Bloom, flowers, bloom...

Petrol

2009-07-02T12:04:00.007+08:00

I have a habit of keeping my petrol receipts and count them half yearly:
1) just for the fun of it
2) to keep tab of my petrol expenses
3) make a claim for it
4) gap at the amount I actually spend just driving around
5) All of the above

So from January till end June 2009, I have actually spent about ... *punching numbers on calculator* ... Ahh! A not-so-whopping RM1100.00 (USD366) on petrol!! That's an average of RM183.00 (USD61) a month - only.

Eh? That's not too bad. In fact, not bad at all considering that petrol prices actually went up by so much in the beginning of the year and considering that previous half-yearly(s), I actually spend at least RM300.00 (USD100) a month! Ah, I know why...
1) My one-year-old car is fuel efficient
2) I am staying home more
3) I am going out less
4) Less weekend shopping sprees
5) All of the above

The only drawback would be my highway toll charges. I have RM700.00 (USD233) worth of receipts and that's an average of RM116.00 (USD39) a month! Now that's a lot of highway tolls.

Nonetheless ... *pats self on the back*

Wow, I'm still amazed at how well I've done - financially, I mean. Must have been my hobby-turned-business handmade jewellery activity. It keeps me at home, keep my hands busy, (but) makes my eyes tired and keeps my wallet full. I'm so pleased. :)

And if you're wondering why I haven't been updating so frequently, you can find out here

Missing in Action

2009-06-11T15:45:00.007+08:00

Primrose hasn't been very good at watering or seeding her garden lately. That's because she's doing very well (and getting extremely busy) with her bead and wire jewellery-making ~~business~~ activity.

She foresees that she won't be updating this blog so often now unless there are any significant happenings or events...

Meanwhile, do take a peek at her workspace at home...

And how about taking a peek at her best sellers?

Pearl bangle in gold is a favourite and she has sold at least a dozen of them. This bangle also comes in silver and rose gold

This bangle is fully handcrafted with wires and it comes in ruby red, jet black, lilac purple, crystal clear, olivine green and lime green in either gold or silver. She has sold more than a dozen of these in a span of 2 weeks!!

How about pendants? Yes, she does pendants too, alongside with bracelets, bangles, necklaces and earrings. This particular pendant comes in gold and silver

If you are ever interested with these wire jewellery and accessories, feel free to contact her at primroses [at] gmail [dot] com.

She makes them to fit, makes items by request - three words: Made to order.

Cheerio!!

ps: Primrose requested you to water her plants in her garden when you drop by... :)

B.U.M 2009 Buzz

2009-05-24T22:02:00.015+08:00

The event came and went and it took me a week later to put up the updates. I have been extremely busy, had to procrastinate a little - my apologies. Here are some pics to summarise the successful day of honourable 16 May 2009 - a day where all bloggers gather together!

The backdrop

The poster

The little meeting we had right before the event started to brief on duties and responsibilites

And then the registration started

Helen and I at the registration table

The first session - just look at those people from the media

Our special (and honourable) guest - Our very own former Prime Minister, Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad

And it was such an honour to be the one presenting the B.U.M 09 t-shirt souvenir to Tun. Thanks to Maverick who took this pic for me...

And it a GREATER honour to be able to have tea with Tun in a private session. Thanks to Capt Yusof aka The Ancient Mariner who took this pic for me...

What luck to have a photo op with Jeff Ooi

The signature sheet at the end of the day and that includes Tun's too! Can you spot it?

It was one memorable B.U.M and a successful one too. Thumbs up to all who have put in so much time and effort into organising the whole event!!

Till next year!

2 flowers for this post
Must be busy splitting your time between BUM & MDeC.
Nelson | 30.05.09 - 11:17 pm | #

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Ah prose -- poetic on Sundae finally! -- it's a case of Badder late than neber -- sume DDC hear!(English beatle-d!
PS: Pls inform HelenH of LINK to this post, CHE3ERS, YL
ylchong | Homepage | 31.05.09 - 1:56 pm | #

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B.U.M 2009

2009-05-07T13:08:00.007+08:00

Hear ye, hear ye! Calling all bloggers in my garden once again!

With the success of B.U.M 2008, there shall be a repeat of success at 2009 Bloggers' Gathering on Saturday, 16th May 2008. No excuse there. It's a public holiday AND a weekend!! Details as follows:

Venue: The Lake View Club, Subang Jaya
Time (Session I): Registration - 10.30am – 12.30pm
Time (Session II): Registration - 2.30pm – 4.30pm
Time (Session III): Registration - 6.00pm – 8.15pm

Theme: 4th and 5th Estates — on Collision Course?

Registration and Payment Details

Programme Outline (Session I): 10.30am – 12.30pm
Topic: The Media - Civil Society’s Perspectives

SPEAKERS:
(a) Dr Lim Teck Ghee, Director, CPI
(b) Sdr Din Merican, Programme Director to PKR chief
(c) Dr KJ John, Civil Society activist
(d) Tentative: Sdr Art Harun, Lawyer-Blogger

Q and A Session (30 minutes)

*******************************
Programme Outline (Session II): 2.30pm – 4.30pm
Topic: Bagaimanakah Media Baru boleh menggalakkan pemikiran kritis masyarakat?

SPEAKERS:
(a) Sdr Faisal Mustaffa, Special aide to a DAP MP
(b) Sdr Fathi Aris Omar, Online Editor
(c) Sdri Saodah Elias, Women’s Editor, The Star

Q and A Session (30 minutes)

*******************************
Programme Outline (Session III): 6.00pm – 8.15pm
Topic: Has The Old Media Failed Civil Society?

SPEAKERS:
(a) Jeff Ooi, DAP MP for Jelutong, Pulau Pinang
(b) Sdr Ahirudin Attan aka Rockybru, All-Blogs Interim President
(c) Tentative: YB Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad, SA of Seri Setia, Selangor
(d) Sdr Steven Gan, Editor-in-chief, Malaysiakini.com
(e) Sdr R Nadeswaran, Editor (Special reports and investigations), The Sun
(f) Special Guest Speaker? Watch this space!

Q and A Session (45 minutes)

******BUFFET**DINNER***********

For updates on the progress of Bloggers' Universe Malaysia (B.U.M) 2009, check us out!

Goodbye Granny

2009-05-07T12:39:00.006+08:00

My 85-year-old granny was admitted into the hospital when she couldn't be awaken from sleep in the morning of last weekend. She was in a coma for 2 full days at the hospital until the conditions worsened and my parents were informed by the authorities. All relatives were summoned to the hospital for one last look at granny. On Monday morning just a few days ago, she passed away peacefully around 6-ish am.

Granny had been complaining of pain and short of breath for a very long time. She was hard to hear and was always out of breath. She had also been expressing every so often that she wanted to leave this place for good. I guess she had already lost her will to live when grandpa passed away last year. It has only been 10 months since and granny couldn't wait any longer to join him.

We held a one-night wake at the Kong Tung funeral parlour with Christian proceedings. We had the pastor from Calvary Church heading the funeral ceremony with prayers and songs of praise.

My heart feels heavy even as I am writing about my grandparents now but this is how life is. God gave us life, and one day, it will be taken - back to Him, to a place where there is no more sufferings.

This is one of a handful of photos I have of granny. Thankfully, there were a few more taken at my wedding. And a few days before she fell into a coma, she has passed on a strand of rice pearl necklace for my keepsake.

Rest in peace, por por. I love you and will miss you. Don't forget to bless me with many generations down this path.

And those were the last words I whispered just before her coffin descended to the ground for cremation.

Ashes to ashes
Dust to dust
And from hereon
The family saga ends
At last!
...
...

6 flowers for this post
You're right Frances. Ours is a borrowed life. My condolences to you and to your family.

