The insufferable smothering heat has its fingers wrapped around my throat, making the mere act of breathing in this suffocating heat a feat. Being out of the pad is quite unthinkable now.
After the haircut last Friday, the short walk in the torrid sun to meet the man at the Chinese restaurant proved to be too gruelling. Finally seated, my body was palpitating wildly. I felt faint and sick. I couldn't even finish a quarter of the food we ordered and had to leave in a haste after packing the food.
The little ordeal worn me out completely and I took a much needed nap. Thankfully that left me revitalized afterwards!
Few days later while preparing dinner, I suddenly broke out into cold sweat and was feeling faint. I scrambled for a chair to sit down, but this time not without the new bestie who is never out of my sight now. Namely, the fan. The cool cool breeze luckily brought sweet relief. And the blood sugar level was restored after the dinner and some shut-eye.
I had to find out what's wrong with me! A quick research on the net concludes that such symptoms are due to overheating and are not uncommon during pregnancy. Phew...
No wonder lah! Even sleep eludes me these days. The term good night's sleep is now as alien to me as the extraterrestrial. The killer summer heat is not the only culprit though. Heartburn, gastric pain, frequent loo visits, body itchiness, false contractions gladly play the accomplice's role too. Some nights, even the leg cramps turn up unexpectedly to join in the fun.
Now in the 38 weeks and 19kg heavier, the huge bump really does get in the way. Even simple acts which we usually take for granted such as bending or squatting down to pick a thing up is now too strenuous and often leave me breathless.
Still, I find these minor inconveniences and common pregnancy ailments rather bearable. The air-con-idolizing Singaporean in me however is incapable of tolerating the hot spell. The essential but welcoming cold shower at least twice a day to cleanse away the dull lethargy has become inevitable.
Thus I am curious how long I am gonna last when the traditional Chinese one-month house arrest beckons.
Sunday, July 11, 2010
Saturday, July 10, 2010
Trivia
Helmut Schmidt, former Chancellor of West GermanyPossibly the only person whose lighting up on German national TV is tolerated. I kinda like his unyielding wilful spirit despite the controversy surrounding his chain-smoking. They certainly didn't elect him as Chancellor for nothing.
Saturday, July 3, 2010
Pork Kakuni with Scallop Congee - Failed!
Give me slabs of ribs, briskets, cuts from shoulder, butt, belly or shank anytime and I will be more than happy to immediately seek out recipes to braise, stew or simmer the essence out of these inexpensive yet yummy meat. Sure, who doesn't love that tender juicy piece of steak? In fact, I've been lusting after it for months now. I just need to be more patient for abit longer... But I can never refuse a melt-in-your-mouth braise or stew. No matter how blistering hot the weather is. It is quite simply an all-time favourite grub.
Another comfort food will be the congee. Don't be fooled by its plain and unpretentious glob of mass. If you put heart into cooking it and add in some soul ingredients like chicken broth and dried scallops, the fine flavour of this smooth creamy rice soup will bowl you over for certain.
So what do I do when a recipe that calls for slow braising of pork belly and congee was lurking on the net, waiting for me to uncover it and I did? It got my mouth watering and I decided to cook up a storm! But not without weeks of procastination. Let's just say 8 hours of braising, 2 hours of simmering and other preparations is not exactly what I have in mind to spend my day. Until the pig in me dreamt of the dish. Well, high time to gather all the necessary ingredients to satiate the glutton.
The enthusiasm was unmistakable when I finally got the ball rolling. I was eager to savour the fruit of my labour especially when the reviews were raving so much about it.
I couldn't rein in my impatience any longer as I was plating the belly and congee for some photos.
On its own, the congee was perfect. Smooth and delicate. I could gobble up bowls of it. And that's how I am going to cook my congee in future, provided I am not too lazy.
The pork belly was in fact meltingly tender with little hints of fat as the long braising had rendered most of the fat away. But with such a long tedious process of preparing the meat, I had expected the ensuing result to blow me away with its bursting flavours. What a disappointing letdown when it did not!
Another comfort food will be the congee. Don't be fooled by its plain and unpretentious glob of mass. If you put heart into cooking it and add in some soul ingredients like chicken broth and dried scallops, the fine flavour of this smooth creamy rice soup will bowl you over for certain.
