English Muffins.. mmm

We bought another 5kgs of bread flour the other day. Yes, people. I have successfully finished our first 5 kilos in almost 2 months time. With those I had made various "pau"s, pita bread, red beans filled doughnuts (twice!), focaccia bread, herb and feta pull-apart, fougasse, plain white loaf sandwich bread (also twice), melon pan, brioches, scottish butteries, cheese buns, herb buns, potato bread, burger buns, cinnamon buns, and nutty scrolls (for pictures of my humble baking outcomes, please refer to my fotopages, thank you :)) That's a lot of baking for almost 2 months though I haven't been able to take pictures of them all (they seem to be disappearing very quickly from the kitchen bench!)

Tonight my beloved fiance is working on drafting his proposal and intends to stay up til 4am and since everyone's asleep (i think adil n haz are still awake but they won't be 'invading' the kitchen at this ungodly hour) so I happily venture my way to the kitchen and try my hands on making English Muffins! Remember those yummy breakfast McMuffins with egg and sausage inside available at McDonalds only til 11am? I used to hate the fact it's only available for mornings. It's hard when you're not a morning person as I am those days. And am loving those muffins!

I've been intending to make them for quite some time. Oh and I forgot to mention, I still haven't opened our new bread flour. I used leftovers from the last just enough to make six of them. We can add this one to the list above.

While waiting for my muffins to prove, I thought I'd blog for a bit. When kneading, a thought came through. I'm beginning to notice the people I cannot stand be with. Strange enough, but they seem to be the ones whom happen to hurt my friends, more than annoying me. First case, an acquaintance (shall i now say), got on my nerves for quite a bit for an extended period of time. I still managed a smile or grin when she came around (it sure doesn't help moving in together) and laugh a bit here and there with her (though there are people noticing how hard it was for me to keep on pretending). Sad, when we were really close for a while; before I get to know her a bit more than I would want to. Until I saw what she does, said mostly about my friends that got me realizing, I wouldn't want to know her at all. I thought I'd write her name up here since there's absolutely below zero percent possibility she'd be reading my blog but I won't take any chances. Would be incredibly stupid of me.

Like my English Muffins..? =)

Cut them in half, top them with sausage and egg with a bit of chilli sauce, and there you have a fresh, simple homemade McMuffin!

Second case, this girl I knew back in high school. Well we were not in school together but to cut long story short, we became good friends till she got all weird and jealous (i wouldn't say of what, it's irrelevant but i'm sure you can figure out) that she started making extreme remarks about them. As if that's not enough, she'd start doing things that I would categorize as 'shameful'. Third case, was my ex-bf long ago in early high school years. Later I realize he is an excellent manipulator. Fourth case, well.. you get the drift.

All in all, I can honestly say that I am person with high tolerance to people's behaviour (well, that explains my line of work then, eh). I can handle confrontation and frankly, I quite like confrontation. Contrary to most people I know, I think with confrontation gives me and the other a chance and space to express how/what they think/feel, and for me to deliver what I think/feel. Then leaving the issue behind. I respect your decision, and I'd do what you wish, but also, I expect you to respect mine. I know from experience, when I'm unhappy with people, I can bombard and vent out about the issue once to someone (i believe you would know who usually gets this, that's why i love him so much.. kidding!) or to the person I have issue with. Once again, I feel it's a waste of my time and energy to be bothered about it again. Which I believe is good especially when it reduces chances of me bitching/talking bad about them to others. Not saying I never bitch, I am no saint nor am I perfect and you know that well.

i miss jules. we used to talk about these things. exploring the "who" we are. she is a rare species. she can read my mind like a diary. i wonder if she knows this.

It's starting to rain again and I'm done with my muffins. Excellent time to snuggle under the covers. I've enough thoughts for the day. My brain's slowly shutting down. G'nite people or shall I say, g'morning.

Droplets

It wasn't easy to wake up this morning. Has been raining since forever. Twice I walked out of the door this week and find myself dripping water by the time I reach uni. I've been trying hard to discipline myself, go uni and get some work done. But this morning is even worse, I can't even get my eyes open. The only thing that made me jump is the sound of his phone vibrating. He forgot his phone! So I came online to see his email on my inbox telling me so.

I've to go out today, post some cds then work on my client report. Before so, I went upstairs and made 'apam balik', pack them up and off to uni.

