27 July 2011

Memories...

As I was driving, heard a message coming in, on my green phone. Its either the banks or my sister. She is on the blue telco, so it is easier to call or send message to me on my green phone, which is on the blue telco too. Anyway, parked my car in the driveway before I read her message...
"In a sentence, which is object and which is subject?" 
My first reaction was, "Huh??"


Okay, suspects that it is related to Afnan's homework. We speak english but we don't care much about the rules. Quickly turned on the laptop and googled the information. I had better get the correct information before I embarrass myself in front of Afnan.


Simply said, "the subject is the person/thing doing the action", whilst "the object is the person/thing receiving or affected by the action". The verb will be the action.


Armed with that information, I returned her call. It turned out that she was doing HER 'arab' homework while waiting for her car to be serviced. Hahaha.. Afnan jugak yang kena!


This brought back memories of teaching english to adults. 

22 July 2011

22 July 2011

As usual these days, Faiz woke me up just before he leaves for work. I will trail after him and turn off all lights before I crawl back into bed and watched "Criminal Minds" on the laptop. Doze off and before I will only wake up when KA gets up. The doter is really serious about catching up on lost sleep while in college. 


Since it is almost too late for breakfast, I decided to pop into Z&I for a very early lunch (or so i thought!). There was a group of 'datins' already there getting packed lunch. I ordered nasi beriyani gam while KA asked for pecal and mee hoon. Somehow, the beriyani did not 'hit' me as the nasi hanith at Saba'.


Went home and pestered Faizal into sending Faiz's motorbike to SQ for repairs. Since it was already lunch time, no one was there to assist us. So Faizal went back while KA and I decided to continue into Nilai3. All KA wants for Hari Raya, is a kurung top to match the leopard design skirt that Kak Long gave her.


Went straight to our usual shop, toured the plain material section and finally decided on a matching piece. Luckily KA had the fore-sight to bring the skirt. After paying for the material, we crossed over to the other side of the road and straight into our favorite 'cotton-dress shop'. Hmm..not much selection yet. I guess they are waiting for next month when there will be a bigger exodus. Passed by the 'asam-titbit' shop. Bought KA some titbits. After that I went into another of my favorite shop to get some house coats and a dress for my little princess. 


Thought of going straight to Ani's house to send the material for tailoring but the weather was too hot and I was starting to feel tired. Got home, took a bath and turn on the air conditioner. Bliss..

21 July 2011

Be Thankful

Be thankful that you don't already have everything you desire. 
If you did, what would there be to look forward to?

Be thankful when you don't know something, 
for it gives you the opportunity to learn.

Be thankful for the difficult times. 
During those times you grow.

Be thankful for your limitations, 
because they give you opportunities for improvement.

Be thankful for each new challenge, 
because it will build your strength and character.

Be thankful for your mistakes. 
They will teach you valuable lessons.

Be thankful when you're tired and weary, 
because it means you've made a difference.

It's easy to be thankful for the good things. 
A life of rich fulfillment comes to those 
who are also thankful for the setbacks. 

Gratitude can turn a negative into a positive. 
Find a way to be thankful for your troubles, 
and they can become your blessings.

~Author Unknown~

12 July 2011

The Hug

There's something in a simple hug
That always warms the heart;
It welcomes us back home
And makes it easier to part.

A hug's a way to share the joy
And sad times we go through,
Or just a way for friends to say
They like you 'cause you're you.

Hugs are meant for anyone
For whom we really care,
From your grandma to your neighbor,
Or a cuddly teddy bear.

A hug is an amazing thing -
It's just the perfect way
To show the love we're feeling
But can't find the words to say.

It's funny how a little hug
Makes everyone feel good;
In every place and language,
It's always understood.

And hugs don't need new equipment,
Special batteries or parts -
Just open up your arms
And open up your hearts.

-author unknown-

07 July 2011

Maid Story - #5

After Sarah left, we had to resort to leaving the boys at the baby sitter. She is the mother of one of staff working at the workshop. It wasn't for long. She then offered the services of her niece, Ani. Ani was hardworking but a bit rough. But I guess, after fragile Sarah, everyone would look rough!


Ani is like any youngster. Every evening I come home from work to see, not only the boys all fresh and clean but Ani too was dressed up and face made up. I suspect that she is not all okay "upstairs". The children likes her though and she is also a great cook.


The only part that I could not tolerate about Ani was...she doesn't work weekends. That doesn't sound too bad actually but she only appears on my doorstep on monday morning. So every monday morning, I would anxiously look out the door to see if Ani has arrived. She goes off to her friend's house in Nilai and her normal excuse is.. there is no bus or the bus is late. It definitely affects my work schedule too. 


So I decided that I had to look for a more reliable maid. 

03 July 2011

Sayur Betik

If my friend Melati Tessier in US can cook it, I don't see why I can't. Inspired by the photo she put up in Facebook, I really wanted to cook this dish soon. And luck was on my side, when I saw daun selasih sold at the nearby pasar malam. I don't have green fingers and even when my late mother lovingly planted the pokok selasih in a pot for me to bring back to KL, it would eventually die! So each time I see daun selasih being sold at the pasar malam or mini market, I would grab a bunch. IF I managed to get an unripe papaya, I would make the dish. Otherwise, I love to rub the leaves between my fingers to get the oil out and breathe in the lovely aroma...


I got the daun selasih on friday, yesterday (saturday) I found the papaya at (of all places) MyDin. Didn't have the time to cook it yesterday, so early this morning I got the ingredients and cook the dish... 

Betik masak air with daun selasih and black pepper.




Pounded some onions, ikan bilis and black pepper (red chili - optional). Threw it in a pot of water and leave it to come to a boil. Meanwhile, I started on slicing the papaya (thick slices to ensure that it doesn't break in the boiling water). Threw that into the pot. Remove the selasih leaves from the stem and throw them in the pot too. Matikan api and let the leave layu in the hot water. Season to taste.


I shared the dish with my sister.