Passage of time: Doraemon's dimension

" Do you know why are eyes placed at the front?

To look forward. " - Nobita in Doraemon

When i was younger (i like using the comparative adjective 'younger' because it tells that i'm still young; instead of 'young' because then, it means i am already old) almost every night before i snoozed into dreamland, i would read Doraemon. Sometimes, i might finish the whole book. There is something about Doraemon that is so engrossing, so appealing that i sometimes wished i was there to be in the fantasy land.

What makes me enjoy reading Doraemon comics are the characters. Seeing how Doraemon helps Nobita, Nobita takes advantage at Doraemon's helping hand, and simply the journey of them together through ups and downs of life sell this comic like none other. Nobita struggles with his study and come home to the lecture of his mother, time and time again getting zero for his tests. Doraemon hails from another world, out from Nobita's drawer, and has since then became his friend, brother, and family. His friends, Sinyu and Giant, at some point, are fun to read. Giant and his singing 'talent' behind the bully never fails to show the softer side when it comes to his mother and sister. He shows respect and obedience to his family. Sinyu, on the other hand, is a rich kid with a boastful attitude, and it is entertaining to see at times when his action bites back. Sizuka, Nobita's girlfriend and future wife, portrays a loving and caring character. Chong Meng makes special on and off appearances and he plays Nobita's rival over Sizuka. In the evenings, they meet at the neighbourhood field and play baseball, and see how everybody runs whenever the ball strikes the glass window of one of the nearby houses. Sometimes, they go over to someone's home and play cards, or to celebrate an occasion. They walk to school together, or sometimes walk on their own and meet them on the way to school. I admire their friendship so much that i would want to live in their neighbourhood. The creator has definitely designed a setting for the comic that blends perfectly well with great characterization of the characters. Simply amiable!

The story of how i grew attached to Doraemon is elusive. I can't remember when it started but i'm pretty sure that it has something to do with a visit to the newspaper stand in the market. One stall in particular sold Doraemon comic books in Malay. Since i can't read Chinese and i don't find any English versions around, the stall became my target week after week. It was because new edition of the comic books would hit the store and i would be there to grab one myself. Like Nobita. I remembered it was Rm 4.50 per book. Then after breakfast, i would lie on a couch and start to read the book, page after page. At bookstores which sell Doraemon comic books, i would visit that section and spend time flipping its pages. Again, like Nobita.

The comic books offer a wide range of stories. Some stories made me laugh non-stop like the microphone which can captivate the attention of others or the one when a chair was throw out the window at a special reversal hour-glass story, while some stories are just tear-jerking. One i can still remember is Book 6's last story when Doraemon needed to leave Nobita and Nobita fought with Giant to prove to Doraemon that he can stand on his own two feet. I needed Book 7's first story to recover. Another was a story that brought Nobita back in time with his grandmother, who reignited his spirit to stand up after every fall. The stories are inspiring and has great inventions- though some might not seem plausible. I'm literally translating some of them to English from my own interpretation- Door to Anywhere (Pintu Sesuka Hati), Flying Bamboo (Buluh Terbang), Diminishing Lamp (Lampu Pengecil), all from his little pocket (saku).

What inspired me to blog about Doraemon in this third installment of Passage of Time was the chat i had with my friends about it. It brought me back to childhood and how amazing those times were. The times of innocence. And Doraemon has definitely taught a lesson or two about life and about people. I read them before i sleep. I read them in my toilet.

There are movies made for Doraemon and TV series based on the comics. There are games on Doraemon. But still, the comic books are my favourite. Drawn in a very circular geometry, Doraemon is undeniably a cute and cuddly cat robot. A cat who fears mice (or mouse). And funny how he never wins at 'rock, paper, scissors'.

Unlike other Japanese comic books, Doraemon has something special that i can associate to and with. And it is Doraemon, Nobita and his friends that i will always talk about.

Have you been into Doraemon's dimension? Share with me. wc11 excuses himself to dive into another Doraemon comic book once you see the full-stop at the end of this sentence.

Season 7, Episode 12: Four.Months

" Sometimes the world tries to knock it out of you. But i believe in music the way that some people believe in fairy tales. " - August Rush

Finally, i can breathe. The pressures of exam, the sleepless nights, loads of assignments, never-ending tests, will all be put aside for the next four months. Yes, four months and i will be away from uni, doing something else, something i enjoy more. Perhaps, this 4 month-long semester break might be the last in my years of university life. Counting my remaining years, after this, it's all work and no play. There are short breaks, but none as long as 4 months. Four. Months.

