Bolts N' Nutz: Bread

Second to rice, bread forms an integral part of my diet. Since young I've been eating bread for breakfast, as snacks, and as supper when I go hungry at night. I think bread is a healthier alternative to maggie mee for breakfast, potato chips for snacks, and fast food for supper. Moreover it's cheap and fills the stomach easily. But if you are always worried about your weight and body figure, bread might not be a good choice of food since it consists of carbohydrates after all, like rice and noodles.

Before plunging into the main subject, I would like to introduce a bread-related anime: Yakitate Japan. Interestingly 'bread' in Japanese is 'pan' (as in 'pun'). The main character of this anime seeks to become a world class bread maker, and often experiments on making different kinds of bread, which he called 'Ja-pan' (Japanese bread). Besides being comedic, this anime is very informative regarding the knowledge of bread. Yup, my recommendations. =)

I wish I could make my own bread...

*pictures from Wiki and Google

Bread Slice



The original form of ‘bread’. A cuboid-ish loaf cut into slices. Used to be my staple breakfast when I was small, but since then I’ve discovered better bread forms beyond these plain white flat slices. My favourite brand is still Gardenia though. Anyone remember its slogan: “So good… you can even eat it on its own”? However I think the statement is not necessary true, as I still find myself coupling kaya, butter or cheese slices with the plain bread. The only kind of bread I could happily eat it on its own is the raisin type (occasionally fruit nuts). Once I bought a Gardenia raisin bread loaf and treated it as both lunch and dinner haha.

Sandwich



This is quite a broad term – as long as some ingredients are inserted in between two bread pieces, it’s considered a sandwich. My initial impression of a sandwich was triangular (often seen in convenient stores), which later extended to a square, then burgers. This is a good example of how I broadened definitions as I matured and learned more. Somehow I don’t really like the crust. I’ll usually bite the surrounding crust off first before attacking the centre (the 先苦后甜 principle). Similarly for hotdog buns, I would munch up the outer bread before the naked hotdog. Fortunately most commercial sandwiches don’t come with crusts.

There’s a recent hype about the mega-sized burgers introduced by McDonalds and Burger King. Heard the meat patty is not as nice. Seen pictures taken by patrons which show the skyscraper burgers on the verge of collapsing. I wonder how you could land the first mouth on it. Even for Carl Jr burgers I had some difficulty taking a proper bite. Ultimately such burgers aren’t very eater-friendly and it’s really easy to make a mess out of it.

French Loaf



Aka ‘Jiam Tao Lo Ti’. Never had a liking for these bread in the first place. Too tough for my teeth. Rather than enjoying the food, I seemed to be spending a great deal of effort trying to chew bits off the stick. Can be very exhausting honestly. Have you ever had ‘numb jaws’ after vigorous chewing? I know there are softer ones, but my mum kept buying the harder ones from Delifrance. Heard it was because these loaves were part of the bakery’s clearance offer… Now we know why.

Croissant



It was only late in my teens when I discovered the beauty of croissants. It feels really good biting through the numerous thin layering of bread. Better if there’s a sausage at the centre! The softness is quite a contrast to French loaves. From Yakitate Japan I learnt that making a croissant from dough is not that easy.

Pizza



I rarely eat those from Pizza Hut or restaurants. Too much a luxury for me. And I find the bread base too thin (like biscuit). Usually I would only eat those cheapskate mini pizzas from neighbourhood bakeries, but some can taste really good too. It’s really annoying to see out-of-shape, non-homogeneous pizzas though. A sign of bad handwork. Cheese, ham, sausage slices, onion, peas, maize seeds, carrot bits, tomato/chilli sauce… yum yum! Looks like an unwrapped popiah to me.

Pie



Apple pie! Pineapple Pie! Chicken Pie (read this aloud in Chinese)! I think the chicken pie from Delifrance is really heavenly. The contents are soft and fresh, compared to those like in Giant – hard and stale. I think this is because my mum usually buys those end-of-day clearance ones. So it’s a trade of quality for price. I love the outer skin of pies, but it often generates lots of crumbs (I would eat the skin crumbs as well haha).

