Elevenses "Tea-Time"

Ma Jeunesse - My Youth

2011-03-20T12:43:00.005+07:00

In my youth there are dangerous roads
In my youth there are sullen towns
Impulses in the emptiness of silent nights

In my youth when the night falls
is the swift passage of all hopes
I dance all alone in front of my mirror

But my youth looks at me seriously and says to me:
"What have you done with our time? What have you done with our precious hours? Now the winter wind blows."
In my youth there are beautiful beginnings
My heart trembles with the slightest glance
uncertainty at the end of the road

In my youth there are cracks
gliding flights in a state of drunkeness
landing in distress

But my youth looks at me severely and says to me:
"What have you done to our nights? What have you done to our nights of adventure? Now time is folding."

In my youth there is a prayer
a feat to say or do
a promise, a genre of mystery
In my youth there is a flower
that I picked with gentleness
that I grabbed hold of, frightened

But my youth looks at me cruelly
She says to me: "It is time to go"
I am returning to other stars
and I leave you at the end of your story.

Carla Bruni "Ma Jeunesse",
translation taken from lyricstranslate.com

Could you handle some heat? Let's have Spicy Thai Beef Curry then!

2011-03-02T08:47:00.010+07:00

Hi! Hello~

Lately I've been quite into cooking. Well, I did enjoy cooking, but never have I really fall in love with it like I do now. I don't know what started it, but before I realized it, I happen to have tried many recipes from books and cooking magazines (my favorite one is FineCooking) and also asked my mum and grandma to give me some real dishes recipes. ;)

And better, I started to cook my own meal on daily basis instead of just in some occasion. Well, still not everyday, I admit, but it's an improvement for me who kept having take outs like my life was depended on it (well, actually it was) before.

So, this is what I had for last dinner. Easy and quick to make, yet very satisfying! That's why I decided to post this for all of you to try it yourself. All the credits goes to Fine Cooking Magazine, from the 34th Best Issue: Soups and Stews. Maybe I'll try to post more from this magazine later, 'kay~

Spicy Thai Beef Curry
(serves four)

1 tbs. vegetable oil
1-1/2 lb. beef sirloin tips
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
1/2 cup thinly sliced shallots (about 2 medium-large)
1/4 cup finely chopped fresh ginger
1 to 2 tsp. Thai red curry paste
1/2 cup low-salt canned chicken broth
1 13-1/2-oz. can unsweetened coconut milk
1 Tbs. fish sauce
1-1/2 cups frozen sugar snap peas
1 large lime, zest finely grated and fruit cut into wedges
1/3 cup chopped fresh cilantro

*If you like spicy foods, use 2 tsp. curry paste; otherwise, use 1 tsp. curry paste—the curry will still have a kick to it.

Heat the oil in a 10-inch straight-sided sauté pan over medium-high heat. Season the sirloin tips with salt and pepper and sear the meat in batches until nicely browned on two sides, 1 to 2 minutes per side. Transfer to a plate.

Reduce the heat to medium. Add the shallots to the pan and cook until just tender and lightly browned, 2 to 4 min. Add the ginger and cook, stirring, until fragrant, about 1 min. Add the curry paste and cook, stirring, about 30 seconds. Stir in 1/4 cup of the broth, scraping up any bits that are stuck to the pan. Add 1/3 cup of the coconut milk, stirring until the curry paste has blended in completely. Stir in the remaining coconut milk and broth. Add the fish sauce.

Increase the heat to medium high. Return the beef to the pan (along with any juices), stir, and simmer until the meat is just cooked through, 8 to 12 min.

Take the pan off the heat. Remove the meat and transfer to a cutting board. Stir the sugar snap peas into the sauce and cover the pan. Let the meat rest for 1 min., then slice it thinly across the grain; return it to the pan along with the lime zest. If necessary, return the pan to medium heat until the peas are thawed and heated through.

Portion the curry into 4 warm bowls, sprinkle with the cilantro, and serve with the lime wedges.

(credits: finecooking.com)

Spicy Thai Beef Curry recipe in Bahasa Indonesia:

I used FRESH sugar snap peas instead of frozen ones and put two spoonful of the paste since I am quite the hot dishes lover. I let the sauce reduce a bit more to get the thick curry I like. Other than that, I follow it exactly as it is, and it's amazing! Oh, and I served it with rice, too. ;)

Well then, enjoy the meal!

Another Day in My Little Paradise :)

2011-02-28T17:49:00.005+07:00

'Allo guys! How have you been? :D

It's a quite lovely day today~ Woke up pretty early before the sun even rose and managed to spend my morning time watching Pride and Prejudice for the n-th time (I believe it's already my fifth or sixth time this year lol) while doing my elevenses tea-time 'ritual' as always. Then I chatted with my friends and did some blogwalking, and ended up entering three giveaway contests. Quite a great way to enjoy my life, eh? ;)

Btw, today I wore Molton Brown's Cool Buchu Eau de Toilette after shower. That kinda reminds me of the story about me and this 'lil fella. My dad brought it along with him when he went back from his work at Qatar (and I was also staying at my hometown for a while that time). I, being an ignorant person at times, didn't even see the packages and asked him if I could have it. Dad said yes and it fell right in to my possession.

