Healthy & hearty breakfast November 9, 2007
Posted by The Giddy Tiger in : Drooling & Cooking, Memes & Tags , 13commentsThe RPS Overlord wants to know what I have for breakfast every day? Well, it depends (on whether it is Rock, Paper or Scissors this time round). Kidding! So I know, I know, breakfast is the most important meal of the day, and I honestly try to eat something healthy every day. But sometimes taste overrules the healthy aspect of it, you know what I mean?
On working days, I wake up, slide quietly out of bed while the boys are still asleep and put the kettle to boil. Then I make myself a nice cup of hot chocolate or Milo, whichever suits my fancy. And usually I will have either one wholemeal nine-grain bun or one hi-fibre sunflower seed bun. No fuss, no mess. If there are no buns are available, breakfast will be two slices of bread with a slice of cheese. But lately I have been influenced (in part) by Zara’s Mama and her healthy breakfast. Although I don’t follow her recipe to the tee, I now sometimes take half-boiled free range chicken eggs (kampung chicken eggs la) for breakfast. They do taste better than the normal chicken eggs, I feel. That’s my normal day breakfast. Rather simple and not as diversified as Ehon’s, hor? Well, on weekends, it’s normally a light breakfast, followed by a brunch, usually dim sum, laden with siew mais, lormaikais, egg tarts and char siew paus. Counted also, right? Brunch = breakfast + lunch what…
Rinnah, care to share what you have for breakfast? Nasi lemak on the go? Latté? Mc-D’s big breakfast? Or come to Penang, and we go for dim sum together, want?
Boulevard of Honda Cars November 9, 2007
Posted by The Giddy Tiger in : Rainmakers , 4commentsWe took our Vios for a much-deserved shower today. And as we waited for the polishing and vacuuming to be completed, my hubby and I continued our discussion on the possibility of upgrading to a new car. Yes, we are contemplating a change in the near future, not because our Vios has not served us well, but because we are thinking of possibly a more comfortable ride too. Then again, it’s not like our Vios ain’t comfortable too. I would say it is more like our itchy hands and our wandering minds that have caused us to dream about our next car upgrade.
My hubby has been eagerly checking out car sites and also car blogs and lately we have our eyes set on one of these sporty Honda Cars, a Civic to be exact. We are comparing Honda Car Prices versus the trade-in value of our Vios to see whether it would be worthwhile to get a new car. Of course, my role in this whole exercise is just to offer my take on what color car I like. Getting to the nitty-gritty of the features and specifications of the car and also comparing Honda Car Quotes are all up to my hubby.
On the other hand, I might not have the heart to sell our Vios too. It holds too many dear memories for me, and being a sentimentalist that I am, it really is going to be hard to let go. Yes, I am rather weird that way. Well maybe hubby might end up just getting the Civic as an additional car instead of replacing the Vios?
So overwhelmed with pride November 9, 2007
Posted by The Giddy Tiger in : Ethan, Memes & Tags , 15comments
In life, there are so many things that one can be proud of. I was proud of myself when I got good results in my SPM. I was proud of myself when I was able to be independent. And there are countless other moments when I was filled with pride too. But Ehon has asked me to name just ONE moment, so out of all I am going to say my proudest moment was when I gave birth to Ethan boy. The feeling and realization that I was actually bringing a life into the world was extraordinary. I was overcome with joy and emotion as soon as I heard that baby screaming and crying ! I will never forget that experience, ever. And I highly recommend it to everyone. Women, I mean 
Well, the daddies can be proud too by being in the same delivery room when baby is born. 
1. Ehon’s proudest moment is when he swept 5 out of 6 trophies at a State First Aid Competition.
2. Giddy Tiger’s proudest moment is when she brought Ethan boy into the world.
And here I am spreading the love today, by tagging:
May
Adino
Hijack Queen
Paik Ling
Simple American
Time to get physical, baby! November 8, 2007
Posted by The Giddy Tiger in : Rainmakers , 3commentsI’m seriously thinking of starting to exercise regularly again. My muscle mass has decreased tremendously and I definitely do not feel as fit as I did about two years ago. My stamina could do with some improvement too. I am contemplating checking out the gym at my workplace to see if they have improved it somewhat. The last time I was there, the equipment was all not properly maintained and I don’t know about you, but I find it icky to work out when there is someone else’s sweat all over the equipment!
Perhaps I could consider starting a simple exercise routine using a Swiss Ball. I remember using it for strengthening the abs and yes, I do have one at home too! It was a Christmas present that I received two years ago. And the good news is that I also have an exercise mat at my disposal. :) In addition, I have the panel of experts at PhysioRoom to help with all my injury-related questions too.
