Almost Home.

'Every situation that takes place is a learning experience'. This is a motto that I have been living by and intend to live by for the rest of my life. Isn't it so true? I believe that whether bad or good, whatever happens in our lives is a learning experience and there will ALWAYS be something to take from it. Isn't this such a blessing? What we often perceive as bad things that take place in our lives are usually the things that rightly prepares us for larger more exciting things in our future. If we do not go through what we have to go through, the future would then be superbly overwhelming for us to understand and furthermore, to live it.

I am sure many of you can agree that going through life is like going through the school system. First Kindergarten followed my Primary/Elementary School followed by High School and so on. So, the higher up you move through the school system the more you learn; "another year older, another year wiser".

For example: In Kindergarten, we learn the alphabet. We learn to JOIN THE DOTS(woo!) in order to form a shape which stands for a 'letter' in the alphabet. We learn that these shapes represent different sounds; often, funny sounds. We learn that these different shapes can be put together in all kinds of sequences to form a 'word'; this word usually refers to a particular something. We learn that we can then arrange these words into a long/short straight line which would then form what we call a 'sentence'. As in life, the older we get the more words we know; the better we can phrase our words into sentences. We learn that the power of our tongue, our words is sometimes more than we can handle.

I seem to lose my subject every time I write a long post. Does that happen to you as well? Well, the important thing is that you understand what I'm trying to say, so do you? haha I have this thing where I sometimes tell things to people expecting that to fully understand, just because I fully understand :D This often leads to me losing my words during a conversation, and it usually goes like this:
[Scenario- Deep into conversation with Friend A]


me: ...yeah that's so true! It's like...
[Long pause- a pause past the point where a silence is acceptable.]
Friend A: [looks intently at me, waiting]
[Pause continues- a pause where it's just begging for a sound, any sound.]
Friend A: It's like? [smiles politely- but secretly growing quite impatient.]
me: It's like...yeah... I don't know... you know?


How confusing can one be, even I confuse myself sometimes.

Anyway, back to the 'seriousness', yes, I know I am young, and I know I have PLENTY that I have yet to learn in life. But, as for now, this is what I own.

Comfy pillows

I'm still in search for a shoulder pillow for my flight. I wonder if they actually make you feel more comfy. There has been mixed reviews.

-Have a break, have a kit kat-

Chocolate fudge brownies.

The scent of brownies in the air~ [my heart is singing~]

What makes you happy.

It's DECEMBER!

All I want for christmas is...

POREOTICS

Snow Update

Snowflakes

Isn't Montreal such a beautiful city? Leave me a swiggle[~] if you think so too.

Lucky Charms

Christmas Special #4

Cinnamon Dolce Latte...

Visit www.starbucks.com/share to share a snowflake :)

Have a good one!

Santa Claus Is Coming To Town - AJ Rafael and Andrew Garcia

WOWAWEEWAH

It is now DECEMBER! :D It's the end of the year already. That zoomed by didn't it.
Have YOU started thinking about your New year's resolutions? 2011.

Fresh Snow.

There is absolutely nothing like walking on fresh snow :D

Winter is arriving :) Time to wrap-up!

The Sneezing Baby Panda

You've gotta love pandas:)

ATSA

For 12 years now, État d'urgence has held a large-scale artistic "manifestival" in Place Émilie-Gamelin, organized by Action Terroriste Socialement Acceptable (ATSA). The event takes place just before a long winter sets in, and is a multi-disciplinary artistic and community-building celebration that invites Montreal's homeless in from the cold. It also offers round-the-clock services, including food (a banquet by Pied du Cochon chef Martin Picard, no less), clothing and shelter to Montreal's poor.


This year, the theme of the event is "Tout Inclus!" (which translates to "all-inclusive" or "includes all"). From Nov. 25-28, Montreal's dark and uninviting Berri Square will be cheekily transformed into an all-inclusive beach get-away (see map), featuring "vacation activities" like mini putt and shuffleboard, as well as round-the-clock performances by local and international artists as well as endless cultural offerings (theater, circus, storytelling, lectures, poetry, slam) for free.


However, this year's organizers have been holid-azed, having to swallow a bitter-sweet cocktail (with a twist of irony) just prior to their anticipated event. On Nov. 16, only weeks prior to the event, Patrimoine Canada announced it won't fund the festival, leaving ATSA 43 000$ under budget from last year. The budget shortfall ensures ATSA will struggle with their financing. With no way to plan or predict for the bad news, it was unexpected. It's also likely to kill État D'Urgence for good.


