「昔のことを追いかける疲れたでしょう。人生を整理して、前に向けを、感謝して、私が主は私の将来の可能性が見えるから。Please read Philippians 3:13-14」
よいアドバイスと思ってた～
Tuesday, December 31, 2013
day 7 : mini file
１２月３１日のプレゼントはこちらです。薄い緑の紙と緑のＭＴテープの中でちっちゃいファイルが入ってます。日本らしいのファイルで、超可愛いと思ってた～それで、蝶々のメッセージもあります。
「昔のことを追いかける疲れたでしょう。人生を整理して、前に向けを、感謝して、私が主は私の将来の可能性が見えるから。Please read Philippians 3:13-14」
よいアドバイスと思ってた～
「昔のことを追いかける疲れたでしょう。人生を整理して、前に向けを、感謝して、私が主は私の将来の可能性が見えるから。Please read Philippians 3:13-14」
よいアドバイスと思ってた～
christmas in kobe
Just a glimpse of the early Christmas celebrations and festivities in Kobe...
Was a little tiring having to make the cards and wrap the presents the night before, and then waking up earlier than usual to cook, but I guess it's been some time since I got myself busy and creative~
It's fun when everyone else has also put in equally much effort, if not more, to celebrate Christmas together at Soga cafe. Only managed to get some shots of Yumiko with her lovely creations. She was the perfect hostess with Christmas decor all put up, and even had time to roast a chicken, make seafood paella and baked potatoes all presented very nicely. Made me wish I could have done more than just curry chicken >.<
Our last bible study gathering was back at the Crillo cafe, too bad Ako-san couldn't join us. Erike gave away gifts, while we had already gotten handmade ones from Dora few weeks earlier. I'm planning to get something Malaysian for them when I get some time this week!
Some of the illumination put up near the Sannomiya station and shopping malls for the festive season.
Was a little tiring having to make the cards and wrap the presents the night before, and then waking up earlier than usual to cook, but I guess it's been some time since I got myself busy and creative~
It's fun when everyone else has also put in equally much effort, if not more, to celebrate Christmas together at Soga cafe. Only managed to get some shots of Yumiko with her lovely creations. She was the perfect hostess with Christmas decor all put up, and even had time to roast a chicken, make seafood paella and baked potatoes all presented very nicely. Made me wish I could have done more than just curry chicken >.<
Our last bible study gathering was back at the Crillo cafe, too bad Ako-san couldn't join us. Erike gave away gifts, while we had already gotten handmade ones from Dora few weeks earlier. I'm planning to get something Malaysian for them when I get some time this week!
Some of the illumination put up near the Sannomiya station and shopping malls for the festive season.
Monday, December 30, 2013
day 6 : note papers
１２月３０日のプレゼントはこちらです。透明な封筒と四枚の紙があります。一枚の紙は英語のメッセージが書いてます。
「You may like to share your story with people, just a few lines, that made you feel blessed or being encouraged of the day ^.^ Find one, or even yourself, write a letter to share your glorify life with the Lord. Shine! Perfume of heaven.」
実は、何もまだ書いてないんですが、何か書きはずですか、誰に渡せばいいんですか、と思ってます。。。
「You may like to share your story with people, just a few lines, that made you feel blessed or being encouraged of the day ^.^ Find one, or even yourself, write a letter to share your glorify life with the Lord. Shine! Perfume of heaven.」
実は、何もまだ書いてないんですが、何か書きはずですか、誰に渡せばいいんですか、と思ってます。。。