So what’s stopping me?
Wordless Wednesday 002 November 7, 2007
Posted by The Giddy Tiger in : Relax & Celebrate , 9comments
All simply because I blog November 7, 2007
Posted by The Giddy Tiger in : Blogging, Memes & Tags, Thoughts & Scribblings , 17commentsBecause I blog, I have made so many friends the world over. In fact, I have reconnected with some long-lost buddies as well through my blog. Some of the friends I have made are people whom I may not have met before, but still know what I have been up to, thanks to my blog. And because I blog, I’ve received special blog awards and wishes too, which in a way, tell me that I am being appreciated. These really make my day, just like yesterday, when I received a simple yet thoughtful blogging wish from Wen. And so, I’m passing this same blogging wish today to Rinnah, Pink Elle, Paris and Chinnee. Have a happy fruitful blogging day today, y’all!
Because I blog, I won 2 tickets to watch Bee, the movie on Deepavali tomorrow from my hosting provider, Exabytes. All I had to do was fill up a survey, and they sent me the invite! But I’m gonna have to forgo that because Ethan is not yet three years old, hence he would not be allowed into the cinema. So instead of wasting the free tix, I made arrangements to have them transferred to my friend. Because I blog, my friend and her hubby will get the opportunity to watch this movie for free.
Because I blog, I just discovered that I have been declared one of the 25 winners of the month of October for Nuffnang’s Friday’s contest. This would mean I get a FREE dinner for two at one of my favoritest restaurants, Friday’s. And I can’t wait to claim it!
Now, who says blogging ain’t worth it?
Yummy yummy tandoori! November 6, 2007
Posted by The Giddy Tiger in : Drooling & Cooking , 8commentsOkay, we’re really on a roll here. Last weekend, my hubby and I were craving for Indian food again, the Northern Indian fare this time. Maybe it’s because Deepavali is coming. Anyway, we had wanted to dine at Palace d’India in Queensbay Mall on Saturday night, but we walked out of the restaurant after about five minutes in there. You know Why? We had to show ourselves to the table and then we waited and waited for at least five minutes but no one came to give us the menu or even to bring Ethan a baby chair. The restaurant wasn’t even half full! So we left the place and had a splendid dinner at Friday’s instead.
So Sunday came and we were both still craving for Northern Indian cuisine. So I suggested we go to Tandoori House in Hutton Lane for lunch. It had been years since we both stepped foot in the restaurant and it was so good to return to something familiar. The decor was very simplistic and had not changed much from what I remembered. Even the plates remained the same. We also recognized our waiter immediately, from our previous visits.
We were first served a delicious appetizer of pappadums with an array of three different dips: mint sauce, chilli sauce, and a concoction of chopped onions, carrots and lime juice (I think). Very pleasing to the eye, and tastes as good as it looks too.
The appetizer certainly was a sign of good things to come. Everything we ordered tasted wonderful. The Kashmiri Naan was packed full with raisins, cherries and spices and was done to absolute perfection. Just the right fluffiness, the sweetness of the naan blended so well with the gravy from the Butter Chicken. Of course the tender pieces of chicken meat from the Butter Chicken was also the perfect compliment to the Kashmiri Pulao, an equally colorful sight to behold. Kashmiri Pulao is made from basmathi rice, raisins, cherries and fragrant spices like cardamoms, cinnamon, cumin seeds and bay leaves. Our vegetable dish was the delectable Bindi Masala (Ladies’ fingers cooked masala-style). I had wanted to order the Palak Paneer (cottage cheese with spinach) but that was not available then, so we decided on the ladies’ fingers instead. And I was not sorry at all. Lastly, my hubby says that since we are in Tandoori House, we HAVE to order the Tandoori Chicken…which turned out so tender and juicy. Our meal was completed with a tall glass of mango lassi. Each.
And our cravings were definitely satisfied. 
A passionate dinner affair November 5, 2007
Posted by The Giddy Tiger in : Drooling & Cooking , 9commentsLast month, I enrolled to become a member of the E&O Heritage Club. As a member, I would be entitled to dine at the E&O whilst enjoying spectacular discounts. As part of the enrollment process, the consultant asked me a few questions about my likes and dislikes, particularly with regards to food. She was rather surprised when I told her that my hubby and I love Indian food. My hubby has tasted authentic Indian food in India when he was travelling on business, but I have had no such opportunity yet. So the closest I get to Indian food is at Indian restaurants here in Malaysia. In fact, we love Indian food so much that we take it at least once a week.