Somewhere in between apam balik making and bundling up before leaving the house, a thought came up.

"Who said, student overseas tak pandai masak masakan traditional?"

Not to say apam balik is our traditional food (or is it?) Pardon my lack of knowledge there. When I heard/read that, it made me ponder on the perception of our people to students studying overseas. If it were to be one of the locals here whom goes to overseas universities, studying; they would have been so proud of their people and further encourage their own people. Would they have been so caught up in the thought of criticizing them on something like that?

Once not long ago I saw trees along the streets at some residential area being decorated by the people there. Curiously, I asked around and finally learned that the tree doesn't belong to anyone, but the people took the initiative to decorate them accordingly to their seasons. It doesn't matter to them who does it, or whose items are on it, or whose money goes on to decorating it. To them, those who cared that much of thought, would've been considered selfish, inconsiderate, rude and greedy. I've heard people say, orang melayu susah nak maju sebab banyak perasaan dengki dengan orang lain, tamak nak cepat kaya, tak boleh buat lebih sikit dari orang lain, etc etc.. And I didn't know how to believe it. I didn't even give much thought to it and I haven't seen it happen in front of my eyes.

So few days ago, I just realized, it does happen a lot around me. I just didn't pick them. And now I wonder if others realize them and/or choose to ignore them?

Weapons

Geez it's such HUGE relief to finally know it's not due on 11th. Just got the word few seconds ago and now I'm blogging instead of going absolutely mental with my research and client report.

I wonder what happen to those people I knew back when I was young. Those smart-head, all perfect, big shot people in school where every teacher adores and friends admire for their intelligence, hard-working and shining results. Then I found some of them. Actually, one of them to be exact. She seemed to be doing all right.

Or so I thought.

I thought she would have gone off being "someone", somewhere. And perhaps turn out to be very successful with a great job. Honestly, I do. Mind you, this person had called me "stupid" right in my face once, and actually meaning it. "Lembu pun lagi pandai". I remember. Deeply. I also remember thinking, at that time, that someday when we're adults, I would like to see where she lands on. With admiration, not resentment. And now I got my answer.

Our path crossed some time ago. Few years back when I saw her and we spoke. Asking how things are and turned out to be. She's still with the guy that to her, I was the reason they met and feel in love (funny). No, not married. That was the only time we met/communicate. Ashamed? I don't know. Busy? I'd like to think so.

Now our path crossed again but in a different way. Her sister is so big now. No indication she's with that guy anymore. I wonder if she remembers the things we did together. She's running away again, I can tell. A nice person we all agree. But very sad.

I do care.
We share the same star sign. I went to her house once and we played make up/dress up together. I don't want to remember anymore the bad things we did to each other. I wonder if she needs help. I wonder if she wants to talk to someone. She seems to be on the edge, waiting to fall down.

I was angry for a while, I know. Making me think that my future is not worth knowing. I am not the brightest kid in school. Nor was I the one with excellent performance. There's NO WAY I'd be like them. They'd probably turn out to be doctors, lawyers, engineers. Get into universities and live to be rich, successful people. How wrong was I? Talk about false hope. Sighh..

But I still do mean about wishing her well. And for her to open up and be true to herself. I wish she will wake up and get back on track again. Potential, heaps. It shone brightly long time ago. I wish she'll get that back again someday.

I wish her a lot of things. Only good things.

Ordinary Day

Few days ago, he went almost bald. He looked exactly how he does now when we met for the second time 6 years ago. He was in his white with one black spotted (don't ask) car, wearing his shades while I get into the car and he drove off with his music blaring and the strong scent of Glade car fragrant.

i can still smell that car fragrant..

He's on his way to finishing up his proposal so he's been up at un-Godly hours to get it done. Adil and Haz seems busy warming up their laptops to doing assignments and books nearing final exams. As for me, it's my final semester. FINAL! Then I'm done (we'll talk about PhD's later, ok. Let me enjoy lil bit here)! This is it. The final. I hope I do myself, if not others proud.

Not that it's confirmed, but I do think quite fair bit about continuing on. Papa is all for it. If I do decide to continue on, it'll be all for you. I must admit, it is flattering to get the title but most of all, it's about making them proud. My education level, is all about them. I decided long time ago that I study to see how far I can push/get myself into being educated. Now, today, I'm already impressed I got this far. If I'm to go further, I'll be doing it to make my parents the proudest people on earth. They deserve it and much much more. To play favourites, especially papa.

