Back to Reality

Seoul was absolutely amazing :D It felt unreal now that I'm back but It was definitely an experience to remember. I realised was that choosing your travel partner is very important. A heads up to future travel mates, I am the type to burn myself out during a holiday. I came to experience the locality. I'm not paying a bomb to sleep in. But for all its worth, I'm glad that I went with a close friend ^^ We didn't really match well habit wise but well enough to make considerations for each other.

This is just a quickie since I'm busy. There is just so much to tell that I can't possibly blog about in a single post. One of my highlights was shopping - clothes, shoes, cosmetics, accessories and even their local supermarket~!! I thought I went trigger happy but after unpacking I realised I hadn't bought that much. Actually I did since I returned home with 24.3kg (which is amazing since I can't even carry my own bag). Once home I felt I should have bought more stuff. But then again its not physically possible for me...You can't imagine how it was like trying to get to the airport.

I'm especially crazy CRAZY about skincare and lip cosmetics. I had always had a weak spot for lipsticks and glosses since I could never have enough of them. This is especially if I see a pretty colour or a colour that I don't have yet. I have tons lying around and I have recently bought three new colours to add to my collection. Of course I justify my purchases by convincing myself that I use more lip products since I really do favour them. 

I get more eccentric since I feel like I'm thrown into a whirlwind of hustle and bustle. Right now, I'm in the midst of college entrance. There is so little time as classes begin this Monday but I can't get any of the paperwork completed without an offer letter. What's most important is the dateline for the ptptn and my offer letter is still 'under consideration' due to me being a credit transfer student.

I've called them a few times and I was told that I have been accepted for my 4th choice (BA Hospitality Management) but the delay is due to them needing to work out my exemptions. For all this delays, I'd better be able to skip all practical since they have made me miss my orientation. I hope I didn't miss too much. I'm really excited to begin classes. 

Birthday Lunch @ The Manhattan Fish Market, Pavillion

What you see may not be what you will get~ Technically there was nothing wrong but I can't help feel a little disappointed by the food presentation and quality. The image on the left is what I was served compared to the promotional image(right).

My brother had always wanted to try the Flaming Platter @ The Manhattan Fish Market. Since I wasn't going to be around, we decided to take opportunity of the groupon promotion and celebrate his birthday a little earlier. Usually price for the Platter alone is usually RM55.90 and with the groupon it was discounted to RM47 with complementary 'chowder' and salad.

Before I bought the groupon, I called up the Pavillion outlet to enquire if we could use it on Good Friday because it was stated in the t&c that it is not valid on a public holiday. It had to be on this particular day because it was the only day before my flight where his school is off. It was a simple question but the phone was passed around with the employees mumbling and giving me mixed answers. (If they had said no, I would've gone there anyway. The only difference is that I wouldn't waste my money for a groupon that I cannot use.)

I was quite annoyed but luckily the Manhattan Facebook Team had some sense and quickly clarified this issue. During my visit, the service was quick and efficient but the quality of the meal was....well it's not that it taste bad but it leaves something to be desired. The salad was still crunchy and crisp but it had already begin browning. I didn't think much of this but on our way out, there was salads in the display counter. I don't even want to think how long it has been there. 

I didn't ask but I believe we were served Mushroom Garlic Soup since it taste like mushroom but with an overwhelming garlic flavour - kinda like melted garlic bread. It wasn't bad and it was rather thick and filling. However, I was looking forward to being served 'chowder of the day' since that was what printed in the groupon. According to the dictionary, it refers to a rich soup usually containing seafood but if there was any in it I couldn't taste it.

The main meal after over looking its appearance was actually really delicious. They brought the pan over and flamed in front of us before serving. My brother particularly enjoyed the fried oysters and my favourite was the Mediterranean fish. What that was surprising is the rice beneath the seafood! I'm not one who would choose rice as my side dishes as it would usually turn out dry and taste-less but this was simply divine. 

My brother and I was practically bloated by the time we finished it. If you're a small eater, this set could probably feed three as opposed to two and I'm telling you my brother is NOT a small eater. But of course individual appetite applies. 

To digest our lunch we decided to walk around a bit before picking up his dessert (a promise made earlier). He decided to have Gelatomio Fruito and even though we selected the smallest cup that dude serving us really packed up the cup. (Now I know how they make money) It cost me about RM15 for it which is rather expensive to me. My eyes were practically daggers when he looked like he couldn't finish it since he was still stuffed from earlier. 

He managed it in the end with me helping out a little (chocolate still isn't really my thing) and look rather tortured :P We had a great day but I doubt he would want to stuff himself like this for a long time. But then again, its only his birthday once a year. And at this point of writing he still hasn't have the slightest inclination for his dinner. 

Jogoya Buffet Lunch @ Starhill Gallery

While writing this I'm sitting in front of my laptop - stomach bloated like a fat, contented little kitty. :D A little disclaimer - this isn't supposed to be a review but rather my personal experience at the outlet. 