Why has it become impossible for our current government to get these funding decisions out in a timely and respectful fashion? Or to respect the basic economic well-being and social health of long-standing festivals and community events?
Every year, État D'Urgence enlists the help of almost 300 artists, 400 volunteers, 20 community organizations and an eager general public. More than ever before, the event - and the people for whom it is intended, Montreal's homeless - will need your help. To see the very full list of activities, or to donate, visit www.atsa.qc.ca.


-source: community.hour.ca-

Your so-called abs.

Ready for an anatomy lesson?

Your abdominal wall is made up of 3 components:
1) 3 layers of flat muscles
2) the tendon aponeurosis
3) a vertically oriented muscle equally segmented into 2 by the linea alba.

Yes! did that without looking at my book. okay, enough distractions, back to the books!

Dua puluh enam.

Is it too early to pack? :) and the countdown continues. 26! That's less than 30 dude! 

This actually helps me during long days. Just a little update for you, more for myself to be honest. This is also a little break from reading about your bones and muscles that move and pull as you lift a knee, and etc.

Something to add to your playlist?
'All at sea' by Richard Walters


YOU, give me just a little smile :)  You smiled didn't you? I know you did. Even if it was a smirk, it's close enough.

the little things?

It never seems to end, but

It is Thursday tomorrow, which means a day before Friday, which also means a day before Saturday. And Saturday is the weekend! :) Got lots to catch up with, mostly work but it should be fine. I find that I'm more focused with my work when I'm out of the house. There are just too many distractions when you're at home; the bed, the kitchen, DVDs, the couch and other comfortable things. Wouldn't you agree?

If you've got a list of things to do, the best thing and the ONLY thing to do is to just get on with it. There really isn't anything else you can do. The list is gonna stay just the way it is unless you do something about it. Okay? This is a little note-to-self as well :)

Just remember that you're not the only one who is under piles of work. There are plenty of other people who are going through the exact same thing, so let that be part of your motivation and encouragement. 

A song to add to your playlist? 

'Beautiful Lord' by Leeland 

When the storm is raging all around me, You are the peace that calms my troubled sea.

Tamu!

Christmas Special #3  - Caramel Brulé 

and on this one it says:
'My sister and I would just stare up at the sky, trying to see where the snowflakes were born."

Have a "fantabulous" day and remember, YOU are special.

Operation christmas child

Surprised rat

hahahahahaha

Home

In the midst of destruction, Jesus is a place of safety.

The grassy area

Christmas Special #2.

Eggnog Latte :)

'I talked to a stranger once for an hour over coffee.
We're no longer strangers.'

The chain

That feeling is back again. That sick, ill feeling you get when you listen to a song that just gets your heart and your stomach. Stomach isn't really a nice sounding word ey, but still, it's the feeling that counts. It's always the feeling that counts.

The Mall

FORTY-THREE DAYS!


FORTY-THREE DAYS!

Christmas cups

First christmas special of the year :D

~ Moka á la menthe~ mmmm



'When I give gifts, I always get more in return.
Funny isn't it?'

DUDE

Sa c'est trés déroutant. Je ne comprend pas.

'Comme Des Enfants' by Coeur De Pirate on QTV

She's only 21 and ever so talented. French-Canadian indie pop singer, song-writer. Beautiful voice, beautiful lyrics :)

If you've got time, then watch the video from the beginning, if you've only got a few minutes to spare then you can skip to 2:20.


Have a great day ahead, you :)

Jesus Loves You

hehe

Came across this today and enjoyed it :)

-Edward isn't a Vampire. He lives in the forest, he doesn't eat people, and he sparkles. He's obviously a Fairy.

º

I miss how you use to be the reason I got out of bed to go to assembly in the mornings :)
It's amazing how much one can FEEL. The emotions... they're powerful man. no joke.

Today, I challenge you to allow your heart to feel. Allow yourself to feel and embrace your emotions. Do it.

Eighth Routine Together - Amanda/Jeff

Beautiful.

Raspberry Muffin + Chai Tea

Freshly baked Raspberry Muffins and a mug hot Chai Tea at 9 pm; while watching Cake Boss. :) I like, I like.




