Charsiew's Gallery 叉烧摄影廊

Charsiew's Words on 13 July 2011

2011-07-13T19:32:00.002+08:00

I turned 37 exactly a month ago.

Those few days, we went to KL for 3 days. Not the best trip of all, but it was the first time kids travelled out of the country with mother.

We decided to bring helper along since it's her birthday too and that should be the last time because we found it easier to handle the kids on our own than bringing her. We tried to tell her we can carry our own stuff and she insisted despite of wearing HIGH HEELS, yes, HIGH HEELS..Made us looked like some idiot employers who leave everything to a maid... sigh, difficult to describe. Am I lucky or no?

Went back to the office after a short 3-day break and unexpectedly, that was the last time I saw my boss of 15 years.

Asked to go, obvious. It was too sudden.

Since then, we kept in contact through simple smses.

New boss out of respect moved into ex-boss room 2 weeks after. Slowly, he removed the awards which were on display. Put it in a plastic bag and it's still lying on the floor.

Other people are still congratulating him... I cannot find a reason to be happy for him. Afterall, he is sitting in the room where my ex-boss sat. I can no longer find the familiar face, the casual hello, the casual talk and gossip we often shared in our comfortable Mandarin.

Throughout the last 15 years, I cursed him behind his back and talked bad about him because of his behavior. I sighed every time he asked me to do nonsensical task, asked me in to his room multiple times a day just for some simple things, but ironically, I am beginning to miss all these.

Few days after he left the company, he finally sms-ed all concerned that he is no longer with the company. I replied to him, perhaps my best sms for the year, that a simple sms cannot summarized the guidance he gave to me for the past 15 years. He replied me and thanked me for working for him, etc.

I have people who think otherwise about him. Not many people can understand why I feel this way. Beginning of the year when he tendered and wanted to leave, I was sad but now the reality is he is CONFIRMED not there anymore, it's different.

Charsiew's Words on 4 June 2011

2011-06-04T10:21:00.002+08:00

I spent a lot of time in Toa Payoh during the past week. Cynthia's dad passed away on Monday after this battle with cancer. I am glad I managed to see him in the hospital the Friday before he left the world.

I went to the wake twice, we had nice peanuts and vegetarian food. :-)

Life is such, we catch up during wedding dinners. After all the people who are supposed to get married all got married, the next phase, we catch up with each other in other people's funeral.

I also saw Cynthia's cousins, whom I have "lost touch" for close to 20 years?

We arrived early to attend the funeral yesterday. Perhaps it's their faith in Buddhism, and their assurance they have that their late dad will be in good hands, there wasn't a lot of cryings, but a physical lost that their dad will not be with them.

30 over years of friendship, we cannot always be there when they need us but we try to be there to show some comfort and support when we can.

Charsiew's Words on 24 May 2011

2011-05-24T21:44:00.002+08:00

It has been something new for us during the past 5 months. Since we have settled down in our nest "permanently", kids are happy and Evan has put on weight. HIs appetite is getting bigger and at times, we think of controlling him.

Maybe the only person not so happy is my mother. It's a fact that she doesn't really like my place because it feels hotter here compared to her home and Punggol is famous for being not a convenient place to live in.

***********************************************************

Last week of school term for the kids, we look forward to the break.

I hope the new Minister of Education will look into the stress level the kids are facing. I am not a kiasu parent but I feel it's not very right for kids to go through a level which we experienced maybe when we were in primary 5. If wanna blame, also blame ourselves for giving birth.

***********************************************************

Highlight

After CNY, I started light jogging hoping my metabolism won't hit low since i stopped my kickboxing (no vacancy thus unable to sign up). So I thought just tried to jog for a while until I got to enroll again for the next kickboxing class.

You cannot imagine I could hardly jog 1km in the beginning. It very much depends on the weather, the momentum, the breathing, and "I don't want to stop" attitude. Now, I achieve around 5.5km each time and I try hard to jog on alternate days. I have also recently signed up for Shape Run (5km) and it will be in July.

August will be Ramadhan, so I foresee the running level will go down but I hope I can catch up after the fasting month because I have the plan to try out Standard Chartered 10km.

At the end of the year, I will write a book titled "The Woman Who Started Jogging at 37". :-D

**************************************************************************

Lowlight

One of the most talked about person here seems to be bugging me again. She is no other than my colleague who LOVES to brag.

Needless to say, her hubby continued to get promoted again and again since my last entry.

Besides the "plan" to buy car, today she told us the "plan" to invest in an EC.

If want to plan something big, please don't tell people until you have signed the papers.

This plan is just a bubble waiting to get burst, and a bullet for us to shoot when she pissed us off.

Damn it, why must a person whose personality is ok turned out to be such due to low self-esteem?

Charsiew's Words on 22 Jan 2011

2011-01-22T23:40:00.002+08:00

A day I should call myself a failure.

Scolded Isabel in the morning.

Before she slept, I asked if she liked the cake I baked. She said yes, thank you mummy and gave me her sweetest smile.

I ought to be shot.

Charsiew's Words on 31 Dec 2010

2010-12-31T09:50:00.001+08:00

May 2011 brings you loads of joy, laughter, happiness, health and fortune.

Happy New Year!

Charsiew's Words on 18 Dec 2010

2010-12-18T13:08:00.002+08:00

London trip was more than a month ago, nothing much to update here since most friends have seen the photos I updated.

However, I must say that it's a good place to soak oneself in. The people are not extremely nice but I hardly experience any racial discrimination.

Only thing I have to complain is how expensive the food are unless you eat MacDonald's or KFC.

*******************************************

It's the time of the year again. I started baking my first batch of fruit cakes last night. Soaked the raisins in rum and Baileys around 3 weeks ago.

Yes, shifted back the oven and all baking stuff to our home. In the past, all these were in my mum's place.

Next year will be a big change.

*******************************************

Boss resigned. What's next?

*******************************************

Lately couldn't write much. What happened?

Charsiew's Words on 25 Oct 2010

2010-10-25T22:48:00.002+08:00

Almost forgot my blogger password.

Facebook is so easy, especially if you can access everywhere, anywhere. Do add me if you have not done so. email: shamimwong@msn.com

***************************************************

Was busy baking for Isabel's birthday. Baked until siao, until sian... now taking a break.

This year, I did not make a record of how many bakes I did.

This year, I am too busy to bake that many.

This year, I am lazier.

This year, I have lost faithful readers who used to read my blog regularly.

See how much a job can cause some imbalance in life. If there is no such thinking as "plan for the future", but work for what you need now, maybe we will have less stress, less white hair, more time to blog, more time to bake.

************************************************

A recent short trip to J8, I began to feel Christmas is coming.

No Christmas decor yet, but just a feeling...

After our trip, I will start to soak the dried fruits, to prepare for X'mas fruit cakes... and maybe try doing a tiramisu like last year.

************************************************

SIL (hubby's side) jio-ed us for chalet!

We gave valid reasons, we cannot go. Most to most, maybe just drop by for bbq.

What beats the comfort of own home. Going chalet as a family is unlike going to a chalet during teenager years; one back pack ok liao.

2 adults, 2 kids = one check in luggage.

And not forgetting to bring 1/2 of your kitchen with you.

And to face in laws 3 days 2 nights... I like my in laws, but we have never stayed together for a day... I know I have disappointed them, but it's not the first time so I think it's ok.

As we were talking about this subject, we were reminded of the one and only chalet we both organized (when we were still young and energized). We invited only a few friends... it was fun, not too messy.

AA, if you are reading this, I hope you still remember those days.

Charsiew's Words on 17 Sep 2010

2010-09-17T21:50:00.002+08:00

The past month was not easy. Fasting was tougher than anticipated. At times, I just have to admit that I was selfish by hanging on to fasting, not eating medicine and passing germs around. Somehow, felt very disturbed and it was a drag to go through each day, rarely felt the beauty of the holy month.

Hari raya started on day 2 for us as Baby came back only on that day. It was quite a rush for us to leave the house and go visiting due to some miscommunication.. But then again, things might not work out perfectly even if all logistics were pre planned to its perfection.

$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$

Recently, got Ipad from company. It's free to all employees for own use. But the feeling strikes again. I was reminded from another me that I did not choose to do what I am doing now. How do I decide my goal in life? Should I just go on in this way or start flipping papers again early next year? I don't have many years to think. Once I hit the big 4, I might as well just rot there.

To start the new FY, there was this off site event today. You know, those team building event thingy. Game was interesting though. We had to cook. Colleague pulled me to her team knowing I can cook but I disappointed them. Judges said my sesame seed oil chicken was too oily and one of them said reminded him of oil spill. Tew na seng, that was one of the negative remarks ok? How nice can the food be if they tried it after tasting 15 dishes before mine? Yeah, you will also say can means can, but give me some pats on the shoulder can?

Weekend I will cook what I cooked today. I CAN MAKE IT!

But somehow, I got the most hardworking chef award, prize is an Ipod shuffle, which I had never heard of till today. Consolation ah?

$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$

Need more rest, get rid of aches in the body. Clear more work. Work on baking and COOKING (cool, just a game). Take care of family. Do some prep for gal's birthday, prepare for holiday . . . And off the iPad now if not this will be my family communication tool soon.