The fragrance is really fresh, clean and, well, cool that I instantly head over heels with it even though it was quite a different addition to my collection (most of my perfume have these floral and other feminine traits). Later I know that this fragrance was actually made for MEN! Oh well, It already caught my heart and besides, I don't mind the tiny details. xD

Contains Guatemalan cardamom, zingy Italian tangerine and West Indian sandalwood. Visit here for more info.

Btw, I just bought three new books to keep me company this week, two Julia Quinn's and one Barbara Delinsky's. Here are what I got:

(Julia Quinn) Ten Things I Love About You
(Julia Quinn) Dance at Midnight
(Barbara Delinsky) While My Sister Sleeps

Quinn has been my favorite author since some month ago and her works are getting more and more crowded on my bookshelf. It might not be a long time 'till I have all of her works, I think. *lol* I, on the other hand, have never had any chance to know Barbara Delinsky's work before, and that's why I'm giving her a try. I hope this one can make me go all awe to her works. :)

Currently I'm reading "Ten Things I Love About You" and I might finish it this night. ;) Okay then, I'm signing off now~ See you on the next post! :D

Hugs and kisses.

Hi guys!

2011-02-03T16:13:00.009+07:00

So it's quite a time since my last post. Been thru a lot, but I can proudly say that I have achieved my title in Bachelor of Science last October (so I didn't graduate on July as I planned, but hell I don't care anymore). I am thinking of continuing my study to a master level but on the other hand I also need to try getting a real, I mean, REAL job now. You know, life expects me to do that as much.

Or maybe I could try doing stuff like freelancing or even start a small business so I can have the time to study? I don't know, yeah, maybe I can do that.

I'm thinking of starting a doll business actually. Preferably teddy bears. :)

but I think designing and making shoes for living also sounds great.

Ahem! Enough with the ramblings, a bit random here: I came to realize that I actually never have a real theme for this blog. I mean, how much people out there who want to read about rambling girl with no clear idea about what she talks about?

Now I can feel a frown forming on my face every time I visit my friends' blogs: they're doing fashion blog,techno-information, crafty-ideas, some of them talk about education and even politics! And they're doing great about it. You said I'm envious, yeah, I admit I am.

But, I really can't decide on what I should make this blog to be. Oh well, think I'll just try putting more useful posts starting now, not just some mere ramblings.

All the love and kisses. :)

Imagine

2010-04-29T19:11:00.003+07:00

Imagine there's no Heaven
It's easy if you try
No hell below us
Above us only sky
Imagine all the people
Living for today

Imagine there's no countries
It isn't hard to do
Nothing to kill or die for
And no religion too
Imagine all the people
Living life in peace

You may say that I'm a dreamer
But I'm not the only one
I hope someday you'll join us
And the world will be as one

Imagine no possessions
I wonder if you can
No need for greed or hunger
A brotherhood of man
Imagine all the people
Sharing all the world

You may say that I'm a dreamer
But I'm not the only one
I hope someday you'll join us
And the world will live as one

(John Lennon - Imagine)

Okay. I'm definitely watching Glee too much. Yay Glee, yay! lol *beams*

Okay That's It!

2010-04-25T19:37:00.005+07:00

Please help me I'm pretty stressed right now.

It's nothing bad, actually, just a thesis thing. The deadline's creeping closer to me by each day and I don't know if I could make it or not. It's like, hey, I just started it, why's the deadline in front of me already?

The pressure's too much. It's too much. *sobs*

(Before and After/When dealing with thesis.)

And the season change is not helping at all. One of the local newspaper article said that the temperature on some equator cities will raise for about 4-5 degrees Celcius due to some whatever wind (I can't remember the name) is persistently blowing on the equator area. Basically, when the city I currently live at (Bandung, INA) usually has about 26 to 30 degrees Celcius on dry season, it's 34 now. and it's hot. like. eugh!

Moreover, my body's not really suitable to hot temperature, it seems. Hence the constant headaches for the last three days. That, or my head is just too overloaded with this worrying about thesis thing.

(I hope I'm not going down into this situation. =A= *sighs*)

I WILL GRADUATE ON JULY! I WILL, I WILL! *chanted hundred times*
(Oh please make me graduate on this July.. *desperate wails*)

PayPal, anyone?

2010-02-03T22:24:00.003+07:00

I am currently in a deep thought about a question here:

IS PAYPAL ACTUALLY SAFE?

Any help about that, peeps? ‘Cuz I’m thinking of making an account, actually. :D

When We Were Little, When We Are Big..

2010-02-03T22:16:00.001+07:00

When I was little, I thought so many things, so many innocent things. Things like,

“What will I get on my birthday? Will my friends remember it?”

“When will my feet reach the ground while I sit?”

“When will I be able to bend my hand
when I hang it on the car’s hanger?”
(Ummm, what’s it name in English?
I don’t know, actually.. *sweatdropped*)

“Will papa bring me my favorite snacks?
Will mama buy me a new doll? “

”How tall will I grow?”

“What will this weekend's Doraemon
(or any other cartoon shows I loved) be about?”

“When will I start getting periods?
How will PMS feel like?”
(Okay, this one was when I almost graduate
from elementary school..)

… Yeah, innocent things like that.