For Southern Indian cuisine, our favorite restaurant is Innira’s at Brown Garden. This restaurant has since been renamed Passions of Kerala. New name, but the food remains just as fantastic. Recently, Passions of Kerala expanded its business and opened a new additional outlet at the New World F&B hub in Swatow Lane. To be completely honest, every time we go to the New World F&B hub, we prefer to eat the hawker food there. I tell you, the wan ton mee, curry mee, ice kacang and chendol are truly to die for! But two Friday evenings ago, for a change, we decided to check out the classy looking Passions of Kerala instead. I was curious to find out how it differs from its original branch at Brown Garden. Plus, Ethan has his fan club there too
My first perception of the place was that the decor was very tasteful indeed. With dark brown sturdy wooden chairs and subtle amber lighting, the restaurant exuded a sense of peace and relaxation. It was fully air-conditioned, which was a welcome in our hot weather and it really helped because the place served primarily curry. In addition, there were also a couple of tables outside the restaurant to allow al fresco dining, if the patron so requires.
We ordered our usual vegetarian set meals: steamed rice served on banana leaves with three or four side dishes. And of course, we also had our favorite fried fish. This was garnished with slices of lime that made it all the more pleasing to the eye. We were also given generous helpings of pappadums to tantalize our palate. I was delighted that they also provided a trio of gravy in three separate bowls: fish curry, chicken curry and dhall. This allowed us to mix and match as we pleased.
As expected, the food was done to perfection. The fish, especially, deserves special mention as it was truly crispy and well done. The price of the food at this outlet was slightly more expensive than at the Brown Garden outlet, but it is well worth it. And yes, this is an awesome restaurant to bring guests who are game for a good meal of Indian food. Hey, Passions of Kerala didn’t call itself “The Best in Banana Leaf Cuisine” for nothing, you know!
My brother, the songwriter November 2, 2007
Posted by The Giddy Tiger in : Close to Heart & Home , 14commentsIt isn’t every day that one gets to be in the spotlight. And it isn’t every day that we know someone who gets that chance in a lifetime. But come this December 2nd, my brother will have the rare and special opportunity to do so.
Yes, my brother’s personal composition entitled “You” has made it to the finals of the Malaysian Revival Songwriting Competition 2007 (MRSC 2007). I am so very proud of him because his song is now one of the final NINE songs to be performed that night. Ever since he told me that he made it through to the selection stage, I have been rooting for him, and so of course, I was extremely jubilant when he told me he now had a one in nine chance of winning! Oh yes, I’ve heard his song and it’s really really good Having said that, it is unfortunate that I will not be able to make it for the finals because the concert-like atmosphere is not something Ethan would enjoy, not now anyway. But if anyone would like to attend the concert and support my bro, please go ahead!
The concert will be held on Dec 2nd 2007 at the Matrade Hall in Jalan Duta, Kuala Lumpur. This charity event is held to raise funds for the National Kidney Foundation of Malaysia, Real Love Ministries (RLM - a counseling program to help the homosexual community) and NIE Asia (Helping to build wells in Cambodia). Thus, invitation and/or tickets to this event is by donation only:
GREEN TICKETS
Donation below RM 50 (Minimum RM 10)
BLUE TICKETS (entitled to a CD as token of appreciation)
Donation above RM 50
PINK TICKETS (entitled to a CD as token of appreciation) - VIP
Donation above RM 200
Note: The CD above would either be Carbon (Compilation of Finalists from MRSC 2005) or Rizuan the Musical (Compilation of Finalists from MRSC 2006)
If you are interested to get the tickets, please contact me personally or check out my brother’s blog for details. For more information about this spectacular event, visit the organizer’s website here.
You go, bro!
These boots are made for..? November 2, 2007
Posted by The Giddy Tiger in : Rainmakers , 1 comment so farExercise is still eluding me. It has been ages since I have gone hiking. I used to hike up Penang Hill on a weekly basis, and even timed myself while doing so, but now, with the lack of exercise, I am not confident if I can even make it halfway up. I am afraid I will pass out from sheer exhaustion! And then today, Rinnah suggested that I bring Ethan hiking with me. He would absolutely love it, I am sure. Actually my hubby and I contemplated hiking up Penang Hill with Ethan strapped on our backs! We figured Ethan would do good for our strength training. Hah…I bet my boy would enjoy that, but I dare not think how my knees would feel! I wonder if getting the right shoes for hiking would help alleviate the pain and discomfort. I wonder if these Hunting Boots can double up as hiking boots too. I wonder when I will eventually start exercising.
Ethan Boy
Our Journey of Love