So what do I do when a recipe that calls for slow braising of pork belly and congee was lurking on the net, waiting for me to uncover it and I did? It got my mouth watering and I decided to cook up a storm! But not without weeks of procastination. Let's just say 8 hours of braising, 2 hours of simmering and other preparations is not exactly what I have in mind to spend my day. Until the pig in me dreamt of the dish. Well, high time to gather all the necessary ingredients to satiate the glutton.
The enthusiasm was unmistakable when I finally got the ball rolling. I was eager to savour the fruit of my labour especially when the reviews were raving so much about it.
I couldn't rein in my impatience any longer as I was plating the belly and congee for some photos.
On its own, the congee was perfect. Smooth and delicate. I could gobble up bowls of it. And that's how I am going to cook my congee in future, provided I am not too lazy.
The pork belly was in fact meltingly tender with little hints of fat as the long braising had rendered most of the fat away. But with such a long tedious process of preparing the meat, I had expected the ensuing result to blow me away with its bursting flavours. What a disappointing letdown when it did not!
Hmmm... Perhaps my indiscernible palate is incapable of appreciating this fine Japanese delicacy. I think the Chinaman in me would rather have the Tau Yu Bak (Braised Pork in Soy Sauce) anytime.
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
World Cup a-frenzy
Some people think it's silly watching 22 men chasing after a ball for 90 mins. But apparently there are many others who think otherwise. Or else why is the World Cup the most widely viewed sporting event in the world?
I can't recall from my sketchy memory when I began watching football. But growing up with the many uncles around me must have effected that influence on the then impressionable young me. While other girls were playing dressing up with their dolls, I was out dribbling football with the uncles. This skinny tanned little niece was undoubtly quite a tomboy in their eyes.
I do not usually follow the Premier League, La Liga, Serie A, or the Bundesliga but I certainly would not miss the World Cup.
The World Cup final in 1994 etched deeply in my memory. Like many Singaporeans, I was up in the wee hours to catch the match between Italy and Brazil. The game was scoreless through extra time. During the penalty shoot out, my fave footballer, Roberto Baggio, alas missed the final penalty kick which made Brazil the winner that year.
As Baggio hung his head with Brazil celebrating behind him, a dull heartache got hold of me and I laid sleepless that night. I couldn't get over the loss for days. It was as if I got dumped by a boyfriend!
I wondered then, 'How does one live with that?'
He answered that in his autobiography years later, '...it affected me for years. It's the worst moment of my career. I still dream about it. If I could erase a moment from my career, it would be that one.'
Well, that's football...
4 years ago, I was lucky enough to be in the right place at the right time when Germany hosted the World Cup. Though it was just the tiny Stuttgart city, the vibes were electrifying! A huge screen was erected in the park. German fans turned up in full force to support their country in one of the matches. Basking in the cheerful sunny weather with beer in our hands, the mood was a relax one. And when Germany won that match, all hell broke loose! Fans lined and blocked the streets singing, dancing and chanting, 'Berlin, Berlin, wir fahren nach Berlin!' The festive mood was absolutely infectious. No matter we were stuck in the car with tons of happy fans literally pushing the car from side to side, almost causing a concussion among us! We simply giggled merrily away! We were united as one that day because of our support for Germany. It was an incredible first for me.
In the Germany-Argentina match, the heart almost stood still when both teams went into penalty shoot out. The hands were clammy and the breathing shallow. We were in a sport hall with hundreds of fans. The silence in the hall was deafening. That changed minutes later when Germany won. The hall erupted into loud triumphant cheers and I was jumping up and down in joy, hugging the man and the friends. We were all sooo thrilled!!!! 'Is Germany unbeatable?', we couldn't help questioning ourselves silently that day.
But as Italy sealed our defeat with a second goal in the semi-final, the sheer disppointment was ringing loud and clear in our ears. Tears were shed. Including mine. The dull heartache returned. Once again for days, I couldn't get over the loss.
Well, that's football...
The heart hasn't been throbbing too much during this World Cup. Yet. In a few days, Germany and Argentina will meet again for a face off. I will be holding my breath.
