This is one of those interesting outing worth going with children. So I am planning to go with my little kids more so they have not been into a big ship such as this.

For more information please click here

AirAsia Free Seats - Sept 2011

2011-09-20T20:52:00.004+08:00

Yes, AirAsia crazy free seats is taking off come this mid nite on 21st Sept 2011. Get ready and find out more from below.

To better prepare yourselves for tonight's booking process, check out the full list of destinations here

Man Cycle around the world started with $2

2011-09-14T13:55:00.007+08:00

This article really caught my eyes when I read of the the heading. After reading it, I somewhat speak to myself why I can't do the same or something similar of that sort.

This Japanese man started cycling from Japan to other parts of the world with only $2 in his pocket ten years ago. Ever since that he still pursuing that passion funded purely by his street magic tricks. Really makes you think it doesn't necessary take a gigantic afford to do something you like. The saying "where there is a will, there is a way" speaks volume in this case.

Truly inspiring. Fitting for us to ponder what stop us to pursue things that matters in our life.

Read the rest of the story here

Tool to inculcate reading habit

2011-01-31T20:29:00.006+08:00

I find it very interesting when I found this reading application Meegenius while venturing with Google Chrome browser.

MeeGenius digitizes children's stories, classic and new, and adds features such as word highlighting and audio playback for easy read-along

MeeGenius adds a whole new dimension to story time, making books fun and easy to read along with, while also promoting reading comprehension skills. MeeGenius is made for the modern family on-the-go - with all books stored in one place whether at home, in the car, or on vacation.

After downloading the iPhone/iPad application or visiting www.meegenius.com, Google TV, or the Google Chrome Web Store, users have access to introductory books for FREE, with additional books available within the MeeGenius storefront. MeeGenius offers a collection of childhood favorites, such as "The Three Little Pigs," "The Boy Who Cried Wolf" and "Jack and the Beanstalk," in addition to new and exciting titles. Additional titles from well-known authors and publishers are being added on an ongoing basis.

Strongly recommend it for your kids. Try it!

Big high 5

2011-01-31T01:43:00.012+08:00

Our boy is now officially 5 years already. I guess he is very proud of it too(as the shown in the photo above).

The boy is growing fast. Bear in mind I didn't mean not just his physical being. One clear significant is his appetite for knowledge and new skills. Curiosity is his driving force. He will asked to know more, and asked many many times.

This year we made it extra meaningful for Ivan by giving him a fun time celebrating his birthday with his classmates at the kindergarten school. Bonus to that we let him choose what type of cake he wants. He wanted his cake with rocket on it. Many thanks to Lyra Patisserie for making it possible.

We even had a 2nd cake to celebrate at home. Another creation by Lyra Patisserie. Yummy!

Ivan back to school

2011-01-29T14:57:00.005+08:00

As 2011 starts, so was the new school term. And Ivan when back to kindergarten for his 2nd year class. This round he is a "senior".

Both of us brought Ivan to school together with Reanne on the 1st day of re-opening. It wasn't as smooth as we wanted it to be. Not wanting to wake up was one of it. Another was Ivan being uneasy while in the school to a point shedding some tears when parents were asked to leave. Thankfully Ivan was back to his norm again on the 2nd day itself.

The kindergarten school had relocated itself to a new premise for this new term. They constructed a totally new building designed specifically for kindergarten purposes complete with a mini pool. It was finished just in time for the new term to start. So much bigger. And most of all so much nearer to our house. Less then 100m away! Now mommy just need to walk Ivan to school instead of driving him there.

It's gonna be a cold CNY

2011-01-13T21:59:00.002+08:00

As reported, the Malaysian Meteorological Department said the weather pattern was a bit erratic and the cool weather was expected to continue into the Chinese New Year.

Department spokesman Ramlan Abdul Rahman said Malaysia was still not out of the Northeast monsoon season, which started in November and lasted till March, that brought heavy rainfall to the east side of Peninsular Malaysia such as Kelantan, Terengganu and Pahang as well as Sabah and Sarawak.

“As this monsoon wind is particularly strong, it often brings heavy rain to the west side of Peninsular Malaysia as well during this period,” he said.

The department has also registered greater cloud activity during the period and forecasts the erratic cloud patterns to last longer. It said the erratic cloud pattern and rain were the two major contributing factors for the cool weather.

Personally, for those who are of asthmatic background have to take note of these current weather. Don't let the cold air become a trigger for a bad allergic symptoms.

2011

2011-01-13T21:47:00.003+08:00

Yeah, it's already two weeks into the new year 2011. Pretty late to say, "Hey guys happy new year!"

But....no harm trying

Hoping for new start......from what was not finished last year, resume those that positive and starts what have not commence

AirAsia: Travel 2 in the price of 1

2010-09-08T09:06:00.003+08:00

Wow, this is another fantastic offer thrown out by AirAsia. Check it out!

The war of the TABLET!

