Banks in Miri - EON Bank 1

This is the first bank I went to in Miri as I have accounts with EON Bank in Kuching branch. I wanted to do telegraphic transfer to Korea and I did face some ‘difficulties’ dealing with the officers there. Well, before I went to the bank, I did call them up to make sure I was well prepared. I have listed down the details needed for TT as follow:

1)      Beneficial name

2)      Beneficial bank account no

3)      Beneficial IC or Passport no

4)      Beneficial address

5)      Beneficial contact no

6)      Bank’s name

7)      Bank’s swift code

8)      Bank’s address

9)      Bank’s telephone number

When I got there, the officers turned me down. They said they couldn’t do TT to South Korea. I asked them why, they said they don’t have the Korean currency. My goodness! I wanted to transfer money in USD, not WON. How can they turned me down without asking me. After explaining, the officer went to ask another officer and the other officer has to refer to their supervisor. (Imagine how many persons they have to ask before telling me the statement below)

“Sorry. We can’t transfer the money for u.” The supervisor said.

“Why?” I felt surprised. This is not the first time I do TT, wonder what is the problem.

“We only provide such service if you have an account with us.” She said it seriously.

“I do have 3 accounts with your bank!” I exclaimed. Oh dear! If they still disallow me to do the transfer even though I’m having 3 accounts with them, I will close all my accounts with them immediately!

Well, to cut the story short, in the end I managed to transfer the money to Korea from my bank account with RM25 bank charges which I think is still reasonable.

I had spent a long time explaining the reason for transferring the funds etc. Maybe they are worrying that I might do money laundry? Haha. 4000USD is too little for money laundry, I think.

Anyway, I told myself that I will find another way to do TT in future. Never want to go through all these troubles again. Feel quite disappointed with their service.

I do miss the wonderful relationship with the Eon Bank branches in Kuching. The officers and I know each other so well that every visit is happy trip for me. Didn’t aspect the experience here is so different. Sigh.

Newspapers

Do you read newspapers every day? How long does it takes for you to finish the daily newspapers? Do you need an hour? Half an hour? 15 minutes or lesser?

For me, I can read the newspapers in less than 15 minutes. Mainly just flipped through, glanced through the main topic before decide whether should I spend more time reading the detail of the news. I will skip the sports and business topics for sure. 

Previously I will enjoy the time in reading newspapers. It is like an important thing to do daily so that we know what is happening in local and worldwide without getting out from the house. 

However, spending time to read newspapers become a luxurious life ever since my princess is born. After I started my online business, reading newspapers has became a stressful task for me. Once I failed to read the newspapers, it just accumulates every day. Have to force myself to finish 2 sets per day and in the end, have to give up as there were always 4-6 sets left and kept increasing each day. 

If I go for a trip, the newspapers will stack up even higher. I feel breathless to see them.

Several times I feel like discontinue the delivery but till now I haven’t called up the delivery guy. 

After we sold off the old and ‘new’ unread newspapers last week, I told myself that I want to start all over again. At least 1 set per day. It started well for 3 days, then again I failed to complete for the following days. Again my room starts to have stack of unread newspapers as before. Sigh.  

Sometimes I feel like I am buying newspapers to accumulate and sell off for 10 cents per kg after 6 month time.

I am a girl

My princess hair is still growing. Due to her short hair, she looks more like a boy than a girl. Imagine the blue towel is her long hair, does she look more feminine now?! Hahaha!

Excapade Japanese Restaurant, Kuala Belait, Brunei

I love the Japanese food at  Excapade Japanese Restaurant, Kuala Belait, Brunei. If you plan to drive there from Miri, I hope the following instructions are helpful!

It takes approximately 5 minutes to the Kuala Belait junction from the Brunei toll. (We were too excited and missed the turning. Drove too far ahead and have to make a U-turn back..)

If you notice carefully, you should be able to find a notice board on your left. Take the entrance, go straight until you reach a roundabout with a huge teapot.

This is how the teapot roundabout looks like.

