2nd Most Common Cancer in Women

Jab of Life

I took this picture of myself with a jab a few months ago after being persuaded by my gynae for the longest time.  What sort of jab is this?  Its none other than the HPV (Human Papillomavirus).  Its a vaccination to prevent cervical cancer.   

Some facts ** :

- Cervical cancer is the world's 2nd most common cancer in women.

- In Malaysia, cervical cancer is the 2nd most common cancer affecting women.

- In 2002, cervical cancer accounted for 12.9% of all female cancer in Malaysia.

- Every minute, one woman is diagnosed with the disease somewhere in the world.

- Virtually every woman is at risk of cervical cancer, regardless of their age or lifestyle.

- Vaccination against the causes of cervical cancer and regular screening could help you prevent it.

Information leaflets available in all clinics

Probably, one of the most famous super star succumbed to cervical cancer and passed away is Hong Kong diva, Anita Mui.  She was only 40 years old then.  That year was 2003, the year I sealed a lifetime commitment to Beary.  I remembered very well during her passing, how I realised I need to take charge of my health, especially since I have a family history of my dear ones battling cancer, some of them survived, while others were dearly missed.

The good news is, in Malaysia, HPV vaccination is in the National Immunisation Programme and is provided by the government to 13 year old girls.  Women like me could obtain the same by paying a visit to the gynae, nevertheless at an affordable price.   

4 years ago, when it was first introduced to me, my immediate reaction was how expensive it was.  I could not recall the price mentioned at that time, but with such pricing, I have procrastinated.  4 years later, I am glad that besides myself improving my financial capability, the price has since reduced.  I got mine at RM199 per jab.  A total of 3 jabs are needed to complete the entire course.

I've recently completed the entire course *successkid.jpg 

Life is priceless.  I saw the pain when my loved ones were battling cancer and I experienced the pain when I was helpless to lighten their burden with the sufferings.  On top of those physical and emotional pain, it had also put a dent in my family's finances.  Needless to say, I felt this price is a small sum to pay in exchange for a healthier body condition and minimizing the potential of inflicting emotional pain towards my family.   

Consult your doctor on immunizing yourself from cervical cancer.  Prevention is better than cure.   Love your life, you've only got one.  Protect yourself, protect your loved ones. 

Just me & my jab

** All facts were extracted from the leaflets made available in all gynaecologists' clinics.

Life's Pleasures @ Flames, Le Meridien Hotel, Kota Kinabalu

Life at times presents itself with surprises, and just 2 weeks ago, I had one of the most pleasant evening which I truly enjoyed.  I have been saying again and again of my hectic life, and often is blinded in slowing down my pace to enjoy the simple and finer things life presents.  That evening, my life was splendidly spent in both ways.

Sabah is truly a blessed land.  She is showered with beautiful scenery, breathtaking most of the time.  Unfortunately, my hectic life has made me forgotten.  I have constantly immerse myself in a sea of infinite work.  But that evening, I thank Le Meridien Hotel Kota Kinabalu for reminding me, that work and pleasure can be balanced.  And indeed it is possible, as I view with awe how marvelously Sabah is from the hotel's 12th floor Club Lounge.

That day, I witnessed  the sunset :

From this...

.... to this 

Panoramic view from the 12th Floor Club Lounge, Le Meridien Hotel, Kota Kinabalu

Sourced : http://www.lemeridien.com/kotakinabalu

All splendid things come to an end, and soon, the sun set beyond the horizon.  I look forward to experience it again as I aim high to elevate myself over and above my current state. (The Le Meridien Club Lounge is for the exclusive use of guests staying on the Le Meridien Club floors).

Me and my fellow friends were then led to their lobby floor, specifically a cozy corner away from its reception area to one of their flagship outlet, FLAMES Steak Restaurant.  

Flames Steak Restaurant is one of the hotel's latest addition to its many dining options.  A casual yet stylish steak restaurant that showcases the best quality, prime steaks for Kota Kinabalu diners.  This intimate corner of 24 seats caters to please lovers of luscious, prime steaks and most things non-vegetarian.  Acclaimed as the only international steak restaurant in Kota Kinabalu with a serious effort to truly please the palates of KK city's steak aficionados.

