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”.