*hugs*
Lene | Homepage | 07.05.09 - 3:27 pm | #

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Yes, Lene. Borrowed life is the correct term. Thank you for your condolences...
Primrose | 07.05.09 - 4:09 pm | #

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My deepest condolences.. Princess. You take care..!
Mamabok | Homepage | 08.05.09 - 1:17 pm | #

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Thank you Mamabok...
Primrose | 08.05.09 - 4:08 pm | #

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My deepest condolences to you and your family. It's late but better than never. *Hugs* Take care.
Charlene | Homepage | 13.05.09 - 12:14 am | #

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Thank you Char. {hugs back}
Primrose | 17.05.09 - 12:54 am | #

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Get crafty

2009-03-16T13:29:00.010+08:00

Hi peeps,

Thanks for all those emails asking me about my whereabouts. Nah, I wasn't away. Or at least, not very far from my desk. In fact, I was quite desk-bound for the past few weeks (I am not referring to work here). I have been extremely busy on weeknights and over the weekends. With what? With my hobby. Yes, a hobby which I have never done very much on - until now. Well, I am happy to say that I have taken a step further than just calling it a hobby now.

Curious about my hobby? Well, it's my love for beads and wire jewellery, actually. I have always had a knack for craft and I thought to myself that I should really take the initiative to do something about it, work on it!

So here is a preview of some of the many items that I have crafted over the past few weeks. Lots of hard work and time put in, mind you. I hope you like them as much as I do. They ARE for sale, by the way. Feel free to drop me an email and I'll give you more details about my other wares. *winks*

5 flowers for this post
hello primrose

whoaho... creative mind and hands u got there. post more pics or ur hobby and the prices.

i loved the way u hang those earings on the leaves and then snap a picture of them, very original and gives a refreshing feeling, perhaps the green of the leaves.
kruy | Homepage | 16.03.09 - 9:54 pm | #

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They are so beautiful!!! Simply lovely! *waiting for sifu to teach*
WTT | Homepage | 16.03.09 - 10:18 pm | #

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u can send me the info to: kruy@hotmail.co.uk
kruy | Homepage | 17.03.09 - 6:12 pm | #

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i've updated ;p
kruy | Homepage | 20.03.09 - 6:02 pm | #

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Whoa, I haven't had time to read your blog and FB message..

I will be right back soonest possible.
Charlene | Homepage | 08.04.09 - 1:32 am | #

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Ox-picious 2009

2009-01-26T00:36:00.006+08:00

I can hear fireworks in the dark of the night right now and realised that I have forgotten to wish all bloggers a Happy Chinese New Year.

So let us all welcome the Ox into the (not so) bull-ish year of 2009! Gong Xi Fa Cai. Gong Hei Fatt Choy. Xin Nien Kuai Le.

Let 2009 bloom like flowers in spring
Shine like the sun in summer
Showers wealth like snow in winter
And let sickness fly away like autumn leaves...

5 flowers for this post
Did you draw the bull? Cute!

Happy Niu Year sweety. *hug*
fish fish | Homepage | 27.01.09 - 7:32 am | #

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ah mGf spring flower
prose still can remember
though it be not september
greAtings via verses do surrender
it may not be roaring bull
an ox-ygenated moo-moo will also can-do -- desi
ylchong | Homepage | 27.01.09 - 2:51 pm | #

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Happy Moo Moo year for you and your loved ones and family

'hen bao' ..hahahaha...
charlene | Homepage | 27.01.09 - 10:36 pm | #

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hi primrose, wishing u a Happy New Year & a Prosperous OX Year!

i just got back from Pulau Pangkor with bf's family. and spent the CNY days there sick, ugh, flu and cough, cannot eat spicy fried ice water etc. hai, cham.

can get ang pao from u ady hor? hehe ;p
kruy | Homepage | 29.01.09 - 11:24 pm | #

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and to u too girl . . . .may ur climb along the career ladder be smooth...
foodcrazee | 04.02.09 - 9:12 am | #

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Blissful 2008

2008-12-31T23:54:00.006+08:00

How customary of me to write a post, always when it's inching towards the last hour or minute of the last day of the year. Hmm, how shall I summarise year 2008? Let's just say that 2008 has been nothing short of enjoyable, sweet and blissful, except for a bit of a stumble here and there, as how one would experience life's journey.

Why has it been enjoyable? Well, I shall relate that to my love for travelling and great trips to Phuket & Ranong, Italy and Queensland, Australia.

How sweet has 2008 been then? Well, sweet enough to have gotten me drunk on four (4) bottles of 1000ml organic raw honey in a span of 2 months with another two (2) bottles in the fridge. *chuckle* On a serious note, I am most pleased to have renewed a friendship or two along the way. Also, I can't help but mention of my very good progress I have made in my violin, hopefully another step closer to being the next Vanessa-Mae. *kidding* Don't think I will even get close.

In contrary to the sweet always comes the bitter when I bade grandpa goodbye. However, it is most comforting to know that he has now gone to a better place, above all mortals, probably engaging himself in his favourite pastime - gambling. *giggle*

So what is so blissful about 2008?
Main Entry: bliss·ful
Pronunciation: \'blis-fəl\
Function: adjective
Date: 12th century
1 : full of, marked by, or causing bliss blissful marriage>
2 : happily benighted
— bliss·ful·ly \-fə-lē\ adverb
— bliss·ful·ness noun

I find this post most appropriate to bring on an esoteric revelation. As how the word blissful is always associated with the word marriage, dear bloggers, Primrose is now pronounced no longer single and available. Tied the knot. Wedded. Married.

So before the final stroke of midnight, here's wishing all a blast of a New Year!! Here's ushering in 2009 with a large piece of confidence, a glass full of positivity and a gulp bursting with renewed resolutions!

Cheers! *clink*

10 flowers for this post
Oh my.. oh my..!!!! the princess got married..!! congrats..!! congrats..!!!! I'm so happy for you as well.. Primrose..!! now if only i can get to see a clearer picture of the groom.. donch forget to send me a real picture..!!!
Mama BoK | Homepage | 01.01.09 - 9:49 am | #

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Congrats! Congrats! Congrats!

Geez... I still remember the time we first met. LOL Was yours on Dec 30 too? Or earlier? Yes, larger and clearer photos please. Such a beautfy like you must show us, cannot Sai Zhou.

My heartiest congratulations to both of you.

Happy new year!

Love and hug, fish fish
fish fish | Homepage | 01.01.09 - 10:21 am | #

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Dear, I forgot to ask your facebook ID. Let me know and I will add you. ^_^ Thanks.
fish fish | Homepage | 01.01.09 - 6:22 pm | #

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I want to see your wedding photos oh!!!
moomoo4u | 01.01.09 - 11:43 pm | #

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so that's the real reason u've been busy with ;p
congratulations primrose!! so happy for u. yea, would like to see a bigger picture if possible.
kruy | Homepage | 03.01.09 - 2:05 am | #

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wow, this is such a big surprise! a good one of course, haha. congratulations ^^

hey you're on fb? add me up will ya? ^^
gothikt | 03.01.09 - 6:09 pm | #

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And I am so delighted to know of such! Congratulations to the lucky man and best wishes to you Fran. I'm so happy for you.

Need not know about the details and the preparation and the stuff. Just knowing that you are married now makes it all awesome.
Lene | Homepage | 03.01.09 - 6:59 pm | #

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Whoa!
charlene | 04.01.09 - 11:42 pm | #

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congratulations -- sung in belated low desibelles traversing the small valley of Furong awe da way to a taman full of blooms in Fast, Fast!
Cheers, raising 3 tehtarik -- in goblets of Au, Ag and Pt
ylchong | Homepage | 05.01.09 - 1:25 pm | #

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Happy New Year, Primrose.

And good to know that you had being blissful.
Maverick SM | Homepage | 24.01.09 - 5:06 pm | #

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Christmas cheers

2008-12-23T23:40:00.002+08:00

We are just barely 2 DAYS away. I must say that this is the only time of the year that I can feel the mood, the peace, the colours of white, red & green, the holiday season, the toys, candies - the list is endless. Christmas is my absolute favourite.

