Happy 101 Award

Thank you Kashmirkat for the Happy 101 award

The award comes with a couple rules:

Copy the award image into a post. List 10 things that make you happy. Tag 10 bloggers who brighten your day. Put in a link to their blog. Notify the award receivers. Recipients should link back to the sender's blog.

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Here's 10 things that make me HAPPY!

My family - keeps the love real!
My religion - keeps me in check!
Being able to bento - this passion has grown on me.
Shuttling my kids to and fro school - provides personal time for 'heart' discussions.
Sleeping - unfortunately this is much lacking.
My church community - the activities, fellowship and parties are a choice we made.
Music - most of it makes me happy.
Reading - with a cup of hot coffee beside me.
Korean movies - lately, this has been keeping me busy.
Sashimi - God's gift to (Wo)man!!

I'm passing it on to only five people although the rule says ten. *grins guiltily* (sorry!)
I know some of you would already have received this award and perhaps some don't do tags or pass on awards (like me, sometimes) but that's okay, the ball is in your court. Enjoy!

A Daily Obsession
Bento babe aka Flying Lily
Bento Concept
Javapot
Viggies Veggies

Note to self: I need to update on Awards!

Bento 224 and update on Choir competition

I posted my last bento about 3 weeks ago. When the mid term exams began for #2, she didn't want to bring bento to school because, according to her, there was no time in between papers to eat.

When the holidays began, the State level School Choir competitions began the next day which incidentally was also the Malaysian Choral Eisteddfod VII (MCE)! The DJ Choir was also competing in the Youth Choir competition at the MCE. Schedules were clashing the distance between the two venues were challenging!

Nevertheless, #2 managed to work it with all the necessary quarters even though it was quite a task. On the morning of the competition, we reached school by 6.45a.m. In the evening after two exciting competitions, she got home past 10.00p.m.

This is an extract from her blog post:

"woohoo! god is good! :)

we won runner up at state. well, actually i was really really really upset. but then i realized, god probably wanted me to study. so yeahp. LoL.

this were the results
1st - SMK Kepong (Gombak)
2nd - SMK Damansara Jaya (Petaling Utama) - #2's school!
3rd - Convent Klang (Klang)
4th - SMK Seafield (Petaling Perdana)

the rest i forgot.

lol.

done with that,

our second competition, we won 4th or a silver diploma - IX.
top in the state at least. :) and either 2nd or 1st in peninsula Malaysia lah.

first prize was won by Philippines. Those people are AWESOME!! :):)

i am happy!"

So, today and for the next 2 days, she would be participating at the MCE and having another remarkable experience. I'm looking forward to the final day concert! I am just so happy too that she's finally got time to study for the year end SPM!

As usual, #2 has huge issues with 'FOOD' served at these crowded events for young people! So there is a need for bento but after 3 weeks I'm too lazy to crank up!!!

Here's a quick fix!

Just some baguette sandwich with smoked turkey ham and broccoli alfalfa with a squeeze of kewpie mayo! Plopped some cherry tomatoes for her to snack on.


Read my last post on the School Choir competition if you missed it.



"So much to do but so little time" - music, culinary course, vocals, dance, etc....

Bento 215 & CONGRATULATIONS DJ!

This morning was an early wake up call to reach school by 7.00a.m. because #2 and her school choir had a district level choir competition to compete in. They have in the last few months practiced fervently for this competition.

#2 is the President and also Choir conductor of the DJ Choir. Today, after umpteen years of being unplaced in the District level schools choir competition, DJ emerged the CHAMPIONS!

Credit must be accorded to the Choir teacher in charge, the Choir mistress, all the dedicated choir members and prayers from all quarters! It has been a long, tedious and hard journey to reach this great achievement.

Next up is the State level championships! Good luck DJ!

This morning's bento was quick and simple. Mixed salad with pears in one box and some fish balls skewered with kyuri. There was konnyaku noodles mixed with tuna mayo.

CHAMPIONS!

I got this SMS on my phone at noon today from #2!

"DJ is officially the national WIRA champions 2008! And the only school in Malaysia to have won the WIRA competition THREE times!!!!!!!!! Praise God!


Well done team! God is an awesome God!!


-Edit-

A mother's journey recapped:

I think it was around October 17th when #2 got a call from one of her friends on the debate team that their school was in the running (being Selangor runner's up) for the National Wira debate since the original Selangor champions had decided to drop out from the race for reasons that they were a form 5 team and SPM being round the corner.

