...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.

...truth matters...

What truths do you remember learning in fiction?



I've learned a lot of truths from reading fiction. And it is for this reason that I am passionate about reading in general. To some, who find this activity boring, they don't know what they're missing.


I read mostly fiction though I sometimes read non-fiction. From Taylor Caldwell novel, "Testimony of Two Men", I learned that society will treat a person in an almost aggressive manner if he or she is different and pursues the truth. People who are set in their ways are more hasty to pass judgment to those few who live not in line with their biased views.


After reading all the books from the Harry Potter series, I have to say I learned a lot from it. Friendship goes beyond having something in common. Family is important no matter what. Envy can blind anyone. Sticking it out through all that life throws your way is rewarding at the end.


Reading fiction is more than just letting your imagination runs free. It is also about finding connection with the reality around us.

...borrowing...

Who would you rather borrow from? Your library? Or a Friend?
(Or don’t your friends trust you to return their books?)
And, DO you return books you borrow?

 I seldom borrow books from a friend because most of them are not really into reading. At present, no matter how much I want to borrow from a friend, I can't because I'm new here and I haven't established new  friendships yet.

I do borrow from the library here. It's pretty amazing actually. I never get to have a library card until now, except when I was still in school ( besides I did not really use it much)

My friends back home would trust me to return the books I borrow from them because I do. And I always treat them as if they're my own.

...THE SPY...

"Discretion is survival. Defeats and victories should be observed, quietly, after the fact, at a distance." - Yamamoto Kenta ( page 249)

It took me four days to finished reading "The Spy". I have to admit, I enjoyed it immensely, that I woke up very early on the third day just to continue reading where I left off the night before. 

I was never into reading about wars and history because it feel so long-winded and will bore me easily. It was a coincidence that I ran out of books to read and to while away the time, I decided to pick up "The Spy". I'm glad I did. This is my first time to read Clive Cussler's wok and to learn about him. 

I realized that there's always something cool and thrilling when you venture out of  your comfort zone once in a while. Reading this book is one. I've always been hesitant to read books or novels that dates back centuries ago, probably because I find it hard to make a connection. But with "The Spy", it was different. Reading it felt like I watched a movie. I did not expect it to be quite a page-turner. I thought that after reading a few pages, I'd put it back on the shelf and forget about it. I was proven wrong.

"The events we don't plan for are sometimes the best that ever happen to us." - Riker/ O'Shay ( page 284 )

Happy reading!

...read and learn...

“What counts, in the long run, is not what you read; it is what you
sift through in your own mind; it is the ideas and impressions
that are aroused in you by your reading.”
(pg. 7-8, “You Learn By Living” by Eleanor Roosevelt)

What do you think about this quote? Do you believe this to be true? If so, why and how? And, if not, why not?

I like the quote and agrees with it. Reading is not purely the act of taking a book and read it, per se. It goes beyond that. When you start reading , you can't help but be involved in the story. I experienced it and it was great.

You always get to have something out from what you read. And it is for this reason that I enjoy this activity very much. More than once, reading give me the opportunity to ponder what's going on in my life and help me see things in perspective. It makes me think about things and let my imagination runs wild.:-) 

...war stories...

It is November 11th, known here in the U.S. as Veteran’s Day, formerly Armistice Day to remember the end of WWI but expanded to honor all veterans who have fought for their country, so …

Do you read war stories? Fictional ones? Histories? 

Today is Remembrance Day here in Canada and I guess it's kind of similar with the Veteran's Day in the U.S. Anyway, to answer this week's question, I have yet to read about war stories. I saw a few books of Clive Cussler but never get around to reading them. Besides I'm not really a fan of war stories or even movies, for that matter.

...Are you spending enough or way over?...

A blog I frequent suggested I check out several articles of interest… one of them which happened to be this one: “Trendspotting: Readers’ Spending On Books“. So — being the avid reader & book junkie that I am — I couldn’t help but click over and read the short piece about readers’ current spending habits.
My questions for today are ones that are asked at the end of this particular article:

What are  your responses to this report? Does it match with what you –as a reader– have observed? With your own buying habits? When was the last time you bought a book? What did you buy and why?

