The Secret Recipe

By far, one of the most daring attempts I have made. One of the difficult things I have attempted to do. I did it. Hahahaha...Being a food critic, I love my food. I mean, who really doesn't? Now being a food critic doesn't necessarily add up to being a fussy eater. I am actually, quite 'cincai' when it comes to eating. (OK, I can hear some people going, REALLY?! :P) Just that I love to select the food that I love, doesn't mean that I'm fussy. For example, I love eating rice with just gravy, otherwise known as CHAP in hokkien. Yup, just some gravy from let's say, some chicken dish. No problemo. And also, the love to eat, doesn't necessarily add up to being a fussy eater. For example, I love hokkien noodles. Now, being the food lover, I'd just normally go to the outlets which sells the best hokkien noodles whether I'm in Seremban, KL, PJ, Penang or maybe even Melbourne. Which comes to me saying that, it's hard to find Hokkien Noodles in Melb. Well, not hard actually, just that I don't feel that what I have tasted so far is up to my liking. I love Hokkien Noodles/Mee which is firstly, cooked in lard (yessssssssss, i know, not healthy) and has to be black enough. So just 2 simple prerequisites of how it should taste like. So, since I can't or haven't found one nice enough to my liking, I just choose not to eat it at all. Being fussy?! Hehehehe.

So, I finally attempted to cook my favourite dish. Now this is my favourite dish and I am one of the biggest critics of Hokkien Mee! I never did try to cook it before, because I remember when I was working in the kitchen, one of the cooks told me that he's never dared to cook it, cos it's quite difficult to get it right. But I thought, let's try la. So, I just scoured the fridge and saw, well, one packet of uncooked Yellow Noodles, some cabbage and some leftover Malaikai/ Kampung Chicken/ Choy Yuen Kai. So I thought, ah what the heck. Let's try la. Now, my uncle cooks really good noodles too. Of course, his has a copyright and trademark. His is nice as well. So what's the secret recipe? The secret it, I had no recipe! I just saw those lying there so I thought, oh well. Let's try! So I attempted, put a little bit of this, a little bit of that, some this and some dark, extra dark sauce, simmer simmer simmer simmer...and of course I didn't have MSG and pork lard to spare....and....simmer and simmer and voila!

"I'm not sure why the top few strands look a bit reddish! But it was ultra-black, just the way I love it. Did manage to splash some dark sauce one my shirt while cooking though. Hehehe,"

I'd actually have to say that it was actually rather DELICIOUS! hahahaha. but seriously, it was pretty nice though. hehehe. OK la, i will stop blowing my own trumpet. and i'd really say that it is nicer than many many many many places I have tried and i do mean many many many many places. It's my favourite dish! So, according to legend, hahaha..."too much of how i met your mother"...Hokkien Mee cannot/should not be eaten piping hot. When the dish is served and its all hot, wait for it, wait for it, wait for it...to cool down, and then you whack it, all slimey! That's the best part. True story. Learned it from my grandfather and my aunt and my mom. I guess I do love cooking as much as I do love eating. Have always attempted to cook up all sorts of dishes, from hawker food to soups to Italian to Chinese food etc. My favourite is still of course, sharks fins soup and I once even made fishball noodles! hehehe. Of course I did have a lot of guinea pigs oh i mean, people who did share my love of eating as well! hehehe. Just kidding. Next time, I shall attempt it with some pork lard, prawns, squid and fishcakes. See how it turns out. Well, although I do seemed kinda bummed with sooooooooooooo many issues at the moment, I do take this small occasion and 'achievement', to wash down this nice plate of hokkien mee, with a nice hot glass of Pu Er tea...

The Fast is Past

I survived. I did what I had failed to do a few years back. I had managed the 3 days fruit and vege detox fast. My respect goes out to all the (PURE) vegetarians and the leaders of societies who have gone on hunger strikes for a better tomorrow. It's not easy. From now, I must learn how to eat properly and to be more cautious of what I take. More Chinese tea, fruits and fruit juices. In total, I had managed to lose a total of 3kg within 3 days. Some would say, it was just 3kg of fluids due to massive diarrhea-ing. Somehow, I didn't have that and I believe that this was actually 3kg of toxin and fats washed out. Imagine!