We go around asking friends 'how are you spending your four months?'. Popular question. Various acceptable answers. Some opt for pre-intern, some opt for part time jobs. Some go for exchange. Some just go do what they like. But me? What will i be doing? I'm not fixed to any plans at the moment but i have it sort of in mind. Four months is long. But then again, if we plan to work, minus two months at least. Then holidays, probably a week. Then some other work, ending up soon facing the next year, the next semester. I do not want to regret my 4 months doing nothing and i really need to plan my time, organize and prioritize what comes first, what comes next. Whatever it is, first things first, i need a break. 8 months of study is somewhat tiring and it would be a lie if i tell you that i'm not worn out. *exaggeration intended*

It has been a while i last cleared my room, completely. Moving the things from the room to the car, thankfully with the help of my friends, it was faster than i thought and definitely less exhausting. A fully loaded car on a three hour journey back home, always a sweet feeling!

Somehow, i purposely made this season a twelve-episode season. Why? It was just that the number twelve has time and again crossed path in my life. I was born on the twelve. My ETP group number was twelve. I thought it might seem a nice way to end this season with a twelfth episode. This series will take a break and comes back next year. wc11 sits down, plans, prioritizes his time and budget, for what lies ahead. Four. Months. I say 'Bring it on!'

" The music. I can hear it everywhere. In the wind, in the air, in the light. It's all around us. All you have to do is open yourself up. All you have to do... is listen. "

Season 7, Episode 11: It's seven eleven!

" The meanings of words are not in words, but rather in the people who uses those words. "

It has been a while since i last blogged. I visited my blog regularly but decided to put the updating task on hold. Well, to say i was just focusing on my final exams would not entirely be true. It was a mix of celebrations and stress instead. Celebrations of many reasons, non-academic related though. And a reason why i decided now to steal some time away from my heavily filled books of words, would be my friend's comment, 'You didn't update'.

Going back home welcomed much good food, and even better with the Raya and Merdeka air surrounding the little escapade days. It was the remaining few days of bazaar Ramadan when i was back but it still did not stop me from devouring on my favourites: murtabak ayam 'chicken murtabak', roti bom, roti john, crispy and succulent ayam goreng and sweet brown kuih we call kuih cawan- because it uses the cup as mold. The highlight of my Raya would be the visit to my father's friend's open house. It never fails to satisfy, especially with her incomparably delicious cakes (the Red Velvet picks the best spot, Chocolate comes second already) and Malay dishes of lemang, nasi beriyani kambing and the unforgettable beef rendang! The lunch treat was lip-smacking!

The next day was Merdeka, Malaysia's Independence Day. Somehow, my mood for Merdeka celebration had diminished over the years, especially when stepping into university with no more school day celebrations of Independence. I missed the moments we waved our Jalur Gemilang in pride during our school assembly, singing proudly our national anthem along other patriotic songs (Keranamu Malaysia, Jalur Gemilang, Tanggal 31). And recalling back even to when i was younger the moment my family and i had to wait by the roadside in KL to watch the parade. If it still has, i urge you, Malaysian or not, to experience it because it is an atmosphere you can hardly forget.

This year's Merdeka held another birthday celebration- my grandpa. Dinner was good, with a little too much white wine consumed. Sad to say, it was my second experience. Alcohol, oh alcohol. In another way, it is a sign that i should practice more! And i will practice more, come my 21st birthday in another year time.

Back to the dinner, it was good, and it ended with another devouring round of cake. Perhaps, it was one too many that forced it out.



After dinner, we went back home to wait for the fireworks display by one of the nearby restaurants. The restaurant was organizing a company dinner with fireworks in its agenda. So, matching the date and day together, the firework display was one for the Merdeka celebration too! Happy Independence Day, Malaysia!

As i have mentioned before, in earlier seasons, going back home pose much distraction. Like always, the television. There were just too many good shows airing now: The Voice, The Gates, The Glee Project, Hell's Kitchen, DIVA movies, Wipeout, you name it, it's there, or somehow among what is there. Much to say, books were the only standing, open thing between me and the television. With great technology comes great distraction. I don't mean just the television but other devices too.

