Grated fresh coconut

Kak Chik in action. She’s grating the coconut using the old traditional way. I can’t stand sitting on that thing for more than 15 minutes but she’s all smile doing it. Maybe I’m just lazy.

Ikan rebus..

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Eberg after bath

I believed he has not received bath since last year. Well, not our fault really.. Every time we said that we want to bath him, he’ll go missing. Clever little fella.

I finally manage to get hold of him on my last trip home. I use the Sunsilk shampoo and he smells wonderful after that. This is how he looks right after the bath. I knew I was not on his favorite list that day..

Sleepy Eberg

Huh… I want to sleep …

Is God challenging me?

There have been a number of developments at work and my boss want me to concentrate on the microwave portion rather than analog. He’d shared with my teammate how he plans to rank his subordinate and how many percentage each criteria will hold. I think his intention is good. He wanted us to focus and make sure that we take care of our own development.

I shared my plan with him to do some improvement on my products and he’s is supportive on it. Now I’ll have to lay down each objective and have a timeplan to turn around my idea. I’d need to complete some of the items by end of this year so that it’ll be captured in my FY06 development.

I always envy my colleague for being selected to do big scaled project. So far I’ve never been selected to do any of those except for the R&D project in other department. Maybe I still haven’t proved myself in RF and microwave area. I need to do something about it and get myself noticed or maybe I need to create that opportunity.

When searching for some items, I came across something that our company bought from outside. It make me think that why do we have to buy from outside. Don’t we have similar thing in-house? Then it downed on me. I’ve been praying for something to light my path. I don’t what it’s going to be but I’ve been praying for something big. This might be the opportunity that I’m looking for. I can design this item and sell my idea to my boss. Before that I’d have to do my homework and make my proposal.
It is not going to be easy and I know it but I have to do this and turn it into pots of gold. Oh Lord help me..

Buying my first TV

I’ve been renting a place in Penang for almost three years now and most of the stuffs in the house are shared. At the early years, I bought the fridge and never really bother about other things as my housemate has almost everything including TV. Even though it is just a 21 inch CTV, it was good enough for me as I never really spend time watching it much except for news at night and during the weekend.

Things took a turn for the last few months when my housemate keep the TV set in her room. Well, it is partly because there is no more couch in the living room so she wanted to lounge on her bed while watching it. I don’t mind that much but what mom said about the whole situation bother me. In her opinion, when people are staying in the same house, they should at least share some of the stuffs. To me, it was not really a big deal. Although she’s using my fridge, my stove and microwave and most of the time eats the food that I bought, I’m still trying to be positive and nice. Anyway, I’d already survive for few years in Bristol without TV, so what make this situation any difference.

Mom suggested that I buy a small TV and keep it in my room. Now, I just rely on my computer for source of entertainment. Yeah.. You’ve got it. I bought VCDs and DVDs and watch in my room. For me, this is enough but Mom doesn’t think so. This weekend I’ve been to a few shops looking for TV and comparing prices from one shop to another. I’ve my eyes set for a 29 inch flat screen TV and I’d narrowed it down to Sony Wega and Panasonic. Both looks good and is set to make me poor by RM1009. I know that SONY is good for entertainment products but I’m afraid of its compatibility with other company’s peripherals. Theirs might not match. I saw the difference in picture quality when the salesman turns on the program. The picture looks better compared to others so I might go for this one.

Kak Chik will do her Master..

Yupp.. She’s got the answer from the graduate department on Thursday. She’s been accepted for a place to do her Masters in Civil Engineering and I’m ecstatic. She’ll have to wait for the offer letter to arrive before knowing whether she receive graduate assistantship or not. That will be the most important part as it will determine if she’ll need to pay the study cost. I hope she’ll get it. Let’s pray together…

Strange looking fella..

I bought a pack of jambu air from Sunshine Supermarket last week. One of the jambu looks very strange. One side of it looks pretty much like human lips. Believe it or not… It’s strange but I ate it anyway. It was sweet and juicy though..

Being rich and have plenty of money..

Some people think that thinking or talking too much about money and wealth is sinful. Is that so? Well, for me I don’t think that is true. Even though money cannot buy happiness we still need it to pay for our basic necessities. Without money we cannot even afford a trip to the grocery store to buy food. How do we feel if we don’t have food? Not happy isn’t it.

There are Muslims that abhor wealth. They said it could lead to greediness and will corrupt our moral. I did not share this view. I think Allah created abundance opportunity for everybody. It is up to us to go and find it. He creates guidance for us to follow and He did not ask us to live in poverty. He wants us to work hard, gain wealth and share it with others who are less fortunate.

With money we have opportunity to donate and help others in need. There is nothing wrong with it and Allah encourages us to do that. So, please do not think of wealth as a sin. Think of it from the positive side. What can be done with it?

Today, whenever our Muslim brothers and sisters in trouble, we feel helpless. We cannot contribute much to help them. If only we have the money and mean to do it. We can help in building a good society and create opportunity for them.

Remember, Allah does not ask us to just sit and watch the time pass by. He encourages us to be independent and hardworking and he does not tolerate people who like making excuses. So, wake up and grab the opportunity. You might be the one chosen to make a difference in somebody’s life. So don’t waste your time and just do it.

Colored view

I saw this poem in The Star last Saturday but there was no mentioned of who the author was. I think he/she summed up a nice view for those who always think different of colored person. Although it is grammatically incorrect, the content brings a whole lot of new dimension to the way people think. Thank you for the nice poem and may God bless you…

When I born, I Black
When I grow up, I Black
When I go in Sun, I Black
When I scared, I Black
When I sick, I black
And when I die..
I still Black…

And you White fella
When you born, you Pink
When you grow up, you White
When you go in Sun, you Red
When you cold, you Blue
When you scared, you Yellow
When you sick, you Green
And when you die, you Gray….

And you calling me
COLORED?

June 2006 Must..

Must get…
A black handbag for Mama and a nice looking shirt for Abah.

Must see…
X-Men III – The last one stand. Cannot get enough of Wolverine from the last X-Men

Must find…
Inuyasha series part 2,3 and 4. I’d bought 54 episodes from part 1 and all the Inuyasha Movies. These series will complete my Inuyasha collection.

Must do..
Submit my driver, front and rear panel boards for layout and fabrication. I’ve been holding these for quite sometimes. It is time to move.

Must try…
Back up my hard drive. I’d made the first move by buying the external hard drive. That tiny drive set me back RM340 for 80GB. Come to think of it, it only cost about RM4/GB. So, stop whining and get on with it.

What are you scared off?

Found this website, www.phobialist.com when surfing last week.
Check this out:

1) Bibliophobia – Fear of books
2) Isolophobia – Fear of solitude
3) Felinophobia – Fear of cats

They have all sort of phobia words. I wonder who created these stuffs

K Chik’s is graduating soon.

Last Thursday was Kak Chik’s last paper and it marked the end of her final exam. I’m glad that she sailed through smoothly amid some hiccups in her second year. I hope she’ll score in this exam. This exam will determine if she’ll graduate with first or second class degree.

This entire saga reminded me of my study years. It still amazed me how those stuffs that took three to four years to learn were judged in a 2-week final exam. After all the hardship, I came back with a scroll and now I’m in my third year working in Agilent. Time flies so fast and now it’s K Chik’s turn to cut it.

On Monday, she’ll have her final year project presentation and she’s just got the phone call from the graduate office for interview on the Masters on Wednesday. That phone call rattled her cage but I asked her to try to be calm and concentrate on the presentation first. Well, I know that it is easier said than done but someone had to say something.

She’s hoping to do her Masters in July and I envy her because she’s given that opportunity fast. I dream of doing my Masters as well but I also have commitment and it is not easy for me to let go. Furthermore, I love my job and I cannot see myself letting it go, at least not for now.

We’ve a talk and K Chik suggested that I tried the part time Master program. It sound good but I need to get some money to pay for the study. I think I’d have to fork out RM3000 for the first semester and RM2000 for the next subsequent semester. It’s a big step and I don’t know if I’m ready for it. I really want to do it and complete my education. The application date for the June intake will end on 6th June. I don’t think I can get enough funding for this one by that date. Maybe I’ll wait for the next intake. Mama is being supportive and I hope that this path is the right one for me.

I don’t know why I did it….

I usually see advert in the newspaper calling for homemakers to do various odd jobs such as assembling things and mailing stuffs for a certain company. I tried one or two previously and ended up cheated of my money. I feel so stupid and betrayed because of that and stopped trying after being cheated twice.

