Laptop Computers from Shopwiki

Ahh… I was just blogging about Home Theater Systems the other day and now, I’m down with the computers. I guess in this day and age, it’s all about electronics and fancy gadgets. Somehow, I find myself in a box of total ignorance. Being a graduate in the subject of IT holds no meaning whatsoever. I have returned all knowledge to the lecturers and left all IT related matters to the expert aka hubby. Lately we have been discussing about a computer purchase as the current desktop is becoming an old fuddy duddy. Hubby owns a laptop and we have the old fuddy duddy desktop PC for me. Being a game enthusiast, web surfer, try-to-be blogger and etc., I drool at the thought of the power of the machine. However, there’s always something to deliberate. Would it be a desktop or a laptop? Would it be a PC or a Mac? So many questions. Hence I did the sensible thing and went browsing for options and of course, teaching myself all over again.

I went to shopwiki.com, a site I did some browsing on some other stuff. I went to check out about laptops first, otherwise also known as notebooks. At the shopwiki’s Laptop Computer page, there is a buying guide. It tells you what to look for in a laptop and helps with whatever suits your lifestyle. They’ve narrowed down the list of critical features that one would need in their everyday operations, whether you’re a general user like myself, a student, a business person, a gaming enthusiast or whatever field you’re in. To write about the features and types of laptops would be just too much, it’s almost endless and ever changing. However, to name a few would be the weight and portability, hard drive size, RAM, CPU, number of ports, battery life and warranty. If you don’t understand what all that means, you may check out the computer jargon at the specification page. There are many other features and related products that you may want to consider whilst shopping for a laptop and Shopwiki has the information on it’s Laptop site.

Nevertheless, I approached the matter of laptops to see if it was the choice for me. With the help of Shopwiki’s Laptop Computer buying guide, I managed to weigh the pros and cons between a laptop and a desktop. How convenient. Interestingly, an opinion is available for those choosing between a Mac and PC. Honestly, I’ve been a PC user all this while. Nonetheless, after having an opportunity to mess around with the Mac, I must say they’ve come a long way and I’m impressed, especially with the versatility of their software, although I have the gaming options concern. On the contrary, I do love the looks of a Mac. What style.

So anyway, after doing some reading up about laptop computers, I’m now heading on over to the desktop computers site. I guess I’ll make a decision then.

Brought to you by your friends at shopwiki.com

Soon.....

*sigh* Been away for quite some time now. I've got these ideas and topics brewing in my head but yet have some proper time to write. Hopefully will catch up with my writing soon. I'm so far behind. By the time I decide to write, I think I'll be completely empty.

Soon....

Nando's Life

I’m sure most of you have heard about the Peri Peri Chicken. It’s just peri-fect! OK that was a little lame. Somehow you just get caught with their catchy phrases at the restaurant. What an experi –rience. There I go again.

Anyway, to cut out my lame comments, I’d just like to share with all you people out there about the chicken. Alright, not about the chicken but about the restaurant that involves chicken. Boy, am I long-winded on this one?

Just last Tuesday, hubby and I had our ‘dating-day’ dinner at the Nando’s Restaurant at the 1 Utama shopping mall. ** For foreigners reading this, I’m from Malaysia, speaking and sharing in terms of a Malaysian experience. ** After making our decision on our food, we settled on 2 set meals of half chicken with 2 side orders each. I had mine made a Hot Peri Peri and hubby’s was Mild.

Before our food came, we mentioned to the waiter to get ours cooked a little longer as we prefer crisp skins. * I dislike eating chicken skin except if it’s crispy.* Serving time, of course, was extended. Fortunately we are patient people and hubby commented that we had extra time to hold hands and gaze into each other’s eye; or something to that extent.
So when the meal came, we were delighted. Not only did it look good. Not all pale but nicely browned and crisp to the eye. When it came to eating the breast meat part, we were surprised to find that, though the meat was cooked longer, this particular portion didn’t turn out to be dry but instead was succulent and tender. I must add that the side order portions were pretty big too. Hopefully, they are consistent on that. We’ve tried a few different branches but they were hardly acceptable. We had a great meal and were stuffed on good food.

