Tuesday, June 17, 2008

I'M FREAKING OUT!



Today is Tuesday, it means that 3 more days to go before food fair and it is also means that I only have 3 more days to make the final preparation for it. I'm so freaking out! My anxiety is ineffable. It's not that I don't cook much, I even cooked for bunches of people before but it's going to be different this time...

I'm going to sell my foods. Will people buy my stuff? I'm afraid no one will..uhuk uhuk uhuk. People usually like my foods (I'm not trying to boost myself up here, don't get me wrong) but they were free before. The thing is, will people pay for my foods? I'm not being pessimistic, I always look things positively before, but when it comes to profit-loss then it is something else.

I might be busy after today, so I'm going tell it now, I'm going back to Malaysia 2 days after the fair (YIPPIEE!!!). Yup, this coming 24th, for 28 days. So I will hardly able to update my blog. Talking about going back to Malaysia also freaking me out! Yummy foods are waiting for me..I need to lose some weight before my plane landing, otherwise I will not able to enjoy those foods...KFC, McD, asam pedas ikan keli, nasi kerabu, BUDU....



Monday, June 16, 2008

MORE-ABOUT-ME TAG


Got this tag from Kak Syari. I hope she (and people who read this) will know me more after reading this.

1. What do you want for your birthday?
A wristlet of one particular brand.

2. Who will be your next kiss?
My husband

3. When was the last time you went to the mall?
Last week

4. Are you wearing socks right now?
No, I am not wearing socks right now

5. How did you spent your summer?
Never experienced any summer before

6. Have u been to the cinema last 5 days?
No but I wish I could go one of these days. I really want to watch Sex n The City, Kungfu Panda and/or Made Of Honor

7. What was the last thing u had to drink?
I had to drink water because I was thirsty

8. What are you wearing right now?
Still wearing my pyjama

9. What was your last purchase?
Gas and portable kitchen for food fair

10. What was the last food you ate?
Chocolate, yummy!!

11. Who would be you would call if you were up in the middle of the night and couldn't sleep?
Usually I don't call anybody, just keep on blinking in the darkness. But if I feel the situation is irritating me, I will wake my husband up.

12. Have you bought any clothing last week?
Last week? Hmmm...Lemme see..Let me first check my wardrobe out...aha! YES a cute top.

13. Do you have a pet?
I had cats before.

14. What made you laugh last 5 days?
I laughed to my husband's jokes.

15. If you could be anywhere right now, where you would be?
Anywhere near to my husband...ahaks!

16. What was the last thing you purchased online?
My sling bag. Heck, I'm still waiting for it!

17. One thing you hate about yourself?
Get tired easily.

18. Do you miss anyone?
My family in Malaysia

19. What are you plans for the day?
Am planning to go to the centrum but I really need to go to the market. Also will be doing some sit up and belly dance for sure. Not forgotten to flip cleaned clothes, iron my husband's office attire..oh my! so much things to do! I already tired thingking of things I need to do.

20. Last person you masg'd?
One of my closest friends in KL.

21. Ever went to a camp?
Yup, at my primary school field, about 200m from my parent's house LOL, 14 years ago. It was one of my school's activities. I wish I could go for a REAL camping. I know it's gonna be really fun.

22. Were you a good student in school?
I think so. Was one of the best students in UPSR and PMR but I screwed up in SPM. Shame on me *sigh*. When I'm thinking of it, I wish I could turn back time...

23. What do you know about the (your) future?
I know that my future is uncertain, just keeping my fingers crossed, hoping for the best!

24. Are you wearing any perfume or cologne?
Yes, Forever and Ever by Dior.

25. Where is/are your bestfriend/s right now?
In his office. It's office hour over here.LOL.



Sunday, June 15, 2008

RUDE PEOPLE


Last Friday, kak Muna invited me again for breakfast. Not many were invited. We had nice lace pancake with chicken curry (roti jala & kari ayam) and "jump stabbing" (lompat tikam~akakakaka) for desert.

Well, it's not what I wanted to tell. On the way back from her house I stumbled upon a rude man. Dutch usually not friendly, but they are not rude. They seems physically cold but they are warm at heart. But that man I meant wasn't a typical Dutch. The situation was like this: I saw a car wanted to come out from parking beside the main road. I thought the didn't see my car so I stopped (he supposed to wait until the road was clear right?). He took so much time to reverse the car even tho he saw me, so I honked. Guess what? He gave me the finger! I stopped my car for him and he gave me the finger?? My anger boosted to sky-high I did nothing other than showing him my middle finger, in case he didn't know I also have a pair of them.

I didn't tell my husband about this yet but I know he would be reading this anytime. I know he would mad at me upon knowing this, but I think he would do the same if he was at my place. So if you were at my place, what would u do?



Thursday, June 12, 2008

@ Kak Muna's


I've been busy this few days. I know what you guys been thinking...what a lame excuse right? And yup, I could had my blog updated if I really wanted to, it's just me I think. But really, I've been doing something this few days. Last weekend we celebrated our King's birthday, small reception and makan-makan was held by the embassy but thank God I wasn't the one who prepared the foods. *Sigh in relief! All Malaysian was invited but not all of them showed up. The location can't be reached by public transport, that was why, may be.

