It's snowing outside. Yes, in the middle of March. When it's supposed to be spring. When it's supposed to be suuny and cool. When it's supposed to be my chance to wear my leather jacket... Sigh.. What is happening to our mother earth? Global warming is nasty. Mankind is nastier.
I would like to count my blessings that life has been well to me. I am happy and contended and I do not have much to worry about except for my parents (that's a story for another day). Human beings are incomplacent creatures. We crave for things which we cannot have. Hence, my current insane obsession to find work. In all honesty? I think I am asking for trouble, more like it. Imagine juggling work and home at the same time. Superwoman, anyone?
Friday, March 21, 2008
Thursday, March 20, 2008
Toy Soldier
It's been a series of letdowns over the last few months in the job searching department. I wish I had better news to share with my friends. Like, hey, I finally landed that job!! Unfortunately, lady luck hasn't been dropping by lately. I would like to believe the great divine up there has something better in store for me. However, in the face of multiple rejections, even the most strongly held belief wavers. And then demoralisation and self-doubt start to kick in. How fun.
I try not to dwell too much on the negative emotion aftermath because it doesn't get me anywhere. Instead, I focus my energy on sending out more applications. I like to think I am practising the chinese saying, turn grief and indignation into strength (化悲愤为力量). One thing is for sure, the more rejections get thrown at me, the more interview experience I gain. These days I no longer stutter during german interviews, by the way.
I do not know how long it would take before I say, enough is enough, fuck job searching, it's baby time. Till then I shall continue to be thick-skinned and soldier on.
I try not to dwell too much on the negative emotion aftermath because it doesn't get me anywhere. Instead, I focus my energy on sending out more applications. I like to think I am practising the chinese saying, turn grief and indignation into strength (化悲愤为力量). One thing is for sure, the more rejections get thrown at me, the more interview experience I gain. These days I no longer stutter during german interviews, by the way.
I do not know how long it would take before I say, enough is enough, fuck job searching, it's baby time. Till then I shall continue to be thick-skinned and soldier on.
Friday, March 14, 2008
The Fringe
An exchange in hair saloon one day when the hairstylist was working on The Fringe:
The Hoonie: I can't see! It's too long!
The Hairstylist: I don't care! As long as you look good.
P.S. He is not gay, by the way.
The Leather
Celebs are sporting it. Models are working the trend. It hits the high streets big time. It is never a last season item. So are you rocking the leather jacket trend?
I am.
I finally caved in to the leather jacket trend after seeing them splashed across pages of every self-respectable fashion magazines, after seeing them in the displays of all good fashion stores, after seeing fashion-slaves in them, sashaying past me.
It was not that simple, however, to shop for THAT must-have leather jacket. The cut has to be perfect, the colour must be right and the look has to be biker chic. And needless to say, a good leather jacket costs an arm and a leg. Thus it took me ages before I decided on the right one.
I was euphoric the day I brought it home. I was grinning from ear to ear, jumping around for joy and even did a little dance while parading in it for the man. I even had the urge of stealing a look at it in the wardrobe before turning in that night.
Oh yes, I am in love.
I am.
I finally caved in to the leather jacket trend after seeing them splashed across pages of every self-respectable fashion magazines, after seeing them in the displays of all good fashion stores, after seeing fashion-slaves in them, sashaying past me.
It was not that simple, however, to shop for THAT must-have leather jacket. The cut has to be perfect, the colour must be right and the look has to be biker chic. And needless to say, a good leather jacket costs an arm and a leg. Thus it took me ages before I decided on the right one.
I was euphoric the day I brought it home. I was grinning from ear to ear, jumping around for joy and even did a little dance while parading in it for the man. I even had the urge of stealing a look at it in the wardrobe before turning in that night.
Oh yes, I am in love.
Tuesday, March 4, 2008
A Greater Being is dying to try me
Everyone has their fair share of bad days, including me. My day didn't start off that badly today. In fact, it was towards the end of the day that things just didn't go my way. Right after my german tuition which ended at 5pm, I popped by my friendly neighbourhood supermarket for some inspiration for dinner. I have literally nothing in the fridge at home. As it turned out, most fresh meat were gone except for some chicken drumsticks. Since I had frozen lotus root in the freezer, lotus root chicken soup it would be then! I only needed to google that particular recipe which I normally use for this brew. Not a very bright idea like I thought at first. Came home to realise that particular website was down. I rolled my eyes, pursed my lips and heaved a deep sigh.