Today I just realized my client report, research critique and assignment is due much sooner than expected. My printer's back home and not intending to get back any soon, I headed to uni printing out without any cost! The psychology post-grad lab allows post graduates access to internet and free printing so hallelujah! Oh it just goes to show how much time I spend in uni, eh? Now with close to 3 inches (and more coming) stack of research reports and notes to read, am in no position to move anywhere outside the university or the village compound. We have made a pact not to go out as much anymore and making this weeked our last outing weekend. Now it's time to increase my focus, hold on a bit longer and not to get distracted.

With that said, gotta now hit the books!

She's just a bitter, lonely person..

so why bother?

Couldn't have said it better. Maybe you're right baby.. just maybe, you are.

Which makes her such a sad person then. And now she's "running away", not just that, she's also giving out many reasons to show and tell, covering up how sad her life has been these past few weeks by masking up telling the whole world how "happy" she is running away. While perhaps reasoning and rationalizing her reasons too much it's beginning to sound like a cop-out.

But I still do care to some extent and that's why I did my part.. now let's see how much she does.

Hence, I wish her well, and for her to someday open her heart, eyes and perhaps brains as well to not only be honest to herself with her words, but also with her actions.

honestly.. how much dense can you get? sigh.. and we wonder how such a beautiful girl not able to hold a relationship? it's not only about the looks, it's also about the attitude and THAT has to be acknowledged! geez..

Like someone once said, too nice it makes her look so fake.

Changing Directions

Adik called tonite. After a rather long time (with him busy preparing for SPM and boarding school), we managed to talk. It was some talk.

It's a thought that he seemed to be turning to me seeking advises and opinions with regards to studies and future decision-making. He looks up to him, that I know for sure. To him, he is an intellectual, very intelligent and successful person and he wants to be like him. I know he has a lot of respect for him. Personally, I can understand the way he feels of him (well, because I think he is too). However, I wonder if he thinks the same way of me? And I wonder why.

Adik aspires to be a doctor since he begun to talk. Honestly, I can even see him as one and nothing else. And he follows the right path. He even got into a science school. Now, a little over 6 months before SPM, he change his mind. He got frustrated with mama one day not long ago when she was on his back about not studying enough. He left dinner early and went to his room, as I followed 10 steps behind him. That was the first time I heard him saying, "Kalau tak jadi doctor, tak boleh ke, kak?" I struggle hard not to sound like a counsellor but more of a sister/friend. Being a 'high explorer' to myself (Noela would've been so proud) is not enough and that nagging curiousity of the 'spin' got me thinking, where did it all went wrong?

So tonight he called, spilling out his thoughts and ideas. Trying to rationalize his actions and decisions. Somewhere between the lines, I reflected on the steps I took. We both actually had aspired to be doctors and he knows it. Only I changed my direction (and got lost many times) way much earlier than him. I suppose when I changed my 'gear' and went into Psychology; at his tender age, he would have seen me as a "quit-er" and thought that I'll fail in my journey. Because I did not follow the 'rules' of wanting something and sticking to it. The 'rules' that perhaps we both invented or was buried into us from our parents, without us realizing it - a very, very long time ago.

Perhaps the fact that I have reached this far, had me redeem myself from being a "quit-er". Who ever said it is wrong to make mistakes? To steer away from our 'focus' may mean we can never get it back? Perhaps we need to steer once in a while. Asking what "we" want rather than "why" we want it. As much as parents not living for their children, children don't live for their parents either. Yes, it would be the noble thing to do. Living for one another. Didn't someone wise said, human beings are selfish? We do try hard not to be.

I believe there are no self-less good deed.
Phoebe was right all along.

As for Adik, you can be what you want/choose to be. Just make that decision yours and yours alone. Make it so if it doesn't work out, it was your decision and you'll find you've no regrets.

We live as we create them to be.

Aha!

Yesterday I'm done with my patient, not to say he/she's completely "cured" (you don't get "cured" immediately unless you want so), but if in accordance to the Karkoff's model, we've gone through exploration and understanding mode and that's just where all the hard work ends, for me that is. For him/her, it's the action phase that'll hurt. Patient may relapse but that's something that we'll worry later on. As for tonight we're going out to celebrate! Well, actually me and him, we've already done some celebration last night, just the both of us. But it's Friday night tonight and we've made reservations.

