steamy and cheesy Friday the 31st

The most anticipated day is here.  It's Friday the 13th oops Friday the 31st, the last day of the month, pay day, and another happy, happy day.  It was so nice seeing the children at school this morning wearing their Halloween costumes.  I spotted Spider Man, Dracula, princesses and witches. I give both the Parents and the children A+ for the effort exerted.  And that includes me and Jack hehehe.  I think the children's excitement as they compare and checks on their costumes has influenced me to do something for my boys too.  

Impromptu act.  I can't remember Ian's puto cheese recipe which we made last time so I had to seek assistance from the net.  And there it was blah blah blah and I started the steam engine.  It's an improvised steamer but as long as it generates steam and produce puto cheese out of the flour, eggs, milk, salt, baking powder, sugar, cheeses then it's super dooper fine and I am grateful enough☺.    Anyways, the first batch didn't rise as expected because I didn't allow it to rest for awhile but the 2nd and 3rd batches came out just perfect.  I used brown sugar instead the regular white sugar.  Aside from preferences, it's Halloween and I want to deviate from the normal whiteness of the puto cheese.  Although it's a fact that you can make more colors still brown sugar gives out a difference shade.  Eenie-winnie-teenie-hallo-weenie kaboom!  

Happy Halloween everyone!  Meet my Halloween treat for my boys. Yes, it is puto cheese.  It was time to open my Silicone Decoration Pen and put to good use.  Glad it worked with the cheese.  Yes, yes, yes. Those white stuff are made of cheeses.  I mixed the Cream Cheese and Mascarpone Cheese to create the ghosts and web.  Too bad, the chocolate ganache wasn't friendly with the pen or it's the other way around.  Anyways, I'm still able to pull it through and was able to write RIP with a toothpick, awesome! ☺.  It will be Pee Mak Phra Khanong night later so these puto cheese will be a good snackin' with the hot and spicy chips!  

Okay bye for now, it's time to pick up Z from school and let me take a look for another batch of inspiration(s) from the costumes.  Aawwoooo!  Another gloomy afternoon and great!  It's now raining. 

Have fun and be safe.  Don't let Chucky or Freddie scare you away.  

Halloween and upcoming Religious Observances

Month after month, one festivity or celebration to the next.   Before this month gives way to it's successor, it just can't pass by without the All Hallows' Eve activities.  Some might have even started their costume parties, trick or treating fun, pumpkin carvings and more. 

          Zs' school is not an exemption as it joins the Halloween celebration band wagon.  They have pushed the sent button last week informing that there'll be a costume parade this 31st of October.  Zs' mind is already set as to what he wants to be this Thursday.  He wants to be a vampire and of course, I am excited.  I guess it's not only me who is excited but Jack too.  C'mon, don't deny it yo!  I saw you browsing the net for costume shops  -- rent or own. 

          Because I'm a doting mother (aka stage Mom), we bought Mentos chewy dragees last Saturday as his Trick or Treats?! to his classmates.  The preparation is still half-way through but it's Zs' part now to do the rest, he has to participate too. ☺ Here's a peak.

each child receives 6 pieces of different flavored dragee

Thanks to http://kadenscorner.com for the printable designs.  so cute!

          Then yesterday, we were at Berjaya Times Square and Cool Costumes shop was still closed when we arrived there.  While waiting, we strolled around and looked for an accessory -- a daylight ring.  We like those with stones and skull designs but whoa! too expensive.  We found a ring with a Naruto insignia in a store that sells Korean Pop Stars stuff but we were not entertained properly so we left.  We visited stall after stall until we found one.  It's not that cheap but the cheapest by far and acts both a ring and a watch.  Isn't it cool!  It was hitting 3 birds at the same time because the design was with a skull. Daylight ring, check!  Then I was too excited browsing through CC's array of costumes and found the vampire costume and cape.  Fire starters! My excitement suddenly evaporated along with my blood.  Not that a vampire had landed and took his bite on my neck but what the heck!  MYR200.00 for a CAPE?!  BEE DO BEE DO BEE DO!  Madness!!  To manage our disappointments, we bought another accessory and opted for Plan B.  A pricey plastic fang but glad it's off the list and still into the vampire theme.  Good thing there is this Vampire Diaries series that introduces modern vampires.  At least Z can still go as a vampire, a modern vampire in his modern clothing plus the accessories and let his look and charm do the rest.  Naks! 