I was sitting on the traffic when I suddenly remember these thought I used to have (I tend to have my mind wandering off somewhere when I am bored), and I wonder, how come the matters that filled my mind at the present time are completely different from they were? Where did those innocent things go?

Back then I was a girl whose imaginations run wild. I believed in everything. I trusted people. I was scared on anything scary. I laughed when I wanted to. Making friends was always easy.

But now everything changes. There’s some sacrifices needed in order to be an adult. Everything’s based on causalities now. Everything needs to be thought carefully. Everything has consequences. There's no such thing as a free lunch, people say. And that is true.

I really miss my childhood. I miss my childish thoughts. I miss my impulse act. Though being an adult has its own benefits, I can say that I miss my carefree being.

…

Yeah I could dream more then
I could believed more then
That the world could only get better
I could be free more then
I could pretend more then
That this life could only show me good times
Once when I was little

…

James Morrison – Once When I Was Little

Writer’s Block

2010-01-17T00:34:00.001+07:00

dire

need

some

brilliant

ideas

for

writing!!

… Yep, I officially announce you that I really, and I mean, REALLY hate writer’s block! Aaaaargh!

GOD please help meeeee.. *cries*

What's Love?

2009-12-22T22:16:00.004+07:00

Some say love, it is a river
that drowns the tender reed.
Some say love, it is a razor
that leaves your soul to bleed.
Some say love, it is a hunger
an endless aching need.
I say love, it is a flower
and you its only seed.

(LeAnn Rimes - Some Say Love)

I have to be honest. I don’t know what love is up ‘till now (not in that family love kind, you know which love I mean..).

Grilled Fish Sauted with Indonesian Sweet Soy Sauce

2009-12-20T02:41:00.011+07:00

Make way, make way, guys! Here comes ME!

*lol*

It's been a very, very long time since my last post, isn't it? So how're you hanging out there, guys? Hope your life for these past few months had been great, if not awesome. *smiles*

I couldn't say my past months had been that great. Well, okay, they're not awful either. Just busy. Yeah, like usual.

...Scratch that. It's not like usual at all! I had endure the most tiring, the most exhausting, the most-whatever-you-would-call-it months. I was a committee for one big event, I had a numerous assignments that almost made my brain damaged, my Deutsche course had been pretty rough lately, and, and..

*sighs*

But well, I have passed all of that! And now's the time for relaxing! Woo-Hoo!!

I'm planning on going to some place on the christmas and new year holiday. I want to go photo hunting, I want to feel the beach sands on my feet (after couldn't for some long time), I want to go away from the urban ruckus and relax my mind. I think I could go to Thousand Islands, Pangandaran, or better yet, Lombok. Hmm, which one, which one? :D

*lol*

Enough of that. By the way, lately I am thinking of starting a business. Not that fancy, just a small business to add some money to my allowance account. *lol* I had a shoes shop on my mind, but considering that the capital is not very supporting here, i have to shift my mind to a craft shop. A handmade one. Wish me luck on actualizing this plan, m'kay~

Okay, for this time's bonus, I would like to share an Indonesian Recipe I really love. Enjoy it! :)

---ooo---ooo---ooo---ooo---ooo---ooo---ooo---

Ikan Bakar Kecap (Grilled Fish Sauted with Indonesian Sweet Soy Sauce)

Ingredients:
• 500 g gouramy/gurame fish, cut the body*
• 1 lime, take the water

Grinded Ingredients:
• 8 shallots
• 3 cloves garlic
• 3 pecan
• 1/2 tbsp finely pepper
• 2 cm turmeric
• 2 cm ginger
• 4 red chilies
• 1 tbsp oil
• 1 tbsp sugar
• 1 block Chicken Broth
• Salt to taste

Smearing Ingredients:
• 2 tbsp Indonesian Sweet Soy Sauce**
• 1 tbsp Margarine

How to:
1. Sprinkle fish with lime juice then leave for 15 minutes.
2. Rub fish with grinded ingredients on the entire surface of the fish body and the interior thoroughly. Leave for 30 minutes.
3. Prepare the grill, then grill fish until golden brown.
4. Smear the fish with the mixture of sweet soy sauce and margarine, continue to grill briefly.
5. Serve while hot with cucumber, cabbage and tomatoes.

* you can substitute the fish with tuna, salmon, or whatever fish you want. I myself love to change it to tuna, my fave fish. :D
** it's a thick, almost syrupy consistency and a pronounced sweet, treacle-like flavor due to generous addition of palm sugar.

credits to: Original Indonesian Recipe

---ooo---ooo---ooo---ooo---ooo---ooo---ooo---

Oh, wow, I'm drolling right now.. *lol*

Well then, see you on the next post, guys!

Caramel Vanilla Latte

2009-09-28T10:24:00.009+07:00

Living in an urban lifestyle sure would cost us much money. For me, I HEART to drink lattes, but having it at café or such is a big no-no especially for now (I'm in saving-thy-money program, for my future study. *grins*). So, an instant one is my aid for my craving, but the taste is different! Somehow there's something missing if I just mix a packet of instant latte to hot boiled water..

So I searched for any tips to make my latte tastes more delicious, and here it is, one of the many results I found that I like most.

