Dear Diary: It's a Wednesday Off!!

It's a Wednesday! On regular days, I usually get home past past 9pm. That's after the tutorial sessions. But, today I wasn't feeling really well. I felt like I couldn't handle another work today so I stayed home and tried to recover... by doing whatever relaxes me - eating for one. LOL.

Cabbage kimchi, radish kimchi, spinach, bacon

In my 4 yrs in Dubai, I have never bought bacon as I've always thought that it's something I couldn't afford :) Not until yesterday though! And so, it's part of what I prepared for tonight (not exactly entirely by myself!). Kimchi (s) of course were courtesy of the Korean family. The spinach, I just boiled it briefly. 
That's it! ..just sharing! xo

Ulnamsam - Vietnamese Spring Rolls modified..

On the process of doing the detailed 'to do list' now.. In a thread where my friends were discussing some itinerary for our upcoming vacation, there was a mention of a request that I should prepare one meal for them. My natural tendency would be to immediately brush off the idea thinking that there wouldn't be enough time to cook! ..On second thought, I considered preparing "ulnamsam" for them! Just not sure yet if it would be possible!

Vegetables, and meat for spring rolls
adding pineapple bits and/or mint leaves gives a more 'exciting' and refreshing taste

So, what's "ulnamsam"? It's basically more of a Vietnamese spring roll with a twist. I actually just coined the term from our Korean friends. They call the food that way. Ulnamsam is a really nice and refreshing food to share! The vegetables are freshly eaten and the rolls aren't fried! No oil involve ~healthy :x Koreans are not only so used to eating fresh produce, they also take time in really preparing their food = healthier than what can usually be bought outside!

Vietnamese Rice Paper for Spring Rolls
Photo from: vegweb.com

As pictured on top, vegetables (the kind that you would prefer to eat) and meat will comprise the filling of the roll. The meat will be cooked stove top in boiling water (the broth from this will be used later for ramen!). After, both cooked meat (beef in our case) and assorted veggies will be wrapped in softened rice paper (dipped in boiling water where the beef is being cooked) then dipped in a sauce (onion juice+pineapple juice+fish sauce)... then eaten!!! Just like that..! And, where's the picture? ..Just like that the food is all gone too :) Please understand!

And the broth? Of course we'll not let it go to a waste! Have an instant ramen or fresh noodles (if you want) ready and cook it in the now really tasty broth! ...burp!

Dear Diary: Ready to go?

So, why haven't I been blogging lately? ..for so many reasons - I'm quite confused either, for I know that I have a lot of things to say. So, again, why? I think it's mainly because I've been preoccupied with the mere thought of going home after two years! Yes, that's 2. (I would have to say 'mere' as by now I should have been acting on some finalized plans for this much awaited break.. not just mulling over it still.)

Don't misunderstand, I have been planning in ages!! Only, I stopped recently. And, stopping actually broke my routine.. maybe that's why I got lost in the process? Perhaps, the ones I made will already suffice? I sure do hope so!

I'm a planner but I'm very much of a worrier too. And, although I am very much convinced that I should follow contemplation with rightful actions, I am actually hesitant to act. Uncertain. I fear how doing one thing simultaneously would affect my plans. My mind is just set on optimum results no matter how well aware I am of the importance of leaving a room for contingencies. It would break my heart if something goes wrong along the way (something that's not in Case A, B, C or D, got it? :p ).

Eastpak Rucksack Scramble Coat Red

Why the bag? ..because for quite a while, I have been sure of nothing but this. No, I haven't been eyeing particularly on this rucksack. I only wanted a pack sturdy enough to suit my needs and last long. I was sure that I wanted one so last night I considered window shopping as my friend informed me of some sale. Thankfully, I got the bag half the cost :) I remember its original price very well as I have visited the store several times already. I hope it will not fail me though :)

And so, here I am, back on blogging! Somehow, having bought one thing I wanted became the key to get the feel of writing again! With the vacation coming and time available, there will be a lot of nice (fingers crossed!) things to look forward to. Hang on.