Having Chicken Pox While Nurturing a Fracture

14 September 2018: For the past 2 months, this super guy was grounded from doing sports due to a fracture in his elbow from a fall and had to stay home. While busy finding ways to relieve the itchiness caused by the cast, he contracted chicken pox. What are the odds? but he managed to stay put and recovered from them both. Salute him for being so disciplined not to scratch the chicken pox and for going through this at this age. We were thinking of buying a lottery number but had no idea how.

First Ride to Carey Island

I am above the clouds!
11 September 2018: I achieved another milestone in my cycling journey. After completing RHB Shimano Lekas Highway Ride 2018 ride for 78km, I was tempted to give a ride with my riding group to Carey Island. An estimated distance was 75km but it turned out more.

As usual, our gathering place at Restaurant BR Maju Kota Kemuning.

We roll off at 7.10am and took our usual routes towards Rimbayu bridge and Kampung Seri Cheeding.

View from the bridge overlooking SKVE

With me was Eric Koo, Terrance Wong, Cyril Hoe, Mr. Choy and CS Boon.

This time around I make it a point to stop for photographs and paid more attention to the surroundings, sights and scenes and manage to spot a sight of the tea plantation by BOH.




We were going a steady speed of between 25km/hour to 28 km/hour. The road at Jalan Aman, Kampung Seri Cheeding was newly paved so the surface was smooth and easy to ride.

Upon reaching Jenjarom junction, instead of stopping for food at our usual spot, we made a right turn onto Jalan Klang Banting. Hence the adrenaline of big and heavy vehicles passing by us. The road surface was rough with sand and rocks.


We made a stop at the petrol station to buy some bread, in case we got hungry before our next meal.

We entered the island through the bridge of Jalan Pulau Carey. There are 2 seafood restaurants that serves lunch and dinner (Kang Guan and Kuala Langat Seafood Restaurant). The ride in the middle of the island along this straight road was very pleasant with minimal vehicle. We made a pit stop at Mah Meri Cultural Village .



Several carvings were on display. The people of the center were busy preparing for an event, which I was able to see some of the aboriginal girls dressed up in their traditional costumes.




We continued our ride for another 9km or so until we come to the end of the road. There were some construction works going on, the sea awaits, with view of several ships afar. There were sightings of monkeys and eagle sitting high on a tree.






The sun was already high. We grab a bite and took a drink before heading back to Jenjarom for our late breakfast.


After eating and refueling, I refill my bottle with a glass of water, thinking it would be enough, I was wrong.
The next 25km back was awesomely grueling. I could feel lactic acid building up in my knees and thighs, pacing slowly below 20km/hour. We made a stop at BOH plantation and Eric gave me some spray, which helps with a few more stretches to loosen up the leg muscles. I headed straight home, clean up and went for lunch. I couldn't take a nap, my body was flat but my mind was clear. It was not until about 5pm I could sleep for an hour or so without my younger kid clinging on to me.

To many more awesome rides to come. Cycling can be addictive so ride with caution, both body and heart. Here is a video to 'wash your eyes'.

Korean BBQ Pork

Here is my version of Korean BBQ Pork. For best taste, marinate the meat overnight .

Meat: Pork Belly, soy bean paste (Chinese version as it is much cheaper than original Korean brands)

Marinate (self estimation only) : 

Sesame oil

Salt

Sugar

Oyster sauce

Fish sauce

Chinese wine 

Steps: slice the pork belly thinly. Marinate in sauces overnight. 

Grill the meat over low fire. No oil needed as pork belly has a lot of fat to cook. 

Slice garlic thinly. 

Cook some rice. 

Prepare the salad leaves . 

When all is done, take a piece of salad leave and wrap some rice. Put a slice of pork, some soy bean paste, fresh garlic and kimchi if available. Wrap it up and shove it into the mouth. Best part is to try and chew it all in! Enjoy! Pair it with soju or beer. 

 

Why Not Cycle?

1. Excuse: The weather in Malaysia is so hot.
Solution: pack a spare set of clothes and shower when you reach the office
2. Excuse: the traffic is too heavy
Solution: that is exactly why one should cycle, to avoid the jam
3. Excuse: it is too dangerous and risky of getting into an accident
Solution: all transportation methods has ts risk, it is how we should manage and prevent it. Always keep to the left and make yourself visible by wearing bright coloured clothes or reflective straps. When cycling at night, always have blinker and head lights on. Not forgetting the helmet. Reflective vest are highly recommended for night cycling.
4. Excuse: how to go pass the round about?
Solution: when reaching a round about, look back for any approaching cars, raise your right hands indicating that you are entering the round about, taking the 12 or 3 o clock exit. When you are sure that the cars behind you sees you, cycle with confidence and slightly increase your speed. When approaching the exit, lift your left hand to indicate that you are exiting.
5. Excuse: There is no bicycle lanes in Malaysia
Solution: not entirely true, in Shah Alam, certain parts of the city has designated cycling lanes that is painted in blue. That said, more cyclist on the road will send good indications to the government to build roads that takes into account the cycling community.
6. Excuse: I need to send my kids around / I am carrying heavy weight item.
Solution: there is no solution for this but to drive then. Unless cycling a trishaw does not seem weird.

image source: https://travelblog.expedia.com.my/travelogues/weekend-melaka-trip/ 

Other benefits of cycling:
1. Exercise! Of course
2. Save petrol
3. Environmental friendly
4. Meet new friends

A Guide to Successful Breast Feeding at Work

In this post I would like to share a bit of my experience in breastfeeding my babies while juggling work. 

1. Establiah strong milk supply by direct latch during the first month of baby's life 

2. Get a double electric pump. My personal pump was Medela and it is still functioning after 5 years. Use nursing bra front clip type as a way to achieve hands free and you can continue working while the pump is running.

3. Pump every 3 hours during work day. 

4. Direct latch while at home

5.  Continue latching regularly at night 

6. Continue latching even when mummy is sick or down with fever

7. Determination is king

8. Join a support group on FB from start of pregnancy 

9. Talk to your boss and colleagues about your wish to pump at work so colleagues and co workers can have a better understanding of your preference 

10. Garner lots of support from people around you. 

Hibiki Japanese Cafe in Kota Kemuning

Non Halal

This restaurant is located HERE . 

Food taste good and because it is non halal, definitely better than the halal ones due to the ingredients used. 

Pricing would be above average as what one will expect out of a common Japanese Restaurant in Malaysia. 

Ambiance is clean and new. Service is quick and attentive. Waitress will refill green tea without you asking. 

Children friendly since they provide cutlery and baby chair (standard practice). 

However, they have yet to set up credit card payment options, so be sure to bring some cash if you are going to order and eat a bunch. 

La Cocina Tapas and Bar Restaurant

22nd August 2018: We celebrated Eu Jin's birthday at La Cocina Spanish Restaurant and Bar when the kids were away to Genting. 
Maybe I am not an avid food hunter, I would rate the food as slightly above ordinary.
We ordered this fish dish and lamb kebab as main course, with escargots as appetizer. The escargots were creamy and seasoned just nice.
The bar is located on the upper floor with alfresco seating. This restaurant offers wine tasting classes too.
Our bill came up to about RM130. Standard Chartered bank credit card users enjoy 10% off on selected main courses (subject to terms).
The ambiance and service was up to expectations.