Charsiew's Words on 10 Aug 2010

2010-08-10T22:58:00.002+08:00

For the past months, been tahan-ing colleague's bragging on "My husband got an increment again!"

It's "AGAIN" ok? Unlike our usual yearly performance review and then a miserable increment.

Today, she announced to the few lunch kakis "My husband got promoted again!"

Usual, we "congratulated" her. But deep inside, at least me, thinking what the shit his company is doing with countless increments and promotions.

(do they need a secretary or something?)

Told another colleague thank God tomorrow is the start of Ramadhan, no lunch with them. Else, I will be suffocated with the promotionSand incrementS.

********************************************

BIL's wedding, National Day, all came and went in a flash.

Tomorrow is the start of Fasting month. Yes, still get the jitters "how am I going to make it?". While I have been trying to cut down on meat for the past month, I have on the other hand going for more regular tea breaks... I love cream cakes nowadays!

Will try to be tame for the next 30 days.

Yeah, time to shelf Choya for the time being.

Damn... forgot to buy 4D!

Charsiew's Words on 28 July 2010

2010-07-28T20:17:00.002+08:00

I AM AGING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Helper spent good 25 minutes to help me remove my white hair by plucking every strand... I don't want to review how many strands were removed... and don't tell me what pulled one strand of white hair, three strands of white hair will grow. It's disgustingly depressing... and seriously, I don't want to rely on colouring my hair regularly to cover the white hair, YET.

So, I need more vitamin B5... and I need some herbal scalp treatment... damn... everything is money... women really need money to maintain, not to survive.

Charsiew's Words on 17 July 2010

2010-07-17T13:14:00.002+08:00

Went to school open house today... principal addressed, short performances. We sat outside the hall because the music was too loud for the boy.

There is one and only Muslim stall in the canteen. Told Isabel she has to patronize that stall in future. The drink stall sells paos also, will be more perfect if the paus are from Hara Tim Sum.

Primary school is so different from 30 years ago.

Charsiew's Words on 13 July 2010

2010-07-13T23:42:00.002+08:00

Pretty excited today... met up with colleague (who moved back to Belgium 6 years ago) and his wife. We all had dinner together with a few other colleagues.

When I see someone aged, be it a little, I cannot help to think others are thinking the same way about me. But age is just a number...

When this couple left, I am still on maternity leave after giving birth to Isabel... and now, we are talking about our kids.

Wife commented she had never been to AMK Hub (completed in 2007), vaguely remembers it used to be Tops... (or NTUC)?

The wife lost weight... she told me she had to take care of two kids. So if I become a full time housewife, will I also lose weight? If opposite happends, I bang the wall?

Charsiew's Work on 6 July 2010

2010-07-06T22:54:00.002+08:00

Remember I take photos... remember D80?

A few more photos in FB... here super slow to upload.

Charsiew's Words on 25 June 2010

2010-06-25T23:56:00.004+08:00

Elephant Memory...

If you know Pink Panther, you are probably around my age or older than me.

(Do you still remember the music?)

Strawberry-Flavoured Pink Panther Chocolate

Pink Panther embossed on the chocolate... it's the taste and the memory which I am feeling nostalgic. Googled the web, people are still talking about it.

I was maybe around Isabel's age, craving for this Pink Panther strawberry-flavoured chocolate bar... I cannot remember if the packaging was such, but it was such a luxury to have one...

Pink Panther was embossed on the chocolate...

Don't know where Steven bought them from, but it was so precious that the bars were hidden in the fridge... I had to beg mother to let me have one - Persistence paid off.

Charsiew's Words on 24 June 2010

2010-06-24T23:04:00.002+08:00

Elephant Memory...

Before I entered Primary school, Steven and David had a tutor who was always late and loved to dig his nose.

Once, we thought he was not coming. So mother, auntie, David (who was supposed to have tution) and me decided to go downstairs for a walk. David was super excited, went to the kitchen to take handful of peanuts, I think. Just about to leave, tutor came (late again).

We went ahead as planned, David cried... sliding his body against the door and sat on the floor.

Who said we only remember happy things which happened when we were young?

Charsiew's Words on 15 Jun 2010

2010-06-15T21:03:00.001+08:00

20 years ago, we brought the tv to the void deck to watch world cup. It was during paternal grandma' wake.

Charsiew's Words on 8 June 2010

2010-06-08T23:50:00.002+08:00

That night I asked BABY why is it so difficult to get a new job opportunity. His answer was like a big slap across my face. He said because of my AGE.

What's wrong being 35++++++ (plus a few more days, will be 36).

I am married with kids. No more maternity leave unless the pill loses its effectiveness.

I AM WAY BETTER THAN A 20 SOMETHING LADY, WHO IS SINGLE... any company who employs her has to be prepared that she will take approximately 3 weeks leave for her wedding plus honeymoon, and then after, 4 months of maternity leave for her first born, and maybe another 4 months of maternity leave if she decides to give birth the second time. So all in all, SHE WILL BRING INCONVENIENCE TO A COMPANY FOR AT LEAST 8MONTHS PLUS 3 WEEKS during employment. AND, this is excluding her annual leave and childcare leave.

ME? I only have annual leave + 6 days childcare leave. I will not be entitled to childcare leave when Evan turns 7. So, only left with annual leave, which I hardly take.

I do fall sick, but I still come to work.

I do treat my job seriously, because I need the money.

Not many men will appreciate an "Auntie" in the office, thus, male workers will not be distracted; sexual harrassment case reduced. If there is any, maybe I harrass them. :-)

Charsiew's Words on 29 May 2010

2010-05-29T13:58:00.002+08:00

*I feel like living in an oven now*

Realised every used-to-be free pieces of land in Punggol are now filled with construction machineries. The wonderful piece of land in front of us is not spared. Been months and they are still trying to firm up the ground before laying foundation, I think. Actually, I have to be thankful that we have nice sea view for the past 7 years. We knew this day will come. And somehow, kite flyers are back here again, making use what is left in front of the construction site, but God knows how long this will last.

Charsiew's Words on 26 May 2010

2010-05-26T20:19:00.002+08:00

After my last post, I opened the kindergarten case again. But, decision will be FINAL in two weeks.

***********************************************************

Took 1/2 day today to run errands. Was queueing in DBS when I heard this conversation of a pair of young ladies behind me.

A: u not traumatic meh?
B: pregnant only mah.
A: i feel giddy now, maybe symptoms of pregnant?

The story continued about B preggie case. B mentioned she still went dancing somewhere when she was pregnant.... and another part of the story:

A: pain or not?
B: no, just sleep only. but i feel guilty after that and sometimes when I think of it.

B went for abortion. She seemed to take pregnancy and abortion like buying a pet and killing it.

We may be able to provide good values and teaching to our children. However, all it takes is they have a friend like A & B, they are at the risk of degrading.

Seriously, I still think why A & B (who looks like 20), and speaks fairly well England, have mentality of a 16-year-old lian.

Charsiew's Words on 20 May 2010

2010-05-20T23:38:00.003+08:00

As little girl will be in P1 next year, we have to find a kindergarten for Evan too since we are "migrating" back to Punggol for good. After days of comparing between a kindergarten and a childcare, we have finally decided that he attends a kindergarten when he is in K1. As we took too long to decide, the nearby PCF was taken up. In the end, it seems that we don't have many choices, so very likely, will be sending him to an atas one near to Punggol End.

Evan will take school bus (which I dislike because I always feel a school should be within walking distance for a child), experience nature and greenery before reaching his school next year.

I met up with the principal on Tues, who gave me very detailed explanation on how they operate. Fees are high (this is how I feel). Plus school bus fares... but on the positive side, they don't collect school fees during school holidays, which I thought schools normally do?

Actually, I did some reading from the forum about this school. One parent mentioned about the costly annual concert. The principal told me briefly they usually hold in Victoria Theatre (OMG) or Kallang Theatre. Wah... can't they just rent a CC hall or something?

I am trying to imagine Evan performing on stage...

Charsiew's Words on 12 May 2010

2010-05-12T22:43:00.002+08:00

I have to tell myself daily "I LOVE MY BOSS, I LOVE MY COMPANY". Be it a lie, at least the mindset to start a working day is POSITIVE!

**************************************

Charsiew's Words on 10 May 2010

2010-05-10T22:34:00.002+08:00

Had an impromptu Mother's Day pot luck lunch with in laws at my place yesterday. I cooked Hakka yong tahu and emphasized that those are not yong tahu available in food courts. Feel proud, without me, in laws will not have the chance to try something so authentic *two pats on my shoulder*

At night, had dinner in mother's place.

Sometimes in a dilemma, don't know who to celebrate with. We even had the idea to celebrate on our own, which I think we did before.

**********************************************************

Weather sucks. After shower, before coming out from the bath room, already started sweating.

**********************************************************

Good news, BIL's wedding in August will be held in a hall... which we guess should be air-conditioned...

**********************************************************

No Charsiew's Shots, Charsiew's Bakes ... need to get back to my private life soon.

Charsiew's Words on 1 May 2010

2010-05-01T13:33:00.002+08:00

Happy May Day! Happy Birthday to Irene in Perth!!

*****************************************************

Mother and aunties off to Vietnam over the weekend to attend uncle's wedding. This is his 2nd marriage. His first wedding I attended when I was like 10... So you can imagine how young he is and I am getting a cousin some time in Sep 2010! Yes yes... amazing... I hope he/she will be my last baby cousin. I feel awkward having baby cousin at my age.