With the year closing fast, I sure am working on my new year's resolutions and am definitely thinking of my closure post for 2008.

Here's wishing everybody a wonderful, wonderful Christmas and God bless!

3 flowers
merry xmas and a happy new year to you too frances. have loads o fun these few days and wishing you all of the very best for 2009 ^^
gothikt | Homepage | 24.12.08 - 5:09 am | #

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Merry, merry Christmas to you Frances and to your loved ones.

Christmas is really the most wonderful time of the year!
Lene | Homepage | 24.12.08 - 9:34 am | #

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Hey there....Just dropping by to wish you Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!! May the year ahead be a good one for you. Cheers!
Imran | 24.12.08 - 1:00 pm | #

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Peel a Meal

2008-12-01T21:39:00.012+08:00

Miss me? Well, blame Facebook. It has already made me victim to Knighthood early in the year and now, I am addicted to "Peel a Meal". I have been practically at it day and night. Yes, you read right. Day AT WORK! *snigger snigger*

It's a game where you start off with 10 coins and you can purchase items like drinks and coffee as beginners. As you spend more coins, other items will be revealed for you to buy like the burger, fruit cup, fries, salad, ice cream, lunchbox, BBQ, muffins etc

Items purchased will be reflected on the right panel

Select the item you want to peel

Sometimes you get awarded with more coins

After finished peeling one item, select another item to peel

Sometimes, you get "Sorry Try Again" peels. Actually half the time!! Such a waste of precious coins.

Sometimes, you get awarded with items. So what do you do with these items?

You place them on the boards. There are boards for Websites, Junk Food, Animals, Fruits - quite fun to want to complete the sets! Once you complete sets, you get extra coins

This is my current stats. I have spent a LOAD of coins. You'll need to catch up if you want to start now. *winks* Yes, coins are being awarded every 4 hours. It's a freakin' long wait, aight?

Time really flies. It's already the 1st day of the last month of the year. That's one reason why I'd gotten my butt back onto my blog to keep it updated. Am already counting down to Christmas, and then the New Year, and then Chinese New Year. Wow, can't wait.

Oops, back to Peel A Meal! Babai!

4 flowers
Seriously sweetie, now I know why both of us are procrastinating. I am also spending too much time in Neopets, and I dont think you want to know more about Neopets, you might be as addicted like me too.
fish fish | Homepage | 05.12.08 - 12:43 pm | #

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fish fish still in neopets? my pet was forgotten and abandon again, haha.

ah, got new and interesting game. i'll try out Peel a Meal if i have the time. thanks for sharing.
kruy | Homepage | 05.12.08 - 7:59 pm | #

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Hello there? I finally smell the roses after the long hectic work journey.

Merry X'mas and a Happy New Year and yes, Gong Xi Fa Chai in Jan
Charlene | Homepage | 16.12.08 - 12:42 am | #

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Yes, I am still in Neopets. Officially for 5 years!! Wow~~~ But I don't send as much time on it nowadays, busy with Real Life stuffs. Can I have your acc name, want to go and see what kind of pets you have. ^_^ Thanks~
fish fish | Homepage | 19.12.08 - 6:00 am | #

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Chomp some roo

2008-11-06T14:31:00.004+08:00

I was recently in Australia for a holiday and I was quite happy to get acquainted with roo again. Many years ago, I tried roo jerky. Yummy and tasted like any meat floss you can find here. Only tougher and need some good teeth.

[click on images to enlarge]

This time, it is a whole slab of raw meat already marinated with herb and garlic. 98% fat free, cholesterol free, gluten free - I think AUD4.63 is very cheap in exchange for good health

Good for you and good for the environment! Approved by the National Heart Foundation too!

Your poo is probably more degradeable

Cooking method: Just like how you would cook your beef steak. Roo meat is best eaten rare or medium rare

Some nutritional information and ingredients that comes with the pack

That slab of raw meat. See those herbs and garlic?

Fry it with some olive oil. Makes it even healthier. Sear meat for 2 mins each side to get the beautiful "cooked" colour

I cooked it to well-done because I don't like my meat bloody. It was juicy and tasted like beef / emu / ostrich / venison / deer

And while I was having this hearty meal, I happened to flip the papers and read this small little article

Be environment friendly by eating roo, please.

10 flowers for this post
So Prose, how many kg did you add on, or izzit miNURSE?

Maybe can rty another recipe: roo roo roo your (steam)boat!

welcome back to blogosphere, now game for some Seremban candlelight vigil cum possibly singAlong -- waltzing matilda the Furong way!
ylchong | Homepage | 07.11.08 - 1:03 am | #

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PS: Note to all Primrose fans:

OPEN INVITE: Drop by Dataran Seremabn Park Fridae Nov 7 at 8pm for some singAlong at anti-ISA candlelight vigil...Bring thy friends.
Thanks without AP using thy turf, dear PRose, to PR a community service project; I will buy endless tehtarik at Lingam's CH,Paul Street an hour before the do, or did!
Regards, YL, Desi
ylchong | 07.11.08 - 1:11 am | #

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Wow, some good info and the roo and how you cooked it made it sooo yummy to look at!

Am glad you're back and will look forward to more posts regarding your Australian trip.

Oh, by the way, your comment in Char-sh Part II is blank, I received a notification through email.

As for my applications, I'm pretty excited too!
Lene | 07.11.08 - 11:03 am | #

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err.. roo meat? As in the boxing roos? or Winnie the Pooh's friends, Kanga and Roo?
Wang Tai Tai | Homepage | 07.11.08 - 7:28 pm | #

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kangaroo meat, interesting.
i went to China recently, was supposed to try on dog meat but couldn't find any as it's only available during winters.
kruy | Homepage | 09.11.08 - 12:18 am | #

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Hi Desi, how was Fridae night?

Hey Lene, I replied on your post. I saw my previous comment was visible already.

Hehe, funny, Wang Tai Tai. Uhm, I think boxing roos are possible since the meat's tough and fatfree. Kanga is mama roo and Roo is baby joey, right? Guess it would be Kanga's meat.

Hey kruy! Dog meat ah? Yeah, it's available in winter but nah, I don't think I'd ever try dog meat. They say after eating dog meat, dogs can sense it and won't come near you. Since I have a poodle at home.....
Primrose | Homepage | 09.11.08 - 12:49 pm | #

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Hi there, oh yeah, I was able to publish your post through the blogger site. But the email notification was really blank. But anyways, it's all well.

So, how are you? I look forward to more posts about your recent trip in Australia.
Lene | Homepage | 13.11.08 - 7:54 pm | #

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wish i have a chance to try them over here
foodcrazee | 16.11.08 - 2:14 am | #

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YUCK!!! ROO MEAT!!! OMG!!! YUCK!!!
titoki | Homepage | 02.12.08 - 3:07 pm | #

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oh yum, it looks really good ^^

i'm all for trying new stuff. and if it's healthy. hey, sign me up! haha.
g. | Homepage | 08.12.08 - 1:53 pm | #

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Saying Hello

2008-09-24T13:23:00.006+08:00

Hello peeps! It's lunch time and I'm restless. So out came my mobile phone, snapped a pic and uploaded it from the phone, I did. So there! I'm alive, doing good and staying pretty.

Cheers!

16 flowers for this post
hi pretty young thing
whatudu berudu | 24.09.08 - 2:32 pm | #

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Okay I can see you don't have scary bug tooth like moi~. ;B

Lurve your top and your bling bling necklace.
titoki | Homepage | 24.09.08 - 6:15 pm | #

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And then I missed out again in greeting you on time. Shucks!

Belated happy, happy birthday Fran! (Sept. 24)

Here's wishing you all the best and continue to share your life to us. It makes us privileged to witness how life's been wonderful for you.