2010-09-07T17:02:00.006+08:00

Yup, the war is on guys! Some people is going the give Steve Jobs a chase for the BIG PIE

Berlin, Germany, September 2nd, 2010 - Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd, a global leader in mobile technology, today announced the launch of the Samsung GALAXY Tab (Model: GT-P1000). Powered by Android Operating System 2.2, the Samsung GALAXY Tab is the first of the company’s tablet devices, representing a new category of mobile products for Samsung.

The Samsung GALAXY Tab brings together all of Samsung's leading innovations to provide users with more capabilities while on the move. Consumers are able to experience PC-like web-browsing and enjoy all forms of multimedia content on the perfectly sized 7-inch display, wherever they go. Moreover, users can continuously communicate via e-mail, voice and video call, SMS/MMS or social network with the optimized user interface.

Samsung GALAXY Tab (GT-P1000) Product Specifications

Network	2.5G (GSM/ GPRS/ EDGE) : 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 MHz 3G (HSUPA 5.76Mbps, HSDPA7.2 Mbps) : 900 / 1900 / 2100 MHz
OS	Android 2.2 (Froyo)
Display	7.0 inch TFT-LCD, WSVGA (1024 x 600)
Processor	Cortex A8 1.0GHz Application Processor with PowerVR SGX540
Camera	3 MP Camera with Auto Focus and LED Flash 1.3MP front camera for Video Telephony
Value-added Features	Android Market™ and Samsung Apps for more applications and contents
	Readers Hub, Media Hub* , Music Hub, Social Hub *Availability will be decided by market preference.
	Adobe Flash 10.1 player support Full HD video playback, Thinkfree Office, Swype, Hybrid Widget
Connectivity	30 pin connector / micro SD WiFi 802.11n / Bluetooth 3.0
Memory	16GB / 32GB internal memory, upto 32GB external memory slot RAM: 512MB
Size	190.09 x 120.45 x 11.98mm, 380g
Battery	4,000mAh (7 hour movie play)

Semenyih water plant closed due to contamination

2010-09-07T13:38:00.003+08:00

The Semenyih water treatment plant has been closed down since 1.40am on Tuesday morning following river contamination from a nearby landfill.

In a statement, Syabas said raw water from Sungai Kembong in Selangor was contaminated due to "leachate" leaking from a breached dyke in the landfill.

"The plant was closed immediately upon detecting high content of ammonia in the water at 6.41mg per litre, which is above the health safety standard of 1.5mg per litre, put into place by the Health Ministry.

"A yellow alert emergency plan has been into place. We are now trying to redistribute water from other treatment plants to the affected areas," it said.

The closure of the plant, which treated some 600mil litres of water daily, is expected to affect supply to 1.2mil residents or 300,000 households in four areas - Petaling, Hulu Langat, Sepang and Kuala Langat.

Leachate = usually refers to the liquid that drains out the bottom of landfills, garbage dumps, or other waste disposal sites. Leachate forms as water percolates through solid waste.

Abstracted from TheStarOnline

Surgeons must get consent to take photos of intimate parts

2010-09-02T11:59:00.003+08:00

Penang High Court ruled today that surgeons must obtain their female patients' consent before taking photos of their intimate parts.

Judicial Commissioner Chew Soo Ho awarded freelance writer Lee Ewe Poh, 50, RM25,000 in damages for invasion of privacy and RM10,000 in costs. Lee, a former journalist, had filed the suit against general and colo-rectal surgeon Dr Lim Teik Mau saying she felt violated after he took photographs of her private parts during a haemorrhoids surgery.

The decision above makes me wonder how about male's privacy? Anyhow it's good that we know now what the court have said about this area. Again, we should know our rights!

Abstracted from TheStarOnline

Old Kajang Stadium for New Kajang Square

2010-09-02T10:43:00.009+08:00

Old Stadium making way for....

New Kajang Square

I wasn't aware that the iconic landmark of Kajang town - Kajang Stadium was scheduled to be demolished on 15th August 2010. I saw the news only a day before it was set to be torn down.

The 40-year-old Kajang Stadium will make way for the new Kajang Square project with cost estimated at RM5.5 Mil. The stadium, built in the late 1970s, will be turned into a public square where people could jog or enjoy a stroll. The project would include a multi-million rinngit sports complex with futsal and badminton courts, field for tai chi, yoga and aerobic activities, a children’s playground and kiosks selling various wares.

The first phase, a playground will be built at a cost of RM200,000 which is almost completed. The second phase will include the building of two futsal courts. Part of the walls will be torn down but the field will remain. There will be a bitumen track instead of synthetic rubber, which will incur more cost. The Kajang Square will also have kiosks and a stage. The whole project would take about three years to complete.

Pantai Remis, Kuala Selangor

2010-08-21T13:07:00.009+08:00

While heading back home after visiting Bukit Melawati, Kuala Selangor, along the way we stop by Pantai Remis. Just unable to stop the urge to see the seaside when noticed the spot.