I was supposed to meet up with a college friend of mine who has just returned home for a week of well deserved break after completing her intern-ship. Since we're 'makan' buddies its important that we pick an awesome place to eat. Going to Jogoya was decided and agreed since we both hadn't the chance to try out this place. We were pleasantly surprised (and feeling damn lucky) that there is an ongoing promotion. That brings our bill to about rm70nett per person which is a steal if the buffet is as awesome as I hoped.

I was honestly looking forward to Jogoya despite hearing a lot of negative buzz recently - mostly about the terrible wait staff and the deteriorating food quality compared to 2 years ago. But since I hadn't tried it then I've nothing to say about it. What I can say that I am glad that the bad reviews were unfounded as I had a great time at Jogoya. The staff was attentive,polite and fulfilled our requests promptly although they look rather scared intimidated when we talked to them.

After paying, we were directed to a seat near the sushi/sashimi section. It was nicely secluded while not being too far from the buffet line. As advised by reviews, we decided to order food that supposedly takes a long time to arrive first. This is done by dropping our number clip into a bowl featuring our chosen dish which will then be delivered to our table.  

There was a wide variety of cuisines and we started out with the seafood and sashimi. Mostly since it was the nearest line to us. I have to note that contrary to some reviews, the sashimi and oyster were very fresh which makes for a pleasant experience since its my first time trying out oysters. It wasn't quite my thing but it wasn't too bad either. I guess its an acquired taste. :P If raw seafood is not your thing, there are plenty of other dishes that would surely suit your taste. 

The place is huge and is divided into sections resembling hawker booths rather then buffet lines which I was confused on what they have and where they are located. It was in a way rather nice as we did a tour on the different counters and was nicely surprised by the choices presented (the effect wouldn't be there if the food was delivered in a boring straight buffet line). Although I think this will only affect first-timers since by the end of the day we could probably find our way blindfolded :3

Some of the notable sections -  Deep Fried, Salad, Sashimi, Nigiri Sushi, Cold Dishes, something like BBQ, Western - which I gave a cursory glance and skipped (nothing wrong was with the food but who comes to a buffet to gorge on pasta :3). The Tepanyaki/ Grill segment - from which I ordered the lamb was amazing. I don't remember its name and it did took a while to arrive but it was well worth it as it taste absolutely divine. Another of our favourite dish was the Claypot Curry Crab - .

, 

We also tried their Steamed Garoupa which was delicious (not oily and no fishy smell). Some of which I skipped was Sushies, Dim sum and Mini Steamboats - basically anything I think is too ordinary or filling but honestly since there was only two of us it was quite hard to try everything. I tried three types of soups at the Chinese Cuisine section even though I know that I'm filling up vital stomach capacity with liquid - Herbal which tastes like Bak Kut Teh, Chicken Abalone and Shark Fin Soup.I didn't regret it at all as it was rich and comforting.

The highlight of the day was their range of dessert which was amazing amazing and AMAZING. If I'm not mistaken they had four large glass displays. One each for jellies/puddings, cakes, cookies and japanese sweets respectively. For ice creams lovers there was variety which you can select from Haagen Dazs and New Zealand. . My favourite was definitely the cakes as it was soft, fluffy and just fabulous. Their cookies looked delicious but I did not try them as I was already full after stuffing myself silly with cakes and ice creams. Although I was looking forward to it, the mochi wasn't anything to shout about though. 

They also had a large selection of drinks from iced slushies and cocktails to juices, coffee, tea. But my personal favourite was the mini coconut. Unlimited mind you. I think its one of their more popular items as I see pretty much every table has it. Beer and Japanese alcoholic is also offered for an additional price. 

Obviously I didn't not try everything as it was really a too large selection for just two person to attempt. :P We left after dining for 3 hours. It was money well spent and we look forward to the next promotion at Jogoya - this time with more friends. These are some moments that I'm glad I was not too influenced by reviews as it would be a shame to miss out on this. This is definitely a must re-visit. :D

Rekindled

It seems to me that blogging ideas comes more easily during the night usually right before I sleep. The problem with this is that I usually forget what I wanted to blog about or if I do remember then I probably lost the flow of it all together. I can only do things once. Once I've done it even if it were in my head I can't exactly re-create it with the same feeling unless I somehow manage to record my thoughts before it disappears. This makes for quite alot of un-completed and un-posted blog posts. Some suggestions on this would be appreciated but on to my topic today.

In preparation for my upcoming trip I'm now the proud owner of Nikon Coolpix P330. Tada~

The reason I selected this camera out of multitudes of others (and paid a great deal more) is because of the manual capabilities - which I'm trying hard to learn. I want to take gorgeous photos and I want to be able to control it and not be at the mercy of the camera instead - which is the problem of my current nearly 10-year-old Olympus. 

After high school I somewhat lost interest in photography (and quite a lot of my other hobbies - eg. writing) for a bit partly due to my outdated gear and the lack of supportive friends. However, researching how exactly to use each mode (I just love AV mode the best) and learning what the heck are stuff like ND filters, Active D-Lightings (sorry if I'm a noob but things like this never came with auto =.=) makes things so much more interesting. The multitudes of websites, guides and blogs available is just awesome. There area also photography magazines which I could download (for free) which had tons of beginner tips.