I can't recall from my sketchy memory when I began watching football. But growing up with the many uncles around me must have effected that influence on the then impressionable young me. While other girls were playing dressing up with their dolls, I was out dribbling football with the uncles. This skinny tanned little niece was undoubtly quite a tomboy in their eyes.
I do not usually follow the Premier League, La Liga, Serie A, or the Bundesliga but I certainly would not miss the World Cup.
The World Cup final in 1994 etched deeply in my memory. Like many Singaporeans, I was up in the wee hours to catch the match between Italy and Brazil. The game was scoreless through extra time. During the penalty shoot out, my fave footballer, Roberto Baggio, alas missed the final penalty kick which made Brazil the winner that year.
As Baggio hung his head with Brazil celebrating behind him, a dull heartache got hold of me and I laid sleepless that night. I couldn't get over the loss for days. It was as if I got dumped by a boyfriend!
I wondered then, 'How does one live with that?' He answered that in his autobiography years later, '...it affected me for years. It's the worst moment of my career. I still dream about it. If I could erase a moment from my career, it would be that one.'
Well, that's football...
4 years ago, I was lucky enough to be in the right place at the right time when Germany hosted the World Cup. Though it was just the tiny Stuttgart city, the vibes were electrifying! A huge screen was erected in the park. German fans turned up in full force to support their country in one of the matches. Basking in the cheerful sunny weather with beer in our hands, the mood was a relax one. And when Germany won that match, all hell broke loose! Fans lined and blocked the streets singing, dancing and chanting, 'Berlin, Berlin, wir fahren nach Berlin!' The festive mood was absolutely infectious. No matter we were stuck in the car with tons of happy fans literally pushing the car from side to side, almost causing a concussion among us! We simply giggled merrily away! We were united as one that day because of our support for Germany. It was an incredible first for me.
In the Germany-Argentina match, the heart almost stood still when both teams went into penalty shoot out. The hands were clammy and the breathing shallow. We were in a sport hall with hundreds of fans. The silence in the hall was deafening. That changed minutes later when Germany won. The hall erupted into loud triumphant cheers and I was jumping up and down in joy, hugging the man and the friends. We were all sooo thrilled!!!! 'Is Germany unbeatable?', we couldn't help questioning ourselves silently that day.
But as Italy sealed our defeat with a second goal in the semi-final, the sheer disppointment was ringing loud and clear in our ears. Tears were shed. Including mine. The dull heartache returned. Once again for days, I couldn't get over the loss.
Well, that's football...
The heart hasn't been throbbing too much during this World Cup. Yet. In a few days, Germany and Argentina will meet again for a face off. I will be holding my breath.
Sunday, June 27, 2010
Maiden Attempt
Seeing that the present will not be in time for the man's birthday and loathing to have him empty-handed (at least from me) on his special day, I resolved to *surprise surprise* bake him a cake.
I came across a simple butter cake recipe one day and thought it's high time to challenge myself in this unfamiliar territory.
The first undertaking wasn't without its hiccups though. Despite the bright and clear weather, the dark force lingered on.
Lazy to dig out the proper stand mixer the in-laws got me, I made-do with a handheld mixer. Not a very brilliant idea. First, I used the wrong whisks and within seconds, chucks of butter stuck onto them. The whisks refused to move thereafter, no matter how much I persisted on. With a sigh, I reluctantly changed the whisks to another pair of whips.
Was happily creaming the butter and sugar when I noticed wisps of smoke churning out from somewhere. I told myself it must be from the pre-heated oven. I was in denial and I was just too lazy.
The whirl of smoke became too intense to ignore that I had to finally concede the smoke came from the rubbish mixer which I had used less than 5 times.
Resigned, I hastened to dig out the other mixer from its forgotten dusty corner. The cake must be done before the man comes home!!!
The rest was uneventful until the baking pan was in the oven. 30 mins later when I stole a peep at the cake, I was greeted with a burnt-crust-cake. The pan was too near to the top of the oven! *groan* I am so anal!!!
Oh, did I mention the man was absolutely delighted that I finally baked him a cake?! :D
I came across a simple butter cake recipe one day and thought it's high time to challenge myself in this unfamiliar territory.
