Experimented with macarons on Wed, after students were dismissed and I've checked I have nothing else much to do. So headed up to the kitchen and started preparing the materials. Took me a while cos I put the egg whites in the chiller such that they became almost frozen....
So weighing materials and waiting for it to thaw took a while. Then started. Blend at high speed, then added in the almond flour. But as my collegue observed, I didnt beat the egg white stiff enough so the mixture is more watery. That gave me problems when piping onto the baking paper. It flowed around too much and couldnt hold the circular shape. So all became non-circular though they started out as circular.
Then the baking also had problems cos if they are put in the 2nd rack, they end up as caramelized biscuit textures. Only those in the 1st rack resembled the macarons but also the baking time doesnt seem to match up in those internet recipes...
All these just means I need to refine the steps and certain processes. The partial success comes from the making of the matcha filling for the cream. Followed the buttercream recipe and it tasted alright except I should have used unsalted butter. So can taste the butter cos can taste the saltiness of butter I guess. Threw some of the excess failure macarons and brought the rest home.
I just ate some with sister, Geoky. She says that it tasted like biscuits, which is in itself a failure, cos there are 2 types of macarons. One is more biscuit texture, the other is the common soft in centre, sandwich-type found all around. Err... hopefully tomorrow I can have a re-match.
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I was asked if I would be attending the JET dinner, I didnt turn down partly cos I skipped the last one. Also, can find out about the JET programme by speaking to ex-JET members. So I agreed and made changes to my normal schedule to accomodate the dinner timing due to clashes.
So thankfully the school sponsored the cab ride and we headed there. While travelling down, I kept yawning and almost dozed off. Its at that point, when fatique catches up that one regrets in a sense, agreeing to go for such events.
There I saw familar faces of the upcoming batch of JET who came to visit us just about 2-3 weeks ago. Remember being damn tired, partly cos that week quite a lot of activities in most of the classes I had to go into, partly bring them around and have to speak to them to elaborate and answer their questions. So was really stoned by that weekend.
Good luck to them heading to Japan this Sunday to start their 1 year contract over there. They are not going into cities but are mostly assigned to suburban towns... something like Muar or Segamat I guess from what I've gathered from talking with an ex-JET. Imagine, whole town quite small, the "Orchard Road" of Segamat is the sole department store type scenario. Something like that. Not that I cant adapt to that, but those city-dwellers / true-blue Singaporeans might not be able to manage.
So I've gathered some more info about the JET programme. I am unsure if to sign up for the next intake. Mainly because things are NOT as rosey NOR as easy as it seems.
One has to really put aside everything here, leave family, maybe come back once a year or even none at all in the duration.
Also, there's the issue of living alone in a suburban town. The whole issue of lonliness and how to pass time is there and its a pretty strong one. Hence really absence makes the heart fonder.
There's the whole thing about what to do after work. Cos if you live in a suburban town, picture Segamat, its pretty boring after a while. Plus not everywhere is wired perhaps only at schools. So stay longer hours to use internet. Perhaps really nothing much else to do after-work and more other issues, like dropping everything including employment, obligations, even things like telephone bills etc for a year or perhaps two.
Then coming back and having to start looking for a job again. From what I've heard, up to 90% of them become Teachers through joining moe after the programme. Well dont think I will be following in that.
I am comfortable in my new workplace and after speaking with the ex-JET, am glad to know that basically I am doing my job cos what I am doing now is what they are doing and I personally think I have done more in terms of the lesson delivery and also planning, even making of resources. Also just after 1 year of working, head over there and work 1-2 years, come back and look for job again... Unless of course, I have their blessing and also assurance that I can come back to this job again, which I dont mind.
Its not a simple "Just go" or "You should really go" because its me who'll be going through with it, living there daily. Not that it wont be exciting, eye-opening or good experience, its more of the "I have to make sure its 100% my own choice and decision in this matter", I dont want to be swayed to make a decision because those above issues, I will be the one living through it everyday. Its not a simple decision.
So I still have time to think more about it over the 1 month holiday. Let me focus on getting a rest.
Thursday, July 29, 2010
Sunday, July 25, 2010
7th Year of Jap and Graduation Ceremonies
Finally after 7 consecutive years of jap lessons, it has come to an end. At least for me. I will be taking a short break of 1 year before signing up for the JPLT exam next year. Think it might be 3N or 2. Dunno if can do both consecutively?
Anyway cos last year I remembered there were 3 level 6 ladies and they actually wore gowns to the ceremony. Tab and I decided to go the other direction. Punk-rock I guess from what we were wearing. She punk, I rock. Anyway I arrived at the stipulated time and it turned out the timing was 1hr later. So met up with Tab and her df for lunch PS Hot Tomato. Its good and definitely filling. The pork chop and chicken chop were very nicely done. We talked until it went slightly beyond the time of the ceremony. As we are in the last level, based on the past years experience, we were the last to receive the certs.
We entered, about an hour late. Cos the info I saw was 2.30pm. But on another info it started at 2pm. Err we walked in and it was at level 5. We settled down a bit and soon it was level 5b. Soon it was our turn. Surprisingly they didnt go by alphabetical order and called Tab first. Then me. Got our 5s of 'fame'. This year they opened a translation class and also awarded those who attended it, so Tab got another cert. After the full attendance award (which both of us hadnt gotten for years), it was time for the top of the level. The irony is that its really 50-50 since there's only 2 of us. Tab expected me, I expected her. And they called out my name so I got another 5s of fame. The prize turns out to be a book. Its about 100 questions regarding why Jap do certain things in a certain way and explains. Thankfully it comes in both jap and eng. So I did read through on my way home on the bus.
We didnt have to rush for the food much, cos since we are in level 6, for the group photo taking, we were the last, so could head to the queue and get food. Also for the first time, wasnt starving cos of full lunch, so took just a bit of the dessert. 1 smoked salmon bread, 1 pitschato cake, 1 pear mini tart, 2 scones. Scones are nice, with the cream and the raspberries jam. After that we took a few photo with our sensei who's returning to jap after 3-4 years here. Then after we were done, we headed off.
I went to PS and at the carrefour, I bought 1.5kg of cooking chocolate for just about $10 thinking of the amount of chocolate dishes I was aiming to try out. So will store it and use it slowly. Took off my jacket, took bus home, reached home very stoned. Had to wash out the hair styling clay in my hair and take out contacts. After bathing, went to help dabao dad's dinner. Then conked out in bed. Fell asleep and woke up rather late around 9.30pm.
Started on the mud pie. The melting of the chocolate took very short time this round. Hmm but after that adding the condensed milk, got clumpy. Then things got downhill, the instant pie filling didnt solidfy as much as intended. It was rather watery. So had to heat it and even after still watery. so did what I could to pour it over the pie, and chuck into the chiller section. Not sure if it would work out but have to see how after several hours in the fridge can help it solidfy or not. If not, its the chute.
Anyway cos last year I remembered there were 3 level 6 ladies and they actually wore gowns to the ceremony. Tab and I decided to go the other direction. Punk-rock I guess from what we were wearing. She punk, I rock. Anyway I arrived at the stipulated time and it turned out the timing was 1hr later. So met up with Tab and her df for lunch PS Hot Tomato. Its good and definitely filling. The pork chop and chicken chop were very nicely done. We talked until it went slightly beyond the time of the ceremony. As we are in the last level, based on the past years experience, we were the last to receive the certs.
We entered, about an hour late. Cos the info I saw was 2.30pm. But on another info it started at 2pm. Err we walked in and it was at level 5. We settled down a bit and soon it was level 5b. Soon it was our turn. Surprisingly they didnt go by alphabetical order and called Tab first. Then me. Got our 5s of 'fame'. This year they opened a translation class and also awarded those who attended it, so Tab got another cert. After the full attendance award (which both of us hadnt gotten for years), it was time for the top of the level. The irony is that its really 50-50 since there's only 2 of us. Tab expected me, I expected her. And they called out my name so I got another 5s of fame. The prize turns out to be a book. Its about 100 questions regarding why Jap do certain things in a certain way and explains. Thankfully it comes in both jap and eng. So I did read through on my way home on the bus.
We didnt have to rush for the food much, cos since we are in level 6, for the group photo taking, we were the last, so could head to the queue and get food. Also for the first time, wasnt starving cos of full lunch, so took just a bit of the dessert. 1 smoked salmon bread, 1 pitschato cake, 1 pear mini tart, 2 scones. Scones are nice, with the cream and the raspberries jam. After that we took a few photo with our sensei who's returning to jap after 3-4 years here. Then after we were done, we headed off.
I went to PS and at the carrefour, I bought 1.5kg of cooking chocolate for just about $10 thinking of the amount of chocolate dishes I was aiming to try out. So will store it and use it slowly. Took off my jacket, took bus home, reached home very stoned. Had to wash out the hair styling clay in my hair and take out contacts. After bathing, went to help dabao dad's dinner. Then conked out in bed. Fell asleep and woke up rather late around 9.30pm.
Started on the mud pie. The melting of the chocolate took very short time this round. Hmm but after that adding the condensed milk, got clumpy. Then things got downhill, the instant pie filling didnt solidfy as much as intended. It was rather watery. So had to heat it and even after still watery. so did what I could to pour it over the pie, and chuck into the chiller section. Not sure if it would work out but have to see how after several hours in the fridge can help it solidfy or not. If not, its the chute.
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
Liquer Truffles - 1st try
I started on the designated Liquer truffles last night, after dinner. It was about near 8pm when I started. Didnt know whether my mom had a double boiler. Hence did the alternative, a mixing bowl over a pot of boiling water but water doesnt reach bottom.
Took freaking long for the chocolate chips to start melting. It was actually easier making this batch which is meant for the inner core of the chocolate. Its chocolate with a bit of butter, and 200ml of cream. Then it is stirred until its smooth looking.
Then the second time I melted chocolate. This was starting from 11.30pm plus all the way until past 12am, took a long while for it to soften. Finally the sleepy me decided to add a bit of milk to aid the melting process. Which did and it resembled this thick gooey dark mud you see below.