There is just so much to learn and I hope that college has a real photography club since I saw a couple of kids running around with dslrs. I apparently have the amazing luck of consistently joining a dead club. Any club I join seems to be dead. To proof it I've been a girl guide my entire schooling life but I've never even passed the pre-preparatory grade. This means that technically I'm not allowed to even wear their uniform. The clubs I joined at my various schools either had too many people to effectively do anything or we had not enough people to meet the min requirement for anything. Such a bummer.

Well cross my fingers and I'll hope for better luck in college since I'm supposed to be joining something to get curricular points.  

Proof of Adulthood

When I was younger, reaching my 21st birthday had always signified the gateway of adulthood - the magical age where we are no longer 'controlled' by our parents, where we could do whatever we want...and so it goes.  However, as I matured...I realised that adulthood isn't marked by a number but rather by our actions.

So what if you're 21 this year. Demanding that you want freedom is just plain bullshit for as long as we are dependant...as long as we cannot stand on our own feet we will always be ruled by our parents. Everything goes both ways. How convenient to proclaim that we are already old enough to do whatever we want but still need them to feed us, to cloth us, to pay for our education. Arguing will not serve any purpose but to proof our immaturity - this which I'm not immune to.

Parents have no obligation to fulfil our every whims and wishes. Legally they are only required to support us till 18. So if we are to live in their house we are to abide by their rules - or so my mum says. If you claim that you can do what ever you want, surely you can work for it. Financial freedom - the ability to pay our own. This is truly the ticket to freedom

However to me, health is the most important above all. This which I have experienced first hand. Within a year I've been warded twice which I'm sure is more than most my age. Some of these restrictions will affect my work opportunities as working overseas will not be a possibility. While my friends could...explore for the lack of a better word, I would be restricted to my locality as my life practically revolves around my appointments.

If this is adulthood, sometimes I'd rather be a kid again without worries. But well I'll take everything in a stride as I'm sure there is a silver lining somewhere - or so the proverb says. For now, I will be flying to South Korea in two weeks time. This would be my second trip overseas unaccompanied. I'm estimating expenses around rm5000 - a total which I hope I won't reach. I would probably post a detailed expenditure once I'm back.

Marching Forward

Its only March and it has been a whirlwind. In a way it also meant that sometimes things won't go as planned and we can only make the best out of it.

Currently I'm enjoying my first 'relaxation' at home. For me, I haven't technically had a time where I did nothing and stayed at home. Ever since SPM it was work > driving school > college. And even then my semester breaks are filled with PT work. Its all hustle and bustle.

But this wasn't what I had in mind either.

At first I had planned to work until March which is then followed by a  holiday in April before resuming my studies in May. However things did not work out that way. Due to certain disagreement, I submited my resignation a month earlier and unfortunnately even before I could complete my term I was warded for an infection.

I am applying to enter TAR for its business course or hospitality course so fingers crossed that it all goes well or else I would have to consider Plan B which I hope does not need to happen.

Wishing for luck ^^

Hearts Desire

Eversince I could remember, whenever I did well in my studies I would look forward for trips to the department store. I would then be allowed to choose a small gift for myself. My parents believed then that hard work should be rewarded and this is something that I have continued until now with my own finances.

In the year 2014, instead of a reasolution, this year, I've decided to compile a list of items that I would want to own in time.

1) LUNCH BOX & BENTO SET - I like making my own lunches and I am a self-admit addict when it comes to these bento-making sets. I can't resist putting my hands on one of these whenever I enter Daiso and it doesn't help with Daiso popping up like mushrooms. :D

2) TUMBLERS - People who know me can attest that I drink water and lots of it. I really like those novelty tumblers. The creativity in them is just astounding. But its hard for me to buy it sometimes because I can't bear to use them if its too pretty. For me it has to be pretty and yet plain enough for everyday use.

3) HAND CREAM - These are my guilty pleasure. I buy them for the packaging and I just love the scents that hand creams comes with. Sometimes they are too pretty to be used but with my line of work where cuts, burns and dry hands are normal, you can see why I like it don't you.

4) LIP GLOSS, LIP TINTS etc - If I had to select my favourite part of my face, I would select my lips. Its not that I have beautiful lips but simply became the easiest to accent since my eyes are forever hidden behind my glasses and nor do I have those enviable korean flawless complection. I am embarased to say I own more lip glosses, lip sticks, lip balms that I could ever wear (afterall we only have one lips) and yet I am always tempted whenever I pass through the cosmetics section. There is always a colour that I  haven't had yet. :P

5) MUSIC BOX - Its a little unusual but I especially like those that double as a jewelry box. Maybe its partly of its calming effect and that nostalgia it evokes.

6) BRACELETS -  If you would ask me I will always favor bracelets compared to anyother jewelry. This is partly of my impossibly skinny wrists makes bracelets practically impossible (they either slip down my hands or go all the way to my armpits :P) Dainty and yet understated. Just my style.