*****************************************************

This am off to Sheng Shiong to get this weekend's groceries. I am not a big fan of Sheng Shiong but managed to get 98% of what I wanted.

Bought many fruits to last through the weekend.

****************************************************

Will be on leave next Monday. Kids will not go to school. We plan to go karaoke... heheeh... but this also mean I will miss my kick boxing.

****************************************************

Later will be back to hometown Toa Payoh to meet up with Cynthia, my childhood friend of 30 years. We last met face to face during my wedding. Thanks to blog, face book, etc. She has a better idea how big I look now... at least won't scare her off.

Charsiew's Words on 25 Apr 2010

2010-04-25T22:25:00.002+08:00

Cooked three simple meals over the weekend. Surprised how economical it is to eat at home if not too particular. Food sold at coffeshop downstair sucks. We go there at times because I am too lazy to cook and too lazy to go far.

Kids wanted to go out yesterday. I wanted an air-conditioned place and not too far. Hubby suggested IKEA Tampines. Free parking, free air-con, simple play area... that's all we need. Left the place after eating ice cream and curry puffs. Will be more perfect if we tah pao the wings.

Today we went to Compass Point to collect/sent laundry. Isabel finally got her library card. Had coffee in Banquet... life is just this simple if to choose to live simply.

Charsiew's Words on 21 Apr 2010

2010-04-21T21:04:00.001+08:00

Anniversary! 9 years since we pak tor. Look forward to the 90th year.

Charsiew's Words on 15 Apr 2010

2010-04-15T22:26:00.002+08:00

Tues, took day off and went to Orchard Road for a while. Met up with LY for lunch. Suaku me, trying to recall what buildings used to occupy 313 @ Somerset and Orchard Grand Central.

After that, went back to Bishan for a haircut. Been a long time since I get Jason of Salon #1 to cut my hair. He permed my hair for my wedding, I was his regular, so got some kum cheng though I think perhaps he couldn't recognise me since I aged and size changed.

We chat quite a fair bit ...

His sister and his success, besides their skills, also due to the fact that they really treat their customers as friends.

The same night, I watched a documentary on Channel 8. This should be the third documentary on inter-racial marriage I watched since I pak tor and married to BABY. Why all these years, MediaCorp never approached us?

Very interesting story. But if you missed it, no lost. Because my blog is equally interesting on this subject.

Charsiew's Words on 8 Apr 2010

2010-04-08T22:09:00.000+08:00

I am typing without glasses or contact lenses... the last time I faced the monitor with naked eyes, I don't remember it was this bad!

****************************************

It's the start of another kick-boxing/pilates class this evening. LY has joined me and needless to say, it was great. The last time we exercised together should be 16 years ago when we were still classmates.

I am having my favourite twisties now. Exercise and eating keep stress away. There is no need for me to look great... just feel great will do. You see, if I die tonight wihtout eating Twisties, I will crave for it in heaven or hell. It will be a big regret. Cannot burn and "send" to me during Qing Ming because wrong channel.

Talking about regrets, what do you regret the most? I believe there are always some regrets in our lives... I regret not helping much when paternal grandma was down with stroke.... I regret not having the capability to let father had a better life when he was still around... I regret staying with this company for so long.

Past few days, had been thinking of the content of the farewell email to send out to my colleagues should I have the opportunity to leave... I hope it will be a kum tong lau bak sai one, which will bring tears across to Europe (parent company). But maybe nobody cares.

Charsiew's Words on 6 Apr 2010

2010-04-06T20:55:00.002+08:00

While accompanying kids to watch Playhouse Disney, I filed my YOA2010... Have you filed yours? Deadline is 15 Apr 2010.

********************************************************************

This weekend, Mrs Ismadi will cook nasi lemak for the first time.

One weekend Chinese, one weekend Western, one weekend Malay, and then back to Chinese... more variety.

Charsiew's Words on 31 Mar 2010

2010-03-31T23:16:00.002+08:00

Am craving for this:

Sweet Vinegar Pork Ribs
"The dish was named "Stewed Pork Rib King" from a chinese cooking program in Hong Kong. I couldn't figure out one of the herbal ingredient that was used in this dish so I modified the recipe.

Here's my tried n tested one which our family loved.

The pork meat is very tender, breaks away from the bone easily. The meat was also very juicy. The sauce was sweet and slightly sour from the vinegar but not too overpowering.

Ingredients
1 rack of Prime pork ribs(about 10 ribs)
1 big bunch of fresh spring onions(about 10 stalks)
1 inch young ginger, sliced thinly
50g rock sugar(crushed into smaller bits)

Marinating sauce
1 clove of garlic, chopped
1 tbsp dark soya sauce

sauce
100ml Black vinegar
50ml light soya sauce
300ml chicken stock
2 pcs star anisee
3 pcs cloves

Method
1. Slice or cut ribs from whole piece. Marinate with dark soya sauce and garlic bits for 10 mins.
2. Heat up the wok with cooking oil and deep fry the ribs over high heat for 3 mins. Drain and set aside.
3. Remove the oil and leave 2 tbsp of cooking oil on the wok.
4. Add ginger to stir fry till fragrant.
5. Then add spring onions, half-cooked ribs, rest of sauce ingredients.
6. Turn up the heat and cook till it boils.
7. Once it starts boiling, cover the wok and lower heat to medium and let it simmer for 1 hour.
8. Open the wok cover, give it a good stir and sprinkle Rock sugar on top.
9.Cover the wok again and let it cook for a further 30 mins.
10. Turn off heat, sauce should be reduced to a thick sticky sauce that sticks to the ribs.

11. Serve immediately.

Modifications I made
1. I cook another set of spring onions on the side and added that on the plate.
2. When the meat was cooked, I dish out on the spring onions.

on the side note:
If you cannot find Black Vinegar, use Balsamic Vinegar instead."

.... will use chicken wings instead... actually, I don't really remember the taste of sweet vinegar pork ribs... so even if using chicken is not that fantastic, it should be do-able for me.

Charsiew's Words on 28 Mar 2010

2010-03-28T23:02:00.002+08:00

That day, I told BABY he's the 2nd best daddy in the world...

First best is my dad, because if he didn't produce me, I couldn't have married such a wonderful man.

... hehehehe ... sometimes, I am quite a good sian tau.

Charsiew's Words on 26 Mar 2010

2010-03-26T21:38:00.003+08:00

It's pay day today!

********************************************************

When there are too much to do, just do whatever I can and burn the rest to ashes :-D

********************************************************

I wish to say today that no matter how nice and contented I am today, I am still hoping your tomorrow will be a better one.

Charsiew's Words on 22 Mar 2010

2010-03-22T23:34:00.002+08:00

What to write...?

Have you come to the stage realising my blog is bored?

(or no one tunes in here nowadays?)

I have not typed in Chinese for a long long time.

Everyday is just work... I used to wonder why some mummies prefer to stay at home, now I know why. Given an opportunity, perhaps I should be a stay-home-mummy too. But then, I sure will deteriorate and look more auntie.

Looking chio being a working mother is a challenge. Looking chio being a stay-home-mummy is a SUPER challenge.

Charsiew's Words on 10 Mar 2010

2010-03-10T14:41:00.000+08:00

EVAN IS FOUR!

Yeah... looked more like a baby cake... anyway, he is happy.

Charsiew's Words on 9 Mar 2010

2010-03-09T20:34:00.002+08:00

On CNY eve night, I bumped into two friends (husband and wife) at that failed night bazaar. Last met during our wedding dinner.

The wife told me she couldn't recognise me because I permed my hair. I told her just say I put on weight lah. The hubby said I looked more fu(2) qi(4) now; after being a mother of two.

These are simply the happiness and bitterness of meeting old friends who last saw me being young, slimmer and more vibrant.

*********************************************

Tell me if you realise what I realised.

An average Malay family likes to drive a Mitsubishi Lancer 1.6 off-peak car, and the wife usually carries a Coach bag.

*********************************************

... Continuation to the green-themed dinner on Sunday.

We arrived in all sorts of colours. In laws' side indeed all wore green! All seemed ok... or maybe I was being criticised (why me because it's the DIL who always give problem) after the dinner ended.

SIL came out with the green theme because it's MIL's favourite colour and she wanted to take a family photo together with everyone wearing green.

I think I ought to take the initiative to get the photo-taking done during Hari Raya period in a professional studio.

Charsiew's Words on 6 Mar 2010

2010-03-06T19:07:00.003+08:00

..................Today's weather read highest at 35 degree C.

.................Few more weeks to go, and we will pass 1/4 of 2010...

****************************************************

Some time just after CNY, my banquet card gave way. I was shocked that the coffees hop supervisor said I had to pay $5 to get a new card... he said my card was bought quite some time ago (meaning it's time to give way)... If everyone has to pay $5 to get a new card after 4-5 months, isn't it a very profitable business for them? Anyway, somehow I didn't pay, not sure if he forgot to charge or what.

Anyway, I also want to mention that I was sitting on the chair filling up a new card replacement form with that supervisor sitting opposite me and I looked like an auntie going for an interview in Banquet.