Allow me to digress. This is not my first time such incidents have happened to me. It was Christmas and for my Christmas Eve's dessert I needed an online tiramisu recipe which I often refer to. Naturally the website was down on me, what else? Plan B: luckily my neighbour has a tiramisu recipe. It was potluck party at mine and I required a Yong Tau Foo sauce from yet another online recipe. No prize for guessing right, the website had to be down on that day, of course. No plan B because my german neighbour knows no Yong Tau Foo and I had to do the sauce according to my memory. A failure, sauce was too salty...
Obviously, till today I never learned my lessons. By now, my blood was beginning to simmer. Went to an alternative website to realise I haven't had the peanuts which were supposed to add more flavour to my soup. Great. Rang Mr R on his mobile for help. His bloody mobile refused to ring. I tried once, twice, thrice. No ringing tone. In a fit of frustration, I threw my phone on the sofa. Yes, I am impatient and very very short-tempered especially when I am pressed for time. You see, I like our dinner to be ready when the man comes home after work. Yes, talk about being dutiful. But tonight my soup was going to be trashy! Damn! 10 mins later, I tried ringing the man again. His phone rang this time but he was already in our garage. So bloody typical. Mr R then came home to a stewy me. The clever man left me to sulk and went on to read his mails. At least one of us learnt our lessons well.
No sooner had he left the kitchen, he came right back again, to hand me a letter addressed to me. It's from an online store from which I have ordered a jacket. I have been waiting eagerly for almost 2 weeks now for my parcel even though it was stated that delivery usually takes within 4 days. I was beginning to doubt the reliability of this online shop when they decided to deliver my long-awaited jacket today. But of course. Of all days they had to deliver it on the very day when I would be away from home to have my tuition. How much more typical can it get? What's even better, I still do not have my jacket. As stated in their letter, the delivery chap apparently couldn't find our address. Hence, my jacket is being brought back. Can someone please enlighten me, how the bloody hell did the fucking letter get into our fucking mailbox when the bloody stupid delivery guy cannot find our bloody address? HOW THE HELL DID THAT HAPPEN???!!! HOW???!! How fucking anal and lame was that? And it is common knowledge here that one's neighbours can accept one's packages on one's behalf when one is not there to recieve it. What other delivery guys with common sense would do is, they simply ring the bells of the neighbours and voila, they save themselves an extra trip. So just how thick is our delivery chap? DUH...
Last check on the Hoonie's mood: as dark as the clouds outside. She was fuming mad and starving and the brew needed at least an hour.
After dinner, however, the dark clouds at home cleared up a little. The stir-fried asparagus was palatable and the soup turned out tasty. Those peanuts ain't that essential for this brew afterall. That's some consolation.
Allow me to digress. This is not my first time such incidents have happened to me. It was Christmas and for my Christmas Eve's dessert I needed an online tiramisu recipe which I often refer to. Naturally the website was down on me, what else? Plan B: luckily my neighbour has a tiramisu recipe. It was potluck party at mine and I required a Yong Tau Foo sauce from yet another online recipe. No prize for guessing right, the website had to be down on that day, of course. No plan B because my german neighbour knows no Yong Tau Foo and I had to do the sauce according to my memory. A failure, sauce was too salty...
Obviously, till today I never learned my lessons. By now, my blood was beginning to simmer. Went to an alternative website to realise I haven't had the peanuts which were supposed to add more flavour to my soup. Great. Rang Mr R on his mobile for help. His bloody mobile refused to ring. I tried once, twice, thrice. No ringing tone. In a fit of frustration, I threw my phone on the sofa. Yes, I am impatient and very very short-tempered especially when I am pressed for time. You see, I like our dinner to be ready when the man comes home after work. Yes, talk about being dutiful. But tonight my soup was going to be trashy! Damn! 10 mins later, I tried ringing the man again. His phone rang this time but he was already in our garage. So bloody typical. Mr R then came home to a stewy me. The clever man left me to sulk and went on to read his mails. At least one of us learnt our lessons well.
No sooner had he left the kitchen, he came right back again, to hand me a letter addressed to me. It's from an online store from which I have ordered a jacket. I have been waiting eagerly for almost 2 weeks now for my parcel even though it was stated that delivery usually takes within 4 days. I was beginning to doubt the reliability of this online shop when they decided to deliver my long-awaited jacket today. But of course. Of all days they had to deliver it on the very day when I would be away from home to have my tuition. How much more typical can it get? What's even better, I still do not have my jacket. As stated in their letter, the delivery chap apparently couldn't find our address. Hence, my jacket is being brought back. Can someone please enlighten me, how the bloody hell did the fucking letter get into our fucking mailbox when the bloody stupid delivery guy cannot find our bloody address? HOW THE HELL DID THAT HAPPEN???!!! HOW???!! How fucking anal and lame was that? And it is common knowledge here that one's neighbours can accept one's packages on one's behalf when one is not there to recieve it. What other delivery guys with common sense would do is, they simply ring the bells of the neighbours and voila, they save themselves an extra trip. So just how thick is our delivery chap? DUH...