I would also like to add that Nando’s also selling marinades or sauces. You can buy it at the restaurant or at some supermarket. It makes cooking easy and delicious. I have yet to get one bottle to try but will definitely do so. This site gives you a quick guide on using the marinades or sauces.: http://www.nandos.com.au/ or their local site, http://www.nandos.com.my/.

So if you’re wondering, give it a try at this particular branch, 1 Utama New Wing and find out for yourself.

Slave to the Handphone

My sister. It never leaves her side ever…not even when she takes her shower; but that was after we found out and laughed at her about it, that’s probably the only time she keeps it away. It’s her whole world in there. She can be tapping away on it for a constant hour, I think. It’s no wonder there are contests like the SMS SpeedMaster. I guess there are people who are champions at some things. I’ll most probably rate bottom 2, given the likes of my mum being slower at the phone than I am. Alright, I’m not that bad.

It is amazing how one tiny gadget created to simplify our lives have made it even more complicated. It’s a constant challenge to be updated with the latest hardware and software for computers and now, it’s the latest and most powerful hand phone to have. It’s a fashion accessory. Be it around your neck (I suppose it’s the latest trend of the cow bell), sticking out of your belt like some kind of wannabe-cowboy or stuffed in the pocket or your handbag; it’s a must have.

Personally, I am at a lost at the latest models of the significant brands. Being in the IT line previously, I was always on the go of being up to date with gadgets but now, I find it a very stressful and mind-boggling event. My mum used to label me as a slave to the hand phone during my younger days; though I am still young, mind you. My cell just seemed to be ringing or beeping; and I thought it’s probably the only way to live then. Now, I can live without one for a month. I’m THAT unpopular. Becoming a stay home mum has somehow turned me into wallpaper for most people. I’m not that boring, am I?

My brother is one of those people who change their hand phone like changing underwear; whenever they can afford it, that is. I can’t even count the numerous models and brands he has changed ever since he started working. And that was just two years ago. Hubby comments that the youth these days have better phones than us. I agree.

Hubby is using a hand me down from his dad, Nokia 8310 and I have a Samsung something, lovingly sponsored by my mother-in-law. We just never get around to changing our phones. Hubby loves the Nokia N95 and so do I.

I also fancy the latest Samsung slim models because they’re slim.

However personally, it will always be a Nokia. I’m an ardent and loyal fan. Most importantly is functionality. I find a problem using the Samsung. Maybe the new models are better. I have yet to check it out. I will be looking to getting one that can record voice *hint hint*.

Anyone with a suggestion? I hate to take up my time finding out about it. Word of mouth is the best!!

So those of you who are slaves to the updates of latest phone and gadgets, please update me!!

Games for Download

I dunno how many of you out there who are mothers and are into gaming. I know I'm one of them. I'm not a hardcore gaming addict but I would say I've become quite good at the occasional arcade style and simulation games. For those of you who know what I'm talking about, I'm speaking of games that you can download from Yahoo, Gamehouse, Reflexive Arcade and more.

These sites have a pretty good variety of games if I do say so myself. You have to check in often because they get updated almost every week, if I'm not mistaken. There are also reveiws and comments from the regular players. You can also sign up for newsletter for an update on games or promotion on the prices of games.

I'm currently into playing titles like, 'Chocolatier', 'Clayside', 'Kudos' and some others. I like to play many games at one period...to keep myself from getting bored with one. I play solely for the reason of relaxation; however though it does make me get quite into it and I spend days just playing; aside of course, making the dinner and cleaning the house, in between.

So for those of you who want to check this out, the sites are:

1) www.gamehouse.com
2) www.reflexive.com
3) www.popcap.com
4) http://games.yahoo.com/games/front
5) www.wildgames.com

Listing and Multitasking

I think I try to do too much at a time or at least give my brain too much to think. I'm such a perfectionist that it makes me unproductive at times. I multitask so much that sometimes it scares me. Just last Friday, after being down in the dumps mentally, I decided to get up from in front of the computer and do some house work. Imagine this, after all the dusting, vacuuming, mopping, laundry and organizing; I was refreshed and feeling on top of the world. That kind of freaked me. I LOVE HOUSE WORK, except for washing the bathrooms.