To be honest, I haven't thought much about the "publishing" side of loving books. I mean, I love to read so I buy books ( if I can ) or borrow from the library. That's all there is to me. People buy books because they want to or like to. In my case, a lot of thinking comes to play whether I want to buy this particular book or not.

I only buy books that I want to have my own copy of, where I can make notes or marked important phrase or paragraphs. I could not anymore remember when was the last time I bought a  book. Must have been a long time, I suppose.

...my quest to "don't sweat the small stuff"...

 With another month done and another just starting, I am compelled to take stock of what has been happening in my life so far. ( I guess long period of silence does that to a person, not that I'm in meditation or something.) I just find it comforting to reflect on things lately and sometimes, smile at myself for no apparent reason. Is this a sign that I'm getting older or just plain going nuts.

What I'm trying to say is that I feel like I finally grow up. ( Physically it's pretty obvious) I'm beginning to take things as they come and try not to resist them anymore. Accepting and letting go is far more easy than griping why things aren't. (Well, to be honest, I'm still working on it actually.)

The other day I grasp the harsh reality that I'm still hang up on things that aren't there anymore. I cried my eyes out and repeatedly blow my nose on several pieces of Kleenex. My eyes were puffy and red as if I had just an all-night drinking binge ( with the folks) Sadness descended upon me and somehow bawling my eyes out, keep it at bay. So this is how it feels to be sad? Am I sad? The feeling is unfamiliar to me so I have a hard time dealing with it. Well, there's only one thing I know how, run.

I always thought that I am this easygoing kind of person, who doesn't take things seriously and "don't sweat the small stuff". It turned out I am not. The realization caught me off guard. I am never the type who dwells much on my feelings and prefer to take things in stride. But now, I'm doing the exact opposite. And I felt helpless.

While going through my days, out of rote and just trying to get it over with, I chance upon a book that somehow "smack me in the head" and rouse me from this self-imposed crappy feeling.

Don't Sweat the Small Stuff...and It's all Small Stuff by Richard Carlson, Ph.D.

I hope none of you would say something like this, "She had to write an entire four paragraphs of nonsense and it just all boils down to some stupid book" ( I certainly hope not.)

This book helped me in ways that I could never have expected from another person. Sure, it's nice to have someone to pour your feelings out, and hopefully, will listen to you. But based on my experience, it's hard because basically, people just tell you what you want to hear and that doesn't really help.

So I come up with these 10 items from the 100-item list in the book. They made a profound impact on me so I thought of sharing it with you. Anyway, are you still there?

Don't Sweat the Small Stuff (#1)

It's obvious why I chose this. Oftentimes, little things get on my nerves ( like someone perpetually late) that I end up becoming this horrid person. I'm currently working on this one.

Surrender to the Fact that Life Isn't Fair (#17)

Now this is fun. How many times have I bemoaned my abject lack of relationship ( ahem) No, seriously, I never complained about that "thing". Life is not meant to be fair, if it was, then we all have a pretty boring existence. I used to think that life dealt me all the wrong cards. How? I want NikonD90 but can't afford one. Want everything to stay the same yet it completely changes overnight. Want washboard abs but got flabby ones. ( No offense to Pooh and Po) Tough, I suppose. Then, I realized that if only I can "accept" the realities of life not being fair, I'm all set to go. Frankly, I kind of already. I mean, slowly starting to "accept" it.

Life is a Test. It is only a Test. ( #32) 

If only it comes with some sort of study guide to prepare us for the bumpy ride ahead. But since it does not, it's up to us to forge our own way. One thing I learned though, that for every speed bump that I managed to get through, no matter how muddied, scathed or bloodied I've become, there's that satisfied feeling knowing that I rise to the occasion ( with a bit of squirming along the way) and pass the test, hopefully.

Be Flexible with Changes in your Plans (#65) 

 

Not really that appealing when you're set on your ways. I mean who would want to get all their plans thwarted. Not me. But then, there are times that our plans don't pan out the way we want them to be. I had a hard time dealing with this one. I always want my plans to push through. In the end, I learned that it's not the end of the world if my plans go out of whack. The best thing to do is just to go with it. I know, it's easier said than done. So I try not to think so much about it and just do it rather than mope about it.