Doughnut



Used to be so popular few years ago. Okay, I think it’s still rather popular now. Wanted to try the famous doughnuts from Raffles City but never got a chance to do so. But recently I received a free one from Central Forum =p. Some doughnuts can really make you feel sinful upon eating it. Last time I used to eat doughnuts with colourful chocolate rice. Colour of food seems to be the main factor that attracts kids (at least to me). But gradually I realized it wasn’t that great after all. There’s a kind of plain doughnut where you’ve to add sugar manually. Wow that’s troublesome.

Bun



I prefer buns with fillings. In some cases I can’t really tell what’s hidden inside, which adds to the mysterious feel. Then I would try to take a bite, and hope to get a surprise. Occasionally disappointment if the filling isn’t something desirable. But sometimes I would chew off almost three-quarters of the bun and realize there’s nothing inside… (cheat my feelings T_T ) However there are some buns which taste just as great without fillings, thanks to their crispy surface or toppings.

Waffle



I usually eat those soft and slightly elastic waffles, which have been left for some time in the open. So my impression wasn’t that good. But recently my friend has introduced me to a stall in The Deck which sells freshly prepared waffles. Finally I got the chance to savour hot fresh crispy waffles! Anyway why do waffles have squarish patterns on it? (Yeah you could play Tetris with it) I think peanut butter goes really well with it. Haven’t tried those with ice cream scoops on the top though.

Muffin



Chocolate muffin’s my favourite! The surface of muffins is really tasty! (but the surface is normally quite small) If the muffin contains any fillings, it’s even better! That will really serve as a pleasant surprise. =) But I don’t quite like to tear off the paper at the bottom as it leaves an ugly mark on its sides. Normally muffins will make you full quickly, similar to cakes.


Actually there is still one more kind of bread I would like to talk about. But I'll wait till the time is ripe. Hehe...

Bolts N' Nutz: Dim Sum

In this entry I'll be discussing about traditional Chinese snacks, pastries, cakes, and dim sum. These food somehow reminds me of my early childhood, when I started to take a liking to them. Most of you should know what these items are so there is no need for any introduction.

*Pictures taken from Wiki & Google*

Wan Tan(云吞)



Used to like eating wanton noodles, not because of the wanton, but the char siew that is added within. Slowly I began to appreciate the wanton more, its soft slippery skin and the tasty meat fillings. If they are present in soups, I’ll try to fish them out as well haha. The fried crispy skinned wanton is really nice too! As crunchy as keropok. =p

Pau(包)



I’m open to all kinds of buns, never seem to get sick of them. Are you able to tell the fillings inside the bun just by looking at its appearance? My favourite filling used to be char siew (haha I’m a pork-eater) but after some bad experiences in eating those which tasted like wood shavings, I started to prefer chicken meat buns instead, especially the bigger juicer ones. Occasionally red bean buns are fine but I find the skin rather thick and filling too little. The outer skin of yam buns is probably the most outstanding. Rarely eat vegetable buns though. Ever had trouble removing that piece of paper from the bottom? Hate it when it’s either too soft or too hard such that you can’t remove entirely in one swipe. One kind of bun worth mentioning is Westlake’s kong ba pau, but the meat’s rather fatty. Anyway I haven’t got a chance to try the famous xiao long baos in Ding Tai Feng. Buns anyone?

Gao Ding Kueh(九层糕)



This 9-layer kueh lapis originated from the Nonyas, and is common among Malays and Chinese. I always eat it by peeling off layer by layer; it just doesn’t feel right munching through. Have you ever wondered why the topmost layer is always red and the bottom layer is usually thick and tasteless (quite subjective but that’s what I feel)? Of course there are other combinations of layers (some made of rice) but the 9-layer arrangement seems to be the most common and well-liked. Yup, its colourful nature is really attractive to children too.

Siu Mai(烧卖)



It’s a kind of Chinese dumpling but I like this one most among the rest. First of all it’s easy to eat given the compact cylindrical shape. Secondly the meat-to-skin ratio is low. Am I getting too mathematical here? Haha. It’s so delicious that I can gobble a few pieces down at a go! Not really an incredible feat but the rate of $$ consumed can be incredible. Few dollars of food gone in few seconds.