***************************************************

I cooked Cereal Prawns, Veg, and Beef ribs soup for dinner ... oh mine, BABY is such a fortunate man!

Now sitting here waiting for my friend and family to come... I feel like sleeping.

**************************************************

Tomorrow will meet in laws and family for MIL's belated birthday dinner.

The theme is green... SIL asked us to try to wear green... green is MIL's favourite colour... and we will try to wear other colours :-D

What word can I describe my SIL?

Raya, wedding, whole kampong wears same colour, understandable. Birthday, wear same colour?

*yawn*

Charsiew's Words on 26 Feb 2010

2010-02-27T00:10:00.002+08:00

Sometimes, I feel life is ok...

I have a job.

We have a nice place to live in.

We have nice neighbours on this side of our place and OK ones opposite.

I found new activities in community clubs.

At night when I pat the kids to sleep, I think of what to cook this weekend.

I am getting more positive now... I kick-boxed for fun, losing weight is not the aim because it seems unachievable.

There is a need to have new activities and projects... search for nice birthday cake for Evan... search for Isabel's P1 school... plan for Isabel's birthday...

And actively looking for new opportunities...

Charsiew's Words on 23 Feb 2010

2010-02-23T22:21:00.002+08:00

Work

Been in the new workplace for close to a year. Finally, they took away most of what I were doing and I have now started practicing what I learnt in HK last month... still learning actually.

The ladies I met in HK were in the office during the last two days. We didn't get to spend a lot of time together. Even lunch were simple affairs. Just now when we said goodbye... perhaps it's the last time we see each other. I treasure those time we share.

Came home late recently ... hope tomorrow will be slightly earlier.

Charsiew's Words on 16 Feb 2010

2010-02-16T10:36:00.006+08:00

Gong Xi Fai Cai!!!

Eve of the eve, I left office at 3pm. Ran errands in AMD central, did my last marketing for the new year.

On the eve. Dinner started late at around 8pm.

After dinner, we went to the nobody-talked about bazaar in Bishan. Kids had their fun rides. Met Elaine and Daniel, we last met during my wedding dinner!

(Missed my yearly CNY eve trip to Thomson flower nurseries)

Very hot on Day 1... mood affected. Give us some rain please!

Came back in time to cook for siblings. This is Mushroom with Black Moss (first attempt), which I prepared the day before.

Proud of this dish, pity the scallops were a bit hard 'coz I cooked using the wrong method.

In laws and family came on day 2. I didn't cook curry as standby. MIL didn't bring a pot of rendang as I expected. And they liked the food!

This year's hamper not that fantastic...

Anyway, it's just for fun.

Tonight will be in RW for Stephanie Sun's concert.

Tomorrow will be back to work *yawn*

Charsiew's Words on 9 Feb 2010

2010-02-09T22:27:00.002+08:00

Years ago after we got married, and even when the kids were younger, celebrating two festivals (Raya and CNY) were quite ok for us. No major things to do, except decorating the house, that's all.

Since the day when I started to have a bit of confidence in cooking and baking, that is when the "problem" started.

I told my friend who has inter-racial marriage background like me, that I am feeling the strain to go through two festivals in a year.

My long-planned baking of kueh bangkit, is still unclear if it will happen. I just baked last year in September for Raya, and I have no cravings for it yet!

So... I should just tone down a little... perhaps I am getting old... it's really no joke to be so on the ball.

Just make sure kids appreciate the festivals, appreciate their mother's cooking... mummy's nice food will lure the children to come home often even after they get married. :-D

Charsiew's Words on 2 Feb 2010

2010-02-02T22:22:00.004+08:00

Planned CNY menu for Day 1 and Day 2.

Day 1 evening, David & Eve will come for dinner. Steven & Cleo to confirm.

Day 2 lunch, in laws and whole kampong will come. YES YES! My in laws will come and celebrate CNY with us! Excited, so I am trying to whip up authentic Chinese dishes but I am afraid it will be too Chinese to them, so I am throwing in a pot of curry chicken. In case they are not used to my version of Chinese food, still have curry to tahan their stomach.

Frankly, I am afraid MIL does not dare to eat my food... what if she brings her own food?

(those very rare occasions in laws ate in our place, were during kids' birthday and we had mini catering).

Last night we had dinner together in a halal Chinese/Thai restaurant... they had yusheng. I was so excited... FIL asked me if I want to order... I paiseh... hubby told me in laws might not know how to toss yusheng.. and what if the kids shout "huat ah"!
***********************************

I just had my hair cut today. Tomorrow will be mani/pedi (early, so just touch up on the eve by Eve). Day after tomorrow will be facial. Maybe I will lose 5 grams by then (hair, nails, dead skins, black heads have weight right).

***********************************

Boy loves me so much that he said I am his girlfriend and he wants to marry me :-D

***********************************

CNY baking plan might be shelved... but I still have one week.

***********************************
BABY's Birthday last month

Charsiew's Words on 26 Jan 2010

2010-01-26T22:25:00.003+08:00

Work is taking too much of my time!

Who invented email? No email, lesser things to do, agree? It's a big more troublesome to call, a bit more troublesome to fax, thus, lesser queries, lesser nonsense.

With email, everything is easy... just happy happy type one question and click send. And then poor me (and many of you) have to entertain.

What is your highest record number of emails in your inbox during the start of the day? Sometimes, mine can be many. Sometimes, overloaded because some people like to "chat" on email and put everyone of us on CC... so I can easily have 6 emails of the same subject title.

Sian...

This is disrupting my life... I don't have the energy to bake. Don't have the energy to enjoy the smell of spring...

Charsiew's Words on 16 Jan 2010

2010-01-16T08:54:00.003+08:00

13 Jan

Ex-colleagues met up, in Vivo again. Sat for many hours, talked about the past and present. Irene mentioned I ate so gently, like years ago. In the past, she must be really buay tahan in my eating speed. She also mentioned the giant crayon set I bought for her son years ago, which I really couldn't recall.

15 Jan
BABY's birthday!

We ate in Union Farm, famous for its paper-wrapped chicken.

Sucks... nothing fantastic, I could cook better.

Hubby also bought his own cake, LOL... we blew candles at home of course.

Photos later.

Car
I joked perhaps we should spray paint the affected area, string-wrapped it to minimize further damage. Hubby suggested we just parked in a garage and stopped using the car.

In the end, we decided to paste stickers. BABY called me from the shop and said they had luminous dragon type of stickers! Wah, super beng...

He chose a black "fire-ry" type... it covered and go well with the car. Now the car looks a bit beng-ish and we have the intention to "beng" it further...

Need to change wardrobe to "lian" attire, else how to match?

MIL
BABY went to in-laws' house yesterday. MIL started telling him about his future DIL, what they did together, etc. Towards the end, she told hubby to tell me not to get "jealous" and left out just because future SIL is the same race and they click.

Yeah, I am so jealous and I feel so left out, *sob sob*.

But I told hubby I am glad that MIL found her ideal DIL. I am very happy for her :-D

Charsiew's Words on 12 Jan 2010

2010-01-12T09:00:00.003+08:00

Wah, so long never "wish" people liao.

To the soul who happened to bump onto my car last night or this morning. I thank you for merely scratching it and only the car plate dropped. Though you did not do it purposely, I "wish" you:

- Front and rear of your vehicle kena banged.
- Roof of your car kena hit.
- Four tyres kena flatten.

I hope you are lucky like me, not in the vehicle when it happened.

Thank you and may someone throw used sanitary pad on you when you go home tonight.

Charsiew's Words on 11 Jan 2010

2010-01-11T23:00:00.003+08:00

We are married for SEVEN years! I no longer wear my wedding ring. My finger expanded. Can I go to Mary Chia to lose weight for my finger?

**************************************

Towards the end of last year, papers reported that effective 2010, inter-racial marriage couples can choose the race of their children from either parent, ie, no longer the need to follow the race of the father.

Some people raised the concern that if given the choice, some couples will most likely choose the race which is of better advantage in this society. Like in my case, it's better to put down the kids as Chinese rather than Boyanese (Malay).

IMO, this is very much against what we should naturally move towards to. Children of mixed marriages typically are a little bit confused if not taught from young why they have two festivals to celebrate, why they need to refrain from certain food (like in our case), etc. So, we should not confuse them further by changing their race. It's either just simply follow the father, or put let's say, Malay-Chinese (hopefully this law will come) - which is clearer and stop people from giving you the funny look.

BUT, I came across the following scenario which unfortunately encourage people to choose a race which fits better in our society.

During lunch, we were briefly talking about primary schools. Lady colleague told me not many students enrolled in this XXX school. I know what she wanted to say next and she had some doubts before she continued but I really wished she kept her bloody mouth shut. She told us that school has a lot of blacks... Indians, Malays.

Who should feel awkward during that moment, she or me? I doubt she would ever realise how racist her comments were but it's people like her who are slowing down the progress to a better society. I am sure she would forbid her children to play with Indians and Malays, just because they are her so-called blacks.

To a certain extend, we are not perfect and not many can treat all races equally. But having commented right in front of someone whose spouse is a Malay, something is not very right with her. I pity her children, because they will grow up in a narrow-minded way and be racists.

Back to my subject, if Indians and Malays are to be looked down as blacks, it's inevitable that some inter-racial married couples will want to choose the better race for their children!