I had wanted to eat soooooooooo many different things within those few days. For some reason, my aunt and uncle kept eating Indomie everyday! So tempting. So many different types of food crossed my mind, from Indomie to roast duck to wat dan hor to Hakka Noodles and all sorts. So what did I have for my first meal?

A simple sandwich, with chicken breast loaf, an egg friend without oil, hence the ugliness, lots of lettuce and a heart shaped tomato to say, I love my health! Hehehehe. No butter, no sauces and Whole Meal Bread some more! Heheheh. Yummy.

I wish I had the willpower to have gone for another few days, but then, it started to feel really "geli" eating those fruits all at once. And for breakfast, lunch and dinner. I guess I had enough already. I'm not sure if I am currently suffering from some side effects of the detox. Besides feeling very lethargic, although I've started to have my meals already, I am having massive ulcers in my mouth, a sorethroat which is increasingly getting worse by the hour and it makes it too painful to speak. So now, I shall go on a "talking fast". Hehehehe.

Yesterday, I had visited this placed called the Caribbean Market and Gardens with TG. A typical place for a typical family picnic. I do wish that we can have this sort of place in Malaysia. I guess we do, but most of the time it's either not maintained, upkept or has been turned into some carpark whatsoever. The most interesting things which I saw were: (Sorry no pictures for I was afraid of being chased or scolded by the shopkeepers)

1. A pair of Scarface shoes. YUP! It was with Al Pacino holding his "little friend" and asking his enemies to say hello pose! ON THE SHOE!

2. A frame which contained different pictures from Scarface. To top it up, it had the bullets and cigar from the movie as well, PLUS a certificate to prove its genuine.

3. Another frame with various pictures from The Godfather. This one had bullets from the movie.

4. A hundred dollar bill poster with the face of Don Corleone in the centre, (Instead of the President's face), with the words, AN OFFER YOU CAN'T REFUSE written at the top. Classic.

5. A Bruce Lee clock.

Well, I do hope to at least get one of the above items before I leave Melbourne. Currently, I think my return luggage (if I do return, hehehehe) stands at around 150kg already!

Adrian the Vegan

Somewhat rhymes la. Adrian the vegetarian. Well I am! But only for 3 days. I hope! Well, I'm not exactly having a fast or hoping for something in return from God by not having meat for 3 days (I hope). Neither have I converted to another religion. Just, trying to cleanse my liver, bowels, intestines and colon and whatever else which is being cleaned la. So far I have managed to survive ONE day! Today's day numero 2, and I've just passed the breakfast part. The last time I tried this was in 2004 or 2005. And I gave up on the 2nd day. Really am starving now actually. I had or rather tried to have blended fruit juice but somehow the blender is as moody as the English weather. Breaks down whenever it wants to. So, I had to chomp it down ala natural blender, my mouth, and it takes a good 15 minutes to finish some green apples (which I have never eaten in years), a tomato, celery (not a fan either), watermelons and an orange. Somehow, strangely, I feel hungry again in 5 minutes time. So far I've haven't keciritan yet. But still feel so energy-less. Anyway, just hoping to do it in the hope of seeing my great grandchildren one day. Hahahaha...And my uncle brought home Char Siu for dinner some more. Wahhhhhhh...must resist. I do believe that I am that disciplined when it comes to eating and drinking. OK, when it comes to drinking and sometimes with food. When I'm done I'm done la. Dont' want to overeat. All that eating and drinking and breathing in toxins should be doing some damage to me. So, since it's spring, clean la. It's just getting pretty worrisome when I hear of my dad and sis telling me that this patient has died of a heart attack or high cholesterol or high blood pressure. And he/she is only 30. I am reaching that age in 10 years time! So why not be a vegetarian? Dunno la, I've also heard them tell of some vegetarians with high cholesterol and people who don't drink with liver cancer. Well, moderation la. Sometimes, I do have vegetarian meals with Prakash back then, at least once a week. But then, it's basically flour soaked in oil. So, what difference does that make?