Popiah(薄饼)



It has a range of sizes, from as small as those crunchy shrimp rolls eaten during CNY, to those medium sized crispy oily-looking ones bought from mini stalls or pasar malams, to the bigger sliced thin-skinned ones sold in food courts. The latter is my favourite as it contains the most varied contents, though I usually have problems in preventing the fillings from falling out and the skin from tearing apart. Used to have ‘popiah-making sessions’ at home where we would take a piece of skin and put whatever ingredients we like and wrap it up. Often ended up putting too much and unable to wrap properly, resulting in a out-of-shape open-ended crumbling popiah lol.

Chee Cheong Fun(猪肠粉)



No idea why I liked eating this long time ago when I was small. I don’t have similar cravings for it anymore now. A very sauce-dependent food. Without any sauce, I guess it will taste as plain as white kuay teow noodles. There is some meat added however they do not form the bulk. Its name can be quite misleading to those who are not familiar with the food, thinking that it might contain some pig intestines or something haha.

Lor Mai Kai(糯米鸡)



This was my favourite ‘recess food’ during my primary school years! Firstly it was cheaper than other main courses like chicken rice or fishball noodles. Secondly the queue for the snack stall was usually much shorter. Thirdly no preparation was needed, just tear the cover, flip it over onto a plate and ta-da! Another similar food would be Fun Choy, which contains char siew (again…), but the meat doesn’t really taste very genuine to me. Ultimately I still prefer glutinous rice! The sticky gluey feeling…reminds me of rice dumplings. Nonya Zhang’s my favourite!

Chai Tow Kway(菜头粿)



OR this carrot cake?

Last time there was a show that mentioned about the confusion over the name ‘carrot cake’. (Anyone remembered?) Westerners and Chinese have different interpretation of what a ‘carrot cake’ is. Anyway I don’t usually eat the type of carrot cake as shown in the first picture, but those in larger rectangular slabs commonly found in snack stalls. I was told not to eat so much of the former kind, as it can be quite unhealthy, especially with the ‘black’ one.

Kuey Neng Koh(蛋挞)



Egg tarts make a great afternoon snack, but eating it can be quite a hassle. The outer crust crumbles too easily sometimes, and can be difficult to separate it from the aluminium cup. The soft yellowish centre is really savoury! There is another version of ‘egg tart’ and it’s usually eaten during CNY – in the form of hard dome-shaped cake. Can be addictive too! About 3 more months to go…hehe.

Ang Ku Kueh(红龟粿)



Often used as an offering in prayers to my grandparents, thus I can have the chance to eat this (along with huat kueh) at least a few times every year. I like the peanut fillings and the bean paste, but the skin is a little…too chewy and rubbery. Have you seen any ang ku kueh that’s not red? I think I saw a green one before, and a purple one. Not to be confused with bee kueh, which also has patterns on top, or soon kueh, which contains mainly vegetables I think.


Looking forward to the next dim sum buffet! Pushcart style? Haha.

Bolts N' Nutz: Japanese Cuisine

This time I'll be talking about food! Yummy. Though I like to eat, I usually settle for cheap and simple food because food is merely a temporary satisfaction. Few mouthfuls and then it's gone. Thus I would prefer more filling food that can sustain my stomach, rather than glorious-looking ones that cannot eliminate my hunger. However occasionally I don't mind savoring costly exquisite food. =)

For this week I'll be covering Japanese cuisines! Maybe 'cuisine' is too big a word haha, but you know what I mean..."Japanese style food". Though they are readily available in restaurants, supermarkets, food courts and mini stalls, they can be quite expensive. So they can be considered as luxury food I guess. It's more worth it to taste these in 'sushi buffets' (ala carte buffets). *Added quotation marks as 'sushi buffet' is technically wrong in most cases.*

The following listed are not necessarily my recommendations, but rather just brief introductions and personal comments for those who are not very familiar with Japanese food. Douzo! (Here you go!)