For those who knew me considerably, they may (or not) know that I don't get bothered by things/people easily. You do your things, I do mine. You don't touch me, and I don't touch you. If I don't (or choose not to) join you, then I don't bother. Tempt me as you wish, if I get tempted, I'll go, if not, I won't. I find a lot of things a waste of time. My time, that is.

I suppose with my level of work/profession, it is easy to find that doing/worrying certain things is a waste of time.

Sitting on a session with a client of my colleague got me back to thinking, other people has other problems too. Every problem to a certain degree, holds to having the same concept of ideas/issues. The one that varies them are the intensity of humans accepting, handling and acknowledging them.

I value life. When there's life, there's hope. They say stop and smell the roses, I believe it is necessary. I believe to tasting every bit of everything. You'll never know what you like or don't like. I believe I've lived my life (so far) to the fullest. I believe I've had everything. I am thankful from the bad to the worst experiences I gained, the bitter I tasted and the irony of everything else. To me, I have had fame. I've been people's inspiration, I've been their dream. I've been all that and more. From my life experiences, I've touched the sky and I've been in the sky for long. I've gone up and I've gone down. I've seen people die, I've held their hands. I've crushed hopes and hearts. I've let many down. I've been to many places and stepped on many countries. I've made marks on many land.

From my life, I have been at the top for so long, I need to step down. Thank you baby for who you are, places you've been, ideas you've generate, thoughts you've shared. You've certainly made a better person of me.

In your own story.

All in One

So it's been a while. Nice to see you here.

As obvious, I was going full-on with things around me that I've not update my blog for a while. Let's see.. since last was the melon pan incident, man I can't even recall when that was and what had happened to the melon pan. Aida was around that night with her new hair-do. And that was early in the month!

Haywire.
I love chinese food. My mother, a Malay from Kelantan and my father, a Malay from Pahang but looks very chinese. In fact, most of his 13 siblings look chinese. If I remember correctly, arwah Tok (my father's stepmother) has a very kind, gentle chinese look. I don't know my real grandmother from Papa's side. She passed away when they were all young. Arwah Tokki (Papa's father) took care of all his 13 children til they are all big and independent before re-marrying. Very admirable.

I'm not sure where my preference to chinese food comes from. My taste bud must've gone mad somewhere through life experiences. Maybe I'm adopted? Nah, thought and researched on that one in primary school years. I am not adopted. Then I remember my mother's mom. Never met her. But according to Mama, she loves chinese food. She loves cooking too.

I have spoken too early.
Adil, Haz, him and I did catering service for JPA students on Monday night. It was tiring and I swore not to do this again while we were waiting for our transport. An hour later I changed my mind. Once seeing how the food goes and feedback given, the satisfaction is incredible. It's almost the same feeling felt after organizing Makcha's wedding reception. I couldn't care how much profit I get at this point of time. It was satisfying.

We went buying things on Friday night and preparing from then on. I'd have to say, if catering is fully my responsibility and in my hands from the beginning, I would have been more dedicated to it. Oh no, don't get me wrong. Everything is a success. Perhaps I was relying and expecting a bit more to it. He puts it well, if I were to do this again, I'll give this experience one more look and prepare myself further. Couldn't have said it better myself.

Mikey's dinner.
Sunday morning we woke up and he had this sudden craving for sweet indulgence. So we headed for Pancake House. Russion Blitz, I shall never look at pancakes the same way again. In the midst of enjoying our brunch, the phone went off singing an SMS notification. So I read, it said, "Hey Miza, how you going? Any chance you're in Adelaide? Doing anything this evening?" Mind you, I haven't seen Mike since last year after our gathering/clubbing night out before me leaving to Swiss and have certainly deleted his number from my cell (sorry mikey..) hence for the next few minutes I riddled with him who would've SMS with that note.

We gave the Botanics a visit and he made me promise to have brunch in the botanics one day and oh yes, a picnic there as well. We will, baby.. someday we will. After that long walk, we headed to Lemongrass for dinner with Mikey and the gang then back home to prepare our catering food.

Couns Session Block 2
I've certainly have a lighter case patient this time. Now hang on, I don't mean to say weight issue is light but my patient certainly is not in crisis/trauma/suicidal. Hence, the case is not as intense and research can be put to a minimal (since I've handled one before). Nevertheless, each case is not the same.

