Got my Panda eyes again =)

Since I came back from Kuching, I am not feeling too well. It started with a sore throat, then coughing, then flu and slight fever. It's been about 5 days now. My brother is having a fever too. So yesterday my mom bought fever pills for us. I was not feverish anymore but I still took the pill. It was the wrong thing to do. After that, I went for a nap.

The package clearly stated 'Demam'

These are the pills. IBUPROFEN. Now only I wonder that usually Paracetamol would be the drug right??

I woke up in the middle of my nap because my eyes felt sticky, itchy and they were watery. I rubbed them, washed my face. Then I knew I was gonna get that Panda  eyes, again! I know that I'm allergic to pain killer, but never knew that this pill could get me swollen eyes too.

So, let's see the development  transformation of my eyes.

The earlier stage. Around 4pm

Around 6pm

Full transformation. haha Not as bad as before.

Started to subside already. around 8 pm

This is not a new problem to me. I must have been experiencing swollen eyes due to drug allergic close to 10 times already. Only my parents freaked out because this is the first time they have ever seen my panda eyes in real.haha. Now, let's see my swollen eyes taken from few years back.

This picture was taken in 2008.

This was last year. Not too severe.

This happened in 2009 where I took menstrual pills. In half an hour, my eyes became like this. This was the most severe case I have ever experienced. This I call full transformation.hahhaa Mind you I didnt close my eyes. They were wide open.haha

Ok bye!

p/s Hope to get better before this weekend. We are gonna hit Langkawi for 3 days. Yeehuuu!!

Cupcake Class by Dynamic Learning Center Melaka.

Earlier this month, I was so bored that I started searching for short courses to attend at Kolej Komuniti. Like any other government websites, the site was not updated. I couldnt find any recent courses offered. The reason I chose that college because the fee charged at the is very2 cheap. Since I couldnt find any, I opted for other classes conducted by individuals.

That's when I came across Dynamic Learning Center Melaka which offers various baking classes. I have always been fascinated about cupcakes therefore, I signed up for their class. The fee was RM160 for basic cupcake class. Standard price for any cupcake class. The class is inclusive of lunch as well.

The date for the class had been postponed several times until it was confirmed on 28th May 2011. I was nervous because I didnt usually meet new people. I didnt know how my teacher was gonna be or other students. The venue was at Bukit Katil, another part of Melaka I wasnt familiar with. So the night before, as usual I studied google map, finding familiar landmarks around Bukit Katil.

That morning, I was lost few times looking for the house. Yess the class was conducted at the house. Double storey terrace house to be exact. I was frustrated when I couldnt find the address. On my last straw, I drove into one lane saying to myself that if I still fail to find the place, I was soo gonna go back. Alhamdulillah, I found it! It was at the end of the road. No wonder I couldnt find it.

I was greeted by Kak Rina, one of the founder of the learning center. Another 2 students had arrived and we waited for another one. Overall, there were 4 students including me. They were Auntie Jaya, an Indian lady in her 50s, Kak Lin, a mother in her 30s, Irna, a lower 6 student and me. They were all very very friendly. and they have experience too in baking especially Auntie Jaya as she bakes cupcakes for business. I had almost zero knowledge in baking. Fortunately, I didnt feel left out because they were all very2 supportive and generous with tips. They let me did most of the stuffs preparing ingredients.hehe Now I'm done talking. Let's enjoy the pictures, shall we?

This is Auntie Jaya =)

This is our teacher. Currently she works at MOE, Putrajaya! Siap ckap kat dia nak mintak posting melaka.hahaha

Some of the ingredients. We learnt how to bake the cupcakes, how to make the buttercream toppings and fondant topping. Eh and also how to make Chocolate Ganache.

First batch of the cupcakes.

Teacher was showing different types of nozzles used to decorate the cakes. With Kak Lin looking interestedly.

Here are the basic nozzles. There are many2 of them. But as long as you have those I highlighted above, you can start making your own already. I bought 4 nozzles myself =)

This is the butter cream. Can add different coloring as you like. Gebu kan??

Cupcake covered with the cream. Have to use a spatula to ensure tidy finishing. Takde spatula, pisau pon boleh jerrr..

The nozzle and the cream

Cupcakes. Each of us were given 16 cupcakes to deco and bring back home.

Teacher demonstrated how to deco using certain nozzle.

These are shells. Used to deco on cake. Selalu kat tepi2 tu. Bought one of this.

Ini turtle. It's a tortoise named Turtle. Kak Rina's.