Think of What You Have instead of What You Want (#66)  

This got me to do a lot of serious thinking. I admit it, I have a long list of "wants",  that most of the time, I fail to think and ask myself if I really want them. The feeling of wanting something that bad, drove me crazy. Fortunately, I had the good sense to take things in perspective. I still pine for things that I wish I have, from time to time, but not that persistent anymore. I think it pays to appreciate first what I have at the moment instead of wishing for things that I may or may not want after all. (But I'm still "getting" that Nikon D90, one of these days.)

Be Happy Where You Are (#69)

Madison and California

 It strike me most at this point in my life. All that were familiar to me are not there anymore. Even my friend is slowly "letting go" ( as she put it) of me. For someone strongly hinged on routines and all things familiar, I feel like a top, spinning out of control. After I mull over things, I come to the conclusion that, I alone is responsible for my own state of being, however I choose. For sure, outside factors always come into play but it's up to me, how to deal with them. I guess I can always take a cue from Madison and California. I'm pretty sure they're happy where they are.

One More Passing Show (#90)

"What was that? Oh, okay I got it." This is usually what comes to mind when I realized that I barely missed, stepping on a small pipe of dog poop left by Coco on the hallway, as I staggered out of the bedroom, bleary-eyed and half awake. Yes, part of my job is picking up dog poop. How cool is that. Months ago, the smell and sight of dog poop would sent me scurrying away and I never realized that I'd be picking them, any time of the day, like it was one of the most ordinary thing for me to do. I can't help but think, so this is what I got after slaving four years in college. Great. I've become a certified poop picker. Anyway, it's all up to me to decide how to go about it. I can choose to be miserable or gladly embrace it, with the thought that it's just "one more passing show". 

Be Open To "What Is" (#96)

Accepting things as they are is pretty hard. I always wrestled with myself when it comes to this. My sometimes "idealistic" thinking leads me to view things according to what I think it is suppose to be. I assure you, it leads to a lot of disappointments and missed lunches, not to mention things thrown or doors slammed in anger. If I can help it, I try not to dwell so much on "what is suppose to be" but rather focus on just "what is". Period.

Mind Your Own Business (#97)

I like my privacy respected. If there's one thing I'm averse to, it is being quizzed like I'm on the hot seat. Then out of nowhere, I'm doing it myself. It took the phrase "Mind your own business" thrown at my face (when I become too nosy), to let me think for a moment ( and this happened when I doggedly grill my friend about her supposed-to-be nonexistent love life) Serves me right, I suppose. Now, I make it a point to think twice first before offering comments or help, especially if  I'm not ask. All the more reason to keep my mouth shut.

Look for the Extraordinary in the Ordinary (#98)

This is neat. What could be so extraordinary about waking up early in the morning, to some it is a drudge. But I have no misgivings doing it because who could not marvel at the sight of this.

 Stepping on dried leaves is ordinary but I have lots of fun doing it. Just hearing the "crunch" sound they made, put a silly grin on my face. Sipping my first cup of coffee is way beyond ordinary. Well, at least to me, anyway.

So, anyone of you reading this, asleep now? Hope not. I'm just so affected by the book that I thought of sharing some part of it, along with my "insights'. If you feel up to it, you can check the book out and read it yourself. Who knows, it may also "smack you in the head".

Happy reading. :-)

...good or bad...

I’ve seen many bloggers say that what draws them to certain books or authors is good writing, and what causes them to stop reading a certain book or author is bad writing. What constitutes good writing and bad writing to you?

There have been a lot of times that I stop reading a book because I'm not totally sold out to the way it was written. I can't really say with absolute certainty about what constitutes good or bad writing, since I'm not in the position to do so.

 Reading something "good" can be compared to waking up to a beautiful sunrise :-) ( to me, anyway)

Based from my readings so far, what constitutes "good" writing to me is when I can't seem to put the book down. When there's this need or anticipation in me to finish at least a chapter I am currently reading or better yet, to finish the book in one sitting. I have experienced it before and it felt great. And I love the fact that I am in my own "reading" world.

Bad writing on the other hand, I guess, is when I just skim through the book and skip pages. And I can't wait to put the book down and get it over with. There were some books I've read that I can't seem to get through (or maybe it's just me).