Last month, I saw an interesting advert of assembling toys at home. I respond to the ads and was asked to send in RM85 to get the particulars. I didn’t think much and paid for it. I’ve got the packet last week. This company asked me to pay RM300 for the license registration and promised to send me the first kit after I’d signed the dotted line.

You might say that I’m stupid to part with my money like that after all I’ve been through, but I’m curious. I wanted to know if this company is legitimate and can offer me something that I can do during my free time. It does not pay a lot, RM15 per completed toy after I’d been accepted to become the assembler. Well, I could do with the extra money and I hope that this time it is not a con scheme.

I’d replied to the company. I’m hoping that they will send the kit by next week. The toys on the particulars are robotic stuffs. I think I could do that. Don’t ask me why I did this as I don’t have answer to it. My normal job gave me enough money to survive and I also stashed some for emergencies. So I guess, I did this out of curiosity. The additional pay is just a bonus and I could use it to pay for some items that I’ve been eying for months.

Well, before I started dreaming of anything, I’m just praying that I’ll get the value for the money that I paid. Pray hard that it is not a ripped off.

What a naughty cat…

Shida called to tell me what Berg did yesterday and she couldn’t stop laughing when she told me of his antics.

As usual he’ll have his breakfast at around 7 am. He’d have a plate of plain rice with some fish and off he went outside, minding his own business.

Mama prepared fried beehon with kangkong – kampung style and also prepared fish crackers for breakfast. The kitchen was alive with chatters and surrounded with heavenly smells of the fried beehon. Out of the blue, Berg meowed endlessly, pleading to enter the kitchen, much to the surprise of everyone. He meowed so loud that my sisters thought that he’s sick at first. Well, the reason he did that was because he wanted to eat the fried beehon. And sure enough he had it complete with the kangkong and the fish crackers that were crushed to smaller pieces (his too old anyway to bite the big crackers).

That little brat knows how to play his stuffs and made others follow his. It was the trick that he did whenever he wanted some nice treat from the kitchen especially when we have fried chicken. This tabby is known to have has a soft spot for a nicely done fried chicken but eating fried beehon and kangkong is something that he’d never done. None of us know what make him tick and want to eat that dish. Well, that was his choice and hopefully he won’t get stomach upset because of the treat.

He is still young...

Parkas was laid to rest on 11.30am yesterday. Mama, abah and Shida attended the funeral. They saw his wife and their seven-month old baby. None of us realized that they already have a baby.

According to Mama, Parkas was on his way back from Nilai to KL on bike. About 1-km from his house, he tried to overtake 6-army trucks but he was hit by a car on the opposite lane while overtaking the last truck. Due to the impact, he hit the lside of the truck and snap his neck and died at the scene.

Nobody seems to understand why he tried to overtake 6-trucks while riding up the hill. It was a silly thing to do but that was what happened. The army guy take care of everything and bring his body back to Kelantan. Aside from minor cut, his body looks normal.

It was a sad thing. He is so young but I think Allah loves him more than any of us. I pray that he'll be happy in heaven... Aminnnnn.

Parkas passed away

This morning, dad called to inform that Parkas, our relatives died in accident in KL. At this point of time, the body is still on the way back to Kelantan for burial.

I’ve just knew this guy for the past few years. Although he is our closed relative, I did not have any recollection of him before this. After he graduated and become a quantity surveyor, he always joined his family whenever they visit us. The last time I saw him was during the Hari Raya celebration when I joined my parents visiting them. I remembered that he commented about my car and asked quite a number of questions about it.

If I’m not mistaken, there have been several death-related accidents in their family. The last two was his brother and his brother in law. I don’t know, maybe it is fate, but it makes me think why….

Whatever it is, I pray for his happiness in the afterlife and AlFatihah to him.

My mom…

1) Is my buddy
2) Taught me that live is tough and not to wallow in self pity
3) Stand by my side when I was sick and told me to be strong
4) Comforted me whenever I’m down and is my true confidant
5) Shares my loves and laughter and sometimes my tantrum and tears
6) Told me to believe and be proud of myself

Thank you for all the loves and prayers that you shower me. I know that I’m blessed with your passion and warmth and there is no word that can truly describe my love for you. I just want to say: Ma, Kakak, Angah, Kak Chik, Shida, Intan, Surah and Syahir love you very much. Happy Mother’s Day.

Poor bat

Look at thus poor bat. It stuck on the front grill of my car. I saw it yesterday when I went out for shopping. I would have tried to save it had I see it earlier. This was the second time a flying creature stuck in that grill. Previously, it was a small bird and I’d managed to save it. This time, no luck for that poor bat.

My first ticket

I got my first ticket on Saturday in Terengganu for “overtaking on the long white line”. Well, actually it was not really it. I was overtaking the lorry after trying unsuccessfully for about 20 minutes. When I was doing it, I was still on the dotted line but by the time I crossed the lorry, I ended up on the double line. And there was the traffic police sitting under the hut. I knew what’s going to happen next.

He waived me over and I stopped. Well, what more can I say. I’ve got a ticket. I felt nothing but slightly irritated because of the whole situation. I did not say much and just let him does his work. I thought he’s going to say “I’ll give you a ticket because of speeding”. Thank God, it was just one offence else dad will give his sermon.

What a day… One ticket and I’m RM200 poorer. Hopefully this is last one.

Satey Ikan

This is one of our childhood foods that we always crave. We used to save our pocket money each week just to buy the satey from the pakcik.

It is actually just like ball of fish paste baked and served with hot or sweet sauce. I think, when the pakcik made it, he only put very small percentage of fish paste, the rest are just sago flour and bicarbonate soda.

I can say that it is a junk food but it is so addictive. Even the ‘sauce’ is not really sauce. It looks thick because of a lot of corn flour. It looks red not really because of the chilies but more to the contribution of red food coloring.

I know.. I know. Mom and dad does not approve it, but we always sneak to buy it. At 10 cent a stick, it was a steal for us when we were kid. Even now, mom still doesn’t understand why we have to have it every time we come back to Kelantan.

Another trip home…

It’s been a nice long weekend for our family especially for mom and dad. With almost all of us came home, the cheerful mood is surely on their side. Intan cannot make it home due to her ‘packed’ weekend, training for the Teacher’s Day performance in PWTC.

It all started with Angah taking his long awaited holiday. I’d contacted K Chik and we devised our little plan to come home. Neither Shida and dad realized it but mom sort of expecting us. Yeah… you know it, mother’s instinct.

I don’t have much money in my pocket. It was just enough for the petrol but I don’t care. This opportunity is too good to be missed. We went to visit Tok Ayah and I was really touched to see Angah met Tok Ayah again after about one year. The whole moment seem to freeze.

We have impromptu barbeque and satey ikan. We bought fifty sticks of the satey and eat it at one go.

Seeing mom so happy just ache me to return to Penang but life has to go on. Hopefully, all of us can be together again soon.

This is me..

I am… “Independent, nature-loving, adventurous and young at heart”

I enjoy … “traveling to new places, seeing new sights, meeting new people, experiencing new culture and reading”

I can’t do a day without… “Music and reading”

I wish I knew… “How to power dress and do make up”

I admire people … “People with guts to follow their dream”

I wish … “I have more money so that I can buy lots of cool thing for my family”

I’m looking for… “A way to safe guard my future and ensuring that I’m financially independent”

Not again..

Changes, bad or good is part of life. Whether you like it or not, it will happen. Here, I am listening to my boss rambling on the new organizational changes that will take place. Again?? Maybe there is something good this time.

So, how does it affect me? I’m not sure yet but I hope it will be good. I don’t give a damn as long as I’m happy.

Coffee Class

Interesting articles froom The Australian Women's Weekly's.

1. LONG BLACK, or espresso lungo or Americano, is a single shot of espresso over two-thirds of a cup of hot water.

2. CAPPUCCINO A single shot of espresso (one-third) with one-third steamed milk and one-third froth. A traditional Italian cappuccino does not have chocolate sprinkled on top, but this is usually standard in Australia. In Italy, cappuccino is mostly drunk in the morning and rarely after a meal.

3. FLAT WHITE A single shot of espresso (one-third) with two-thirds steamed milk, served in a cappuccino cup. Less milky than caffe latte.

4. CAFFE LATTE A single shot of espresso with two-thirds to three-quarters steamed milk with a fine layer of foam on top, served in a tall glass. Usually drunk at breakfast.