Take the 2^nd exit at the roundable (1^st exit is to Kuala Belait town). Look for the road sign to Jalan Jaya Negara on the left. You will be able to see many shophouses on your left when you reach the Jalan Jaya Negara junction. Turn in and take another 2^nd left turn. Go straight and you’ll find Excapade Sushi on your left. (There are many wild monkeys around at the car park so try not to disturb them.)

This is the signboard of the restaurant.

The Excapade Japanese Restaurant has 2 shoplots. The sushi bar has a cute train which ‘pulls’ the sushi plates around at the belt.

 We were very excited to see their menu. There are so many choices which took us a long while before we can decide what we want to order. Many vegetarian dishes also available! Surprising!

The menu

Some of our order.

Time to dig in~

 The big soft shell crabs.

Closer look of my favorite salmon sashimi. 

Big, fresh, juicy and yummy!~ 

 Imagine for all the food we ate (about 10 dishes), only costs us $60 Brunei Dollar. @.@

No wonder so many people who have been there kept telling us, must go to Excapade, Kuala Belait, Brunei if you love Japanese food! Normally the place will be packed with people during weekend. Those with no reservation will have problem entering the place.  

Love Japanese food? Are you drooling now?

 This cute, wet tissue was given by the restaurant with our take-away order.

 

Driving to Brunei

Have you been to Brunei (Kuala Belait) before? If you are planning to drive there, please remember to bring the following items with you:

1)      Brunei/Singapore Dollar
2)      Passport
3)      Green card (car  registration document)

Follow the road sign to Sungai Tujuh checkpoint (Miri) and you will have to pay the toll at Malaysia and Brunei side. 

Toll charges:

1)      RM10 (one way)

2)      Brunei  Dollar $3 or Singapore Dollar $3 (one way)

Brunei's toll receipt

 Malaysia's toll receipt

Of course, you have to go through customs check upon request, fill up the Temporary Admission Form (Free of charge) and show your car’s registration document (green card, photo copies will do).

Try to avoid driving to Brunei during weekend & government pay day if you dislike waiting in the long queue.  We went there during weekday, so it was very convenient, fast & comfortable. The custom officers from both countries are very friendly and nice. One of the officer from the Brunei booth found out that our trip is mainly for the Japanese food, he claimed that “Mirian kuat makan sushi.” (Mirians eat a lot of sushi.) We were laughing and chatting while he went through our passport and gave us the official stamps. (No car behind, you can imagine how relax the trip was.)

Maybe the journey was too smooth (no car ahead or behind us), we missed out the Brunei immigration checkpoint on our way back.

Princess is showing her passport with

the Brunei immigration stamp.

Please be aware that there are two checkpoints (custom & immigration) at each country. We make a mistake by assuming there is only one and the rest are the same. So we drove through the 2^nd checkpoint (Immigration) after the 1^st checkpoint (custom) without stopping.

The Malaysian immigration officer found out that our passports were all without the green stamps (showing that we came out from Brunei). Luckily we were able to make a U-turn, went back and redo again. Throughout the whole process (explaining the situations to many officers here and there) we were pleased to experience that the officers are helpful and friendly.  Due to our mistake, we have to spend extra half an hour to ‘visit Brunei’ for the second time on the same day.  

However, it was a wonderful trip. Wish to visit there again.Want to join me?!

Passport Malaysia for Baby

I love to eat Japanese food, especially salmon sashimi. When I was pregnant, raw food is a big NO NO for me. However, at the same time, my hubby and I kept getting ‘information’ about how cheap & fresh the food is in one of the famous Japanese restaurant in Brunei. 

Finally I’m 'free' to move around and eat whatever I want. Later on we realized that our princess also needs a passport to join us. This is the reason why we kept dragging as it is uneasy to get my hubby to take leave for passport application in weekday (didn’t know that the immigration office works on Saturday too.)

If you want to apply a passport for your baby, these are the things needed before visiting the immigration office:

1)      X2 passport size photo for your baby 

(Don’t worry, just bring your baby to the studio, the people there will have creative ways to take the photos of your baby for you.)