We were presented with the following menu:

Behold herewith images of the array of dishes in sampling sizes presented before us:

Our opening dish (not in the menu)

Jasmine Tea Infused Duck Breast Confit with shaved fennel, caramelized fruit, 

cress and peach dressing

Cappuccino of Jerusalem Artichoke and Macadamia Nut, 

Truffle Oil and fresh herbs

Avocado tapenade, Japanese tofu, garnished with mandarin orange and miso dressing

Baked Fillet of Cod, Porcini mushroom, asparagus, strawberry and red wine reduction

Maltagliati Pasta, Chicken Fillet with cherry tomato and basil pesto

Passion Fruit Sorbet

Slow Cooked Black Angus Beef Fillet, braised red cabbage, 

baby vegetables and shallot reduction

Swiss Milk Chocolate Mousse, Crispy Rice and Raspberry puree

The night ended with the selection of either Illy coffee or Ronnefeldt tea.  My choice is of course the aromatic tea:

Served in a pot

This experience had been rare and overwhelming.  The servings, though in sampling sizes, were enough to capture the attention of us ladies that Flames offers more than just meeting of the eyes.  On top of its cozy restaurant ambience and food presentation, the price itself came as a surprise.  Gentle on the pockets, a good main course may surprise you with its very affordable pricing starting from RM48 (≈ USD17).  Flames uses the freshest of ingredients which instead of frozen meat, they defy the norm by setting a prominent standard using  flown in chilled meat. 

I found myself enjoying that night's dishes especially the soup (RM25 ≈ USD9) which was delightful to my taste and as a seafood lover, the carefully prepared baked cod fillet (RM78 ≈ USD26) was splendid.  The other dishes were just as pleasant and enjoyable.  I was afterall, in a place accompanied by food loving friends, prime steaks, great wines and great times. ♥♥♥

FLAMES, Kota Kinabalu's only international steak restaurant, is located at:

FLAMES Steak Restaurant
Le Meridien Kota Kinabalu
Jalan Tun Fuad Stephens,
Sinsuran, Kota Kinabalu,
88000  Sabah, Malaysia

Telephone: +60-88-322 222
Website: http://www.lemeridien.com/kotakinabalu

Le Meridien Kota Kinabalu is a five star hotel and a part of the Starwood Hotels and Resorts Worldwide, Inc. loyalty programs, allowing members to earn and redeem points for room stays, room upgrades and flights, with no blackout dates.  For more information, please visit their website : Starwood Hotels.

Credit to Social Media East Malaysia for the evening's great arrangement. 

Updates 20130331 & The Movie: The Croods

Today is the last school day break for Cheeky & Manja.  And frankly, I have again not make much of time for them.  Manja spends most of his time with the bbsitter & all other children under her care while Cheeky was between tuition and swimming lessons.  Yet, I am grateful for there are people around me who have been helping in the caring department, ensuring there isn't less love to spread in this family.   

As the new year 2013 turns out, I am ever more busier with my day job and personal commitments.  I took up some projects be it for my office or myself.  If you are asking whether all these are worth it, I would say YES.  How is this worth it?  For the family, I am a provider, ensuring a roof above our heads.  Sometime ago, I read a post on a family's financial hardship, that nothing was right for them, that their family was without choice and were left to defend for survival.  I empathize for them.  The comments that came along with the post were suggestive solutions, yet because of rage, nothing was pick up from the comments.  The rage also causes others not to comment further.  I was a side spectator, though empathize, but if suggestions are just by-passing, well, I'll just remain as a side spectator.  Y being caught in cyber bullying?  Not worth it.  I'll just keep enjoying my latte instead. 

Back to my worthy topic, reason no. 2, 'coz I am on a learning curve to handle adversity.  They say if you stay stationary, you learn nothing, you do not progress.  And soon you'll be by-pass by others who are willing to accept challenges and are willing to build a very very strong vault that no situation is able to shake their superiority.  You become wiser with the experience gained.  You practice wisdom of the wise.   

