Sunday, January 21, 2007

rich husband anyone?

I just hate the phrase "find a rich guy/husband"..as a reply whenever I am discussing my future plans.

At first it was really like an innocent suggestion or an offhand remark for a single gal, but after hearing it coming from different sources for 5 years, that line is getting old and moldy!!

Almost evertime I mention getting back to uni, or really like a piece of fine property, or an expensive purchase or just buying a tube of hagen daz (yes, it happened), some people around me will quickly remark "Boy, you gonna have to find a rich husband to foot all your bills and your lifestyle!"

100 years ago, that remark would be given very seriously indeed, as not many women had the means or the opportunity to support themselves.
But, at this 21st century where almost every women that I know are working, I personally consider that remark as insulting, because it implied that I could not support my self in the world and thus will have to hang my hopes on some bloke.
Offcourse I understand that some of them means well, but that line is starting to grate on my nerves!

I really would like to know if this line of thought ever being given from a brother to a brother for instance, "Yo bro, find yourself a rich wife". In asian countries, this will almost never happen.
Because however modern our society had evolved to, the general opinion will be the guy being the head of the family and bring the biggest bread home. Something to do with the ego, I am told.

I am not opposed to the idea of marriage, but certainly not to the idea of marrying a guy with thick portfolio as a single requirement. There was once an ad by

De beers

of the right hand diamond.
"Your left hand rock the cradle, your right hand rock the world"

Saturday, January 20, 2007

Italy anywhere

I've recently stumbled upon a cooking book written by Mrs.Lori de Mori. I've yet to finish reading it; and I mean reading, as I've yet tried any of the numerous recipes.

The first thing that captured my interest is the title; with its catchy phrase "Living an Italian culinary life wherever you call home". I have to admit that my stab at creating foods that requires more english than frying an egg have been first intrigue by

Jamie Oliver

. His cooking books somehow showed me that cooking is not rocket science, just employ all of your senses, the basics, and a sharp shopping trolley.

Back to Ms.Mori's book, I like the way she described the way of life of the Tuscans; seeing from the eye of an american married to an Italian; customs, weather, social life,why most things the way they are, and a variety of recipes which cover from stuzzichini to dolci, each consist the simplest recipe to the complicated.

At time of writing, I confess I have not finished reading it, but I have earmarked some recipes I am ready to test out, and I hope they will be at least .........edible (fault not due to instructions, off course)

Friday, January 19, 2007

to eat or not to eat..

I attended a talk show before with a topic on food, held by one of the prominent female magazine. In truth, I got this invitation byway of my boss; she couldn't go and pass the invite to me, hence I went. Being kiasu, I looked at the invite, sponsored by planitum membership of a certain bank, and imagined a complete gastronomical experience of a 7 course dinner!

As I arrive at the venue; a prominant 5 star hotel in jakarta; I feel like an impostor already, but my stomach was encouraging me to "Go for it, girl! there might be lobster bisque, followed by a rack of spring lamb and tiramisu behind those doors!" said my stomach (the glutton!)

After a 15 minutes cocktail, streched to 25, we are finally being invited to go into the dining hall where 10 tables lovely covered with crisp white cloths and modest decorations are set around a rectangular platform where our host seated, and the event began.
45 minutes later I can feel my stomach began complaining and my nose sniffing the air like a hound on a hunt. Its almost 7 pm!
At length, the plates are being brought out, and placed in front of us.

No lobster bisque. Instead what limply lay in the middle of the plate are 3 (three!!) steamed fish fingers with their customary spicy nut dip. In Indonesian terms "otak-otak"!, which I usually purchased at mobile road side vendors on a bicycle at less than $1, but offcourse of better quality.
By that time, my stomach couldn't complain anymore, its food. So,with gusto, I attacked the otak-otak, cutting each into 5 sections and proceeded to clean my plate in less than 10 minutes,...well 8.

The lady next to me however, which I presumed filling in no one's position but herself, daintily cut each of the fish fingers into 12 itty bitty portions and consume them with the utmost politeness for the next ,oh, 20 minutes or so.
I was embarrased -at being seen as a hungry kid from the alley- ,amazed and amused as I learn her finishing school technique of cutting and eating what most people would pick up with their fingers!
Definitely not nicking someone's invitation to get in.

The rest of the dinner goes well after that initial hungry pangs, and belatedly my brain register the topic; "How to serve Indonesian food in a fine dining theme".
Well, that certainly explains the missing bisque! (or the lamb)

Wednesday, January 10, 2007

correction

Apologies, the correct title for the Queen,would be, Her Majesty and not HRH.

Friday, January 05, 2007

the Queen

I am considering whether or not I should change my blog name to "movie-geek" or "silver screen buff" or "motion picture junkie" or anything else since 60% of my blogs are about films.

Anyway,..current favourite is "The Queen".
I watched it last week, and its a very powerful movie. Those who adore the late Princess Diana will feel that she has died for the 2nd time. I dare say, there is no one (gents and ladies) who didn;t at least emerge from the cinema with glassy eyes or red nose (including this author;hiks).
But, it also gave me a new sense of profound respect for HRH the Queen, for if the movie anywhere near the truth, she is formidable indeed. Still human, but undoubtable, a Queen.

Have a go at it guys and keep a packet of tissue for your girl.


"The Curse of The Golden Flower"... At the end of the film, I felt compelled to brush up on my Chinese and master it. The cinematography is simply amazing. Its very artistic, bursting with colours and gold (literally), opulent in every sense of the word! and the song is just right!


Next in line; Mr.Stiller's "Night at the Museum".
This is a very light hearted movie, if my nephew and niece are old enough to understand, I would take them to see this one. Not so grisly, child-quota horror and a dinosaur of fun. What more a child can ask if you can have a war with live miniature of cowboys and roman soldiers; play catch with a dinosaur; and ride the elephant!! All in one place!!


"Friends with Money"
Now, this is a confusing one. Not too bad, but I don't think the movie is realistic enough....watch it so you understand. Word of caution: A feminist will outrage at the injustice potrayed.


"Anastasia" Yul brenner version..
I kind of hoping the end will be a different one than the Disney version, more real, but no such luck. Makes me curious as to the history of it.


For this weekend, it will be "blood diamond".....anybody watch it yet?

Tuesday, January 02, 2007

first blog of the year..

Hi....

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year 2007 to all. Hope you will have a better one from last year!!