Because too much play time, and relaxing moments, it's time to drill as fast and as much as possible these last few days. Exams are already rearing their heads while i buckle up to load my guns and missiles. I like study, i like learning, but i never like exams.

My friend said how we wished we could burn the books and drink them down. Doraemon ingeniously invented another, a bread in which we can print our notes on them and swallow them down, straight so that it is in our mind.

If Doraemon comes to my world, it'll solve the pressures of exams for now.

wc11 returns to hitting the books, with mind swaying on and off to the moment of his own 'independence'.

Season 7, Episode 10: Swimming above assignments

" So let the children remember the sun,
Let them dance, let them soar, for their lives have begun.
Let the children engender the rain,
As the river runs through fields,
Forever subsiding their pain, prayer. " - Celine Dion, Prayer (special tribute)

At the beginning of this semester, i remembered posting on my Facebook wall that i have positive feeling for this semester. A comment followed, welcoming me to the semester of mother-of-all assignments. Sitting down, typing this 10th episode, 13th week of the semester, i find the comment true. Deadlines are drives, but if all comes crashing onto the same time, or almost the same time, i have to remind myself of the date, day and yes, time. In case i missed out. In case i forgot. Either way, i needed to remind myself of the pending tasks. And trying to be optimistic during these times as a student is always a challenge. Perhaps, another drive is what lies ahead- the study week, dubbed the pre-4-month semester break. Of course, there's the final exam, but that's another story.

I am still swimming across the ocean of assignments. I'm blogging here because we all need time-out, right? Even with the heavy piles of work, remember, it is necessary to take care of yourself. And in my definition of taking care of myself is to have meals at meal times, movies at movie time, play at play times and study at study times. Plus, it's Friday night. Balance.

It has been past half the month of Ramadan. To be honest, i have grown a deeper understanding of Ramadan, thanks to my Cultural Anthropology assignment. In fact, one of the days, i had 'sahur' with my friends, as early as 1am, and fast until 7.30pm. One of the things i enjoy most of Ramadan is the moment of breaking fast together. You, your friends, your family around the table, food in front of you, and waiting patiently for the prayer. It reminds me of the Chinese reunion dinner. Then there is the bazaar. If you are to visit one, my suggestion is to set a budget, and if discipline cannot control you, i suggest you to leave only the amount you prepared to spend at the bazaar in your wallet and leave the remaining somewhere else. The urge to splurge is thrilling, looking at the colourful kuihs, variety of rice, chicken, murtabak, satay, roti john, and the list goes on and on. I'm looking forward to Hari Raya already!

Three down, three to go.

Planning ahead, the 4 months break is a long time. Any idea or recommendation of things to do? I have some in mind but i need to prioritize and make sure i use the time to the fullest. It will be my final official semester break in my uni life. After this, there will be no more long break. I'm planning to visit Siam Reap, Cambodia- a planning still at its earliest stage. Anyway, traveling is one of the listed things to do, probably somewhere on the top. So, you'll see me where i see you.

Enough of breathing time, wc11 continues to swim, in any style as long as it reaches the destination.

Season 7, Episode 9: So SEDEX...

"There will be no fade out, this is not the end.
I'm down now, but i'll be standing tall again.
Times are hard but, i was built tough.
I'm gonna show you all what i'm made of..." - Haven't Seen The Last of Me, Cher, Burlesque.

After weeks of working together, preparing, rushing and practicing, the moment of truth arrived. Our project prototype was tested and evaluated. Three rounds. First, it was by the supervisor. Then, the pre-SEDEX examiners. And finally, it qualified to be showcased at the SEDEX exhibition in my uni and evaluated by another set of judges. It was a journey well taken by the team. Meet AVIAxii.

So, what is it actually? What is AVIAxii? Explaining to you would not be my last, and definitely not my first. AVIAxii comes from two words- AVIA from aviation and xii the number 12, symbolizing our team's goal to fly high and our team number in the project course known as the Engineering Team Project, ETP. Our project involves the knowledge of rack and pinion, and the understanding to electromagnetism, or electromagnetic induction specifically. The device invented is an add-on to your shoes whereby as you walk, it charges the battery.