Had a hair cut a few days ago. Managed to spot it when I was walking along the streets in the city. Good thing about it was that I did not have to tell the person, who is a Thai girl, shorter some more, some more, some more...This was almost perfectly the way I had wanted it. Well of course I still stick with my argument that a man's hair should be cut by a man! That's why I always go back to the usual Ah Neh/Boss/Macha whenever I am back in Seremban! So why do I frequent a lady hairdresser then? Not cause it was a Thai girl la, what are u thinking?!!!! Cause it's only $10 and $5 to wash the hair. Super fast brain calculation will say, wah, $15X3=RM45! Siao ah?! OK what, in Malaysia it's also that price at the hair dresser. Ah Ne/Boss is only RM10! Aiyah don't convert la. The barbers here are pretty over my budget la, like $20-30 per cut. Now you can convert la! Hehehehe...Wah, wash hair some more ah?! I had a function la, so I shouldn't be attending it with hair all over my face, neck and shirt!

Well the function I had attended was none other than the Australian Malaysian Film Festival. HUH?! AUSTRALIA also got MALAYSIAN film fest MEH?! Hahahaha...Well apparently this has been going on for quite a few years already, and this year I had wanted to watch Talentime, to see if it would fit into my research or not. But sadly it doesn't. And the second feature I watched was Muallaf, which was screened to a sold out crowd. Now imagine if it was to be screened in Malaysia...nah, I still don't think that Malaysians are really into Malaysian cinema that much, yet. Best thing about attending this was the contacts I had gotten and meeting some Malaysian actors. Well, I have over the years met a few before. I do very much remember meeting Umie Aida and Aqasyah, when I was MCing an event. I do have pictures with them and I was wearing a baju Melayu costume, equipped with a songkok too! If I can find them. Eh, I'm anak bangsa Malaysia la! Strangely, I've donned the Malay and Indian costume, but have never worn the Chinese one, equipped with the hat and tocang/pig tail (if you call it that). But then again, how many so-called nationalistic Chinese have really worn it?

Well, I must admit that Film Festivals which play either under the radar or are independent, which runs on very very very very low and minimal budget, spreads by word of mouth or via the internet...often draws a sold out crowd. Just play with controversy la, the people will definitely come in herds. No place to sit in the hall? Eh, nevermind, we can put on projector with speakers in the field! Hahahaha, grass wet? eh nevermind, can sit on old newspapers...raining ah, nevermind, just go under the umbrella! BUT, make a 15 million blockbuster with all the glamorous stars and exhibitions and invited celebs and guests and complimentary food and promotional materials and comfy seats and air conditioning and the red carpet BUT somehow the crowd just doesn't buy it! Strange but true. I'm guilty as charged too. The only Malaysian film I've watched on the big screen was Puteri Gunung Ledang in 2005. Besides that, I've only visited the various film festivals. Don't get me wrong, I do believe that the quality of Malaysian films have in fact improved tremendously over the years. And I am proud of it for some are really quite good! Somewhat in my mind, I feel that Muallaf was Yasmin's best film so far. R.I.P my friend.

"I think I managed to take this pic for "novelty" sake, only after the end of the screening."

"Aik! How come she's there too?! Well, lucky me. Had managed to meet Jacklyn Victor for she's acting in Talentime. Really friendly, really nice and really prettier in person!"

"Sharifah Aleysha who was also really nice and really cuter in person"

"With my new haircut and with Mr. Humbly Behind the Scenes. Editor for all of Yasmin's films. Affandi Jamaludin. Real nice chap, will be seeing him more in the future! Somewhat he said he recognised me from waaaaaaaaaay back!"

*Pictures are in black and white for "novelty sake". Hehehe. Actually my editing software also decided to become moody la, so I had to settle for a more basic software la...Sorry la this blog is long...cheong hei guai ma! hehehe*

Curiosity

Just had a curious thought, one which came in between doing my research and playing Mafia Wars. Gosh it's so addictive, Mafia Wars that is. Hehehehe. At certain stages of our lives, we are made to decide on which direction we would like to take. Being at this age, I have already taken quite a few crossroads. Sometimes, like everyone else, I just take a moment to ponder, what if, I had done that instead? Just curiously, trying to recall, which major decisions I had to make in my life, and what sort of outcome I would've expected. Of course, I wouldn't know. But just feeling curious...