Caramel Vanilla Latte

3/4 cup hot water
1/4 cup hot milk
2 teaspoons vanilla instant coffee
1 tablespoon caramel flavored sundae syrup
1 teaspoon packed dark brown sugar
1 tablespoon whipped cream (optional)

Combine water, milk and vanilla instant coffee in large mug; stir until the coffee is dissolved. Stir in caramel syrup and sugar. Top with whipped cream. Serve immediately.
(Makes 1 serving)

It's delicious and very easy to serve. Try it! *smiles*

Hula!

2009-09-27T15:06:00.000+07:00

Wow, it's been quite a long time since my last post, eh? I actually have plenty of stories to talk about, starting with the coming of Ramadhan (a fasting month for Moslem), me getting left by the plane and have to wait for another 8 hours to get the next available one, this and that, and again, this and that, got a lot of assignments for my 2 weeks holiday, hadn't do it all yet 'till the last day of said weekend, and et cetera.

I have to be honest, I don't really want to write any of them (Just, puh-leease! It's troublesome to write it all now).

Oh, by the way, along with all that ruckus, I want to say,

Happy Eid Fitr 1430H!

Eid Mubarak!
May Allah bless our Ibadah at the Ramadhan (Amiin)

(I made some really nice cookies for the day!) Hehe..

By the way, I made another blog in Indonesian. Please visit it, m'kay~

Happy Independent Day Indonesia!

2009-08-17T06:00:00.007+07:00

I just want to say,

Happy 64th independent day, INDONESIAAA!!

I feel like singing now! Let's start the anthem!! *cheers*

Indonesia Raya

W.R Supratman

Indonesia!
Tanah Airku (My Land)
Tanah Tumpah Darahku (My Birthplace)
Di sanalah, aku berdiri (There, I stand)
Jadi pandu ibuku (to be my mother's support)

(note: the word 'mother' there is not literally mother. It refers to Indonesia. Ah, I bet you've already know what it means..)

Indonesia!
Kebangsaanku (my nationality)
Bangsa dan Tanah Airku (my race and my land)
Marilah kita berseru (Let us shout)
"Indonesia Bersatu!"(Indonesia united!)

Hiduplah tanahku, hiduplah negeriku (live my land, live my country)
bangsaku, rakyatku, semuanya.. (my race, my people, everyone)
bangunlah jiwanya, bangunlah badannya (get the soul up, stand the body up)
untuk Indonesia Raya!! (for Great Indonesia!!)

Refrain:
Indonesia Raya, (Great Indonesia)

merdeka! merdeka! (independent! independent!)

Tanahku, negeriku, yang kucinta (my land, my country, that I love)
Indonesia Raya, (Great Indonesia)
merdeka! merdeka! (independent! independent!)

Hiduplah, Indonesia Raya! (live, Great Indonesia!)
(2 times)

That's the 1st verse of the song and I roughly translated it to English. Pardon if I made any mistake on the translation. I'm a bit uncertain there, maybe I should put 'free' instead of 'independent' to translate the 'merdeka' word..

By the way, if you want to know all three verses of Indonesia anthem (in Indonesian, of course), you can see it here.

***

Indonesia, oh, Indonesia.. Wherever I will be in the future, you will always be in my heart.

I ♥ YOU
INDONESIA!

***

Happy Birthday Minda!

2009-08-10T03:20:00.003+07:00

Today is the day for one of my best friend, my 'editor', (and also) my partner in crime.. eerrr.. in writing novels, I mean..

The one and only, Minda-chan!! *hi5-ing*

お誕生日おめでとう、ミンダちゃん！

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!

I wish you all the best in this world,

I wish you can get all things you wish for!

Have a very, VERY GREAT birthday, Minda! XD

(I wish I could send you a birthday cake..)

Just For Laugh

2009-08-03T15:45:00.008+07:00

Who doesn't know Homer Simpson? Oh, well, if you say "I don't know him" then it couldn't be helped, but I'm perfectly sure there's a ton of people out there who know him. I myself am a big fan of The Simpsons and couldn't get bored watching it again and again (I wonder why).

Like usual, I was going through my messy files in my lovely Miel's brain (Miel is the name of my laptop) in order to rearrange this to that, to put this into that. Somehow in the middle of it, I found out a .txt file titled homer's quote. I opened it and reread it, and then I think, hey, I could post this thing to my blog! So here it is:

***

Homer's all time best quote ever!

1. Son, when you participate in sporting events, it’s not whether you win or lose: it’s how drunk you get.
2. Son, a woman is like a beer. They smell good, they look good, you’d step over your own mother just to Home Simpsonget one! But you can’t stop at one. You wanna drink another woman!
3. What’s the point of going out? We’re just going to wind up back here anyway.
4. I’m normally not a praying man, but if you’re up there, please save me, Superman.
5. Fame was like a drug. But what was even more like a drug were the drugs.
6. Books are useless! I only ever read one book, “To Kill A Mockingbird,” and it gave me absolutely no insight on how to kill mockingbirds! Sure it taught me not to judge a man by the color of his skin… but what good does that do me?
7. I hope I didn’t brain my damage.
8. Weaseling out of things is important to learn. It’s what separates us from the animals… except the weasel.
9. Kids, you tried your best and you failed miserably. The lesson is, never try.
10. How is education supposed to make me feel smarter? Besides, every time I learn something new, it pushes some old stuff out of my brain. Remember when I took that home winemaking course, and I forgot how to drive?
11. Old people don’t need companionship. They need to be isolated and studied so it can be determined what nutrients they have that might be extracted for our personal use.
12. Facts are meaningless. You could use facts to prove anything that’s even remotely true!
13. How could you?! Haven’t you learned anything from that guy who gives those sermons at church? Captain Whatshisname? We live in a society of laws! Why do you think I took you to all those Police Academy movies? For fun? Well, I didn’t hear anybody laughing, did you? Except at that guy who made sound effects. Makes sound effects and laughs. Where was I? Oh yeah! Stay out of my booze.
14. You don’t like your job, you don’t strike. You go in every day and do it really half-assed. That’s the American way.
15. Oh, I’m in no condition to drive. Wait a minute. I don’t have to listen to myself. I’m drunk.