Monday I was out to the market, Tuesday...I had an invitation from a friend, Kak Muna. She organized a talk on woman's health generally and "menopause" specifically, so I decided to go (apart from been threatened by kak Muna). It was fun, sharing infos and own experience among us. Well I kept my mouth shut most of the time as I don't have much experience compared to others. It was held at her place and it made the talk interesting even more.Her garden was beautiful and neat (how I wish I have a garden...), and I'm sure it still is. The foods were superb and she even sponsored lucky draw for us (we need to buy the coupon tho'), and I won one of the prizes (I wish I should have take the picture!). I got 2 mini bottles of bodyshop product from Cassis Rose range, and they were bath gel and body lotion. Smells very soft and nice, I like! I had nice company that day, enough said. Here are some photos.











Friday, June 6, 2008

ASAM LAKSA

One of my passions is cooking. I really enjoy cooking, some people tend to feel like eating something but me, on the other hand, sometimes feel like cooking something. Is it weird? I know there are people like me out there.



A few days ago I've made Asam Laksa. It's my all time favorite and it has been quite sometimes since I ate/made this dish. I didn't have "Daun Kesum" ~ a pungent herb (Polygonum hydropiper) a.k.a Vietnamese Mint a.k.a Laksa leaves but thank God I have "Bunga Kantan" a.k.a Ginger Flower or Torch Ginger.Both are the core ingredients for Asam Laksa. Oh, I didn't use laksa mee by the way, I just use normal spaghetti for subtitution.


Torch Ginger Buds


Vietnamese Mint also known as Vietnamese Coriander



Tuesday, June 3, 2008

Belly Dances Distinctions




I always waiting for Tuesdays. Wanna know why? It's simply because I go to belly dancing class every Tuesday. Well, my beginner lesson is coming to the end. I only have 2 more lessons to go (excluding this evening). We already covered what beginner should learn, including the moving steps and turns, and now the teacher help us putting those moves together, means that we start dancing during the class now! How interesting! Personally, I really enjoy this class, I like the instructor, she precedes the class with jokes most of the time, making it interesting even more.

Well, enough dwelling, what I want to share today is about variations of belly dancing and their differences.

1.Egyptian:
Egyptian belly dancer moves the dance very subtle and soft. The dancer also might have interaction with the spectators other than striving for emotional interpretations of the music she's dancing. The modern versions of Egyptian belly dance now had inspired by some techniques from ballet, pop and even jazz. Since floor work is illegal in Egypt, most of Egyptian belly dancers did not do it. They also seldom use finger cymbals (zils) or extensive veil.

2.Turkish
Turkish style belly dance has quick moves and usually accompanied by the dancer playing the finger cymbals. ore energetic, flamboyant, and bold manner than other versions of Eastern bellydance. The use of finger cymbals is common and there is often more athleticism in the moves. Floor work (movements done at floor level) is common and props are sometimes used. This make the dance more lively.

3.Lebanese:
Lebanese belly dancer often wears heels and the dance is simmilar to Turkish than Egyptian dance. The moves and core belly dance techniques are used in Lebanese bellydancing as in Egyptian, Turkish, or classic American styles of bellydance. Like Egyptian style belly dance, Lebanese belly dance may have subtle influences from other genres of dance like ballet (which itself was originally influenced by Persian court dances of the eighteenth century). The use of finger cymbals and props are common.

4.Persian:
Persian Dance is another energetic belly dance and fun as well as lyrical and very beautiful. Gestures/expressions of the eyes are very important, and the dancers use their hips less than the arms, hands and torso. Lots of spinning contained and they put a few graceful floor-work as well. Dancers may perform with a veil, and they often use finger cymbals to accompany the music.

5.Tunisian:
Traditional Tunisian Dance tends to be folky, with steps not seen in Raqs Sharqi. Dancers mime planting the fields, cooking and other ordinary activities. But the Tunisian belly dance is also very different from Egyptian dance in that the movements are larger, often performed on the balls of the feet and twisting motions of the hips and waist are predominant. The twisting techniques require straight legs, with the movement driven via the waist. These twisting movements are very tiring, and require much practice and drilling. Stamina is needed for this dance style.

6.Greek
Greek belly dance is also known as "gypsy Greek" dance, it is not as sultry and as gentle. It is more bouncy and lively and full of brisk movements.

7.Algerian
Algerian Dance includes movements also used in Raqs Sharqi (Egyptian Belly Dance), such as shimmies, hip circles and drops. There is a strong Andalucian influence in the dance, particularly seen in the fiery hand movements. Amel Tafsout is an Algerian dancer who specialises in Maghreb dance.

8.Tribal Fusion:
Requires more muscle movements and need more postured. Tribal Style today represents everything from Folkloric inspired dances to a fusion of ancient dance techniques. Tribal Style dancers (like Raqs Sharqi dancers) often use finger cymbals, but the focus is on the group as opposed to emphasizing solo performance. Tribal Style does feature solos within the group.

There are also differences in music and instruments, little bit in costumes but I think it's so much to tell. Enough for this entry.



Monday, June 2, 2008

ON THINGS


I host mengaji today. It's quite a while since I invite people to my house (apart from guests last month). Malaysian food fair is coming soon(how many times should I mention this?). I'll be selling Chicken Rice (Nasi Ayam), Malaysian Steamed Cake (Apam) and Cucur Udang. So after mengaji,I went out with one of my mengaji teams to buy some stuff that I might be needed that very day: disposable plates & cutleries, serviettes as such. I was really shock when seeing the total amount...it was €97++!!!Shoot!!! I thought it wouldn't be that much...*sigh*

I need those things anyway..just keeping my finger crossed, hopefully I'll make more than I spend on that day...