The first undertaking wasn't without its hiccups though. Despite the bright and clear weather, the dark force lingered on.
Lazy to dig out the proper stand mixer the in-laws got me, I made-do with a handheld mixer. Not a very brilliant idea. First, I used the wrong whisks and within seconds, chucks of butter stuck onto them. The whisks refused to move thereafter, no matter how much I persisted on. With a sigh, I reluctantly changed the whisks to another pair of whips.
Was happily creaming the butter and sugar when I noticed wisps of smoke churning out from somewhere. I told myself it must be from the pre-heated oven. I was in denial and I was just too lazy.
The whirl of smoke became too intense to ignore that I had to finally concede the smoke came from the rubbish mixer which I had used less than 5 times.
Resigned, I hastened to dig out the other mixer from its forgotten dusty corner. The cake must be done before the man comes home!!!
The rest was uneventful until the baking pan was in the oven. 30 mins later when I stole a peep at the cake, I was greeted with a burnt-crust-cake. The pan was too near to the top of the oven! *groan* I am so anal!!!
But. It was not a total lost cause.
At long last we got to cut the cake. I must say I wasn't disappointed at all by its warm golden hue. And I was especially happy when our teeth sank into its moist softness, buttery goodness and heavenly richness.
I heart my cake!
Oh, did I mention the man was absolutely delighted that I finally baked him a cake?! :DFriday, June 18, 2010
Fear and Technology
Geroge Falconer in A Single Man:
Let's just talk about fear.
Fear, after all, is our real enemy.
Fear is taking over our world.
Fear is being used as a tool of manipulation in our society.
It's how politicians peddle policy and how Madison Avenue sells us things that we don't need.
Think about it.
Fear that we're going to be attacked, fear that there are communists lurking around every corner, fear that some little Caribbean country that doesn't believe in our way of life poses a threat to us.
Fear that black culture may take over the world.
Fear of Elvis Presley's hips. Well, maybe that one is a real fear.
Fear that our bad breath might ruin our friendships.
Fear of growing old and being alone.
Fear that we're useless and that no one cares what we have to say.
I was quite moved by the sudden outburst during his lecture in the movie and I especially like the last line.
Is that why these days everyone is racing to blog, tweet, post updates, photos, comments on social networking sites like Facebook so that people can hear us, so that they are aware of how intellectual/popular/cool/beautiful/talented/creative we are, so that they are impressed with us, so that we will not be easily forgotten, so that we will never become a yesterday has-been?
Is that why our 'voices' are getting louder? Our photos flashier and our behaviour an outrageous flaunt to boost our self-esteem?
Is that why documenting every single detail and event in our lives has become our utmost priority and obsession?
Oh dear, we are no strangers to fear but now we have fallen prey to technology as well.
Let's just talk about fear.
Fear, after all, is our real enemy.
Fear is taking over our world.
Fear is being used as a tool of manipulation in our society.
It's how politicians peddle policy and how Madison Avenue sells us things that we don't need.
Think about it.
Fear that we're going to be attacked, fear that there are communists lurking around every corner, fear that some little Caribbean country that doesn't believe in our way of life poses a threat to us.
Fear that black culture may take over the world.
Fear of Elvis Presley's hips. Well, maybe that one is a real fear.
Fear that our bad breath might ruin our friendships.
Fear of growing old and being alone.
Fear that we're useless and that no one cares what we have to say.
I was quite moved by the sudden outburst during his lecture in the movie and I especially like the last line.
Is that why these days everyone is racing to blog, tweet, post updates, photos, comments on social networking sites like Facebook so that people can hear us, so that they are aware of how intellectual/popular/cool/beautiful/talented/creative we are, so that they are impressed with us, so that we will not be easily forgotten, so that we will never become a yesterday has-been?
Is that why our 'voices' are getting louder? Our photos flashier and our behaviour an outrageous flaunt to boost our self-esteem?
Is that why documenting every single detail and event in our lives has become our utmost priority and obsession?
Oh dear, we are no strangers to fear but now we have fallen prey to technology as well.
Saturday, June 12, 2010
I am whining, not!
I am turning into an Oma (granny). Whose robustness is dwindling with the fast-growing and heavy bump.