2)      X 1 Photocopy of birth certificate

3)      X 1 Photocopy of father’s or mother’s IC  

(the one who is bringing the baby for application and sign the form)

4)      Bring along the original IC & the Birth Certificate for verification

Please be noted that you MUST bring your baby along as the officer needs to make sure the baby ‘EXIST’ and is the same person.

It will be good if you can collect the form and fill it before visiting the office. So that you needn’t spend too much time there. Sometimes the queue can be quite long, especially in Kuching. However, Miri is a nice city and the immigration office is not as busy as Kuching though. Afraid of the long queue in Kuching? You are welcome to come over to Miri. The officers here are friendly, patient and easy going. Best service ever!

There are 2 types of International passport for your baby:

1)      32 pages – RM100 (2 years)
2)      42 pages – RM150 (5 years)

I bet many of us will choose option 2. ^O^

If you are wondering whether the limited passport (only for visiting Brunei) is cheaper? Sorry. We have already asked. It is the same price as the International passport. No other choice. They said the International passport for baby is in special discount already.

By the way, you have to know roughly how tall your baby is (refer to the ‘red card’ where the nurse always record down the details during the immunization session). If you can’t find it, there is a measurement chart for your baby to measure at the office.

Remember to bring enough cash. After the application, paid the money at the counter, you will be able to collect the passport within an hour time.  Please remember that the payment counter closes at 3.30pm every day and the operating hours for Saturday’s is untill 1pm.

Laneige, Kuala Belait, Brunei

We visited one of the Laneige retail shops at Kuala Belait, Brunei yesterday. The beauty consultant, whose name is Maureen from Philippine was very informative, friendly and nice.So far she is the best customer oriented beauty consultant we have ever met at cosmetic counter/shop.

I am interested in exploring more in Laneige product. Too bad this brand is not available in Sarawak at all. The pricing at Brunei is about the same with Kuala Lumpur though.

For those who are not aware of this brand, these are the series you can check out:

1)      Star White Series_EX (Whitening + Hydration)

2)      Water Bank Series_EX (Pure Hydration)

3)      Perfect Renew Series (Anti-aging)

4)      Pore Tightening Series (Pore Tightening, Oil Control. Suitable for acne prone skin)

5)      Basic Care Series (For new beginners to balance up their pH and skin condition)

6)      White Plus Renew Series (Intensive whitening care)

7)      Hydra Solution Series (Hydration for really dry skin)

8)      Sensitive Series (Non-alcohol series for sensitive skin)

9)      Mask & Exfoliants (Yogurt Mask & Exfoliants)

10)  Suncare series (Different types of sunscreen lotion with different SPF & PA+)

I have learnt a lot from Maureen. She gave me some samples to try out before I purchase any series as I'm still wondering whether I should get whole series of Water Bank or Star White. She is very patient in explaining the functions of each item. The boss is lucky to have such good employee. She deserves a pay raise yearly as I feel that it is not easy to find such devoted staff nowadays.

At the retail shop, there is a very nice, simple and elegant handbag. We just need to spend $200 Brunei Dollar on the Laneige product, then we will be entitled to sign up as a member and get that handbag for free. It is so tempting. ^O^

If I want to get Laneige product, will definitely visit that retail shop again. Thanks a lot, Maureen! Keep it up! 

Teething Attack!!

Bite bite bite...

chew chew chew...

Crocodile's tail. Yum yum yum.

No toys around, finger will do.

Depression and suicide

Depression is a major risk factor for suicide. The deep despair and hopelessness that goes along with depression can make suicide feel like the only way to escape the pain. Thoughts of death or suicide are a serious symptom of depression, so take any suicidal talk or behavior seriously. It's not just a warning sign that the person is thinking about suicide: it's a cry for help.