Took freaking long for the chocolate chips to start melting. It was actually easier making this batch which is meant for the inner core of the chocolate. Its chocolate with a bit of butter, and 200ml of cream. Then it is stirred until its smooth looking.
The chocolate is split into two containers and supposedly 1 tablespoon of alcohol eg coffee liquer or cream liquer is added each cointainer. I added that, stirred in but felt its too little. So chug a bit more. Think about 4 tablespoon or so worth. So its definitely not alcohol-infused chocolate, its Alcoholic chocolates.
Dug out the alcoholic chocolate after about 3hrs in the chiller but cos by then its already nearing 12am. I was just trying to dig out as fast as I could and then used 2 teaspoons to shape it into roughly ball like. Cos cant use hands, just melts easily. Then quickly chug back into the chiller cos starting to soften....
Then the second time I melted chocolate. This was starting from 11.30pm plus all the way until past 12am, took a long while for it to soften. Finally the sleepy me decided to add a bit of milk to aid the melting process. Which did and it resembled this thick gooey dark mud you see below.
Took out the clumps of ball-like chocolate from chiller again and used a small jelly skewer and held out one and spoon clumps of gooey milk chocolate over it. So have to work fast cos the alcoholic core started to soften again. Then line up on a grease-proof cooking paper on plates. Then all of those went into the chiller and freezer. And began cleaning up all the utensils, table, plates, bowls used that have chocolate stains and droplets here and there.
While cleaning, I hear some noise, thought it was something fell and scrapped against the wall but it persisted and I went out after I was done. Shortly after I got a fright by sighting a cockroach while I almost walked into the kitchen to brush my teeth and stuff. It scuttled into the kitchen and I cautiously took out the Bygone insecticide with the long thin nozzle and waited outside in the living room. After about ten minutes, I sighted it near the slippers. Crept forward carefully and sprayed it. Then run backwards. Continued watching tv, to see if I had missed and it comes crawling out again for a second shot. Later my mom woke up and Geoky followed her into the kitchen. Saw the cockroach lying on its back, almost dead. So I went to brush my teeth. Not exactly sure which number is this but I think its about 5-6th one I've killed thus far with that Bygone since I bought it. So Daliban wins 6-nil against Cockroaches.
This morning, I took the entire batch of chocolate, dug them apart from the paper and put into 2 plastic bags and a container each, then chug back into the freezer section. Took one to try. It actually is okay except its tooooooooooooo sweet. Also it didnt resemble a ball. It looked like either mudballs or piles of dung. Why? Cos the coating of milk chocolate was uneven and also the excess pooled and solidified at the base when its put on the grease paper. Then all of that solidified and really resembled bobs of mud/dung. I took one and tried. Its very sweet and also definitely alcoholicy. Had the idea of shaping then into balls later on.
Spoke with my local collegue who mentioned I should roll them and maybe coat with cocoa powder (which I still have from the tiramisu) So after work, I bought a small box of mini baking cups. Got plastic gloves and went about shaping the chocolate dung into chocolate balls. Then rolled them over the cocoa powder thickly and put into a baking cup.
By now I cant remember which batch is the Kahlur ones and which is the Caramel Baileys. But its definitely more platable now. Except some cocoa powder spills into the baking cup itself and doesnt look that pro. Lined up 2 layers of them in a box. Put into freezer to chill. Gonna bring to work tomorrow and let local collegues try first. Then let the rest help me finish? Its really too much to do so.
But though many messy steps and alot of cleaning up to do. Alot of taking in and out of fridge especially when the chocolate started softening. It looks decent and taste pretty alright for a first experimental try.
Its a bit too sweet, think would be more glad if I can let my collegues be my guinea pigs and eat it up for me.
Will be taking a break from chocolate making for a short while cos of the melting takes really long. Also the amount of chocolate mess to clean up after every encounter.
Next target is Three Layer Muddy Mud Pie. It looks simple enough from the Youtube video and I have checked out the ingredients. They are available. Just need to make sure it can be finished up also schedule on weekends to try out so can focus on other stuff on weekdays eg practice guitar which I still havent gone about doing... Today wasnt feeling that great at work. Think my body is showing signs of falling again. Need more rest and water.
Sunday, July 18, 2010
Weekend of eating.... there goes my weight...
Yes I dare not step on the scales again. This week, not only had tiramisu twice, Italian dinner on Wed. Fri ate at Swenson where I had a large omelette set with sides of rodeo wings. Sat had soup spoon lunch and then a hearty breakfast set at Cedele for dinner. Then Geoky decided to give a treat of pizza takeout. She order extra-large. I had 2 slices though I did pick out some cheese parts, some lasagne, ate tonnes of garlic and spicy peanuts that Tab brought back from Malacca. Had a bowl of low fat yoghurt. Think I am very greedy... Only managed 1 gym session today cos I skipped on Mon to deliver tiramisu and konyaku to Tab's place.
All these just means I would be eating more soupy and 清淡 stuff for all my meals as best as I can. Also starting next week, I can have my wed free up from jap class. That meant either I could shift one of the assignment or just use it as a free day of sorts. Lemme think about that and sort it out a bit.
I bought some ingredients for trying to make Liquer Truffles (aka Liquer chocolates) but I didnt know cooking chocolate are just as pricey for very little amounts... so settle for lower quality type. I'll be on the lookout for cheaper chocolate and then hope to try out 10 chocolate dishes I selected from my "200 chocolate" recipe book that I bought last month. Maybe try it out tomorrow. Today too tired after meeting up with my insurance agent and gym session. Came home with ingredients, chucked into fridge and stoned infront of tv until 10pm. Now also a bit too late at night to be trying stuff. Plus there's a chilling time of 2hrs.
Time to sleep, another week is coming. 2 more to go until finally its the term break.
All these just means I would be eating more soupy and 清淡 stuff for all my meals as best as I can. Also starting next week, I can have my wed free up from jap class. That meant either I could shift one of the assignment or just use it as a free day of sorts. Lemme think about that and sort it out a bit.
I bought some ingredients for trying to make Liquer Truffles (aka Liquer chocolates) but I didnt know cooking chocolate are just as pricey for very little amounts... so settle for lower quality type. I'll be on the lookout for cheaper chocolate and then hope to try out 10 chocolate dishes I selected from my "200 chocolate" recipe book that I bought last month. Maybe try it out tomorrow. Today too tired after meeting up with my insurance agent and gym session. Came home with ingredients, chucked into fridge and stoned infront of tv until 10pm. Now also a bit too late at night to be trying stuff. Plus there's a chilling time of 2hrs.
Time to sleep, another week is coming. 2 more to go until finally its the term break.
Saturday, July 17, 2010
Why the big deal?
This is not to be a negative post but more of dunno why my Jap collegues are so impressed? Well so far I've put on the table 2 types of food I made. One was the instant chocolate cake' 3/4 of it and half the batch of lychee konyaku jellies- my 1st and 3rd attempt, in the about 3.5 months of working there.
I would then hear from the jap collegues who would mention that they really like the konyaku jelly I've made and how impressed they are... To me, I would just adknowledge but tell them actually it's very very easy. To sum it up, that cake was an instant mix, that konyaku is instant konyaku with water and canned lychee...
I actually brought the tiramisu ingredients to work on thursday and intended to use my free periods to make but the students were having lessons in the kitchen and so had to delay until after lessons, also running around to bring the late would-be ALTs to the classrooms and making a set of activity sheets for them so they can know what's the activity like. And last minute a collegue asked for an activity, which I found looking through the game books, but meant I worked my butt off printing, laminating and cutting up the sets. So very stoned by the end of the day. I asked to be excused from cca, telling the teacher I got some stuff to do and went to the kitchen.
I kept to the recipe and method from the first try. Except I brewed the coffee and added the alcohols and sugar the night before. Also I lined the tin with grease-proof baking paper to see if it could result in ease of removing the tiramisu when it's time to serve. So finished making it in about half and hour plus, put in the chiller for Fri. Went back downstairs and stoned at my seat. Felt too stoned and think coming down with a chill so with 15mins left in the cca to go, just decided to stone there.
Friday was better cos I only had 2 periods but not free to leave my seat cos of more ALTs coming and again got late-comers. After classes, I just zoned out infront of laptop and studied for Jap test, things can't seem to sink in though I did look through all the notes once then. During lunch, went out with local collegues for s longer lunch and ate Swenson 1-1, each of us ordered a main and a side. $39 for 3 mains and 3 sides after the offer. We went back and I took out the chilled tiramisu to let them try. I was afraid that the overnite chilled coffee might affect the taste and wanted to try some first. It's good. So cut 2 slices for collegue to bring home. Cut up 1 slice into 3s to have a sampling. Both say is nicer than the one we had from the Italian restaurant on Wed. Well I think the alcohol and coffee soaked lady's fingers with the generous amount of cream and mascapone cheese and when served chilled, wins the lightly soaked one without alcohol anytime. I cut up the remaining 9 slices into 3s so it resembles little cubes that is bite-sized so more collegues can get to eat. Just not enought for each to have a slice. Put back into chiller and waited for after dismissal. After students were sent off, some teachers were having meeting at the table and I waited until they have finished and then brought down the tiramisu.
Immediately some female collegues noticed me holding the plates ans asked me what it was and also whether I made them. I told them it's tiramisu and I made it for them, though not very much. A few followed me to the table and helped themselves. Even the Aussie male collegues came over and ate. They showed their appreciation by telling me it's very good. Some asked if I made it, some asked if my hobby was cooking. One jap collegue agreed with me- cos that night at the Italian restaurant, she overheard my local collegue asking me which tiramisu I thought was better? I told her I like the one I made. So the jap collegue joined into the conversation. I told her that I tried once but too much for family so don't mind making if they can help me eat. She said no problem. I already decided to use the remaining ingredients to make one for them but didn't tell them of course. So she came to my seat and asked if I made it. Yes. Then she took a bite and said she agreed with me, my version is nicer.