*Photos taken from Wiki*



Sushi(寿司)

This is probably the first thing that would come to most people’s mind when Japanese food is mentioned. It is also the most common Japanese food we see in stalls and restaurants. There are a few kinds of sushi, namely Makizushi, Nigirizushi and Temaki.



Makizushi (巻き寿司) is one which rice and other ingredients are wrapped with seaweed, then rolled in a cylinder. This is my first impression of a sushi. However it can be quite plain due to the small amount of ingredient which is overwhelmed by the rice. Not encouraged to invest stomach space to makizushi during sushi buffets.

Nigirizushi (握り寿司)is made by placing ingredients, such as fish or seafood, on top of a chunk of rice. That’s where my favourite tamago sushi belongs! Tamago sushi is basically a slip of egg placed on the rice, occasionally secured by a belt of seaweed. The colour scheme of yellow, black and white is partly why tamago sushi is so appealing to me haha.

Temaki (手巻き)is basically a coned shaped Makizushi, like an ice cream cone! (or kachang puteh) Just that the cone is made from rolling a sheet of seaweed. Can be quite hard to eat as the seaweed is too thin and flimsy. Be careful not to let the cone unwrap itself resulting all the contents to drop out.



Sashimi(刺身)

Sashimi is served as fresh raw fish or seafood, usually sliced in thin pieces. Its kanji reminds me of tattoo haha. I don’t really like sashimi much as it is too raw for me. Though dipping it with soy sauce may improve its taste a little, it is still not my liking.



Tempura(天婦羅)

Made from deep fried vegetables or seafood. I like its crunchy flour coating, makes me feel like I’m eating a crispy chicken. Can be dipped into tempura sauce (looks more like a concentrated soup to me), mixed with white radish. My favourite ingredient is Ebi (prawn)! It is normally served in a crunchy stick, with its tail sticking out at one end.



Teriyaki(照り焼き)

Basically grilled meat marinated in sweet soy sauce, commonly found as teriyaki chicken. For me, the best part of teriyaki is its sauce! Is this similar to the sauce used in char siew rice? Like its kanji suggests, the sauce gives shine to the meat, which makes it more appealing. Not to forget the presence of teriyaki burger as well! Feel like eating one now haha.



Tonkatsu(豚カツ)

‘Ton’ means pork while ‘katsu’ is borrowed from cutlet. Originally a western food but the Japanese invented their own version and it became very popular. I remembered having the most generous portion of katsu in Just Acia. That was one of the rare occasions when I went full with meat. The thought of crispy skin over tender meat pieces just makes my mouth water.



Ramen(ラーメン)

Originated from China, derived from 拉面. It is made from thin yellow noodles, not to be confused with instant noodles or Maggie mee haha. Usually served with eggs and a variety of other ingredients. One of the most common main dishes eaten by the Japanese. In Japanese shows you may see small roadside stalls selling ramen, where passers-by or commuters can stop by to have a quick ramen meal. To cater for the busy Japanese, can ramen, which can be easily bought from vending machines, was invented. Do you know there is a ramen museum too? It exhibits the history of ramen as well as various variety of ramen that has been created.



Donburi(丼)

Literally means a ‘bowl’. Usually served in big rice bowls topped with meat, vegetables and other ingredients. I like the idea of having a big bowl as it seems there is a bigger portion. This is the dish that I rarely get to try in Japanese restaurants, probably due to the mentality that a bowl of rice is so common at home. Maybe one day I shall make my own donburi, by stuffing a huge bowl with rice and other dishes during dinner. Definitely filling!



Omu Rice(オムライス)

Yup, it’s the short of omelet rice. Served with fried rice or chicken rice wrapped with a thin sheet of fried egg, topped with chili sauce. Looks like Japanese like to wrap things so much haha, no wonder their packaging is always so attractive. Hope to try this soon. Tearing through the egg wrapping and discovering its contents sounds very fun to me =p.