Noela once again blew my mind with her skills and knowledge. If I spend another 3 hours with her, I swore I would have no skeletons in my closet anymore. I will make sure to remember her for as long I live.

Noela Maletz is a counsellor in private practice. She sees mainly adult clients, often works with couples and occasionally works with adolescents and parents. Noela works with a client
centered approach using the 3 phase model and has completed training in
Psychosynthesis. Noela has been counselling for 17 years and has been
teaching in the couselling post graduate program at the university for 4
years.

Noela has been a registered secondary teacher for over 30 years
(teaching English, Painting, Creative Writing) and has worked in a broad
range of setting, teaching at secondary, adult and tertiary levels. She currrently teaches Critical Thinking and Communication in the School of Electrical Engineering at Adelaide University, at
undergraduate and post graduate levels.

She surely is a true inspiration as my supervisor. Not to forget Thomas (or shall I say Dr. Thomas now) last year when I was still struggling analytically and getting words out. One day when I become a psychiatrist/psychologist/counsellor (insyallah), I will count on these people to reflect on my days of learning. They are in my book in this journey to becoming "somebody".

Speaking of reflection, a good friend whom has successfully completed medical school very recently wrote about people and intelligence. We are in the bubble of belief that med students are the top most brilliant intelligent students in the world but in fact they are not. To his belief, that is. Those top achievers in medicine do well not because they have the intellingence of rocket scientists, but because they are hardworking and read a lot. Medicine does not require great intelligence in comparison to engineering, mathematicians and physicians.

I believe so too.

People
Once again recently I've come across people with lots of drama in their life. I find that a lot in Malays especially, and in general. I wonder if this is a creation to spice up their lives or a cover up to heighten their self-esteem (to feel superior). I wonder if people really reflect on themselves and look at what they have achieved instead of what they don't have. I wonder what they are actually thinking. Perhaps they just have too much time in their hands that they're not sure how to make full use of them. Well, personally, I've too much on my plate with my patients. Maybe next time.

I ran away from it all. And here I'm not going to go back to those people again.

Gardening/Baking/Cooking
This is my therapeutic stress-relief. Our 5kg bread flour has probably around 2 cups left and we're totally out of yeast. Last night as requested, was Scottish Butteries. I love it. He doesn't. She does. I don't know about the other.

There's one flower on my chilli plant. New foliage are growing on the tomato plant and basil looks great. Garden is fine.

Future Plans
Saving up for a trip.
Study better.
Spend more valuable time with him.
Call home.

2 more weeks before Block 2 is due, full-on 8-5pm practicals a week later, weekend pracs the following week, and research papers both due end of the month. Hell, June's not the time I'm looking forward to.

4 months and going..

Yep. 4 months.

Went to another one of his favourite places.

Melon Pan frustration

The bread is in the oven now actually. Somehow everything is going against me (baking-wise). Well let me say that the bread dough would have been my fault. The original recipe calls for 180 bread flour and 20 cake flour. Since I've no cake flour, I made it them all with bread flour. Recipe also calls for mixing the yolks together with the yeast mixture and let it rest til bubbly but somehow it just doesn't seem to want to bubble!! It's SO bloody annoying. I'm not sure where I went wrong but the dough just doesn't rise. No matter how long I proof it, it just stayed there. Idiot. Then making the cookie dough, I've mistakenly put in a whole egg instead of 30g of it. This one I really can't blame anyone but myself. Slowly the confidence is decreasing and almost to the giving-up mode. Sigh.

Bought a thyme plant today. Learnt my lesson. Buy the one that actually has grown a bit so I can access to it easily. Better get back to my melon pan.

Mowkie

I bought bread improver few weeks ago and have yet to try it so after gathering up some confidence, I made Herb and Cheese filled buns. I was freaking out a while since the first time proving it, it didn't seem to rise but after the second time, it rose beautifully and baked nicely in the oven. I've only made half of the recipe just to see how it goes with the bread improver, have yet to try it. Waiting for him to return. So if this turns out fine, I'll try my hands on making buns this time.

It rains and pours today. Loving it.

Yesterday was a disaster for Mowkie. She had a needle stuck through her throat. Sighh.. according to mom, bibik was sewing on the floor and perhaps had left them there. While my darling cat went over and helped herself playing with a thread attached to its needle. So yesterday morning abg wants to give her food only to find her salivating so much. Immediately she was rushed to the docs. So she went under surgery because the doc has to cut the needle into half. She was released last night and was not happy at all.