Again, happy, happy birthday!
Lene | 25.09.08 - 9:03 pm | #

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Happy Belated birthday to you! Belated better than never. All good, cheers.
charlene | 25.09.08 - 10:28 pm | #

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Oh my, it is your birthday on 24 Sept?? Happy birthday pretty sweetie. LOL, you truly are one of the rare, the older you get, the more attractive you are.
fish fish | Homepage | 27.09.08 - 12:43 am | #

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Hello.. Princess..!
mama bok | Homepage | 27.09.08 - 8:35 am | #

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Wah berudu, long time never make an appearance.

You where got bugs tooth jiek, Titoki? My top ah? With or without my blouse? Haha! Stale joke. Anyway, the top from G2000 ler. Bling bling? Aiyah, cheap cheap bought from Plaza Damas one. Not even RM30. Psst, fake one.

Hey Lene! How did you know? Thanks so much for your wishes. What a pleasant surprise.

Hey Char, thanks for the wishes. Never late, never late. Everyday wish me also can. Haha!

Hi Fish fish, yes it was. Thank you. Eh, I'm not getting older larrr but am getting more attractive. Hahaha!!!

Hello Mama Bok! Howdy?
Primrose | 28.09.08 - 12:04 pm | #

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Have fun in Brisbane. Good that if you are also going to sydney.

Anyways, I am only going to Oz in March next year..still long way to go..
charlene | 28.09.08 - 2:06 pm | #

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I kept in mind that your birthday is on September. I'm just not sure of the exact date. So on the 25th, I had the hunch, and so I browsed your September 2007 posts and voila, your b-day is on the 24th! I greeted you that time also on the 25th. :p

So, how's your birthday celebration? You already in Brisbane?
Lene | Homepage | 29.09.08 - 1:58 pm | #

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Hey Char, nah, will skip Sydney this time.

Hi Lene, no, I'm still here. Will only be away in 2 weeks. Thanks for much for remembering, babe. I want to come visit soon.
Primrose | 29.09.08 - 5:26 pm | #

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You looking very pretty indeed
Boy | 30.09.08 - 11:38 pm | #

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You're very much welcome. I know I owe you something still.
Lene | 01.10.08 - 9:30 pm | #

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I'll try to remember to be on time, sext September...knottyaSsusual
ylchong | Homepage | 12.10.08 - 8:31 am | #

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Yes, five weeks is a long time....waiting for more updates....
Wang Tai Tai | Homepage | 31.10.08 - 11:28 am | #

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Hello girl, must be having fun in OZ?
Charlene | Homepage | 31.10.08 - 3:24 pm | #

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*waves* haven't been here in awhile. glad to see you're doing fine ^^
gothikt | Homepage | 10.12.08 - 3:08 am | #

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Back to Basics

2008-09-21T00:21:00.001+08:00

Would you be able to live without the mobile phone today? Yes, of course. Yeah rrrright. Well, perhaps some of you can. I would have been quite restless without it for a day, to be honest. Let alone "live without"! Pfft.

But as advanced phones are today, I was itching to get back to basics. Just for fun. You know, no camera, no bluetooth, no GPRS, no MMS, no fancy ring tones, no infra-red even. Just a basic phone with a keypad and the sms tool. You know, probably how it was before, 8 years ago.

So I went on a mission in search of one basic (second) phone which should also be slim and sleek with colour screen.
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Take a peek at my cute pink Nokia 7070, a diamond-cut design, also a 2008 release. That little pink triangle blinks when a call or sms come in. Also lights up at intervals until you retrieve your missed call or message. Quite cool. Comes in blue too!

Extremely basic and I love the size. Weighs 78g with battery, measures 87.5mm (l) x 44mm (w) with 15.8mm in thickness. Even the packaging is cute!

One thing though. You probably won't find this in Malaysia - yet/ever. There's no market for basic phones anymore. Malaysians too eksyen. I got it from Singapore for S$120. Cheeeeaapp! Basic phones are cool there.

I'm loving it!

4 flowers for this post
LOL "Malaysians too eksyen".

The Japanese did a survey and showed that most of the multi-functions in the cellphone rarely or never utilized by the consumers in Japan.

Your cellphone is a lovely one Frances.
fish fish | Homepage | 21.09.08 - 7:23 am | #

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Hi Fran! How are you? Aiming for the basics eh? I'm also quite thinking of separating things in my life. That is, a digital camera for pictures, Ipod for music and just cellphone basics for SMS and calls.

But my Motty is almost a year only so it's not practical for me to go with the plan, I think.

Flip phones are cool, brand aside.
Lene | 21.09.08 - 4:12 pm | #

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another new phone again??? mine last time i complaint battery always died, changed the battery for RM40 and i'm still with the same old phone leh...
kruy | Homepage | 23.09.08 - 3:20 pm | #

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Cool! I love the way you describe on your blog Very interesting.
charlene | 23.09.08 - 6:32 pm | #

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Guitar

2008-09-01T16:37:00.005+08:00

I was spring cleaning some parts of the house when I found my forgotten electric guitar hidden away in some corner, weaving cobwebs.

I remember I got it at the same time I've decided I would learn the violin first, because I realised that I simply cannot handle both instruments at one time as it would be extremely confusing to the mind and fingers. One with 4 strings and another with 6! Now that I think I am ready to explore the guitar, I wanted to tune the guitar strings but oops! What are the 6 strings on a guitar?

So I decided to send a text message: Hey there, what are the 6 notes on a guitar? I wanted to tune my guitar but don't know much about the instrument. I scrolled my address book and randomly picked about 15 guy friends on my list and bulk messaged them.

"Do re mi fa so la. I'm a guitar idiot", came one reply.
"Me no play guitar", came the second one.
"I'm tone deaf and musically untalented", said another.
"Sorry, I no play guitar", my phone beeped.
"Never been musically inclined," beeped another.
"Same as the electric guitar," came one stupid reply. DUH!

Beep. Negative.
Beep. Negatvie.
Beep. Negative.

Gosh! What's wrong with guys nowadays? Aren't you guys supposed to be guitar plucking romeos, impressing yer lady love? I couldn't believe my eyes reading message after message apologising to shocked me. What do YOU guys do to woo yer gurls these days, pray tell? And I thought that all along, the guitar has been such a guy thing. Guess I'm so so wrong.

The strings are E-A-D-G-B-E, by the way. It's spelt EDGE with AB in between, get it?

Pffttt!!
*shakes head*
*still shocked*

5 flowers for this post
playing the guitar should be on top of my priority list too!
mrs. jeff buckley | Homepage | 05.09.08 - 7:56 pm | #

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LOL I guess it is a sad facts that a lot of Malaysian guys don't play guitar anymore. I will get one that I know play pretty well to read this post.
fish fish | Homepage | 09.09.08 - 2:03 am | #

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I opted to learn how to play it since I'm the only one who doesn't know how among us sisters but I was not successful. I can't stand the pain on my fingertips everytime I tried to play it.

But I know how to play 1 song thought. Apart from that, I won't try anymore. :p

Oh, btw. I will have to post story about my meeting with Char and Titi and Sam. Dunno if I mentioned it to you but anyhoo, you'll read about it soon.

Take care!
Lene | Homepage | 09.09.08 - 7:33 pm | #

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Hi Reta, yes, playing the guitar is next on my list. Perhaps 2009's resolution??

Hi fish fish, yes lah, sad news for us gurls these days, huh? Haha! I guess guys wow gurls with flowers and chocs now. Or do they not??

HEY Lene!! So good to hear from you. Yes, Char told me that she's going to pay you a visit. I can't wait to read all about it!
Primrose | 10.09.08 - 10:38 am | #

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Yes....I will post up at the soonest.

You certainly looking forward to it..xoxo..
charlene | 11.09.08 - 9:48 pm | #

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Made in China

2008-08-28T11:19:00.000+08:00

A picture that speaks a thousand words! We can't deny the fact that there is some truth in this. *chuckle*

Beauty & the Beast

2008-08-11T14:15:00.004+08:00

This is a VERY late entry. A month late. I have meant to put this up before the end of July but family matters took precedence AND ... procrastination took over, as usual.

I went for Disney's Beauty & The Beast, the Broadway Musical at the Plenary Hall, Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre on 1st July 2008.