1. When I was in F4, my dad explained to me that he had wanted me to be an engineer. No idea, no clue why he had wanted that career for me. Hence, he mentioned, I think it was some table talk in A&W or somewhere. He laid it bare to me. Choice A) Engineer and all my tuition fees, living costs etc will be sponsored and paid for. Choice B) Do whatever course you want, basically be an engineer or the highway. I chose B. Of course at that time I had always wanted to become a lawyer. And I knew for sure that physics, chemistry and add maths will be singing auld lang syne to me after SPM. Now imagine if I somehow were to manage to manage physics or chemistry. Now that's a thought. Well, I didnt fail these subjects in SPM anyway. Matter of fact I think I did rather OK. So, where would I be now? Intel? Hahahahaha...Jules' colleague.

2. Then when I was offered the chance to do my F6 (the highway) I had to enrol into St Paul's once again whilst awaiting for my transfer into the Arts Stream. This was because I had already bade farewell and made peace with physics, chemistry and add maths. I had to transfer to another school which offered the science stream, for St. Paul's did not. So it was a matter of getting into King George V or the Ampangan High School. Now the former is some "excellent" school while the latter has the reputation of being some ghetto harlem wannabe. Somehow, I had manage to transfer to KGV, which I believed needed some "cable pulling", and I guess someone somewhere did lend a helping hand to me. Now, for this one I really don't know where I would've ended up...

3. After my STPM results, I had the choice of A) Applying to read law in University Malaya or B) Studying Mass Comm at USM. The choice of choosing B was influenced by 1. I wanted a course which had no maths or calculations whatsoever. 2. Law was a little risky for at that time, my points were a bit higher than "ngam ngam" for the entry into law. So I choose Mass Comm without knowing whatsoever what Mass Comm was all about. NO CLUE. So, if I had become a lawyer, I guess I will be driving a BMW already by now? If only la...

4. When I had finished my Degree, I believe that my parents had wanted me to pursue my studies further, with the belief that higher qualifications equals higher salaries, which isn't necessarily always true. Hence, it was either, furthering my career in the industry or going back for my masters. I chose Masters or rather was brainwashed into doing it. The best way to sum up this path is through someone's quote of "Adrian, you're so talented in this industry, don't be stupid, don't quit". I guess I did (stupidly?) and my reply after I had a few years of teaching is, I will use my talents to create even bigger talents. Aiyoh...BMW....

5. During the course of my Masters, I was told that a certain TV company had offered me a job. Being told that I had the "complete package", I was very much pushed into changing the path of my life again. However, it came with one condition. Quit your masters now and join us. Somehow, I decided not to quit and carried on. Imagine, the fame and fortune and women and BMWs. Hahaha...

6. Falling back to earth, and before graduating with my masters, minus all the fame, fortune and women (as if), I remember that faithful day in USM, whereby I stubbornly went to see my Dean, knowing that he was not going to be in. And as fate has in store, I instead met my deputy dean, who asked me if I was interested in a career in academics. Only God knows why I said yes. Of course, I had already been working 3 jobs I think, tutoring English, working and managing a gym and working whatever freelance production comes along. So it was basically 3 jobs versus one stable paying job. Of course, in the end, the bosses at the gym refused to release me. I still remember the table talk whereby I was offered higher salary etc etc. My mom of course had to hit my head with an anvil (not literally!) and told me to take up the lecturing job. Hence, that's how I had ended up in HCC. Of course, I had not gotten in so easily. There were of course the interviews and screenings etc! And I do remember, that I had actually turned down the offer from HCC when I was called to report for duty. Of course, after everything was cleared, I started my work. Now imagine, me, same size as Arnold Schwarzenegger, if I had not quit the gym! Yeah right.

7. Towards the end of my days in HCC, while I was awaiting for deportation by the Malaysian Govt to continue my studies in Australia, I was actually offered jobs by 2 different places. One was a university and the other a college. And I do believe that the salary offered was waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay better than what I was earning, although, not enough for a BMW, yet. So it was a matter of whether I wanted to leave for PhD, or join one of these other institutions. Of course, I will not name them. But I do remember both having the same tone. "Don't worry, the job is yours. We know you. We know your capability. Come join us." Now this isn't a fragment of my imagination. Which led me to think, should I go with money or PhD? Of course, I had already tendered in my resignation at HCC and was basically a "free agent", if you look at it in terms of football transfer. And to a certain extent, rather unethical to leave on one reason and then going back against my word and working for a rival institution. Well, so far Melbourne has been pretty good!

