15th of May
Sunday
I have just one sentence for you today, one of gratitude.
I have learnt that friends are such valuable beings, and I'm blessed with amazing ones, thanks to (especially) year 2010.
HB1 (':
Sunday, May 15, 2011
Saturday, May 14, 2011
# Day 14 - Probation Over (:
14th of May
Saturday
I've completed my 2-week probation.
Want to know what I've learnt about making it a point to blog every day despite the many other things one (me) has to do in the approximately 17-18 waking hours?
One word: Interesting.
Bet you didn't see that adjective coming.
It's pretty tough especially when my head's filled with university work and other petty things, to drag my fingers across the keyboard. But first, waiting for the laptop to start up, then having to sign in, and waiting for the dashboard to load (yes unfortunately I'm doomed to slow internet - I think I've mentioned this before somewhere. Such a cheong hei person I am). (:
But you see, doing this makes me mull over the day's experiences, with amazing clarity. Sure I may not expose every bit of the day, but I combine all sorts of elements into one post to sum up what would have affected me most. This includes the people around me, who play a heavy part on my personal stage. When I'm grey and wrinkled, and my memory cells betray me, reading all this silly little rants/ small excitements / immature opinions can possibly stimulate my brain. How cool would it be to read about my own life - it would be like rediscovering old adventures and past encounters. I might cry because I could be missing such times, I might laugh because I would have remembered a thing or two and decide that my reaction towards whatever the thing-or-two could be had been so stupid, I might smile upon reading about my relationships and silently thank every individual for representing the different tastes and colours in my lifetime, I might sigh because nostalgia would have infected every particle of my aged being...
And really, it goes to show that if your heart is honest and your mind is set to achieve a certain goal, you can pave a way to it, and eventually, reach it. I know you've heard this elsewhere - other people simply say "when there's a will there's a way". But the difference is in experiencing it yourself, rather than just agreeing with the ancient proverb.
I think I will give myself a break from this project whenever my exams are a breath away, though. We'll see.
Meanwhile, I will bathe in heaps of determination to do other things as well. Of course, not too many other things. Baby steps, hey. (:
I'm gonna win.
Friday, May 13, 2011
# Day 13
13th of May
Friday
"You Are The Moon"
Shadows all around you as you surface from the dark
Emerging from the gentle grip of night's unfolding arms
Darkness, darkness everywhere, do you feel all alone?
The subtle grace of gravity, the heavy weight of stone
You don't see what you possess, a beauty calm and clear
It floods the sky and blurs the darkness like a chandelier
All the light that you possess is skewed by lakes and seas
The shattered surface, so imperfect, is all that you believe
I will bring a mirror, so silver, so exact
So precise and so pristine, a perfect pane of glass
I will set the mirror up to face the blackened sky
You will see your beauty every moment that you rise
Emerging from the gentle grip of night's unfolding arms
Darkness, darkness everywhere, do you feel all alone?
The subtle grace of gravity, the heavy weight of stone
You don't see what you possess, a beauty calm and clear
It floods the sky and blurs the darkness like a chandelier
All the light that you possess is skewed by lakes and seas
The shattered surface, so imperfect, is all that you believe
I will bring a mirror, so silver, so exact
So precise and so pristine, a perfect pane of glass
I will set the mirror up to face the blackened sky
You will see your beauty every moment that you rise
The Hush Sound
Was listening to this song and it made me think a little.
*Edit: Blogger was down for the night ! I left the post to prepare dinner (Frittata yo! ) and when I returned later I couldn't publish in time. Sighhh.
Hmmm...
Thursday, May 12, 2011
# Day 12
12th of May
Thursday
I will forever love this song.
And the singer. (:
I didn't have to learn to know that music is the best remedy for the soul and a faithful companion.
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
# Day 7 - Courage II
11th of May
Wednesday
It just hit me how timid I am. I've always known I am, but never has the implication struck me so hard until today. Everybody needs that little bit of belief in their selves, of course not excessively. But enough to have confidence in the body each self's given, with that sort of soul, and that capacity of mind. Enough to be comfortable doing something (certain things) alone, or in front of a crowd. Enough to feel accepted and to be able to trust yourself with others.
I lack a lot, and a lot, of this bravery.
That much I have learnt about myself so far...
On a random personal note,
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
# Day 10
10th of May
Tuesday
Today I learnt that for a petite person, two layers of shirts and a sweater/coat ain't enough for a temperature of 11 degrees.