As you walk, the rack moves the pinion, which in turn moves the gear fixed with a magnet. The magnetic field cuts the metal plates fixed at the bottom, causing magnetic flux and induces emf. This project is inspired by the use in torchlight.

We were grouped randomly. The team comprises of another PE mate, and each from EE, ME, CE and CV. I set the goal of the project really high- a gold medalist in the exhibition. So, being qualified to the SEDEX was one step closer to realizing the goal. It was being optimistic and believing in the prototype, and pray for good examiners, that i believed got us through to the exhibition.

After our pre-SEDEX evaluation with the poster and prototype.

Our prototype, undressed.

On the day of the exhibition, i somehow felt our team project wasn't as fascinating as others or as big as those nearby my booth, and i began to question my team's fate. Whether it was gold worthy. Perhaps, i have been seeing it almost more than 5 weeks that i look to it as something usual. Anyway, i still hoped.

Against the posters in the booth during SEDEX.

Then we had our turn to present to the judges. The presentation was different. It felt different. It was different. Something broke during our demonstration. And i somehow thought the team might not be rewarded any medal after what happened. I didn't put my hopes high by i tried to remain as optimistic as possible, for the team, for myself, until the moment results were announced. Grateful and thrilled, AVIAxii wins the Silver medal.

Team members with the medal.

The Silver medal.

No doubt, the journey AVIAxii has been through, is one i will remember. The experience with the team members was amazing and despite the differences, i believe in the end we managed to pull through a pretty good show that bore us splendid results. Not gold, but a gold winner at heart- it's not a loser man's saying, it's the echo to the truth of what we felt. In fact, from my experience in SEDEX, or ETP on the whole, there are no losers. We have worked and achieved something together, and that lies deeper and far beyond the meaning of producing just a prototype. We learn along the way, of people, of developing a project.

This is not my first and clearly, not the last.

wc11 congratulates to all. Gold. Silver. Bronze. And other ETP groups. Remember, only you know if you really have won.

Season 7, Episode 8: U-bonding in the East

" If you have a ticket to travel Around The World, where will you go?
Malaysia?
'Tak Boleh...' (Cannot)
*scratches head* "

We had a Field Trip for 3 days; but really, the field trip was only over 4 hours. It was the bus ride to the destination, filled with unlimited fun; the amazing stay at a beach side resort along with people i grew to know closer that made this trip memorable. In fact, the field trip was surely an educational one but above everything else, i felt this trip bonded us closer- closer than ever.

It began on Saturday when we were divided into two buses and stayed in that particular group throughout the trip. We traveled south, stopping along the way for toilet breaks and 'makan'. As our lecturer commented, 'you eat at every stop'. It was true because on the bus, we only sat and when we had the chance to stretch our legs, we walked to the shops. Lunch was at McD and the entire group queued for the burgers! Great influx of customers.

In front of the McD!

Part of the group at Genting Sempah after lunch.

Traveled for another 6 hours or so towards Kerteh. Had dinner at Mesra Mall. It was better than some malls in KL. TGV Cinema was there. Bowling. Futsal. Burger King. Starbucks. Secret Recipe. I felt like strolling along the nights in a Western country instead. In short, i was really impressed.

Reached the Residence Resorts. Hurried to put our bags down, headed for welcoming drink at the cafe and discovered what the resort has to offer. Played Monopoly Deal cards until late, and with little 'night' time remaining, a good night's sleep was what we needed.

Woke up the next day as early as 6.30am. Had breakfast and departed to the tour site in Kemaman. Manage to steal some sleep in the bus.

Before we started our tour...

Had a short briefing...

Then a gist of the life of a Petroleum Engineer. Seen here is a choke manifold (no further explanation intended).

As i said, the tour lasted about 4 hours and we were off to lunch, again at Mesra Mall. Went back to the resort for 'free and easy' period. How can you resist the beach?

Of sands and seas!

Played football on the sands...

Taking a 'leap of faith'...

The Great Wall of China meets the Taj Mahal sand's imagination!

Hit the big waves... Sea was rough and clearly not advisable to play in it. On the edge of the waters, that's another story.

The beach time was great, with the right mix of people, the right things to do, the right time and obviously, the right place. I am always one with the seas, and sands, and nothing beats the music it creates.

Taking a chance on Paka, we walked to the nearby town to hunt for dinner. There wasn't much options and so we settled for a restaurant at a corner, opposite the police station.

