Back in 2007

Happy birthday Velda! I was trying to find an old photo of us to go along with the birthday wish, but stumbled upon these instead.

I lived in Sibu for a year, but there were so many good memories and friendships made that I feel like I've been there for quite some time. 2007 was a year when I actually had to walk to school, because I live literally 5 minutes away from it (you can also imagine me dashing to the gates before the prefects could take my name on some late mornings).

The view from my room window, and my most visited mall 

That's the Rajang River where I could watch the ships go back and forth every day

Mom and I would go out for walks, but I wish I spent even more time outdoors that I had in my room watching animes and playing Maple Story back then.

Some houses at the river bank

Near the market place

People from the other side of the river would be on their motorcycles and they would cross by boat to work everyday

There was a huge gap between the rich and the poor - many lived in bungalows, but even more lived in huts that could barely be called a home. Looking back at old photos made me realise how lucky I am to be in the better position. There was even a point where I got tired of the food served, but I wish I could tell my young self to just shut up, appreciate, and enjoy.

The kind of food I get every meal

I think I can figure out why I like presenting my food in a similar way now

Even my kampua mee had extra toppings

On Sundays, dad would bring us out for street food, and I can't deny that those were the yummiest moments ever.

Our weekly pork leg! 

Very juicy crabs

Our favourite hangout would be local morning market, where we discover new food brought in by various tribes every week. I've seen live worms and scorpions among other things being sold. Yum.

That's £3 for a plate! Underpriced seafood!

Holiday seasons for my brother were also the best for me, because he used to bring all these treats back from Germany (until my mom stopped him). If I remember correctly, 2007 was also the year that I put on a lot of weight, and I'm really not surprised why.

Danke bruder! Ich lieber dich!!!

Something was on fire one night

I'm not sure if anyone remembers this, but there was a serious haze problem and we thought schools would close for a few days

Time had passed, and I almost can't believe how different my surroundings are right now. 

Still lovin' it! x

Jinxed

Have you looked out your window today?

It's January already and it feels very much like it. Most depressing no-skies, and there's the mysterious thick fog restricting my view of the green university grounds. The routine remains as usual; I'm glad I did all my grocery shopping yesterday. Also, have I mentioned how I used to think of winter as the best season - hence the fetish for snow globes?

Switch your headlights on if you're driving!

I'm quite sure that I still love snow globes but I think snow feels best when they stay in snow globes. Don't get me wrong - I'm very much looking forward to my first snow but I hope they'd fall after I'm done with the January examinations. I want to go out and play all day without having to worry about anything at all, even if I fall slightly ill after that I would have time to recuperate.

Funnily enough, I can think of at least 101 things to do at the end of this month, when all I should be thinking about now are the solutions to my maths problems. I think our mind works in such a way that we try our best to avoid the hardest things that come in our way in life, and we get creative when that happens. When the end of the month comes, there's a high possibility that I would feel too lazy to get anything done. Hmm.

Nah. I'll stick to my plans. You'll see. x

My grocery day worries are over!

Have you looked out your window today?

It's January already but it doesn't feel like it yet! Happily sunny blue skies, and no sign of clouds in sight. Since happy weather makes me happy, I decided to go out and get some groceries before the light disappears. Also, have I mentioned how I get sore backs and aching arms every time I come home from the stores?

If you can spot my dirty windows, you can tell how much I love writing on foggy glass

Grocery tip: Get your 2 pints of milk and half a dozen of eggs from Iceland, they're only £1 each

Lo and behold! That's my new trolley bag, which I spotted while doing some online shopping for clothes. The deal was, buy something - anything at all from the site - and get a luggage bag for free! So I got myself a decent top for £8, and there was a delivery charge of £4 ++, and voila! Technically, I paid a fiver for this handy thing. It wouldn't serve very well as a luggage bag, since the wheels are tiny and they make the most atrocious sound against the road - but quite decent enough for my weekly shopping (besides getting all the attention from passers-by). 

