Double Chocolate Cookies - Failed!

I've never baked before in my entire life. I don't have baking experience.

But I've always wanted to try. To learn.

Lynn gave me her oven which she painstakingly brought up from Singapore. (Seriously insane, but I will not complain... you need crazy friend to brighten up your life, innnit?)

Instead of buying all the ingredients for baking cookies, I decided to try with a ready mix batter first. Just add butter and egg. Sounded easy to me.



I burnt the cookies!

YB and I tasted 2 each and they are OK, except for the burnt bottoms. Siggggghhhhhh. The tray must have been too hot or the temperature. But I promise you, I just followed the instructions on the box: 200C for 15 minutes.

But it never did specify how big my balls of batter on the tray were supposed to be. Hah!

Oh. I added some dried cranberries. Maybe that caused them to burn?

Being A Road Marshal Volunteer.

This year’s New Balance 15km event was held at Putrajaya on Sunday.

I still remember last year’s one where to my dismay and disappointment, I completed the run in 2 hours. I was so ill-prepared for the slopes and hills of Bukit Tunku that I walked most of the way. I actually felt like a complete failure.

We decided we had to get our revenge in 2011, a revenge on the slopes and hills. I wanted to come back stronger!

However, we didn’t sign up for this year's event. At the eleventh hour, both YB and I volunteered to be road marshals as I heard that they needed some helpers.

It was breezy when we arrived at 520am. The winds were hinting a taste of rain. At that moment, YB and I sighed, “I wish I was running!”


While waiting for Ida to bring me to my station, I waited at the registration area, looking like a lost lamb. There were so many familiar faces but not all returned my wave or wave. (Why? I still don’t get it. If you know someone is a familiar face, why can’t you be friendly?) Dejected, I wanted to crawl under a table to hide. Mercifully I did bump into a few friendly people thereafter but it didn’t stop me from feeling all alone.

As I was wearing the Pacesetters’ bright yellow t-shirt, some participants came up to me to ask, “Excuse me, where is the toilet?”


My station was the first junction, just 300m away from the Start line. All I did was wave the red flag in my right hand towards the right!

I saw all sorts of runners. One girl was yakking on her mobile as she jogged. Two bandit runners ran to catch up with the crowd. One girl just walked. (At this point I wanted to glare – 300m across the line and you’re giving up already?? Hmmfh.) One guy thought he needed to run straight ahead but ahem, that’s where I came in, and pointed him to the right direction. *big grin* Woah, I felt useful for once!

My last station was pretty much uneventful. I had to guard one of the possible short cuts just to make sure no one ran through. About 20 minutes into the task, I moved on to the 13.5km (I think) to accompany another marshal and to snap some pictures.

I got to say hi to a few friends, cheered some people on, snap some shots and eventually I got a bit bored. You can tell from my fellow marshal that he was bored, too, He just leaned against a barrier and watched the runners passing by.

At this stage, someone asked me, “How far to go?” and as I honestly didn’t know, I blurted out, ”Just 2km to go!” and he spluttered, “WHAT?! They said it was 1km to go! Hmmfh!”

Ooops. Misrepresentation on my part, then.

We were starving by the time the last runner past us by. Back at the booths, YB and I were too shy to take the packets of nasi lemak and I timidly asked the lady manning the booth whether it was OK for us to take some. Someone glared at me when I took two – until she saw me hand one over to YB. Geez.

Overall, I'd say it was an interesting experience. YB made some new friends. Next time, can I be one of those girls who distribute medals instead? ;D

Longest Slowest Distance Run Ever

(this post was written on Monday.)

The day had finally arrived.

When crazy Lynn signed up for the Standard Chartered KL Marathon, we discussed the training schedule. The experts say you need at least 4 to 6 months of preparation and come the last 2 months before your Race, you'd have to clock a 30km and 35km run respectively.

Not sure why, but I told her that YB and I will both accompany her for the long runs...