5. MOCHA A single shot of espresso with chocolate syrup or powder, topped with steamed milk and a fine layer of foam, and sprinkled with chocolate. Served in a tall glass.

6. AFFOGATO Two scoops of vanilla ice-cream in a cappuccino cup or dish with one shot of espresso poured over.

7. ESPRESSO, or short black, is a single shot of coffee of about 25-30ml, with a thick golden cream on top. The cream has a full flavor, body and aroma, and floats on top - it proves the espresso was brewed correctly.

8. MACCHIATO A single shot of espresso served with a spoonful of milk (frothed or heated) to "stain" or "mark" the coffee.

9. RISTRETTO This is an espresso with a single shot of coffee, but the machine is stopped part way to give only 20ml of liquid, with a rich golden cream (the layer of small bubbles and dense foam comprising oils and flavors) on top. Ristretto has an intense flavor and aftertaste.

GROUP O: they can't stand people who hide the truth

Interesting findings noted about people with O-type blood. How do they come out with these I don’t know, but it quite accurate.

Basic Behaviour:
* Make objectives clear
* Posses great deal of confidence
* They are honest, optimistic and energetic

Tolerance
* Their strength and endurance depend on their aim.
* They can give up easily when they find a job meaningless

How do they see their future and past
* They are positive about their past thus they normally don't regret about their past.
* They seek financial stability for the future.

How do they express their emotion
* They are usually stable and calm
* But they are very sensitive towards sincerity
* They give straightforward opinions

How do they work
* Their concentration varies from time to time depending on their aim
* They mostly prefer to lead
* They tend to overlook details

Tikar Mengkuang

It is pretty hard to find tikar mengkuang today. I think it is slowly being replaced with the plastic mat. It took me ages to find somebody that can make one for me and my quest to find tikar mengkuang had brought me all the way to Terengganu. I remember when I was small, an old lady used to come door to door to sell tikar mengkuang, but not anymore. I’m not sure whether she is still around but I haven’t seen her for ages. In my opinion, not only it the art of weaving tikar meangkuang is dying, the mengkuang itself is hard to find today.

Some people frowned when I asked whether they know of any place/people that sell tikar mengkuang. They think that I’m old fashion girl. I don’t care what people think but I know that I love the smell of tikar mengkuang and I want one for my room. It feels so comfortable to sleep on it on a hot day and it also reminds me of my childhood.

The whole weaving process is a dying art and not many from our young generations are keen to learn it. I think the Craft Center is making the effort to preserve the skill. I saw some tikar mengkuang being displayed at the center in Kota Bharu. The tourists seem to appreciate it but our own people….

Bring on the dessert

I saw this glossy photo of Chinese dessert that incorporates snow fungi, red dates in the Food Magazine. It looks pretty nice but I’d never really have one from the restaurants here as I don’t know if they serve one. Maybe they do, but I still want to make one for my Sunday’s lunch.

I bought the dried snow fungi, red dates and longan from Tesco. As I was leaving the aisle, I spotted a pack of Chinese dessert ingredient (pre pack) that is touted to be able to cool the body. Well, that sound interesting and I bought a pack to try. According to the instruction at the back, the ingredient can be added into bird nest, red bean and other concoctions to make a wonderful dessert. Hmmm.. I think cooking it with the snow fungi, red dates and longan doesn’t sound that bad either and that is exactly what I’d done.

I soaked the dried ingredient until it is slightly softer before simmering them together with few cups of water. I admit that the result doesn’t disappoint me at all. I put some ice in there and it taste great. The slight crunchiness of the snow fungi is a delight. Maybe next time I can consider making the one using the rock sugar.. hmmm…

Not a good day

I woke up last night at 3am, hot and sweaty and the thermometer in my room registered 33 degree Celsius. It was too hot and the fan is already at maximum. Damn I suddenly feelt queasy. I’ve got runny nose and kept sneezing. Was it the haze or dustmite? I don’t know.

Today I’m slightly light headed and still having a runny nose. My throat aches and I think my voice changes a bit. Not good...

It is nearly lunch time now and I feel like eating something hot and spicy. So, tomyam will satisfy me. I feel so tired and cannot wait for the day to end. Gosh.....

Check this out...

Japanese rice with omelette and teriyaki chicken

Miso Soup

Omelette and teriyaki chicken

My Sunday Lunch

My housemate just went out for lunch and I have no plan of eating out. My mind is fixed on this glossy page of my Japanese cookbook. It would be lovely if I have a plate teriyaki chicken or some futomaki for lunch. But I just don’t want to go out and spent huge amount of money on Japanese food in the Kampachi Restaurant or Shushi King. Well, at least not today.

After checking out my tiny pantry, I came out with some eggs, Japanese rice, chicken, shoyu, some leafy vegitable and a packet of Miso soup. That would do for today’s lunch. I’d decided to make Chicken ‘Teriyaki’, Miso Soup, and fried egg and eat it with fluffy Japanese Rice. Few cups of Green Tea will follow later.

Typical teriyaki sauce will require shoyu, sake, mirin and some caster sugar. So, I cannot really buy one of those imported teriyaki sauce as it won’t be halal. So, I’ve just mixed some shoyu and sugar and add in some honey. This will make the chicken shiny when I used the marinating mixture for glazing later. I’d also add in some ginger and garlic to it. The chicken was marinated for about one hour before I grilled it.

For the Miso Soup, I’d added in some fishball, fishcake, shiitake mushroom and some mustard leaves or shungiku in Japanese (I think that is what it is called in Japan). The soup tastes better and full bodied after the entire combo was added in. I cooked the Japanese short rice as I would normally cook my normal rice but with slightly less water, else the rice will be mushy and damp. I’d added in some chopped seaweed and freshly ground peppercorn to the egg mixture and pan fried it like an omelet.

After eating all that lovely food, I washed it down with cold green tea. Uhhhu… I have a nice Japanese lunch today….at a fraction of the normal cost. That is what people called, live frugally….

What a lovely dessert

Thais are creative lots. Give them coconut milk, fresh fruits and some sticky rice, and they’ll whip out a wonderful desert for you in minutes.

I saw my office mate bought this lovely mango dessert in from Thai’s corner in Tesco last week but I think it was too sweet to my liking. So, I tried making my own mango dessert for the first time last night and the result wasn’t too bad. Though I admit that a little more sugar would improve the overall result, I succumb to the thought of eating anymore sugar especially at night.

I cook the sticky rice with pandan leaf. The sticky rice that I ate in Tesco was cooked with sugar – so it was a little on the sweet side, which I don’t like. So, I’d decided not to add sugar in mine. I prepare the coconut sauce by simmering some coconut milk with sugar. I did not add in any thickener in it as I want to taste the freshness of the coconut milk itself. Some diced mangoes complete the whole ensemble. I served it cold by topping the sticky rice with diced mango and some coconut sauce. Hmmm….

Squids in fermented bean sauce

I bought some squids over the weekends and was not too sure what to do with it. While watching a food program on the television, a thought occurred to me. Why not fried the squids in fermented bean sauce? I made my own sauce by frying some fermented bean paste or taucu as the Malays fondly called it with pounded red onions, garlic and some chilies. After seasoning it with some sugar and ketchup, the dish is ready to be served. The sauce is not too overpowering and coupled with steaming rice, the simple dish make a statement on its own. I’d definitely cook it again in the future.

Know yourself

I was reading an article in Life and Times by NST yesterday that I feel close to my hearts. It said that tolerance is the capacity to go beyond the superficial things that divide us. It is the results of turning within and coming to know the self. How true could that be??? So, if I can deal wit my own ego, then my anger can be resolved. Hmmmm…
With ego out of the way, I will be able to handle anything.

It will also be a good start by introducing positive words to the mind. For example instead of “I should be understood”, I should use “I should understand”. What is needed is humility, the quality that makes one ignorant of any credit or acknowledgement for the self. I think, only when I have learnt to value others as my equals, can I be said to be truly humble. Maybe I would be wiser if I can step away from my own feelings and opinions and genuinely listen to the experience of others. I know it is not easy to do but I will try. Sometimes I just need somebody to listen to my story. Just listen, and that is all I need.

The oozing cheese…

The sight of Jamie Oliver whipping out a fantastic looking Quesadillas in ‘Oliver Twist” has been playing in my mind since Thursday. The oozing cheese really enticed my hungry tummy. I haven’t tried one but the ingredient looks simple enough. He just used some cheese, I think it was cheddar, some coriander leaves, onions (relish would be alright as well), chilies and of course the tortilla.