Mmmmmmmmnnnnnnnawwwwwwwwwwwww (': go ahead, make all the cooing noises, I know you cannot resist. (:
That's me by the way. I look pretty unhappy don't I?
Winter spring, summer or fall, all you have to do is call.
Monday, May 9, 2011
# Day 9 - Crushed
9th of May
Monday
Disappointed beyond words. All the time and sleepless nights. All the worrying and researching. Hands up if you have ever felt like this before. Or am I the only kind of species that gives my all for nothing. I probably am.
At this stage nothing can lift my mood.
So tired, so really damn tired.
Sunday, May 8, 2011
# Day 8
8th of May
Sunday
Today I learnt that one can never have too much cake. :D
Blame tumblr for the following scrumptious-looking pictures (:
I had a whole butter cake to myself, courtesy of my sweet University friends. Another rich, caramel cake from my darling sister. One big slice of tiramisu cake during my Korean friend's birthday celebration (I respect her for being such an awesome host). And finally one HUGE chocolate muffin topped with all the diabetic goodies from my sister's friend. They were equally yummy.
Sinful, how sinful. Maybe it's a good idea that birthdays only come around once every year.
Mama, I miss you.
Saturday, May 7, 2011
# Day 7 - Courage
7th of May
Saturday
A sweet girl celebrated her birthday in her house, a party of which I couldn't attend. But I met up with them in the city (again thanks to another lovely person who drove all the way to pick me up) and we had a rather interesting, amazing time. She took my hand during the cake-cutting session and insisted that I cut the cake with her. They even had two candles, one for me.
There was a mixture of Koreans, Chinese people, Vietnamese people and of course Caucasians. I enjoyed observing the way each individual carried themselves, and the little habits they practice. Like for the Koreans, it is only polite to introduce yourself to the crowd of people present during any gathering.
Isn't that what meeting people is all about? Having the interest to get to know others, paying attention to their cultures, fitting in not under obligation but because you are comfortable with change; rather than being under the influence of inertia and isolating yourself because you are different and you do things differently... After all, black or white, we are ultimately human beings. We laugh or condemn the things others do, seeing things as they are on the surface, stereotyping them. But have we thought about their backgrounds and the significance of what they do?
Every colour counts.
I'm honoured I have friends of so many races and nationalities. Their hearts are beautiful, and I can't even see their hearts. I feel. I wish everyone would see it the way I do.
I could really use a wish right now.
# Day 6 - The Day Of Birth, Also Known As Birthday,
6th of May
Friday
Cassandra's work; the best part was having to sit in a row during Pharmacy Practice lecture, and I'm telling you it was way down at the front of the hall. All with the same hairstyle. Cool is the word, although somewhat embarrassing, yes. The row of Malay students behind us were rather excited when they noticed, and were friendly enough to express it (: Pretty, pretty (:
Need I say more?
It was lovely of them, to have made time and to have taken me for lunch.
Yes, my Cheese of a friend "tried to choose the girliest cake set" for me. Am I really that girly? Evidently I wore pink, but only to match the beanie I wanted to wear.
I loveee beanies. (: And I only possess two.
What did I learn today?
There's nothing more beautiful than the simple happiness one can feel in the wonderful company of wonderful people. We're stuck together for the next 3 years plus anyway, battling all hardships university life can throw.
Aren't the cupcakes so so so pretty?
I fell asleep at midnight, the moment my Birthday ended. Hmmm....
Thursday, May 5, 2011
# Day 5 - Innocence
5th of May
Thursday
If you look at life the way you analyze a movie, you'd realize all we generally do is learn (and stress while we're at it), get a job (and again stress while we're at it) and try to receive income to preserve this state of, well, life (yes add a million times the stress). Don't forget, a large percentage of people are worse off.
Of course, there are positive ways to look at it but, we are essentially doing the above.
And of course, it is funny (there is no better word to describe this) that we attract drama, but even more so that drama attracts us. What about tragedy is so appealing? To satisfy our senses, our need to feel emotion (feel emotion? hmm...), to have something to talk about.
No wonder they say life = sufferring.
Boy am I a depressing person. :P Go do something fun (but not hurtful), give life some meaning. Give your life some meaning. (:
Here comes the sun, doodoodoodoo.
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
# Day 4 - I never knew just what it was
4th of May
Wednesday
One of my favourite singers, singing one of my favourite songs, that will be played during my wedding among many other enchanting pieces.
In other words, you are prohibited from using this song for your wedding. Everybody is. Me being the only exception. (:
Mmm it was a dry day. Perhaps tomorrow will bring me something new.