After breakfast one morning, I went for my routine swim. Followed by a quick bit of grocery shopping before I hurried home to appease my rumbling stomach. Gobbled up the leftover Gong Bao Ji Ding (宫保鸡丁) and rice from the night before and off I went to the gynecologist (who is a 10min-walk away) to collect some medical papers. Thereafter, I walked to the bank for a spot of banking.
By the time I reached home, the breathing was fast and the panting furious. I was desperate for a seat and a chilled drink. Sitting on the gym ball immediately eased the heavy burden on the back.
With no air-conditioning and fan in the pad, the sudden temperature spike obviously didn't help matters. The heat resulted in a sluggishness and a loss of appetite which even the glutton monster had grudgingly succumbed to. Cooking a warm meal was unthinkable. A refreshing salad was thus in order. Accompanied by my very first German rye bread in 4 years and slabs of sea salt butter.
The palate was teased and pleased. The stomach, however, protested hours later.
The now-familiar burning sensation in the chest and throat woke me up in the wee hours. Thinking it was another mild case of acid reflux, I went on to sit upright on the couch and watch some TV. The heartburn would usually ease up after half an hour or so.
Back in bed, I let out an involuntary loud burp and then a surprise wave of nausea washed over me, acid coming up to the throat.
I scrambled for the basin and the stomach juice wasted no time in gushing out from the throat. Imagine the force and the urgency of the gush because not just the pharynx, the nose too was burning from the acidity. The outpouring lasted for many minutes.
When I dragged myself back to bed, the tummy was bloated with gas and the burning throat choke-full with phlegm. Slumber land seemed so far away....
The next day the body was still reeling from the aftermath.
Now. What with the strains of being preggers and all, I can shamelessly justify the not-so-cheap leather diaper bag which I have recently ordered. Any excuse to buy a bag! *grin*
Footnote: 34 weeks and 17kg heavier. Prefer to stay home now due to the heaviness and the heat. Puffy hands and ankles returned. A sense of anticipation and increasing fear of labour.
After breakfast one morning, I went for my routine swim. Followed by a quick bit of grocery shopping before I hurried home to appease my rumbling stomach. Gobbled up the leftover Gong Bao Ji Ding (宫保鸡丁) and rice from the night before and off I went to the gynecologist (who is a 10min-walk away) to collect some medical papers. Thereafter, I walked to the bank for a spot of banking.
By the time I reached home, the breathing was fast and the panting furious. I was desperate for a seat and a chilled drink. Sitting on the gym ball immediately eased the heavy burden on the back.
With no air-conditioning and fan in the pad, the sudden temperature spike obviously didn't help matters. The heat resulted in a sluggishness and a loss of appetite which even the glutton monster had grudgingly succumbed to. Cooking a warm meal was unthinkable. A refreshing salad was thus in order. Accompanied by my very first German rye bread in 4 years and slabs of sea salt butter.
The palate was teased and pleased. The stomach, however, protested hours later.
The now-familiar burning sensation in the chest and throat woke me up in the wee hours. Thinking it was another mild case of acid reflux, I went on to sit upright on the couch and watch some TV. The heartburn would usually ease up after half an hour or so.
Back in bed, I let out an involuntary loud burp and then a surprise wave of nausea washed over me, acid coming up to the throat.
I scrambled for the basin and the stomach juice wasted no time in gushing out from the throat. Imagine the force and the urgency of the gush because not just the pharynx, the nose too was burning from the acidity. The outpouring lasted for many minutes.
When I dragged myself back to bed, the tummy was bloated with gas and the burning throat choke-full with phlegm. Slumber land seemed so far away....
The next day the body was still reeling from the aftermath.
Now. What with the strains of being preggers and all, I can shamelessly justify the not-so-cheap leather diaper bag which I have recently ordered. Any excuse to buy a bag! *grin*
Footnote: 34 weeks and 17kg heavier. Prefer to stay home now due to the heaviness and the heat. Puffy hands and ankles returned. A sense of anticipation and increasing fear of labour.
Sunday, May 30, 2010
My Poison - Datura
Each time I listen to this number, I want to learn playing the piano, to be tripping on the said herbs mentioned in the text and allow my whole self to be transported to this place of mesmerizing piano-y trance induced by the song.