***

I wonder what would the world be if everyone in this world thinks like him..

*lmao*

Oh, by the way, If you think that you are the one who made a post perfectly like this (okay, with some of your own words on the beginning and the ending, of course), feel free to comment below and tell me your name (or alias) and your page. I'll link this to yours. *smiles*

...

I need to improve my sense of people's property.

The Chandler Twins, Grotta Azzurra, and Jingga

2009-07-30T09:33:00.010+07:00

I don't know what's happening to me but I'm dying to read something romantic (again).

Maybe it's because I was just finished reading some works by Jude Deveraux (Okay, I finished them some months ago, to be exact)? She have been one of my fave writer since not very long ago. Being a historical-themed story fan I am, it's not taking a long time to make me fall deep in love with her works. So far I've only read The Twin of Fire and The Twin of Ice, but I do have some of her other works that I think I should stealing some time from my work/college to read them.

But I think I want to reread The Twin of Fire first..

I think I started reading this kind of novel (the genre, I mean) when I was at my first or second year of high school. It was for my literature class (here in Indonesia, we call it 'Bahasa Indonesia' class) assignment, which was to review a book or journal or story or such. Being the reader I am, I wanted to review something I hadn't read before. Thus, I chose an old Indonesian novel I borrowed from my school library, entitled Grotta Azzurra.

If I'm not remembering wrong, the author is Sutan Takdir Alisjahbana (it's an old Van Opheysen writing. It spelled Sutan Takdir Alisyahbana).

I didn't finish it on time to write my full review on the book. Too bad. Well, it was my own fault to choose something like that for a simple task of reviewing books (all my friends reviewed about novels they had read like Harry Potter, Darren Shan, etc., or simply a short story on magazine.. I should have done that too), but at least I got a high score for my review. *grins*

I could say the book's well written, especially when it's on the romantic scene. But since it also have some political debate in it, which was not really my topic back then, I felt it bored me a bit. I think I should reread it, now that I'm a bit into political matters.

Maybe after I reread The Twin of Fire (like I said before). *smiles*

Oh, by the way. My brother announced me that Jingga had died two days ago (or at least he told me that on the phone two days ago), saying something about problems with the water-pump on Jingga's aquarium. I should have known it when she gets restless and all (Okay, actually I don't know if Jingga's a she or a he. I'm just assuming things).

I hope my brother wouldn't fry her, though I bet he wouldn't. He's a bit.. umm.. fussy when it comes to the fish he eats. Yeah.

Seven Wonders of the World

2009-07-17T23:20:00.008+07:00

Hello guys!

I once was tagged by my friend for a note at my facebook account. I think the note is very, VERY beautiful so maybe sharing it would be a good idea. I write this on my own way, but it's nothing far from the original note.

***

A group of geography students were learning about the seven wonders of the world. At the beginning of the lesson, they were asked by their teacher to write down the list about the seven wonders.

Not very long after the teacher asked the students to hand down their task. When it was handed down, the teacher couldn't help but looking for one of his female student. She was so quiet and hadn't hand her task down yet.

So the teacher asked the girl, do you have any problems on writing the list?

The quiet girl answered, yes, I have a problem to write the list. There're too much to mention...

Amused, the teacher said, okay, let's try to tell the class anything you have on your mind, maybe they can help you to choose.

Hesitantly, the girl then tell her friends about what she thought.

I think, the seven wonders of the world are:
01. be able to see
02. be able to hear
03. be able to touch
04. be able to care

The girl was quiet for a moment before she continued it.

05. be able to feel
06. be able to laugh, and
07. be able to LOVE and be LOVED.

The whole class could only be silent after hearing that..

!! The Point is:
Sometimes we forget about the true wonders we already have on our own and demands for the other wonders which is actually just a fake.

***

Hehe.. how do you think?

That's it for this time's post. See ya on the next one! *grins*

Doubt

2009-07-14T21:25:00.010+07:00

I'm having doubt on my capability right now. I don't think I could master anything or.. well, anything to make people look at me with awes in their eyes. Not that I love attention that much, no, but still..

It's like.. do I actually have talents at all? Sure some of my friends deem me as someone who can do.. umm.. something, but that's all. I draw and paint but I find that it's not stable at all. I sing but there're so much people who sing better than me, and just right around me (I'm not talking about professional singer here). I play the piano but it's just so-so. I do basketball but I would be quickly fatigued. I craft and knit and do girly chores but I got bored not long after. I'm not very good at talking my thoughts, so I couldn't debate or such. And so on..