My heart goes out to them because if my kid was in the same situation, it would be a predicament to decide and even if one wanted to go for it, it would not be enough because the WHOLE TEAM had to agree to go for it TOGETHER!

I took this off an ex-DJian's blog:

"The greatest of debaters are not only the most eloquent -- they are the most bruised, the most resilient, the strongest of heart".

And...so true it is! I know for a fact that this team worked very, very hard to get to where they are today. It wasn't only about writing speeches, discussing motions and running debating mocks. They've had their moments of joy, tears, unhappiness, friction, frustrations and a roller coaster of emotions.

Working in a team is a most wonderful experience once the rough edges have been polished but getting there with a team of intelligent, independent, loud (sorry ah!), opinionated, eloquent and individual characters is quite another story. (Their team made up of six from Form 4 and one from Form 3, eventually three debated while four others worked hard together on the motions)

#2's previous school, BU4 had helped mould her but after her PMR results she requested to be transfered to a school with sub-science streams because she already set her heart on doing music as a career and she wasn't ready to slog through the pure sciences.

It was not by chance that we chose DJ and I can proudly declare that transferring #2 to this school has been a great blessing!

For #2, it was a dream come true to be part of DJ's prestigious debate team because she had just got into this school January 2008. I still remember when she came back one day after school and told me that she was asked to take part in an inter-class debate activity in the early part of this year.

She came home and started preparing her fist attempt, vigorously 'attacking' dictionaries and cyberspace for information! That moment forth brought the beginning of an amazing journey of friendship, commitment, triumph and defeat.

She was then invited to join the school's debate society which eventually led her being part of the winning team of this year's WIRA national debate. I have seen her and her team slog long, long hours working towards every single competition.

My heart cringed as she continued the long hours into the wee night at the computer doing more research and writing more speeches. All I could offer was words of encouragement, more food and hugs for this child of mine who never ever sleeps later that 10.00p.m. and all because of a commitment to her team and their goal. She's still at it even after I leave my computer at past 1.00a.m.! *sigh*

At 5.00a.m. in the morning the hair dryer buzzes incessantly while she tries to catch up on her music practice on the piano. Then the vicious cycle begins again - rush to school and into the 'debate room' for more discussions, strategies, plans, practices, editing and every brain draining activity one can think of. This goes on up to 4.30p.m., oblivious to whatever that is happening in or around the school mind you.

When the debate team failed to clinch the state title, I think everyone was bruised - quote: "The greatest of debaters are not only the most eloquent -- they are the most bruised, the most resilient, the strongest of heart".
But they remained strong and best of friends.

When my husband heard of the defeat, his first words were: "Praise the Lord! Now you can go back to your life"! And so true...#2 had 'no life' literally, other than giving that 110% to the debate team and it's goals. I'm sure the six others in the team experienced the same.

It was back to hitting the books again! Home work to catch up on, projects to finish and disappointments with piles of unattended school related work assignments. (Walks around the house like a zombie reciting moral nilai).

All that said and relieved that things were back to routine again, suddenly there's news that the debate team has to decide if they want to take a shot at the Wira debate 2008, national trophy! The final exams were round the corner and when #2 asked me what she should do, I advised her to pray about it and decide herself. She came back with a positive and that I had to be ready for her to fore go the exams. Personally, I'm fine with her results, not outstanding but she's been consistently working - that's enough by my standards.

The vicious cycle began again, only worse than ever. Sleeps later than ever because discussions take place via MSN late into the nights and tight dateline submissions of speeches. Early mornings were dedicated to more editing and printing of speeches and transfers of soft copy into thumb drives. By now, my heart has a 'cold hollow feeling' one that is honed by insecurity of my child's well being and insane adrenaline drive of long late nights, deprived sleep and too early morning beginnings!

But I see her grow in determination, comradeship, understanding, emotional stability, time management and lots of positives! I am pacified and soothed. Thank you Lord!

I think lunch time is the only relaxing break for the seven of them, running around looking for decent eateries for a supply of 'nutritious' food to feed the brains. To keep the energy, they turn to sweets to keep awake. Then it's back to 'work' up to 4.30p.m.