I realized that the price per meal, or the cost of living, around the place was relatively higher than i expected. With the booming Kerteh nearby, Mesra Mall amongst others, no doubt my dinner plate of fried rice 'Minang' was RM 6.90. However, it was good dinner and as i've stressed again much in this post, good company.

Wore out by the day, i slept early and woke up to witness the sunrise. Alas, it was cloudy and when we could see the Sun, it was already above the horizon. Needless to say, there will be more opportunities for this in the future. Had breakfast and halfheartedly packed our belongings. I clearly didn't want to go back, and i can say much for the rest of us. Lots of stress await us back in uni. Anyhow, our time in the resort was up and we left to travel another 10 hours back.

I have never spent so much time with my coursemates and friends, and to say the least, i now know and remember at least most of their names. And became friends on Facebook. It was indeed more than just looking at metals. It was, to me, a great bonding trip that i'd love to rerun the journey.

wc11 says 'Hello' to a whole new experience.

"Nak pergi (Can go to) America boleh?
Boleh (Can)~~~"

Season 7, Episode 7: Rollercoaster week

" Everybody wants to, look into the mirror,
And feel a little better now. "

Phew... This week had been tough. Real tough. Coming back from the short mid-sem break, i was slammed with three tests. And the tests showed no mercy on me- it was tricky, cruel, challenging, and when i stepped into the hall for the tests, i was overcame with nervousness and on-and-off, my mind went blank. I made mistakes where i knew the correct answers- that aches. And reflecting back, all i can hope for is the best possible after the much effort i poured into studying for the tests. Whatever the outcome may be, though with a tinge of regret, i have to accept it as i did my best and move forward.

" And everybody wants to, know there's someone out there,
Waiting for you to come around. "

And that's not including the other factors that stresses me lately. There are group projects piling up along with the other pending tasks. I feel really pressured at this moment of time and yes, i need a getaway. It surely has been a rollercoaster week for me. I am supposed to feel relief now that the week's ending, but i don't feel any slight sense of satisfaction. I pray for the best.

" And i wish that, you could feel it,
But you don't choose, to believe it,
Cause i know that, you can't see it that way, that way. "

Moving on to something more cheerful- and am writing this with a great sense of nostalgia, the mid-sem break was great. Perhaps it was the post-holidays mood that affected me too. Anyway, two of my friends, YH and Steward came down to KL for the mid-sem break and i was the tour guide for this little tour around the city. I always enjoy tourism and probably i can start a mini project on food and tourism during my long semester break.

This two-day tour began after picking up Steward from the train station and we headed to the KL Bird Park. It has been ages since i last entered the park. I was pleased with the visit to the park. It is well maintained, and the free flight aviary makes it all the more exciting. The birds are within our touch and when they flew, i just thought they might hit us. We can feel the wind from its flapping.

The hawk perches on my arm!

At the entrance of the Bird Park. We stayed until the Bird Show at 12.30pm.

From KL, we moved to Sri Rampai area for lunch and after lunch, we headed to the Royal Selangor Pewter factory. I always like going there.

The tour was short and after trying our hands on the work an employee does, we reached the end of the tour. There are pewter items sold too. Pricey but worth the price.

The popular mug- anyone who comes here will take a photo with this.

After the pewter visit, we went to Batu Caves. It was the final stop for the day and after dinner and supper, it was a night well rested.

Morning the next day was a hiking trip. It is satisfying to reach the top and enjoy the scenic view of the 'lake' and city- though there was haze (not blogging further on that) at that time.

Breakfast after a hike up, then washed up and prepared for Yong Tau Foo lunch. Another highlight of the trip, Transformers Dark of the Moon in 3D!

In Pavilion. i enjoyed the movie, especially because of the ending action scenes. Really tied the story up nicely. More review on my movie blog.

Waiting for the movie to begin.

In short, the trip was memorable and enjoyed til the last bit. I hope for another retreat soon, to calm myself down and make sure i get back on the horse fast enough, before it leaves me behind.

" If you could only just stop, stop, stop running,
If you could only take a second to breathe in,
Everything that you know would be beautiful, like you. " - Beautiful Like You, Lee Dewyze

wc11 is pressurized this rollercoaster week and experiences unstable emotion!