Really here, what am I capable to do right, after all?

*sighs*

Maybe I expect myself too high?

... So what if I expect myself too high? It's alright, isn't it? *grins* And because I'm sort of an ambitious person, I would try harder to make it true.

Maybe it's just a matter of time. Wish me luck on making myself better! *smiles*

Oh, check out this month's quotation, m'kay?

Does Your Name Fit You?

2009-07-13T11:13:00.009+07:00

I'm utterly bored and this PMSing thingie makes me feel a bit down (and I hate it). My muse said, 'Hey, try something to lighten your feelings up!' So I did. Well, look what I found here:

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Does your name fit you?

H: makes people laugh
A: has a smile to die for =)
N: easy to fall in love with
N: easy to fall in love with
Y: Fuckin Sexy

A: has a smile to die for =)
R: very romantic
Y: Fuckin Sexy
U: is loved by everyone
N: easy to fall in love with
D: great friend
A: has a smile to die for =)

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A: has a smile to die for =)
B: is a nerd at times
C: can kick ur ass
D: great friend
E:Has beautiful eyes
F: wild and crazy
G: HOTT
H: makes people laugh
I: bestt boyfriend or girlfriend
J: is really sweet
K: gorgeouss
L: can be funny and dumb at times
M: nice butt
N: easy to fall in love with
O: has one of the best personalities ever
P: popular with all types of people
Q: likes somone
R: very romantic
S: very very good kisser
T: is very open minded
U: is loved by everyone
V: not judgmental
W: very hot
X: never let people tell you what to do
Y: Fuckin Sexy
Z: makes dating fun

REPOST WITH: does ur name fit u??and something lucky will happen 11:36 TONIGHT

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Hahah, it's very useless, indeed. And here I did it. *grins*
Whatever. At least I feel a bit happier now.
Does it fit me? I myself don't feel it really fits me.. Especially the Y part. It made me laugh, really!

But I do really hope the N alphabet is true.

...
Oh, actually I don't really believe the last part, but heck, I'll post it that way.
So, how about you? Does your name fit you?? :D

My Dream Pets

2009-07-12T13:59:00.011+07:00

I'm thinking of having a cat. Preferably short haired breeds. I think Russian Blue or Sphinx would be a CUTE choice. *smiles*

Okay, I know that Sphinx' hair is very, very short it looks like it is hairless, but see? So cute, isn't it? And very unique too!

Too bad I don't know where I could find them. Never see a pet shop selling these breeds.

...

I want to pet a dog too. The one with wolfish figure, like Siberian Husky or Alaskan Malamute.

I don't know what the differences between these two breeds are, and I don't plan on searching out. *grins*

But it seems that it would be very hard for me to pet a dog. *sighs*

So I think I should be satisfied on my pet goldfish named Jingga for now. *grins*

Writing Life and Vanilla Ice Cream!

2009-06-28T08:50:00.013+07:00

I love to write.

Well, okay, not when I'm forced to, but still, I can say that I love to write. Just give me a pen and some papers, and I would fill it with my oh-so-nice handwriting *grins innocently* about whatever I want to write, and some drawings for a bonus.

Well, that IS writing. Litterally.

But actually, writing for me (and maybe also for you and some other peoples) doesn't only mean a pen meets a stack of papers. Fingers meet keyboard buttons of a computer/laptop will do, too! Just open the office applications or any other writing tools, dance your fingers along the keyboard, and voilà! You'll have your writings on screen.

(Obviously, duh!)

Hahaha, enough with the lame attempt at joke. What I trully meant by 'doesn't only mean a pen meets a stack of papers' is that I write my life. Confused? (Me too, actually..) Lemme explain it. *smiles*

I did (and still do) so much things in my entire life. Everything that had been happening to me, the drama (yep, I've seen a bit much drama in my life, for real), the comedy, the adventure, etc., is considered as the scenes in my story called life that are needed to be continued. So then, I continue it.

By continuing it, I have to make my future scenes more brighter, no? Everyone loves happy scenes, however hard they deny it. To make it brighter, I will write EVERYTHING that I think is the best, and the most lovely for me. That way I could live my life to the fullest, and have my days as the happy and enjoyable days.

And so I do. I write the scenes of my life about whatever I dream of. I ENJOY my life very, veeeery much! *smiles widely*

But of course, there would be a controller in my writing, so it won't go out of control.

Like this one.

Just ten days ago I heard that one of my most favorite singer is gone forever. Yeah, I'm talking about Michael Jackson. I just went home from work (field work/practice) when I heard the news, and was just start eating my lunch. The TV was on (as always at my home) so I could hear whatever they're talking about.

As usual, I didn't really care whatever they say (I started to believe that TV programmes are full of bullsh*t. Okay, aside of news), but when I heard some words like, Jacko, passed away, heart attack (well, it's the common way to say Cardiac Arrest), etc, I couldn't help turning my head and my ears to the said technology.

I remember that I was dumbstruck upon hearing the news. I stopped spooning my lunch, I even stopped chewing! I remember I whispered 'What? SERIOUSLY?' to myself, and I couldn't believe it at once. God forbid how dumb I looked at that time. Maybe if I didn't aware that there're some people around me, I would cry to my wits end (Okay, I'm being overly dramatic there, but still, maybe I would, a little..).