The beach wasn't ideal for swimming because of its rocky shore. Anyhow it's still enjoyable to see the horizon of sea water.

Ivan of cause without hesitation gets his hands and foots wet. Reanne on the other hand was a little hesitated.

Trip to Bukit Melawati, Kuala Selangor

2010-08-21T11:59:00.006+08:00

Had a short break away last June at Bukit Melawati, Kuala Selangor with own family.

It was my first trip there (as far as I can remember). Same goes to Ivan and Reanne. Not so for Soo Pei as she has been there before.

We stop by Kuala Selangor town a while only then we when up the Bukit Melawati by a train ride. Upon reaching the top, immediately we can see the famous light house facing towards the sea view. Greeting us on top are the many Silverleaf Monkey (that's what they were called) eagerly awaiting for hand out foods.

Wonderful breeze sweeping across the hills that day. And beautiful blue sky with curtain of cloud.

Mommy conduct art craft for nursery class

2010-08-19T21:42:00.005+08:00

Captured a short video on the church sunday nursery craft works conducted by mommy.

It was Soo Pei first time doing such class. Anyhow it was a new programme for the church nursery under sister Sharon Chong's supervision. Mommy have spend quite some time to prepare for the class. Buying the necessary materials, pre-prepare the cut out material for easy stick on. She design and then made a sample.

I would say most if not all the children and parents enjoy the session. Bravo to my missus!

1st Family Movie Outing on 2010

2010-08-19T20:29:00.006+08:00

Incredible as it seems but we did make it successfully through the whole Toy Story 3 movie without any unwanted incident. Given that this is the very first movie outing for Reanne and only 2nd for Ivan.

As for me, I have been dying to go for movie after along abstaining mainly due to the kids. Worry they unable to sit through the movie and noisy. Surprisingly Ivan and Reanne both enjoy watching the movie. Most properly because the movie was an animation and it's good one.

I for one was pretty happy able to enter the cinema again. So also my missus. It was a nice break for the parents :)

So what is the next show we are going? Can't wait!

KTM Electric Train Service (ETS) for Seremban - Ipoh

2010-08-14T16:50:00.011+08:00

The Electric Train Services (ETS) started its commercial run on 12th August with 10 trips between Ipoh and Seremban with a six-month promotion rate of RM30 one way. A 40% discount would be given to children under 12, the physically-challenged and senior citizens. It would take only two hours from Ipoh to KL at an average speed of 110kph and up to a maximum of 160 kph.

The each 350-passenger coach would have disabled-friendly features, closed-circuit television cameras for passenger safety, overhead compartments, a food and beverage section and WiFi connections coming soon.

The ETS will stop in Batu Gajah, Kampar, Tanjung Malim, Kuala Lumpur, KL Sentral. Bandar Tasik Selatan and Nilai on its Ipoh-Seremban route. The journey will begin at 4am from Ipoh and 9.59am from Seremban.

Five trains will depart from Ipoh and Seremban daily. This will be increased to eight runs each in November.

RM30 per person per trip actually not that affordable given that it is a public transport. No doubt it's of environmental friendly. I believe the fare should be slightly lower to encourage more public to use it. If you calculate the cost, a family of 4 person have to spend RM120 per trip up to Ipoh. No so cost effective if compared to driving own car.

For more info, click here

Smoking banned in private sector

2010-05-31T23:06:00.005+08:00

Such a good news to hear today when the Health Ministry has decided to enforce the smoking ban at work places and offices in the private sector that are installed with central air-conditioning systems.

The inclusion of smoking ban on private sectors offices and work places would raise the total number of places designated as no smoking areas to 21.

Earlier 19 areas, including hospitals/clinics, public lifts and toilets, air-conditioned restaurants, public transport, government premises, educational institutions, petrol stations, Internet cafes and shopping complexes, were designated as no smoking areas.

Those who lit up in non-smoking zones risked being fined up to RM10,000 or two years' imprisonment.

I am of one very glad the Health Ministry has further its enforcement. Bravo!

Meet Ivan's teacher on Parent's Day

2010-05-31T22:20:00.011+08:00

So fast Ivan is finishing the first term of his very first year at kindergarten.

And there we were attending his kindy Parent's Day where we meet his class teacher to get to know Ivan's progress during the entire five months. Overall his is doing fine. Class teacher commented that Ivan actively participate in the daily activities. We were very encouraged to hear the feedback because that was what we most concerned about.

The kindy produced a report book recording Ivan's progress in several aspects not only in academic area but also intrapersonal and also interpersonal skill and more.

The report book also provided us an overall idea on where Ivan's need improvement. This coming months we need to plan ways and methods to help Ivan to improve further. Knowing and not doing anything about it will not help our son overall development. Not that we want to push him for performance but rather for self improvement.

Well both of us did enjoy this new experience as part and parcel of being a parents. Hmm....next will be Reanne (didn't you see her face how she enjoyed every moment while at the kindy?)