Anyone wants a mischievious, spoilt rotten, highly maintenance, fluffly, fat, arrogant and absolutely adorable cat, you are welcome to notify me at any time.

Rain rain come again..

Yesterday we stayed home all day. It was Anzac Day and I made such scrumptious dessert. Cinnamon Rolls! Lucky Aida came over asking to proof-read her lab report and she came in just in time for the rolls to be consumed. Lucky lucky girl.

And finally today it rained non-stop and I'm absolutely loving it. The first rain in April I reckon. Went to my first session tonight and went allright. Haven't started with anything yet, just gathering around and a little bit of chat here and there.

We reached home almost to 10pm tonight and as he had downloaded the movie 300, we gathered around in Adil's room and watched it til close to 1am. Haz n Adil went out for a pizza while I continued piecing up my puzzle. It's a rather gloomy day but somehow I'm enjoying it best. Absolutely love the rain.

Bread

Corn bread turned out fine. Will add in corn kernels and up the sugar a wee bit more next time. So today's the last day of mid break. The following half semester will be requiring more concentration and attention that the previous, am sure.

Last night was Garlic, Herb and Feta pull-apart. Been wondering how this one turns out and taste like so I obediently followed the recipe and it was an absolute delish.

Spent close to 3 hours of marketing yesterday. We looked for bread flour or wheat gluten to make a simple basic bread but with no luck. Well it is available but it's 5kg! Thinking about it overnight would be a wise decision. But purchasing assorted cheeses and other out-of-the-usual items are fun (and cheaper, if you know what to look for) to do in the market rather than the old usual supermarket.

So today it's apple crumble to finish off Haz's apples. Will definitely get a parsley plant soon. Maybe Tuesday hmm.. =)

3 months..

..and still going.

I may give a try to making corn bread today. Unfortunately, there's no sour cream in the fridge so might go out with him since he's gotta go to the bank to pick up his card. OR.. try bribing Haz with my pizza to get a bit of her cream. Though hers is lite (yup.. i like 'em full fat.. all fat dairy products.. yum!) so think I better get my lazy bum out and buy some.

Time to water my plants! Oh and speaking of which, my tomato plant have beared me 16 cherry tomatoes and I'm very very pleased. I think it's going to stop growing fruits though. And my chilli plant has 10 green bell peppers on them. I've picked out one large chilli and have yet to try it. Basil plant, don't say. It's been countless! Haz and I have been picking on its leaves almost weekly now. Very pleased.

Till then!

Baking Frenzy!

I am going crazy over baking and cooking these past few days. Posted only some recipes I tried on my fotopages blog and recently we bought a digital kitchen scale (it was on sale.. really!!) ! Well I am on my hols but he's not so there's no point of going anywhere, so I stayed home most days and cooked or baked, trying my hands at almost anything in the mags! Now he has no reason to complain when I buy those monthly recipe books and piling them up under the bed.

I just made pizza tonight. From dough, to sauce to toppings all homemade. And tonight, I find myself missing Makcha. She enjoys baking. I remember those old days when I was a kid, she used to bake breads and buns. The whole house will be filled with those sweet and/or savoury bun fillings. Sometimes she'd make "pau". And fill them up with "kaya" or curry-puff fillings. I remember sitting on the couch in our living room legs crossed and stuffing myself with her curry-puff filled buns, watching some British cartoons on weekends. Never once I offer to help. Nor did I show any interest to how she makes them. Working in the kitchen to me those days was a bore. Thanks to the first chore handed to me; washing dishes and peeling onions. I hate getting myself or my hands wet and working with dirty dishes and peeling onions is nothing to look forward to. Up to this date, I still hate doing dishes. I loathe it. Yet, today, the smell of Makcha's sweet soft buns kept nagging my mind. It was more than a decade ago.

Kung Pao chicken was introduced to me by him. He had them when he was in Beijing and since I've never had them before and the ingredients and method seems easy to make, we decide to try our hands on it. It turned out well according to him.