I left shortly after and headed home. The plan was to go for gym since I missed Mon session to deliver to Tab's place. But I felt my body coming down with something plus a whole tiring week with all those ALTs, I whiteflag and slept. Woke up near 10.30pm and looked through Jap notes. I hadn't touched my guitar at all.
Had cancelled assignment today. So woke up and ate breakfast, then looked through Jap notes again. Going to practice a bit of guitar and hope I don't lag behind too much. Just wanna chill and take things easy this weekend, it's been a hectic one so far. Also think my body needs a rest. Brain is not up to much also.
I would then hear from the jap collegues who would mention that they really like the konyaku jelly I've made and how impressed they are... To me, I would just adknowledge but tell them actually it's very very easy. To sum it up, that cake was an instant mix, that konyaku is instant konyaku with water and canned lychee...
I actually brought the tiramisu ingredients to work on thursday and intended to use my free periods to make but the students were having lessons in the kitchen and so had to delay until after lessons, also running around to bring the late would-be ALTs to the classrooms and making a set of activity sheets for them so they can know what's the activity like. And last minute a collegue asked for an activity, which I found looking through the game books, but meant I worked my butt off printing, laminating and cutting up the sets. So very stoned by the end of the day. I asked to be excused from cca, telling the teacher I got some stuff to do and went to the kitchen.
I kept to the recipe and method from the first try. Except I brewed the coffee and added the alcohols and sugar the night before. Also I lined the tin with grease-proof baking paper to see if it could result in ease of removing the tiramisu when it's time to serve. So finished making it in about half and hour plus, put in the chiller for Fri. Went back downstairs and stoned at my seat. Felt too stoned and think coming down with a chill so with 15mins left in the cca to go, just decided to stone there.
Friday was better cos I only had 2 periods but not free to leave my seat cos of more ALTs coming and again got late-comers. After classes, I just zoned out infront of laptop and studied for Jap test, things can't seem to sink in though I did look through all the notes once then. During lunch, went out with local collegues for s longer lunch and ate Swenson 1-1, each of us ordered a main and a side. $39 for 3 mains and 3 sides after the offer. We went back and I took out the chilled tiramisu to let them try. I was afraid that the overnite chilled coffee might affect the taste and wanted to try some first. It's good. So cut 2 slices for collegue to bring home. Cut up 1 slice into 3s to have a sampling. Both say is nicer than the one we had from the Italian restaurant on Wed. Well I think the alcohol and coffee soaked lady's fingers with the generous amount of cream and mascapone cheese and when served chilled, wins the lightly soaked one without alcohol anytime. I cut up the remaining 9 slices into 3s so it resembles little cubes that is bite-sized so more collegues can get to eat. Just not enought for each to have a slice. Put back into chiller and waited for after dismissal. After students were sent off, some teachers were having meeting at the table and I waited until they have finished and then brought down the tiramisu.
Immediately some female collegues noticed me holding the plates ans asked me what it was and also whether I made them. I told them it's tiramisu and I made it for them, though not very much. A few followed me to the table and helped themselves. Even the Aussie male collegues came over and ate. They showed their appreciation by telling me it's very good. Some asked if I made it, some asked if my hobby was cooking. One jap collegue agreed with me- cos that night at the Italian restaurant, she overheard my local collegue asking me which tiramisu I thought was better? I told her I like the one I made. So the jap collegue joined into the conversation. I told her that I tried once but too much for family so don't mind making if they can help me eat. She said no problem. I already decided to use the remaining ingredients to make one for them but didn't tell them of course. So she came to my seat and asked if I made it. Yes. Then she took a bite and said she agreed with me, my version is nicer.
I left shortly after and headed home. The plan was to go for gym since I missed Mon session to deliver to Tab's place. But I felt my body coming down with something plus a whole tiring week with all those ALTs, I whiteflag and slept. Woke up near 10.30pm and looked through Jap notes. I hadn't touched my guitar at all.
Had cancelled assignment today. So woke up and ate breakfast, then looked through Jap notes again. Going to practice a bit of guitar and hope I don't lag behind too much. Just wanna chill and take things easy this weekend, it's been a hectic one so far. Also think my body needs a rest. Brain is not up to much also.
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
My First Japanese Chorus Festival
Apparently from my understanding of Jap culture and their school system, I know that they have an event called the 'chorus festival'. Basically its an event where each class sings a song as a chorus group. So for the past 2 months, my collegues (excluding me) have been busy practising at whatever timing, before school, during free time after lunch, even after class free time.
Today they booked an entire auditorium and each class performed their song. Its actually stunningly impressive that each class are of such high Choral standard. They sing loud, to their best, hit the notes, are harmonious and they really practice hard. My local collegues and I agree that their standard puts local choirs cca to shame. We strongly feel that even the class that didnt win the gold or silver award, can go into a choir competition and beat the local schools. Really they are that good.
So its a huge event but really though we were allocated duties, they were so marginal that we didnt even really get about to doing it. So we just stayed out of the Jap collegues way so that we dont have to keep asking them what can we do to help and they wouldnt know. So we sat at the cafe and had some cold drinks. Then later had an extended lunch. This is the part about, we dont bother them, they can work faster. Think they are relieved that we stayed around in the background and didnt bother them. So we really entertain ourselves.
After all the practice, lunch and stuff. The actual performance by each and every class. All are of very high standards. Some are outright fantastic, awe-inspiring even hair-raising in terms of the vocals, the techniques, the harmony. Its really an huge eye-opener.
I did find out that back in Japan itself, its not of such high standard. The intensive practice and the hard work of the collegues and students actually pays off in this aspect. They are very dilligent and very focused about this. Hope to get a copy of their DVD performance. Wouldnt mind listening again. Just that inbetween after listening to several classes, got a bit 'tired' cos of a series of slower songs but whenever there's a faster or more dynamic song, helps to perk up.
In the next term, it would turn to the next big event in their school calendar, which is the Sports Meet. Saw their schedule, intense training again during whatever time they could squeeze out in the next term's timetable. From the serious and dilligent manner they carry out the events, can really say it might just be another eye-opener.
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Then this evening, there's a school dinner at an Italian restaurant at Sixth Ave area to 'reward' and 'celebrate' the end and hard work for the chorus festival. I was "arrowed" to be the emcee in Jap! Just 2 days back, I asked if the collegues who were in charge had finalized their script, so I could take a look and make my own script. To my pleasant surprise, he actually handed me one with romanji, so I dont have to make my own, just read off after checking for mistakes. Another collegue and I helped to check the English script cos it was directly translated from the Jap script, so the Jap script is correct but the Eng one was very very strange and has no meaning. So I gave the Eng translation and asked collegue who was helping, if that conveys the meaning of the Jap script. Then we hammered the lines to familar lines that appears in formal dinners and function eg "Now, please enjoy your dinner", instead of "Please talk of not considering and eating." So 3 of us, one in Jap, one in Eng, one in Hokkaido dialect take turns to say the lines for the benefit and amusement of jap, foreign and local collegues.
So I just read off the script, not that smooth reader for jap but whenever I finish a sentence, they all clap very loudly. Later a jap collegue told me, she thinks that many collegues are impressed with my jap. Err... after studying almost 7 years, if cannot read Romanji... also very strange right. I am grateful, I dont have to make my own speech.
The dinner is good and its a set dinner. With appetizer, pizza, 2 types of pasta, tiramisu dessert with latte for me. The tiramisu is very light tasting. Its also the traditional style with lady's fingers but it has less cream and no alcohol. My local collegue who knew of my Tiramisu making asked me which version is nicer. I told her I like the one I made more. Cos it has the taste of alcohol and though its very moist and soft but though I find it heavy-tasting maybe due to the mascapone cheese or alcohol.
Hmm... I still havent made it enough times to be able to modify the recipe to suit my specific taste yet. That would still need some more sort of small scale experimenting. My local collegues know that I intend to bring my remaining ingredients to work and use them up for a tiramisu for collegues but its really such a coincidence. For them is maybe 2 tiramisu in a week. For me, if I eat the one I be making, it would be 3 times. I hope to refrain. The plan is to make it tomorrow. Then chill overnight and then serve on Fri.
All these dinner and event makes me think that its a Friday but its not! Its only mid-week. Tomorrow still have to go to work.
Today they booked an entire auditorium and each class performed their song. Its actually stunningly impressive that each class are of such high Choral standard. They sing loud, to their best, hit the notes, are harmonious and they really practice hard. My local collegues and I agree that their standard puts local choirs cca to shame. We strongly feel that even the class that didnt win the gold or silver award, can go into a choir competition and beat the local schools. Really they are that good.
So its a huge event but really though we were allocated duties, they were so marginal that we didnt even really get about to doing it. So we just stayed out of the Jap collegues way so that we dont have to keep asking them what can we do to help and they wouldnt know. So we sat at the cafe and had some cold drinks. Then later had an extended lunch. This is the part about, we dont bother them, they can work faster. Think they are relieved that we stayed around in the background and didnt bother them. So we really entertain ourselves.
After all the practice, lunch and stuff. The actual performance by each and every class. All are of very high standards. Some are outright fantastic, awe-inspiring even hair-raising in terms of the vocals, the techniques, the harmony. Its really an huge eye-opener.
I did find out that back in Japan itself, its not of such high standard. The intensive practice and the hard work of the collegues and students actually pays off in this aspect. They are very dilligent and very focused about this. Hope to get a copy of their DVD performance. Wouldnt mind listening again. Just that inbetween after listening to several classes, got a bit 'tired' cos of a series of slower songs but whenever there's a faster or more dynamic song, helps to perk up.
In the next term, it would turn to the next big event in their school calendar, which is the Sports Meet. Saw their schedule, intense training again during whatever time they could squeeze out in the next term's timetable. From the serious and dilligent manner they carry out the events, can really say it might just be another eye-opener.