Season 7, Episode 6: Run this Ipoh International Run 2011.

" Runners just do it- they run for the finish line even if someone else has reached it first." - Author unknown

This weekend was a weekend of many firsts. It began with the signing up in the Group D category of the recent Ipoh International Run 2011. It was Thursday, the same day my friends and i cooked breakfast together for the first time, and the last day of online registration. A most impromptu decision to go Ipoh that night and woke up the next day early for a meeting with ETP supervisor. I had never participated in any of such runs. Joining this 10 km distance to complete within 80 minutes was a goal i set for myself, initially.

But i had no proper training before and only left a few days to boost my stamina. I had a previous injury on my leg and after the first training, i could feel the pain pressing. Needless to say, i felt my goal turning elusive and far-fetched. So, i decided that i would complete it in whatever time possible. Training continued for the next day (Friday) and that's when i can really feel the pain as i ran. Feeling demotivated at the leg, spirited at the heart. The last day (Saturday), we had swimming instead- in hopes that i don't overexert pressure on my leg. The day finally arrived. We woke up as early as 4 am to prepare for the run and the bus transport to the venue.

Waiting patiently for the bus to leave uni. The first time i woke up this early in my uni life.

Had breakfast in room and arrived the venue- Stadium Indera Mulia nearly after six. We moved to our registration booth for final check-in before we stretched our legs and do little warm ups- our stomachs began to challenge the resist. Kept our bags and prepared for the run, we were later moved to the starting point at seven and cheered together with the rest of thousands of participants to ignite the spirit. Like a new year's countdown, we counted down to one and the gun was fired. My 10 km run kicked off!

The starting line. Ready.


It was challenging. Tiring. Exhausting.

Run.

Then walk.

To run again.

When i saw the distance markers, as seen here is 7km, i was motivated. I looked to my watch, with 3 more kms to go and i still have enough time to finish before 80 mins, i pushed myself so hard that i forgo the thoughts of pain in my leg and my thinning stamina.

I could see the finishing line and my heart raced and my spirit burned! I knew i could do it!

A little bit more. Don't give up! Ran in the D lane to the end!

I finished the 10km run within the 80 minutes. And i was genuinely thrilled; brimming with smiles worn over my wearied face, and felt pure satisfaction. I achieved my goal!

Queuing up for the Milo and 100 Plus. It's all about mind over body in the end. If you put your mind in it, against all odds, you can emerge triumphant. Set the mind to strength.

Completing the run, i now feel like i have become a different person with another whole new perspective. I have never really fought with myself, this hard this long, for a long long time. Aside from academics, i forgot how it felt like to push myself. And this pushed me to my limit. I kept on moving; never stopped to catch a breath, never stopped to rest. To run with a crowd, beside friends, is a different feeling. People of all ages ran next to me: small kids, school students, seasoned runners and senior citizens; and people of all sizes. It was inspiring, to see what inspired them and in return, inspired me to complete the run.

I came back to uni with a greater sense of achievement and despite the aching legs and body, it was a truly memorable experience; one i will never forget.

wc11 keeps on running, and running, and running...

Holding the certificate of completion in front of the finishing line. This kicks start the training and spirit to my Mount Kinabalu climb in the future.

" If you can't fly then run, if you can't run then walk, if you can't walk then crawl, but whatever you do you have to keep moving forward. " - Martin Luther King Jr.

Season 7, Episode 5: Egg-citing breakfast!

" To live is the rarest thing in the world. Most people exist, that is all. " - Oscar Wilde

It had been a while since my friends and i wanted to cook in uni. Somehow, lately, the act of designing impromptu plans began to encroach into our lives. Planning to cook was a plan thought about long before, but what to cook and how to cook was another story.

It was cooking dinner that we wanted to do. But as this was our first attempt, we decided to make breakfast instead. Plus, it fitted our schedule better than night. So, we confirmed on the day before, with other obligations i had on my shoulder, to prepare an all egg breakfast menu.

After purchasing some electronic devices in Pasir Putih for my ETP project, i went to buy eggs- the core ingredient, a jumbo sized loaf of bread and hot dogs in Tesco. Pressing for time, i got the things and headed back uni. The next morning began our little quest in the kitchen.

The stuffs used in the cooking.

