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!!