I’d tried making one today based on what I saw on the program and it taste quite good. The coriander mixed well with strong cheddar cheese that I’d used. Maybe I’d try adding in salsa or some cooked chicken next time.

Quesadilla is a Mexican dish that I believe is equivalent to toasted sandwich. It should be served hot or it will become chewy. The choice of cheese and the fillings will determine its taste. I think a good combination would be mozzarella, Monterey Jack and cheddar cheese. Hmmm.. lots and lots of cheese. A perfect appetizer for the hungry crowd.

Cool makeup

I came across this website of people doing prosthetic makeup - some of them are for the tv series. Check it out:

http://www.themakeupgallery.info/

It even have a demo on the make up process.

Friday rambling..

Lots of interesting and silly things happened in these past few days. It seems like my responsibility have expanded threefold in a matter of hours. Having to provide “technical consult” to new engineers and potential of being pulled for new project are among other things that happened to me. Suddenly, I feel very old and overwhelmed. When I look around, I realize that there are only three “seniors” left in our group including me. The rest have moved on.

It seems just like yesterday that I put my foot in this company. Fresh from university, I don’t really know what to expect but I come with open mind. Now, I’ve been here for nearly three years and I actually quite like it. I saw so many changes around me, people being laid off, division spin off etc but I keep myself motivated. I put aside the opportunity to go to Shell and decided to grow myself here in RF and Microwave.

Keeping myself grounded is the hardest thing to do. I’m used to being in hard and challenging environment but it is nothing compared to office politics. I’m distancing myself from all of these, doesn’t really want to indulge in the gossip or rumors, but I’m aware of what is happening around me. Suffice to say that I get on well with my colleagues but I’m refraining myself from getting too close to any of them. I respected people opinion and decision but I have my own way of doing things. I do cross the line sometimes but I think the experience thought me new things.

I’ve never really trust other people. Called me paranoid but I think it is a “dog eats dog” world out there. Only the strongest survive. I trust my instinct but I’m open to suggestions and advice. It just that I’ll never really take people at their words, especially if they talk too much. Most of them will either be bragging or talking rubbish. But show me the facts and you’ll have my ears.

I won myself a Microwave Oven!

Agilent organized a dinner in recognition of our effort last year. We have performances from our team, dances from the external troupe and also Lucky Draw. I think I’ve never win anything for my whole life, but that I night I won a Microwave Oven. Well, it was not exactly a cool microwave but what the heck; I’ve got it for free.

Our story...

Time seems passing quickly
Leaving our memory behind
There will be no more laughter
That heals the emptiness inside

There is a story about you and me
And our togetherness
Our beautiful friendship
Thru tears and laughter

I'll always remember
The time that we spend together
The lasting memory of us
Being together

Let's eat Okanomiyaki

This Japanese cuisine looks like a mixture of pancake and pizza. I don’t know of any place in Penang that served this dish and halal so I’d decided to make one based on some recipes that I found on the net.

The batter is made of flour, dashi or water and shredded cabbage. As the name suggest I can use anything that I like as a topping be it squids, shrimps, onion, meat etc. The batter is prepared like a pancake. I cook it on both sides and spread the topping. The finish pancake is served with other condiments like the sauce, nori and mayonnaise.

Since I cannot find the Okonomiyaki sauce here, I resume to make some based on the recipes from the net. I used some tomato puree, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, dark soya sauce, sugar, dashi and some cornstarch to thicken it. It doesn’t taste that bad and I’m enjoying it very much. There is something else that is missing in my Okanomiyaki which is the ‘tenkasu’. It is actually the tempura scum or rice bubbles as fondly known by some people. I think the tenkasu will add some crispiness to the finish product but since I cannot find it, I’d decided to skip it.

Being me, I squeeze lots and lots of mayonnaise on it and put some cheese as well. Well, even though mine is not the real Okonomiyaki, I’m sure it can be called the fusion Okonomiyaki…Hail the fusion queen. Does the photo make you hungry ?

Hari Raya Aidil Adha

Next Tuesday, Muslim around the world will celebrate Eidul Adha or Hari Raya Haji as it is popularly known in Malays. This celebration is an important occasion in Islam. It’ll take place on the tenth day of the twelfth and last month (Zul Hijjah) of the Islamic calendar (Hijra). In 2006 this celebration will fall on the 10th of January.

Eidul Adha marks the occasion when Prophet Abraham (Ibrahim) was willing to sacrifice his son to show his obedience to Allah. It is particularly significance for pilgrims who will be completing a pilgrimage (Hajj) to Makkah in the month of Zul Hijjah.

The day begins with prayers in the Holy Mosque followed with a sacrifice of an animal in commemoration of Abraham's sacrifice of a lamb in place of his son. One-third of the meat is given to the poor, and the rest shared by family and friends. Muslims will wear their best clothes and prepare foods for friends and family. They will visit each other and sometimes exchange presents and cards.

In Malaysia, the celebration is more popularly celebrated in the east coast states such as Kelantan and Terengganu. I can say that almost every household will have at least one sacrifice. Kelantanese staying all over Malaysia will take this opportunity to return to home to visit relatives and friends. The kids will line up early in the morning with the hope of getting big fat green packet.

My mother and I will have our sacrifices as usual. I’ve been doing this since I started working. So, this is kind of annual ritual for me. All of us will be home for the celebration except for Angah. I was hoping that he can make it this time. It will not be the same if one of us is not around. I might be making some cookies if I have time tomorrow. Else, I’ll just buy some from the shops. At least we have something for the kids.

My first day of 2006

On the first day of new year
I woke up to the sound of the bird chirping
With the morning light showering my body
And the cold breeze kissing my cheeks
My tummy growls
To the sweet smell of coffee and honey pancake

I paused

I’ve yet to do my morning prayer
So I sit there, reflecting myself

Oh Allah Almighty
Make me a brave person
That can ride the wave of challenge
For the great year is ahead of me
Full of uncertainty, full of unknown

Oh Lord
Make me the luckiest person this year
For I’m always left behind
Let this tiny girl be noteworthy
So she can give back to the needy

Amin….

A beautiful sunset on New Year’s Eve

A rainbow against the darkened background, looks so serene and mystical.
Happy New Year!!

2006 is coming. Happy New Year!!!!!

Today is Friday, December 30, 2005. Two more days to 2006 and we’ll say goodbye to 2005.
For 2006:

1) I wish that I can be the luckiest person is the world
2) I want to do one design project for this year
3) I want to buy a house
4) I want to live healthily. Priority!!!!


There are more “I wish” and “I want” in my mind but I’d rather keep them to myself. Selfish huh…..Don’t care

So, what is your New Year Resolution?

Maisurah gets 8A for her PMR!!!

My lovely sister got 8A for her PMR. I’m happy for her success. She deserves the recognition for her hard work. She’s a naturally gifted person and is good with numbers but not so successful in language, at least that’s what I think.

Anyway, congratulation my “whale”.

Kakuro Craze

Kakuro is a numeric crossword puzzle. It is considered more challenging than Sudoku. I think it is more fun to do Kakuro and it is addictive. At laest it get my rustic brain moving. I started out at the kid level and slowly progressing myself.

If you say you can sudoku, then you should kakuro as well.

Check out this website of Kakuro:
http://www.kakurolive.com/

My beloved beaver

My full name is Beaver. My nickname is Mat Berg but people call me Berg.

I don't like people taking my photo as I'll always look fat in it.

Gulai Lemak Siput

Have you ever tried Gulai Lemak Siput Sedut which can loosely translate to Snail in Coconut Gravy? I know some of you might cringe on the thought of eating snail but this one taste quite tasty. It is considered a local delicacy and you cannot easily find it in normal restaurant as even the snail seems hard to find nowadays.

It is used to be a laborious work to cook this dish. Nowadays, you can buy the snail readily clean and prepared – ready for cooking. You can even buy the herbs from the supermarket. All you need to do is blend them together and add in the snail. Let it simmer for a few minutes and the meal is ready. I always love my mom’s version of this dish. She’ll put lots and lots of Daun Kadok and chilies. The dish tasted divine with thick creamy coconut milk and the most important thing is the snail is cook to perfection, not too chewy.