I think I just found out why cupcake/muffin cases are ridged. It's probably so that when you stretch the case your cupcake/muffin is detached from the case for you to easily grab your cupcake/muffin... Is that right?

Happy Thanksgiving

Had an awesome thanksgiving day :)

Happy thanksgiving everyone! - so this applies to those who live in a country where thanksgiving is celebrated today :)

<3

I'm so emotional tonight... actually, I have been for a few weeks now. What's happening! :( It's just a phase ey.

Big, big hugs to all the people I care about, you know who you are :)

Joe Cocker~You Are So Beautiful (Live at Montreux 1987)

Right from the heart...

Replay Cover (IYAZ)- Joseph Vincent

His voice is so soothing:)

Hours

One more week till the week long break!! :D

and

76 days till home!!

Vitamins

Need a dose of HEALTHY? I definitely needed it this weekend. Came down with a cold, wasn't too great but this long weekend and the week long break coming up will definitely help. I really want to re-work my diet. MORE VEGES/MORE FISH : LESS SUGAR/LESS JUNK. I'm gonna aim to have fresh fruit juices at least 3 times a week to start off and then eventually, hopefully, everyday! I hear there's a fresh fruit market nearby, have yet to find out where it is. I love fruits:) Don't you?
Anyway, made some fresh fruit juice this morning, it's suppose to re-boost my body :) we'll see. It definitely tasted good so you should try it too.

Re-Boost Juice :D
Equipment:
- a Blender
- a Teaspoon
- a Small Knife
- a Chopping Board
- a Glass of your choice to have your juice in. [Choose wisely! Believe me, it does make a difference]

Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup of Blackberries
- 1 Kiwi
- 1 tsp of Natural Honey
- 1/2 cup of boiling water

Step 1: Boil water.

Step 2: Cut Kiwi in half and scoop out "flesh".

Step 3: Combine Blackberries and Kiwi in blender and Blend.
Step 4: Mix boiling water and honey in YOUR glass.

Step 5: Pour fruit blend into YOUR glass and Stir.

Step 6: Take a sip and enjoy!

Have a lovely day or evening.

Coco Pops

Pop Crackle Snap. Coco pops not rice krispies, never been a fan.

ohhh....where is the love?

AJ Rafael - We Could Happen [NEW Original]

:)

Have a heart-filled day!

Elephant in the room - Richard Walters

Calling you to wake
Shouting in my car that's stalled outside
And it's pure coincidence I'm sure
Falling from my mouth, secondary doubts I've found myself in
Can't seem to look you in the eye

And I hope you can see
I'm more than this, this heap at your feet
Who are you to judge me?
Who are you to preach?
Control has slipped away from me again

How heavy are these words?
They're heavier than air
That rushes past your face as you drive away from me again
How heavy are these hands?
They're heavier than blood
That rushes to my head as you walk away from me again

Forcing you to speak
Snapping out my voice seems smaller now, it's only whispering my life
Paper cuts in time
I insist you keep these letters here and read them over if you can

And I hope you can see
I'm more than this, this heap at your feet
Who are you to judge me?
Who are you to preach?
Control has slipped away from me again

How heavy are these words?
They're heavier than air
That rushes past your face as you drive away from me again
How heavy are my hands?
They're heavier than blood
That rushes to my head as I will walk away from here again

How heavy are these words?
They're heavier than air
That rushes to my face as you turn away from me again
How heavy are these words, heavier than time
That rushes past your face as you would turn to walk away again.

L'epopée de histoire

Essays essays!! Gonna be great :) First in-school showing next week! excited for that :)
Found a mini canvas on a mini easel!

COUNTDOWN

Exactly 98 days till I go home :) Am excited already.

Baptised

Renewed :)

Psalm 16:11

You have made known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.

Chocolate + Banana cinnamon pancakes

Is it too cold on a saturday morning to go out? Want a plate of warm home cooked breakfast? Why not make some Chocolate + Banana cinnamon PANCAKES!!