Sunday, December 29, 2013
day 5 : balloons
１２月２９日のプレゼントはこちらです。赤い糸は二つ紙を包んで、可愛い花の模様があります。ゆっくりで開けて、大きい紙の中で、紫とオレンジの風船が入ってます。小さい紙にメッセージが書いてます。
「毎日新しいことをやって、新しい～が取って、”新しい”イエス様に出会い。。。
今、新しいあそびにするよ。（水玉風船）水に～入して、ふうせんが～～７－８ｃｍぐらいに」
～のところに漢字がちょっと読めないんですが、意味もちょっと分からないんです。だから、まだやってないんです。。。（＾。－）”
実は、もうすぐ神戸に戻る予定なんですが、多分神戸にやったほうがいいと思う。
「毎日新しいことをやって、新しい～が取って、”新しい”イエス様に出会い。。。
今、新しいあそびにするよ。（水玉風船）水に～入して、ふうせんが～～７－８ｃｍぐらいに」
～のところに漢字がちょっと読めないんですが、意味もちょっと分からないんです。だから、まだやってないんです。。。（＾。－）”
実は、もうすぐ神戸に戻る予定なんですが、多分神戸にやったほうがいいと思う。
Saturday, December 28, 2013
day 4 : polka-dot button
１２月２８日のプレゼントはこちらです。お茶袋の外で選択挟みを使われて、中でピンクの水玉のボタンとメッセージを入ってます。
私の日本語まだ下手なんですが、新しい言葉学べなければなりません。（＾。－）”
「神の約束（～書の言葉）を信じして；心が繋ぐ、行動にして自分の～になる、そして信仰や神様と愛情もうまれた。FAITH!!!」
～の漢字が分からないので書けないんです。。。
私の日本語まだ下手なんですが、新しい言葉学べなければなりません。（＾。－）”
「神の約束（～書の言葉）を信じして；心が繋ぐ、行動にして自分の～になる、そして信仰や神様と愛情もうまれた。FAITH!!!」
～の漢字が分からないので書けないんです。。。
Friday, December 27, 2013
day 3 : hot lemon
１２月２７日のプレゼントはこのカラフルの袋です。柔らかい糸の飾りを使われました。ホットレモンを入ってます。少し中国語のメッセージを書いてますがちょっと読めないんです。英語のGod please youと日本語の神様❤❤❤も書いてます。
まだ飲んでないんです、日本に持ち帰りたかった。冬の寒さに合うと思う（＾。＾）
まだ飲んでないんです、日本に持ち帰りたかった。冬の寒さに合うと思う（＾。＾）
Thursday, December 26, 2013
day 2 : black sesame rice cake
１２月２６日のプレゼントはこのストライプの封筒です。中は黒ごまのもちが入ってます。聖書の詩篇６８：１９を書いてる紙も有ります。
「神様はすばらしいお方です。 日ごとに私たちの重荷を肩代わりして、救いの手を差し伸べてくださるのです。」
「神様はすばらしいお方です。 日ごとに私たちの重荷を肩代わりして、救いの手を差し伸べてくださるのです。」
Wednesday, December 25, 2013
Tuesday, December 24, 2013
Saturday, December 14, 2013
stroopwafel
The Japanese are so polite and try not to intrude that I found it rather amusing. So you see, I brought some Dutch waffles (stroopwafel) for my colleagues to try. Usually whenever someone comes back with an edible souvenir (omiyage), they would have an email sent out to announce for people to help themselves to the food at the little coffee corner.
This time, I didn't feel like doing that again, so I just left the waffles at the usual spot. Thinking that is where colleagues gather to fill their coffee and tea, I thought it would be obvious why the waffles were left there. Usually snacks like this would be quickly snapped up, especially nearing teatime.
Seeing that no one had touched it, I realised almost with a whack to my head, that they were not aware that these were meant to be shared!
So I tried to write a note in Japanese and left it next to the waffles. I had seen some of my lady colleagues do this, so tried to follow. And true enough, people started to open the packaging and try the waffles! (^.^)
And oh, one of the colleagues wandered aloud asking who "se-ra" (/ˈsɛərə/) was, as written below. Waka-san who sat in front me started laughing. I wasn't sure if I should take it as a joke or genuine question. But of course I knew that they usually call me as how my name is spelt, which is "sara" (/ˈsɑːrɑː/), hence the "confusion".
This time, I didn't feel like doing that again, so I just left the waffles at the usual spot. Thinking that is where colleagues gather to fill their coffee and tea, I thought it would be obvious why the waffles were left there. Usually snacks like this would be quickly snapped up, especially nearing teatime.
Seeing that no one had touched it, I realised almost with a whack to my head, that they were not aware that these were meant to be shared!
