boon's log 1110.02: Randoms: New Year, New toy (partial), iPad and a Happy Birthday!

Wow, has it been 3 months since I last blogged? Seems like the social networks are really taking a toll on the weblogs, huh? ;) Well, at least for me, I guess. And laziness is probably another.

Anyways, a belated Happy New Year 2011 and Happy New Lunar New Year (of the Bunny). Hopefully the new year's been treating you all well. Our's zoomed past like the lightning. But we enjoyed it, especially with the new addition to the family. ;)

***New toy (partially)***
I've been scouting around for a SLR Battery pack/grip for a while, but the original Canon BG-E5 is priced at ~USD140 (!!!). Then I started to looked at the compatible/OEM ones and there's this one that just jumped out right at me. It's by Opteka, priced at ~USD80, almost half of the original Canon. Not only that, it comes with a bag of goodies - 2 battery packs, battery charger (with in-car adapter), mini-tripod (not useful for SLR, by the way), wireless remote shutter release, and cleaning kit. 1 week after purchasing it, the vendor pulled it out from the web. Works like a charm, and I'm really happy with it, so far - it received pretty goo reviews as well. Well, for USD80, what more can you ask for?


Opteka Battery Grip for Canon Rebel XSi

***Happy Birthday IL***
We were back at the HRC recently to celebrate IL's birthday. It was Ab's idea by the way. We still do not know why a 4 year old would like to eat at that place so much. Not to mention that we have to drive for >30mins to get there. Anyway, food was great. And the people are getting more friendly, compared to the last time we were there. And considering a weekday, the Cafe was more than 2/3 filled. Surprisingly good business for a weekday.


Back at the Rock.

***Fruit Ninja***
That has recently been the addiction in the family. It started with Ab's Aunt, then Ab's babysitter (a.k.a. Ab's grand-aunt) and Ab herself. NOW, even IL's hooked on the game. Even gone to the extent of considering getting the iPad :). Firstly, the iPad has a bigger screen so that Ab won't have to cramp her eyes into the small iPod Touch screen and secondly, the iPad has the duel mode which is not available in the Touch. Still under consideration... :) But I guess many would disagree in getting it just because of that game, I'm sure... haha.


Fruit Ninja in Action

And welldone Liverpool on the 3-1 win against Manchester United last weekend. The Red Devils may continue to brag about their rankings, but a win's a win. Kudos. Keep it up, Reds.

boon out...

boon's log 2009.07: Foodie Sunday: breakie with the dragon

This is one of the rare weekends when the grandparents are in town, but we did not get to have breakfast with them - they were busy with toilet repair in their condo. So, the 3 of us had to head out for breakfast on our own.


Dragon-i's Lai Mian

Ab initially wanted McD (again!), but IL insisted that she's been having too much of it already and should take a break from it this weekend - CL bought her McD on Tuesday, I think. Anyways, second in her list was Noodles (like that in Kungfu Panda). And her mom also promised her ice cream. So we decided to head down to Queensbay Mall - all under one roof.


Dragon-i's Xiao Loong Bao

She loves the Shanghai Dumpling (Siao Loong Bao) and the Noodles (Lai Mian). And she realy packed them in. Everyone seemed to have the question - "Where did all the food go?!" Not too very long ago, I've the same phrase used before too ;) Like father, like daughter, I guess! ;)


The kitchen used to be very busy, but rather empty and not so much activities...

dragon-i's typically loaded with people - we tried getting a place during Mother's Day last week, and there was a queue just to get your name registered in their book (!!!). But this morning was a totally different story - we just waltz in freely. and there was no line and ample tables - we can even take our pick which table we wanted. And food was speedy enough.


Ab's short wait for her Xiao Loong Bao - seen here with her pony tail :)


It took them less than 7 minutes (really!) to get the first bowl of Lai Mian on our table. Then came the Xiao Loong Baos. So, if you really want stress-free Dragon-I visits, try it at 11:30AM. This was truly my best dragon-i experience so far.


the "terra cotas" guarding the "dragon"

After that, we shopped for a little bit before heading down for NZ Ice cream... and then headed home for a some R&R... relaxing Sunday, indeed.

Oh, and unlike Rafa - as what they always say, "May the best team win." Indeed, the best team has claimed the EPL title this year. Kudos to the Red Devils. But I have to agree the Reds have really done well this year. Good season, indeed, but could have been better. :)

boon out...

boon's log 1109.03: Away from home again...

I had to be away from home and my two ladies again, and this time it's going to be for a slightly longer time than before - work beckons and in times like these, I guess one would embark on any opportunity available - though for me, it was quite a tough decision to make. After much discussion with my immediate management and also my counterparts in the states, we came to an agreement for a shorter period of travel/engagement that what was agreed previously. Budget secured and the next thing I know, I was on a flight heading to OR once again, missing my ladies terribly. Somehow with the advancement of technology - Skype and all that - just does not make me miss them any less... Sigh.

And the stiff neck is not helping either - it is either the lousy hotel pillows or too much staring into programming codes on a un-ergonomically placed computer screen...Urgh!


Portland downtown by night overlooking the Willamette

Anyways, met up with MI and VH who are also here for a short trip - similar deal. So the three of us made sure we kept each other company most of the time - especially during meals. It's been good.

Well, into my second week now and ~2 more to go. Really hope that I get to complete what I came here to do. God willing perhaps I can even pull-in my return. :)

Weather's been rather tricky since I arrived - cloudless skies (but low 30's F) during the weekdays - what we would like to term as nice weather, and rainy weekends! Well, it kinda worked out well last weekend as we spent most of it shopping (!!!). Mostly getting stuffs for Ab and also our rellies.

Well, back to work. Just a short post this time.

Oh, and I am still searching for a good place to watch the MU-Liv showdown this Saturday... and it is at 6-(freaking)-AM... Though many of us may already know not to set our expectations too high - but a 4-0 win yesterday against Real Madrid indeed does increase our confidence a little... Pray hard... You will never walk alone.


boon out...