This is my first cupcake that I decorated. Happy =) Notice the uneven lines on the side. Bergegar tangan ok nak buat ni.

After decorating with butter cream. Notice the 2 cupcakes yet to be decorated. Those were the spot for fondant topping.

Teacher showed how to prepare fondant topping.

We can use many types of cutter for fondant. Any shapes you want will do. Fondant reminds me of plasticine I used to play when I was young.haha

.

Now, all were nicely decorated. Ceh..nice ke???hahah

This was supposed to look like Mickey Mouse. =.='

Our works =)

Me, Kak Lin, Irna, Teacher and Auntie Jaya. Only Kak Rina is missing. HEE

I had really good times with them. Hope to rewind back the moment. Never thought meeting new people could be so much fun. And I didnt reserve myself like I usually did. haha I opened up, telling my stories, background. So did they. No pressure at all. When I made mistakes, kak Rina and teacher didnt scold or tease me. They made sure I got all the techniques right. Apart from that, they were generous with the ingredients. Meaning if the cream had finished, we were welcomed to make the new one. I was told by Auntie Jaya that some of the classes that she had attended before limited some of the ingredients. Sometimes, the teacher had already prepared the cream beforehand so you missed the chance to make it your own. That's bad considering you pay for the class.

But I'm lucky that I went to the right class, meeting the right teacher and new friends. The learning center will organize a Tart Class next month and I'm itchy to register for the class already.hehe

Anyhoo, I dont really like to eat cakes or other sweet stuffs except for chocolate. But I love to see people eating them. That's why I am motivated to improve my skill in baking. =))

Till then, bye!

Good things happen to those who wait~

Recently, I read a post from The Pink Stilettos regarding the topic. Never thought it will happen to me to.

If you know me really well, I plan if I want to do something. When we were told about the induction course, my mind automatically started planning for the trip. I had surveyed the ticket for next month's trip. It came up to RM317 for Air Asia and RM348 for Fireflyz. I already planned how much money I will take out from my saving.

The only weird thing was I didnt buy the ticket last week though I knew the price would increase soon. I just wanted to wait after the briefing to end, to confirm that Imma go back next month before purchasing anything. Usually, I would buy the ticket straight away. I'm the rushing type. But again, this time, I waited.

After I had returned, I was caught up with other things i.e. cupcake class and being sick that I forgot to buy the ticket. Only this morning I remembered to do so. So much to my surprise, the ticket price has dropped so low that almost brought tears to my eyes. Ok tipu.hahah

The return ticket for Kul-Kuc is only RM58!!! The ticket was as low as RM10. Rezeki. =))

But after much thought and discussions, estimating time and what not, I had to go for RM69.90 to kuching because the cheapest one will depart at 7am. No one to send me to the airport yo!. But my return ticket is only RM10. But of course after adding in luggages --- I know, I will bring extra clothes this time as I will extend my stay..haha... taxes, services, the total came up to RM180. Not whining because I saved about RM100 this time.

B is flying too from Bintulu. His tickers are only RM114, almost the same if he takes buses. So I guess, rezeki comes in many version =)

p/s I am trying to live my life without being controlled by money. I hate when my decision will be influenced by money. I dont want to be with some miserable people I know who have the money still being cheapskate and always think about it. They rather have fun using someone else's money than forking out their cash. Really really dont want to be like that.

Kim Bay HK-Macau Restaurant, Pullman Kuching

We can never go for any vacation without having a great meal to complement the trip with. One thing I look for while travelling is always the food. Hehe like in the previous post, Sarah brought us to a new eating place in Kuching. It is Kim Bay Restaurant. So as you can guess, this post is going to review about the place =)

We went to the new branch in Pullman =)

We arrived there around lunch time. At that time, they didnt have enough tables to accommodate 13 of us so we had to wait for while.

Haha this is the mural on the restaurant next door. Sakais to kill time waiting.

Now, this is the restaurant. Notice the 'Halal' sign. It's halal!!

Finally we were given tables at the open space area. About 3 tables were arranged in line for us. After all of us were seated, menu were given. Oh my, there were lots and lots of food from Chinese to Western. I didnt know what to order. My stomach didnt feel for rice. So I settled with Alfredo. I also shared a plate with Sarah for their famous Portuguese egg tarts. Those tarts reminded me of Chae Kyung in Princess Hours =)

The Menu

I ordered this. Chicken Ham and Parmesan in double cream cheese!!

Their tarts. The favourite: Portuguese Egg Tart.