7) SNACKS - Unlike most girls I don't really like chocolates but I could never have enough of seaweed and chips. My addiction is till the extend of me requesting that as my birthday gift. I just love seaweed and also chips. Just the perfect combination XD I know they're cheap but they won't be cheap any longer if you eat them everyday. I wish I had an unlimited supply

Its a little late as always for my first post for this year but well better late then never. :D and as it is Chinese New Year I would like to wish you all Gong Hey Fatt Choy~!! 

Closing Chapter

Its time to say our goodbyes to another year. 

Much has happened this year - the good, the bad, with plenty of happy occasions and also sadness. 

If I were to describe what this year was to me in one word It would probably be accomplished. I didn't notice but a lot has occured and I'm proud to say I believed I have done what I did the best that I could have.

A little recap perhaps?

Graduate and went on road less traveled (which I am most definitely better off seeing as how my batch mates are stuck in a quandary)

I had my first job

Was hospitalised for the first time - Its a little bizzare...morbid but its quite interesting to see how does hospitals work from the experience of the patient. This is after you got after the fact that you are THE PATIENT

Felt how hard working life is ( bla bla bla I want it this way, that way, well you can have the highway *hmph*)

And also how it could be rewarding. Our FIRST sis-brother trip. This which I am proud to say is self funded by your truly. It is amazing, the feeling of satisfaction gained from paying for your own.

and is planning and saving for my self funded trip to korea

Baked a cake for a friend's birthday for the first time. You can imagine we had loads of fun ^^

Finally attended Comic Fiesta after 5 years. (Did I mention that I really like Euphie?)

And I also learnt that it is who you are with that matters - in which have a confession (...shhhhhh) I guess karaoke wasn't so bad after all...if gone with the right people. :P

A year has come and gone and with this year and this year I will enter adulthood with a mix of pride, amazement and anticipation of what is to come. May every year be better than the last.. With this I'd like to wish everyone a Happy New Year.

Bye Bye 2013

and 

Hello 2014

The Present Time

It has been a while. Just recently I have unofficially completed my internship term. :) Its really a relief to NOT have the report's deadline hanging over my head. >.< Currently I'm waiting for my result to be out in about 2 weeks time. I doubt that I'll get a 3.5 pointer though. :( Of course I'm hoping for the best.

Compared to a couple months back, I believe that I am less stressed(?) Improvements probably due to the new employees and also due to the rescheduling of job responsibilities. ^^ This I hope maintains well into next year. Just recently, I was asked to design a poster/ advertisement for this upcoming thanksgiving.

Well, this is the result after 2 hours. I hope it looks pasable >.< And lookie here, I can already see my job responsibilities thanks to my boss. Since currently Pastries are my responsibility...well I can already 'anticipate'. On the bright side, there isn't really an order yet from the school.....sooo cross my fingers.

***

Usually while blogging, I usually don't backtrack on events but this I think must be recorded. Recently (or not so recently) I had a birthday celebration with my friends - this which is very much appreciated by yours truly. ^^  Personally, I consider myself as someone very hard to surprise 

However that that truly surprised me - whether it was intentional or not I do not know. But I guess I could say that I was slightly...really slightly disapointed when nothing happened. Man and when I thought nothing was happening. *BOOM* there was (I'm sorry girls) such a dead giveaway. :P Spiriting off while leaving me window shopping ALONE is really not the best way to be uhh...discreet. 

And also on a side note - seriously the excused you girls gave was hilarious. :D Anyway I loved it soo much because I truly appreciate the gesture and it really made my day. I loved that the cake was chocolate/coffee-free (I'm probably the weird girl who doesn't eat chocolate.) *shrugs* And the gifts was absolutely perfect and will be much loved and used. 

I hope its not too late but still Thank You for everything. I hope that we will be friends for many more year to come a.k.a FOREVER. <3 nbsp="" p="">

Along the Way

It has been a long while since I've posted anything. Being a final semester student was tough and presuring although I had no regrets. Afterall I had to ensure that I maintain my pointers. 

In a breeze I unofficially graduated on 10th May 2013. Just like that two years of studies are over. And among my friends I became the first to begin my internship.

It was really taxing as although now I finally have what you can say a 'normal' working shift (which isn't really common in my field). Pressure to do well and yet feeling inadequate is suffocating. 

Now three months into my internship I feel like a time bomb is ticking above my head. Its not the operations that I find hard but the management side that is sucking my java. I really like my job however I feel lonely every now and then. 

I miss studying. I love being a student. Being a student...you won't get how relaxing it is till you enter the working world. Submission dateline and my-boss-is-going-to-kill-me datelines can't really compare.

Speaking about that I have tons of work to finish my tonight. Till next time

Yellow Rose

I must be really really bad for not writing for so long...again.

Today I found photos that were taken a long time ago - 3 years ago to be exact. I had long forgotten about these till I cleared my disk and found them in an obscure folder. It really brought back memories because even though my amateurish photography, I could see the simplicity in us. Even with the upcoming exams (taken days before the all important spm), we were still having fun goofing around.