Simply intoxicating.
Simply intoxicating.
Thursday, May 20, 2010
True and genuine
Yesterday at the man's cousin's to collect some hand-me-downs, her difficult 9-year-old daughter revealed her caring and endearing side which pleasantly surprised me.
Me: L, where is the toilet?
L, looked at me with concern in her eyes: Do you need to throw up?
We've been standing in the cellar for sometime, taking our pick.
L: Are you tired? Would you like to go up and lie down for abit?
Later, L: Would you like to sit down?
And then: Do you want to have a drink?
Best of all: What kind of labour would you be having? Normal or water labour?
(Eh, how does a 9-year-old know about such things?! *chuckle*)
Anyhow, she's so endearingly charming that I couldn't stop beaming fondly at her all evening.
Which reminds me of my dearest 11-year-old nephew who though isn't as attentive (he is a boy!) displayed his loving side as well.
We were boarding the train during rush hour one day. He swiftly squeezed his small body through the scores of humans and scouted for a seat. When he couldn't find one, he exclaimed loudly,' Aiyah, 姑姑 (Aunt), no more seats!', in the hope that someone would give up their seat for me. Well, no such luck!
Later someone got up and in his sudden excitement, he forgot himself and shouted, '姑姑, quick! There is a seat!'
People looked but I was too busy being pleased with his thoughfulness to be bothered with them. I was of course all smiles during the rest of the journey.
Oh kids! What would we do without them?!
Me: L, where is the toilet?
L, looked at me with concern in her eyes: Do you need to throw up?
We've been standing in the cellar for sometime, taking our pick.
L: Are you tired? Would you like to go up and lie down for abit?
Later, L: Would you like to sit down?
And then: Do you want to have a drink?
Best of all: What kind of labour would you be having? Normal or water labour?
(Eh, how does a 9-year-old know about such things?! *chuckle*)
Anyhow, she's so endearingly charming that I couldn't stop beaming fondly at her all evening.
Which reminds me of my dearest 11-year-old nephew who though isn't as attentive (he is a boy!) displayed his loving side as well.
We were boarding the train during rush hour one day. He swiftly squeezed his small body through the scores of humans and scouted for a seat. When he couldn't find one, he exclaimed loudly,' Aiyah, 姑姑 (Aunt), no more seats!', in the hope that someone would give up their seat for me. Well, no such luck!
Later someone got up and in his sudden excitement, he forgot himself and shouted, '姑姑, quick! There is a seat!'
People looked but I was too busy being pleased with his thoughfulness to be bothered with them. I was of course all smiles during the rest of the journey.
Oh kids! What would we do without them?!
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
Weight woes?!
What have I been up to lately? Busy cooking, whatelse! Seeing no end in the bottomless pit in the stomach, one is safe to say home-cooked meal is the best bet in providing wholesome and nourishing food. The chomp which the man and I particularly relished recently:
Mee Pok dry with Char Siew and Roast Pork
Mee Pok dry with Char Siew and Roast Pork 
Hor Fun with green pickled chilli
The homemade chilli is now an absolute indispensable item in the kitchen! Single-handedly, this humble condiment completes the whole street food eating experience. And so yes, ladies and gentlemen, my Hor Fun tasted authentic enough!!! *huge grin*
'Enough of eating!' my doc however seems to imply during my last checkup because she reckons I have piled on too much weight. Well, I obstinately disagree and think she is sprouting nonsense. Simply because lately I haven't been stuffing my face as much as I did in the last months. I eat healthily and I stay active by swimming at least 3 times a week. I don't even snack on chips or junk food anymore. My only weakness now is ice-cream which I indulge in moderation and yoghurt. Since I do not see any problem with my diet, I won't hasten to change my present eating habit.
But as if to prove me otherwise, today in the changing cabin at the swimming pool, the bench I was sitting on was mocking me out loud with its creaking and squeaking in its struggle to not buckle under my weight.
Oh well, perhaps I am in denial.
Still. I will not let us starve.
Footnote: 30 weeks and 14kg heavier. Itchy skin has led to unsightly marks caused by uncontrollable scratching. Puking has eased up but not the queasiness. Maybe experiencing false contractions. Prenatal class has started.
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