One example, I tried reading Jane Austen's Mansfield Park but did not finished it. And I don't suppose it's about bad writing. I think I just like Pride and Prejudice ( yes I finished it and "love" it) better than Mansfield Park. :-) 

...special reads...

Do you have any special reading that you do as it gets closer to Christmas? If so, tell us about it! And, if not, tell us why not!       


I really don't have any special reading line up for the holiday season. I think I'll read whatever it is that I can get hold of. It will be my first time to celebrate Christmas here so I'm kind of looking forward to it. With the snow and all, I'm thinking of stuff to do outdoors, so let's just see.

But if it gets cold for me, I can always curl up in a corner, all warm and comfy, with a good book. Then lots and lots of coffee. :-) 

...skeletons...

In honor of Halloween this weekend:
What reading skeletons do you have in your closet? Books you’d be ashamed to let people know you love? Addiction to the worst kind of (fill in cheesy genre here)? Your old collection of Bobbsey Twin Mysteries lovingly stored behind your “grown-up” books? You get the picture … come on, confess!

 I'm not sure if I have it in my closet. :-) There are books that I'd love to read but I can't just let it be known to other people not because I'm ashamed but because I don't want them conjuring wayward thoughts about me, based on what I read.

I used to love reading Hardy Boys way back in high school. Then moved on to some serious stuff eventually.

...I love the phrase "shameless plugging"...

Two weeks before my birthday last year, I had the gall to write a post about what I want for my birthday. Suffice to say that I got it all. I can't recall anymore if I got drunk at that time. One thing I did remember well though, I was happy. I had an "awesome" birthday. :-)

A month from now, I'm getting a year older ( God willing ). Nothing much has changed for the past year, except for my location at the moment. I'm miles away from my family and friends now, so that's kind of a bummer. Though, I have my sister and aunt here. But still.

Anyway, I'm not going to be melodramatic here. The sole purpose of churning out this post is to get across my birthday wishes ( "ahem" ) to those people who find me  'special' somehow ( Well, they did not really say it to me. I just assumed it)

For this edition of my shameless plugging, I'm doing away with the "list". It's kind of boring to look at and overwhelming. One thing I learned  after my seven months of stay here is to say what you want, up front. ( doesn't really matter if you get it right away, at least you tried). So indulge me for a few minutes of your precious time here, after all, my birthday is coming up...

Stieg Larsson's Millenium Trilogy ( doesn't have to be the exact image above, paperback is fine with me )

NOOK ( If you're curious, click here.)

The Art of Seduction by Robert Greene ( I already have Greene's  two other books. I just thought I should also read this one. And please, don't think I'm out to seduce anyone.)

So there goes my 'birthday wishes'. I think it's not that complicated actually. And not that many compared to what I had made last year. Anyone can have their own way at looking this. To some, it may be too extravagant and unreasonable. Hence, the title "shameless". Go figures.

Now unto more serious stuff. My world will not fall apart if I don't get all those things I mentioned above. And I can get by without them ( There's always the library. What's the point of my library card if I don't use it?) I just love the sound of "birthday wishes" :-) 

What I really want is not just for me, per se. I find it more fulfilling and meaningful to share what I have with my family, especially now. So to reiterate what I wrote last year with some revisions:

•  Good health for my family and friends. And for myself too. ( I haven't forgotten my 'lofty' goal of running a marathon before I reach 40 ( puhon2x) )
• The means and willingness to provide for my family.
• Hopefully, I will realize that all what is happening to me now is just "one more passing show" and that I should not feel so bad about it.
• To always "Be satisfied. Be grateful."
• And lastly to "Don't sweat the small stuff...and it's all small stuff."

Hope I did not bore you senseless with my "shameless plugging" for this year. Happy reading and thank you for indulging me...:-)

...lost count...

About how many books (roughly) would you say you own? (If you don’t have a clue how many, do you care to know? Why, or why not?)




I can surely say that I own more than ten books ( roughly). I lost count of them actually. I'm not really in the habit of keeping track how many books I have, except for those ones that I really "care about" ( meaning they're with me right now) When I moved here in Canada, I had to make the difficult decision to leave all my books behind and brought only those I want with me. 


At present, I'm still in the habit of buying books, especially those I see in the thrift store here. So I'm starting to accumulate a few already. 

