Spin Me Round

Time flies, like whooshh.

January.

February.

March.

April.

May.

June.

July.

August.

September.

October.

November.

December!

Things I wanted to do after the Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) examinations? There was a 5-feet long list. From composing a music masterpiece to random doodling, from getting ready for Christmas to searching for an adequate education institution, everything changed when a sudden decision was made.

January 2010.

So this is it. Moving on is one of the most enjoyable things to do, in my opinion. College? So this is it, this is it, this is it. Independence. Discipline. Responsibilities. Sounds like a great challenge. A new start, who doesn't want that?

Before that, Christmas comes first. Colourful streetlights, a red Santa in a costume, children making wishes, shimmery ribbons, metallic ornaments, fuzzy lights around tall artificial fir trees, foam snow, roast chicken, laughters, and presents. But no eggnogs by the cosy fire. Not too authentic, but the people here are celebrating with much joy nevertheless.

So I've been told, it started snowing in Heilbronn, Germany. At last, a white Christmas! Wishing that I was there, indeed I do.

One day, I'm going to build Frosty the Snowman. Protected by boots, mittens and warm clothing, I'm going to shape perfect snowballs, play with the others who are just as enthusiastic as I am, and wouldn't mind walking on the wet road.

Thursday.

Friday.

Saturday.

Sunday.

Monday.

Tuesday.

Wednesday.

Thursday.

Friday. Mmmm.

Earth turns faster, but spin me around again anyway.

Hohoho,

Joyce.

Snow Globes, Cookies & A Vibrating Ladybug

There was a countdown for Sijil Peperiksaan Malaysia (SPM) Trial days.
National Day.
Birthdays.

And there is his homecoming.

As he promised, he got me snow globes from the places he travelled in Europe. Get me one from every region, I said. But he found only three so far. First, from Paris - Northern France. Second, from Vienna - capital of the Republic of Austria. And third, from Prague - the capital city of Czech Republic. It was better than what I imagined, really. Bigger, and prettier. It is not my turn to travel yet, but he's a few steps ahead. At least I got these souvenirs, and with that I'm satisfied.



Chocolate chip cookies!



GiOTTO, a Ferrero Rocher look-alike, except that it is filled with hazelnut cream. I found out that it is actually made by the producer of Ferrero Rocher, and Nutella too! Funny, but my life seems to be revolved around Nutella and hazelnut cream. My wonder cream. Mmm.



And a vibrating ladybug.


It is a hand-held personal massager, a really cute one.
Press the eyeballs down and it starts. Pretty interesting, don't you think? Teehee.

Here's a month of joy, before he returns to Germany.

But for now, my brother is home. And I'm Lovin' It.

Uniquity

1. The Marketplace

2. The Craft-works



3. The Pasar Malam



4. The Patriotism



5. The Food



6. The Colours



Happy Independence Day, Malaysia.

The Season is Here!

Dad came home today with a box of mooncakes; it was a green rectangular box with simple oriental designs and printed Chinese art on the cover, containing 4 different flavoured mooncakes. A gift from a friend, he said.

Durian Lotus Paste with Single Yolk
Snow Skin White Lotus Paste
Assorted Nuts "Ng Yan"
Dragon Fruit Lotus Paste

mmm..

With Mooncake Festival just around the corner, you can see most food outlets and bakeries displaying their own brand of this traditional delicacy almost everywhere you go. Honestly, it is the vibrant-coloured packagings that really catch my attention. My personal favourite would be those boxes made out of wood, almost looking like a Japanese bento box. Classic indeed.

The one I have at home today; the one that marks the beginning of the festival, is from Genting, the City of Entertainment, or so it seems.

And so, my brother and I attacked the box immediately, trying to decide which flavour to choose. Only because the Durian Lotus Paste with Single Yolk had a yolk inside, my brother insisted that we open that one first. Fine, I said. But before I could run to take my camera, the mooncake was gone, proving that my family warmly welcomes the season.

Then, dad saw the Assorted Nuts "Ng Yan" mooncake (his favourite), but mum saw the Snow Skin White Lotus Paste (the only green coloured mooncake in the box) flavoured mooncake and wanted to have a taste. Being the gentleman in the family, dad obviously gave in. This time, I had my camera with me.


The taste was very mild, and the texture was very creamy (I think that it was made out of marzipan, and it was left unrefrigerated. That's why it looks so mushy). What's fun is that you can crunch on the melon kernel seeds. To be honest, I am not a fan of mooncakes, but I guess that I just enjoy the happy atmosphere when everyone else is enjoying their share of the delicacy.

There is much history to this festival, go check it out on Google. May this rich culture live on in our community! Besides, at what other suitable occasions can you play lighted paper lanterns and coloured candles with your neighbours, friends and loved ones?

Happy celebrating!

p.s. Happy 52nd Birthday Malaysia!

Published

And so 'Of Love For Dolls & Wonder Cream' got published in The Star today.
At the Star-NiE's Stuff@school section.
However, its title got changed. To 'No Silver Lining'.
The editor did have the rights to change it.
Quite disappointing actually, I wanted the original to stay.
But I am thankful, and not to mention grateful to have it published.
And a whole page for it too! Yipee!

Didn't know that it was out until someone came up to me in school and complimented lightly on the story, saying that she saw it in the papers and that really caught me by surprise.

Did not think that they were going to pick mine.

I guess that I would consider this as a little accomplishment of the month. Whee!

Am so happy, smiling right now. Hee hee.


Working hard for Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) Trials,
-Joyce