A long time ago, when people told me that I would miss school 

, that the time then was the best, I scoffed that remark. But now, I think its not the school but the memories - shared secrets, jokes, dramas and arguments made along the well familiar paths that was memorable.

There are many people that we meet in our lives. But only very few will make a lasting impression on our mind and hearts. It is these people that we will think of often and who will always remain important as true friends.

The ones who didn't...I won't say they weren't true because once upon a time we were friends and though it didn't last, though you may not think about it any more - I will because the moment we had will always be special.

With the coming of the Lunar New Year, I would like to thank my friend(s) who has constantly encouraged me to continue writing. I could see so much has changed and yet remained the same - traces of my past and who I once was. I can't help but wish to go back in time...but I know I cannot regret but from time to time one can't help but wonder. 

But when I look into the sky that was taken 3 years ago. One can't help but to be filled with hope. 

Flutters

Tell me. What do you do if there is someone you like? Do you tell him first?

We met two years ago - during our orientation. My crush...Its a strange word. I had always liked him I guess...but I might not have realised then.

He is an aircraft student where as I'm in hospitality - Together with the nursing sector, we're the three most 'secluded' field as we have our own unique schedule and hardly interact with normal students.

Its my last semester, I intend to shelve it as after graduation we would probably never meet again. What good will it do? But today I met him again...That familiar feeling...What should I do?

Sense of Finality

Currently it's the second week of my final semester. It's busy and still shifting with timetables not in place. In a way I believe that is similar to how people behave. Our batch - which has always been somewhat together - has fractured. In the most obvious sense is half of us choose not to graduate this semester.

Well anyway with this being most of our last semester I feel that there is a sense of finality in the air - Less need for pretences and such as I feel friendships fizzling. In a way, its somewhat scary when you see people change; but then again they might not have changed at all. Perhaps it is nature's intended.

Collecting my results, I think I did fairly well. Not as much as I hoped but good enough ^^  This semester will be the final leg of the race. I must do well. I will do well. So watch me. 

Looking back, I can't believe how fast time flies. It feels like only yesterday that I just began my higher education~ I will cherish and savour every moment before this chapter closes and a new one begins. I love my class ^^

Confessions of a Mela-Choleric

Its the end of the year. 

Much has happened good and bad. Looking back I realised that a lot have changed. Some I may or may not have realised yet.

For this year - for the first time I found a resolution for me to keep - something personal. Reasons being that upon reflecting back I realise that I am a pessimist. I'm proud, vain, stubborn - features that I'm not proud to admit. There are much to be thankful of and I did not. 

I chanced upon a personality quiz a month ago and I was stunned on how closely it matched me. Here are some snippets

 "...prefers to work alone, rather than with people."

"...your weaknesses include a tendency of excessive self-criticism and criticism of others, being dismissive or overly judgemental  and possessing an untrustful and controlling nature." 

"...can become a cross to those around him, through his nit-picking, perfectionism, disdain, bitterness, resentfulness, spitefulness when crossed, and even haughtiness."

These are issues that I've been struggling with this year. Trust is very hard to give and as much as I try, I demand too much from others and I become frustrated and disappointed when they fail. I am also exhausted as I find it hard to let go.

Problem issues isn't it?

However, next year will be a fresh beginning, a new one and also my final semester. A year that I intend to treasure. One where I could try to change for the better. 

I won't promise anything but I will do my best.

The Culinaire Choice

Truthfully I have never ever considered, not even a tiny bit of being a chef student. My choices had been what you can call a typical choice? Predictable. Fashion Design, Mass Comm etc.

However when it was suggested, I felt it 'resonate'- if that's the correct word - within me. But still  even within Culinary Arts there were choices within choices. Where to go? What to specialize in? I am never one to mull on decisions long but I was. It stumped me, the limitations of myself.

I love the front lines, service is my passion. Interacting with guest beings be joy. Its stressful, yes but still I love it. However for my internship, I would still need to select a field to specialize in.

Hot Kitchen is exciting, where all the main action is. I thrive on action finding myself loving it in practical sessions. However it is one matter to cook pre-prepared and another matter to cook for live crowd. Fried noodles and such need to be cooked ala minute - which means you cook when the order comes in. No matter how good I'll be, I'll never have enough strength - strength to compete with the gentlemen.

Cold Kitchen - Salads, Starters, Sandwiches -  a predictable selection usually for female students. Its okay, excellent even but still not quite there. Something essential is missing. The same goes with pastry. Arranging desserts all day isn't how I want to spend my 4-6 month. I want to learn something new. Even with the lowest task.

I've never though of this before but then it occurred to me - What about the Bakery? Its not usually a typical choice for girls because of the heat but still... I don't like eating bread but then I think I actually enjoy making it. Kneading dough, learning of the different types...its exciting but its not as taxing compared to the main kitchen.

It was then I made my choice. I would apply for the Bakery Departments and perhaps the Cold Kitchen as supplements. Choices are very important. Its what that makes our life. I have found mine and I will never look back. Have you made yours?