          As multi-ethnic and multi-cultural Malaysia is, these are the following Religious Observances come first days of November 2013 that are celebrated or observed accordingly. 

1.  It's a 2 day religious activities for the Roman Catholics all over the world.

November 1 - All Saints' Day, a Holy Day of Obligation. 

November 2 - All Soul's Day.  

Time to remember and visit the cemetery families, friends and relatives who already departed this world.  Most of all may we never forget to offer masses, prayers, and lit candles for them.  I have nice memories during "kalag-kalag" ( kalag = soul).  I had a number of kalag-kalag years spent it in my Mom's hometown in Bohol.  The food offerings or "halad" to the dead which we can't eat not until the prayer has been offered at night time is one of the highlights of the day.  Eating souls' leftover was fun, bizarre but filled with wonderful moments, right?  But to some it remain as food for the dead and left at the altar for more days. 

2.  Deepavali or "Festival of Lights".  This is a Hindu festival that they celebrate for 5 days. 

November 3 - is Diwali or Deepavali Day.  In lieu of this, November 4 is declared a holiday for the students only. 

As early as last week there were already fireworks and various programs happening around Little India.  Deepavali decorations we have noticed in establishments and these are beautiful works of art we saw at the malls. 

                       Taken at Lot 10 Mall.  It's made of colored rice grains.  I so love the colours.

                     This one at Pavilion Mall.  Still it's made of rice grains and some with various beans.

As wiki said, "Diwali is one of the most important festivals by the Hindus.  Diwali involves the lighting of small clay lamps filled with oil to signify the triumph of good or over evil.  These lamps are kept on during the night and one's house is cleaned, both done in order to make the goddess Lakshmi feel welcome.  Firecrackers are burst because it is believed that it drives away evil spirits.  During Diwali, all the celebrants wear new clothes and share sweets and snacks with family members and friends".  I wish we will be invited to one and experience a Deepavali celebration. 

3.  November 5 - Awal Muharram.  Like Deepavali this is my first encounter so I have to read Wikipedia to get an overview.  These what I found:

• Muharram is the first month of the Islamic calendar and is one of the four sacred months of the year.
• Muharram means Forbidden derived from the word haram (the letter a with a line on top), meaning sinful. 
• Some Muslims fast during this day and other Muslim groupings fast differently.
• Muharram is a month of remembrance.

On this webpage www.publicholidays.com.my/awal-muharram/ it says:

"Awal Muharram also called Maal Hijrah celebrates the beginning of the Islamic New Year, and beginning of ten days of remembrance for the martyrdom of Hussein ibn Ali, Prophet Mohammed's grandson.  During this time, Muslims are forbidden to fight; hence, a time of mourning and peace."

          Definitely, it's going to be a long weekend for me and Z.  Four days in a row to just be lazy and be bed warmers but of course, without forgetting the duties of being an RC.  Jack will be working on Nov. 4 so he'll be so green of jealousy by then hehehe joke! 

It's been a journey of new knowledge as I learn the upcoming local holidays or observances that are significant to this country.  And I look forward to those days and witness how they are practised. 

Good night friends and I hope the Barangay Election at home has been peaceful and could produce a new breed of honest, resilient, and committed public servants to bring in hopeful changes to our country.

back on track ... 1/2 year ...

October started with so much energy.  I was full of excitement and I had a number of things I looked forward to.  My mind and body were both in sync, counting the days with unending thoughts.  One by one they came and filled my days with sunshine and joy.  As one by one left, a different yet familiar ghosts slowly kicked in.  I hate to face the feeling of dreariness and emotional outbursts but my!  I'm just a woman too good to cry in silence and prefers to remain silent.  I went through a roller coaster of events and emotional moments resulting my absence in updating this space.  Because they are now water under the bridge, I can now share them with you.

1.  Every time Jack comes home for a week long vacation the waiting time moves in a slow motion.  When he is already at home, time moves in so fast like it was just yesterday.  The most dreaded part of saying goodbye comes then he leaves ... zooooom!!  Argh!  It would take me a whole week to recover and this is what I went through when Ian and Kriziann went home after a week long visit.  Kriziann (2 yr old nephew) was a lot to handle!  It was a real topsy-turvy, noisy, scheming, and screaming week at home but it was a hilarious and happy bonding week after all.  As I recall the days now, I only have a smile on my lips and pleasant thoughts as I flip through the memories.  I can never forget how Kriziann:

• reacts to every thrilling scenes of Atlantis' 1st episode which appears frightening to him.  He cringes and cries yet he continues to watch it till the end.  He was too glued in watching the Pacific Rim.  He finished the movie and he is such a funny boy.  When the scenes became too intense he panicked and cried and still he watches the movie intently. 

