YEAR END CUTI CUTI SABAH

We started our annual cuti cuti Sabah a day before christmas.
This time around we have added Kudat as an additional destination.
As the law only allows four passangers to a vehicle,it was a bit of a problem initially for my parents and Atlas to join us.
Mom had again insisted that Atlas join us for his christmas holidays. Poor guy . She didn't even asked if he had other plans.
I have no comments.... he is such a mamma boy
Dad opted not to join us as he had much to do .... so he said but I guessed he was just trying to make way.
Anyhow, since Nicole was the only passanger in Rocky's car, Tisha willingly offer to join her. That way there was enough 'space' for mom and Atlas to join in ours.

Our first stop was Tambunan. Ah.to be amongs nature. The thought of someplace with cool temperature, peace and quite came to mind. We were here last chirstmas too.Goes to show how everyone love the place.
Reservation had been made at the Gunung Alap Resort much earlier on.
Holidays seasons normally sees the limited resorts fully occupied.
Two cars that started from Sandakan were joined by another two in Tambunan.

We took five rooms in all. I could go on with my complains with how shabby the place looked but hold on to it as it was still bearable.
( ...and it was Andrew who recommended the place )
The only other complain that was very ovious on the place we had 'picked' to stay was electricity. They were using a generator set !
That would mean electrity was limited.
It was only available at the time given..which was 6pm-12am
(note: the water heater doesn't work either)



Christmas eve dinner was spent at the restaurant at the lodge itself.
The weather was extremely cold but we were still having dinner outdoor.... no other option as restaurant room was closed for the holidays.
Overall it was really wonderful...fellowshipwise and the abundance food.



Christmas day was spent hiking up to the power station hill that was located just opposite the lodge.
Well... not me . Andrew drove us right up to the top and back .



We proceed to another 'must see' site... the Malua waterfall. About 15km away from our lodge.
We still had to walk a distance before 'the sight'. The initial thought of swimming in the pool changed once we touched the water. It was soooooooooooo cold!
Only the little ones were daring enough although had to 'pay' the price later on as everyone of them who went in had somewhat caught high fever by the evening.... Nicole included.
Evening programme was dinner at Roy's place ( again!)..with roasted pig as the centre piece ( again!)...it was an annual event so what can I say. The villagers had had them every year and Im sure thats what they were expecting this year too.
Nothing out of the usual...food...drinks....singing...dancing....drunks.. :)

We came back way past midnight to a totally dark lodge. They have forgotten to keep the generator set on . (goes to show they unlike us town folks...... sleep early ...hahaha)
Come on...it was christmas ,they should have remembered that partying were everywhere. There shouldn't be any curfews on a holiday. Electricity should have been 24 hrs.
Still... that was what happened.

The men still went back to Roy's place the next morning to collect the abundance fruits at his 'kebun'.
- langsat, chempedak and rambutans.
The thrills of plucking them yourself was good enough a reason to do so I surppose.
We took lunch before driving down to KK .
Rocky stayed with us while Charles and his 'gang' put up at Leonara's place.

Evening was for the cousins to meet and catch up with their 'lives'.

Leon's christmas open house was lunch time. I hardly know anyone that came. They were infact relatives from Andrew's side.


Dad joined us for the trip to Kudat.
We stayed at the RIA hotel. Supposed to be a four star hotel. It gave such good vibes at first impression but by the end of the trip , we all would only give it a thumb down to any enquiries and recommendations asked.
We were accused of taking a teaspoon and the feet mat!.
Andrew just paid for those missing items but not before I gave them a piece if my mind.
It was actually not a big matter but the way they were 'finger pointing' ...boy did that get my blood boiling...a well as Rocky's...Florence's...and everyone else infact.

Here we were joined by three more famalies. The Chee brothers.
Kudat actually has nothing much to offer except for the hot sun, coconut trees and beautiful beaches.
But the main attraction would be at Simpang Mengayau...the Tip of Borneo, the place where the two seas meet.