So I tried to write a note in Japanese and left it next to the waffles. I had seen some of my lady colleagues do this, so tried to follow. And true enough, people started to open the packaging and try the waffles! (^.^)
And oh, one of the colleagues wandered aloud asking who "se-ra" (/ˈsɛərə/) was, as written below. Waka-san who sat in front me started laughing. I wasn't sure if I should take it as a joke or genuine question. But of course I knew that they usually call me as how my name is spelt, which is "sara" (/ˈsɑːrɑː/), hence the "confusion".
Wednesday, December 11, 2013
I AMsterdam p3
Though this was my 3rd trip to Amsterdam, there were many "firsts" this time around. Or rather, many significant memories that made this trip rather different from the previous ones.
First time entering the airport lounge. Not as fancy as a proper airline lounge, but a little rest area for those with certain corporate cards. I managed to get some warm corn soup with crackers before catching my flight. I only found out about this "privilege" when my colleague told me he was waiting at the lounge.
My first evening arriving in Amsterdam, I discovered from my boss that there was some winter market near the city. Looking for food I landed upon the Swiss stall because the raclette looked tempting. The puffs of steam escaping my mouth as I ate the melted cheese must have attracted tourists, for soon, the stall got crowded. I certainly brought some fortune to the merchants!
Trying a different hotel this time because the previous was a bit pricey, I managed to get a good deal online that came with breakfast. And it was still much cheaper than the Hilton! First time staying at the Crowne Plaza, I have lots of good things to say about this hotel, in Amsterdam. In fact, I have just left some really good compliments when they sent me the survey form to fill.
Going in winter to Europe meant there would be some special celebrations. In Netherlands it was Sinterklaas. Apparently the bearded guy in red suit walks around the city distributing presents. I've only seen a glimpse of him though from a restaurant. I know my colleagues in the European office got some gifts (most likely through HR), so I was delighted to get this on my table when I got back to the hotel one evening.
Our UK site went live on Friday morning, 7am to be exact! We popped the cork and enjoyed some champagne courtesy of the EC Director. It's like having champagne for breakfast, needless to say it was hard to get through the morning already having little sleep because of the early launch.
There were some strong winds across Europe that week. Apparently it went up around 50km/h, that's faster than the car we used to drive when we were learning how to drive! I almost got blown away a few times, remind me to eat more when I get back to Malaysia.
Unfortunately on the day we went live, I found out that Nelson Mandela had passed away the evening before. We were in a rather sombre mood that morning, as a sign of respect.
There are not many heroes out there willing to suffer, sacrifice and put their lives down for a cause they believe in, especially for so many long years. My condolences to South Africa.
I guess it's a reminder to myself, if I'm willing to do that too.
First time entering the airport lounge. Not as fancy as a proper airline lounge, but a little rest area for those with certain corporate cards. I managed to get some warm corn soup with crackers before catching my flight. I only found out about this "privilege" when my colleague told me he was waiting at the lounge.
My first evening arriving in Amsterdam, I discovered from my boss that there was some winter market near the city. Looking for food I landed upon the Swiss stall because the raclette looked tempting. The puffs of steam escaping my mouth as I ate the melted cheese must have attracted tourists, for soon, the stall got crowded. I certainly brought some fortune to the merchants!
Trying a different hotel this time because the previous was a bit pricey, I managed to get a good deal online that came with breakfast. And it was still much cheaper than the Hilton! First time staying at the Crowne Plaza, I have lots of good things to say about this hotel, in Amsterdam. In fact, I have just left some really good compliments when they sent me the survey form to fill.
Going in winter to Europe meant there would be some special celebrations. In Netherlands it was Sinterklaas. Apparently the bearded guy in red suit walks around the city distributing presents. I've only seen a glimpse of him though from a restaurant. I know my colleagues in the European office got some gifts (most likely through HR), so I was delighted to get this on my table when I got back to the hotel one evening.
Our UK site went live on Friday morning, 7am to be exact! We popped the cork and enjoyed some champagne courtesy of the EC Director. It's like having champagne for breakfast, needless to say it was hard to get through the morning already having little sleep because of the early launch.