Here is one of the recipes that you can try out:

Ingredients:

1/2 kg snail, cut the end and clean it thoroughly
1 cup of water
1 turmeric leaf
3 slices of asam gelugur
3 cups of coconut milk
Daun Kadok

Blend together:

5 shallots
3 cm fresh turmeric
2 tsp dried prawn
1 1/2 cm shrimp paste
Red chilies/Bird eyes chilies depending on your tolerance
How to cook it?

1. Add in water, turmeric leaf, asam gelugur, daun kadok and the blended ingredients into a pot. Let it simmer for a while
Add in coconut milk and salt to taste. Keep stirring the gravy to prevent it from “curdling”. Once it boiling, add in the snail. Cook for a while and turn the fire off. Try not to cook it for too long as it cause the snail to become chewy.

It’s a scary drive back home

Friday, I reached another chapter in my life. I’ve never could imagine myself driving in a heavy rain and foggy environment along the East West Highway. Driving back from Penang to Kelantan with my sisters and a friend, I feel like entering into a white zone. I can barely see the road and only rely on the middle divider line as my guide. The visibility was so bad. The farthest that I can see is about two meters ahead. The road condition that deteriorates over the raining season makes the situation worse. I hit the deep holes on the road few times. Sometimes, I try to avoid the hole in the middle of the road only to end up going into the one on the left. My heart seems to stop every time the tyre hit the hole. Poor baby. The meter barely touches 80km/hour. The winding road seems like an endless journey. I keep praying that I won’t hit anybody or being hit by somebody. I can see landslides at some stretches and that scares me.

Normally, it took me one and a half hour driving through that stretch but this time it took me longer than that, I think about three hours. What matter most was we reached home safe. I wish that I’d never have to go through that experience. Once is enough for me. The whole experience about driving during heavy rain in a deep fog along a winding and bad road teaches me to be tough. That’s what I call a challenging ride and I survived it.

Thank You....

I'd a closed brush with death today, or so I thought. It happened in front of the Toyota Showroom in Sunway Tunas, Bayan Lepas. As I was walking out of the showroom to my car, a grey Satria sped up. There were only few centimeters between me and the car body. That's damn closed.

My heart beat profusely. The driver honk and I stop immediately, unhurt. That area is so narrow and the Toyota people put up a tent that actually covers the road making it narrower and cramped. Yet, how could that guy cruise that narrow strip at 60km/hour????

I feel blessed that Allah still loves me and take care of me. I'm still shaken by the incident.
Deep inside my heart I keep saying thank you for His care. I don't know what will happen and don't want to think about it.

Whatever it is, I know there is somebody watching me and I feel so small under His watchful eyes... Thank you

Ayam Masak Merah…

I had to admit that I’m not a health buff when it comes to food. For Saturday’s dinner, I cooked Ayam Masak Merah which literally means Red Chicken. It tasteddevillish and I ate it with Nasi Beriyani (Spicy Rice). The heavy dish was tamed down with slices of fresh cucumber

Triple New Year

Does anybody realize that we'll be cellebrating triple New Year this January.

Chinese > Year of Dog, January 29th
Muslim > Awal Muharram/ Maal Hijrah, Janury 31st
Malaysia > NEW YEAR , January 1st

I've read somewhere that the triple New Year will only occur every 32 or 33 years. So, the next triple New Year will be in 2039.

What is your resolution for this coming New Year?

A happy day in Cameron Highland

From left Intan, K Cik, Surah and me.

Cacti in Rose Valley

I took these photos during my visit to Rose Valley in Cameron Highland. I cannot imagine myself fall onto those thorny cacti.. Ouchhh...

Butterfly Farm

We spent about half an hour in the Butterfly Farm, Cameron Highland. The place is quite small and there are not many butterflies around. It costs RM3/adult and open from about 9am to 6pm.

Rose Valley... Cameron Highland

One of the many type of roses in the Valley















Strange looking flower.. looks like a bird

White and Yellow Swans

Me and Intan in the Rose Valley. Our shirts matched the swans' colors. Hehehehhe....

Cameron Highland Strawberries

Fresh Strawberries bought from the market

Refreshing Strawberries Lolly - RM1/piece

Deep Fried Kimchan and Oyster Mushroom in Batter

So crispy....

A weekend trip to Cameron Highland

Last Thursday night, I packed few clothes, bundled my sisters inside my car and off we headed to Cameron Highland. Taking the North South Highway from Penang, the night driving took me about 2 hours. Not too bad….The traffic was good.

By the time we reached Ipoh, it was already 9.30pm so we’d decided to overnight in Ipoh. As a budget conscious traveler, our obvious choice would be a cheap motel that can provide us with basic necessities. Easy parking space would be an added advantage to us. We ended in Faremount Hotel for about RM70/night. The motel was very basic but the cleanliness was quite disappointing. I’d prefer if the toilet is cleaner but since I’m too tired, I couldn’t; complain much.

We left for Cameron Highland at about 8.30 am the next morning and took the Simpang Pulai exit for a scenic and pleasurable drive. The drive up took me about 1 hour and the scenery is breathking. We stay for two nights in Jasmine Hotel in Brinchang at a rate of RM85/night. This hotel is quite ok except that it doesn’t provide fresh towel. It’s lucky that we brought our own.

We went to few places such as the Rose Valley, Butterfly Farm, and the Strawberry Farm.
The cute cacti always capture our attention whenever we stop at the market. I ended up buying about ten of them.

The fresh strawberry lollies were so nice. At about RM1 to RM1.50 per piece, the lollies were one of the sought after items for us. We ate lots of them. I love the dried strawberries as well. It made a good goodies to give to others back home.

The night market was packed with hawkers and also tourist. Lots of stuffs are available here such as souvenirs, strawberries, cacti, fresh veggies and fruits, and honey. Not too mentioned food and we tried the Kimchan and Oyster Mushroom Deep Fried in Butter. It was so nice we bought lots of them to eat in the hotel.

We left Cameron Highland on Sunday morning with heavy hearts. We’d made plan to come again in the future. Maybe I’ll venture further to explore the famous Mount Brinchang or going for other nature trip that we missed this time.

Pesta Pulau Pinang

It has been quite sometime since I write anything to this blog. I’ve been quite occupied with my works and also with my two sisters that are currently in Penang visiting me.

Pesta Pulau Pinang has just started and it’s a great opportunity for me to bring my sisters around. The last time I went there was in 2003 and the ticket price was just RM2. I think they’d increase the price since last year to RM4. We went there just for fun since they’ve never been to one.

There is nothing interesting there. It’s more or less like the Kota Bharu expo except that it has better booths. There are games and some entertainments for the visitor. I was hoping that they’ll showcase on the Penang famous food, culture or anything that Penang is famous for, but all I see is the exploitation of some commercial goodies that we can buy with a cheaper price outside the Pesta. I wish the state government will do something to improve the Pesta Pulau Pinang quality.

Have some Mee Siam

One of the great joys of homecooking is I get to experiment with varieties of ingredients readily available in our supermarket shelves. I love to try out new recipes that I came across when browsing the net. Saturday lunch was no exception. Aiming with the list of ingredients to make Mee Siam, my sister and I went through Tesco’s shelves to buy santan, cucumber, lemongrass, bunga kantan, red chillies and fresh prawn for the dish.

We took our time making the gravy that have a terracotta-like color due to a mixture of chillies, santan and the salted soya bean (taucheo).

I topped the Mee Siam with some shredded chicken, prawn, squids, fried shallots, boiled egg, cucumber and some other condiments. The gravy has some tanginess to it due to the tamarind and some calamansi lime that we added in. I quite like the overall taste of the dish as I think the flavour mixed really well… What a moorish dish for a lazy Saturday lunch.

Steamed Siakap

I was craving steamed fish and browsing through the cooking books prompted me to make one of my own. Here is the finish results. The smells filled the house that day and me and my sisters have great time making this steamed fish.

We used young ginger, carrot, chillies and lots of onion and garlic that have been julienned.

Looking thru my window..

It has been raining for the past few days and I'd managed to capture this photo which I think is pretty beautiful. The droplets were quite big and it was raining heavily that day.

A bowl of laksa penang....

On Tuesday, arming with a list of ingredients needed to cook Laksa Penang, I went to Tesco with Intan. We headed straight to the fish counter and were disappointed to find that the mackerel fish (or ikan kembung as it is locally called) was not fresh.
We tried our best to find the better looking fish among the baddies and managed to get some.

