All about writing

I have compiled bits and pieces of advice from writers (and non-writers) all around the world to inspire me once again, to be not afraid of writing. I'll pick up my pen and paper after this post.
I will definitely post more updates soon!

Enjoy!

"In writing, we reveal things about ourselves that we sometimes never realized until that moment." Jeffrey Berman

"Four basic premises of writing: clarity, brevity, simplicity and humanity." William Zinsser (Born 1922) Writer, Teacher

"All you need is passion. If you have a passion for something, you'll create the talent." - Yanni

"In order to write about life, first you must live it!" Ernest Hemingway (1899 – 1961) Writer, Journalist

My gemstone is a Moonstone!

I became fascinated with gemstones before my recent trip to Thailand. I firmly told myself," I should have at least one and I am buying it here!" I came here having aquamarine and turquoise in mind. I even researched its supposed healing properties, but still chose these two simply because I liked the color.

So, at Gems Gallery, rather believed as a tourist trap, its on every tourist bus stop. Greeted by a welcome drink, Fanta never tasted that good for me! We are "toured" around the gallery to see how a gemstone is made. I was so distracted with so many crystals and gemstones on display. I was worse than a kid in a toy store!

However, became disappointed upon seeing aquamarine and turquoise up close. Because it looks plastic, I chose my amethyst ring instead. As I was waiting for my custom fit ring to be finished, i caught glimpse of moonstone on one of the many glass display cabinets. If only I can see myself, I can be quite sure my eyes are twinkling! ：）It's so beautiful. Translucent oval stone feels so mysterious and a hefty price tag.. :(

Only to find out that the "right" gemstone for me is indeed moonstone..
I want a moonstone! ：）

What's yours?

Here's an excerpt from the online test I took:

"It is important to you to be able to adapt easily to change. Therefore, Moonstone is for you because it is a gemstone that helps people adjust smoothly to changes around them or in their lives. Being creative is a characteristic you value. To help you achieve that desired creativity, Moonstone can be of assitance. To help support and improve digestion, Moonstone is very useful. In addition, to support and heal the eyes or improve vision, Moonstone is very useful. Moonstone is a birthstone for the month of June, the month you were born.Moonstone is also a stone that corresponds to your astrological sign, Gemini."

When Joy is elusive, we must actively seek it out

When not writing essays, I write and update ongoing gratitude lists for me to keep and to help me remind that the life is a blessing. Sharing with you an ongoing list:

When Joy is elusive, we must actively seek it out
Listed below are things guaranteed to make me smile and feel good (When needed) :P
Got this idea of making a gratitude list from the book I am currently reading.

1. travel books
2. journals
3. fine point colored pen
4. fine windy day
5. roadtrip
6. music
7. yogurt
8. coffee
9. milktea
10. sunflowers
11. dark chocolate
12. Kitkat
13. Travel
14. Planning Travel
15. Saturday Mornings
16. Leisurely Long breakfast
17. good night's sleep
18. good hard laugh
19. snorkeling
20. A stroll/walk
21. cooking
22. hug
23. pillows
24. staying in bed
25. massage
26. clouds
27. stars
28. bubbles
29. sunrise/sunset watching
30. mozzarella sticks
31. singing in the car
32. hold hands
33. fireworks
34. yellow roses
35. sharing ice cream
36. a good coversation

So, What do they say about Bangkok?

So, What do they say about Bangkok?

- Super Hot weather!
- Traffic is worse than Manila. If you can take BTS (Bangkok's version of our MRT) to reach your destination, all the better.
- When taking a cab, make sure and double check that its a metered cab. The meter is turned on. No side trips! (Intended repetition)
- Always negotiate when shopping in bargain places.
- When shopping in malls, ask for tourist discount coupon.
- Don't forget to ask for VAT refund.
- When crossing the streets, look right.

okay. okay. I'll keep this in mind.

More than the tourist traps and warnings, i am so excited about these things:

- Finally, a formal cooking class! (sosyal, Abroad pa!)
I will be coming home with a check mark on my 2010 Wishlist!

- Sightseeing Temples (up to sawa)
To satisfy my fascination on temples

- Always present food trips!
Had the restaurants mapped out already. I am dreaming of crab curry, Thai coffee, Tom Kha Gai, Tom Yam, Thai Iced Tea, Fresh Buco :) Sigh, Stomach grumbling..

- Where the biggest concern of the day would be these 3 things: where to go, what to do and what to eat.

- After all the research, reading maps, and travel suggestions is letting go of worrying over being "on track" with our schedule. More often than not, I find beautiful places that I never thought existed. Its about being there, not being on schedule. :)

Lastly, a saying I jotted down my journal is most apt.
"We do not see things as they are, We see them as we are"

Buena Noche feast :)

Not to shatter my family's expectations from last Christmas menu, I am again in the search for food to make the list of Ong family's favorite meal, the most requested food at home :) With the pantry full from my panic buying grocery shopping with my dear friend Marie, New Year's dinner menu planning was not as stressful as it was for Noche Buena.



Fruits and vegetables with vibrant colors, firm flesh and fresh scents!




Tiger prawns! I have never seen prawns as big! :)



The tiger prawns went into this:
Thai red curry tiger prawns with fresh oyster mushrooms
Another hit at home, same as the Thai green curry last Christmas.
The whole family loved it :) The new addition to holiday menu staples!
Paired with Nasi Lemak Rice.


Ong family holiday menu staple 1: My verion of Mango Kani Salad


Ong family holiday menu staples:
Taco Salad, Thai Curry in Nasi Lemak Rice; Mango Kani Salad, Bolognese, Carbonara :)

a big kiss! :)

Look at what i got :) I got this from an office raffle.
I don't know if its a joke..as how the chances are that i would have this :)
I so love chocolates! But this, I find it so funny!

When I showed this at home, their first question was how do we get to eat that? :P


Bite the top off, scrape it, break into pieces, sliced in half.. I doesn't matter! :)
I still have several months supply of chocolates!

Dishes that didn't make it to Noche Buena

These dishes didn't make it to Noche Buena feast:

1. Parmesan chicken with quick salsa verde
- deep fried Parmesan crusted Chicken breast fillet
- Salsa Verde is olive oil based; made from basil, capers, mustard and Parmesan.

Why it didn't make the cut?
Fried foods should be served right away and I will have difficulty keeping them.

2. Coquilles Saint Jacques (Baked Scallops)
- Scallops topped with melted butter, garlic and breadcrumb mixture.

Why it didn't make the cut?
- No fresh scallops available in the market.