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Then this evening, there's a school dinner at an Italian restaurant at Sixth Ave area to 'reward' and 'celebrate' the end and hard work for the chorus festival. I was "arrowed" to be the emcee in Jap! Just 2 days back, I asked if the collegues who were in charge had finalized their script, so I could take a look and make my own script. To my pleasant surprise, he actually handed me one with romanji, so I dont have to make my own, just read off after checking for mistakes. Another collegue and I helped to check the English script cos it was directly translated from the Jap script, so the Jap script is correct but the Eng one was very very strange and has no meaning. So I gave the Eng translation and asked collegue who was helping, if that conveys the meaning of the Jap script. Then we hammered the lines to familar lines that appears in formal dinners and function eg "Now, please enjoy your dinner", instead of "Please talk of not considering and eating." So 3 of us, one in Jap, one in Eng, one in Hokkaido dialect take turns to say the lines for the benefit and amusement of jap, foreign and local collegues.
So I just read off the script, not that smooth reader for jap but whenever I finish a sentence, they all clap very loudly. Later a jap collegue told me, she thinks that many collegues are impressed with my jap. Err... after studying almost 7 years, if cannot read Romanji... also very strange right. I am grateful, I dont have to make my own speech.
The dinner is good and its a set dinner. With appetizer, pizza, 2 types of pasta, tiramisu dessert with latte for me. The tiramisu is very light tasting. Its also the traditional style with lady's fingers but it has less cream and no alcohol. My local collegue who knew of my Tiramisu making asked me which version is nicer. I told her I like the one I made more. Cos it has the taste of alcohol and though its very moist and soft but though I find it heavy-tasting maybe due to the mascapone cheese or alcohol.
Hmm... I still havent made it enough times to be able to modify the recipe to suit my specific taste yet. That would still need some more sort of small scale experimenting. My local collegues know that I intend to bring my remaining ingredients to work and use them up for a tiramisu for collegues but its really such a coincidence. For them is maybe 2 tiramisu in a week. For me, if I eat the one I be making, it would be 3 times. I hope to refrain. The plan is to make it tomorrow. Then chill overnight and then serve on Fri.
All these dinner and event makes me think that its a Friday but its not! Its only mid-week. Tomorrow still have to go to work.
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
The taste of Chilled Tiramasu - Delicious
Yesterday I had a slice if the tiramisu at Tab's place but from the hour plus journey, it softened and not as chilled. Also the short duration in the fridge. I kept half or six slices for family. They ate last night and all told me nice. Mom and one sis haven't tried yet, cos one came home late, other is vegetarian for the day. I didn't eat anymore after that.
Then today I just came home and dabao porridge. After last week's steamboat, alcoholic konyaku, tiramisu and also cos of watching "The Biggest Loser" while eating dinner and dessert plus garlic nuts at Tab's place. I have the urge to eat vegetables, soupy stuff and go exercise. I skipped gym day yesterday to deliver the 'goods' so I need to make ip for it. The only day is Friday so would go gym on Friday and not going out cos on Sat have jap test after assignment and guitar. Very taxing. Think I won't be in human form after that. Guess I would need to just chill and not think after that. Would be too tired to do so, think anybody in my shoes would.
So I spied that there was still 2.5 slices left, took one after dinner. It's firmer than the one I ate at Tab's place cos it's been in the chiller all these while. One bite and ..... Delicious! I am not trying to praise myself but it's very good! Can taste the alcohol and it's more firm and can taste the layers. Good to the last bite. I was savouring it and took another small slice. Tha meant still got 1.5 slices left. I hadnt really eaten any nice tiramisu in the few times that I ordered and ate outside. So this is definitely good compared to them.
Am going to make one more batch to use up the mascapone cheese and let collegues try this Friday, so use Thur to make, then serve on Fri. Let me try out the method of using tracing paper to line the tin for easy cutting and serving. If that works out, then recipe is considered perfected.
For our next drinking session, I try to make one in advance and bring over but think might need better transport or have to bring over earlier so can have enough time to chill it back to its glory. That might need a few hours sitting in the chiller section of the fridge at least.
I just bought a small bottle of cream and tracing paper for the next try. It might seem a pity to give to collegues to eat but really having 2 tiramisu in 2 weeks might really be too much of a good thing. I have one more slice to eat tomorrow. Seems everybody has eaten 1 slice. Had 6, 5 eaten including me. Left 1 more for me... *sweats* need gym really badly this Friday.
Then today I just came home and dabao porridge. After last week's steamboat, alcoholic konyaku, tiramisu and also cos of watching "The Biggest Loser" while eating dinner and dessert plus garlic nuts at Tab's place. I have the urge to eat vegetables, soupy stuff and go exercise. I skipped gym day yesterday to deliver the 'goods' so I need to make ip for it. The only day is Friday so would go gym on Friday and not going out cos on Sat have jap test after assignment and guitar. Very taxing. Think I won't be in human form after that. Guess I would need to just chill and not think after that. Would be too tired to do so, think anybody in my shoes would.
Am going to make one more batch to use up the mascapone cheese and let collegues try this Friday, so use Thur to make, then serve on Fri. Let me try out the method of using tracing paper to line the tin for easy cutting and serving. If that works out, then recipe is considered perfected.
For our next drinking session, I try to make one in advance and bring over but think might need better transport or have to bring over earlier so can have enough time to chill it back to its glory. That might need a few hours sitting in the chiller section of the fridge at least.
I just bought a small bottle of cream and tracing paper for the next try. It might seem a pity to give to collegues to eat but really having 2 tiramisu in 2 weeks might really be too much of a good thing. I have one more slice to eat tomorrow. Seems everybody has eaten 1 slice. Had 6, 5 eaten including me. Left 1 more for me... *sweats* need gym really badly this Friday.
Monday, July 12, 2010
Alcoholic Tiramisu - Kahlur and Caramel Baileys
I actually made it for the first time on Sunday but due to posting up a post about alcoholic konyaku, decided to wait for Monday then post.
I will put up the Youtube video that I followed later cos that's at work computer or unless I can find it later and post near the end.
Started off with 250g mascapone cheese, 300g cream, 3 egg yolks with 3 tbs of sugar and 1 tps of vanilla essence for the cream.
1 pack of lady's fingers (wafer like) and a big cup of strong coffee with 3tbs of sugar added. Then I added in 4 tbs of Kahlur and 4tbs of Caramel Baileys.
In the first mixing bowl. the egg yolks are whisked and the bowl is put over a pot of boiling water to cook it but not result in scramble eggs. So whisk quickly and until the yolks change colour to a golden yellow and sugar melted. Remove from heat. Add mascapone cheese and whisk mixture until smooth.
In second mixing bowl, use an electric beater to whisk the cream until it is half-whipped, with soft peaks (baking terms) Then combine add into the mixture in first mixing bowl. Whisk them all throughly and the 'cream' is done.
Pic of completed cream with the 2 main leads in the next part
Strong large cup of coffee with 8tbs of alcohol added. Then dip the lady's fingers very quickly in, turning both sides to coat and line the container.
Then sprinkle a layer of cocoa powder over it.
I will put up the Youtube video that I followed later cos that's at work computer or unless I can find it later and post near the end.
Started off with 250g mascapone cheese, 300g cream, 3 egg yolks with 3 tbs of sugar and 1 tps of vanilla essence for the cream.
1 pack of lady's fingers (wafer like) and a big cup of strong coffee with 3tbs of sugar added. Then I added in 4 tbs of Kahlur and 4tbs of Caramel Baileys.
In the first mixing bowl. the egg yolks are whisked and the bowl is put over a pot of boiling water to cook it but not result in scramble eggs. So whisk quickly and until the yolks change colour to a golden yellow and sugar melted. Remove from heat. Add mascapone cheese and whisk mixture until smooth.
In second mixing bowl, use an electric beater to whisk the cream until it is half-whipped, with soft peaks (baking terms) Then combine add into the mixture in first mixing bowl. Whisk them all throughly and the 'cream' is done.
Pic of completed cream with the 2 main leads in the next part
Then the first layer of coated lady's fingers is covered by half of the cream. Even out the surface of the cream.
Then sprinkle a layer of cocoa powder over it.
Repeat with a lining of second layer and cream, followed by a generous sprinkling of cocoa powder.
The finished product! Traditional style Tiramisu
The cost of making is about $31 to make 2 times the amount seen above. Each tin can cut into 12 thick slices. Its very soft and not overly sweet. Think the sweetened coffee soaked lady's fingers complements the creaminess of the cheese cream. Even I am surprised by the taste when I tried some for the first time.
In a desperate bid to clear the batches of alcoholic Konyaku and Tiramisu, I decided to msg Tab and asked if she would be at home. Then I would sacrifice my Mon gym routine day and head to her place to pass her a batch of konyaku jellies and half of my tiramisu. So cos I would be busy with assignment and work dinner until Fri, so it meant cant expect to let them sit so long in the fridge. I brought the non-alcoholic konyaku to workplace and it was being devoured by grateful collegues (cos I took it out chilled from the fridge after students dismissal) so that's the time when all of them heave a sigh of relief and settle about getting drinks and bites to eat.
I headed to Tab's place and just nice was thinking of getting her to dabao food so I can reach her place and put them in the fridge. Surprisingly the hour plus journey, the tiramisu didnt disintergrate in puddles but still kept the shape. Tab's mom cooked and I get a free dinner. Then we ate pineapples then garlic peanuts. Finally ate the Tiramisu. My first full taste of it cos while packing it over, I just get a few licks of the fingers here and there. Think its good but a slice is enough. Too much is a bit heavy. Was too full and watched Tab and her mom ate the konyaku jellies. At the time of this post, 2 slices tiramisu remaining, about 4-5 konyaku jellies left.
I have enough ingredients to make another cos mascapone cheese comes in 500g and not 250g. So I just need to get another 300ml bottle of cream to get started. But IF I do it, its just to perfect the making part and most likely bring to workplace for collegues to help finish, if not maybe explore the other 20min chill type tiramisu recipe...
Here's the video that I followed to make this one.
The shorter version of Tiramisu with only 20mins of chilling time
Sunday, July 11, 2010
Alcoholic Konyaku Jelly
Its to be my weekend cooking project. It started with me looking online for Tiramisu recipes cos last weekend ate with sister and dad at Gloria and didnt like the taste. Geoky doesnt know what it should taste like and doesnt know how to judge a good one. I told her I also dont know.