Now and Then

Recently I went through older posts and I can't believe that I've written them. It felt strange...I felt the old me was more...me.

I'm currently in my 5th semester and I feel that time passed too soon. Again I went for the 2012 MotoGP but this time as a Kitchen Crew...my birthday...everything went by in a flash.

I feel that somehow if I don't record these moments I will lose them to time. After all  there is only so much our brain can remember.

Compared to before, since high school I've stopped dancing, writing, photography, anime...

I guess I changed~in more ways then one. I can;t say if its for the better or worse but I'll love myself and embrace it.

Lets hope my next post here would be more regular~ =)

SUP3R JUNI0R~

I don't know where to start.

I swear I was never a Kpop/K-drama fan before and even if I did watch them I used to prefer J-drama. I think if I were to simplify it, it would be like this:

Skip Beat manga/anime >> SB Taiwan drama >> Super Junior

I bet you're puzzled.

Before everything I am a fan of manga and I was really excited when Skip Beat was to have its own drama

I had low expectations of Mandarin drama because I am more of a TVB Hong Kong drama-ish person. But I watched it anyway and was amazed. It wasn't as bad as I thought it to be. Choi Siwon as Tsuruga Ren was especially mind blowing. (Incase you're curious Donghae on the left is supposed to be Sho Fuwa)

I was even more surprised that Siwon is a korean because his Mandarin is damn good...O_O It was until I checked mr.Google that I learned that he and Donghae is part SuJu. By then its already too late. Their catchy songs and amazing routine has netted me.

SuJu is a Kpop boy band debuted in 2005 as a 12 member group but comprised of 13 members at its peak. However Hangkyung left in 2009 after a dispute/lawsuit T.T

Currently, SuJu has 10 active members with the return of Kangin from his mandatory military service. Unfortunately Heechul is still in the army and Kibum...well he's away.

Honestly, it took me a while to recognise ALL their face since their routine is face paced. And my favourite of them all if you haven't guessed already is Choi Siwon - the gentleman/prince of Suju. 

I regretted that I haven't liked them before since there are people I know that have tried to introduce them to me years ago. I feel like hitting my head because they even came to Malaysia before. I am now looking forward to their upcoming 6th Comeback album - Sexy, Free & Single released soon on July 1st. It will be the last album before Leader Eeteuk leaves for his mandatory military service and another estimated 8 years before the whole group can be together again (Most of them haven't completed their Military Service)

Right now I'm excited....really excited

Whoopie~!!

Today has really made my day in so many ways. 

I have really been dreading class with my lecturer Chef Rafan because even when I was not his student...yet, on one unlucky day I got scolded by him three times. The worst is - It wasn't even my fault. I just happened to be standing there at the wrong day and wrong time. I mean, don't you feel wrong that you;ve been yelled out of the blue. However, this is how our industry works. As my lecturer says Welcome to the industry.

Today I have been assigned to do main course which by itself is a rarity last semester. It wasn't because I did not want to do it - It's just that I don't get a chance amidst all the boys. No matter how good I become, I will never be as strong as one of the boys - especially hard headed boys like them. Its not that I don't like them, I actually like them very much but sometimes I'd like to have a go at it too. If you get what I mean. 

Participating in this advanced kitchen practical with our  junior/senior degree students was really awesome. First of all, since we are their seniors in terms of experience wise (degree students do not have intermediate and join advanced from basic), they tend to defer to us.

We were in charge of the Lamb Cannelloni and which she preped the lasagna I did the Lamb Bolognaise sauce which received the seal of approval. But the best part was, instead of sidelining me to plating  he addressed me by my name and asked me to man the grill. I was really over the moon~!! This lecturer do not remember his students names easily. Heck, he doesn't even remember the names of my course mate who took classes with him last semester but he remembered mine after one day.

I hope this bodes well and may I always stay in his favor - since after all this is an 100% coursework subject. To stand out well would almost guaranty me an 'A' in his subject. 

First Impressions>??

Is it because the truth hurts>? I can't help but wince

I have always wondered what people thought of me. I always thought they did not matter but today I just realised that deep down...somewhere in my heart maybe I always did in so many levels.

I have heard many words that described me but I never thought that one day, someday I'd be called a bitch. Even though this was something she thought of me in the past I still felt a little hurt. We were talking and for once I'm glad for the cover of night.

Maybe it'd hurt because it wasn't just her thoughts... but to know what half of my class hated me when I first entered because personality wise, I was described like a bitch. Even though they mellowed out once they got to know me but don't you think its a problem>?

I was told that it was probably because of my attitude when it came to assignments and such. That I was being demanding and short tempered when working in a group. 

I realise that I can;t help getting  into that royally pissed mode people don't do their work. I don't think its too much to ask. I hate group assignments because I always end up being the one carrying the slack. But sometimes by the time I realise that I'm being "bitchy" its already too late.