Warning signs of suicide include:

• Talking about killing or harming one’s self
• Expressing strong feelings of hopelessness or being trapped
• An unusual preoccupation with death or dying
• Acting recklessly, as if they have a death wish (e.g. speeding through red lights)
• Calling or visiting people to say goodbye
• Getting affairs in order (giving away prized possessions, tying up loose ends)
• Saying things like “Everyone would be better off without me” or “I want out.”
• A sudden switch from being extremely depressed to acting calm and happy. 

If you think a friend or family member is considering suicide, express your concern and seek professional help immediately. Talking openly about suicidal thoughts and feelings can save a life.
(Copied & Edited from Depression website.)

I feel sad regarding the incidents of many actors & actresses from Korea who committed suicide yearly. Although I have no idea what are the real stories behind but I strongly feel that all these people are not meant to be dead. If happened to have someone who can be there to encourage, consult & support them, I think they wouldn’t choose to end their lives.Sigh.

Are you depressed?

If you identify with several of the following signs and symptoms, and they just won’t go away, you may be suffering from clinical depression.

• you can’t sleep or you sleep too much
• you can’t concentrate or find that previously easy tasks are now difficult
• you feel hopeless and helpless
• you can’t control your negative thoughts, no matter how much you try
• you have lost your appetite or you can’t stop eating
• you are much more irritable and short-tempered than usual
• you have thoughts that life is not worth living (Seek help immediately if this is the case)

Signs and symptoms of depression

Depression varies from person to person, but there are some common signs and symptoms. It’s important to remember that these symptoms can be part of life’s normal lows. But the more symptoms you have, the stronger they are, and the longer they’ve lasted—the more likely it is that you’re dealing with depression. When these symptoms are overwhelming and disabling, that's when it's time to seek help.

Common signs and symptoms of depression

• Feelings of helplessness and hopelessness. A bleak outlook—nothing will ever get better and there’s nothing you can do to improve your situation.
• Loss of interest in daily activities.  No interest in former hobbies, pastimes, social activities, or sex. You’ve lost your ability to feel joy and pleasure.
• Appetite or weight changes. Significant weight loss or weight gain—a change of more than 5% of body weight in a month.
• Sleep changes. Either insomnia, especially waking in the early hours of the morning, or oversleeping (also known as hypersomnia).
• Irritability or restlessness. Feeling agitated, restless, or on edge. Your tolerance level is low; everything and everyone gets on your nerves.
• Loss of energy. Feeling fatigued, sluggish, and physically drained. Your whole body may feel heavy, and even small tasks are exhausting or take longer to complete.
• Self-loathing. Strong feelings of worthlessness or guilt. You harshly criticize yourself for perceived faults and mistakes.
• Concentration problems. Trouble focusing, making decisions, or remembering things.
• Unexplained aches and pains. An increase in physical complaints such as headaches, back pain, aching muscles, and stomach pain.

Reading a Book

 Hmmm.....this books looks pretty informative.

Potty Training

We decided to take some memory shots for our princess '1st time' in everything. Here it goes for her 1st potty training photos~

Front view

 Closer view

Side view

Top view

Well, these are like photos session. Nothing came out at all. Hahaha!

Legs in Actions!

My princess's legs are always as busy as her hands when she drinks her milk. Look at how she posed while daddy was feeding her the other day.

Enjoying her milk. Relaxing posture. @.@

Ya. That is my princess.

Send me money!

I Hope you get this on time,sorry I didn't inform you about my trip in Spain for a program,  I'm presently in Barcelona and am having some difficulties here because i misplaced my wallet on my way to the hotel where my money and other valuable things were kept.I want  you to assist me with a loan of 2000 Euro to sort-out my hotel bills and to get myself back home. I have spoken to the embassy here but they are not responding to the matter effectively,I will appreciate whatever you can afford to assist me with,I'll Refund the money back to you as soon as i return, let me know if you can be of any help. I don't have a phone where i can be reached. Please let me know immediately.

Best Regards,

XXXX

Have you received any similar email before?

I had received a mail from my dear friend in Kuching. It makes no sense but I still feel worry about him. So I sms him to make sure this is not scam. He called me back, told me that he had received many phone calls regarding this matter. He said, he never sends such email, and obviously his yahoo account has been hacked!