So during my free-er time somewhere on Thur, I was surfing online for Tiramisu recipes and watched 2 youtube videos on making it. So after writing down the steps, watching the videos. During a long lunch on Friday, we headed to IMM and I managed to buy the lady's fingers, vanilla essence and also bought the Plain instant konyaku powder cos I couldnt find the unflavoured ones in the supermarkets near my place. Brought those home on Friday. Then on Sat morning, before guitar lesson, I walked over next door for breakfast and also bought the Mascapone cheese, cream and cocoa powder. Kept them for the cooking on Sunday.
Last night, after reaching home and resting up, I started on the Alcoholic Konyaku Lychee Jelly. Decided to use Absolute Vodka and Bols Lychee Liquer from my alcohol collection. Tried out the jelly first on Sat night cos the tiramisu needs more work on Sun morning.
Digressing a bit, Friday's night of steamboat dinner was great. Really eat until damn full. Peanut sauce with spring onion and chinese parsley, sesame seeds and bits of garlic is heavenly. Ate so much meat until I was bloated. I felt like turning vegetarian on Sat and ate simply. Also ran to the toilet on Sat morning 4 times to clear the intestines. Its not food poisoning but really all the food digested and body wanted to get rid of it. Its been a long while since I've gorged so much food in a sitting. Dare not step on the weighing scales. Definitely going to gym today and think the whole of next week, I shall continue to eat soupy and plainer stuff.
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Alcoholic (Vodka+Lychee Liquer) Lychee Konyaku
Ingredients: 2 cans lychee, Vodka and Lychee liquer, 1100ml of liquid, 250g pack of unflavoured konyaku jelly powder. Enough to make 32 jellies with some extra.
Use all the lychee syrup from both cans, about 600ml. Then add in 500ml of water. I was afraid that it would be too sweet. So though the usual recipe was to have a total liquid of 950ml but I decided to up it to 1100ml. My first try I used 1200ml (300ml syrup) and actually its alright. Second try I used 950ml (1 can syrup).
Heat in a pot and stir until all dissolve. Then I used the time to line the moulds with a single lychee each. Then poured 2 moulds with the konyaku jelly. This batch is my extra and will bring to workplace for collegues. The good thing is that my family wont be forced to eat too much.
The remaining 2 moulds, I used a combination of methods of infusing the alcohol in.
Tried 3 ways of mixing in the alcohol.
First I scooped out a bowl full of konyaku jelly and added in, 2-3 table spoon of Vodka and 2-3 table spoon of Lychee liquer. Then mixed them and spooned the mixture into an entire mould, about 8 jellies.
Secondly I added about 1-2 tablespoon of Vodka and Lychee liquer to infuse 4 lychees to absorb the alcohol in. Then I poured half the mould with konyaku then put in the alcohol lychees and covered the other half with more konyaku. Made 4 jellies.
Then lastly I filled half the mould with konyaku, then spoon in about a tablespoon of mixed Vodka and Lychee liquer then cover it with konyaku, a layered method. Made 4 of those.
The final remaining konyaku, I added in alcohol and mixed and put into a bowl.
All of these went into the chiller.
Had a taste testing today. I delayed a bit cos I needed to eat breakfast before I tried them. I really like the Alcohol mixed in and the Alcohol layered ones. The jelly is sweet enough and tastier than my other 2 batches. In the layered batch, I could taste the alcohol as I bit through. Esp the Lychee liquer. The one that didnt work out is the Alcohol infused lychees. Just taste normal.
After eating one of each plus one more of the layered, I felt a bit wozzy. Guess I am very generous in the alcohol used. Plus I ate an extra lady's finger from the Tiramisu making, dipped in leftover (coffee with 4 tablespoons each of Kahlur and Caramel Baileys), I think I am a bit high at the time of this post... Better go drink water after this.
So during my free-er time somewhere on Thur, I was surfing online for Tiramisu recipes and watched 2 youtube videos on making it. So after writing down the steps, watching the videos. During a long lunch on Friday, we headed to IMM and I managed to buy the lady's fingers, vanilla essence and also bought the Plain instant konyaku powder cos I couldnt find the unflavoured ones in the supermarkets near my place. Brought those home on Friday. Then on Sat morning, before guitar lesson, I walked over next door for breakfast and also bought the Mascapone cheese, cream and cocoa powder. Kept them for the cooking on Sunday.
Last night, after reaching home and resting up, I started on the Alcoholic Konyaku Lychee Jelly. Decided to use Absolute Vodka and Bols Lychee Liquer from my alcohol collection. Tried out the jelly first on Sat night cos the tiramisu needs more work on Sun morning.
Digressing a bit, Friday's night of steamboat dinner was great. Really eat until damn full. Peanut sauce with spring onion and chinese parsley, sesame seeds and bits of garlic is heavenly. Ate so much meat until I was bloated. I felt like turning vegetarian on Sat and ate simply. Also ran to the toilet on Sat morning 4 times to clear the intestines. Its not food poisoning but really all the food digested and body wanted to get rid of it. Its been a long while since I've gorged so much food in a sitting. Dare not step on the weighing scales. Definitely going to gym today and think the whole of next week, I shall continue to eat soupy and plainer stuff.
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Alcoholic (Vodka+Lychee Liquer) Lychee Konyaku
Ingredients: 2 cans lychee, Vodka and Lychee liquer, 1100ml of liquid, 250g pack of unflavoured konyaku jelly powder. Enough to make 32 jellies with some extra.
Use all the lychee syrup from both cans, about 600ml. Then add in 500ml of water. I was afraid that it would be too sweet. So though the usual recipe was to have a total liquid of 950ml but I decided to up it to 1100ml. My first try I used 1200ml (300ml syrup) and actually its alright. Second try I used 950ml (1 can syrup).
Heat in a pot and stir until all dissolve. Then I used the time to line the moulds with a single lychee each. Then poured 2 moulds with the konyaku jelly. This batch is my extra and will bring to workplace for collegues. The good thing is that my family wont be forced to eat too much.
The remaining 2 moulds, I used a combination of methods of infusing the alcohol in.
Tried 3 ways of mixing in the alcohol.
First I scooped out a bowl full of konyaku jelly and added in, 2-3 table spoon of Vodka and 2-3 table spoon of Lychee liquer. Then mixed them and spooned the mixture into an entire mould, about 8 jellies.
Secondly I added about 1-2 tablespoon of Vodka and Lychee liquer to infuse 4 lychees to absorb the alcohol in. Then I poured half the mould with konyaku then put in the alcohol lychees and covered the other half with more konyaku. Made 4 jellies.
Then lastly I filled half the mould with konyaku, then spoon in about a tablespoon of mixed Vodka and Lychee liquer then cover it with konyaku, a layered method. Made 4 of those.
The final remaining konyaku, I added in alcohol and mixed and put into a bowl.
All of these went into the chiller.
Had a taste testing today. I delayed a bit cos I needed to eat breakfast before I tried them. I really like the Alcohol mixed in and the Alcohol layered ones. The jelly is sweet enough and tastier than my other 2 batches. In the layered batch, I could taste the alcohol as I bit through. Esp the Lychee liquer. The one that didnt work out is the Alcohol infused lychees. Just taste normal.
After eating one of each plus one more of the layered, I felt a bit wozzy. Guess I am very generous in the alcohol used. Plus I ate an extra lady's finger from the Tiramisu making, dipped in leftover (coffee with 4 tablespoons each of Kahlur and Caramel Baileys), I think I am a bit high at the time of this post... Better go drink water after this.
Thursday, July 08, 2010
Trading Lesson - To sell or hold in face of some profits?
At least 1-2 weeks back, the stock market went up. I was sitting on some profits, around 15% of the capital invested for one of my counters but I didnt want to sell cos I wanted to get about 22% cos though percentage-wise, seems high, the absolute amount of the profit is not that much, several hundred dollars. Then shortly after, it started falling... Monitored the whole of last week and it kept falling until the price that I had bought it at..... Now waiting for it to rise again...
Just managed to sell off another counter (trying to apply the lesson below)
Trading lesson:
IF I had sold off and reaped the profit. Then when it went back down to the initial price I bought, I can buy back again and wait for the rise. BUT since I didnt, it has now gone back to the initial price I paid for AND I have to wait for it to rise again. Now the outcome in both decision is that I would still have to wait for the price to rise. But in the first scenario, there is profit realised and sitting in the pocket. Can even channel back the profits and then buy slightly more lots cos can use profits+capital.
But the other counter-argument is that ONE never knows, IF after sellling, prices shoot up even more. It becomes a scenario of selling too early and actually reap lesser profits. So that's the other scenario that can happen, everytime prices of your counter start rising and you are sitting on 'paper profits'.
For my case, I am still trying to find a balance between WHEN to sell for profits to reap during downtrends and when to hold during uptrends. But again, I havent utilised any trend tools unlike my dad. A bit too busy with current schedule to do extra. Would work about it slowly. But for now, I use my familarity with the price range to make a gague of when to Buy-in and Sell. Not the best way but so long as dont make stupid decisions, should be fine with the capital protection and retention. Making a good decision of which counter to buy is way more important than when to buy and sell into an unknown counter.
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Tomorrow Tab and I have somewhat decided to go for Steamboat dinner around Chinatown area cos on my way home on bus, I saw a whole row of steamboat shops open up there. The weather is also making me yearn for soupy stuff. I dont mind a place where I can sit and talk and eat for a longer duration. Think it'll be good. The last time I ate steamboat (excluding Krynnder's New Year Steamboat dinner) was several years ago with Tab at a steamboat at Bugis area. Already just the thought of eating steamboats makes me look forward to dinner tomorrow. Think I will drink lots of soup.
Plus assignment is cancelled for today and Sat, so that freed up time enough for me to Go to the gym, though I have cca today cos tomorrow going to eat a lot and practice guitar. Moving into lead guitar playing and its not easy. Especially trying to let the fingers run around on the frets. Need to practice more or else I'll be left behind in the class. Its bad enough I am one of the slowest there already... Some things I just dont get it that fast. Well I console myself that I am gradually getting better IF I make time to practice enough and think of the Music theory in terms of which notes on the strings, the positions to press. Need some more memory work.