Chawanmushi(茶碗蒸し)

Another Japanese egg dish! As its kanji explains, it is steamed egg served in a tea cup. Really creative! Within the soft steamed egg usually consists of mushrooms and sliced fish (those white spiral thingy called kamaboko) Normally eaten as an appetizer but I prefer to eat it as a dessert instead. Feels like eating beancurd haha. Yummy!



Miso Soup(味噌汁)

Commonly seen being served in a small black bowl, with a black bowl-shaped lid. Ingredients include tofu, seaweed, mushroom, etc. However due to its salty nature and seasonings added, I would refrain from drinking too much. The solid ingredients and a few spoonful of soup is enough for me. (though traditionally it is supposed to be drunk directly from the bowl) I wonder if Japanese have the habit of rinsing their rice with soup… (as I always do that)

Owari desu! That's it for the week! Are you drooling already? Haha.

最近比较烦，比较忙，比较难

又到了‘忧郁’的时刻。。。

相信大家现在都为功课而忙。作业堆积如山，咄咄逼人，一波未平一波又起。在大家快负荷不来的当儿，其实学期即将进入尾声了。多几个星期就是考试，然后欢乐的假期就接着来临。一转眼我已是三个月的大学生了，时间飞逝的速度实在惊人。

服兵役时，一直都期待能赶快进大学，脱离苦海。但不料大学生涯也是一种苦海，毕业后的日子更不用提了。看来我们注定活在苦海中，拼命挣扎求存。无论在人生的那一阶段都得遇到挑战，艰难，挫折。真希望能选择停留在某一阶段，永远不移动，直到彻底厌倦为止。

已经21岁了，这些难免的事应该懂得应付了吧？

总觉得自己还像是需要依靠的小孩，思想还不够独立，对于在社会里的生存之道还是一窍不通。除了上学，不是困在家里，就是出外玩乐。可是现在最重要的是要做好自己本分，专注勤奋学习，为将来铺个好路。

撇开功课不谈，其实大学生涯的学习过程对我来说是蛮愉快的。持着个人权利来选择修读喜爱的科目，自由安排时间，少了老师学校的严厉管制，应该是大学的最大好处吧。4年并不算长，要好好珍惜。

从以前就听说大学生比初院生忙多好几倍。当时忙于初院学业的我，对此说法怀着疑问，认为在这么自由的制度下，大学能比初院忙吗？当兵时期，有些前同学因为大学课业而不能出席班级聚会。再次感到纳闷：真的有那么忙？

现在终于亲身体验大学生活，才发现的确就是这么忙。积极参与课外活动或宿舍活动的学生，更是忙上加忙吧。可能看了太多电视，才会产生错误观念。电视剧不是多次把大学生描述成逍遥自在，很有时间投入恋爱的人吗？哈哈。

进了大学，与朋友会面的次数似乎变少了，周末独自呆在家里埋头苦读的现象也似乎变多了。有时没心情出门，有时又渴望能与朋友出外吃顿饭，聊聊天，真矛盾。

考试结束后，一定要尽情玩乐一番哦！

要好好宠一宠自己（吃皇族安培娜香米）。

Bolts N' Nutz: Sgdramas

(TPH takes a DVD to the counter)

Shopkeeper: Member?

*starts imagining things* TPH: No...

Shopkeeper: S17.90

(TPH hands money over)

Shopkeeper: 找一毛谢谢

---

(TPH walks to the supermarket payment counter)

Cashier: Member?

*starts imagining the same things* TPH: No......

---

This 2 scenes occur in every episode of the drama I'm currently following, 叮当神探 (Crime Busters x2). Really shows TPH's comedic acting, haha. It seems to be the trademark of this drama lol. Credit to Dawn too for her silly character. Special mention to 'Cantik', a Malay who can speak fluent Mandarin.







