...I came, I bake and then, eat some...

Have anyone of you out there thought about or even give a thought about how exciting it is to actually "keep busy" in the kitchen. Probably, "keep busy" is just too broad a term because I think it encompasses anything anyone would do within the confines of a kitchen. Am I making sense? I hope so.

I'm not the one who "keep busy" in the kitchen, unless it involves stuffing something edible in my mouth until my bloated tummy's content. Except for the occasional "frying an egg" or "cooking some rice",  I can't hardly consider that as being busy. For someone who just only discovered two days ago, what "cream" means, the kitchen is really my least favorite place in the house, unless it's chow time.

 I had my first encounter of some sort with the rolling pin and I have to say, it was awesome. :-)

For the past few days, I've been hopping around the kitchen like a bee. I had my first ever experience of baking some cookies. To most people who are pretty much domesticated, this kind of stuff is ordinary, but to me I had a swell time. I found the experience surreal to me. I've always been honest for my lack of "culinary" skills so when someone told me that I did good with the cookies, all I can do is grinned like crazy.

 Getting my hands "dirty" was worth it.:-)

Hands were sore after all that "work" but I wasn't complaining.:-)

I discovered the wonders of the oven and the delicious concoction that comes out of it. I began to revel the sound of "ding" after it has been preheated and is raring to go. And of course, that other "ding" sound that signals whatever is inside is ready. :-)

When all the "baking" is done, it's nice to enjoy more than a couple of slices of chocolate cake with vanilla ice cream on the side. Now, I'm "talking".

So, that's it for now. 

...the first five days...

For those of us who have spend almost a decade or more earning a living and supporting a family, being unemployed is not the least bit ideal situation to be in. What, with all the bills piling up and other stuff, it is imperative to find a job at once.

 Lunch for today which Marilyn prepared for me: cottage cheese, smoked fish and pickles. For dessert, custard cake.

Fortunately, I was able to find another work without having to wait and sit still for a long time, twiddling my thumbs. Though, I had to admit it, the only upside of being unemployed, is I have plenty of time to pursue "running" and I can do so, as often as I can.

At present, I'm somewhere "southeast shore of Vancouver Island". A more than an hour bus trip from Nanaimo. Not really that far if you think about it but it can be a hassle and pretty much expensive, to commute back and forth. Of course, that doesn't mean I'm not going to visit my aunt anymore or hang out with my sister.

 Beating your brains out to come-up with that 'word' is fun. :-)

So anyway, for once I had a first-hand experience as to what it feels like to be "in the moment". I'm not saying that I'm moving on auto-pilot before.  For the past few days, I haven't been thinking about the usual stuff that pretty much takes space in my mind. Heck, I wasn't even thinking about my bumblebees.

For the past five days, I've been snapped at, once. Practically conversed in English all the time ( which I like actually). Started doing crossword puzzles which I found to be fun after all and challenging. Made chicken soup from scratch. Munched on 'raw' vegetables ( take note: "raw", the likes of green pepper, broccoli, carrots, mushroom and celery) Helped prepare roast beef for supper. Over-boiled the spuds. And the highlight of it all, cried in front of someone I just met a couple of days ago.

I never thought how refreshing it could be to be thrown out of your comfort zone. It felt so much more 'alive' when you're not just going through the motions.

From where I came from, being "nice" is really not on top of the rank when it comes to interaction with others. How often I am caught off-guard when anyone I meet here, always inquire politely, how I'm doing or how's my day. When saying "Thank you" and "Please" comes naturally. Well, I'm not saying people back home have no manners.

So far, the first five days is like a bucket of ice-cold water thrown over my head ( in a good way). Hopefully, I settle into my new routine and surroundings here. And whatever speed bumps I may encounter along the way, I'll get through it fine.