I bought the lowest-priced tickets there was at RM90.00 but after the 10-minute intermission, I moved to the RM150 seats. Nice!

The Programme

That's me

That's the view of the stage from where we were seated

Overall, slightly below my expectations. I shouldn't watch the cartoon and expect the stage to take after it. I expected Gaston to be this umpphh, muscular guy but he turned out to be quite goofy. Nonetheless, he brought along a lot of humour. And then I expected Beast to be this...this growly and hairy beast he is supposed to portray but...but certain scenes turned out to be comical, somewhat childish - so much so it was kinda sissy-ish for a B-E-A-S-T. Kids loved him though. I must say that my favourite character had to be Lumiere! He stole the night definitely. Songs and the stage set were great. Had some new songs that was not featured in the cartoon.

I am awaiting the next Musical. Let me know if one comes along. Cheers!

2 flowers for this post
Hello, Wow, this is good. I also want to go for this.
charlene | Homepage | 13.08.08 - 11:11 am | #

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Hello, hello, am going to Manila next week..haha..meeting Arglene!
charlene | Homepage | 19.08.08 - 2:26 pm | #

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Goodbye Gramps

2008-07-31T15:30:00.010+08:00

My 88-year-old grandpa was admitted into the hospital under critical conditions yesterday morning. Last night, he passed away peacefully around 11-ish at night and we were contacted and informed at around 1-ish this morning.

Exactly a year ago, grandpa had a fall. Granny said that he fell on the 1st day of the 7th month in the Chinese lunar calendar (which is the start of the Ghost Month). And tomorrow is the 1st day of the 7th month. At this ripe old age, granny said that grandpa is better off in heaven. "Lungs full of germs," she continued. "Better let him go and end his suffering."

We paid our last respects at HUKM's morgue today. Grandpa had a nice cream coloured suit on, with a reddish tie, ready to be transported to the crematorium. I laid my hands lightly on his. Felt cold to my touch. Mum asked us to say a few words to grandpa. "He'll hear us," she said. "His soul is still around. C'mon...last few words," mum persuaded lightly.

Do not be saddened. It is probably better off this way where there is no more suffering. He's now off to a better place, most probably engaging in his favourite pastime, pok kiau (means gambling in hokkien). *giggle*

I don't have many photos with grandpa. This was taken 2 years ago. He is always cheerful and funny, makes me laugh in his clumsy ways.

Rest in peace, kong kong. I love you and will miss you.

And those were the last words I whispered to him.

9 flowers for this post
my condolences.
michaelooi | Homepage | 31.07.08 - 5:59 pm | #

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U take care now, K
chiki | 31.07.08 - 6:08 pm | #

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I am so sorry for your lost..! may you and yours find comfort that he is in a better place..! you take good care.. Princess..*hugs*
mama bok | Homepage | 02.08.08 - 6:20 am | #

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My condolences Fran. Your Granny is right, at his age, it's better to end his suffering. He actually reached his prime. Lucky you, you were able to be with him for so many years more. I lost my grandparents early.

I'm sure he'll be in your heart...forever.
Lene | 02.08.08 - 5:43 pm | #

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Thank you all for your wishes. {{hugs}}
Primrose | Homepage | 2.08.08 - 11:48 pm | #

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*huggies* . . . .at least u know him . . . i . .. er. . . .my grandpa passed away way b4 i was born and my grandma died when I was 15.

Cherish ur time with him . .sis
foodcrazee | 06.08.08 - 11:15 pm | #

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Condolences about your grandpa. But he did live till 88, lots of people aren't so lucky.
James | Homepage | 08.08.08 - 1:03 am | #

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My heartiest condolences. He's in a better place now. Chin up and be strong . *hugz*
titoki | Homepage | 08.08.08 - 6:40 pm | #

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Sorry for reading this very late. My heartfelt condolences to you and your family Frances. *hug*
fish fish | Homepage | 24.08.08 - 12:46 am | #

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Ants

2008-07-25T13:27:00.005+08:00

No, this is not a movie review. In fact, this is a food post. Yep, you read right. FOOOOOD post. Quite a yummy one too. :)

Have some tidbit. It's a rare delicacy and it's bacon flavoured

Giant toasted (leafcutter) ants of the Amazon Indians, world's largest ants. By the way, it's got some youth-giving and aphrodisiac qualities in it.

It's edible, really. Tastes just like peanut. You can even check it up at www.edible.com. See? No poison, no preservatives. Just crispy ants and salt

You think it's cheap to try some rare delicacies? It's imported from the UK and cost a whooping £10.99, ok!? That's freaking ±RM71.50 (estimating at a rate of RM6.50 to £1)

Let us all get enlightened. Click to enlarge

Presenting . . . . . . THE ANT

Just so you know the size. About the size of a 5-cents coin

Presenting . . . . . . the soldier ant's mate

See? We see and ~~taste~~ learn new things everyday. If you're interested to have a taste, drop me an email and I'll send you an ant. *winks*

7 flowers for this post
OMG, no thanks!
kruy | Homepage | 25.07.08 - 7:44 pm | #

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ahem....aikssss...
charlene | Homepage | 25.07.08 - 8:13 pm | #

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I remember when I was very young, I used to follow my mum to the chinese medicinal shop and she would buy these dried 'cockroaches' for my sister - suppose to be good for coughs, or something. Double ewww....

Oh, btw, I send you an email. Got it yet?
Bkworm | Homepage | 26.07.08 - 3:42 pm | #

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I can't imagine having that in my mouth. It's just impossible. he he
Lene | 26.07.08 - 10:41 pm | #

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Is it nice and delicious?
Maverick SM | Homepage | 27.07.08 - 5:09 pm | #

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I can't wait to get my hands on them. LOL!!!!
TITOKI | Homepage | 28.07.08 - 5:08 pm | #

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looks yummy! but a bit expensive though...
michaelooi | Homepage | 28.07.08 - 10:00 pm | #

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Colgate not

2008-07-22T21:55:00.002+08:00

At a quick glance, the red and white tube sure does look like Colgate regular toothpaste. Another look at it and ... *piang*

Some cheap Made-in-China toothpaste

Dad used it in the morning and he complained that it tasted stale and felt like rough soil. Poor dad. He didn't know it until he starting polishing sand onto his enamel. I hope no harm was done since it was described at Exceed Strong

Of course, we had a good laugh reading whatever's written on the tube, just like any Made-in-China stuff

I think the authorities should indeed supervise the manufacturers in China

See what the recent fuel price hike has done to us. Mum was trying to stinge even on toothpaste! *gasp* Thank goodness I am allergic to Colgate and wouldn't have attempted using it anyway. I use Fresh n White. The green one. I'll get my own toothpaste next time, thank you. Heh!

2 flowers for this post
haha..cute.
charlene | Homepage | 24.07.08 - 10:46 am | #

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poor thing, even toothpaste have to change to made-in-China brand. just use half the portion of what u normally had and only brush once a day!
kruy | Homepage | 25.07.08 - 7:52 pm | #

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Height chart

2008-07-08T13:23:00.002+08:00

Gosh, it's 2008 now...What happens now? Low, lower, lowest. Droop, drooper, droopest!

Random observations: Chewing on my nails
Currently listening to: Whirring of the air-conditioning in the silence of lunch time
Currently reading: Seharum Kasih by Aina Emir

7 flowers for this post
Hey Primrose,

I hope to meet your goodself in times to come. Yeah, you like comic as well, cool!
charlene | Homepage | 10.07.08 - 9:13 pm | #

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Hahahah!! which reminds me.. maybe i should start too..
Mama BoK | Homepage | 11.07.08 - 2:00 pm | #

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ouch !
foodcrazee | 12.07.08 - 8:25 pm | #

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PR:

Hi! Hiya!! Mt Everest!!!
ylchong | Homepage | 13.07.08 - 10:25 pm | #

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Hahahaha; what a nice pic; it's nature and the rule of nature!!!
Maverick SM | Homepage | 14.07.08 - 11:50 pm | #

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Thank gawd I flat like KLIA runway!
TITOKI | Homepage | 15.07.08 - 2:12 pm | #

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err, i dun quite understand the pic...

anyway, i've updated
kruy | Homepage | 17.07.08 - 9:39 pm | #

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Trip to Italy

2008-06-27T21:39:00.003+08:00

Yes, I for Italy. I had over 200+ photos, I'm not sure where to start. Start from the beginning, of course. This makes it a VERY long post. Don't say I didn't warn you.