After getting the bunga kantan (RM2.90 for 2 pieces !!!!) and some daun kesum we headed back. All three of us chipped in to cook the laksa penang. It smells so good and I keep dipping the spoon to taste the gravy. I put lots and lots of daun kesum so mine smell heaven. The gravy was very thick as we use lots of flakey mackerel. With some boiled egg, crunchy cucumber and pineapple, the laksa tastes divine. The gravy is harmoniously balanced between spicy and sour. Thanks to my two sisters, we can eat a nice hot bowl of laksa penang lots of thick gravy. Yummieee....

My favourite fruit

isn't it red and juicy....

All work and no play….

Damn it’s weekend and I’m stuck at work trying to get the station up and running. My sister kept asking me what it so important at work that I have to use my off day to work. She gave me a frustrated look when I say I can’t go with her to the mall. Sorry….

Yeah.. It was me and Tony in the line trying to fix the problem but we’d exhausted our idea already. We called it a day after two days of cranking our head. I’d successfully wasted my weekend :( and I’m not happy about it. No amount of pizza can make up for the lost weekend.

One of the managers was with us when we were troubleshooting the station and hopefully he understood the problems that we are facing. I understand that they are desperate to get the products out of the pipeline but they need to understand the reality. We are in deep shit!!!!!!

Doopp!!!

Scorpio (October 24 – November 22)

“You could be taken by surprise once you realize just how strongly you’re attracted to that one particular person. This does not go say that you should act out your feelings, but you could entertain the thought”

This is the excerpt of my zodiac prediction for this week. It is kinda interesting to note this at this time around. How true could this be, I don’t know as I haven’t been truthful to myself let alone other people…. Let see how true this is

Selamat Hari Raya

I’d like to wish all my friends a ‘Selamat Hari Raya’. May this AildilFitri showers us with blessing from Allah

Balik Kampung exodus

Tomorrow or as early as tonight there will be a stream of motorists on the road heading towards their destinations for the balik kampong trip and I will be one of them. The highways, federal and state roads will be packed with people like me and there will also be lots of traffic officers monitoring the hotspots.

I read from the news that those who’s slapped by ticket(s) will have to pay on the spot. I hope that I’m not one of them. Ops Sikap IX has already started today and I’d seen a number of the white uniforms on the road. Penang roads are beginning to feel congested as people started coming back from all over the place for the Deepavali and Hari Raya festivities. The island is expecting an influx of at least
100,000 cars within this period. And that my friend is not good.

My to do list for the car today:
1) Check the tires and fill in the gas. Don’t want to have to queue for the pump tonight.
2) Check the coolant and the water level for the wiper
3) Put some RainAct on my screens – in case of rain
4) Check the engine oil
5) Double check my spare tyre

I hope I’d covered everything, It is bad that I don’t have time to send the car for its badly needed service as I’ve been swarmed by work for these past few days but I promise myself to send it to the service center when I come back.

It will be fun to join in the millions of Malaysian in the frenzied balik kampung rush this weekend. Having said that, it is also a good time to remind myself that death takes no holiday and I have to be extremely careful on the road.

With the homecoming of city dwellers to Kelantan, I’d expect the price of goods to increase. Damn, there’s no way for me to bargain the price this time around. I need to get some stuff for my friend’s engagement ceremony and also for the newborn Santino. Hmmm… I wonder what I should be getting them. As a hopeless shopper I’ll need the helps of my sisters to do this. Anyway, that’s aside. Let’s explore the magical mystery of Syawal.

Hari raya is coming and I don’t feel a thing

Isn’t it kinda weird? Hari Raya is just around the corner and yet I feel nothing. Seem that it just another raya to me. Maybe because I didn’t really make any preparation for it. No baju raya for me again this year. That’s sad.

I’m going back to Kelantan on Saturday – hopefully morning. It is a long drive along the East – West Highway. Typically it took me 5 to 6 hours to arrive there. The long winded drive really takes a toll on me. But it is going to be a great drive as K Chik is going to be there with me.

I have to get some tidbits for Hari Raya as I won’t have much time to bake cookies and cake this year. Have to buy some stuff for mama and abah as well. Huhuhuu!!! That is going to be fun. I love buying stuffs for them as they always appreciate it - no matter what I get them.

Ohhhh!! I’ve just remember something. I have to prepare as much loose change as possible for the little kids. I need to get the green packet and also some hari raya cards for some friends. So many things to do yet I’m tight up with other stuffs.

I don’t know whether I’ll have the time to send the car for a check before I go back. Maybe I’ll just do it when I come back from Kelantan. Hopefully, it will be a smooth ride

In memory of my Grandma

Today is 17th Ramadhan and it will always revoke a painful memory to me. Today is the day that my lovely grandma passed away – exactly 3 years ago.

I still remember that it was the first Ramadhan that I was going to celebrate my first AidilFitri with my family after 6 years in Bristol. I was really looking forward to Syawal and have been spending most of time at home. Sometimes I break fast at my grandma’s house and I absolutely love her cooking.

She’s been a healthy old lady and always full of life. We went to a market together during that Ramadhan and I remembered that we used one of her old friend’s car on the way back from the market. I still remember their conversation in the car; that most of their friends have passed away and not many still around. Mak as what I always call her, said that she always prayed that Allah will take her away on 17th Ramadhan whenever she become a burden to people around her. I kinda feel weird that we were having that conversation but didn’t say much.

The next day, she started acting strange and kept saying that somebody will come soon and she said that her body is aching but she did not want to go to the hospital. She began sweating but she kept saying that she’s cold. These were going on for two days. On the third night, she started showing all of her collection that we’ve never seen before and I was the one asked to take note of all that stuffs. There was this one group of granddad’s friend at the house that night and we asked them to pray for Mak. She wanted to join the prayer and was preparing for it as well when she got a fit. Me and Angah was so shocked and mom immediately asked us to recite the verses from the Holy Quran. I was so scared at that time. I took position at her head besides Angah and both of us recite Yaasin. She passed away at the end of Yassin, peacefully. I still remember she asked to open the front door as wide as possible as she saw lots of people waiting for her outside while at that time none of us saw anything.

She passed away without seeing my grandad as we cannot locate him. Me, mom and my sisters did the final bath ritual. My aunts and uncle arrived from all over the place the next morning to attend the funeral. None of us in the house slept that night. We kept vigil at her side since that was our last time together. She was buried in the morning and so many people attended her funeral. The morning mist was so surreal and I felt so peaceful.

Everybody was saying that I’m the lucky one. I was the one that stay so far away, in Bristol, yet I was the one at her side when she passed away. Even Kak Chik was not at her funeral. I feel so honored to be there when she left us. I’ve been praying that I’ll be there when she passed away and thank you Allah for listening to my prayer.

Even though I did not get the chance to celebrate AidilFitri with her, I was so proud that I was there for her until the end. That was the worst AidilFitri for my family. It was a big blow to us especially my granddad, that we managed to locate after the second day my grandma passed away. We tried our best to be strong during the AidilFitri celebration for my granddad but deep inside ….. It was hard.

May Allah bless her and shower her with all His love.

Losing a friend

During my lifetime, I acquire many acquaintances through school, work, travel, hobbies, and other activities. Through the process of cultivation a few of these acquaintances become friends and a bunch of them grow to be my best friend. We started as a stranger, so careful yet bold. But then after we get to know each other, I began to unfold.

Some friendships last a lifetime. Others last a period of time and slowly dissolve due to changes and transitions in my life. In school, my close friends may have moved to another town or drifted away due to a change in common interests. Perhaps a close friend at work changed employment; although the friendship remains, it takes on a new demeanor because we’ll not see each other as often anymore.

What happens when a friend leaves or dies? No matter what the circumstances surrounding it, the shock can be overwhelming, and I find myself asking, “How could this happened?” “I can’t believe he/she is gone!”

Then I realize that the time shared with my friend is now gone forever. No other friend can take the place of the friend I lost or the confidences I shared. Sometimes I feel that a part of me has died because no other person can take that friend’s place.

Then the pain of grief occurs, I feel confuse, guilty, helpless and angry. The sound of our favorite song, the sight of a beautiful sunset or the smell of a familiar fragrance can bring a torrential rain of tears. For no specific reason, tears will flow. Whatever it is, I believe that for all of us, this day will arrive, when it is finally time to say goodbye.

Buka Puasa dishes

Today is my second day of full fasting in Malaysia. It is pretty hot outside and I feel thirsty. On the first day I had only opted for buying my buka puasa dishes in the Ramadhan Bazaar near the mosque. That place was packed with food shopper and there are lots of food and drink up for sales. My friend and I bought some nasi kerabu (you know, that light blue rice with lots of mixed salads) and nasi tomato. I also bought lots of popiah for my snacking time late at night. Yummie… Don’t mention about the parking, it’s terrible.