Last Saturday saw the 5 of us, Kenny, Melvin, Lynn, YB and I waiting to set off at 5am, with the Captain kindly providing us with mobile support along the way. TSC and YCY joined us just as we were heading down the slope of Jalan Dutamas Raya.

the serious pose and the wacky pose.

so kind of you to carry our stuff. =D

The first 10km was from Anggunpuri to Desa Park City and back to Menara Duta. It was an easy run with a bit of breeze. The Segambut scene wasn't pleasant, with the stefnch of garbage hitting our noses once in a while. The security guards at DPC were kind enough to open up the barriers to let us through, both in and out.

TSC and YCY stopped at Menara Duta.

somewhere in Taman Sri Sinar Bintang or something.

we support 7-Eleven!

The 5 of us headed off to Bukit Tunku through Jalan Khidmat Usaha (where MATRADE and the Government Complexes are) and as the skies got lighter, you'd see more runners on the road.

Our mobile support was waiting for us at the Jalan Duta Tennis Complex after we crossed the highway. We bumped into Chin Ann and Kelvin Ng a.k.a the loudspeaker who teased our captain for not providing him with water. ;)

At this point, I must say that I never knew that we would take that long to complete 15km!

The Langgak Tunku - Laman Tunku - Pinggiran Tunku - Dalaman Tunku - Langgak Tunku was a steep one which I had no choice but to incorporate into the route or we'd never hit our 30km. *big grin* I stand by this!

TSC, YCY and the Captain were having their tea and drinks at Nasi Kandar Bestari @ Solaris Dutamas as we staggered back to the car for some rehydration.

The sun was up by then, and once again we trudged along towards Solaris Mont Kiara and Desa Sri Hartamas.

Melvin and I were ahead and bumped into someone who asked for directions to the fire station in Desa Sri Hartamas. Uncle was also doing his training for his 10km for SCKLM. (I could tell that Melvin was eager to get moving but nooooo, busybody me had to make small talk!)

Going through Desa Sri Hartamas's avenue of trees and looking at the lovely houses (Kiara something and Matahari) was a lovely one. At this point, it was all a mess, as Kenny, YB and Lynn were nowhere to be seen whilst Melvin and I waited at Petronas gas station. Everyone was waiting for everyone, or got lost or took the shortcut - I realised at this point that a) everyone must run through the route at least once before letting them go at their own pace; b) our mobile support should have joined us to sweep the last person towards the right direction; and c) it was getting very hot.

From Petronas to Anggunpuri, it was the final 6.5km. It was hot, and everyone was getting lazy.

Melvin had gone off on his own while I waited for the 3 to gather at Petronas. Thereafter we all made our way, with YB doing an extra loop around Petronas before heading back home.

I lost Lynn halfway along Jalan Sri Hartamas 1 (brilliant! I should have waited.) although I kept slowing down and turning back to see if she was behind me. I kept doing it until I reached Hartamas Regency and boy, I felt like a fool to be running past 9 in the morning under the scorching sun!

Somehow, she arrived at our start/finish line before me - it's a classic moment all of us will never forget. Hehe.

Her disbelief in completing the long run. =D

(I felt my right leg was about to cramp at 28.7km and I freaked out, just a wee bit. I flexed it just a bit and shook it loose and forced myself to continue moving.)

Anyway, I had a very strange feeling once I hit 29.5km. I felt that I could have gone on some more, perhaps up to 35km?

I'm sure it was heatstroke.

TSC and YCY waited for us to arrive and get showered and changed for breakfast!

ooooh, my aching muscles.

the water babies.

Anyway, as always, a run isn't complete without a big breakfast / brunch. We needed to replenish!

I think we should have gone for nasi lemak instead.

Till then, all the best on training for your first marathon, guys!

p.s. I wonder if I'm actually ready for a full marathon...

Overheard Last Week.

Where: Lift going down.
Time: To go home.
Who: Colleagues.