So tell me. Is it that wrong for me to be selfish when it come to my studies>? I was always thought that when it came to my studies I should always put myself first before anything else because anything lower then CGPA 3.5 will not be paying for college.

Tell me. Have I being wrong? What am I supposed to do. Sometimes I feel lost amongst the world. Where is my place in all of this.

Is This Life

Writing this now, I am looking upon numerous unpublished post for my blog. I don't know why but recently I feel that something essential has been missing from my writing.

It used to be something that come so naturally. Now looking back, I miss the days where my classmate and I would sit down and spend hours discussing characters, their flaws etc

I seem to be losing my sync~ Any advise? I have no more time to dance, draw and pursue my other interest. I feel like sometimes I have a problem of putting my ideas into words. I used to day dream in class and scribble my ideas but it seems that I don't any more. Is it part of growing up>? I don't want to lose that side of me.

Living in campus I love my home so much more then before. Now is the beginning of my 4th semester and I will not waste a bit of it. I have to work harder to maintain an above 3.5 CGPA because recently I feel to a dangerously low CGPA of 3.58. 

Its hard to believe that I'm now entering my second year in college. Recently I have gained an interest in Jdrama/Kdrama more so then Anime. And I believe that this is not helping my studies. However no matter what I especially <3 Choi Siwon. Time flies so fast...even faster then ever. I'm already 19 but I still feel like I was just 17 yesterday.

Well if this gets published in my blog.......well its quite messy isn't it. Perhaps I need to put my thoughts in order.

Formula 1

I'm really looking forward for the month up ahead. Its almost like a whirlwind with everything. On the top of the list is the up coming F1 part time job. Surprisingly this time I was among those assigned for the kitchen. Even though we're DCA students but we're only in our third semester.

Honestly I don't think I can manage preparing food en masse for THAT large event but I'll do my best.

Of course there are also other stuff but it just vanished from my head. So there. Wish me Luck

Fear

Fear.

The feeling of your heartbeat thumping against your chest magnified a thousandfold.

Your hands shaking

The feeling of darkness closing in.

For the first time I feel the what others mean by the fear of driving. 

Unknowingly it grew until it begin to cast a shadow on my heart.

Its such irony 

Writers Block

I hate the feeling when I want to blog something and I can't for some reason. Sometimes I feel like my mind is unable to construct the topic I wish to blog about. So much to blog about and yet....

A nice example would be about my New Year trip two months ago which I doubt it will ever appear XXD

So there.

I'm also feeling particularly nostalgic recently as I am infecting my college friends with my all time favourite anime D.gray-Man and Code Geass. When I mean all time fav it really is as I strongly prefer manga.

Life's good for now, maybe I'll be making some apple tarts

Cheers. =)

Food & Travels

This year my family and I made our 5 hour return to Sungai Petani which "officially" was for prayers at an old chinese temple in Kepala Batas, a small town on the way. I've been going to this particular temple ever since I was a baby and my mom has been there since she was a baby and her mother before her so you can guess its pretty much a tradition.  

But... in all honesty it was most probably due to the ever awesome food. Food here is cheap (come on...where else are you going to find a bowl of noodles for RM2.80), delicious and generous in ingredients. The best part is...its still following the old recipe that been passed on from generations thus the authentic taste.

Photos by wenlynn-chin.blogspot.com

One of the best places to eat is a street in the old township called 'jee kay' or 2nd street. With plenty of hawker fare to choose from, here is where the best food on the whole of SP is located. But beware...you are strongly advised to come at 4pm as the food will be all sold out by 7pm. 

On second thought, people here must've really love their food to come at 4pm...

Some of my favourites are Song Song chicken (which by the way I swear is better than KFC), laksa, Ly chee kang, cendol,  popiah, lobak and not to forget the springrolls and the chai kwey here. These are not even half. You  may need to come for a few days to be able to sample everything.

Another great time to sample the food is during the morning. Opporsite 2nd street there is a multitude of old coffee shops but there is one particular shop which serves the best loh mee you could ever find. The secret was in the gravy that has the ideal consistency of neither too liquid or thick. However I don't think there will be many years left to enjoy the old man's loh mee as I have not seen anyone taking up his mantle. The same goes with the super delicious banana pancakes from a back lane street across the coffee shop

These are some of the best food that I enjoyed and hope to continue eating for many more years.

%&#$ you

Today I had experienced my first time as a restaurant manager...and boy do I suck. All the mental preparation came to naught as things change and you have adapt.

However I have much to thank my friends and also my co-worker/ classmates for their support. Now I need to analyse my mistake to see where have I gone wrong.

There was so many things that could've been done better. I was frantic when we had a last minute walk in of 8 VIP guest. I've also forgotten to prepare a soundtrack...and during the course of lunch, we did not do crumbing, change cutleries. I also felt like we were too slow and guests were kept waiting for too long.

But my biggest pet peeve today was the b*tch who ffk-ed me. Imagine if I did not have the additional walk in...what am I going to tell the lecturer? The whole world could ffk me buy never her. I hate the fact that I just got manipulated/ threatened by her. 