There were some strong winds across Europe that week. Apparently it went up around 50km/h, that's faster than the car we used to drive when we were learning how to drive! I almost got blown away a few times, remind me to eat more when I get back to Malaysia.
Unfortunately on the day we went live, I found out that Nelson Mandela had passed away the evening before. We were in a rather sombre mood that morning, as a sign of respect.
There are not many heroes out there willing to suffer, sacrifice and put their lives down for a cause they believe in, especially for so many long years. My condolences to South Africa.
I guess it's a reminder to myself, if I'm willing to do that too.
Tuesday, December 03, 2013
rainy tokyo this time
It was the beginning of autumn when we had our first global ec summit. After the week-long workshops were over, we played host to our overseas guests and bring those who had some hours to kill before their flight.
It was a rainy Saturday morning, and all I wanted to do was to snuggle in bed but had to push myself to get up to check out of the hotel. First up was the retail tour in the shopping streets of Omotesando and Harajuku. Our competitor seemed to be enjoying brisk sales with a queue outside even in the drizzle.
The Onitsuka Tiger flagship store in Harajuku, tucked in a little alley behind Ralph Lauren. To be honest I never knew how big this brand was back home, but slowly appreciated the legendary shoes after joining the company.
Seems like a new store just opened. You can tell by the long queues outside the store. Even in the rain. I remember when living in Tokyo, and Krispy Kreme had first opened a store in Shinjuku the Japanese would queue up in the winter cold just to get a taste of the sweet doughnuts. Same when H&M opened its doors - I couldn't be bothered and am always amazed at their patience!
After the long walk around the Shibuya shopping streets, we decided to get some Japanese for lunch. I've bragged about how fresh seafood are here, but when my Tokyo friend visited me in Kobe he commented that Kobe sashimi seemed even fresher!
Tamai-san ordered some sides to go with our chirashi sushi (sushi rice topped with sashimi slices), this "siham" lightly sauteed with Japanese sake and butter.
After saying goodbye to our regional guests, I explored the latest shopping mall in Shibuya while waiting for Aishah. Felt like a country bumpkin in the big malls and amazed again at all the pretty creations. It's nice to just wander around window shopping and just enjoying what novel new stuff they've come up with this time.
What creativity - these are aprons - pretty enough to be worn as a dress I think!
My ex-housemate Aishah was nice enough to meet me at the Tokyo station before I had to dash off to get the shinkansen. She still loves pastries and all things sweet, so she introduced me to Fairy Cupcakes. This walnut bear and macha frog were just too cute to be eaten!
I found some new flavours at one of the souvenir shops - rum and raisin, wasabi and strawberry cheesecake. Guess which one I'm bringing home for you guys to try!
I got broke spending on the Kitkats, and cute cupcakes that I could only afford these for dinner on the shinkansen. But again, what a lovely design they had just for some rice cakes :)
It was a rainy Saturday morning, and all I wanted to do was to snuggle in bed but had to push myself to get up to check out of the hotel. First up was the retail tour in the shopping streets of Omotesando and Harajuku. Our competitor seemed to be enjoying brisk sales with a queue outside even in the drizzle.
The Onitsuka Tiger flagship store in Harajuku, tucked in a little alley behind Ralph Lauren. To be honest I never knew how big this brand was back home, but slowly appreciated the legendary shoes after joining the company.
Seems like a new store just opened. You can tell by the long queues outside the store. Even in the rain. I remember when living in Tokyo, and Krispy Kreme had first opened a store in Shinjuku the Japanese would queue up in the winter cold just to get a taste of the sweet doughnuts. Same when H&M opened its doors - I couldn't be bothered and am always amazed at their patience!
After the long walk around the Shibuya shopping streets, we decided to get some Japanese for lunch. I've bragged about how fresh seafood are here, but when my Tokyo friend visited me in Kobe he commented that Kobe sashimi seemed even fresher!
Tamai-san ordered some sides to go with our chirashi sushi (sushi rice topped with sashimi slices), this "siham" lightly sauteed with Japanese sake and butter.