I've only heard of Focaccia Bread few years back when dining in Dave's Deli and their tuna melt sandwich on focaccia bread tastes delightful. Since then, I always look forward to focaccia sandwiches but few weeks ago I found the recipe in one of my mags. So last weekend when everyone's in their room and he's occupied with his laptop, I snuck out of the room and started mixing things and kneading. It took a couple hours to proof it and wait for it to rise but the end result was absolutely delish. Especially using fresh home grown rosemary and thyme. Next morning I cut it up and all of us had breakfast with it.

I also found some recipes baking/grilling chicken. Tried my hands at making salad dressing and got a taste of haloumi cheese just kept my energy for trying out recipes, cooking and baking going. He complains everyday that I cook too much or I should take time out from cooking. You see, I think I'm just missing Makcha. If she sees what bakes I've tried on, I doubt she has the energy to bake anymore but I miss her. She had unconsciously injected a small passion/interest in me that even I didn't know. This is what's happening. And I'm sure if she sees what I'm doing and knows why, somewhere in her would be proud of me knowing how much influence she had put in my up-bringing.

So to her, I thank you and love you, Makcha. Despite the hardship we go through bringing me up, I would have never be the person I am today without you. Thank you.

West Lakes Shopping centre

We have planned to go West Lakes shopping centre few days ago. It was not til today we managed to get ourselves there.

Once we reached the mall, I realized we've been there before. Me and my family back in 2005. But anyway, we had lunch/dinner and went shopping! I bought a coat and we bought some kitchen baking ware for future baking ideas =) Absolutely LOVE the idea.

We hung out at Jamaica Blue where he felt generous to get drinks for us all, and talked about various things. Definitely, his idea of having fun. We headed home when the mall is close to closing time.

It's Papa and Mama's 27th anniversary today. While waiting for the bus, papa called. We talked for a bit. They sound allright.

Dessert anyone?

When we woke up and went upstairs today, no one was up yet. So we grabbed the opportunity to cook! I made a vanilla custard and strawberry scroll while he had his lunch from last night's dinner leftovers. He decided not to go work today (due to late night movie marathon) so I called the clinic up to make an appointment this afternoon. I accidently over-nap and only managed to get to the clinic 10mins past my appointment time. Lucky there were not many people waiting. So the doc said to make an appointment for a blood test and come again a week later.

We stopped by uni to return his library book and head home. Tonight's dinner was grilled lamb chop with mushroom sauce, creamy soft polenta, rocket and steamed broccoli with grilled tomatoes. Yum. Somehow I felt sick in the middle of the night and threw most of dinner up. Maybe it's the wind. Maybe it's the temperature outside.

Blue Gum Honey + Costa Rican coffee

Yummy, I must admit. The coffee smooth and strong, honey sweet and thick. We had these while watching a movie marathon. "Death Note" and "Ichi the Killer". Japanese movie but I ended up dozing off halfway the second movie. So did Adil. In the end it was him and Haz whom sat up through the entire marathon. It was not till about 4.30am that we managed to get some sleep.

Mental note: no more coffee and honey after 8pm.

Chicken soup + Strawberry pudding

It's his last day of holiday for him. There were no major groceries that are open so we checked-into a Hong Kong and Korean shop. We bought some japanese food and korean flour, remembering the days living with Jules, brought me back to the memory when she made us korean pancake using kimchi, chicken and some other ingredients. Someday I'll try to make it just like you did, Jules.

He made chicken soup today and I attempt on a French strawberry pudding. It was crisp on top, soft in the centre and sweet at the bottom. Except I should have used castor sugar than brown to make it look better.

Adil and Haz had some guests around tonight. Him and I ended up in our room playing guitar and talked a lot. Late that night after the guests have left, Adil and Haz knocked on our door and I went to their room to hangout and chat for a bit. It turned out to be til morning. It was good talk. Refreshing.

Strawberry Picking - Hanhdorf

Adil, me and him went to the market to do our usual weekly marketing in the afternoon. Then we went home and drag Haz from her bed so after lunch we rushed to the bus stop to catch the bus to Hahndorf to do some strawberry picking! We have been planning this for few days and the strawberries were plump, glossy and so juicy! There were millions of ripe strawberries!

I've been busy updating my fotopages lately and easter holiday is here! We've been thinking over and over of what to do on this 2-weeks holiday. After strawberry picking we walked down to Hahndorf city to look around. It was not til dark that we managed to catch the bus home. Him and I stopped in Rundle Mall for some late snack and walk around before heading home. It was a long and nice outing.