So, I hope the government *ahem* will take away this choice from the people and pay more attention to teaching and educating ignorant citizens of low EQ what racial harmony is. Don't restrict Racial Harmony Day to once a year. Organise more activities like:

- visit the mosques.
- visit the Chinese temples.
- visit the Indian temples.

And also talks:

- what is halal food; Muslims are not restricted to Malays only (for goodness sake). Chinese Muslims still celebrate CNY and stop asking stupid question like for people like me, am I a Chinese or Malay???!!!!!!
- CNY, moon cake festival, etc, are not religious festivals.

So to sum it up, and BABY please rest assure, kids are Boyanese (Malay) whether they like it or not :-D

And in case dear readers are curious what is Boyanese... BABY's ancestors came from this tiny island called Bawean Island in Indonesia. BABY's and kids' race in the IC/BC read as Boyanese, dialect as Malay. The Boyanese language is very different from Malay. I have very limited knowledge of the Boyanese culture except they were famous of black magic *which BABY casted a spell on me* and Roti Boyan :-)

Charsiew's Words on 9 Jan 2010

2010-01-09T17:38:00.006+08:00

*BIG WAVE* I am back!

First time away for so "long" without the kids.

Ladies Market
Not in my itinerary actually. In fact, I didn't plan to go anywhere (Was thinking I had to stay in hotel at night to clear emails. But no, the training didn't go smoothly. 1/3 of the time, trainer had to troubleshoot some bugs in the system, we couldn't go on, and that was the time we started to check and clear emails).

I bought a wind breaker around that area, and two pairs of embroidered shoes for mother. This type of shoes, I think cannot be found in Singapore and each time I happened to find it in HK, they are in those very corner, ulu type of shoe shops.

Victoria Harbour
Out of hotel, walked straight along Canton Road, I reached the harbour area (is it called Victoria Harbour??). Over-looking HK island, the view was magnificent. Also happened to see Symphony of Lights, which can give it a miss.

I had that mango dessert for the 2nd time of the trip.

Walked and walked, until I realised I was back to where I was first night. Walked through Kowloon Park, which linked to the hotel.

Out of nowhere, saw this Indian man at the lift lobby and he followed me to my floor. I went down to lobby. In the lift, he told me he was trying to go to the gym but that lift doesn't serve that floor. I asked security to send me back. Complained. They told me they saw from the recorded CCTV, that Indian man was a hotel guest. I have my doubts. His behavior was simply too fishy. Now come to think of it, maybe their CCTV kaput (like our MRT station ones) and anyhow told me that guy was a hotel guest so that I wouldn't complain further.

Wanchai
Final night. Joined a colleague for the first time at night since I arrived.

More aunthentic HK, less touristy. I am planning if I were to go HK again, very likely I will stay in HK island.

Mango dessert again.

Today
Cargo bag weighed 17.5kg.

I don't know how much I weigh, and don't want to know for the rest of my life.

Bought around 7 boxes of walnut biscuits and 2 boxes of wife biscuits (all I cannot consume because have lard... why must they indicate this in the ingredient list??).

Shopped in the Disney shop in the airport.

I boarded the aircraft with bags and could feel the stewardess was rolling her eyes.

Back home... am happy... work scope will start to change, WTF.

First time and perhaps the last time to be away for work. Good experience, nice colleagues I met.

(left camera at home, too heavy)

Charsiew's Words on 6 Jan 2010

2010-01-06T17:26:00.003+08:00

Touched down on Monday night, weather was around 20 deg c.

The HK office is situated near to shipyards, like our Tanjong Pagar PSA area. There is a nice shopping centre and pretty near to a MTR station.

Here, they lunch late, like close to 2pm compared to my 11.45am lunch. Good thing is, come back at around 3pm+ and we can go back like 2 hours later.

Y'day's weather was cooler than expected. I took a walk around the hotel, had noodles in a HK cafe.

This am was colder. Admins from other regions were amazed why I dressed so little...

Able to speak Cantonese, I am the "leader" with two other caucasians whenever we take taxis.

Later I am planning to venture out on my own again, to Ladies' Market.

Charsiew's Words on 4 Jan 2010

2010-01-04T16:20:00.003+08:00

Happy New Year!

First blog of the year, and I am alone in the airport. Feeling is weird without kids, and BABY.

I will be in Hong Kong till Saturday for a training. Colleagues smiled and said finally I got to travel after so many damn years.

Wish me luck.

Charsiew's Words on 30 Dec 2009

2009-12-30T22:02:00.013+08:00

I am trying hard to do a brief recap of 2009 since this PC doesn't contain all my photos.

On 15 Jan, we had a good time doing CNY shopping, buffet lunch, Chinatown jalan followed by cake cutting on BABY's birthday.

CNY 2009
Remember my hamper? Selling at S$68.80. Come, buy buy.

In Mar, Evan had his birthday celebrated first time in school.

the move to the new office and extra work caused lost of postings here.
(my previous workstation)

Skipped Apr - June

July
Met up with mummy friends for Pre-NDP fireworks.

(my proud and joy)

Aug
This is my country, this is my flag

Jio David & Eve for picnic because sick and broke from buying toys for the kids each time we go jalan.

Sep
Hari Raya

Oct
Japan trip
http://charsiewwong.blogspot.com/2009/10/charsiews-words-on-21-oct-2009.html

Nov - Dec
Besides X'mas, cannot recall the rest much. Been working and working... ta nai nai.

This shot I randomly picked up which I like.

Also the one you see on the header and those many photos which I took in Japan which I very much would like to post it here again but unable to.

***************************************

Once again, thank you for reading this blog. May the new year brings joy, health and wealth to you and your family!

Charsiew's Bakes As At 30 Dec 2009

2009-12-30T21:51:00.004+08:00

July
1 x Butter Cake
1 x Vanilla Sponge Cake
1 x Cotton Sponge Cake

Aug
1 x Cotton Sponge Cake
1 batch of Kueh Makmur
1 batch Cupcakes
1 batch Kueh Bangkit
1 batch Cupcakes

Sep
1 x Fruit Cake
1 batch Kueh Makmur
1 batch Kueh Bangkit

Oct
1 x Fruit Cake

Nov
1 x Chocolate Sponge
1 x Lasagna
1 x Japanese Cheese Cake
2 batches of Cinnamon Rolls

Dec
3 x Fruit Cakes
1 x Sponge Cake
1 batch of Tiramisu

Total: 43

Baked at least 43 times throughout the year, average 3.5 times a month.

Some of the bakes I am satisfied with:

... and also the tiramisu in my earlier Christmas dinner post.

Charsiew's Words on 26 Dec 2009

2009-12-26T16:34:00.010+08:00

Christmas Dinner

The Guests

The X'mas Fruit Cakes

The Food

The Dessert

The Attempt to Build a Ginger Bread House

The Failed Attempt :-)

*******************************************

The day Evan is not afraid of sand.

Charsiew's Words on 25 Dec 2009

2009-12-25T11:31:00.002+08:00

Merry X'mas to everyone!

Spent the eve in mother's place whipping up the DESSERT for today! While people were counting down to X'mas, I was washing up the utensils and 40% asleep. I imagined people wishing one another while I did my final task - going to the toilet.

Y'day spent 3/4 of the day in the office. No mood to work, called it a day since boss was on half. It seemed that no one was really working.

Slept till 9am today... LUXURY!

Charsiew's Bakes As At 20 Dec 2009

2009-12-20T20:54:00.002+08:00

July
1 x Butter Cake
1 x Vanilla Sponge Cake
1 x Cotton Sponge Cake

Aug
1 x Cotton Sponge Cake
1 batch of Kueh Makmur
1 batch Cupcakes
1 batch Kueh Bangkit
1 batch Cupcakes

Sep
1 x Fruit Cake
1 batch Kueh Makmur
1 batch Kueh Bangkit

Oct
1 x Fruit Cake

Nov
1 x Chocolate Sponge
1 x Lasagna
1 x Japanese Cheese Cake
2 batches of Cinnamon Rolls

Dec
3 x Fruit Cakes
1 x Sponge Cake

Total: 42

Fri late night, I baked 3 fruit cakes as gifts for X'mas.

Sat, baked a sponge cake, further added something to it... tried and made sure it's ok before I do another round for a X'mas party on this Thursay. Meant to be a "surplise".

Very fruitful baking weekend.

Charsiew's Words on 13 Dec 2009

2009-12-13T10:19:00.002+08:00

When we are too free, we think of things like these:

(A) Boy's name is Evan Kai Yang Bin Ismadi.

So, his kids will have names ending with Bte or Bin Evan

I told hubby not likely he will choose a typical Malay name for his children. Assuming he chooses an English name like "Claris" for a girl, his daughter's name will be:

Claris Bte Evan

Maybe he decides to drop "Bte".

The name will thus be Claris Evan.

So I told BABY his next generation will become ang moh pai... :-D

(B) What In laws' brought for BABY during the parents' visiting day in BMT were Nasi minyak, ayam mesak merah.

What I will bring for Evan is soup, herbal cooling tea, white rice, sesame oil chicken, tofu and broccoli. Almost similar to what my mother brought for my brothers during their army days.

(C) Maybe Evan will not come home so often after he gets married. But I hope he will remember the nice soup I boil and think of me more often.

..... and he's only 3. I think too much.