I am lucky for I have great mentors guiding me.  This personal development is slowly bearing fruit.  What I have visioned my future no longer is a pipe dream, but getting closer and closer to the light.  Which brings me to this movie:

 

I watched this movie last night with my kids (So I wasn't totally not spending time with them, eh??).  The storyline was simple and easy to understand.  It has somehow touch the simple meaning of if we remain in our comfort zone i.e. staying stationary, we'll become extinct soon. 

The truth is situation and environment is always evolving, we can't ignore it.  Ignorance is why your comfort zone is getting smaller and tighter.  Ignorance of change equals limiting yourself.  So why set the boundary?  Why live in a cave? 

I am glad I watched this movie.  Its rated PG13 in Malaysia.  You can refer to other sites for movie review.  As for me, I'm going to purchase and keep it in my movie library once release and available in DVD.  There are alot of great movies out there.  But those with positive message and values are what I appreciate most.  'Coz these values are the very essence of what humans are supposed to be. 

No cyber bullying.  No road bullies.  No bearing grudges for people moving ahead of you.  Selfish people thought time will stop for them and every other people will have to wait for them to move before they do. Y should progress be deter? 

If everyone is willing to put effort in making life better, don't you think heaven is on earth? 

♥ ♥ ♥

** RM41,266.98.  Life has been good to me ♥. 

** To know my last balance, click here. 

苦中一点甜~ The Dynasty Healthy Herbal Tea House

Did you know that chinese medicine is always about balancing your energy?  The "chi" they said, should be made accord for the entire body to function harmoniously ensuring a healthy body.  There are lots of ways in practicing chinese medicine. Not touching on the more complex cure, the daily consumable herbal drinks are featured here. 

Introducing the Gui Ling Gao (龟苓膏):

Chilled Herbal Jelly With Sea Coconut and Longan

Most herbal shops sell this particular dessert by the jelly with honey.  However, for Dynasty Healthy Herbal Tea House (黄朝), they believed the dessert should be enjoyed in many more varieties than its original presentation.  Hence, after trying this concept, I would say, it definitely redefined the meaning of creativity to a dessert deserving more attention than just by its bitter jelly.  The accompanying sea coconut and longan bits with lemon/lime juice brings a refreshing taste to the dessert.  No longer bitter, a touch of sweetness enhances the flavour bringing out a pleasant taste to be enjoyed.  Hence, if you are wondering what's the meaning of the chinese characters on the title of this post, it means "In its bitterness, sweetness is present".  粘切 mah? #close_enough

Dynasty Healthy Herbal Tea House offers more than meets the eyes, for besides their bestseller Gui Ling Gao, they serve Foo Chuk Barley (beancurd stick with barley), Luo Han Guo drink, Mango Cream dessert, and many others. Just have a look at part of their menu captured here:

So many smiley recommendations & they serve homemade cakes too. 

In case you are not aware, here's the list of benefits when consuming herbal drinks which I extracted from their shop's display area: 

- Improving your skin complexion

- Strengthen your immune system
- Detoxify the body
- For damp heat (湿热), dry skin, pimples, insomnia & lack of appetite.

An array of choices served before us

The logo / mascot

Dynasty Healthy Herbal Tea House is a new herbal tea drink shop (since 12 Jan 2013) located at Lot 17, Block B, Ground Floor, Damai Point Commercial Centre, Jalan Damai, Luyang, Kota Kinabalu.  Telephone contact no.: 017-866 0026.

The nicely decorated shop.  A pleasant atmosphere to enjoy healthy drinks.

If you are into some healthy, pure & concentrated yet enjoyable drinks/desserts, why not give Dynasty a try?  I truly enjoyed the cozy interior setting of the shop and according to the owner, free wifi will be made available soon.

Follow Dynasty Healthy Herbal Tea House on their facebook page.  Promotions are made periodically.  Do not miss them.

I shall be coming back for more.

The Corona Extra Beach Party 2012

Did you know there were 2 parties? Which one did you join?  Or did you join both?

Can't bring your bar to the beach?  We'll bring the 

beach to you! ~ I LIKE-Y ♥ ♥ ♥

The Friday Sunset Beach Party was all about........... WET.  Well, that's all I know about the event as I was not there.  Its a party by the beach, with the attire theme of beach wear, singing bands, DJs churning up some hot dancing music, and not forgetting the spraying of WATER GUNS.  I could imagine the event being absolute fun.  OF COURSE its lots of fun.  Then why am I not there?  Maybe its my flabby tummy, maybe its my sagging boobs, or maybe I do not have a bikini for that matter.  Whatever it is, I can't remember and won't be recalling.  Let's just say its my unfortunate Friday.