My hubby told me that his friend had sent the money to the con man after receiving the email few months ago. Feel so sorry for his friend as 2000 Euro is a lot. 

It seems like it is unwise to keep your confidential information in your mailbox. We never know what and when will this happen to us. Keep my finger cross.

All these con-man knows how to manipulate people's mind. They will either use your greed or your kindness to con you without you knowing. Once you know their tactic, you will amaze that they just need to use one story repeatedly and yet still have many people around the world get conned.

How I wish that the con-man can get caught one day.

Where is my BB?

These nights, my princess wants to sleep with us in our big King size bed. Of course, she sleeps in between us happily whereas my hubby and I were worry that we might cover her under our comforter middle of the night.

We have no idea why she gets so energetic at night nowadays. Before that, she will knock off around 11pm till next day morning. Hardly get up for milk too. Wonder whether it is due to World Cup fever?

My hubby and I were too exhausted to wait for her to fall asleep last night. We both went into our dreamland when we saw our princess was drowsy between us. Suddenly my princess cried out loud. Then I found out she was no longer sleeping between us. I jumped out and asked, "Where is our baby?!"

Her wailing leads us to where she was, crying on the floor! *No idea how she slipped down from the headboard?!

The first thing in my mind was, my goodness, the floor is so hard, and the bed is so high up. Fell down from the bed will definitely caused injuries! We quickly pushed the bed aside to carry her up. I went to switch on the lights to check on her head. Prepare for the worse already.

Our princess was in great shock. She cried so badly in her daddy's arm while I tried to check through her head and body. Thank God she is fine. No cut, no bruises, no bump, no bleeding.

After the big 'surprised', my hubby and I were both fully awake. We were laughing away, wondering how that happen. Our princess can push herself upwards and drop down from the small hole at the headboard? She did a surprising magic trick to us. Luckily she cried, else she will be overnight on the floor and let us seek for her on the next day morning!

After we calmed her down, she still refused to sleep in her own bed. So this time I pulled the two pillows together to block the way. Avoiding her from slipping down from the bed again. Waited her to fall in REM sleep, my hubby carried her to her own cot as usual.

We were worried that our princess will have brain or internal injuries. Wonder whether she will become 'dumb dumb' due to the fall. Really praise the Lord that she is fine. Gosh. What a reminder for us. Never take for granted!

Duck duck

Every time when my hubby and I visit a toy store or baby section at the shopping mall, we will always wondering whether we should get some toys for our princess during bath. Often we felt that she is still too young to appreciate it.

Till now, she is going to be 6 months old, she knows how to control her motor skills better in reaching out something she wants and grab them with her tiny fingers. So finally we bought he a set of bath toys - the duck family.

There are other choices, such as green tortoise family and blue elephant set. However, in the end, we stick to the old fashioned bathing toys -- the yellow duck. I think Mr.Bean also has a set. ^O^

 Prepared the water with the ducks swimming around.

Princess got fascinated by the ducks.

Trying to grab it.She prefers the big mother duck rather than the ducklings though. 

Bigger = more delicious?

This is what happened when a baby is teething......attacked!!

 Opps. Caught on camera again.

6th month immunisation

My princess is going to be 7-month old soon. These are some shots for her 6th month's immunisation day.

 Firstly, have to weigh this princess. 

She is going to be 8kg soon. 

No wonder my hubby & I have backache after we carried her for too long.

 Looks like she is enjoying the weighing process.

Everything was fun & interesting for her.

While waiting for the nurse to do the recording, 

this busy princess grabbed the nurse's recording cards without warning.  T_T

Measured her head.

Measured her body.

Measured her height. 

So far she was still very happy & excited for all the 'games'.

Until the needle came....

...cried for 2 minutes...

....then stopped. 

Glad that she stopped crying easily. Her next immunisation is in September, still have 3 months to go. Pity this little girl has to undergo the needle almost every month. Mama doesn't like needle too.