Just managed to sell off another counter (trying to apply the lesson below)
Trading lesson:
IF I had sold off and reaped the profit. Then when it went back down to the initial price I bought, I can buy back again and wait for the rise. BUT since I didnt, it has now gone back to the initial price I paid for AND I have to wait for it to rise again. Now the outcome in both decision is that I would still have to wait for the price to rise. But in the first scenario, there is profit realised and sitting in the pocket. Can even channel back the profits and then buy slightly more lots cos can use profits+capital.
But the other counter-argument is that ONE never knows, IF after sellling, prices shoot up even more. It becomes a scenario of selling too early and actually reap lesser profits. So that's the other scenario that can happen, everytime prices of your counter start rising and you are sitting on 'paper profits'.
For my case, I am still trying to find a balance between WHEN to sell for profits to reap during downtrends and when to hold during uptrends. But again, I havent utilised any trend tools unlike my dad. A bit too busy with current schedule to do extra. Would work about it slowly. But for now, I use my familarity with the price range to make a gague of when to Buy-in and Sell. Not the best way but so long as dont make stupid decisions, should be fine with the capital protection and retention. Making a good decision of which counter to buy is way more important than when to buy and sell into an unknown counter.
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Tomorrow Tab and I have somewhat decided to go for Steamboat dinner around Chinatown area cos on my way home on bus, I saw a whole row of steamboat shops open up there. The weather is also making me yearn for soupy stuff. I dont mind a place where I can sit and talk and eat for a longer duration. Think it'll be good. The last time I ate steamboat (excluding Krynnder's New Year Steamboat dinner) was several years ago with Tab at a steamboat at Bugis area. Already just the thought of eating steamboats makes me look forward to dinner tomorrow. Think I will drink lots of soup.
Plus assignment is cancelled for today and Sat, so that freed up time enough for me to Go to the gym, though I have cca today cos tomorrow going to eat a lot and practice guitar. Moving into lead guitar playing and its not easy. Especially trying to let the fingers run around on the frets. Need to practice more or else I'll be left behind in the class. Its bad enough I am one of the slowest there already... Some things I just dont get it that fast. Well I console myself that I am gradually getting better IF I make time to practice enough and think of the Music theory in terms of which notes on the strings, the positions to press. Need some more memory work.
Tuesday, July 06, 2010
Last time I 'game' until so late
Oh Sat, on the return journey back from Downtown East, I opened up this Bar Oasis Lite that I downloaded in my Touch. Actually is a bit of role-playing as a new bartender. The good thing is that it comes with certain recipes, so I dont have to carry my heavy cocktail book next time. Anyway I got hooked and downloaded the full version that I played until quite late on Sat evening.
Sunday was spent also playing until lunch time. Then I dabaoed another Astons Double Up Chicken (which I had promised not to eat again)... but its for brunch, so it was filling indeed. Geoky is still amazed that I can finish the large portion of the Double Up Chicken set. She herself is full after her single chicken. That meant I was quite full up until late evening. Then in the mid afternoon, 3pm, Geoky wanted to got to Vivocity to check out the Awfully Chocolate, after hearing that the chocolate cakes are good but not overly sweet. So pyscho my dad and I had to tag along, though a bit unwilling. The worst part was in the car, with the air-con, I seem to have caught a chill. Just suddenly and gradually, felt tired and sickly. Nose like getting blocked the longer I was into the whole outing. I tell them to walk ahead, while I followed like a mindless zombie behind. Later after very uneventful walking around, we were still empty-handed and Geoky suggested that we go for cake and coffee. We went to Gloria coffee and shared a slice of tiramusu which wasnt that nice. Their sizing for the cups also very small such that we got medium instead of the orignally intended small. Maybe wont want to go there again. That whole outing left me feeling more stoned cos of the chill and also by the time reached home, with food in the stomach, also didnt go for the 3rd session of gym. I had gone last Monday and Friday. So alright, at least kept to twice a week quota. The worst decision for me was to play that Bartender game until the wee hours of Monday morning... 3.30am!!!
Mon - Then I completed the whole game, with both endings and then slept. Only to wake up at 7am, aka 3+ hours of sleep only. Woke up functional but sleepy. Didnt eat breakfast cos was slow-moving than usual. Ironed my clothes and on the way to work, I dabaoed my breakfast which I ate in 20mins just before lesson started. Then again my collegues changed a bit of my schedule, it meant Mon became an additional heavy day, 5 periods. Luckily I am not the main teacher, so I just walk around. Also they were returning their test papers so I had lesser to do than usual. I was trying to be alert so that I can answer any queries. Not that many, just a couple of students asked me why their answers were wrong. The rest mostly kept to themselves and compared results, some gloated, some were arrogant about their scores, some were disappointed they didnt get full marks (still their standard is much lower yet typical of Jap test, same questions are exact duplicates of ws questions or tb passage) but who am I to complain? It also cant be helped that as English is their second language, the depth of exposure to certain vocabulary in many areas are limited. And I have not seen much exposure to other aspects outside what is covered in their tb. Well no wonder, I can score in my own Jap test at the centre where I am studying at. Basically is a lot of memory work, whether its short term memory or long term memory, doesnt matter. Such that even with the holes in my brain theory, I can still pass the test. Speaking of which I have to study this week and next week. Next Sat, have to go and do test cos I have a school dinner on Wed, which is the last lesson and test. Had asked Sensei for a change of date. So that would be next Sat, after guitar lesson and a short lunch. Have to travel down for test.
I survived the long day though I did see one of my collegues sprawled over at his desk, resting. Quite mentally taxing. I already felt it, even more so for them who are carrying out the lesson. Plus dunno what time the collegues work until everyday. I went home and decided to practice guitar after neglecting it for over 2 weeks. So did for about half hour then fingers have dull ache. Slept cos really felt mentally tired after the long day. It was almost 6.30pm then which was the time I had intended to set off for gym. But was too tired, slept on and luckily woke up at 7.30pm. Still can go cos the gym close at 10pm. So headed out and travelled there. I did cut short my routine by skipping the stepper 25mins of workout. Cos I was on an empty stomach, without dinner. If I did the usual of 1.5hrs ++, it would mean a late dinner of near 10pm. So I finished the usual machine, free weights and mat routines and then headed home. Ate dinner about 9pm plus downstairs at the coffeeshop. Went home, bathed, went online a bit. Slept earlier about midnight.
Tue - Still woke up tired today. My collegues who did this type of late nighter thingy to watch World Cup also felt that it takes her several days to recover from one of this. This is the part about growing older I guess. Though I still dont look my age, but things like recovering from a late nighter, certain aches from exercise or lack of warm up for running, reminds me of the fact of growing old.
Snoozed 10mins more. Ironed clothes but didnt eat breakfast. I dabaoed again on the way to work and ate it. Very nice Yam cake and the Noodles/Beehoon. Downed it with Oolong tea. Heard that it helps with digestion and removal of oil from meals esp when drank with the meal. Yesterday's siong day meant that today I very slack in terms of peroids. So in my new schedule, I am quite slack on Tue and Fri. Both only 2 periods. Yet there is only so much things I can do online before things become boring. So I used a bit of the time to clear the final bits of resource making for tomorrow's solo lesson. Then also cleared an adminstrative duty on my part, which is a monthly check of certain special rooms for mosquitoes and defects. At least its not everyday, so once a month for a walkaround to do maintanence check is alright with me.
Still on the agenda for non-work is to monitor stocks, hope for blog and fb updates to read. Work-related would include doing up the next bunch of resources, starting with the search.
Sunday was spent also playing until lunch time. Then I dabaoed another Astons Double Up Chicken (which I had promised not to eat again)... but its for brunch, so it was filling indeed. Geoky is still amazed that I can finish the large portion of the Double Up Chicken set. She herself is full after her single chicken. That meant I was quite full up until late evening. Then in the mid afternoon, 3pm, Geoky wanted to got to Vivocity to check out the Awfully Chocolate, after hearing that the chocolate cakes are good but not overly sweet. So pyscho my dad and I had to tag along, though a bit unwilling. The worst part was in the car, with the air-con, I seem to have caught a chill. Just suddenly and gradually, felt tired and sickly. Nose like getting blocked the longer I was into the whole outing. I tell them to walk ahead, while I followed like a mindless zombie behind. Later after very uneventful walking around, we were still empty-handed and Geoky suggested that we go for cake and coffee. We went to Gloria coffee and shared a slice of tiramusu which wasnt that nice. Their sizing for the cups also very small such that we got medium instead of the orignally intended small. Maybe wont want to go there again. That whole outing left me feeling more stoned cos of the chill and also by the time reached home, with food in the stomach, also didnt go for the 3rd session of gym. I had gone last Monday and Friday. So alright, at least kept to twice a week quota. The worst decision for me was to play that Bartender game until the wee hours of Monday morning... 3.30am!!!
Mon - Then I completed the whole game, with both endings and then slept. Only to wake up at 7am, aka 3+ hours of sleep only. Woke up functional but sleepy. Didnt eat breakfast cos was slow-moving than usual. Ironed my clothes and on the way to work, I dabaoed my breakfast which I ate in 20mins just before lesson started. Then again my collegues changed a bit of my schedule, it meant Mon became an additional heavy day, 5 periods. Luckily I am not the main teacher, so I just walk around. Also they were returning their test papers so I had lesser to do than usual. I was trying to be alert so that I can answer any queries. Not that many, just a couple of students asked me why their answers were wrong. The rest mostly kept to themselves and compared results, some gloated, some were arrogant about their scores, some were disappointed they didnt get full marks (still their standard is much lower yet typical of Jap test, same questions are exact duplicates of ws questions or tb passage) but who am I to complain? It also cant be helped that as English is their second language, the depth of exposure to certain vocabulary in many areas are limited. And I have not seen much exposure to other aspects outside what is covered in their tb. Well no wonder, I can score in my own Jap test at the centre where I am studying at. Basically is a lot of memory work, whether its short term memory or long term memory, doesnt matter. Such that even with the holes in my brain theory, I can still pass the test. Speaking of which I have to study this week and next week. Next Sat, have to go and do test cos I have a school dinner on Wed, which is the last lesson and test. Had asked Sensei for a change of date. So that would be next Sat, after guitar lesson and a short lunch. Have to travel down for test.