But the party didn't end at the beach, they continued on the next night which was a Saturday. WOOHOO!!!  That's my call to rave, yeah you betcha!  

The made up photo background with real sand......where? At the bottom of our feet :P

Follow the sign

Do not forget your bucket ;)

If you think the "opening" was awesome, the party that's raving inside the venue was ever more smashing.  Multiple talents displayed their expertise:

Talented DJs spinning some of the best dance music

Korean Beatbox Jaekweon in the house

Flames showcased entertaining the partygoers 

Gotta have a Corona

The crowd in the big make shift event tent

My partygoing kaki-s

More photos can be seen at the Corona Extra Full Moon Beach Party Facebook page.  All photos featured here are from their facebook page except for the last with my partying kaki-s.  

This Beach Party is an annual event.  First brought to KK beach bummers and partygoers in year 2011.  Why not make a date for the next?  Just click "Like" on their facebook page and you are all set to know when's the next event will be.

Till we meet again in the next party!! Muaks ♥

2012 Year End Trip to Genting Highlands

Hola,

I am back from my holidays. Took me a week post-trip to update here.  Was at Genting Highlands & Kuala Lumpur for 2 nights each.   

From my tiny room @ First World Hotel, Resorts World, Genting Highlands

1st stop Genting Highlands :

The trip involved besides the vkitty family, I brought along dear dad and dear mom.  The whole trip was decided late which costs me a BOMB!!  Yup, yours truly sponsored the return airtickets and accommodations throughout this trip.  Hence, the surge use of my cc which was shown in my last update :P.

Nevertheless, the consolation must be the tiny room I stayed at Genting which was free from the points exchanged from my parent's Genting cards :PP.  LOL, they have been accumulating points from the several sessions with their "friends", the ka-ching ka-ching machines.  The Genting casino was their main agenda when passing time, while I brought my loves around the indoor park with all the amusements and rides.  The outdoor park was closed 'coz of the weather.  Throughout our 2 nights stay, it was cold and windy.  My Gosh!, the place was covered by THICK FOG!  Brrrr!....... well, at least it feels kinda christmas-y, I guess??

I didn't managed to snap alot of pics for this trip.  No one was interested in taking pics T___T. Everyone were there for the fun element.

 The fun-s!

Indoor theme park at RM102 for 2 adults and 2 children : Neh, been there before, rode many-many times, the same rides since my previous trip before this. Genting, y u no new rides? Oh BTW, everyone were hogging the indoor rides since the outdoor ones were closed.  Yes, the queues were very, very, very, veeeeeerry LONG!

eZICash for arcade games : I think there's either RM4 or 8 left in the card T_____T 

So you r the tallest, eh?

Ripley's Believe It or Not Exhibition : Paid RM80 for 2 adults and 2 kids.  I'm swaying towards worthwhile to spend this amount as there are some really weird stuff on display there.  So weird that Manja was begging to leave and wouldn't wanna finish the entire exhibition.  In the end before Manja goes hysterical, I had to hastily leave and return to the entrance with him while Beary & Cheeky were finishing the exhibition and exiting from the Exit way.  The result was me given an ear full from Beary for Manja's manja-ness.  Soooo worth it, right???  T______T.  (Pun intended.  But really, its a good exhibition).

Digiphoto : Pics taken by others to claim at their pic booths.  I think this needs to be paid.  Dun know the price. See, got pics taken oso didn't wanna grab them. 

The trip has been a delightful experience for everyone.  A tiring one, nevertheless, packed with lots of fun.  And my fun started even before I reach KL.

Shopping!!

TANGS LOVES ME!!  The TANGS Sale was at Genting!!   

Thank god I bought something there as I didn't make it to Pavilion nor create my inaugural journey on the bridge linking KLCC. Thank you TANGS for bringing your sale to me ^_^.  Really needed to get new shoes as my loafers was killing me by biting my heels.... Both!!  I ended wearing my sandals the whole time.  