After a 3-hour long transit in Bangkok, we endured another 12 hours flight to Milan on midnight of Wednesday 28 May 2008. Touched down on a cloudy morning but who cares. It was fashion city, Milan!!

29 May 2008 - Milan, Italy

This is inside of Duomo di Milano (Milan Cathedral). It is one of the world's largest churches, second within Italy, next to Saint Peter's Basilica in Rome, and being the second largest Gothic cathedral in the world. A small red light bulb in the dome above the apse marks the spot where one of the nails from the Crucifixion of Christ has been placed

Description of some restoration work being done to the Duomo di Milano (Milan Cathedral)

The complicated architecture of Duomo di Milano (Milan Cathedral)

View from ground. Details of the brick construction of the Duomo di Milano (Milan Cathedral)

Had a lot of free time to roam around some fashion streets in the city and visited the Galleria. We stayed the night in Milan

30 May 2008 - Verona, Italy

We travelled 2 and a half hours from Milan to Verona

Stopped by Juliet's Balcony

Costs €4.00 to enter Juliet Museum

This is Verona’s Roman Arena, once rivaled the Colosseum and is the third largest arena in the Roman world. Lots of shopping streets here as well. Make sure you bring enough euros. Haha!

The Wall of Verona, once fiercely protected the city from invasion. From Verona, we travelled one and a half hours to the city of Venezia and stayed the night

31 May 2008 - Venice, Italy

A short ferry ride to the islands of Venice, made up of 118 islands

This is the Bridge of Sighs in Venice. The enclosed bridge is made of white limestone and has windows with stone bars. The Bridge of Sighs passes over the Rio di Palazzo and connects the old prisons to the interrogation rooms in the Doge's Palace

The many gondolas. Costs €25.00 a ride along the smelly canal

Piazza San Marco - St Mark's Square. That's a full view of St Mark's Basilica

A little about Piazza San Marco. Save me some writing

The ceiling of St Mark's Basilica. Those are not paintings. They are mosaic. Impressive!

The Square with lots of pigeons

More about the Piazza

Venetian masks are worn during the Carnival of Venice (elsewhere known as Mardi Gras). Comes in different colours, full-face masks or eye masks

Murano glass, famous product of Italy

Mastro Gappetto, wooden Pinocchio, also a famous product in Italy

We had the rest of the day to shop around Venice. I must say that this city is a must-stop-and-shop place. The L-O-N-G street of Rialto sells beautiful leather, cheap and fashionable in all colours, shapes and sizes. You may bargain slightly

1 June 2008 - Pisa, Italy

Venice to Pisa took 5 hours on the road. So there went half the day

Ahh! This photo needs no further description. We travelled another hour and a half and reached Florence to stay the night

2 June 2008 - Florence, Italy

The very first place we stopped at was the Pizzaale Michealangelo and his famous piece of art - (naked) David

I sure thought it was a city of statues. Too many of them, with history attached to it, of course. Go wikipedia it

Another David

Florence is also another city that you simply must shop! Don't hesitate to get that leather bag or leather wallet or leather something if you like it. After all the walking and shopping around, it was time to adjourn to the cultural city of Italy - Rome!

3 to 5 June 2008 - Rome and Vatican City

It was a drizzly and cold Tuesday morning. Ironic that we were to visit Vatican City on such a day. This is St. Peter's Basilica, Vatican City

This is the balcony where the Pope stands and greets the crowd on Sunday noons or Wednesday mornings, when it's not raining

Look at the number of chairs put out for the public to meet the Pope. H-U-G-E compound!

After spending close to an hour in St. Peter's Basilica, we went on a city tour to Rome city. Rome needs no further introduction, really. The main attractions are as follows:

One of the many buildings of the Roman Forum

View of Roman Forum taken from the Palatine

The ever-famous Colosseum that needs no introduction. It used to hist gory battles between gladiators, slaves, prisoners and wild animals. Much blood has shed here

The map of Colosseum. Costs €11.00 per entry. The ticket allows entry to the Palatine as well

Inside the Colosseum

Fontana di Trevi - Trevi Fountain at Piazza Di Trevi is the largest most ambitious of the Baroque fountains of Rome. Standing 25.9 meters (85 feet) high and 19.8 meters (65 feet) wide! A traditional legend holds that if visitors throw a coin into the fountain, they are ensured a return to Rome. We didn't have any RM. So we threw some Baht instead. Haha!

The Pantheon. It means "Temple of all the gods" which was originally built as a temple to all the gods of Ancient Rome. Today, it illustrates a monument where dead are buried

Piazza di Spagna where the Spanish Steps are found. It has 138 steps but we were more interested with the high fashion shops around that area - Dior, Ferragamo, Louis Vuitton, YSL, Prada, Gucci, TODS, you name it!

We went back to Vatican city the next day to visit the Musei Vaticani (Vatican Museum). Entrance fee is €14.00 per entry

We had one objective: To visit Capella Sistina (Sistine Chapel). It was a L-O-N-G walk before reaching the chapel

The ceiling of one of the galleries

Another ceiling of another gallery

After 45 minutes or so, we reached the chapel. Photography is forbidden. I was naughty enough to open the camera shutter, placed the camera on my laps and snapped whatever the camera could capture of the Sistine Chapel's world-famous ceiling of The Creation and Judgement Day on the wall, painted by Michelangelo

A gallery on the way out

The exit stairs in Vatican Museum

Santa Maria della Concezione's Crypt (Crematorium) is a Baroque church with skeletons of over 4,000 monks, dismantled and arranged in swirls and curlicues with ribs hanging from the ceiling in the form of chandeliers. Photography is prohibited. Donation of €2.00 is required. The remains of one of the Princesses of the Barberini family is found here. It says: "What you are, we were. What we are, you will be". You can read more here

Santa Maria della Vittoria is a Baroque church which holds one of Bernini's most famous works - The Ecstasy of St Teresa

The Ecstasy of St Teresa. It shows the Spanish mystic floating on a cloud in a spiritual trance after an androgynous angel has pierced her with a burning arrow

San Pietro in Vincoli. Pilgrims visit this church for the chains said to have been used to shackle St Peter in Jerusalem

The chains are now conserved in a reliquary on the main alter

Santa Maria Maggiore has a ceiling said to have been made from the first shipment of gold from the Americas

Why did we visit this church? Because Santa Maria Maggiore bears this plaque which marks the burial place of Baroque genius, Bernini

The entrance door of Santa Maria Maggiore. Observe the 3D carvings

Food in Italy was pretty much predictable. The many tramezzini (sandwiches) found almost at every corner of any streets. Costs about €4.00 each. Nothing much inside except for some salad, tomato slices and salami/chicken/ham

Yummy pasta. I tried the common carbonara but I assure you it looked and tasted different from the ones we get from home. Look at the larger chunks of meat and dry but tasty pasta. YUMMY!! Costs about €10.00 - €12.00

Common penne all'arrabbiata (pasta in tomato and chilli sauce). Absolutely delicious!

Oh well! We still will indulge in some McDonald's wherever we go. But hey, cheese and bacon nuggets. See the bacon?

And beef burger with bacon. See the bacon?

As far as shopping is concerned, shop in Venice or Florence. I regretted not buying the beautiful bags I've seen because I thought I'd leave it till the end, which was Rome. Ah, never do that! I didn't find the street stuff in Rome as I did in other cities except for branded goods. My only hope is to go back one day and buy my heart out! Arghh!