I know most people dread even the thought of it. Somehow, I've gotten in line with the flow of house work. As a matter of fact, I think I've almost perfected it; at least for my household. So that's just the cleaning part. For those of you who might be interested to know how to multitask on this. Here's a tip.

1. CONSIDER what you have to do. Maybe the basic chores. Laundry, Vacuum, Mop, Dusting or what your house needs.
2. ARRANGE the tasks in such a way that while you're at something, something else is being done.
   For instance, put in a LOAD TO WASH (takes about 45 minutes for a full load). While that is going on, give the house, shelves & whatever A QUICK WIPE. Should take about 10 – 15 minutes, depending on how much you have to wipe.
3. Once done, VACUUM. Before starting, CLEAR THE FLOOR. Put all that you can on top of tables, shelves or chairs. Stack as many chairs to avoid having too many things to move around while vacuuming. If you have a kid, you have to decide what to do with your kid. As for me, I leave her at her TV in the living room while I do the bedrooms first. (I've got a good kid so it's easy).
4. After vacuuming (the laundry's not done yet – considering that you are doing this as effectively, without stopping for a cup of coffee or watch your favourite soap opera), start the MOPPING. Make sure you know how to ‘flow' around your house while vacuuming and mopping. As usual, start where your kid is not at and end there or make your kid sit down with some toys. When you're done, leave the floor to dry. Personally, I always do another static-cloth ‘dry' mop to catch any left over dust or hair. Then replace everything back to its original place.
5. By now, your washing machine should have beeped. If not, have a breather, have a cup of water and see if there are any papers to be sorted, tables to be cleared, bottles to be washed, shopping list to be prepared or do some crunches, while waiting for the wash to complete. If it is, HANG OUT THE WASH and you're done with house work.
   
   Then of course, the preparation for cooking begins but that's another thing. My style is always squeezing in something here and there while waiting. Things do get done. For instance, like while I'm writing this now and when I wait for it to load up, I'm reading a book that helps me ‘Organize Myself'.
   
   So LEARN TO MULTITASK. Most importantly is MAKE A LIST of ALL the things that needs to be done, you'll like to get done, you'll like to do as a hobby and the list goes on; and arrange the tasks daily. I'm a ‘list' person. Grocery shopping list, Hubby's to-do list, my own to-do list, Things I'd like to do list, Prayer list, Book reading list and it goes on.
   
   However, I'm quite an environmentalist at heart, so save the trees. Try and make your lists in a notepad on your computer or download the sticky note software and paste your lists on your desktop or buy a chalkboard, magnetic white board to write your lists.
   
   Happy Listing and Multitasking.

Mount Sinai in Singapore

Going thru some pictures, I came across these that I forgot to put up. For those of you who know the Bible or maybe are somewhat familiar with it, you know what this place is.








For you people who don’t, Mount Sinai is the mountain that Moses went up and got the Ten Commandments from God. It was quite nice going around Singapore and seeing road signs like these. Another that I saw was Zion Road. Pretty cool.

Anyway, these signs were found in the housing estate, next to my aunt’s condominium. And according to my aunt, an invisible line that separates her area and this housing estate makes the houses on these roads much more expensive than her area. And Dan adds, ‘I think any houses found on Mount Sinai would be expensive.’ ** Biblical joke**

The King and I musical

The Musical, the King and I, is due here soon. I’m still contemplating of going for it. I love musicals, Broadway shows and stage performances. In a way, I was brought up exposed to these things; some by my parents, my relatives and in school. I remember being in the King and I play for the school concert when I was about 8 or 9 years of age. Now the play is here. I’ve missed many others and hubby knows that this is one of them that I would really appreciate watching. As I said, I am still thinking about it, mostly because I don’t see the need to be spending such an amount of money on such interest. I can go by just watching the CD at home; though not the same.