...I prefer foreign...

Name a book (or books) from a country other than your own that you love. Or aren’t there any?

All of the books I've read and those to be read yet are foreign. Where I came from, English is our second language and used in schools. I'm grateful for that. I would be missing a lot of good stuff if it wasn't.

I think it would be cool to learn other languages too, like French or Latin perhaps. But for now, I'd stick with English first.

...I like them all...

Do you prefer hardcovers, trade paperbacks (the bigger ones), or mass market paperbacks (the smaller ones)? Why?




 I don't have any preference though I have to say, I don't quite understand what trade paperback means. I'm not sure if I have seen  it already and did not know it.


My collection includes both hardcovers and paperbacks ( the smaller ones). I would have wanted to get a hardcover copy of every book I want  but sometimes, I need to be practical so I settle for the paperback. 


And since getting my library card, I haven't been buying book lately, except if there's really something I want to read and have my own copy.

...I'm thankful for...

In regards to books, reading, the publishing industry, etc… What are you most grateful for? Why? Have you ever done anything to tangibly show your appreciation?



 I'm thankful for the love of reading. I wouldn't be the way I am right now if I don't read. Life has been more exciting because I read. I'm thankful for my Aunt who showed me the joy of reading and encouraged me to read more.


I'm thankful for the people responsible in coming up stories. People who are behind the process of the finish product--a book. 


I show my appreciation through reading as often as I can. And buy books that I really want to have...:-)


Happy Thanksgiving!!!

...travel read...

When you travel, how many books do you bring with you?
Has this changed since the arrival of e-books? 

 I don't usually travel. Going home for a short visit is somehow considered "travel" for me. I always make it a point to think about bringing some books when I go home but at the last minute ( while packing) I changed my mind, except if there's a book that I do want to "really" read.

With regards to the e-book, I have to try it yet. I guess its cool to have and it is convenient. Maybe if I can afford one in the future. As for now, I still prefer the "real" books.

...one fine weekend with sister...

 My lunch of choice. Somewhat messy plate of Vietnamese fare( roll, tofu in tomato sauce, rice and veggies)

Since arriving here almost seven months ago, it was always my sister who visited me in the island during her days off. I've been to the mainland twice but not by myself.

Last Thursday, out of the blue, I decided to pay my sister a visit. Since I have free time at the moment, why not? Plus, I find the thought of going on a trip alone, appealing and somewhat refreshing. Friday afternoon, I found myself in the 3:10 PM ferry trip to Horseshoe Bay. My sister and I agreed that, she will meet me downtown. I was filled with anticipation and excitement. It was kind of strange.

 Lions Gate Bridge. Reminds me of Brooklyn Bridge in NYC. Coincidence?

The moment I got off the bus, there was a surge of adrenaline rush. People just came rushing either way. Then I saw my sister on the corner and we were all smiles. I felt like I was in NYC ( just keep dreaming) while walking on the streets of downtown Vancouver.

 Reminded me of some scenes in a movie.

We spent the whole Saturday afternoon at Stanley Park. We had lunch at Pacific Center then walked toward the park, afterward. It was a perfect day to be out and about. I had my jacket on even if it was kind of warm. The only downside of that visit was my headache which I had the moment I got off the bus Friday evening until Saturday mid-morning. But I paid it no mind. The sights of Stanley Park is just awesome. I took a lot of pictures and covered more than 10 kilometers ( I think) on foot. My sister and I were both dog-tired when we finally got home. She complained about her feet hurting. My legs hurt too and I even snored when I was asleep that night ( which I rarely does). The next morning, I felt like I ran a marathon the day before.

 Sister and I. The only photo we had, together. A stranger took this one.

 I had a great visit with my sister. Getting on the SkyTrain was nauseating to me but I got no choice. Watching her, navigating through the streets, with me behind, I can say that she's pretty well-adjusted with the fast-paced city life. She even told me that she'd prefer residing there compared to the island.

 She had fun.

While I nursed my headache, I arrived at the conclusion that maybe, I'm not cut-out for the hustle and bustle of city life, that probably, I'm already attuned to the laid-back life I have in the island.

Anyway, I have plans of going back there again. And go back to Stanley Park. :-)

Well, let's see.:-)