And if you're a brand freak, this is THE place with a capital T. The goods are so much cheaper as compared to home PLUS you get VAT 12% cash back on your way out at the airport. Since I missed so much shopping at other cities, I splurged on an expensive bag. Well, why not? Everybody seemed to be drowning themselves in luxurious Gucci, Prada, Ferragamo etc. and I was also made victim. I got me this.

The Louis Vuitton Monogram canvas MONTORGUEIL from the latest collection for €495.00 (minus 12% VAT is €436.00). Yeah, yeah, expensive I know but lei chui meh? I know it's not Italian but oh well, French is fine by me too!

The trip has come to an end on 7 June 2008. Wonderful trip altogether. How can it not be when it's Italy? With so many pictures posted, I hope these spoke more than a thousand words.

Ciao bella Italia!!

10 flowers for this post
I am SO envious....sigh!
Bkworm | Homepage | 11.06.08 - 10:42 am | #

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whoa, u went Italy. can't wait for your story
kruy | Homepage | 11.06.08 - 5:19 pm | #

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WHOAAAAAAAAAAA~~~

Got any leng jai Italian over there or not sin?
titoki | Homepage | 12.06.08 - 11:30 am | #

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Very very nice!! Sweetie, quick quick update. I want to see the foods too. LOL
fish fish | Homepage | 13.06.08 - 2:05 am | #

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Whoa~!
charlene | Homepage | 16.06.08 - 12:23 pm | #

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aiyaiyaiyai ! U must have enjoyed urself dy . . . .let us now of ur makab spree there . . .
foodcrazee | 16.06.08 - 3:06 pm | #

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yes. rome and pisa nice place. did you go to tivoli ?
Patrick Leong | Homepage | 24.06.08 - 12:59 am | #

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I'm breathless! ha ha Just by reading your post, it seemed that I toured around Italy too.

Ahhh, you've been to Florence. Thank you for sharing your photos and stories with us!
Lene | 29.06.08 - 12:43 pm | #

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Hello Primrose, Good to have you back. Cool on Italy. My next stop here.

I am back from Dublin, Ireland. more pictures soon too. Cheers.
charlene | Homepage | 01.07.08 - 2:53 pm | #

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Thanks for the very very nice pics. Did you have time to go to Genoa? It's also very nice.
fishtail | Homepage | 29.09.08 - 2:19 pm | #

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Golf in the boot

2008-05-15T08:22:00.005+08:00

Ever since I bought the Swift, I have been wondering about the capacity of the car boot space...

"Do you think you can fit your golf set in?" I pointed at my opened car boot one afternoon and asked KCG casually while we were both standing at the car porch. He stared at the boot for a while, went into the house for a bit, came out dragging his ultra-heavy, ultra-bulky golf set and plonked it into the boot.

Didn't go right in. "It can fit but must take out the driver and put on the back seat", he told me after seeing that the bag didn't fit comfortably into the boot. Feeling extremely puzzled, I repeated after him. Slowly. "Take.out.the.driver." "Hmm...then who gets behind the wheels?" I asked matter-of-factly.

KCG gave me a blank stare like I was the dumbess brunette on earth, chuckled to himself, went to his golf bag, pulled out a pouch-covered club and gave it to me. "Nah, the driver!"

%^&#@*! This is a driver? Some big-brain-thin-stick metal? Damn! Double damn!! "Come, let me get you a Golf for Dummies book," he teased, obviously tickled by the whole conversation out at the car porch. %^&#@*!

So there! A golf set sure can fit into the boot of a Swift. Just remove the driver, the longest club in the set used for teeing off, and wala! And the driver? Yea yea! Put it at the back seat. The driver drives the driver. Duh!

10 flowers for this post
Having fun with the b/f..??
Mama BoK | Homepage | 17.05.08 - 4:12 am | #

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Golf?
*gulp
mob1900 | Homepage | 21.05.08 - 11:04 pm | #

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LOL I am as dummy as you dear. Driver!! How are we non-golfers supposed to know that.
fish fish | Homepage | 23.05.08 - 7:09 am | #

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, you are always on the nice pose I love it so much. So much~!
charlene | Homepage | 25.05.08 - 1:03 pm | #

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Slip-up like that do happen. Haha. Oh BTW, you look gorgeous in pink!
titoki | Homepage | 26.05.08 - 6:01 pm | #

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Mama Bok: Yup

mob1900: You dummy like me too?

fish fish: Yeah! Why don't we ask them about blushers and concealers, huh?

Hi Char! Thanks! Next time pose with you, can?

Titoki: Tenkiu tenkiu. I try to match the blog sometimes.
Primrose | Homepage | 27.05.08 - 12:02 am | #

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I didn't know you are a golfer!!! I am not. I rather blog...
Maverick SM | Homepage | 27.05.08 - 10:45 pm | #

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hehehehe. . . .whats ur handicap ?

btw, where's da recipe ? maybe i can give a tip or two . .
foodcrazee | 29.05.08 - 4:55 pm | #

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Yeah~! Will definitely have some chance to pose with you~!
charlene | Homepage | 30.05.08 - 9:54 am | #

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score a whole in 1 and invite all callers for A*partee...on the green? ~~ Desi, knottyerTHANus...
ylchong | Homepage | 30.05.08 - 10:25 am | #

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B.U.M 2008 Buzz

2008-05-03T23:15:00.004+08:00

That was where I spent Labour's Day at. The Bloggers' Universe Malaysia B.U.M 2008 event held at Lake View Club, Subang Jaya.

Arrived around 11am to meet up with the rest of the organising committee and had a good hearty lunch at Kampungku Restaurant before the work began. There was specialty bamboo fish (sambal fish cooked in a bamboo), fried buttered calamari with salted egg, specialty homemade tofu with fish paste among others. It was very sedap! Thank you for the lunch.

The backdrop.

The registration team. There was myself, Tony a.k.a alliedmartster and Helen

And then the 1st session commenced. I was very impressed with the turnout. It was a full house!

I had a photo opportunity with Patrick Teoh

And am absolutely thrilled to have a photo op with (the femes) Raja Petra

That's me leaving my trail

An awesome lot of signatures!

All in all, attendance was overwhelming, speakers were impactful, media coverage was aplenty. You may read more on post-B.U.M here.

6 flowers for this post
You look awesome..!!!
Mama BoK | Homepage | 05.05.08 - 4:12 am | #

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Hehe... Patrick face seem to be even bigger than mine. LOL

You look great dear!
fish fish | Homepage | 05.05.08 - 5:10 am | #

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hey, how are you doing? Finally I see you write about that day. lol

It's such a pleasure meeting you and keep writing, OK?
helen | Homepage | 05.05.08 - 2:13 pm | #

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Hei Primrose,

Finally I got your blog.

Write more.....not so lazzzziiiii
Maverick SM | Homepage | 05.05.08 - 9:44 pm | #

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WOW, that was a BIG event, congratulations!

Blogging world really makes a difference. It connects people!
Lene | 08.05.08 - 1:04 pm | #

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Aiyuk. Aku lupa. (Nah, actually I camera-shy.) *LOL*

Will try to attend similar event in the future but I too sked that my friends/bosses/colleagues discover that I'm a blogger.
titoki | Homepage | 13.05.08 - 10:47 am | #

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Ranong & Phuket, Thailand

2008-04-27T16:04:00.006+08:00

Gosh! Only 3 days left in April? Shocking how swift the days sneaked past me without a ruffle. A routine sort of fell into place for the past many weeks. There was inevitable work but even *that* was quite a slack as I had close to 20 annual leave days to clear BY end April. Then there was the pleasurable violin practises and classes, new songs and new positions. Then I was on Facebook regularly like how an addict would playing Scrabulous, Mental Blocks and Knighthood. Oh, please get me out of there! But what really was most routine was my very-busy-time over the weekends working on the biggest, most important event in my life. Heh! But that's another story altogether.