This especially applies to all you students out there. This is easy to make and easy to eat, and I guaranty that this will turn your gloomy saturday morning upside down :)

Equipments and Ingredients needed:

A stove

Equipments:

-a Frying Pan

-Measuring Cups/ Measuring Jug

-Measuring Spoons

-a Spatula

-a Whisk

-a Bowl(preferably glass)

-a Knife

-a Chopping Board

-a Butter Knife

Ingredients{makes 6 pancakes}:

- 1 cup[250ml] of Pancake Mix(can be found at your local supermarket)

- 1/2 cup[125ml] of Milk

- 1 banana

- 2 eggs

- 1/8 tsp of Cinnamon powder

- a handFUL of Chocolate chips

- butter to grease frying pan

- Syrup for your pancakes(preferably not golden syrup)

my choice of chocolate chips. [HERSHEY'S CHIPITS]

Step 1: Combine Pancake mix, eggs, milk and cinnamon into the bowl and whisk.

Step 2: Chop banana into slices and then into small bits.

Step 3: Add banana into mixture and whisk gently to keep banana pieces in tact.

-At this point, add 1/3 of your handFUL of chocolate chips into the mixture.

Step 4: Use a ladle/scoop OR simply just pour a small proportion of the mixture into your HEATED and OILED frying pan. The butter will sizzle but do not worry :)

Step 5 [when to flip?] : When you notice that bubbles start appearing and holes start forming, it will be time for you to FLIP the pancake. Please, USE A SPATULA.

Step 6: While you are waiting for your pancake to cook, place another 1/3 of your handFUL of chocolate chips on the serving plate.

Step 7: Take your first piece of cooked pancake off the frying pan and place it on your serving plate, on top of the chocolate chips ;). Repeat steps 4, 5 & 6 until all the mixture is used up. As you plate each pancake, place several chocolate chips on top of each piece.
Step 8: Once all the pancakes are stacked and the handFUL of chocolate chips is used up, the last thing to do is to add your SYRUP.

!Don't forget to have your pancakes with a glass of milk or juice.

This is what I call home made pancakes :D

And there you go, only 8 simple steps!

Have a good day! :)

Paint

It's the weekend :) I can catch up on some sleep, YES! Got a lot to do this weekend though. I'm gonna be painting a piece for the first time! haha Anyone who knows me know that I cannot draw or paint or do anything of that kind, so this should be interesting. Need plenty of inspiration this weekend, time to head to the old port! The port is a 10 minute walk from my place which is so great, I'm so glad. It's by far my favourite place in Montreal. The atmosphere and character of the port is just something else.

*

To Mr. Inspirational,
From time to time, I wonder how you're doing. How your career is moving along and how you're doing in general. This is one of those times :)

-'But not for me' by Ella Fitzgerald

Peanut Brittle :)

Got free time? Why not make some Peanut Brittle. It only takes 30 short minutes and you'll have yourself some yummy Peanut Brittle to snack on :)
Here we go-

Equipments and Ingredients needed:

A microwave

Ingredients:
-1 1/2 cups of regular Unsalted Peanuts
-1/2 cup of Corn Syrup
-1 cup of White Sugar
-1 tbsp of Butter
-1 tsp of Vanilla Essence
-1 tsp of Baking Soda
-a pinch of Salt


Equipments:
-a Baking Tray
-Measuring Spoons
-Measuring Cups
-a Spatula
-a bowl(preferably glass!)


Step 1: Grease Baking Tray.
Step 2: Combine Peanuts, Sugar, Salt and Corn Syrup in the bowl and Mix.



Step 3: Pop the bowl in the Microwave on High for 5 minutes.


Step 4: [Caution: Hot!] Take bowl out of Microwave and add in Butter and Vanilla Essence. Mix.


Step 5: Pop the Bowl back into the Microwave on High for 1 1/2 minutes.


Step 6: [Caution: Very Hot! :)] Take bowl out of Microwave. The mixture should be bubbling like this:


Step 7: Add in Baking Soda and Mix. The mixture will start to foam. Once mixed, QUICKLY pour mixture onto the Greased Baking Tray. This step need to be done quickly as the sugar will start to Set.


Step 8: Leave to stand for 45 minutes - 1 hour


Step 9: Separate Peanut Brittle from the Baking Tray and break the Brittle into smaller pieces.


Step 10: Pick up a piece of Peanut Brittle and crunch away. Be sure to keep the extra pieces in a Zip Lock Bag or a Tight Container to ensure freshness and non-stickiness :)

There you go! 10 simple steps to getting some Yummy Peanut Brittle.

Have a good day!

Home away from Home

My new home :)

Spice rack! 20 spices! :D