Then there’s My Fair Lady, brought in by courtesy of RHB Bank. So I think I’ll let this one fly. One thing about these performances is that I love the songs. Who can resist, “Shall We Dance’ or “Getting to Know You’ from the King and I. How about shows like Fiddler on the Roof, Cats and Phantom of the Opera or even ….. gosh…I’m so out of touch already. I can see them buzzing about in my mind and yet I can hardly remember them. I guess I have some how shelved them away in my mind… taking to the reality of life than just entertainment. Maybe I should get back to it. Rent or buy the CDs, learn the songs again and sing to my heart’s content.

Gosh, I’d better be going to do my research and list all of them out. And if hubby reads this, yes, I would LOVE to go for the musical if we have the time. You know that piece of newspaper cutting is still stuck on the door. :P

For those of you who are interested, you can book your tickets at http://www.axcess.com.my/

Orlando Bloom

Reading the papers today, there was a write up on Orlando Bloom. For those of you blur case people; who have no idea whatsoever who this person is… It’s Legolas of LOTR. Will Turner of Pirates of the Caribbean and of course a whole list more. And if you still don’t know, forget about reading this.

Uh… before I continue, is writing about another guy considered committing adultery, since I’m married? Heh Heh. However, allow me to continue. As I was reading the papers, I came to the end of it. As usual, they would write about the relationship tie-ups that these stars have. And guess what? He’s single!!! Whoop-de-doo. OK OK.. I’m not trying to point out that I’m lusting over this guy and I AM NOT!!

It happens that Bloom signed himself up at Facebook; something like those Friendster thing; but under a different name and using a friend’s photo. He wants to find true love… by disguising himself. Ooh the lucky gal who catches his heart. I’m thinking, hey I’m signed up with Facebook. I should check it out. NOT!!! ** I can hear the whoosh sound of all the girls out there rushing to a computer to sign up for Facebook now. **

The reason why I’m blogging about this is that sometimes most of us are so caught up in the fame and popularity of our favourite stars that somehow; we tend to forget that they are only human too. Ordinary people with extraordinary paychecks, that is. They’ve got their flaws, the spills, the falls, blah, blah… and trying to make a living in life just like the rest of us. These people are as ordinary as you or I am, hyped up by media to make a buck or two or millions. I think about how we, normal people love to pour our judgments upon them about every single one of them, paparazzi catching up on the latest gossip and yet, they are also God’s children living in a pretty screwed up world. I think most of us really need to change the way we see them and see them through God’s eyes. You might be amazed at what you might see.

And all I’m saying is, hey I’ll make my millions too, want my glossy now?

Worth Mentioning...

On Tuesday, I went to pick hubby up from work. Just as we were leaving the office premises, we were met by the hired Indian gardener at the gate. He looked up, gave us a genuinely sweet smile and saluted as we left. I was impressed by his smile. Even by a quick glance, I must admit, I was fascinated.

Then Daniel started telling me about him. This guy is actually an Accountant and he speaks fantastic English. We started making our assumptions about why he was working as a gardener. So the list started. Anyway to cut the blog shorter, I was impressed about his charisma. He spoke words with his smile. Even Dan agreed that his smile was probably one of the most inviting smiles he had ever seen. I totally agree. Dan also goes to mention that the gardener is ‘always’ in a cheery mood. He greets Daniel by the name every time they meet and I’m sure with a smile.
It’s amazing to meet people like that. I’m sure this guy gets the dirt at his job and yet, he comes here to do another work in a new aura.

He reminds of this story that I know; about this guy, who comes home from work and just before he enters the house, he pretentiously hangs (actions and all) his troubles and problems on a tree outside his house. He walks in to his family with a smile and a glad heart. His worries are put on hold for the day and in the morning, before he leaves, he looks at the tree to pick up his troubles where he left them and realizes that they aren’t there anymore.

Isn’t it great if we could all achieve that? I must say that I’m not perfect in doing that as often as I like but I’ve put a lot more control over any problems that I have. I have my own personal tree to hang them on. However, my tree is carved. It’s beautiful. It’s the CROSS.