• it was a revelation how a chocolate frap can affect a 2 year old.  He was so high in spirit and very uncontrollable.  He shouted and threw tantrums.  Of course, it was so attention grabbing and embarrassing to the other customers.  So, I asked Ian to let him run around and sweat out to release the frap out from his system.  Whew!  At least, it worked out.  A good relief!  But my! He acted like he was a drunk or one having hallucinations.  Tsk!

• the toilet episode.  Jack went inside and Kriziann followed.  He never listened as we called his attention to get out.  While Jack peed, he was the audience and said "Uncle" with his innocent grin.  lol.

It was a good time to catch up with my sister.  There were no heart to heart talks and shopping sprees but the company of having her and Kriziann around was heart-warming enough.  It was nice hearing Z and Kriziann laugh together and see them play together.  Fighting is not an estranged word to them but they are not like adults, they can easily get over with the fighting and back to being buddies again.  How time flies!  Their smiling and wacky faces in the photos are contagious and are so fun to look at.

2.  The laptop's hinge broke down and so it was sent for repair as it will cause damage to the cover or worst the LCD later if left neglected.  I might belong to the dark age in terms of updating my space but I prefer using a laptop.  The screen size which I really appreciate, the keyboard, and I don't know I am just so comfortable making my piece in the laptop which my phone can't measure up to.  My phone is also a great tool for me but when it comes to writing, I still prefer a laptop.  Low tech or what, still laptop! ☺.  Another reason to be AWOL from updating. ☺

3.  When I was above ground, way above dreariness and regained my old self something surfaced that shattered the good vibes.  It was a holiday the next day October 15, so I was so spiced up to go out.  I wanted to go to the mall my feet were itching to go out.  I need a breather.  I text Jack if our Monday-Burger-hunt plan will push through since the place we planned to go to is closed on Mondays.  After several exchanges there was no firm and final decision.  From school I told Z to take his snacks, finish his homework immediately, and change clothes because we are going to the mall.  He got his homework, ate his snacks and was glued to the TV.  I checked his homework and since the pictures were a blur I had a hard time identifying some of the pictures.  I resigned and told him to ask his teacher again.  Again and again I told him to move fast as it was past 4PM.  My patience was pushed to the limit and I'm a very impatient person.  I was not anymore interested of going out.  I was too angry and too frustrated.  I didn't talk to both of them.  I busied myself with the chores and went to bed.  I hate what I did but this I reminded myself "If you have nothing nice to say then don't say anything at all."  It appears too childlike of me or too unreasonable but here is my sentiment:

         

          For many years, I have been in and out of the house because I was a career woman.  Anytime I want to go to the mall, I can.  I am in touch with people, surrounded with people, and mingle with people.  I am not complaining that my life now is just home to school, school to home, home to mall (only as needed), and home to somewhere else because as usual, as needed or whenever we have visitors.  Good for them that they have an office and school to go to.  Whether they love it or hate it, they get to live for a time in a different environment.  Me?  I'm stuck at home!  Me and me alone until it's time for them to come home. 

Yes, self-pity flooded over me.  I got mad and my thoughts were running like crazy.  It's a battle between me an extrovert VS them the introverts.  Sigh!   

4.  Then a bad news.  I received Mama's text message last October 15 at 8:32AM.   The never before strongest earthquake that shook Bohol and Cebu in my whole existence happened.  And this was my last update in my space.  Still, I wasn't talking to my boys.

Next day, I disabled my mute mode and in communication with Jack and Z again.  It was not because of the earthquake episode but because I chose to embrace a different outlook.  I have given myself time and allowed what it wanted to do which was to just shut up.  I had time to think things over, had time to debate with myself, had time to think of activities that could help enrich myself despite setbacks and limited resources and most of all, I prayed.   

Despite all these dramas I am thankful for the pick me up moments that happened afterwards:

1.  Too timely!  Ian sent me some stuff through Kliff who was on a business trip in KL.  A real lift me up package. 

2.  For the first time since I landed in KL, I had my me-moment-lunch accidentally and unexpectedly.  I was already hungry and Kliff was still not done so I ate ahead of him ☺. 