Most of us ordered the rice. It came in a package with drinks and a bowl of soup. We also ordered side dishes. But I forgot the names already =.=.

My Alfredo turned out so fine and true to its name. The spaghetti was creamy, in fact too creamy. Towards the end I couldnt finish it and Julian took over the job.haha The Portuguese egg tart were not disappointing at all.It was crusty on the shell but really soft on the inside. 2 thumbs up!!

My Alfredo. Cheesy and creamy indeed!

The tarts

Crispy on the outside, yummmeh on the inside =)

The rest of us too enjoyed their meals. Words of compliments and satisfaction were exchanged. haha 

The food was good, the waiters and waitress were friendly, the service was fast, the restaurant cleanliness was superb. Oh not to forget, the price was reasonable =)

Overall,  I would give 8/10 for this restaurant. If you are looking for something nice to eat, got to Kim Bay. They also has another restaurant at The Spring.

Balik ke Batu Lintang lagi =)

***This is a super quite long entry***

Kami balik ke Batu Lintang lagi..

That was the last line for our teaching college official song. Indeed, I long to return back to the college . After 2 years, finally my wish was granted.

I was in Kuching for 3days. It was a short trip but satisfying. There are so many things going on in the college. Major constructions everywhere. The place was a mess, dusty, and ugly. There are many sites building mini stadium, gym, library and buildings. Eyesores but once they are done, the college will change =). Here is a detail of my doings while in Kuching.

Upon arrival, fetched by Nad and Ain, went straight to Saberkas. Oh most of the shops are still the same.haha Jinki is still there too.hahah...Then we headed to BL, a favourite hangout place while we were in Batu Lintang. The place hasnt changed a bit. Kakak, the waiter is still slim with her husband, Ju-on has grown into a lady. Oh yess, the makcik has lost some weight!

All time favourite: Nasi Goreng Ayam Salad. However, the price has increased to RM4 per plate =(. I also ordered a plate of Midin Belacan and was charged RM8. It used to be only RM5. pHEW

Getting ready for Taklimat =)

Before the lecturer went in.

After the briefing, we went to the Language Department to meet our lecturers. It was....I dont know how to describe it. It was overwhelming. All of the lecturers were genuinely excited and happy to see us. Shake hands, smiles, laughter were exchanged. We basically threw the department upside down with the noise. We got to meet Madam Tan, Madam Soh, Madam Anis, Mr. George, Mr. Michael and Mr. Tingang. It was a memorable moment. I didnt feel scared, intimidated like when I was their students. It felt like meeting old friends. That time all my thoughts about how much I spent to go there vanished. It was TOTALLY worth it! Oh before that, when we just got there, we met Dr. Mary and Dr. Chua. Then only I realised how much I miss Dr. Mary. She looked happy when she saw us. Only her comment was a bit disturbing. She said:

"Wah Nurul, you have put on weight. Finally your wish is granted. You wanted to put on weight right last time"

=__='

After that, we went to TAZA to join line dancing. We were invited by the lecturers, and especially by Madam Angie.

Taza toilet. Super clean!

 

Madam Tan! She left for Australia when during our final sem there.

All of us were 'forced' by Madam Angie to join. Hahaha when she was screaming in Taza, we all agreed among each other that we missed her voice the most. She still the same madam that taught us Literature 6 years ago. Generous with smiles, quick, vain.hahaha

We met another two lecturers, Madam Anne and Madam Chong. Again I was thrown with distressing comment from Madam Anne

"Nurul, you are rounder now, definitely rounder".

=.....='

About one hour later, we made a move to say goodbyes. We bid farewell, shook hands, hugged them...awwww.....and made way out for lunch. At that moment, I was already excited to come back next month!! 

Later, all of us except Ka Phin went to Pullman for lunch =)

while waiting for our tables to be ready. 

We ate here!

Later at night, we went for a movie, Fast Five. I tell you, the guys were really excited.haha they made sounds during romantic scene, clapped on funny scenes.haha malu kamek koh.haha

It was a short trip. I cant wait to return next month. Plus, B will be flying down to Kuching. Yeay!!!!!!!!!

When I read back, not so detail eh.haha I was disturbed by my nephew in the process of writing this. Hence, most of the stuffs I wanted to share was forgotten. I regretted for not taking pictures with the lectures. Guess I was too shy to ask. Must take many2 when I return next month. a MUST!!

p/s To Nad and her family, thank you so much for having me at your crib for 3 days. hehe jasamu ku kenang =)))