Charsiew's Words on 10 Dec 2009

2009-12-10T23:13:00.002+08:00

Fire Drill Fire Drill!!

So excited, we had a fire drill this morning. The last time I had one was during secondary school days.

Apparently, boss didn't seem to know there was supposed to be a drill, though email was sent, notice was put up.

At the assembly area, he asked me "is this a drill?"

Boss never read email, it's ok one. Reason being they have more important emails to read.

If I never read leh, sure kena shoot to "hor lan".

**************************************************

Ban Ban Ban!!!

You know sometimes I try to be proper, eat halal food.

Today, went to this seldom patronize coffee shop. Told the macik:

"Nasi sedikit, makan"

Ordered sotong (sliced), ayam masak merah (one small drum), spinach.

Macik said $5.00.

HEY, I do patronise other Malay stalls and this is NOT cheap ok?

Or maybe I am Chinese, need to surcharge?

*************************************************

Curly Rainbow

Few nights ago, dreamt I was in Toa Payoh Central, Father next to me.

We saw this rainbow, not in the usual arc shape, but a bit curl. Colours were so clear.

Told Father it was so nice, he agreed and smile.

Dreams can be so real sometimes.

I am beginning to think again I didn't do my best to take care of him when he was around.

Charsiew's Words on 6 Dec 2009

2009-12-06T22:09:00.005+08:00

A Wedding. A Birthday Party

Saturday night, we attended a rather unusual Malay wedding.

Bride is a friend of mine, whom I knew in the gym I used to join.

Food was not very typical type of Malay wedding food...bride's bridal baju though Malay style, came with a train and she simply looked very stunning... very "star".

There was a live band and the singer sang a mix of English and Malay songs. Even the Malay songs were good though I don't understand... they just sounded so lomantic and not those yelling yelling type of Malay songs ... hahaha... it just felt so right, BABY and me enjoyed it a lot.

Sorry, I don't have photos to show and I really regret not taking photos.

A few achievements today:

- drove the kids to Hume Ave for Jean's birthday party.
- became party photographer last minute.

Jean's party is Princess theme...

Thanks Jen, the kids enjoyed a lot.

Charsiew's Words on 2 Dec 2009

2009-12-02T22:39:00.002+08:00

BABY brought kids to MIL's place in the afternoon.

MIL asked hubby to let the kids eat the crackers on the dining table.

Hubby denied 'coz kids still coughing a bit.

MIL said we restrict our kids to eat tidbits, but they still cough. Asked hubby to look at his toddler nephew, whom MIL takes care... (indirectly telling us that boy eats anything, but still not as problematic as our child).

Come on, don't pass this kind of remarks lor. Her grandson can eat curry potato or even go without proper meal, it's perfectly fine for them, but this is not the way we want our children to be.

As to why they cough, I thought this is normal. Her grandson is lucky maybe he has a stronger body... won't kena cold after washing his backside in the kitchen sink.

Me different. Wrap the kids here and there after shower/swimming...different way of bringing up a child mah.

A bit TL.

I wished my MIL can read this man.

Charsiew's Words on 1 Dec 2009

2009-12-01T22:01:00.003+08:00

Boss and Me

Our relationship can be described as stage 1 cancer... dying but not soon... and maybe still have some hope but won't be for long.

Just before my Tokyo trip, I was very fed up with him. Perseverance goes on, work goes on, how to find a worker like me? :-)

Yesterday over lunch, colleagues and me were chatting boss is not someone who treasures relationship with employees, ex-employees. There will be no contact after I leave.

On the way back home, it came to my mind that in my life, besides father, BABY, brothers, male friend, he is another opposite sex who witnessed a large part of my life during a span of 13 years: broke up with old flame, got degree, pak tor with malai zai, father passed away ("white gold" given by him was pretty huge), married, miscarriage, house-warming in our new flat, pregnant and gave birth, pregnant and gave birth...

After the not very pleasant incident mentioned earlier, I swear no way I will be bothered to remember him in future.

But after what I realised, perhaps it's good to retain selected memories of him until such a day my memory lapse.

Charsiew's Words on 30 Nov 2009

2009-11-30T23:07:00.004+08:00

Japanese Cheese Cake Recipe

A "fan" requested this:

Ingredients:
250g cream cheese
50g butter
100ml fresh milk
60g plain flour
20g corn clour
6 egg yolks
1 tbsp lemon juice
1/4 tsp salt

6 egg whites
1/4 tsp cream of tartar
100g fine granulated/caster sugar

Method:
1.melt cream cheese, butter and milk in a bowl over a pot of water (i use m/wave)
2. cool the mixture.
3. beat in egg yolks and lemon juice. fold in flour and mix well.
4. whisk egg white with cream of tartar until foamy.
5. add in the sugar and whisk until soft peaks form.
6. fold in egg white batter into cream cheese batter.
7. pour into pan.
8. bake in water bath for 45 mins or until set or golden brown at 160 degree C. Use tooth pick test.

Charsiew's Bakes As At 30 Nov 2009

2009-11-30T22:42:00.005+08:00

Charsiew's Words on 28 Nov 2009

2009-11-28T20:50:00.002+08:00

We dropped by in laws' place for Haji yesterday. Apparently, they were not expecting us to go as hubby was supposed to be "working". Had sambal goreng, ayam masak merah, beef curry and ketupat.

MIL tried to pass the art of making ketupat to me since no one seems to master it. I didn't try, not that I am not interested but my left and right hand co-ordination sucks. Anyway, I found out on Thursday that Sheng Shiong sells ready-made ketupats and other traditional malay glutinous rice. Will be busier if I am smart enough to master the skill, so better don't learn ;-)

We left for home like 1.5 hours later. I started frying papadam, cooking chicken curry, sambal goreng, sambal egg. David and Eve came. Not sure if they enjoyed the food but that's the best I could do and standard dishes for Hari Raya/Haji :-)

===================================================

Dropped by National Library to return books today. Went over to this new shopping complex opposite Bugis, which I don't know what name... and then to Bugis Junction - Have not been there for ages.

Went to Ikea, kids had fun there. Bought a microwave lid and some plants for my corridor corner which I used to call it my "garden".

Wati was more excited with the plants than us. She is more experience in planting as she has a real garden in her hometown.

Planned to put up Christmas tree today but too lazy.

Highlight of the day is I solo brought the two kids to the toilet to berak.

Charsiew's Words on 25 Nov 2009

2009-11-25T21:50:00.002+08:00

That evening on father's death anniversary, we had nice home-cooked food, which very much looked the same like dinner for CNY eve.

Nothing much was mentioned about father except we realised how fast 8 years have passed.

Brothers and sis-in-laws offered joss sticks. I thought it was good for me to do so during the anniversary according to the lunar calender, which was yesterday. But I simply forgot about it.

What would father still be doing if he was still around?

Charsiew's Words on 22 Nov 2009

2009-11-22T09:14:00.002+08:00

Been 8 years. Today is father's 8th death anniversary.

Charsiew's Bakes As At 14 Nov 2009

2009-11-14T01:01:00.004+08:00

Charsiew's Words on 12 Nov 2009

2009-11-12T23:11:00.005+08:00

Wanted to download some pictures took outside Isabel's ballet school, just to find out that I don't have the correct cable.

********************************************

Am thinking to learn how to sing this song and sing with BABY during BIL's wedding next year... Malay weddings normally have karaoke... this song sounds good.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L6SeyfNLKdE

:-D

Charsiew's Words on 7 Nov 2009

2009-11-07T22:28:00.003+08:00

Turned on the stove for the first time in close to a month. Still Jap siao, tried to cook Jap rice with beef... Am trying to get that Yoshinoya Beef Bowl effect.

Now I have three types of rice in the kitchen: normal white rice, organic brown rice and Jap short grain rice. The ironical fact is if I have the chance to cook, it's only like once a week. So these rice can last till CNY.

*********************************************

Girl's ballet exam is coming. I was just informed that we need to bun up her hair with a net, apply light make up, etc. I am more excited than her. She is more excited that she can put on make up than what exams. I don't know how she will fair. I enrolled her in ballet not because I didn't have a chance to go when I was young, but I feel like many girls her age, she simply love to be dressed up that way.

Talking about dance, I once joined a Chinese folk dancing club in my primary school. When I was into my 2nd or 3rd lesson, we were asked to pay around S$10 for a pair of red silk "shawl" for dancing purpose.

Those days, S$10 was bigger than the lorry tyre.

Few lessons later, the teacher told the other student I didn't have to attend anymore.

TMD.

Now you know system was such 20 over years ago... the teacher made you paid, asked you to go and not having the courtesy to speak to you directly. Mother was furious but during my time, rarely parents complained.

ANYWAY, I heard that teacher died of nose cancer. RIP.

*********************************************

Charsiew's Bakes As At 31 Oct 2009

2009-10-31T00:21:00.003+08:00

Charsiew's Words on 29 Oct 2009

2009-10-29T22:56:00.009+08:00

Last leg of the trip took much longer than expected to post...

Day 7
That day, we departed Shinjuku early (around 10am) and took a long journey back to Narita.

Checked in. Took a shuttle to Aeon Mall. Over there, bought the makan stuff that I wanted to bring back.