8. It was either between Australia National University and Melbourne University. To be honest, I have never heard of either when I applied for both. This was simply because we always hear of Monash only. The reason I had applied for both was simple. One was ranked 1st and the other 2nd, and they're always interchangeable. Somehow I was accepted for both and had to choose one. In my heart, I had wanted ANU, because, it was labelled as Australia's top research University. Plus, it had an expert in Malaysian cinema! Somehow, fate had its own way of making me decide. I had to defer my studies because there were problems with my deportation. So, ANU did not reply me regarding my deferment but Melbourne said, come at a different date then, no worries! Of course, my supposed supervisor was I believe furious, but I did try to contact ANU and there was no reply. But, in more ways than one, I guess I am very happy to be here in Melbourne! So far, the pros very much outweigh the cons of being in Melb rather than Canberra. But seriously, I do sometimes wonder what it would be like?

I guess these were the few major crossroads which I had to choose in my life. Somehow, I guess I shouldn't complain la. That day I had this thought. Most of us my friends, family and I are always somewhat blessed. When we want to eat something, we can afford to eat it. When we want to drink something, we can afford to drink it. Money has not really been a barrier for us. Well, nothing much to complain there. Guess sometimes we just need to count our blessings before complaining again!

Just had this little idea of posting up some of the "more interesting" pictures I had taken in Hanoi. After some minor editing etc, decided to post them up in a larger size, after receiving feedback that the pics were always too small. Well for a reason la, at least my face won't look so big. Hehehe...just kidding. Remember when we always get those forwarded mails with some motivational stories attached along with some cute pics? I was speaking to a friend whom I've not met nor really spoken to for a good 10 years? And she was telling me about her problems and how lost she felt in life. I guess all of us do encounter that road every once in a while. Well, this little "motivational speech(?)" is for you and for all who are feeling lost out there. I've decided to give a try and created one too. Hope this helps!

The next time, when...

You can't make sense of anything...

Words just don't make any sense...

The room suddenly feels so small...

And everything becomes tangled up...

We become unsure which bridge to follow...

We come across confusing crossroads...

The road is impossible to cross...

Life becomes a little too hot and fiery for your liking...

And we feel like we suddenly can't stand nor walk...

And the road suddenly became more challenging...

And the burden just got a little heavier...

With that sinking feeling...

You feel like cursing out at everything...

And running away from it all...

You search everywhere for answers...

Cry out for help if you need to...

Take a step back while reflecting on the better side of life...

Remember who to turn to...

Eventually there will be light at the end of the tunnel...

And He'll provide you with funny things to laugh at in life...

With friends from all sizes and colours to march with you slowly and steadily...

Remember to work together as a team..

For we are stronger as a team...

So refrain from complaining and grumbling too much...

Smile even when surrounded uncertainty...

Just try to work a little more harder...

Or smarter...

With a little more creativity...

One small step at a time forward...

And when it's all clearer, sit back...

Have a drink...

Or two...

Feel like you're on top of the world...

And chill...

While remembering God's little gifts.

Adrian's MASSIVE Weight Lost Programme

It's pretty common to receive emails with that heading nowadays. Proven, guaranteed weightloss in 7 days, secret military workouts revealed, and on and on and on. Never really cared to try it before, because, since I'm now BACK in Australia, it's time for the weight to shed automatically la. I'M BACK! yup, far from home again. Hehehe. Dunno why, but somehow when I'm here, the kilos just lose itself. Before I went home, I had lost at least 6 kgs and when I came back to Malaysia, of cos I had "successfully" regained that weight again. So, I'm not really back to where I had started, no no, I've somehow also managed to lose at least 2 kg already within this one month of being back here! I dunno why, maybe it's the diet? Maybe I'm forced to walk here and there? Maybe there's no good Char Koay Teow, Hakka Mee, Nasi Lemak, Nasi Kandar and all that lovely food I love to enjoy. But then again, I don't starve myself. I still eat! As per usual servings etc. Strange but true.

Well, the weather has been pretty crazy these few days. Suddenly hot, then freezing cold, then extra freezingly cold, then super hot. The worst part of being in a cold climate, is sleeping time. When your pillow has this cold feeling and you feel the chill when you lay your head onto it. Brrrrrrrrrr....But then something warm to cool the cold weather. And my mouth gets very dry and in the morning, it all gets really yucky with congestion, which I shall not elaborate so that you will not lose, or see your breakfast, lunch or dinner again!