A Date with Annie 5/3/2016

Had a very busy day today.
The fact that I started my routine work late contributed a lot to my shortness of time to complete all that needs to be done in time.
Lydia 's school PTA meeting was held today.  Absentees were made to contribute RM20 to which I find very unjust. What if one had to work?  A prior engagement? It's like they practically force you to attend.
I asked for a receipt  to which they said will be issued.  I will follow up on this since they cant issue one on the spot.

With me rushing for time I noticed the car's petrol was running  low and since  I needed to drive from one end of town to the other filling in was a must or I might add more trouble if it broke down in the middle of nowhere.
Sent Lydia for bowling half an hour late . Aarrrr....hope her coach won't get upset.

I had to return home before going to Annie's because I was having a bad stomach upset. I meant it was  real baaaaad.  Thank God I wasn't at the studio yet.

At Annie's they had a larger group today . Almost fifty people.
Well known Chef William Tan from KL.
Simple  and easy recipes but again I was there more for the free tips from these experienced chefs.
We finished early. Less than three hours in all for four items.

*
Another day for story of the hearts

A Date with Annie 12/3/2016

Today I had another date with Annie at Prima studio.
Jeff 's flight to Kk was boarding at 1.55pm while my date was at 1.30pm.
He took Mama cat Toufu to the clinic as she was already  in a bad state. This was to be our last act to try and save her. The wait was long so she was admitted without getting any diagnosis first.
We only hope she could be help.
Bought Mc D for lunch but it was early so got the Mc D breakfast deals instead.
What I can conclude about today's class.
- chef was a very young man
-nothing new that I don't  already know
-first time in all the time I went to have a very bounty "try outs"

Four Certificates

19 & 20 March 2014
Within this two days I add on four more certificates to the lists I've  collected along my journey  to a lifetime of learning.
I had 'dragged' Jeff and Jessy to participate along.
The first three certificates were for culinary while the last and most challenging one was for the 2km night heritage walk in conjunction with earth hour. We were totally unprepared for the '1000' steps climb. We did reached the finishing line alongside the other 4000 or so participants but not without the aches and pain. Not for me and Lydia but more for my two other buddies ;)

A Date with Annie 6/3 / 1016

A continuation of yesterday's date with Chef William Tan and his chocolate and cappuccino products.
Today's workshop was however done at Tshun Nyen studio.

Mood For Baking 15/3/2016

With the weather so darn 'hot' during the day,  laziness to do much of anything was a constant excuse.
My attending baking workshops however invited the mood to do some home baking. Mores with much of my baking ingredients nearing to their expiry dates.
Today I baked sweet buns and a fruit cake. Both turned out successfully.

A DREAM

A power nap turned out to be a two hour affair.  My afternoon slumber gave me a dream so real tht I woke up sobbing. Probably because I 'saw' Andrew again.

* We just moved to a new house with three bedroom. I saw the rooms with few stuffs but no beds. We were sleeping on the floor though with mattresses. Though I didn't see it but my knowledge was that
Everyone slept in the master bedroom which was meant for me and Jeff. Another room was given to Lydia while another was for the two girls when they come home for holidays. 
House was in Mandalipau in my mind but in the dream I saw a link house in a housing estate.
Next scene. ..Justin Dangatil was in my dream. We were having a house warming gathering. He gave us two grown male dogs. One was very vague but another one was a black and white spotty furry dog. I asked where he got them from. He answered with a smike and said they were ones I gave him before. I say need to neuter them already and I can see them running around sniffing  the compound.  That's when I saw the neighbourhood with few other houses that looked alike.
Andrew came to the picture. ...he agreed that them dogs must be neutered.

DREAM

**I dream of walking round and round trying to find the right way home. I am walking with Yona

*Interpretation
Lost

To dream of being lost represents your attempt to find your way through a situation that's unfamiliar or making you insecure. You may be experiencing a strange or scary situation that is unsettling because it's new. An overwhelming feeling of confusion or uncertainty in waking life. Not knowing what to do next or where to turn. Feeling that you will never escape a problem or find an answer you need. You're lacking the clarity you want in a situation you are not accustomed to. Wanting clarification in business or spirituality. Feeling that you can't restore your life or relationships to normal no matter what you try. A lack of direction. Feeling unprepared for something you are experiencing. A fear losing something secure in your life. Feeling humiliated and not knowing what to do about it. Feeling lost without someone important in your life. Insecure feelings about a partner that has left you. Feeling that you are losing someone special in your life that made you feel secure and don't know how to live without them.