My heart cringes again everyday when I fetch her from school. She looks exhausted and I'm sure her team is too. But her heart is on fire and the adrenaline is on the high and once back home it's straight to the computer again.

Music classes (her favorite) has to be adjusted and postponed, music practices has declined tremendously, music competition preparations also set aside, Violin classes postponed indefinitely, family dinners declined (please pack food for me), shopping sprees declined (no time), sleep deprived but Church activities carry on (but must finish on time).

To cut the story short, the seven of them with their dedicated teachers worked, worked and worked like there was no tomorrow.
Quoting my eldest daughter:
"What other schools did in months, they did in twelve days".

I believe one common contributory factor that brought them to victory was the power of prayer. All seven believers or non believers among them spent time together and alone praying to God. Many friends, families, former school mates from all over the world cheered them on while silently praying for this great victory.

When we declare we are praying, it does not make us Saints. We are not better than others or in a clique of elites. It is because we have failings and are weak that we pray so that we can draw strength and grace to live in the light and walk the right path.

Just to recap an old post:

"When I say "I am Catholic" I'm not shouting "I've been saved! "I'm whispering "I get lost - that's why I chose this way. "When I say "I am Catholic" I don't speak with human pride, I'm confessing that I stumble - needing God to be my Guide. When I say "I am Catholic" I'm not trying to be strong, I'm professing that I'm weak and pray for strength to carry on."


"When I say "I am Catholic" I'm not bragging of success, I'm admitting that I've failed and cannot ever pay the debt (The debt of Christ's death on the Cross). When I say "I am Catholic" I don't think I know it all, I submit to my confusion asking humbly to be taught. When I say "I am Catholic" I'm not claiming to be perfect, My flaws are far too visible, but God believes I'm worth it."


"When I say "I am Catholic" I still feel the sting of pain, I have my share of heartache which is why I seek His Name. When I say "I am Catholic" I do not wish to judge, I have no authority - I only know I am loved. "


Quotes from: World Youth Day, Sydney 2008

Some Eye candy and more rambling!

#2 brought back lots of food stuff and souvenirs from Korea. This is a pack of caramelized sugar mixed with delicious grains, nuts and seeds. There was flavored seaweed, rice cakes, candies, Korean noodles, everything except Kim Chee!


#2 said that Miss Mezzaforte (her music teacher) told her not to buy from Seoul because it's more expensive than buying from a Korean outlet in Sri Hartamas. So, no Kim Chee for mummy. Mummy has to buy her own Kim Chee.

She made many friends from the competition and has lots of beautiful memories. This was an amazing exposure for her.

This guy got the Gold award! Awesome!

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I copied a post #1 did on #2's competition.

"The sister flew to Korea last week for a piano competition.
Honestly, the family and I weren't expecting much, 'cept for her to gain experience.

Few days into the trip when mom called her, she went on and on ranting about how the 10 and 12 year old Indonesian kids could play well and what not. Mom and I made this bet with dad that she would come back a changed woman. She'd forget her quaintly planned music career and become a scientist of some sort. Yeah. And we bet on it with freaking German pork knuckles (which my hairdresser introduced to us, btw).

Today was the big day. The competition day. It was THE day.

Mom tried calling her the whole day but only managed to get her answering machine.

Mom was like "aiyo. Habis la. Dunno what happened already. Aiyo. She off her phone la. Aiyo how la..." *moans groan boans and every sighing in every language*

Suddenly, there was a message.


MY SISTER GOT SILVER FOR THE SOLO CATEGORY MANNNN.


Congrats laaaaa..


Omgosh. =_= wasted all the aiyos.


Like she said, all glory goes to God who has blessed her/us so abundantly.


Anyway Sis, I lost the bet. *bah

haha.

Oh and if you think we're proud of the sister, think twice.


There's more than just us who're proud of her. There's a whole lot of us. :)


The baby's growing up. :)



Ps: I think the fact that a whole bunch of priests coming over to our house for the annual or semi-annual luncheon brought all the grace and blessings of change. :)"

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This picture, I took from my garden. Didn't even realize that the tree was fruiting until I saw jambu all over the path leading to the garage!

My second award!

Thank you Emily for this "Kreativ Blogger" award! This site doesn't get a lot of awards (one so far) and when it does, I am truly awed and floored by the people who appreciate it.

The coincidence here is, my first award was also a "Creative Blogger Award" given to me by Sue Sue many, many moons ago! LOL!