*clear throat*

Now ... the highlight in April has to be my trip to Ranong and Phuket, Thailand between 3rd and 8th April. Sure you've heard of Phuket but where is Ranong, I hear you ask? Ah! Geographically, it's about 600km south from Bangkok or 300km north of Phuket or put simply, bordering southern Myanmar.

We arrived on a hot Wednesday afternoon at Phuket International Airport.

Rented a car for RM100 a day (for 6 days) to travel around. Works out cheaper this way. Wasted no time and were on our way to Ranong, about approx 4 hours away, arriving on a wet, rainy night.

The next morning, we set off to visit the statue of Khaw Soo Cheang, Rajah of Ranong (or Governor of Ranong). You may read its most interesting history here

As our trip coincided with Cheng Beng, the Festival of the Tombs, we also visited the the Governor's mausoleum. The hundred and fifty acres piece of land, on the outskirts of Ranong Town was given to his family by Rama V (King Chulalongkorn) to the family in perpetuity for use as its own private burial ground. My guess was that, this particular tomb land was more than 10 acres AND for EACH governor succeeding him thereafter. Hilly, well maintained, windy and good infrastructure (leading to different tombs of the Na Ranong clan).

Public visiting and police around to make sure there was no chaos.

"Wah, so much land for the dead, eh?" I queried with a squint of an eye under the hot sun. "But of course," came the answer. "They were the rulers of Ranong," he answered with much pride. "Highly respected in the country," he added. "Yes, make perfect sense to me," I acknowledged with a nod and searched for a shade under the trees.

We had one more night at Ranong to attend a gathering function of the current generations of Na Ranong, mostly the 5th and 6th generations, who travelled near and far to be here at this event, including us all the way from Malaysia. What has this got to do with Primrose, you ask? Ahh! Primrose's other half, KCG is the 6th generation of the Na Ranong Dynasty, that's what. So Primrose was there to make her presence known. *winks*

We were back to Phuket on Sunday evening and we went for a drive around lively Patong at night. Packed with tourist and loud music, we decided to drive to Tesco at the other end of town instead to explore its similarities with Tesco at home and bought some favourite local delicacies.

Patong during the day. The many massage parlours in Patong area.

Explored a new shopping mall, Jungceylon, which was the name of Phuket back in 1511AD. Very modern architecture, displaying captivating junks which is their mascot and mall logo. The basement level offers a large array of local souvenirs, food stuff and massage services. Went for a cheap pedicure session after a long walk. I didn't stay very long as I have another place to spend my time at.

I hit Phuket Square instead. Now THIS is a place for the locals. It would be useful to know a few words in Thai like "how much" or "cheaper" to start bargaining for rock bottom prices for star buys.

Phuket Square was a compendium of hundreds of stalls of sorts, from clothes to shoes to bags to souvenirs. It was a shopper's haven, especially girls. It was a maze of streets, fully air-conditioned, spacious and comfortable. Only disadvantage: They don't speak much English. But I don't think we have a problem with that, do we? Just whip out your calculator and start punching numbers. :)

The trip came to an end on Tuesday and just before we hit the Phuket airport, we were invited by KCG's uncle, the owner of Indigo Pearl Resort, previously Pearl Village, for lunch. A 5th generation Na Ranong, he missed the gathering at Ranong and would like to meet up with us before we left Phuket.

This resort is, by far, one of the most exquisitely designed resort I have ever been to. Clad in blue gems with luscious landscape and a very unique concept of a tin mine (read history of Ranong), no wonder it is Phuket's Award Winning Design Resort.

Well-designed lobby area

Matching furniture around the lobby area

Lunch lounge, the Tin Mine. Notice the interesting cutlery set.

After lunch, we had a tour of the resort including different types of rooms. Indigo Pearl has a very romantic bath area - different rooms with different bathrooms. No doors, all glass around, no raised flooring - it's like walking into another part of the bedroom except on cool marble.

Do we get to stay here the next time we visit Phuket? It is an assuring yes. All KCG has to do is to inform his uncle and we're well on our way there, very highly likely before the year is up!

All in all, it was a good trip to touch base with the Siamese side short of remembering too many names of the Na Ranong uncles, aunties and cousins. Apart from soaking up a good amount of history, I soaked up a bit too much tan too, which I wasn't too keen of. Oh well...

Till the next post.

6 flowers for this post
Er, do I hear some sort of wedding bells?.....seems like you're hinting on a BIG day soon eh?
moomoo4u | 27.04.08 - 7:03 pm | #

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Glad you took a break.. wedding bells..?? you haven't talked alot about your relationship eh..?
Mama BoK | Homepage | 28.04.08 - 1:41 am | #

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Hey Primrose,

I miss you already~! You have been silent too. So, How are you? You had a great time there, I can see it, read

This year, I am seeing the world as much as I could. Bangkok and Ireland, Next. Hearing from you. Takecare
charlene | Homepage | 28.04.08 - 6:54 pm | #

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Did you go to Koh Phi Phi? I like Phuket.
Titoki | Homepage | 29.04.08 - 3:39 pm | #

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looks like you almost lost your April as well in the busy-ness of life ;p

the biggest most important event in your life, that would probably be a wedding plan for most females out there, wonder if it's the same for u
kruy | Homepage | 30.04.08 - 6:35 pm | #

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Looks like you had fun in Thailand. I've only been to Bangkok and Chiang Mai. The traffic's really bad in Bangkok. Have fun at B.U.M. 2008 tomorrow.
James Chin | Homepage | 30.04.08 - 9:23 pm | #

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B.U.M 2008

2008-03-31T09:17:00.005+08:00

Hear ye, hear ye! Calling all bloggers in my garden!

There will be a 2008 Bloggers' Gathering on Thursday, 1st May 2008. No excuse there. It's a public holiday! Details as follows:

Venue: The Lake View Club, Subang Jaya
Time (Session I): Registration - 2.15pm till High Tea break - 4.30pm
Time (Session II): Registration - 5.15pm till Buffet Dinner - 8.30pm

Theme: Towards a Civil Society

Registration & Payment

Programme Outline (Session I): 3.00pm to 4.00pm
Topic: Fostering Civil Society - Various Voices

Speakers:
. Welcoming Address: YL Chong-Desi
. Sdr Ahirudin Attan: President, National Alliance of Bloggers
. Dato’ Syed Ahmad Idid: Ex-Judge
. Dr Azmi Sharom: Academic
. Dr Lim Teck Ghee: Director: Centre for Policy Initiatives
. Sdri Jacqueline Ann Surin: Journalist

Q and A session: 30 minutes

+++HI-TEA BREAK+++

Programme Outline (Session II): 6.00pm to 8.00pm
Topic: The Fifth Estate (Bloggers) as Agency for Change

Speakers:
. Sdr Jeff Ooi: Blogger-MP
. Sdr William Leong: Lawyer-MP
. Sdr Haris Ibrahim: Human Rights Advocate
. Sdr Steven Gan: Editor-in-chief, Malaysiakini.com
. Special Guest Speaker? Watch this space!

Q and A session: 30-45 minutes

+++BUFFET DINNER++

For updates on the progress of this Bloggers’ Hap Event of the Year in Malaysia, stay tuned!

4 flowers for this post
owww. . . . i cant go again . . gotta work and bz pulak tu . . . .
mike | 09.04.08 - 11:31 am | #

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Matey to Prose, Mike, don't worry, there will be lots of reportage -- MSM, 5th Estate etc, as Org Comm just helf a successfool PC yesterday...

PS: Primrose, art thou bringing 1/2 batal-lion? OR lionurses also cun!~~Desi, knottyaSsusual April 11, 2008.
ylchong | Homepage | 11.04.08 - 2:01 pm | #

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Are you going?
titoki | Homepage | 11.04.08 - 5:23 pm | #

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Yup Mike, I'll post pics too.

Thanks, Desi. Will try get the whole jim-bang there.

Yes titoki, I'm going. Part of committeeeee. Geng or not??
Primrose | Homepage | 12.04.08 - 10:26 am | #

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