Woke up early and dragged out from bed, we excitedly set our stuffs and readied to cook. The wonder thing about egg is that there are so many different ways to cook it. Bearing in mind that too much egg is not good, we selected our preferred choice of cooking it: scrambled, omelette, French toast, egg toast sandwich and hard-boil (it was supposed to be egg mayonnaise sandwich but the mayonnaise tasted different).

Our omelette turned to look like a pizza. A not bad idea.

Friend, YH preparing egg toast sandwich, standing next to the frying hot dogs.

Hot dog was simple- fry. As for drinks, friend, YW made banana-chocolate chip milkshake the night before.

A hearty breakfast!

Though the long time spent in the kitchen, it was a successful attempt that produced satisfying results. Now we know we can cook, it is time to move on to more complicated dishes, or serve dinner instead!

One of my earlier trials back home was the Chicken Cordon Bleu- a memorable experience, and though feeling much egg-y the entire day, it was an interesting event.

I realized that i made a crazy decision. I am participating the Ipoh Run- with my own personal goals instead, with my friends. Watch out for that post!

wc11 gets ready to run with a belly filled with egg white and yolk, bread and milkshake!

Season 7, Episode 4: So green!

" In brightest day, in blackest night...
In our darkest hour, there will be light. " - Green Lantern

Another superhero movie is marked off my list, closing down the date to my most anticipated movie of this year- Transformers: Dark of the Moon! With Transformers on the top of my list, i'm also looking forward to watch others like Captain America, Rise of the Planet of the Apes, and Smurfs- yes, the blue mushroom-like creatures i remembered fondly in my childhood days. Counting or listing these movies means another thing too, that i have to dig deeper into my pocket to fork out movie ticket purchases. The price for entertainment.

I will not write my comment or review of the Green Lantern in this post or blog. Click here to read the review. I created another blog only to focus on movie reviews.

Last Thursday-Friday, i became tour guide to a friend who wants to explore Ampang. Unfortunately, the days weren't long enough to share completely what Ampang has to offer. Plus, Friday traffic is a headache. With the time we had, i arranged for the best it could accommodate- this includes the Green Lantern movie at Wangsa Walk.

It was not entirely a makan trip but surely, food was a constant companion. Leaving uni in the afternoon- after another friend successfully baked strawberry cheese cake, we headed to KL. Going home, my mum prepared home-cooked delights! And for supper, a naan corner place my family and i have been to since i was just a kid. No worries, i don't intend to make your mouth water. (Photographs of the food can be viewed in my Facebook photo album)

The next day, after breakfast in the market and after the movie, we went for Yong Tau Foo, a popular food in Ampang. Then, we left for Batu Caves. It has been a while since i last climbed to the top and after that day's visit, count me in on any other climbs there. Somehow, i was overwhelmed by a sense of joy and satisfaction standing at its peak, looking at the steps and the city below. Learning geology was another extra that made me share the passion and appreciation for rocks- and caves are rocks. On sacred grounds, i am truly grateful to be blessed.

In the cave. Behind me is a scenic view of the cave rocks.

Working my friend's camera effect.

Something you don't see in your everyday life. Carrying boxes on his head while climbing over 200 steps to reach the top.

Before leaving Batu Caves- i don't mind going there again.

The weather was not blazing hot that day, thankfully, but we still needed something to quench our thirst. What better to come to mind other than cendol in Melawati. The cendol-rojak combination is surely a must in such time! Then we moved to Great Eastern Mall for dinner- if dinner is what it should be called. Alexis was the highlight of the Great Eastern Mall trip. Living in KL, i have never stepped into this bistro until that day and i was truly amazed at its interior. Of course, a trip to Alexis may not yet be an everyday, or every month affair- the price is higher than usual, but rewards once in a while has made this place come to mind for quality.

In Alexis Great Eastern Mall for dessert. The stage is readied for a band performance later in the night.

Becoming a tour guide for one day somehow sparked an idea. Merging food and tourism together, and i have mentioned of food and travel blog time and time again, perhaps i can be your personal tour guide to Ampang and KL. Drop me a message anytime.

Back to serious business, it's the coming of Week 5 of the semester and i really need to read my books. Yes, read my books because my courses this semester mostly involve reading. wc11 enjoys the temporary work as a tour guide and doesn't mind for more!

*This post celebrates the 200th post of this blog, The Wonders of Life. Thank you for your support.