After saying goodbye to our regional guests, I explored the latest shopping mall in Shibuya while waiting for Aishah. Felt like a country bumpkin in the big malls and amazed again at all the pretty creations. It's nice to just wander around window shopping and just enjoying what novel new stuff they've come up with this time.
What creativity - these are aprons - pretty enough to be worn as a dress I think!
My ex-housemate Aishah was nice enough to meet me at the Tokyo station before I had to dash off to get the shinkansen. She still loves pastries and all things sweet, so she introduced me to Fairy Cupcakes. This walnut bear and macha frog were just too cute to be eaten!
I found some new flavours at one of the souvenir shops - rum and raisin, wasabi and strawberry cheesecake. Guess which one I'm bringing home for you guys to try!
I got broke spending on the Kitkats, and cute cupcakes that I could only afford these for dinner on the shinkansen. But again, what a lovely design they had just for some rice cakes :)
Saturday, November 30, 2013
sara.li.e
You've heard of the Sara Lee frozen cheesecakes, that famous dessert from the US. Angmohs familiar with that brand always ask if my name is with a H.
When my Japanese colleagues read my name for the first time, they pronounce it as Sala, which could also sound like plate (お皿) in Japanese.
For those familiar with Japanese pronunciation, I end up with nicknames such as celery (セロリ), salaryman (サラリーマン) and salad (サラダ).
I was so amused at seeing this in the stores that I decided to get one. But maybe because there's a butterfly on the cover design. (I think only ladies will know what this is ;) )
When my Japanese colleagues read my name for the first time, they pronounce it as Sala, which could also sound like plate (お皿) in Japanese.
For those familiar with Japanese pronunciation, I end up with nicknames such as celery (セロリ), salaryman (サラリーマン) and salad (サラダ).
I was so amused at seeing this in the stores that I decided to get one. But maybe because there's a butterfly on the cover design. (I think only ladies will know what this is ;) )
Wednesday, November 27, 2013
next up, the pine for dining
Sometimes it's a good thing tackling something difficult first, because the next one would be so much easier. My Malaysian friend Zadli said he took up Chinese because it made learning Japanese a little bit easier! I'm embarrassed being Chinese >.<
Anyways, now that I've gotten the TV rack done with, I got so excited I started clearing out some other old stuff and boxes which had been lying around - yes, including the box which had served me well as a table all these while.
I chose a foldable low table because that would save me some space when the occasion required. Also, living in a studio like this meant I can't have a proper dining table with chairs. So Japanese style, sitting on the floor :)
Anyways, now that I've gotten the TV rack done with, I got so excited I started clearing out some other old stuff and boxes which had been lying around - yes, including the box which had served me well as a table all these while.
I chose a foldable low table because that would save me some space when the occasion required. Also, living in a studio like this meant I can't have a proper dining table with chairs. So Japanese style, sitting on the floor :)
This was a piece of cake compared to the TV rack. Just needed to figure out how to fold and unfold the table. Seriously, when I first attempted this before building the TV rack, I couldn't get it working. But after the rack, I somehow developed an understanding of furniture instructions sheet and suddenly managed to get the legs standing upright.
What a great feeling to be able to eat on a proper table I wondered what took me so long to get this!
What a great feeling to be able to eat on a proper table I wondered what took me so long to get this!
Tuesday, November 26, 2013
the oak rack below the tv
I'm so excited, my room feels a little more complete now!
Last weekend, 2 flat packed boxes arrived, waking me from my slumber. As usual weekend is the only time I get to catch up with sleep.. First box arrived around 9am. After signing off the box, I trudged back to bed, only to be woken up again a couple of hours later by the second box.
Since my room is so tiny, I had to leave the boxes at the entrance. Both were from Muji. All of my earlier furniture were from Ikea; but for a Japanese-size studio, it was really difficult to find what fitted the available space. I really love the natural wood theme so the wait was worth it. Long story short, I had to go back and forth between Ikea and Muji trying hard to match the current theme and budget.
Deciding that I was tired of eating on a box for over a year now (can't believe I've been doing that for so long!) I got myself out of bed to build this.