Emily is a crafter and has done some amazing and awesome stitching. Me? I used to sew (many moons ago) patchwork bags, blankets etc, went into scrap booking, costume jewelery creativity, etc, etc, the list goes on.

Emily and I began our blogger friendship on a very comical set. I made a post on my 'trauma' cooking 'tongue' and she dropped some comments and our blogger friendship bloomed from then on. LOL!!

Emily is a member of the Malaysian Bookcrosses club, which I think is awesome! I've however been unfortunate to have too little time in my hands to enjoy what I love most - read! Reading is my passion but once I get my hands on any book, I drop and forget everything else. My utter weakness!

I try to steer clear of story books and conversations about good reads. Otherwise, I will be 'hiding' in the toilet with a "no-end diarrhea condition" trying to finish the last few chapters of the book at 3a.m. in the morning - that's my perpetual excuse if hubs wakes up and asks if I'm okay (*guilty*).

Anyway, all that said and done, I'd also like to extend this award back again to EMILY! I know you extended this to me but I love 'stalking' your blog if you don't know already! (Unfortunately, I'm a silent stalker!) I think you deserve this award all over again!!!

Then there are my new 'stalking victims':

NOBU who tirelessly keep 'educating' readers about the wonderful world of Japanese Oishii food! I have a passionate love for Japanese food and I find his site very educational! Nobu is diligent in updating his blog and most times when I log into his blog, it's updated!!

I want to thank allthingspurple for consistently dropping comments and thoughts sometime or other in this blog. I think we bloggers thrive on this. It keeps me going and enthusiastic that some people find this blog interesting enough to keep coming back. My heart gives a little jump of excitement when I see random comments becoming 'regular' and then progressing to becoming 'blogger pals' per se. She's got picky kids and she 'desperately' uses different ways and methods to present the same type of food in creative ways, by way of 'kawai' bento boxes and accessories. So much effort! (*salutes you*).

Then there is Terri @ hunger hunger who doesn't care a hoot about 'awards' but I love to silently stalk her creative cooking site because of her honest to heart type of ranting and amazing recipes. I learnt to cook my first "best soy sauce chicken" from her blog!

Finally, I've been stalking all Bento blogs possible. I like visiting Lyvvie @ obentobaby because her blog is updated regularly and I love the creative 'edible' jokes that she writes out for her kid/s. The edible joke is an awesome idea and I've been scouring the bakery supplies for 'sugar paper'. I've found my edible ink pens and soon, I hope to be sending some 'edible messages' with my Bento too!





Ok, here's the rules :
1. The winner may put the logo on her blog.
2. Put a link to the person you got the award from.
3. Nominate 5 blogs.
4. Put links to the blogs.
5. Leave a message for your nominees

My first Blogger Award!!

Sue from Cooking Momster Corner awarded me my first Blogger award!! I am honored and humbled at the same time. Thank you very, very much.

The Cooking Momster Corner blog was the blog that triggered the birth of Bento Pet. I had just started surfing the net and discovered blogging. I visited many Bento sites all over the world and Sue's site was the only local site which had some indication of a Bento collection (which she bought from the US). It was enough to get my adrenaline running wild and Bento Pet sprung into action.

Thank you, Sue, from the bottom of my heart. *gives a bow*

If I may, I would like to share this with fellow bloggers whom I've recently met and whose sites I enjoy visiting.

Terri of A Daily Obsession - Truly an awesome site. Full of interesting recipes and intelligent rantings from a lady who takes pride in her cooking, presentation and her family.

Rita Ho of I'm making notes - A blogger friend whom I have an affinity with. Loved her Merdeka post and t-shirt. Jim Reeves, Cliff Richard and Bing Crosby fan!!! Yeah!!

Tia*Ungil (Tee Ya Ooh Ng Eel) of Bek el Tekoi ma Rokui el Tekoi - A Palaun woman who currently lives in Hawaii and has got into the Bento obsession. This award is to encourage and compel you to keep going with your Bento-ing.

There are so many creative and fantastic sites out there who deserve this award. All of you deserve it and you have received some awesome and deserving ones too.

These 3 people are close to my heart and has lent meaning to my blogging and so to you - Terri, Rita and Tia*Ungil, I Bento Pet humbly award you with this:



Thank you for having made a difference to my blogging days!!

May you have more creative juices to share!! God bless!