"Next time you guys also have commercial, also need people to help you, so help us this time, next time we can help you." 

This is her direct quote. I wasn't happy with the manner and tone she said this. I felt like she was threatening that If I did not attend hers, she wouldn't attend mine. So FINE I attend but in return she must attend mine. 

Even though we're suppose to collect payment first, I trusted you as a friend that you would come when you said you would. She didn't even have the decency to inform me. Don't promise if you can't because you;ll just be ruining people's life. She should know better as our course is 100% coursework s every single mark is important. 

Butterflies in the WInd

Have you ever felt how quick the time flies?

Time flies, I've always agreed with that. However, In recent years I felt it pass the quickest....16, 17, 18 and now 19. I felt like in no time, if I'm not watchful, I'll be an old lady before I achieved anything. =/

This semester is very stressful since I have the 'good fortune' for the Dean as my lecturer. Our practical class is where each of us take turns every week to be the manager and in turn manage an actual restaurant of 30+ pax. 

I am the first MOD (manager on duty) and the problem is that he expects things to go smoothly but he hasn't even met us - his students yet (for briefing..tutorials). 

I am hoping that things can go smoothly as this subject is  100% coursework which means we have to do well each and every week. With him...I somehow doubt it. Pray that I will manage well...

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On another topic...today I made French Onion Soup with Garlic Bread (serves 4) for breakfast. Just so you know...don't be intimidated by this recipe. Its one of the easiest to prepare and it is a personal favourite of mine. As usual, I didn't manage to get a picture again as it was gone is a split second.

Ingredient

1/4 cup butter

3-4 nos onions, sliced thinly

1 tsp sugar

1tbsp flour

2 1/2 cup of chicken stock

1 tbsp of white vinegar

Basil leaves

Method

Melt butter and sauté onions for about 10 minutes or until soft and brownish (not burned). While sauté-ing, add sugar. After that, stir in flour until it blended. Add water, stock and vinegar (Can be substituted with white wine if you have any). Reduce for about 10minutes and it should be ready to serve. 

In the meantime, garlic bread is a simple process of crushed/ chopped garlic + butter + basil leaves spread on normal everyday bread. It is then toasted in the microwave oven till brown =] Be careful as it is brown not black. 

P/S: Do be advised that each serving is western sized portion.

Challenges Ahead

Its the time again where semester begins and you are constantly feeling like sh*t and yet excited all the same

Throughout the holidays, I spent my time catching up with my various interests be it catching up with my novels, mangas, drama, trying out new recipes and of course my recurring addiction of Pet Society. Needless to say, my love for it is still as strong as ever. 

Today had been a fairly interesting day. I travelled back to my campus at Nilai to register for the new semester and I find it extremely annoying that the lady managing the Hospitality Counter isn't even from this department. I don't know whether to pity her or to get pissed with her. She is slow... inefficient and she doesn't even understand what I'm talking about. Things went downhill from here

bla bla bla I went back to my accomodation to find it sort of ransacked. They apparently have mistakenly assumed that my room is empty and proceeded to clear my room EVENTHOUGH the cupboard was padlocked and there was OBVIOUSLY signs of people living there. My bed was overturned, my bed sheets gone, items in my drawers cleared and dumped aside. 

This is a sign of the incompetence. How can you NOT know that someone is living there when I already PAID two months earlier. 

On a brighter note I have a GPA of 3.80 last semester with a result of 1 A and 2 A-....I'm happy but I am also disapointed as a classmate has managed to obtain a higher score than mine. This is brought my CGPA to 3.63...Not bad...I guess but I have to keep up.

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On another topic, I'd like to share a recipe thanks to a great friend of mine (who has also 'persuaded' me to continue blogging) 

Herb Marinade CHicken (serves 4)

4 chicken legs
1/2 cup chicken stock

1/3 cup olive oil 

1 tsp sugar

1/2 tsp soy sauce

1/2 tsp pepper

1/2 tsp cayenne pepper

2 tsp garlic

basil leaves

Combine all ingredients (amount is estimate) in a bowl

Marinade chicken legs

Preheat and Bake in oven at 180C for about 45 minutes

Its a really easy recipe that is currently a family favourite and so I'd like to share it in light of the soon to come festive season. I;d post a picture but its gone before I could so yeah...try it. 

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And also in light of the year of the dragon may your family be blessed with good health, peace and prosperity

W00t~ Semester Break is Here

The last few weeks have been very hectic with due dates flinging around, coursework grades and also *drumrolls* EXAM.

Today is the final paper (English) and I finished it with break neck speed (1 hour) just because I wanted to go home. Reckless aren't I?

Anyway, I think I did best in Workplace Communication. I scored the highest coursework grades from all the students taking it this semester with a brilliant 55/60~!! I'm trilled that I've beat Darren by one mark but I think he will soon catch up in the written test as he has always done.

I am however, honestly quite unprepared for my Food Safety exam. I hope I did well enough to score a B+. *praying* I am aiming to increase my CGPA this semester...hopefully.

I'm glad that I'm finally home.