Today I’m thinking of cooking a hot and spicy crab dish for the breaking fast. Since I’ve got nothing in my fridge, I have to buy all the fresh ingredients from the market or maybe from Tesco. They have some nice crabs in the seafood sections and the price is quite reasonable today. I only need 4-5 crabs for the two of us. I need some curry leave, lemongrass, shallots, garlic, ginger, chili and lime. I’ll make the chili paste at home with some dried chilies later.

Here is the recipe for you to try out. Since I’m more towards adventure cooking, I don’t really weigh my ingredients. I go by instinct and smell (and taste if it is not during Ramadhan). Cooking is an art so don’t be afraid. You can always modify it to suit your taste.


Ingredients:

4-5 crabs (medium size would do)

About 2 tbsp of corn flour combined with ½ tsp pepper

Enough oil for deep frying the crabs
4 tbsp butter
Some curry leaves (optional)
2 stalks of lemongrass (bruise or smash them to release the flavor)

Ground 4 shallots, 2 cloves of garlic, about 2 cm ginger and 2 tbsp chili paste (you can blend 2 fresh chilies with few dried chilies that have been soaked in water for this)

For the sauce ingredient, combine about 7 tbsp of tomato sauce, 5 tbsp chili sauce,2 tbsp oyster sauce, 3 tbsp of lime juice, 1-2 tbsp sugar to taste and 4-5 tbsp water.

How to cook:

Cut the crabs into halves, Remove and crack the pincers. Clean and wipe dry the crabs and toss them in the flour mixture that has been prepared earlier.

Heat enough oil in a wok and deep fry the crabs until fragrant. Dish out and drain the oil.

In a separate pan, heats the butter until it melts and adds the curry leaves (if using), lemongrass and all the ground ingredients. Fry until it become fragrant.

Put in the combine sauce ingredients and crabs. Stir fry until the crabs are fully coated with the sauce. Close the pan with a cover and cook for 2-3 minutes until the crabs are fully cook and the sauce thicken. Serve hot with some chopped parsley or coriander leaves.


So, now I have a nice crab dish and a plate of rice and I’m waiting for the breaking fast time . It smells so nice and my stomach is growling. For those who try this recipe let me know whether you like it or not. Most of the time you need to slightly modify it to suite your taste. As I said, cooking is an art and a little personal touch goes a long way.

There goes the Adzan now and it is time for the break fast. Bon Appetit!

My precious treasure

DSC-H1. A Sony DSLR that I’ve been eying for two months. It turned out that there is a IT/electronic fair in Changi airport and this camera is also on the hotlist items. After comparing the price with the US price and also the one that I’d intended to purchase earlier on in KL, I think I’ve got a better deal here. They give extra pair of Sony batteries and also a 256Mb memory stick for about SD$808 (i.e USD 486). The one on sale on the internet (KL) will cost me about RM1899 excluding shipping and handling ( ie about USD474) but the shop only give a 128Mb memory stick. The cheapest that I can find in US internet store is USD 389 but I have to pay extra USD 100 to get the same memory stick. That doesn’t include shipping and tax though. After thinking for about two hours I’d finally have the gut to go to the Sony booth and asked the salesman to show me the display unit. He showed me some of the functions and I was so excited and I bought the unit. Now I’m sitting here waiting for my final flight to Penang and I cannot keep my eyes off the white bundle. Finally I made the big purchase for the year and although it caused a big hole in my pocket it does make me happy. I think I’ve to hold my thought of buying the HIFI until after I have enough money again. Maybe this is my present to myself for my coming birthday. So, what is on my next shoppling list… HUGO BOSS perfume!!! High maintenance chick.. hehehehhehe

Narita, Tokyo 13th October

I’ve just landed in Tokyo Narita after a grueling 11 hours journey. Lord Almighty, I was starving in the plane. I stayed put until the breaking fast time and tell you what, I followed US time…. Why??? Because I don’t know what the ground time was and I was just so tired. I think Tokyo is already on 13th today so I’m already on different day. It is not easy trapped in the cabin with all the food surrounding you but I somehow managed it. I hope my fasting today will be accepted. I’ve been truthful to myself as I struggled to hold myself until the time come. A big milestone achieved as I know it is not easy to fast during the long hour flight. I felt terribly thirsty and have a headache as I think my glucose level is getting low. It doesn’t help that I cannot sleep during flight and I keep looking at the watch and dreading as the it ticked away slowly. My trusted energy bar was tucked away in the backpack just in case I cannot stand it anymore.

The food that they served was awful. Mashed potato Arabic style, with lots of cumin. Yuckie..but I managed to down few tablespoons until my mouth cannot accept anymore. After that I just sticked to fruits, some snacks and Tostitos that they served. I hope the food for the Singapore flight later will be much nicer.

My connecting flight to Singapore is about 3 hours away and I’m damned exhausted. I’m bored and have nothing to read anymore. I’d finished one book during the flight earlier on. I thought I’d never done it but I did and now I’m left with nothing to read as I’d packed my other book into the luggage to Penang. Maybe I should buy a magazine from the Travel kiosk. Could be useful in keeping my mind off the long flight later.

I’m yearning for a hot shower and a nice sleep. I cannot really sleep in the flight just now and my eyes are already red and I’ll try to keep them open so that I can have my much needed sleep in Changi. I think the time right now is equivalent to 12am in Santa Rosa and it is my sleep time. My back hurts as I’ve been lugging my laptop and backpack. What a pleasure to have somebody massaging it. Hehehehe…. Dream on.

I saw some nice sushi bars around this area and I’m intending to get my hand on some of it. Unagi style in a glistening thick shoyu, basted with some honey ….. Yummieee…. They also have some sushi with squid and some sashimi that looks really nice to me. I’ve some spare dollars in my pocket and I think it will be more than enough for it. This will end my craving for the day and also burn a hole in my pocket…. Never mind, I’ll claim it later.

I’ve been playing “Kau Ilhamku” by Manbai few times while weighing my choice and it really sounds nice and soothing to my fatigued mind and it has a deep soulful meaning that I always like. Today’s long flight brings back fragmented memory of my journey back to Malaysia from Heathrow. Something that I cannot break free. Lonely and feeling bored. I wish I’ve somebody that I can talk to. I’ve turned into that unfriendly, guarded character when I’m alone and outside of my comfort zone. I think that is what they call survival mode and I trusted my instinct better at this time. My instinct is telling me to go to that sushi bar and buy some sushi for my dinner and I think my stomach really applauds that choice. Hmm… I hope they have some nice selection for me to try this time around. Let’s go and eat something.

Penang here I come..... I'm coming home

I'll be flying home to Penang tomorrow and I'm excited . Had already planned on where to break fast on the day I arrive. Should I eat Daging Masak Merah or should I eat Ayam Bakar???.... Yumm Yummm.... Thinking about food always make me happy. I think it triggers the happy hormone in me and I'll start imagining all the wonderful colours and smells.I cannot help but think about the juicy watermelon juice.... red pinkish colour juice in a big glass, full of ice...one of seven wonders in my life.... I've been craving this since the first day of Ramadhan here.

Arghhhh ... there is so many stuffs for me to do. First thing , pump some gas into my Vios and I can't wait to see my baby. She must be so dusty by now with lots of water mark thanks to Penang lousy environment. I cannot afford to wait for 1-2hours to get it polish or wax though. I'm just not patient enough. I'll need to send the car for a quick wash and see whether I can get an appointment for my 5000km check the next day. Well, actually I've gone beyond that.. the car has clocked close to 8000km I think. Better send it before I go back for Raya. It is pretty hard to get an appointment during the raya season and I desperately need to send my car before I go for a long drive back to Kelantan.

What a pleasure driving back through the highway. This time around it will be different because it is Ramadhan and I cannot stuffs my big mouth with keropok and chips. Huhuhuhuhu... it will be a though one and Kak Chik will be there for me. Not that I'll allow her to drive through the highway anyway. At lest we can catch up on lots of stuffs... you know what I mean... girls stuffs. Six hours of continuous driving, I'm pretty sure I can dig lots of juicy story from her... hehehehhehe

Oppps... one important thing for me to do, I need to renew my driving license. It expired last month and I've been driving to work in US without a valid license... I know .. Every time I'm on the wheel I pray hard that nothing will happen and I had finally returned the rented car today. Thanks Allah Almighty for taking care of me here... .I know I've been naughty but I'll try my best to behave myself.