Very recently I had received this e mail or rather message from one of my ex-students. It is of course always very nice to hear from them every once in a while, to know how they're doing. Of course, I'd have to say that most of them are indeed doing very well in their careers as well as personal lives. Indeed, it is something that I am very proud of. However, there are of course many who come once in a while to ask for favours. or for advice Well, sometimes, some I can help, some I find very annoying, some very pretentious. E.g., a student wanted help from me, out of the blue after 2 years of non-contact. Of course, in the end, it had something to do with the student needing to get into USM. Or, asking me to find a job for them in Melbourne. Hmmmmmmm....I'm not exactly working here as well. There are of course more than a handful of kids which I have "lobbied" for or helped get into the industry. In Malaysia of course, and I guess that's the best I could do. So back to the message, which reads,

Harlo, long time din see you online d. How are you?
I'd tried to reach you in msn for a few times, but no luck to see you there. Well, finally it's our batch graduation! LOL! It's a happy day. However, it seems different without your attendance. It's too bad that i don get the chance to meet you face-to-face, and say THANK YOU to you, for all what you have did to me, helped me when i'm in problem. Miss the day you gave your lectures in class, miss your jokes, miss your sharing about football matches, and so many more.

Again, thank you for being my lecturer! Take care!

Best regards,

Of course I wont put the person's name just for the sake of anonymity. But the person will know who he/she is when he/she reads this then. Well, this is of course better than getting a big fat monetary bonus! Although I wouldnt mind some monetary bonuses every now and then! Heheheh. Sometimes I do think back, how on earth, and why on earth did I choose the academics line?! Still baffles me sometimes!

Let's see pictures pictures. Too many too upload la. I think I have 5 GB of pics taken from my time in Msia and in my 1 month in OZ. Work back in Msia was pretty good. Although I have to apologise to many people for I did not have the chance to really meet up. Seriously, the travelling was really tiring. Sometimes, I'll need to drive from Malacca - Seremban - KL - Penang just to search for one movie. And worst part is, I can't find it. Or, after all that searching EVERYWHERE, it turns up at the Jusco in Seremban, which is 15 mins from my house. Meeting up with the people in the industry was the best thing, for they had provided me with so much insight. It is indeed a great loss that I did not get to meet Yasmin. Our original plan to meet in June was postponed till August, and of course she had left us before that. Oh well, she lives on in all her work. Will be going to watch her movies Talentime and Muallaf at the Malaysian Melbourne Film Festival this Wednesday. Sigh.

Well, back to work as usual for now. Currently deaf in the left ear due to the air pressure from all the air travelling. I think within 4 months I've been on the plane at least 10 times already. Enough for now. I can't hear in my left ear! It feels like a broken speaker which goes "pop" every once in a while. Anyway, let me just quickly run through and see if I can find a picture of me....I'll just try to arrange them chronologically and according to the places I had managed to visit. Oh yeah, daylight saving is back, so now it's a 3 hour time difference between Melbourne and Malaysia. On Sunday morning, I woke up, is it 9? or 8? or 9? or 8? Heheheh...Sunday morning wor!!!



Jumping into Halong Bay, Hanoi from the top of the Junk, which was approximately 3 stories high!


And the reward, buying an extra expensive beer from one of these boat people, and hanging onto it while drinking.


All of us in Halong Bay


Trying to overcome my fear of heights by using this primitive staircase in Kuching. It definitely has a different view from the top!


The most popular place to take pics in Kuching, in front of the kucings.


At Old Trafford, eh I mean, at Stadium Bukit Jalil for the Manchester Utd pre-season tour. Even got the glowing horns to match the jersey. Hehehe.


Thanks to my super long, but not long enough lenses, it was already surreal enough seeing players like Giggs, Van Der Sar and Rooney! It was even more surreal-ler getting to see the players up close. Even more surreal-ler-ler to see them play. Even more surreal-ler-ler-ler to see one scoring a goal. Even more surreal (ok you get my point) to see MICHAEL OWEN, score a goal and the winning goal to boot. Even more surreal to see Giggs, sitting on the pitch!

TO be continued....