Sure, building a TV rack is not rocket science. But the instructions came in Japanese and this was oak wood. Great workout first thing in the morning. Trying not to scratch the wooden floor, I placed cardboard pieces all over and started to make sure the pieces matched what was on the instruction sheet. Quite a challenge considering I was too lazy to translate so early in the morning.
Starting with the top panel, I had to screw in these steel rods in 4 corners. Not difficult, but the instructions my colleague translated did not match parts of what was given in the instructions sheet. I got a little confused and started second-guessing my instincts.
Sliding the side panels through the steel rods was quite fun. So this is how they put wood panels together without nails! Somehow the holes in the panel were not entirely a straight cylinder, so this required some adjusting.
Then the thinner back panel. Trying to match the groove for all the sides took a little bit of time. I had to do this a few times. Took out the side panels and then re-screwed the steel rods a few times.
By the time I reached the bottom panel, I had "kepit" my fingers a few times because it was not as light as I had imagined. This took even more tries trying to make sure all the corners matched. Again I had to remove the back panel, the side panels and the steel rods multiple times.
I was getting a hang of doing this. The instruction video lasted only a few minutes. There I was redoing things so many times I took almost an hour.
When I was confident all the sides had matched, I started to put in the final bolts.
Then the steel caps for the legs. How considerate of them to provide felt pads to protect the flooring. There were some additional round stickers in the pattern of natural wood, to cover the bolts from showing.
This was the instruction sheet that my colleague translated. Yuri was the one who helped me move in when I first came to Kobe. She was so gungho when I got my bed that she said both of us could build it ourselves!
Ah, finally my TV rack. The pieces were a little heavy alright, but I really liked the solid feel of it.
After unplugging all the wires and cables for the TV, modem and router, and cleaning the little corner, and finally arranging everything back again I now finally have my TV rack! Such awesomeness - I love the natural colours (nevermind that it did not match my Ikea white colours) and the fact that I built this myself!
Last weekend, 2 flat packed boxes arrived, waking me from my slumber. As usual weekend is the only time I get to catch up with sleep.. First box arrived around 9am. After signing off the box, I trudged back to bed, only to be woken up again a couple of hours later by the second box.
Deciding that I was tired of eating on a box for over a year now (can't believe I've been doing that for so long!) I got myself out of bed to build this.
Sure, building a TV rack is not rocket science. But the instructions came in Japanese and this was oak wood. Great workout first thing in the morning. Trying not to scratch the wooden floor, I placed cardboard pieces all over and started to make sure the pieces matched what was on the instruction sheet. Quite a challenge considering I was too lazy to translate so early in the morning.
Starting with the top panel, I had to screw in these steel rods in 4 corners. Not difficult, but the instructions my colleague translated did not match parts of what was given in the instructions sheet. I got a little confused and started second-guessing my instincts.
Sliding the side panels through the steel rods was quite fun. So this is how they put wood panels together without nails! Somehow the holes in the panel were not entirely a straight cylinder, so this required some adjusting.
Then the thinner back panel. Trying to match the groove for all the sides took a little bit of time. I had to do this a few times. Took out the side panels and then re-screwed the steel rods a few times.
By the time I reached the bottom panel, I had "kepit" my fingers a few times because it was not as light as I had imagined. This took even more tries trying to make sure all the corners matched. Again I had to remove the back panel, the side panels and the steel rods multiple times.
I was getting a hang of doing this. The instruction video lasted only a few minutes. There I was redoing things so many times I took almost an hour.
When I was confident all the sides had matched, I started to put in the final bolts.
Then the steel caps for the legs. How considerate of them to provide felt pads to protect the flooring. There were some additional round stickers in the pattern of natural wood, to cover the bolts from showing.
This was the instruction sheet that my colleague translated. Yuri was the one who helped me move in when I first came to Kobe. She was so gungho when I got my bed that she said both of us could build it ourselves!
Ah, finally my TV rack. The pieces were a little heavy alright, but I really liked the solid feel of it.
After unplugging all the wires and cables for the TV, modem and router, and cleaning the little corner, and finally arranging everything back again I now finally have my TV rack! Such awesomeness - I love the natural colours (nevermind that it did not match my Ikea white colours) and the fact that I built this myself!
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