---

I'm usually quite fond of MCS (Mediacorp Studios) mystery/thriller/police dramas. (with certain exceptions like 谜图) Every year MCS would produce at least one of such dramas, and I'll try to watch every episode. =)

2004: 心网追凶
2005: 阴差阳错，法医X档案II
2006: 迷云20天，刑警2人组
2007: 破茧而出

It has been a long history since I first started watching dramas. The 'addiction' can be traced back to when I was K1 haha. The dramas I watched in the past often left a very deep impression on me, such that I could still remember the theme songs and their visuals (and probably some plots) as far back as those aired in 1993, and before I was even born! (repeat broadcast =p)

Had many good memories of Sgdramas when I was small, but as I grow up they seem to leave a weaker impression on me. Is the quality of Sgdramas deteriorating? Or has maturity led me to indulge into other more meaningful activities besides the 'idiot box'? Or have I become more critical on dramas with age?

Anyway some of you might know that MCS will be holding its anniversary celebration this year-end, so Star Awards is postponed to next March. A little upset that I would have to wait for an additional 3 months. Star Awards is an event that I'll never fail to watch every year, as it consolidates the dramas aired throughout the year and gives recognition to those who have worked in front and behind the scenes, in order to produce drama for us viewers.

Quite excited to hear that Zoe and Fann will be starring side by side in the same drama, 10+ years after Golden Pillow. (actually both of them had appeared in the same drama a couple of times, but they never met in the same scene) Looking forward to witness their renewed chemistry (or rivalry haha). For now, it looks like MCS is promoting its coming year-end blockbuster 小娘惹.

The love of watching dramas has also triggered me to buy I-weekly magazines in the first place. Just wanted to read the synopsis at the back pages initially, but thereafter grew interest for entertainment news. Time really flies; this weekly purchase has been going on for 10 years already.

And of course, without Sgdramas I would probably become a kantang like many in SG. (my family speaks English) They have definitely played an important role in sparking off my interest and preference in the language. =)

Bolts N' Nutz: Tdramas

When I say Tdramas, I mean Taiwanese idol dramas, not those 'traditional' kind like 霹雳火 haha. Though Jdramas form the main dose for my drama addiction, I do occasionally watch some Tdramas too, especially those which have received rather good reviews.

Currently I'm watching a very nice drama titled 命中注定我爱你 (Fated to Love You). Yeah I know the name sounds cliche but it's really a good drama. Don't judge a drama by its title haha. This was aired in Taiwan early this year, and subsequently broke the record to achieve all-time highest viewership rating in Taiwan. That news sort of triggered me to watch the drama, and glad to say, I'm definitely not disappointed. In fact, I'm impressed by the plot, acting and humour. There are some really touching scenes that almost moved me to tears.

As I watch the drama, I've grown to like its theme songs too. *points at the Recommendations sidebar*

Thanks to Dramawiki for the pictures!



The story begins with 陈欣怡 (acted by 陈乔恩), an unfashionable office girl that is often bullied by her colleagues, who accidentally made out with a stranger 纪存希 (acted by 阮经天),a guy from a rich family, during an incident on a cruise ship. Thereafter 陈欣怡 became pregnant and 纪存希 was forced to take responsibility and marry her despite having no feelings for her at all. Moreover 纪存希 already had a girlfriend who is much prettier and more successful than 陈欣怡, who is merely an ordinary girl pushed around like a sticky note. Facing the pressure from both their families, as well as the foetus, how would they react to resolve the issue? What would their fate be?

The first few episodes start off a little slow, but it gradually gets better. Lots of intimate scenes between the leads, hehe. The emotional scenes are done really well. Coupled with the wonderful music, it can create a tear jerking effect.

For those who watch Tdramas, 命中注定我爱你 is definitely a must-watch!


Actually I don't really watch a lot of Tdramas, but they do have something attractive to motivate me to continue following. These are the ones I've watched so far: (faithfully from first to last episode)

流星花园 - starring F4 & 大S
真命天女 - starring S.H.E
花样少年少女 - starring Ella, 吴尊 & 汪东城
爱杀17 - starring 张韶涵
斗牛要不要 - starring Hebe, 贺军翔 & 李威
公主小妹 - starring 张韶涵 & 吴尊

(hope I didn't miss out any titles)

Yup 6 only, compared to the uncountable Jdramas I've watched. Knew of many Tdramas through songs, I-weekly and entertainment news. Wanted to watch some but either had no time, 1st episode insufficient to sustain my interest, or gave the priority to Jdramas haha.