Before I left my room, I was telling my mom over Skype about how much I miss her and her cooking. So she suggested that I try making some of the dishes by myself here. It's not the same when you follow good recipes from the internet, they may still turn out delicious and all that, but - Nothing. Beats. Home. Meals. It's like your sensory buds are already accustomed to certain types of flavour; those that are most comforting in thought and taste. 

When I got back, I turned my Skype on again and she gave me all the instructions, while she watched and made sure that I don't make a mess.

Yep, even the garlic skin!

Snacking on bread and marmalade while waiting for my porky meal

After a good 45 minutes!

Tadaa!

The lean meat parts are at the other end of the plate but the fatty bits are always the best! Smooth and creamy in texture, mmm! I had mine with brown rice, since the idea came to me while reading Daryl's comment about his switch to this apparently better option on facebook the other day. The balance - see what I just did there? 

x

p.s. I'm keeping up with my new year resolution #1. Healthy work snacks! x

New Year Resolution #1: Eat Healthily

Have you got all your new year resolutions sorted out already? 

I haven't completed the list, but I'm on my way. So here's the first: eating healthily, because I want the best for me.

This doesn't mean banning good stuff like chocolates and cheese out of my life, but having self-control and realising that other good food . However, I wouldn't suggest grapefruits as part of the diet, because they taste totally awful! Bananas, berries, grapes, and sweet potatoes are my current favourite. I would now kick-start my day with a hot cup of camomile and spiced apple tea, then eat a large bowl full of cereals with sultanas and fresh milk before hitting the books and lecture notes. 

Also, I'm hoping to keep healthy hair and I wish that they would stop falling off so much in the shower! I used to have such thick hair when I was younger that I always complained about it being a bother, but all I really want now is for it to come back. 

I've tried braiding my hair to keep it neat, but I'm terrible at it (they don't even look like braids!) and the length isn't quite right yet. Guess I've just got to be patient and wait. I also can't decide if I should trim my fringe? I bought a pair of scissors specially for cutting hair but there's a high chance that I would cause a disaster, so I'm keeping it away for now. Suggestions, anybody?

Short layered hair wouldn't stay in place, but I dislike putting too many bobby pins or any hair spray

Time to get back to work!

p.s. I really don't know what to do with the other grapefruit lying in my refrigerator. x

Angry birds

Feathery looking grass

On a side note, I got myself a new down duvet because I couldn't stand the cold. Feeling sorry but very grateful now!

x

Greetings

Of love for 2012 weekend rail trips

Greeted by these at my door, woots!

Hello!

I know I'm back when sitting by the window feels discomforting and cold. Time to blast the heater!

Will be quite busy for a bit, since holidays are over for me. I shall now disappear. Till next time x

I made chocolate pancakes for breakfast

This morning

Now I'm ready for work. x

First day of new year, last night of vacation

Sunset from Eunice's; perfect weather today

I'm going to miss my people and London

Dinner at The Heron @ Edgware Road

Thai chefs and waiters, and the most authentic thai food - that's duck tongue and some spicy sour rib soup

Deep fried morning glory

Prawns and omelette in orange curry

Century eggs and pork

And that was new year's dinner! What we first saw was a quiet local pub, but the restaurant is actually located below it. The food was authentic and delicious, with 3 out of 6 dishes completely new to me (who eats flowers and tongues anyway?) and they were not too pricey. The only 'dish' I thought was expensive was the rice, and we ordered 4 bowls when we didn't know that it was £6 each.

Cheers to the last night in London, and a welcoming first day of 2013! x

Happy new year everyone!

It was such a last minute plan but Eunice and I decided to host a new year's eve gathering with some friends before the big countdown. I can't believe I did it but I cooked for 11 people including myself, and I've never tried these recipes, so I was hoping that they would turn out alright (I think they actually did, yay!).

We had tortilla with bacon and tomato dip as appetizers; spiced pork burgers, mustard roast chicken and lasagne as main courses, then dark chocolate walnut brownies with vanilla ice cream for dessert. 

No measuring cups whatsoever but they turned out alright!

After food, drinks and games, we headed out to watch the fireworks

Very busy streets

Free tube service for the public

Love, love

Let's hope for a great 2013! x