Last check on the Hoonie's mood: as dark as the clouds outside. She was fuming mad and starving and the brew needed at least an hour.
After dinner, however, the dark clouds at home cleared up a little. The stir-fried asparagus was palatable and the soup turned out tasty. Those peanuts ain't that essential for this brew afterall. That's some consolation.
Sunday, February 24, 2008
Walk the walk
The national pastime of this country is walking or to be more precise, hiking. The common Germans would have no qualms hiking for 4 to 5 hours straight. Nothing puts them off, even on cold winter days. Today, however, is no normal winter day. The sun was shining brightly and the temperature was at a pleasant 18 degrees. The Germans were out in full force to hike and to enjoy the sunny weather, taking a nice break from the cold. We were no exception.
When Mr R informed me of their plan to go hiking last night, I was not at all enthusiastic. It immediately reminded me of my very first hiking in my life, which was roughly 1 and half year back. We hiked 14km in total that fateful day! This is no bloody ordinary feat for someone like me. Close friends who know me well, are aware that I hate all types of walking, be it hikings, short walks, long walks, brisk walks, marathon walks etc. I'd rather take a bus or flag down a cab. However, the latest reality check is I am not living in Singapore at the moment.
So, despite my unwillingness to hike, I was also painfully aware that a perfect beautiful day would be totally wasted by doing nothing at home. This is Europe and shops are closed on Sundays. Therefore, I went along with their plan reluctantly.
17km! Almost 5 hours of walking, with little breaks in between. The last half hour stretch before our destination which was our car, my body was so spent that my arms hung limp at my sides while I dragged my feet. They felt like lead, by the way. Once I hit the car, I dozed off in no time from the fatigue of the long hike.
When Mr R informed me of their plan to go hiking last night, I was not at all enthusiastic. It immediately reminded me of my very first hiking in my life, which was roughly 1 and half year back. We hiked 14km in total that fateful day! This is no bloody ordinary feat for someone like me. Close friends who know me well, are aware that I hate all types of walking, be it hikings, short walks, long walks, brisk walks, marathon walks etc. I'd rather take a bus or flag down a cab. However, the latest reality check is I am not living in Singapore at the moment.
So, despite my unwillingness to hike, I was also painfully aware that a perfect beautiful day would be totally wasted by doing nothing at home. This is Europe and shops are closed on Sundays. Therefore, I went along with their plan reluctantly.
17km! Almost 5 hours of walking, with little breaks in between. The last half hour stretch before our destination which was our car, my body was so spent that my arms hung limp at my sides while I dragged my feet. They felt like lead, by the way. Once I hit the car, I dozed off in no time from the fatigue of the long hike.
This little pixie is one with brains and looks.
Hobbits in the woods??
Pixie finding a way to get down.
Some were getting a sun while some did BBQ.
Pixie was beat.
A Vietnamese Experience
I love soups. To death. Especially broths which have been simmered for hours with tender loving care. All the goodness and the essence of the ingredients would have been transfused from the long simmering into the soups and thereby adding a lovely flavour to them. The flavours, deriving from the ingredients, usually marry well together in the broth, rather than overpowering each other. The end result would be either a clear broth subtle in taste and light, or a rich brew with an intense colour. More often than not, such soups smack of delectable sweetness. What more can one ask for on cold winter days other than a delightful warming soup?
Hence, I'm often seen searching the web for soup recipes. That's how I stumbled upon this recipe for Pho Bo, a vietnamese beef noodle soup. I am no expert in Vietnamese cuisine but I've always loved their Beef Pho and Chicken Pho. In addition, the step-by-step detailed recipe is provided by a Vietnamese cook who has her own collection of cookbooks. Thus, I concluded it would be safe enough to follow her recipe. I was all excited like a schoolgirl on her first day of school and couldn't wait to get my hands on all the ingredients and start brewing away. Which I finally did on Tuesday.
Beef Pho
I am not bragging but the Pho tasted authentic aight! Okay, all the ones I had before were in Singapore so what do I know about authentic Pho? On a consoling note, mine was at least as authentic as the ones in Singapore. One tip though, never omit coriander and spring onions for Pho as both garnishes complete the whole Pho experience. It would be quite a shame if one is not a fan of them. Also red chilli padies are a must, that goes without saying. Total bliss while slurping my lovely broth thereafter. Mr R has only praises for me. Hehe..