As a guy stepped in from one of the floors,

Lady: Eh, where are you going?
Guy: Going back, of course!
Lady: That’s early. Don’t you normally leave at 7pm?
Guy: Noooo, not anymore.
Lady: Where are you staying?
Guy: Sungai Buloh.
Lady: Oooh, I should get a lift from you next time!
Guy: Sure, not a problem! Sheila used to car pool with me.
Lady: Oh no, I’m just kidding! I can’t.
Guy: What do you mean, you can’t?
Lady: My husband won’t allow it, if it’s just the two of us.
Guy: Seriously?
Lady: Yes. It’s not appropriate for others to be able to look into the car and see a married woman with another man.
Guy: What if it’s an emergency?
Lady: Well, I’d have to call him and ‘ask’ for his permission.
Guy: What about work related trips? What if you have to attend a meeting with a male colleague?
Lady: Oh, that’s different. I’d still have to let him know, though.

Running Gear Isn't For Dancing

Two Sundays ago, the four of us did a 14km run with the idea of kick starting our running engines after a long hiatus. I felt unfit (and still do, which is frustrating the crap out of me) but what is there to do, besides getting back into training mode? *sigh*

We went to Bandar Menjalara for breakfast. While waiting for the rest to join us (well, just Melvin), we tried out the Dim Sum at a coffee shop - just because it was crowded and we were starving.

It was RM77 for 6 adults. Not everything tasted great, mind you. But not too bad!
(Note: The yellow wonton skin is a bit of a scary, to be honest.)

Poor baby was grumpy. He fell off his bed just before they came. He preferred staring up at the colourful umbrella to engaging in a conversation with boring old me.

Our next stop was another coffee shop down the road which served a good portion of Western breakfast. For RM5.20, you get some spaghetti with 2 pieces of bacon/ham and egg. For RM15.50, you get some spaghetti with 2-3 pieces of lamb.

I really want to go back there to try it the next time! I can't remember the shop, but the wan tan noodles were not bad, too.

Last Thursday evening I met u with the ex-TC2 gang. Someone brought some duck for snacking and it was goooooooooooood. The smoked duck was gooooooooooood. It was from Saujana Golf Club, if I remember correctly. Noms indeed!

For lunch on Friday, my colleagues and I walked all the way to Lai Foong coffee shop. I tried the chicken rice this time, since I recall someone telling me it was not too bad. I think I should have chosen the beef noodles ... the chicken and roast pork just wasn't aromatic enough. *shrug*

Yesterday was a busy day! I dropped by to visit Dot and her little one. The baby is such an adorable one!!

Dinner last night was at 6 to 10 Grill, which moved from Section 17 to Damansara Prima.

I remember YB telling me about this place and to be honest, it was my first visit.

Someone ordered the Nasi Lemak with Pork Rendang. I think it's RM13.50.

The thing is, I already had a late lunch/early dinner with Steph at BSC's Chilli's, and we had margaritas too. I settled for their pumpkin & tomato soup and garlic toast.

I love pumpkin, but it had too much pepper. =S

Service was pretty messed up and slow - they say it's because they had only moved over for a week.

We had drinks at ... a pub in Damansara Perdana. That was our first round - watered down Hoegaarden. So disappointing.

Next stop was at Brussels Cafe, Solaris Mont Kiara. There was no finger food at midnight. Not even a slice of tiramisu. *upset* Anyway, they guys tried Belle-vue which they said tasted like cough syrup. It was on the sweet side, you see. Hehe.

(I came home and ate my Red Velvet cupcake in bed while they continued off in search of Bah Kut Teh for supper!)


Oh yeah. Saturday afternoon was an interesting one.
I accompanied Steph to check out a pole dancing studio in Ampang. We were regaled with performances from the instructor and students and boy, was it entrancing!

I liked the lap, I mean, slap dance better because it looks like something you can do at home. ;)

We had a go at pole dancing, just to see what you'd be signing up for.

To be honest, me in running gear, I looked like I was on the way to the gym instead of a pole dancing class. I felt so unsexy. And in heels, too. *laughs*

-_____-

Nevertheless it was good fun and we worked up a sweat. Phew!

But my knees, oh, my poor knees.
Why can't we do it with knee guards? *sniffs*

I enjoyed swinging around the pole the most! =D

And nah, I won't be signing up for it just yet.

The Month of May ... So Far.

The month of May is coming to an end and what have I achieved?