The reason I couldn't believe it at first is simple: I was listening to some of his songs and even singing along with them just the night before! And also, at the same night (still the day before the news), I was just reminiscing some songs with my mum and we had a bit long talking about him (Yeah, mum love him very much, too. She even cried a little when she heard the news). I know it's silly, but, hey! I really love his songs, and knowing that I can't hear it anymore from the singer himself, I just can't help but feel terribly sad.

The thing is, I always wanted to go to his concert since I was little. I remember some of his concert when I was little, and that time when I watched him on the stage with numerous of children, I couldn't help but wishing I would be there, too, grabbing one of his hands and join him to sing 'Heal the World'.

That was when I was still a kindergarden student, or an early elementary student. I can't remember. And up till now that I'm already 21 y.o, I'm still wishing to meet him and sing with him. Well, okay, up till I heard the news.

Now I just can say, goodbye, M.J, rest in peace..

...

Okay, what's the point of my talking about M.J here, actually?

Like I said before, I write my life. And one of my scene that I wrote is that I could actually see M.J myself, with my eye, and sing with him. But my 'editor' says the other thing. Now I have to delete the scene and deal with it, no matter how I really want to have it in my story titled 'LIFE'. I know that He has another ideas to brighten the story somehow.

And by His direction, I know my story would have a happy ending (of course, if I keep following His direction), just like how I love my other stories (a.k.a novels/short stories) to end with. I hope so.

The essence of this time's post is the following: Write the best for your life. No matter how far it will go, no matter how impossible it will be (hey, the impossible itself said that i'm possible! *grins*). By writing the best, such as, making a higher goal, we'll give the bigger attempt to make it true! However, if God says the other thing, do not be down. It's okay, and it will pass. At least the feeling of loss. Remember, after dark, there will always be light.

And don't think that it's just you who got it. There're many others who lose something too, therefore you are not alone! Just think positive!

...

Wow, I should thinking about being a counselor now. *lmao*

Oh, well.. *smiles*

Btw, as I promised, I would post a recipe this time. I've went through my recipe collections and decided that I would post this one. Nothing too fancy, though. Again I'm very sorry because I don't remember where I took this from (I didn't type it on the recipe document *sweatdrops*). I googled the images as usual. *smiles*

Enjoy!

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Homemade Vanilla Ice Cream Recipe

Here are two different kinds of recipe for Homemade Vanilla Ice Cream.The first is made with a custard base (eggs and cream) and the second is a 'quick' recipe ideal for kids!

CUSTARD BASE RECIPE
Ingredients:
- 4 egg yolks
- 1/2 pint (250ml) milk
- 1/2 pint (250ml) double/heavy cream
- 4 oz (100g) sugar or caster sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract (or according to taste - everyone's different!)

First of all scald the milk (bring slowly up to boiling point in a saucepan). Separately, mix together the egg yolks and sugar until thick. Pour into this the hot milk, whilst continuously stirring. Then pour the mixture back into the pan and heat gently, stirring until the custard thickens - DO NOT BRING TO THE BOIL OR IT WILL PROBABLY CURDLE. When you can see a film form over the back of your spoon it's time to remove the saucepan from the heat. Leave to cool. This is the custard base and one you can use in many other recipes. When the custard base is cold, stir in the cream and vanilla extract, then transfer the whole mixture into an ice cream maker and freeze according to the manufacturer's instructions.

HOMEMADE VANILLA ICE CREAM RECIPE FOR KIDS (or anyone wanting something quick and delicious!)
Ingredients:
- 1/2 pint (250ml) single/light cream
- small tin of condensed milk
- 1-2 teaspoons vanilla extract (according to taste)

Pour all ingredients into a mixing bowl and mix until smooth. Transfer the whole mixture into an ice cream maker and freeze according to the manufacturer's instructions.

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Wow, this sure is the longest post I've written so far. Can I make a longer post? Let's see on the next posts then..

Till then! *smiles*

My New Fragrance!

2009-06-09T20:53:00.013+07:00

Yellow, guys! (somehow I remember Homer Simpsons after I wrote that..)

These two days have been the... I-don't-know-how-to-describe days for me. I go out from my house at seven and quarter a.m. (not that I mind it much, for I'm very used to it.. Heck, I always go out at six on my almost daily basis before!), arrived at eight, waiting till half to nine for my collegues to show up (though I love it when I'm all alone at the office), have a not-that-busy time till half to one p.m. doing this and that thingie for my field practices, have some break till two, waiting for another half hour for the office room to fill up, and doing some things till four. And I always got headaches as a souvenir. And now (when I write this post), I have just been in the office for two hour on my third day of field practice.

It's just three days and I've already make a resolution: I will never, EVER want to be a government employee. Why? Because it's sooo not my style. There I say it.

Whatever.

Ah, by the way. My dad went back home from his work at Qatar yesterday for the next three weeks. Dad bought me a perfume called Hypnose Hypnotizing Elixir Lancome Perfume. My mum got three perfumes, I don't know what they are, haven't see them yet. I really adore the parfume I got. I love the smell!