Kids kena bullied by two Japs. Damn. Japs' parents nowhere to be seen when it happened and these kids are like our kids' age. Never ever leave the kids alone.

Last shots in Narita.

Day 8
All woke up early... off to airport.

Used up balance yen to buy somemore snacks...

Took A380 for the first time. Didn't take pictures in the air craft because felt too ku ku.

Charsiew's Words on 22 Oct 2009

2009-10-22T22:05:00.012+08:00

Day 5
Imperial Garden East Entrance

It was a sunny day... we had a leisure walk which lasted around 2 hours. Basically, nothing much to see, but BABY and the kids enjoyed.

Ueno
Pretty interesting market, again, happened to chance upon

Day 6
Sanrio PuroLand (Hello Kitty Land)

Today's weather is cooler. It's our last full day in Shinjuku. We took a 40 minutes' train ride (Keio Line) to Tama Centre Station, just to find out that the Hello Kitty Land is closed today. Really tmd.

We did some shopping in Tama ... ok to stay there but Shinjuku is far more better.

Our last night in Shinjuku

Took from a Hello Kitty Shop

Images for Evelyn and LY :-)

Image for SY
Their chiffons are so high ... about double the height of what we have in Singapore. After I took this photo, the oba-san sales lady said cannot take pictures.

Tomorrow we will be back to where we first touched down, Narita.

Charsiew's Work on 22 Oct 2009

2009-10-21T23:19:00.001+08:00

Charsiew's Work on 21 Oct 2009

2009-10-21T23:02:00.007+08:00

Charsiew's Words on 21 Oct 2009

2009-10-21T22:07:00.010+08:00

Day 1
We arrived in Narita on Sat, 17 Oct 2009 and stayed one night there before taking an hour plus coach ride to Shinjuku on the following day.

Day 2
Shinjuku is vibrant, full of people...

Day 3
Our first train ride in Japan, confusing, messy, and scary.

Sensoji Temple

We chanced upon this temple before approaching Tokyo Tower.

Tokyo Tower

Day 4 - Isabel's Birthday
We went to Disneyland on Isabel's birthday. My first trip in 35 years, how exciting!

Bought this Disney Princess dress for her in Singapore...

But there were so many small princesses around in nice costumes... being the birthday girl, she has the right. This made us S$135.00 poorer.

... to be continued.

Charsiew's Work on 19 Oct 2009

2009-10-19T22:00:00.007+08:00

Charsiew's Work on 18 Oct 2009

2009-10-18T20:02:00.001+08:00

Charsiew's Words on 16 Oct 2009

2009-10-16T23:42:00.001+08:00

No much photography works to hao lian lately...

I am going out for a walk to get ideas.

Charsiew's Words on 15 Oct 2009

2009-10-15T23:05:00.002+08:00

Air fare is affordable (S$100 return to Jogyakarta), and it's direct flight, so we decided to send Wati back to kampung for her home leave since she will be renewing her contract.

She cried a bit while sending the kids to school. So this gave me an answer how the day would be when she is finally going home for good.

Back to home was a bit weird without the "Good Evening M'am".

Trying to hands on most of the work now but not a big problem since I still do housework when Wati was at home. It just takes time to adjust.

Over dinner, was telling hubby Wati's daughter and the cousins will be pleased to receive the goodie bags from Isabel's party. I think her area doesn't have goodie bags?

Simple thing to do, yet making many people happy.

I hope she has a good recharge and quality time with her family.

Charsiew's Words on 13 Oct 2009

2009-10-13T22:48:00.006+08:00

Celebrated Isabel's birthday on 12 Oct (earlier) in school.

Boy eyeing for his party pack...

still eyeing...

finally his turn.

Charsiew's Words on 7 Oct 2009

2009-10-07T22:11:00.003+08:00

Still around! Still around!!

Been busy with work (boring), personal life (getting exciting).

Work, no need to say so much. But a good friend asked me since the economy is down, why am I so busy? Good question. More work, less pay, justifiable? Life is never fair. So don't be loyal to your company.

Boss "complained" over email that I didn't respond to him on a Sunday. Not purposely. But I think I am trying to justify life... you pay me lesser, why should I be on the ball? :-P

Thanks BH for the words... we lose something, we gain something.

On personal life... the first task for next week is to celebrate Isabel's birthday earlier in school. This year's party pack is not exciting, just the usual. She requested a Strawberry Shortcake as her cake design, which made things easy for me, Prima has good selections.

Gotta go... Time to surf net...

Charsiew's Words on 2 Oct 2009

2009-10-02T22:36:00.002+08:00

Now that Raya is almost over, got to look forward to X'mas.

Trying to save money now to buy X'mas presents.

After X'mas, will bake kueh tart (no should say CNY goodies. kueh tart is Malay, now referring to Chinese) for CNY.

After CNY, time to pay road tax and insurance, damn.

************************************************************

Yesterday watched a tv program, the Taiwanese lady (who married to Holland), said they work to live, not live to work.

If there is a next life, better be an ang moh.

If still end up being an Asian, never mind, try to marry an ang moh, life might be better :-P

Charsiew's Words on 29 Sep 2009

2009-09-29T22:04:00.008+08:00

This should be the last Raya celebration for this year.

The Food

People & Company

Charsiew's Words on 22 Sep 2009

2009-09-22T21:50:00.005+08:00

Hari Raya Day 2

Charsiew's Words on 20 Sep 2009

2009-09-20T22:19:00.005+08:00

The weather is not ideal today.

The car sabo us.

Battery flat.

We had to try our luck and managed to find this place call Auto Bax in Ubi area. Changed the battery, which we later found out was pricey but LL, what can we do?

*************************************

The itinerary for this year is more or less the same but we went to one more place (covered 3 in total, just nice. Anything more will be a drag for me).

Around 20 minutes after we arrived, lots of visitors streamed in... easily 20? Amazing and scary... who is who? I just had this feeling they chartered a bus to come together. The lifts must be working up and down non-stop to bring them up.

BABY just analysed one thing. I asked him why his uncle never appeared again after he saw us coming in? He said probably me and SIL wasn't wearing tudung... he's not supposed to see us like that. Don't laugh ok... :-D

*************************************

*************************************

Regular guests David & Eve dropped by. How come I didn't take their pictures ah??

Charsiew's Bakes As At 20 Sep 2009

2009-09-20T22:14:00.002+08:00

Charsiew's Words on 19 Sep 2009

2009-09-19T22:35:00.003+08:00

End of Ramadhan

(my whole post got deleted, don't know which damn button I pressed)

I spent the last two weeks busy working and coughing a lot in the office. Am sorry to those surrounding me.

Took leave on Friday, baked my kueh bangkit (photos up later). We went to Geylang Serai for the second time in the late afternoon. The whole place was surprisingly busy and crowded. Bought another baju in Joo Chiat Complex, we crossed the overhead bridge to the new Geylang market. Wanted to buy ready-made ketupat but those we saw were empty inside. Need to fill in the rice and cook at home. Gave up, bought lontong and longtong paste.

Bought our dinner at a nearby halal Chinese restaurant. Quantity pathetic, condemned.

We ordered MAC delivery again for our breakfast this am. When the food didn't arrive by 4.40am, I called and found out they missed my order. Promised to arrive by 5 and it did. I learnt this type of early morning order during Ramadhan is known something as Fasting Order.

Today's weather is so good. We had "reunion dinner" in Sakura @ Downtown East just now. Food and dessert were good. Kids were happy but would be more complete if they got to take a ride on the ferris wheel.

Need to pray for a COOL weather tomorrow. Will be a bit wayang wearing our bought in JB baju kurung. Need to on all the air con before we all melt in the conservative outfits.

I always hear remarks we have double celebrations - CNY and Hari Raya. It's also double work... especially now I am pretty confident in my kueh kueh, CNY will be busy again.

Thank God that I managed to fast for one month minus 4 days. Had easy and fairly difficult days. Every year, I have people around me who are amazed how we can fast, "pity" us for unable to eat and drink, but isn't this how I thought of before I converted?

Going to watch Suria now to get more mood. Selamat Hari Raya!

Charsiew's Bakes As At 15 Sep 2009

2009-09-15T23:07:00.007+08:00

Charsiew's Words on 15 Sep 2009

2009-09-15T22:18:00.008+08:00

20 years ago today, ah yeh (paternal grandpa) decided to leave the world at age 89. We reckon he would leave till 100 if all went well.

Spent a good 15 years with him in my life, and I must say I am different from my other cousins who didn't stay with my grandparents under one roof.

Old people have their old habits, which could be disturbing to the younger generations. In return, I got to hear some stories of his old days in China; first to dash into his room whenever he opened his old chest hidden under the bed... I loved the old notes smell from the chest.

Till this day, I still feel bad for not helping him more when my maternal grandma was sick.

True love, I must say. ah yeh made sure his dearest was well taken care of when she was bed-ridden. Porridge, thread fin and spinach, I can still remember this was what he normally would want to feed her.

I was the first to get the news of him passing away after I got the call from the old folks' home.

I wouldn't say I miss him a lot, but he was the King in the household, I cannot forget.

******************************************************
Old Photos...

Hi-5

Older Photos...

Roti Boyan served during Breakfast @ Punggol recently. This year didn't take a lot of pictures.

Newer Photos...