Negatively, dreaming of being lost may be a sign that you are too emotionally dependent on something or someone. A weak independent spirit or lack of self-reliance. Too sensitive about being without someone or something in your life.

Alternatively, being lost in a dream reflects distractions that have made you lose your sense of purpose or direction. Going off on a tangent that distracts you from the big picture. Feeling like you are wasting your time or that your life is going in circles. A warning dream about the potential for bad choices that may lead you astray.

Dreams of being lost and wanting to get home represents your wish to find stability or create a sense of normalcy in a situation. Being frustrated that you can't get something back to normal. A wish to be reconnected with what makes you happy.

Being lost in a dream may be a sign that you need to sort through your priorities for you make an important decision.

To dream of being lost while driving represents plans or decisions that have fallen prey to distractions. Losing sight of the big picture while focusing too much on the details.

To dream of being lost in a forest may represent feelings of being overwhelmed with confusion. Not knowing where to begin to address a problem or get yourself out of trouble. Feeling that there are no solutions and nobody to help you. Feeling that you've completely lost your way in a waking life situation.

To dream of being lost in a haunted house represents feelings of being stuck with unresolved issues from your past. You may feel unable to escape the torment of a bad history or unpleasant past relationships. Bad choices that have left you unable to avoid an unpleasant past at all.

To dream of being lost in a city may reflect feelings of being unable to get away from people or social situations that you don't really like. Feeling that there is no easy way to avoid people without causing an argument or hurting someone's feelings.

To dream of being lost in a hospital may reflect feelings of being unable to escape problems you are trying to fix. It may also reflect a fear of being unable to escape health problems, disease, old age, or death.

The location you are in while being lost in a dream may reflect the disturbing aspects of a waking life situation that leaves feeling confused or left astray. A metaphorical description of the type of situation you feel you can't get yourself out of.

To dream of being lost in the dark may represent feelings of being desperate to do anything all with no way to. Feeling unable to control anything that is happening to you. Feeling that you are completely on your own with no answers or help in sight. Alternatively, it may also reflect powerful feelings of isolation or loneliness.

To dream of being lost in fog represents feelings about being unable to escape a situation that uncertain, mysterious, or giving you mixed signals. The dream may be a sign that you are allowing someone else's lack of clarity to keep you insecure and confused.

A dream 1-2-2017

I dream...
1. Waking up  in the morning finding Lydia getting ready for school .  With a few of her friends around. Changing tshirts  as they were going to take picture at the studio.
2. A can of condense milk spilled at the kitchen counter next to the window. I was angry be cos no one clean it as I was sure someone  saw it. I ended up cleaning
3. My old classmate frm form 5 Hj Katijah came to the house . I asked her was there a problem to which she said yes money problems.  I snapped who doesn't have money problem

I Graduate in Portuguese Tarts making

My deal with Jeff was that  I got to clean the cages at home while he does cleaning at the condo since class starts at eight.
I finised mypart with a good half an hour to spare playing with the show cats.

My friend matron Mary came as the same time as me. No breakfast  was provided so we went on by ourselves to have it at the shop near to the college.  Mary's treat.

Got paired with  a fun group so the whole course was so much fun. Other than that the lack of tart moulds saw us having to wait till the two to finish baking all the tarts.
Mary and I went on to get sheet margarine at Annie's for our test run at home. Stopped over to get goreng pisang by the stall next to DIY. Again Mary's treat.  We got home by three.

-Jeff 'shoots' the back compound
-No me no lunch for everyone  :|
- late visit to the condo as we to Kak Chill 's for dinner 
- finished  a beaded egg
-'dead' in lala land by eleven.

Overall a good and long but fulfilled day.