However, all that simmering yielded only 3 servings of soup unfortunately. Thereby, dashing my hopes of having Pho for the next few days. I need a bigger pot for all them bones and soup!
Hence, I'm often seen searching the web for soup recipes. That's how I stumbled upon this recipe for Pho Bo, a vietnamese beef noodle soup. I am no expert in Vietnamese cuisine but I've always loved their Beef Pho and Chicken Pho. In addition, the step-by-step detailed recipe is provided by a Vietnamese cook who has her own collection of cookbooks. Thus, I concluded it would be safe enough to follow her recipe. I was all excited like a schoolgirl on her first day of school and couldn't wait to get my hands on all the ingredients and start brewing away. Which I finally did on Tuesday.
Beef PhoI am not bragging but the Pho tasted authentic aight! Okay, all the ones I had before were in Singapore so what do I know about authentic Pho? On a consoling note, mine was at least as authentic as the ones in Singapore. One tip though, never omit coriander and spring onions for Pho as both garnishes complete the whole Pho experience. It would be quite a shame if one is not a fan of them. Also red chilli padies are a must, that goes without saying. Total bliss while slurping my lovely broth thereafter. Mr R has only praises for me. Hehe..
However, all that simmering yielded only 3 servings of soup unfortunately. Thereby, dashing my hopes of having Pho for the next few days. I need a bigger pot for all them bones and soup!
Saturday, February 23, 2008
A Prawns Affaire
After watching Anthony Bourdain slurping our Prawn Mee in Singapore, I've been craving for the divine orangey shrimpy soup ever since. 2 weeks ago, I finally made my attempt in brewing this soup concoction. Almost all the recipes I've researched on, called for loads of prawn heads and shells. That requires plenty of time and naturally tons of patience, which was rather thin especially in my craving moment. Luckily, I had the foresight of keeping a pack of such shells and heads months back, just for emergency like sudden cravings. Obviously that little pack wouldn't make for a great shrimpy broth. But as luck would have it, my decision for having a reunion dinner somehow helped in making my prawn mee dream come true. I had to use almost 2kg of prawns for the Ngoh Hiang. That's where I got my supply of heads and shells!!! Wasting no time, I gathered the rest of the ingredients and set about simmering the broth. The only ingredient missing was Kang Kong. Even in the asian shops here, we do not have the luxury of having a wide variety of chinese vegetables everyday like in Singapore, let alone the usual supermarkets.
Anyhow, in no time, the whole apartment was filled with an aroma of herbs and prawns. After spending half a day in the kitchen (okay, I am a slow worker when it comes to cooking), I finally sat down with Mr R and enjoyed my fruit of labour. My first sip of the broth brought a satisfying smile on my face. As I continued eating, my grin got wider. I have to let in, it cannot be compared to the ones sold in the hawker centres. Even so, it was good enough for me. If it's good enough for me, it's good enough for Mr R.
Prawn Mee
So, I have changed my mind and decided to post some pictures on my blog. Indeed a blog does appear more interesting with pictures which add colours and liven up an otherwise lacklustre page. It would be too dull with just text and text, wouldn't it? Oh well, the female species are afterall fickle creatures. They are entitled to change their minds every so often, aren't they?
Anyhow, in no time, the whole apartment was filled with an aroma of herbs and prawns. After spending half a day in the kitchen (okay, I am a slow worker when it comes to cooking), I finally sat down with Mr R and enjoyed my fruit of labour. My first sip of the broth brought a satisfying smile on my face. As I continued eating, my grin got wider. I have to let in, it cannot be compared to the ones sold in the hawker centres. Even so, it was good enough for me. If it's good enough for me, it's good enough for Mr R.
Prawn MeeSo, I have changed my mind and decided to post some pictures on my blog. Indeed a blog does appear more interesting with pictures which add colours and liven up an otherwise lacklustre page. It would be too dull with just text and text, wouldn't it? Oh well, the female species are afterall fickle creatures. They are entitled to change their minds every so often, aren't they?
Wednesday, February 6, 2008
Dong Dong Qiang
Chinese New Year celebrations in the Western world and in Eastern and Southeastern Asia are as different as day and night. Especially in this area where only a relatively small chinese community exists. No CNY goodies, no ang baos (phew!), no public holidays, no relative visitings, no gambling sessions and most of all, nobody rushes to shop for new clothes. Even so, I am not put off by the nonchalant surrounding me. I resovled to have my CNY celebrations in little possible ways. I, therefore, planned a menu for our reunion dinner with Mr and Mrs R Senior. And the mandarin oranges on our coffee table are as far as we can get in terms of decorations to mark the new year. I have never cared much for those unattractive red and gold deco anyways.