Charsiew's Words on 11 Sep 2009

2009-09-11T22:23:00.002+08:00

8 years ago, I was pak toring with BABY around this time at MacRitchie Reservoir.

I remember so well because when I went back home, father, David and Eve were grue-ing on the TV.

Twin towers collapsed.

Chaotic.

The next religious class was a tense and "am I at the right place" one. The teacher briefly mentioned about Sep 11. I cannot recall what did he say.

***************************************************

I have no time to upload pictures of the roti boyan.

Now counting down to the final week of Ramadhan.

My cough made fasting difficult.

Taking things easy...

Charsiew's Words on 8 Sep 2009

2009-09-08T09:25:00.001+08:00

Fell. Break Fast in Hospital. Blackout.

Isabel fell in the toilet yesterday. Had to send her to the hospital as the wound was quite deep.

Doctor explained that she needed X-ray and stitches. No admission needed *Thank God*.

X-ray was done smoothly.

Had sandwich for break fast.

When I was in the room with her for the stitches, I felt I was going to faint. Ok, this is something about me. When I am close to someone who has an open wound and in a hospital environment like that, I would start to faint... gracefully. Why gracefully because I knew I was about to and would definitely not drop on the floor in a drama way. So I asked for a stool to sit on.

I think I was dreaming when I heard the doctor said “She fainted”.

Anyway, it was just only for a few seconds.

Wati came in, she must have thought I was devastated so feeling not well?

Anyway, 4 stitches and we were allowed to go home after paying a hefty bill.

Charsiew's Words on 3 Sep 2009

2009-09-03T23:04:00.003+08:00

We were almost running out of idea what to eat in the mornings.

**************************************

That Monday must be one of my worst. I had a headache. It was bad (to my standard) that I requested to leave for home early. Sleep is the best cure.

Girl asked me not to work on Teachers' Day. Told her I am not a teacher, no holiday for me :-P

To compromise, I took half. Whole family break fast in Punggol. I cooked Chinese food upon BABY's request. See, man's words are so strong. Request only, and I came out with 3 dishes+soup. Once again, I want to be the wife/mother who knows how to bake and cook as well.

*************************************

I simply love this program on Suria, Thursay, 8.30pm. They introduce how Chinese Muslims in China break fast, etc. I might migrate to that part of China, LOL... best of both worlds, my race, my religion. BABY how? Malaysia maybe.

Charsiew's Bakes As At 3 Sep 2009

2009-09-03T22:54:00.004+08:00

July
1 x Butter Cake
1 x Vanilla Sponge Cake
1 x Cotton Sponge Cake

Aug
1 x Cotton Sponge Cake
1 batch of Kueh Makmur
1 batch Cupcakes
1 batch Kueh Bangkit
1 batch Cupcakes

Total: 29

Cupcakes for Teachers' Day

(I realised it looked kind of ugly).

Charsiew's Words on 27 Aug 2009

2009-08-27T10:01:00.002+08:00

Extracted from MUIS www, this is meaningful.

Worship in Islam is not limited to the rituals in fact it encompasses a lot more such as:
-Spending time with the children either to supervise or monitor their studies or even to entertain them;
-Toiling yourself in order to maintain the economic need of the family
-Assisting your wife by sharing household chores
-Leaving others in peace by not disturbing them or creating difficulties for them
-Rendering assistance to friends or neighbours regardless of race or religion when they are in need
-To always smile and be cheerful
-Seeking beneficial knowledge
-Keeping to oneself the shortcomings of others
-Sharing of food with neighbours of different religion

Charsiew's Bakes As At 27 Aug 2009

2009-08-27T09:21:00.005+08:00

July
1 x Butter Cake
1 x Vanilla Sponge Cake
1 x Cotton Sponge Cake

Aug
1 x Cotton Sponge Cake
1 batch of Kueh Makmur
1 batch Cupcakes
1 batch Kueh Bangkit

Total: 28

Charsiew's Words on 25 Aug 2009

2009-08-25T22:29:00.003+08:00

Day 1 of Ramadan was spent baking kueh bangkit. Photos to be uploaded later. It was quite a successful trial and hope the next batch will be ok too.

The last 3 hours to breaking fast was difficult to pass.

On Day 2, we took a train to Clementi. Once again, commuters are far from being gracious. Kids were standing most of the time from Bishan to Clementi station. Ok, we didn't stand that near to those people thus they were unaware of our pressence and the cartoon on the wall indicated give up seats to old people, preggie, or a person carrying a baby. So, it's perfectly alright that we appeared to be transparent.

Day 3, I had the same brekkie of bread, tuna, cheese and cereal per previous two days and I decided to have a change on day 4. Decided more Chinese and had ABC soup with rice this am. Also, since I worked through lunch hour, I left the office earlier :-)

Tomorrow will be pasta for breakfast. Have you ever tried eating pasta at 4.30am?

***********************************************************

After fetching Isabel from her phonics last Sunday, I happened to know her Malay classmate who just started 1/2 day fasting, at the age of 5.

So I asked BABY, what age he started to fast, he told me around 5, due to peer pressure. He told me he started religious studies (home-based) at that age and went on for proper weekend class in a mosque at the age of 9.

We have long ago decided not to send the kids for what home-based religious studies even if there are in this era. It's just not proper and we don't know what knowledge kids will be given.

I have the intention to send both kids to a mosque for weekend class when they are bigger, in a way, hopefully they can both attend the same class, so save me shuttling them up and down. But I know from now to the day, in laws will keep asking when we are sending them.

Fasting - I started to fast at around the age of 27. I have no idea how is it like to start fasting at 5 and don't intend to "force" the kids to fasting. I believe somehow, they will start to fast when they are ready.

Charsiew's Words on 20 Aug 2009

2009-08-20T23:04:00.002+08:00

Two days later, I will be fasting until my "good friend" comes. Stop for a few days and then start fasting again until Hari Raya.

Suffered slight sore throat this morning. Tidbits in the office are still there, I don't think I can finish it before Ramadhan comes. Gotta hide it somewhere.

This Sat, I will bake a trial batch of Kueh Bangkit. If it goes well, will bake again nearer to Hari Raya.

And before fasting starts, Eve and me have already set a date to buka puasa (break fast) in Punggol on 5 Sep, LOL.

This year Raya, I will try to do some dishes, from instant paste.

Oh man, I am becoming very malai por!

Already told BABY will get my siblings over for Hari Raya celebration, so brothers and SILs, please get ready the green paos.

Joy of preparation makes the festival more wonderful.

I should also learn to bake more for festivals, birthdays, teacher's day, mooncake festival, etc, etc.

Charsiew's Words on 18 Aug 2009

2009-08-18T23:22:00.003+08:00

August is going very fast...

Sat was a kite flying day.

Sunday afternoon, we visited father at his Mandai condo. Told the kids that we needed to get some flowers. Isabel asked me was it to be placed next to father's photo. She also asked me if need to get the cake (huat kuey).

Orchids at the flower nursery near my place was not up to standard. Bought a big bunch of red carnations for a change. Took two stalks out for father. Also wiped his resting place with a newly-opened baby wipes... instead of the traditional pomelo leaves with water. Father should be happy, we visited him (though stayed for less than 5 minutes because no need to burn incense paper), he has new flowers and feel fresher from the wipes.

So ah gong to the kids are:

- he has many pictures in the albums at home.
- he stays in Mandai.
- he has that photo with the blue background in Mandai.
- he has some flowers next to him and we wipe him with baby wipes.

Isabel ever roughly mentioned hubby and me would stay in Mandai after we pass on. I told her no, we would be in Lim Chu Kang instead.

Rest of the Sunday was napping and kite flying again. This time, I joined them, strong wind, no mosquitoes.

*************************************************

Apart from the worry of thirst due to this stupid weather, I am welcoming the fasting month, surprisingly.

I am also starting to read my Islamic text book again. It's a good start after a lapse of so so so many years.

Charsiew's Words on 11 Aug 2009

2009-08-09T21:53:00.007+08:00

Cable Car Ride for 2 Adults - S$17.80
Cable Car Ride for 2 Kids - Free
(just need to flash your IC)
Entrance to Sentosa - S$8.00
Photo - Priceless

Charsiew's Words on 9 Aug 2009

2009-08-09T21:53:00.005+08:00

Happy National Day!

Charsiew's Bakes As At 9 Aug 2009

2009-08-09T21:46:00.003+08:00

July
1 x Butter Cake
1 x Vanilla Sponge Cake
1 x Cotton Sponge Cake

Aug
1 x Cotton Sponge Cake
1 batch of Kueh Makmur

Total: 26

Charsiew's Words on 7 Aug 2009

2009-08-07T23:41:00.006+08:00

Today, they finally got to wear the "Singapore Tee Shirt" for National Day celebration in school.

Was taking photo of my cake when Evan suddenly appeared...

Colleague gave me the flower rubber band, think it suits the girl better.

Charsiew's Bakes As At 7 Aug 2009

2009-08-07T23:34:00.001+08:00

July
1 x Butter Cake
1 x Vanilla Sponge Cake
1 x Cotton Sponge Cake

Aug
1 x Cotton Sponge Cake

Total: 25

Charsiew's Words on 5 Aug 2009

2009-08-05T10:51:00.009+08:00

Sibling & Camera

Picnic

Face and Butt

Butt Itchy

Cable Car