Dreaming of cats I gave away

8/6 /2018
Jeff, me and Lydia went to Mesilou  cat village. Opening of the new building wing.
We arrived there to be met by a group of people attending the warming party.
-outside there's a dark room.
We look for a June but they were busy attending guest.  (In the entire I did not meet her nor Alice)
Light in I saw a pile of dying cats by the side of the door. Obviously stacked up awaiting death. Kept there to keep them out from the eyes of people attending the function .
I saw two emiciated kittens. ..a dead one then I saw kit kat..another siamese and a few others which  were cats I have sent ther. All awaiting death.  Kit kat looks so thin and  sick barely breathing.  A very young assuming known  doktor.
Took a look and said looks like he wasn't going to make it.
Feeling sad and remise.  Regretting I didn't take him back  on my last visit as I knew he was having flu then. The doctor lay him down on the ground in the garden and bury half of his body with soil.. he said it'll  help to keep him warm.
Guest gone after their group photo. .they were all wearing blue colour t shirt. I saw them  posing in front of the entrance.
Turning back into the room. I saw the weak cats woke up and enjoying rice  fish.  I  saw the adults cat eating.and standing up. U lashed out to the maids. 'Mana tidak mau mati kalo malas pun kamu tia bagi. Tingu kelaparan dior ni'.
Looking for Jun but can't find her. Met a cubby boy carry a large tray of food.  He came from an orange lighted kitchen. He said they were serving our food too.

...Lydia 's alarm clock rang. It was just 2am
Aaarrrrr...dream ended.

CINCAU May2017-21July 2018

Nothing will change what happened.  I miss you. I will always miss you. I will always look for you in all of your special places. Memories of you  will always come up. I will have to learn to get used to you not being here. ... It will never be the same without you.
I look at your grave and can’t imagine you are there. Alone. I look away because I feel so much pain—that you’re gone. Pain for your suffering, pain for how bad you felt those last days, pain for the circumstances I cannot change.

A sickly kitten, you beat the odds when you chose to live. The friendliness of my bengals.  A beauty with personality.
You proved that so many times in the shows you were entered. You never failed me once.
Goodbye JuOn....my beautiful silver  marble shitted bengal. Thank you for the joy and happiness you gave me in the short life you had here. I'm hurting but I know you're better off over the rainbow bridge . A piece of my heart will always belong to you my baby.

Sugar lace 5/12/2018

Seems the theme with sugar lace on cakes is back during this 'Wedding month'.
I saw almost all posting on Facebook for baking tuitiors offering classes for sugar lace.
They seems to be a big hit once before and now it's making it's round again.
I never was interested in making it from scratch because I saw there were plenty ready made ones on counter shelves at the local baking shop.
But not until recently. ..none were available.  Either it was like I've said they're popular now or the baking stores were not ordering them anymore. It was selling a little expensive I must say. Last time I saw they were offering at an offer price since the expiry date was nearing.   (I checked online at Lazada it was priced at RM55 for 200gm bottle now).
Anyhow they are now selling another new product. The ready made sugar laces strips. Saves you all the trouble all together.  That is if you only need a small amount cos these are pricy too. Rm23 per packet of two strips.
To make my point....I made myself DIY it.
Just in case wedding cakes order come calling.

It's been that long

 20/2/2025 

Indeed it's been that long since Ive written anything. its indeed a blessing for me to even be here. Years.....like many many years, have passed and I still could see and read what 'crap' I wrote here. 🤣🤣

These days Im considered officially retired, living life here & there between my hometown Sandakan and the new property I've aquired in Kundasang.

Alone but not really lonely since I travel quite frequently with my girls for family events and holidays .

It's going to be my fourth rainy night here in Kundasang tonight. The weather was extremely fine each morning but comes evening , it's just be 'cats&dogs'.

I've just came  back from a week of fun times with my grandkids 😁 

Yes... I have two so far. Since my last posting , I wasn't even a grandmother yet 🤣. Now I'm grandma to Joyce's two sons.

I'll blog about our trip on my next post.

On this date... I gave the homestay new interior coat of paint 🤣🤣

I just want to note that I did something useful today.

Got to relearn now to post pictures here....