I need to finish packing up my stuffs tonight. I'd printed all the itenaries and booking info. I hope I can get a standard room in the transit hotel. Else, I'll stuck in the budget hotel with a communal toilet.. what a hassle that will be.

I need to cook some food for the flight. I will break fast in Narita and sahur in Singapore. Kinda cool aaaa... But I'll be damned tired on the 10/11 hour journey to Narita. I'll try to scout for bargain in Changi airport. Hopefully, they have the DSC-H1 digital camera that I've been eying....If the price is reasonable, I'll buy it. Splurge!!!!!.

The way I am

When I’m with you, the world is a mass of golden colors with sunlight shining through.The love pushes to get out, pulses against my skin but I'll firmly hold it inside. Show no sign of it. Our friendship would be ruined if I let this unruly love show.

In the safest dark that I've chosen for myself, I cry where no one would see me, no one would comfort me or scorn me. The light was so close but yet too far too reach. Such a great effort to reach and grab it. Till then it'll be a pure, plain and simple friendship, not a question to move forward.

Thank you for loving me that much. I wish I had returned the feelings. However, if I told you that I like you and be the way that you want me to be, I'll not be honest to myself for it wasn't a true love that I felt. Maybe I was wrong but I don't know, I just want our friendship to stay here forever. Maybe one day if the time ever come back again.....

A Friendship Poem for the more cynical of us

A tribute to friendship.....

When you are sad, I will get you drunk and help you plot revenge against the scum sucking bastard who made you sad.
When you are blue, I'll try to dislodge whatever is choking you.
When you smile, I'll know you finally got laid.
When you are scared, I will dog you about it every chance I get.
When you are worried, I will tell you horrible stories about how much worse it could be and tell you to quit whining.
When you are confused, I will use little words to explain it to your dumb ass.
When you are sick, stay away from me until you're well again, I don't want whatever you have.
When you fall, I will point and laugh at your clumsy ass.
This is my oath that I pledge till the end. Why you may ask?
Because you're my friend.

Men Are Hard To Please

The problems with GUYS:

If you treat TREAT him nicely, he says you are IN LOVE with him;
If you Don't, he says u are too PROUD.
If you DRESS Nicely, he says you are trying to LURE him;
If you Don't, he says you are from a VILLAGE.
If you ARGUE with him, he says you are STUBBORN;
If you keep QUIET,! he says you have no BRAINS.
If you are SMARTER than him, he'll lose FACE;
If he's Smarter than you, he is GREAT.
If you don't Love him, he tries to POSSESS you;
If you Love him, he will try to LEAVE you.(very true huh?)
If you don't make love to him., he says you don't Love him;
If you do!! he says you are CHEAP.
If you tell him your PROBLEM, he says you are TROUBLESOME;
If you don't, he says that you don't TRUST him.
If you SCOLD him, you are like a NANNY to him;
If he SCOLDS you, it is because he CARES for you.
If you BREAK your PROMISE, you Cannot be TRUSTED;
If he BREAKS his, he is FORCED to do so.
If you SMOKE, you are BAD girl;
If he SMOKES, he is a GENTLEMAN.
If you do WELL in your exams, he says it's LUCK;
If he does WELL, it's BRAINS.
If! you HURT him, you are CRUEL;
If he HURTS you, you are too SENSITIVE!! & sooo hard to please!!!!!

I know it is kind of funny reading this. My friend send me this and I thought it is kinda fun to share around. If I forward this to my guy friends, they'll swear that it is not true. No hard feeling ya... it is just for fun

look how cute he is....

I came across this photo that was taken in Sacramento during my visit to US last year. I think the bushy tail is just so cute and would like to share it. I remember there were so many of them and they were not afraid of human. It scared me a lot when one of them try to jump onto my bag to grab a peanut that I was holding.

My Friday..

My mood seems to be sinking by hours and it doesn't help that I'm fasting today. I'm feeling grumpy but I hope I was not putting a false front. I try my best to put a sweet face as I know that people will appreciate it that way. I'm hoping that I'll be able to pick myself up soon enough. I've been having massive headache this pass few days and the only remedy that work me now is to lay myself on the couch and try to catch some sleep.I'll wake up feeling better. I believe that this is the way my body is trying to communicate to me and to remind me to take care of myself.

I found solace in watching the bird flies and staring at the window. Sometimes I wish to have company on my journey. To have a shoulder to cry on. To have somebody that I can joke around for the rest of my life. But I scared of losing my freedom and my privacy. I believe I've to learn to share things and open up my heart to be loved. Perhaps I choose the safer way, the way that I best know of. People never realize how fragile I am. Maybe because I never let them too close to my heart. Maybe I'm too scared to be loved ... For fear it will crush me and come tumbling down. If I choose to flip my coin now, I wonder how it is going to be. Maybe it is not how I flip the coin that matter but the decision that I made to flip it.
I've been pretending to be tough and time I do feel lonely. But I do not trust myself to let others come close to me. I don't know why but that is how it is. Maybe it is just me and my junkie brain.

I feel that I am starting not to make sense even to myself. My mind just shutdowns and runs into ignore mode. Could it be the sign that I'm avoiding myself? I've been asked by somebody close to me on the subject of what I fear the most in my life. I said I fear of darkness and not knowing what the future hold for me. But deep in my heart I know I fear of myself. Why? I'll never have answer to that because ignorance plays the better part of me.

I don't know much about this world to dictate things and I could only search in myself and hope to be enlightened.

Enjoying your cuppa?

Today is the second day of Ramadhan and I've been fasting religously *sigh*.
There is one thing that I've always miss during the fasting season... a cup of hot aromatic coffee... **drooling**..' You can tell that I've been skipping my caffein fixes for two days now. Any reverse effect? Oh yes... I feel grumpy and I cannot stare at the coffee machine without imagining myself sipping the black elixir. Ummmm...

People said that you can tell a lot abt a person personality by observing his/her relationship with a coffee... I know what you are thingking , " no wonder you are such a freak".

The coffee personality are divided into few categories ... the addict, the snob, the binge drinker, etc... maybe there is more to that list but these are what I usually come across.

The addict - An addict will guzzle hot coffee like it’s is his\her last drink – the esophagus is a tube of seared scar tissue. His\Her only concern is to get the brew down the pipe ASAP. Sound familiar??

The coffe snob - The Coffee Snob is driven by compulsion in the pursuit of "the perfect cup of coffee.". I've met one of this type and Lord mercy, he embarassed me with all his 'know how' when I brought him to my favourite coffee joint

The binge drinker - the binge drinker makes up for his/her coffee abstention throughout the school semester by drinking java by the big barrel during midterms and finals. I went through this cycle few times expecially during my finals . Well, it's definitely worth it.

So which one is me? I think I'm a cofee addict even though it is not so bad now. I still drink few cups a day but have to tone it down a lot during Ramadhan and I'll tell you that it is not easy. I'd like to think of it as one of the sacrifices that I made for myself during Ramadhan.
Why do I even consider myself an addict? Well, maybe because I choose coffee-flavored sweets over fruit flavoured one. Or maybe it because I'll start salivating everytime I wallked pass the coffee machine in my office. I'll have headache when I did not get my fix for the day. So, I think it is true that I'm addicted... to coffee.

There are a few personal reason why I enjoy my coffee so much. To those who hate coffee... listen but don't take it personally :)

1) It is one of the thing that wake me up and keep me awake during the day. The smell of brewing coffee in the morning open up my eyes a bit faster..

2) It is one of the line that people always use to get to know others .. "wanna go for coffee?" it always work as a first invitation

3) Coffee is an ideal conversation starter or the ideal thing to have while you are having a discussion. What a better way to get to know someone by discussing favorite drinks or buying a cup for a person that sit beside you in the office... Coffee does say a lot about someone...hehehhe

4) Whatever your mood, you can complement coffees to make your experience complete...

5) A little indulgence for the day I'd say. People are not looking for coffee with dessert... they want coffee for dessert! The rich, delectably fragrant and guilt-free indulgences are heaven when you teamed it up with a nice gooey chocolaties brownies.. talk about heaven on earth

Anyway, I'm heading for my caffeine fix now. It's already 9.30pm but I cannot stop thinking about it. So, I'll indulge myself with the warmth feeling of my mug of coffee...ummmm..nice