I survived the long day though I did see one of my collegues sprawled over at his desk, resting. Quite mentally taxing. I already felt it, even more so for them who are carrying out the lesson. Plus dunno what time the collegues work until everyday. I went home and decided to practice guitar after neglecting it for over 2 weeks. So did for about half hour then fingers have dull ache. Slept cos really felt mentally tired after the long day. It was almost 6.30pm then which was the time I had intended to set off for gym. But was too tired, slept on and luckily woke up at 7.30pm. Still can go cos the gym close at 10pm. So headed out and travelled there. I did cut short my routine by skipping the stepper 25mins of workout. Cos I was on an empty stomach, without dinner. If I did the usual of 1.5hrs ++, it would mean a late dinner of near 10pm. So I finished the usual machine, free weights and mat routines and then headed home. Ate dinner about 9pm plus downstairs at the coffeeshop. Went home, bathed, went online a bit. Slept earlier about midnight.
Tue - Still woke up tired today. My collegues who did this type of late nighter thingy to watch World Cup also felt that it takes her several days to recover from one of this. This is the part about growing older I guess. Though I still dont look my age, but things like recovering from a late nighter, certain aches from exercise or lack of warm up for running, reminds me of the fact of growing old.
Snoozed 10mins more. Ironed clothes but didnt eat breakfast. I dabaoed again on the way to work and ate it. Very nice Yam cake and the Noodles/Beehoon. Downed it with Oolong tea. Heard that it helps with digestion and removal of oil from meals esp when drank with the meal. Yesterday's siong day meant that today I very slack in terms of peroids. So in my new schedule, I am quite slack on Tue and Fri. Both only 2 periods. Yet there is only so much things I can do online before things become boring. So I used a bit of the time to clear the final bits of resource making for tomorrow's solo lesson. Then also cleared an adminstrative duty on my part, which is a monthly check of certain special rooms for mosquitoes and defects. At least its not everyday, so once a month for a walkaround to do maintanence check is alright with me.
Still on the agenda for non-work is to monitor stocks, hope for blog and fb updates to read. Work-related would include doing up the next bunch of resources, starting with the search.
Sunday, July 04, 2010
Cosfest 2010 Day 1 only
This year, unlike the last time that I ever went down (which I just checked this blog and was 2005!!! OMFG that long ago?) was about to end with me going down alone all the way to the Eastern end to take a peep at the Cosfest 2010 event.
Due to having assignment, I was out of home very early. Then on my travel, my hp was already on half-bar, so after some radio, in the red zone. Conserved to use to sms Quetzal and Candle whom expressed interest in meeting up. I told them after guitar and lunch, I be heading down to Scape cos there seems to be some cosplay and J-rock concert happening, though I didnt know the iternary. So near 3.45pm, I arrived there and walked around Scape. It has turned into a mini-shopping centre with quite a number of youth orientated retailers. I explored a bit and took a few photos with my lousy phone camera which is only at 1MP. Anyway the supposed 'Cosplay' turned out to be a costume rental which had people dressing up as Tigger, Chicken Little, Kungfu Panda, Superman/woman, Xena... and even a Cai Shen....
Due to having assignment, I was out of home very early. Then on my travel, my hp was already on half-bar, so after some radio, in the red zone. Conserved to use to sms Quetzal and Candle whom expressed interest in meeting up. I told them after guitar and lunch, I be heading down to Scape cos there seems to be some cosplay and J-rock concert happening, though I didnt know the iternary. So near 3.45pm, I arrived there and walked around Scape. It has turned into a mini-shopping centre with quite a number of youth orientated retailers. I explored a bit and took a few photos with my lousy phone camera which is only at 1MP. Anyway the supposed 'Cosplay' turned out to be a costume rental which had people dressing up as Tigger, Chicken Little, Kungfu Panda, Superman/woman, Xena... and even a Cai Shen....
I used my hp to zoom in from various levels of the Scape building cos the 'standard' and types of costumes are really not what cosplay is about. So dont feel compelled to go closer for a closer look.
Really disappointing to see yet amusing. I went back inside Scape to enjoy a bit of the air-con and saw a whole bunch of Predators, about 4-5 of them... Yet I felt like rolling my eyes cos the Predators were all so short. At least 1 head or more shorter than me. How to look menacing?!?!? OMFG... rented Predators costumes to kids? *Rolls eyes* Then the J-rock concert would only happen at 9.30pm. So no way, I am going to stay until that late, cos those performers are not J-rock stars from Japan but local J-rock groups doing covers. Though I would like to listen but just too much time to kill. It has been almost 5 years since the only time I went for a Jrock concert by local bands near Hereen that time as an intern at ShittyBank with a JC friend.
Decided to head to East to check out Cosfest. Dunno the iternary for that either. Decided to kill time while waiting for Candle to travel down. That time-killing was really hard to do for me. Spent more than an hour, scouring through the entire Cold Storage, then walked through the Food Fair, even went into a Sport Goods shop before finally arrived. So hard to kill time for me without music especially. We headed down together and arrived at the Hall.
Outside the Hall were some cosplayers of rather high standard for the costumes. We entered the hall but not that many cosplayers mingling. That was near 7pm. Think quite a number left already. Luckily there was still one more thing happening on the stage. Its the individual skit cosplay with the 6 finalist and 3 would be selected for today's competition with the top 3 from malaysia, korea etc (Which I didnt go down cos really tired today from all the running around)
Yet Candle and I were fixated by this Nun cosplayer.
I remember seeing this look before but cannot name which anime. Think I ever saw pics before. Anyway Candle asked me out of the blue if the Nun was a guy. I couldnt answer cos the back was facing to me. But damn, the Nun had slimmer legs and more femine shaping legs than I do...
So we walked off to the extreme side of the stage to get a better look. When the Nun turned around, *ARRRRRRGGGGGHHH* basically not good looking or what, and its a GUY. A guy in a blue nun's outfit called the Habit, stops several inches above knee cap, aka show thighs, plus wear long girly socks with ladies footwear. Also the Habit is short sleeves and ends with white looking cuffs. Both of us were like Sniggering and laughing... cos we remembered how FH wanted to dress like a Nun last Halloween. This is the 'Perfect' one. Tried and tested somemore.
So though the finalist were performing on stage, we were catching glimpses and being amused by the Nun and his tactics. Later the Nun volunteered for part of the love spell cast by one of the finalist. I pity the guy who is paired with 'him'. We laughed even more. Guess he's the whole highlight of Cosfest 2010 for us. Quetzal came later and also saw the Nun.
The final pose by all the various winning teams of the different categories, some winners had gone home already. A pity.
My lousy low resolution hp camera doesnt do justice to their beautiful costumes. Also the stage lighting plus our position at the extreme left of the stage makes it hard to take a good shot. No wonder there were tonnes of guys using damn powerful cameras with long zooms to take pics. Guess Candle and I are not Otaku enough.
A pity didnt get to see more cosplayers but at least didnt miss everything. Too bad, the distance and also the lack of info about the iternary of Sunday's grandfinal and fatique from all the running around from Mon-Sat meant I am very tired on Sunday and would like to hide at home to rest up. Next year's one, I shall make a effort to go there earlier just like that one in 2005. OMFG, I better try to make it an annual thing. At least it can be a sort of a highlight and interesting thing done in a year.
PS> Last year or the one before, my sister actually went for one of the Cosfest. She mentioned that I should have gone cos they invited one very famous cosplayer from Japan, who is literally Cloud Strife in person, but she did tell me that he mentioned that he had very little self confidence and was very otaku until he started cosplaying. Got more confidence and made more friends. I believe he is Kaname. I just searched and found his pics and stuff.
PS> Last year or the one before, my sister actually went for one of the Cosfest. She mentioned that I should have gone cos they invited one very famous cosplayer from Japan, who is literally Cloud Strife in person, but she did tell me that he mentioned that he had very little self confidence and was very otaku until he started cosplaying. Got more confidence and made more friends. I believe he is Kaname. I just searched and found his pics and stuff.
Really not all can reach this type of standard. Only one word "Wow".
Friday, July 02, 2010
A "unproductive" day
Today is the 2nd and last day of exams. Again I have 0 responsibilities. I tried to do work related. I did do some and mostly finished. Then later one collegue asked for my help for invigilation only to change her mind later just before that paper. Fine so I really sat around and stone, eat plain crackers with coffee. I did offer to help but since nothing told to me, so nothing much for me. I spent a bit of time hiding out at the kitchen where a collegue is baking the birthday cake and cupcakes for her son's 1st birthday this Sat. Hid there so I dont have to sit at the very open-concept staff-room and keep looking at the laptop.
Later we headed out again for a longer lunch. So ate at IMM, Swenson 1-for-1, too much of good food for lunch. Yesterday I ate Thai express, and after assignment, though I had eaten dinner already, was hungry and ate chicken rice, eat up some canned fruits, ate some slices of the chocolate instant cake too... OMG!!! My waistline. Felt bad that I packed my gym gear into the work bag and half contemplated going to the gym straight after work, if nobody jios me. Also partly havent practiced any guitar in 2 weeks. My plan of eating soupy was dashed since head out for Swenson, I ate the Fried Chicken Cutlet. Dont think the Baked rice with cheese is any less fattening... I ate a few fries cos feeling heaty and guilty too. So I am resolved to head to gym once work hours end.