With regards to the previous Bolts N' Nutz, I agree that it was super lengthy. Initially I wanted to split it into 2 parts, but since most of my blog readers don't usually watch Jdramas, there will be no anticipation for the 2nd part after I publish the 1st one. Thus I decided to just publish everything at a go. I left the entry at the top for about 1 week, more than enough time to read everything, if visitors so desire. But if they just wanted to get all the readings done and over with, then I'm so sorry.

Kinda like someone else singing a song in KTV. Either you enjoy the music (or the MTV), or patiently (or impatiently) wait for your turn to hold the mike. My previous B&N entry happened to be a lengthy 'song', like 情歌王.

不管三七二十一

After a series of 21st birthday celebrations of my friends this year, it's finally my turn! Initially I didn't really pay much attention to my 21st birthday. I felt its significance is not any much different than those in the other years. However the excitement and sense of importance of such birthday seem to be induced onto me as well, via organised parties and other mass events. As a result I saw how major others view 21st birthdays and hence went on to reciprocate such sentiments.

Taking sociology has taught me to think various phenomena as being socially induced, but sometimes it seems that we are merely putting the 'blame' on society rather than the consequences of our individual actions.

Anyway it has been a pretty enjoyable week! With both mid term tests and outings coinciding, it was a busy and hectic week as well. By the way if you guys were wondering what I really want for my birthday, which I didn't explicitly mention at all, I shall explain them now. (have thought of them long ago)

Food - Yup as simple as that. Treating me to good food will never go wrong haha. I don't have a sensitive tongue so most food can easily please me. This week saw me eating out (and loads!) several times and I feel so sinful now. Have to start exercising more as a consequence of my greediness...

Memorabilia - In simple terms things that can't be given to anyone else except the birthday person. However it requires a great deal of effort to prepare, which most would prefer to avoid and just go for bought products. I don't mind a photo frame but please insert a photo as well. Likewise I don't mind a photo album but please add some photos. For diary please at least write something inside. For piggy bank please put money inside as well. Lol kidding =p.

Japanese related stuff - As a ardent 哈日 person, I can't help but to appreciate the beauty of Japanese products and language. Since hardly any of my close friends are 哈日 fans, it can be quite difficult to understand what a 哈日 person really wants haha. But if anyone were to hit on the spot, I would be extremely overjoyed. =)


Anyway it's over haha. It's time to embrace the presents I received and get on with life. This is an overview of what I've received this year, the most presents so far! (should be the last time I receive that many as well)



Leather sling bag - It's lighter than my usual school sling bag and can store more stuff than my minibag. Useful to have it as an in-between. Moreover it has a simple design which I think suits me well. Thanks Zhui Xing!

White wallet - Indeed a radical wallet out of my simple black style. Not very used to its numerous compartments and colour haha. I guess this can serve to infuse some fashion sense into me by my 时尚顾问 XH. =p

Golden key - Wow, my parents bought this from a jewelery shop, so it must be rather expensive. Unfortunately I don't feel independent enough to 'use the key' yet. Being pampered too much already haha.

Jigsaw puzzle - The sunset scene of the Sydney Opera House looks really tranquil and serene! Makes me feel comfortable just by viewing the picture. However it would be till the December holidays before I start piecing everything up. YF, must remember the 'hope' wo.

Hawaiian chocolate - Oishisou! (Looks delicious!) Really eaten too much during past few days so it would be better to wait till I'm hungry enough to appreciate its taste. Thanks YF, JH, ZH trio for understanding my appetite!

Exquisite pen - This present came as a shock as I didn't expect KC to remember my birthday, let alone give anything. Glad he gave me the chance to savour the 'ultimate desert' - (ice)cream puffs once again!

Last but not least all the wonderfully-made birthday cards! The one my sis made was really 眼花缭乱 with lots of colourful stickers haha.

With so many glorious treats and pleasant surprises, I feel so blessed! Thanks everyone who wished me happy birthday in one way or another! It has been a great birthday!