Before I reach Genting, my dear sis was whatsapp-ing me: 

Me         : Oh yes! Arriving KL 15 mins earlier.
Dear Sis : Bah sdah sampai big city jgn macam Sam pa lau k! 

Well, sorry to disappoint you Sis, but my instinct was to be comfortable and not to allow further damage to my feet.  So here's a pic of me in my sandals, my Sam pa lau style ;D :

Freakin' cold with love......... from Genting Highlands

Ending this post by wishing everyone and counting down to : HAPPY NEW YEAR 2013!!

♥ ♥ ♥

** RM46,711.87. ~ Did I give you a shock?  That's a major difference from the last update.  Feels great to end my 2012 with the cc reduction. YES!  More MM posts soon ;).

** To know my last balance, click here.

We T.A.B.'ed! ~ The Awesome Bloggers Gathering 2012

First of all, I have to apologise for coming up with this post late.  I am usually tied down more intensely on my day job nearing the end of the year.  I was so immerse in my job that I don't even remember where did I transfer the pics taken during the gathering :O 

Well, I managed to trace some.  The ones that I could not trace are those taken with my phone :( 

Yet ultimately, its the memory and my experience from the event that counts.  And I shall tell you my side of the story about this event more famously known as:

This happened on a cozy after rain evening on the 10th of November 2012.  It was a Saturday, and the event took place at Party Play, Jalan Lintas.  Everyone was requested to abide by these 2 rules, that is to turn up in a single colour wardrobe and to get a no lesser than RM30 gift  for exchange.  Equipping myself with both "weapons", I turned up at the entrance of Party Play.  And hoo boy, did I coloured myself in red..... Red dress, red shoes, red lipstick (duh!), red hand bag and a somewhat pinkish wrapped gift in hand.

All the gifts <3.  The checkered one that looked like a Burberry ;) is from me

We kicked start the night with an ice breaking session, by randomly picking a name from a tiny container, and I got this :

Everyone were requested to introduce the person whom he/she has picked.  One by one the names were called and soon it was my turn.  And there she was, Edith.

Hello Edith. Can you tell I was nervous?

Yes, I was.  Its like a student meeting a teacher. :P...... okay, I'm exaggerating, nevertheless, I was somewhat nervous as prior to this, I have not meet her before.  And so, instead of me introducing her, I passed the ball and let her self introduce :PP (yea, I was thaaaaaatt nervous!)

This was reciprocated with Nowriz introducing the Vibrantkitty.....    

Hello Nowriz, nice meeting you :)

After everyone intro'ed, it was time for dinner.  Here's mine:

Party Play's Club Sandwich with Lemon Pink Soda

The rest of the night's programme was accomplished quite fast with lots of games and laughters.... with thanks to Chegu Carol for organising the games.  Soon it was the gift exchange programme and as per similar to the ice breaking session, we picked a name from the tiny container.  Again at random.  And so he got hers, she got his, she had hers, vice versa, etc. etc. and....... Aemy got mine, and I got Aemy's.  Hahahaha, what coincident that we exchanged each others gifts.  

I looked like a giant beside petite Aemy :P 

The rest of the programmes were the best dressed male and female bloggers which went to Chegu Carol and Armstrong, not forgetting Aki who closed the event with his all mighty speech (Fuyoh!!).  Yet because of the night ended faaaiiiirrrly early, we did what bloggers do best, snap snap snap photos away.........

Credit: The Rungitom

Such gatherings are truly fun when like minded people who share same interests group together.  Unfortunately, I didn't get to know most of them.  Ambience was kinda noisy and due to the sitting arrangement, a few were sitted quite a distance away.  But I truly had fun, so much fun that I look forward to more of such gatherings. 

So, do you wanna find out what I got from Aemy?   

First of all, what did I get for her?  I got her a box of water sheet mask, a box of 10 sheets of Hello Kitty masks.  And in return, sooooo concidentally, I got a kitty too!!!!

A kitty coin bank.

I absolutely adore my gift.  In fact so adoring that I'm going to plant a kiss on my pretty kitty.

Muaks!

Thank you Aemy.  The kitty goes oh so well with my brand name ;)