This is a departure from the usual routine of going home first to rest up, then change and head over. This time, I decide to head straight. Spend less time travelling, can have dinner, or even possible to still head out. I say, if that shopping centre at Clementi opens and there's a cinema, you can bet, I'll be there watching movies in the evenings. So dont have to head down to town especially to watch. Nothing else planned cos Quet is heading to IR's home for dinner. I dont have the bathing stuff, so after gym also sweaty... then also make her run around to meet up later after that also no point.
So guess it'll be a more stay-home friday, not that I mind, all this unproductivity is making me spend alot of time thinking that leaves me tired. The lack of music also meant, I cant hibernate the brain. Also partly tired from the running around during the week, esp for assignments. Hopefully I will play the guitar a bit tonight. Looking so forward to a hot bath, the cool bed in this type of "rainy" weather. Makes me wanna curl up and sleep. Hence the whole 'dragging' myself to gym straight after work.
Later we headed out again for a longer lunch. So ate at IMM, Swenson 1-for-1, too much of good food for lunch. Yesterday I ate Thai express, and after assignment, though I had eaten dinner already, was hungry and ate chicken rice, eat up some canned fruits, ate some slices of the chocolate instant cake too... OMG!!! My waistline. Felt bad that I packed my gym gear into the work bag and half contemplated going to the gym straight after work, if nobody jios me. Also partly havent practiced any guitar in 2 weeks. My plan of eating soupy was dashed since head out for Swenson, I ate the Fried Chicken Cutlet. Dont think the Baked rice with cheese is any less fattening... I ate a few fries cos feeling heaty and guilty too. So I am resolved to head to gym once work hours end.
This is a departure from the usual routine of going home first to rest up, then change and head over. This time, I decide to head straight. Spend less time travelling, can have dinner, or even possible to still head out. I say, if that shopping centre at Clementi opens and there's a cinema, you can bet, I'll be there watching movies in the evenings. So dont have to head down to town especially to watch. Nothing else planned cos Quet is heading to IR's home for dinner. I dont have the bathing stuff, so after gym also sweaty... then also make her run around to meet up later after that also no point.
So guess it'll be a more stay-home friday, not that I mind, all this unproductivity is making me spend alot of time thinking that leaves me tired. The lack of music also meant, I cant hibernate the brain. Also partly tired from the running around during the week, esp for assignments. Hopefully I will play the guitar a bit tonight. Looking so forward to a hot bath, the cool bed in this type of "rainy" weather. Makes me wanna curl up and sleep. Hence the whole 'dragging' myself to gym straight after work.
Thursday, July 01, 2010
1st try instant cake mix
Today I helped out collegues in sorting exam papers for the subject tomorrow. Afterthat continued finishing up the resources for next week's lesson. Tomorrow would continue the resource part. By then my shoulders felt stiff cos had to use both hands extendedly in seated position but once I can put down the hands, it eased. Later after really working until we very stoned, we headed out for a 'longer lunch' as a sort of reward. Then came back and shortly it's dismissal.
Then I went up with a collegue who's baking cakes for her son's bdae this weekend and lent an oven. I brought all the ingredients oil, eggs and instant mix. Then fit started. Borrowed the mixing bowl with spatula, baking tray which my collegue helped to line with baking paper. Then I mixed in all the stuff well and poured into the tray to bake. Viola! Then need to wait for 30mins before checking if it's cooked through. Added 5 mins more cos when the toothpick poked through still came up with some stuff.
Spent the waiting time talking with the 2 local collegues. Then cake is done, took out to cool and started cutting up. Cos the tray used is rather large surface area, the cake is a bit flat and not like the pic on the box. I cut into all rectangular strips and packed half home. Don't want my family to have to eat tonnes of cake for weeks. The other half, I cut into little cubes and put at staff-room table for jap collegues to eat. They often stay until very late and are perpetually hungry, partly cos of their small bento boxes. So they will often sweep up the food that is placed there for them. The home economics teacher does whip up dishes in her free time and put there for them to eat too. Recently got a smart fly buzzing around so use plastic to wrap up. Came back to my seat and saw the collegues so busy still sorting through the exam papers. Felt a bit bad that I didn't help out but they didn't ask me after school bus dismissal so I went cooking... Also that longer lunch. Hmm tomorrow I shall be more productive at workplace.
Then I went up with a collegue who's baking cakes for her son's bdae this weekend and lent an oven. I brought all the ingredients oil, eggs and instant mix. Then fit started. Borrowed the mixing bowl with spatula, baking tray which my collegue helped to line with baking paper. Then I mixed in all the stuff well and poured into the tray to bake. Viola! Then need to wait for 30mins before checking if it's cooked through. Added 5 mins more cos when the toothpick poked through still came up with some stuff.
Spent the waiting time talking with the 2 local collegues. Then cake is done, took out to cool and started cutting up. Cos the tray used is rather large surface area, the cake is a bit flat and not like the pic on the box. I cut into all rectangular strips and packed half home. Don't want my family to have to eat tonnes of cake for weeks. The other half, I cut into little cubes and put at staff-room table for jap collegues to eat. They often stay until very late and are perpetually hungry, partly cos of their small bento boxes. So they will often sweep up the food that is placed there for them. The home economics teacher does whip up dishes in her free time and put there for them to eat too. Recently got a smart fly buzzing around so use plastic to wrap up. Came back to my seat and saw the collegues so busy still sorting through the exam papers. Felt a bit bad that I didn't help out but they didn't ask me after school bus dismissal so I went cooking... Also that longer lunch. Hmm tomorrow I shall be more productive at workplace.
Instant Cake Mix
My dad went to buy a box of instant mix for chocolate cake thinking that its a box of chocolate cake. Only to open it up and see that its in powder form. So I shall "Gop" and use it to do some baking at workplace. The reason is that I think I would have 0 work responsibility for the exam tomorrow and friday. That meant being Free from 8am plus all the way until 5pm. Now that's too much free time.
I would definitely use some time to finish up lesson-related stuff, even try to prepare for next week's BUT I still dont think THAT would occupy all the time. So I dont mind just using about 15mins to do up the mixture, which is bloody simple. Add water, add eggs, add oil to powder. Mix well, pour into baking tin and bake. Tada. Within an hour max, a whole slab of cake. Its really that simple cos I witness how my collegue made brownies from an instant mix with exactly the same step. So I shall start with this small project.
The 2 other cooking projects of Lychee Mojito Vodka Konnyaku Jelly and Chocolate Macarons would have to wait until I have bought the ingredients, have free time to do some experimenting.
Cosfest is this weekend at Downtown East. Tempted to go but it meant I can only make it on Sat, after guitar class and also eating lunch. But going alone, cos Tab intend to go with her df... meant also dunno if I really that keen to go alone. Granted the standard would be high and also think might really encounter students cos that's immediately after their exams (-_-)" but its only once a year. Hmm lemme think about it before weekend arrives.
Then after jap lesson today, hang a bit with Tab at Shaw, and saw this huge crowd of movie-goers. Oh... Eclipse gala premier tonight. Team Edward? or Team Jacob. My sister actually was intrigued after Part 2 came out and recorded the Part 1 via cable tv. She tried to watch it but was absolutely bored out of her mind and couldnt even reach halfway. Then she asked me how I managed to sit through Part 1. I told her I recorded on cable and was watching it in the wee hours of the morning and actually fell asleep partially. Though I did watch Part 2 with Tab. Anyway IF really given a choice, I wont choose either. My sister agrees that both are not our type. Except that in Part 2, both start taking off shirts and showing rippling bodies. Maybe if. Sure hantam by all the Twilight fans if they ever read this...
On the bus ride back, I actually met a student. Talked to him a bit and then I stoned out. Summary- I went for Jap and hang, he went for juku and going home. And tomorrow's the start of the exams. Of course in local context, its not surprising to have tuition to timing of 9.30pm plus either at home or at tuition centres. Not sure if they do the juku thing every weekday or just like once or twice a day like local tuition. That's the part that I am curious about. Will go ask collegues tomorrow.
Really need my sleep now. Tomorrow another day closer to the glorious weekend.
I would definitely use some time to finish up lesson-related stuff, even try to prepare for next week's BUT I still dont think THAT would occupy all the time. So I dont mind just using about 15mins to do up the mixture, which is bloody simple. Add water, add eggs, add oil to powder. Mix well, pour into baking tin and bake. Tada. Within an hour max, a whole slab of cake. Its really that simple cos I witness how my collegue made brownies from an instant mix with exactly the same step. So I shall start with this small project.
The 2 other cooking projects of Lychee Mojito Vodka Konnyaku Jelly and Chocolate Macarons would have to wait until I have bought the ingredients, have free time to do some experimenting.
Cosfest is this weekend at Downtown East. Tempted to go but it meant I can only make it on Sat, after guitar class and also eating lunch. But going alone, cos Tab intend to go with her df... meant also dunno if I really that keen to go alone. Granted the standard would be high and also think might really encounter students cos that's immediately after their exams (-_-)" but its only once a year. Hmm lemme think about it before weekend arrives.
Then after jap lesson today, hang a bit with Tab at Shaw, and saw this huge crowd of movie-goers. Oh... Eclipse gala premier tonight. Team Edward? or Team Jacob. My sister actually was intrigued after Part 2 came out and recorded the Part 1 via cable tv. She tried to watch it but was absolutely bored out of her mind and couldnt even reach halfway. Then she asked me how I managed to sit through Part 1. I told her I recorded on cable and was watching it in the wee hours of the morning and actually fell asleep partially. Though I did watch Part 2 with Tab. Anyway IF really given a choice, I wont choose either. My sister agrees that both are not our type. Except that in Part 2, both start taking off shirts and showing rippling bodies. Maybe if. Sure hantam by all the Twilight fans if they ever read this...
On the bus ride back, I actually met a student. Talked to him a bit and then I stoned out. Summary- I went for Jap and hang, he went for juku and going home. And tomorrow's the start of the exams. Of course in local context, its not surprising to have tuition to timing of 9.30pm plus either at home or at tuition centres. Not sure if they do the juku thing every weekday or just like once or twice a day like local tuition. That's the part that I am curious about. Will go ask collegues tomorrow.
Really need my sleep now. Tomorrow another day closer to the glorious weekend.
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