Tuesday, May 3, 2011
# Day 3 - Squeezing Lemons
3rd of May
Tuesday
*dramatic drumroll*
I was baking. Hahaha. My first batch of scones (lemon scones), ever! I am too ashamed to tell you how much time I spent mixing, rolling, baking and cleaning altogether. But I suppose the result was not too bad. (: The texture did not turn out how I had expected, but my sister commented it was different, though in a good way. Also there was a tang of sourness from the lemon that was satisfying but exceeded my liking by 20%. When we were way younger, my other sister and I stuck to baking simple, delicious cakes. That was then, when I wasn't well-informed about the diverse delicacies that an oven can produce. So today was a good starting point!
I simply cannot wait until the next time I do some baking again. Practice makes perfect, too common a phrase but one that I believe in. You see, I have a crystal clear vision of me, and my kids, spending time together in the kitchen - them looking too adorable in their tiny aprons, diligently pressing cookie dough or tip-toeing on a stool to stir their precious cream of pumpkin soup. That would be one out of the many things my children will be skilled in (: But more about my dreams later, haha.
Someday I will be able to make all of the above. (; *Lyrics to Dream Big*
So yes what did tryaliltenderness take from the baking experience today?
Squeezing a lemon dry to obtain its juice is terribly difficult. Disturbingly difficult. This happens when you don't have a juice extractor.
Because the clock was ticking away, I wasted no time Googling how to go about this absurd activity. "She has problems with squeezing a lemon?" Oh how you scorn. Try it yourself, Einstein. Let's see how much juice you can collect.
So yes, I went to Google after. For you budding chefs, here's what you need to know about squeezing lemons efficiently and productively (;
1. Squeezing a lemon taken directly out of the refrigerator will reduce the amount of juice you may potentially collect. So take your yellow fruit out about 2 hours before you start preparing your masterpiece.
2. If memory fails and you want to use the refrigerated lemon immediately, wash it (I will assume you are using only one lemon), and heat it up in a microwave oven for 20-25 seconds. Don't be too clever and go up to a minute (I can read your tricky little mind), apparently if the lemon gets to hot it may err... explode (:
3. After you have completed either step 1 or step 2, use the weight of your palm to press down on the whole lemon. You could perform this on your rolling platform or your chopping board (whichever applies / is easier). What you're doing here is breaking the fibers which will ease the flow of juice when you squeeze it later.
4. Now all you have to do is slice the lemon in half, and start squeezing ! Of course, if you want to be professional, you could imitate a majority of chefs by cupping one hand beneath the face of a half-cut lemon, squeezing it with the other hand. The objective is to catch the seeds. But I'd rather start by deseeding the lemon with a knife, since I'm a beginner. I'd also like to add that cutting the lemon into a few slices will waste heaps of drops of juice, and you may have to start crushing the slice the way you clench your fist. This is rather ineffective because the juice will simply coat / run all over your fingers and plenty will have been wasted.
5. If you are not going to make use of the other half of your lemon, be sure to coat the exposed flesh with a little bit of sugar to prevent drying.
6. Apparently, the average lemon will produce 3 tablespoons of juice. (Average lemon. If you obtain more, don't get too excited, it just means your lemon is peculiar. Haha I kid!)
Well there you go (:
Happy lemon-squeezing !
My future kitchen will definitely be white, and have a few elements that the above has. The glaringly obvious exceptions would be to have a much larger sink. And to do a few changes to the floor-tiling. (:
I also learnt that walking from the university to Chinatown takes no less than 18 minutes. ):
Monday, May 2, 2011
# Day 2
2nd of May
Monday
During the 5pm lecture, my lecturer presented us with a short video that had captured the harsh reality of life in a third world country like that. The details were far too horrifying, and I cannot bring myself to type out every bit of knowledge I acquired from the eye-opening video.
But I can tell you this. There were 5 times the number of fatalities in Zimbabwe itself compared to the global statistics. Although the epidemic arose in August, its seriousness was recognized only FOUR months later. Here lies a fact that cannot be denied: this disease is definitely not under control. Why, approximately 180 new cases were reported by the end of March this year.
Yeah we all probably know about the country's economic crisis since over a decade ago. We are aware about the dreadfully poor water sanitation. We have seen clips of families collecting contaminated water wherever they can, each person with rusty metal cans in hand being thrusted into random rivers, lifted with water filled to the brim and transferred into a large container; to be filled and to be stored, to be consumed to meet their body requirements daily. I'm sorry did I say requirements? Could dying from dehydration cause less physical suffering? Yeah, a short interview led by a health care organization representative exposed a conversation that went something like this:
Why do you take this type of water? Do you know it is bad?