1. Making the transition from calling YB's parents as "Uncle & Aunty" to "Mum & Dad" is a difficult one. I still freeze when I have to remind myself not to eagerly call them "Uncle & Aunty".

During our Ipoh dinner reception while YB was on stage making his speech (I secretly think no one could hear him above the din), I gestured to YB's dad to catch his attention, "Uncle! Uncle! YB is talking about you right now!"

I only realised my mistake 1 minute later. Eeks.


2. Back to square one - getting back into running shape.

Sadly, we've only managed to clock less than 30km last week. I'm not sure whether I'll be able to do my own 20km run this weekend but cross fingers that I can and will! YB's away for the week so I had to get my fat bum to the gym ... and I can only do as much as 30mins on the treadmill before I give up due to boredom. It doesn't help that there's no TV! (this is the condo gym, remember?)

I'm also hoping to improve my own record for the KL Rat Race of 4.5km. I'm nowhere near improving it, to be honest!

3. Maintaining my wedding weight - My mum reminds me from time to time!

Yeah, so. Since last year, I lost a total of about 8kg, which isn't much, really. I THINK. It sounds horrifying, to be honest, that I was once a bit fat blob. I still feel like a fat blob, though, and it's going to be a struggle to lose 2 more kg!

No one without a weight problem or hasn't tried to diet will understand how difficult it is to knock off another 2kg. It's time to add a bit of spice to the exercise regime, I think, but I'm not sure whether I want to commit myself to a gym membership.

Oh well.

4. Reading a classic - A Catcher In The Rye.

OK, I've only read a few pages and I'm already lost. I find myself inclined instead, to read Audrey Niffenegger's 'Her Fearful Symmetry'. Both books are by my side of the bed but the latter is the one I'd chose.

Like I told Joanne, it's no wonder I prefer to read Archie comics because I don't have to think and ponder so much!

And also admire Betty and Veronica's shapely figures.

Even if they are *just* comic characters.

Back To Reality

So the wedding is over. Boo.

The surprising thing was, I didn't really have a mountain load of work greeting me on my first day. Lucky!


The nearest place that I can grab a sandwich for lunch on weekdays is O'Briens. I was never a big fan, honestly, but the first time I ordered a Hot Shambo, I fell in love!

Probably because a) the bread was warm; b) there was cheese; and c) there was mayo and mustard inside. noms.

The second time I ordered a Hot Shambo, so happened a crazy lady was there, holding up the queue with her order for Mee Siam. I've repeated this story several times and now I don't feel like doing it here. (I'm bored with the sound of my own voice, yeah?)


We finally had a bit of a breather once the Ipoh reception was over. We spent some time with YB's friends from Singapore, took them to town to try the White Coffee and Shredded Chicken Hor Fun. Someone we ended up at the wrong shop, because one of his friends was certain it was the one!

Everyone bought boxes of Salted Chicken as souvenirs, but I must say that it wasn't great at all. I was pretty disappointed! (Now those who bought it must think we have such lousy recommendations!)



The IN-Laws took us to a coffee shop called Ah Chow's, somewhere in Old Town, for kaya & butter toast. It was pretty good, for Ipoh AND KL standards! Of course, I still think the Roti Kahwin in KK kicks butt! ;D

We walked along Concubine Lane to get to our parked cars. It wasn't a planned tourist visit, mmkay. Apparently it is a popular spot for photographers, especially for wedding photography.


We were supposed to come here that morning, after the tea ceremony but after a session at the train station, I was too tired to consider. Thankfully YB agreed with me - the weather that weekend was just too hot!


We went to Lata Kinjang in Tapah as YB has been wanting to go there ever since ... we started dating? So, finally we had the time. (I was very reluctant at first because I didn't have my swimsuit and sports shorts and hiking shoes and ... basically nothing outdoorsy.

Eventually I bought a sports top and a pair of tights (which makes me look chunky, by the way) for the occasion. -____-

I would have been happy just staying dry and reading my book but YB wouldn't buy it. hmmfh.

ANYWAY, i'll be more prepared for our next visit. I want to get to the top!!