3.  I enrolled in a workshop but will do a separate write-up.

4.  For the first time, I did something I have never done since relocating.  It was like a "day-off" feeling.  Yes!  A day-off even if it was only for 6 hours.  I had a Me-time!  I was on my own.  I had lunch again on my own!  I was roaming around the mall on my own.  Re-charged?!  Definitely! 

5.  Jack brought home 2 slices of brownie cheesecake even without being asked.  I truly appreciate the gesture. 

6.  Laughter has come home.

7.  Short messages from friends whether from the earthquake that happened, IG postings, and requests as long as it was addressed to me ☺

 -- Monique, Reenah, Imma, Rizza, Lorena, Cha2x, July G., Tonet, Mygie and Tom.

8.  Knowing that my family, friends and relatives are alive and well after the quake and the endless tremors ... what more can I ask for.

Happy 6 months to me and Z here in KL.  I also want to thank those who subscribe to this space or accidentally gets to read my posts.  With all my heart, thank you. 

It's raining here on this calm Sunday but it doesn't mean KL is unhappy that we are here for the longest time hahaha.  God is just pouring down wonderful blessings that's all☺.  

Be safe everyone and countdown begins until yummylicious' delivery arrives.

Have a great time with your loved ones today ☺ !!  Happy Sunday!

Anxious .. October 15 earthquake in Bohol & Cebu

It was at 8:32AM today that Mama sent a text message saying a very strong earthquake occurred.  It was the strongest experienced so far by them and the after shocks are endless.  I am worried for them since this morning.  The electricity is back but along with our neighbors they are staying at the street outside our house.  I fear for my parents, nephew (7 months old), friends, relatives, and everyone's safety in Bohol and Cebu.  As per Mama's text as of 7:09 tonight, they got Kynan's crib and brought along a mosquito net.  They turned off the electrical main switch, lock the house, and prefers to stay outside.  The after shocks are bringing eerie feelings as she said.  

As I read the news online and saw the posted 
pictures it brought back the fear and the chaos of Feb. 6's earthquake last year. I am sure the earthquake today is by far the most destructive in both islands in my whole existence. It's so different to be in a state of calamity where your family is just nearby compared to our current set-up.  It is going to be a long night for me and those affected by today's quake.  It doesn't matter if material things go broken and damaged because they are replaceable but lives lost today is the most depressing.  

Lord, please shelter everyone tonight from cold and suspend any incoming rain to affected places.  Keep my family and everyone else safe from the tremors and the destruction brought about by the quake today. Please send thy guardian angels to comfort the sick, the old, and the children.  Please watch over us Lord.  This I pray, Amen. 

1st .. First .. 1

first day of the 10th month ..

first Tuesday of the month ..

first of the 31 days ..

first month of the last quarter ..

October

Hmmmm.  Where have I stashed my crystal ball?  I want a peak or a run through of my life for this month even just a bit?!  hehehe.  WISH!  How convenient life would that be.  But nah!  Life will then be too mundane, too predictable, and so to the un-side of words. 

I want to do something new this month but I'm still clueless of what that is.  The monthly calendar for this month is ready but only bears the usual weekend acts and Zs' upcoming weekly tests.  I've been sitting for almost 2 hours and not a more sensible thing to do has pop up just the most tempting word "spend" beeping.   Why is it so nice to splurge when budget is for the "need" rather than for the "want"? hehehe.  Whew!  One tough situation of being an adult!  Speaking about spend and temptations ...

1.  I receive a notification text and it says "ISETAN Oct 4-17:  Anniversary Sale Starts!  Members Pre-sale @ Oct 4 blah blah blah".  It's sending an alert! alert! alert! wave to the brain and silly brain is now rocking back and forth replying waves of excitement.  Okay let the excitement consume me now at least there is something to look forward to and as long as it's still at one-alarm level then danger is at kilometers away.   

2.  Brain must have gone through a shake with item 1.  It's like, an earthquake just happened and a tremor afterwards.  Brain has unearthed a forgotten info and now status is remembers. 

Today is 1st!  ting-ning-ning-ning-ning!  Save MYR2.00 with your own tumbler!

Later after school will be our 1st bonding date between Ian and Kriziann and Me and Z -- for this 1st week of October.  So what is your 1st?