We need water. Yes, I know.
What about your children? Aren't you afraid for their wellbeing?
Yes I am, but we have no choice.
Do you know about cholera?
Of course, I am very aware.
Aren't you afraid you or your family members will contract cholera?
I am very afraid, I constantly worry for us, for them. It is hard.
Then how do you bring yourself to consume this water?
There is no option, what other options do we have? What else can we do?
My tear ducts were doing their thing again. A few people around me in the lecture theatre had their heads bowed down. Those confused, pained faces. What good would education do to them, they may understand all the health issues but they have no power to fight them. The only power they possess is to sit behind the stage and watch the government flop around with no sense of urgency. Wait for illness to suck their lives out, wait to be discarded like trash. And I meant the last bit, the scenes were sickening by the way. A number of deaths from cholera have not been reported; and health care providers have fled from fear or surrendered to the insufficient products or resources to even give their professions a go. Hence victims were left to struggle on their own, and to endure the pain until they've gone (or to have not been able to endure the pain and hence, have gone).
How much is the UN contributing? How many lies have people with positions told? Yes, many movements have been successful but many have not been too. Can balance for every single person on Earth be achieved one glorious day? Is it even logical to think of such an achievement?
I won't be able to sleep tonight.
# Day 1 (Of Project 101)
1st of May
Sunday
Falling asleep while studying Muscles and Its Functions is really very easy to do.
Dear Weather; you know how people theorize and talk about you? They say to many of us students studying abroad, "When you go overseas, you'll either gain or lose weight because your eating patterns will be affected by the change in weather." More specifically, "Ah, you'll definitely gain weight moving from Malaysia to Australia." And hey, I have been progressively feeling more hungry. Day by day. From the moment I wake up =/ Either the theory is regrettably true (and I will lose my petite size *horizontally speaking*), or I am pregnant.
I can't decide which is better.
=P
Oh and the night before, I finally got my hands on the guitar. Proof I haven't been playing in ages: My fingers hurt after HALF a minute of pressing the strings down. Heck also, I need free guitar lessons; given the internet speed will never be sweet to me no matter where I go (Unless I lug the guitar to Uni like a goon and wreak havoc - as well as create hatred - by strumming in front of the screen in any chosen computer pool available). I can only play 2 keys ): Someone? Anyone?
Fender Stratocaster John Mayer guitar !! With his signature. I desire. Heaps. Ahh!!
I crave... some McD fries. That I already had last night ):
Sunday, May 1, 2011
Project 101
So I have decided to practice loyalty (to this blog), determination, tenacity and dedication altogether. (:
From today onwards, (Second of May), I will faithfully return to this box everyday, to post something, anything, up. I apply emphasis on the word 'everyday'. I would most probably relay bits and pieces of my hours spent not sleeping, or regale you with daily lessons of (my so-very-happening) life (fwahhh impressive!). *wink*
As you (my pretend millions-of-readers) would have noticed, my blog is malnourished and is in need of tender loving care.
I have set my duration of probation (Step 1 into the dedication aspect). (: I give myself 2 weeks. Don't give me that look, 14 days is a long shot for yours truly. If all goes well, by the end of 2011, you will not only have followed through the dull life of Miss Fetish-for-headwear; but I will send myself bouquets of flowers to represent the type of congratulatory gestures an employee in some high-maintenance company would receive when he/she is offered a job promotion.
I must admit, 50% of this spectacular but absurd idea was inspired by Nora Ephron's light but heart-warming movie, Julie & Julia (2009). Rather old, I know, but doesn't change it's relatively good 74% rating by Rotten Tomatoes!
Let's face it, any movie with classy and undoubtedly talented Meryl Streep in it is bound to be remarkable. (:
Very simply, Amy Adam's character (Julie Powell) had a motivating perseverance to execute 524 recipes in her idol's (Julia Child, played by Meryl Streep) cookbook and blog about her experiences in the kitchen for all of 365 days.
Julie Powell and Julia Child are two real authors and both have had their memoirs labelled best-selling. The memoirs are 'Mastering the Art Of French Cooking' and 'My Life In France' respectively. The movie also stars Stanley Tucci and Chris Messina.
http://www.areyouscreening.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/08/julieandjulia4
Because I somehow find this couple very very very adorable (:
No, my headwear collection is not at all enormous and is in fact, rather pitiful. Now you know what to get for my birthday (;
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