That means I have a new piece for my collection of perfume. Well, okay, I just started it two or three months ago, but luckily I already have plenty for a newcomer, such as:
- Anna Sui Dolly Girl On The Beach Perfume,
- Flower by Kenzo (This one is ancient! *lol* I love this one 'cause my mum used to wear this perfume.),
- KenzoKi Bamboo Leaf by Kenzo
- Christian Dior Dune
- Angel Heart Perfume by Clandestine

I once had a Donna Karan's perfume too, but forgot what's its name. Maybe I'll search for that later. And, oh, I'm searching for any Lily of the Valley perfume (or bath fragrance, I like it too). Any good advice for me about the brand I should pick? *grins*

I wish someone would give me a nice smelling perfume as a present.. *grins* My dad and my brothers are out of count. Why? Because they're my family. (It's a nonsense, I know, but deal with it). And, my mum wouldn't give me perfume as presents. She would just give it to me in order to make me smelled nicer, so it's not a present. My little sister is too young to give me perfume as presents.

Hehehe..

Oh yeah, I've changed this month's quotation. I like it so much! Hope you do too! *smiles*
Maybe I'll put a recipe for the next post. I'll think about it.

Till then! *smiles*

At Last!

2009-06-04T16:15:00.007+07:00

Oh, oh,

I can't stop this happy feeling! I've got rid all the sh**ty assignments, I've went back to (and am still at) my hometown, and I have my leisure time on my grab! Not to mention, my birthday is tomorrow!

What should be the perfect word to describe this feeling? Hmm..

Aha!

"Yipppeeeee!!" *rotfl*

...
Okay, I know it's not even a word. Sue me, I don't care (Oh but please don't *lol*), 'cause you can't make me less happy. *grins*

Oh, My.. What Some Long Months Indeed!

2009-05-31T20:56:00.023+07:00

Hi-ho, guys! *smiles*

It's been quite a long time since my last post, no? Well, lately I got no time to do my postings, due to some assignments I'm forced to do for this semester. Those horrible assignments, ohh.. *goosebumps* And they have feet, I swear! They're always running around and chasing me and, ..and yelling, 'HEY! THE DEADLINE IS TOMORROW, SO STOP FOOLING AROUND AND DO IT!'

Okay, okay, I admit it, that was partly my fault to begin with.. I just left the assignments untouched 'till they came to me and yelled those horrible words I typed on CAPS above. And with them haunting me all the day and the night just before the deadline, I just couldn't deny them anymore so I had to do them right there and then (Oh, don't get any wrong ideas in that sentence, please..). I don't know why, but it seems that all my great ideas come when I am under pressure. Humm, maybe I should say this in a cooler words. An adrenaline rush? Well, yeah, maybe.

They said all sanguins (I'm a sanguin, from what I know) are just like that, and I couldn't help but agreeing.

Hehehe. *grins*

God, I feel that these past two months are very, very long months I've endure in my entire life. Oh, okay, I'm using hyperbole there. Not that long, actually. It's just.. long. Well, whatever. It's just, I got no workshop class for this semester and yet I got the equal amount of assignment like those semester when I did the workshop. Just what did I take anyway?

Oh, right. Urban Design. Along with Regional and Urban Modelling.

Not that I regret taking those classes. They're really fun, actually! Well, they're just not that nice if you look on the other way around.

I'll tell you why.

Urban Design's always smiling at me on the very first time we met, alluring me with her sweet words (somehow in my mind, I got the feeling that this class should be feminine) and made me couldn't drop the class when I had the opportunity. Well, okay, all the time I spend with her is very fun, though by no means is also very tiring. I got to do some observations to the place I've never been before, made plenty designs, made plenty plots, etcetera. New experiences for me, new knowledges for me, and old aches on legs, back, and most importantly, brain, also for me. Not to mention the final assignment made me worry too much, and I hate the worrying me. I should be doing it now (yeah, I haven't finished it yet), but here I am, trying to prolong my time to deal with it. *sighs*

On the other hand, the Regional and Urban Modelling sounds very cool for me at first. He looks at me with a pair of very mysterious eyes (yeah, this one has more masculine trait, it seems), making me melt with curiousness. He's very mysterious that I EVEN DO NOT KNOW what he will talk about, and being the often-indifferent-girl I am, I don't make any attempt to find out. So, yes, without my proper investigation about him, I soon was caught in the subject I'm not very good at: Advance Planning Analysis Methods. Oh, c'mon, who the hell is talking about.. those things with a girl anyway? Regression with dummy variables? Coefficient of determination? Give me a break!

But still, I would say I'm happy to know them. Like I told you before, they're nice. *smiles*

Oh, yeah, by the way, since my semester is almost done now, it's just a matter of time for me to have two and half months for myself. My lovely beach, here I come!

...
Scratch that. I still have to do my field practices (kerja praktek) on my summer holiday. Oh, cruel, cruel major I got. Indeed. Luckily, a government office has already accept me to practice with them, and they're located at my own hometown! Maybe I can still visit my lovely beach on the weekends? I hope so.

Oh, oh, my birthday is coming soon! What will I do? What will I do??
Humm.. going out for a dinner with my whole family sounds great. Maybe I'll do that. *smiles*

Till next time, guys! Ta-ta for now!