Two days of slogging away in the kitchen, marinating, hacking, simmering, I pulled off the feat of serving my hungry guests on time. Something which I never appreciated when my mum does the exact same thing for us each year. Being the lazy pig and undutiful daughter that I am, the furthest I went to help her was setting the table and washing up after. I have never taken an interest in learning her cooking skills and have never given a serious thought of the hard work she puts in so we can have our yummy and sumptuous reunion dinners all these years. Baad baad girl. I deserve a spanking.
Well, it is never too late to repent. At least on the learning to cook part. Guided by my mum's tips, my guests and Mr R were able to relish Braised Duck, Ngoh Hiang, Chilli Prawns, Roast Pork, Bak Kut Teh (okay, this is not very CNY) and Stir-Fried Snow Peas. It may sound simple and not much a big deal but trust me, the work one goes through to churn them out is exhausting. By the time we drank our coffee, I was totally beat. Though I don't regret it one bit. I am pleased and proud that I carry on some part of this tradition. You can call me a true cheena at heart.
No relative visitings tomorrow. However, not contended with staying at home on Chu Yi (the first day of CNY) , I am hooking up with a Singaporean friend in the city to... to... to buy new clothes for the new year, what else!
新年快乐!!!
Two days of slogging away in the kitchen, marinating, hacking, simmering, I pulled off the feat of serving my hungry guests on time. Something which I never appreciated when my mum does the exact same thing for us each year. Being the lazy pig and undutiful daughter that I am, the furthest I went to help her was setting the table and washing up after. I have never taken an interest in learning her cooking skills and have never given a serious thought of the hard work she puts in so we can have our yummy and sumptuous reunion dinners all these years. Baad baad girl. I deserve a spanking.
Well, it is never too late to repent. At least on the learning to cook part. Guided by my mum's tips, my guests and Mr R were able to relish Braised Duck, Ngoh Hiang, Chilli Prawns, Roast Pork, Bak Kut Teh (okay, this is not very CNY) and Stir-Fried Snow Peas. It may sound simple and not much a big deal but trust me, the work one goes through to churn them out is exhausting. By the time we drank our coffee, I was totally beat. Though I don't regret it one bit. I am pleased and proud that I carry on some part of this tradition. You can call me a true cheena at heart.
No relative visitings tomorrow. However, not contended with staying at home on Chu Yi (the first day of CNY) , I am hooking up with a Singaporean friend in the city to... to... to buy new clothes for the new year, what else!
新年快乐!!!
Monday, February 4, 2008
No Reservations
Anthony Bourdain's No Reservations will be on TV tonight. His destination this time is Singapore, so we were informed by a friend. I enjoy his culinary globe-trotting escapades immensely. Back then in Singapore, I would tune in to his programs religiously. He is one dare-devil because he eats EVERYTHING. Everything here means warthog anus, sheep testicles, ant eggs, a raw seal eyeball, fetal ducks egg, cobra's heart etc. Nothing fazes him.
So I was curious what food he would be sampling in Singapore. And on top of it all I do crave to see my home country again, even if only fleeting glimpses of its comings and goings. Plus Mr R finds Bourdain interesting and entertaining too. Thus we tuned in to his show. Big Mistake.
What do you do when:
Chicken rice
Bak chor mee
Prawn mee
Satay
Prata
Chilli crabs
Char kway teow
Roast pork
Carrot cake
appeared right before your eyes, yet you DO NOT get to eat them? I resorted to salivating. And then more drooling. It was agonizing watching him devouring the food, I must concede. The show ended with me feeling empty and HUNGRY.
I miss home.
So I was curious what food he would be sampling in Singapore. And on top of it all I do crave to see my home country again, even if only fleeting glimpses of its comings and goings. Plus Mr R finds Bourdain interesting and entertaining too. Thus we tuned in to his show. Big Mistake.
What do you do when:
Chicken rice
Bak chor mee
Prawn mee
Satay
Prata
Chilli crabs
Char kway teow
Roast pork
Carrot cake
appeared right before your eyes, yet you DO NOT get to eat them? I resorted to salivating. And then more drooling. It was agonizing watching him devouring the food, I must concede. The show ended with me feeling empty and HUNGRY.
I miss home.
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