Rap tries satay celup for the first time

Choosing his own satay

From our last trip to Melaka, the historic city, we visited the Crocodile Farm and headed to Melaka town for some local food and stroll. After the Crocodile Farm visit, we were heading towards town to enjoy some satay celup. I always wish to enjoy this when I am at Melaka. This time, rap agreed to try satay celup. In the car, I told him, we are heading to eat something delicious and it will be good for him to try some new food. He said he will try. Sure enough, he enjoyed having some cute looking satays made of fish. The satays looked like angry bird, panda and pig. Rap was excited to grab them himself from the big refrigerator, dip them into the peanut sauce and waited for it to cook. Though he did not eat the sauce as much, but he enjoyed a number of sticks, sufficient to fill his stomach. I was so happy he tried a new food outside. I wish rap will learn to adjust to new food and surroundings. We love to travel and it will be essential to learn adaptation. Many a times I have worried about food when we are out. But during a day trip to Melaka, it was not bad at all. 

Stomach was full and heart filled with happiness. We headed into the city near Jonker walk. This time we parked very nearby to the place and walked along the Melaka river. This is the river that served to grow Melaka as a trading center many years back. Rap enjoyed watching the boats pass by as there were many on the move in the evening. The road towards the roundabout near Jonker walk was under repair, vehicles had to divert but as pedestrians, we enjoyed a clear walk across to the fountain. Enjoyed some street music and walked into Jonker walk just a short distance. We were already tired and need to head back to KL. I even enjoyed fried cempedak fruit. It is usually covered with flour and deep fried. Delicious and one of my favorite fruit. 

There were also decorated trishaw or 'beca', complete with its own themes like Frozen, Disney and so on, and music to entertain guests. Rap loves these trishaws. He wouldn't go on it but watch them for as long as he can. We walked again along the Melaka river when we spotted a fruit tree (in tamil its usually called "nelli kai"). A local guy helped us pluck some from the tree. The fruit supposedly had some medication attributes and only 1 or 2 pieces of the fruit can be consumed on a daily basis. We even passed some to the passerby to try. It was fun. The sun was setting, it was time to leave. Rap did not sleep till we reached home, being more adaptive towards outside activities.

Cooking the satay in sauce

Enjoying the boats on Melaka river

Sudden trip to Melaka: Taman Buaya Melaka

Last weekend, we had no plans about spending the break days. It was a sunny day and all I felt was to have a fun break somewhere far rather than usual malls in KL. I asked rap if we shall go somewhere far. Then daddy suggested we go to Melaka or Port Dickson. I was rather worried of the heat though we still decided to head to Melaka. Rap persuaded tata to join us as initially he wasn't keen to come. On our way to Melaka, we stopped by at Seremban for lunch at an Indian restaurant. Indian restaurants at Melaka are not anywhere close to those found in KL. My dad didn't eat at all in Melaka the last time we went there.

After a quick lunch, we headed to Melaka and hit straight to the Crocodile farm (Taman Buaya Melaka). Rap was eager to see crocodiles. Over the weekend, the ticket price was RM20/adult, RM10/adult above 55 and free for children below 5. They had few packets of duck and bird food for each ticket. We bought two additional packets to feed the farm animals there. As we entered, there stands miniature buildings found in Malaysia; KLCC, KL tower, Penang bridge and few others. Something like those found at Legoland, Malaysia but made of cement and sand.

  

We headed to the rabbits and fed them. Rap enjoyed feeding them. So fluffy and friendly. They came hopping as we offered some food. There was a caretaker stationed at the rabbit area. As we moved to other areas, many cages we empty. We had no idea what animals had lived there. They were probably small farm animals that are no longer there. Hopefully they did not die out of no care. After many empty cages, there were few chicks but no hen. Gave those chicks some corn and walked into the birds sanctuary. Well, I could only spot a few birds flying around and a number of ducks. More like a duck sanctuary. There was a stream of water but it was not clean. This place doesn't look like it is maintained well. At a separate place, there were some tung-tung tortoise. They look so hungry. As we looked into their pond, they came swimming towards us, eagerly looking for food. We plucked some leaves for them and all of them trying to grab the food. It is sad to see them in such state. I wondered how frequently those animals get fed.

At last, we reached the area with crocodiles. They had many different crocodiles. At least it qualifies as a crocodile farm. Each cage is labelled with the type of crocodile and the numbers. The water in all was dirty, green and some even stinky. Is this how crocodiles live in their own habitat? The best crocodiles were those huge and long ones aged between 30s and 40s. These crocodiles could swallow a human easily. Though they seem to be still with eyes half closed, they are alert. Crocodiles could live up to 100 years. I enjoyed these huge crocodiles the most in the farm.

Just next to the crocodiles sanctuary was a water park. It is old and not exciting. There were children having fun there anyway. There were a lot of covered seating place at this water park area. Just along that path was a few shops selling souvenirs and snacks. Rap and I grabbed ice-creams. There was a scheduled dance performance at 2.30pm. We waited and waited but it started at 2.45pm. Just few minutes into the show, rap wanted to leave. The benches were dirty too.

Our final stop was a train ride. We had to pay RM3/person to go on the train. No charges for rap. It was a noisy train and it was heading into darkness. Supposedly, there were man made dinosaurs that will scare you. As we pass through the dark tunnel like place, a few dinosaur bounced next to us with some sound effects. They were not scary. Half-way through the train stopped at an opening. It was bright again and there was this huge, not so realistic dinosaur roaring towards us in the train. The train stopped at this spot for few minutes. Then it headed into the dark tunnel again with few more bouncing dinosaurs. That's it. The ride was over super fast.

There was a scheduled crocodile show at 3.30pm but we did not wait for that. There was nothing else to see in the farm. I don't think the farm is maintained well. They could definitely to better though efforts have been made to set this place up. It is located at Ayer Keroh, Melaka. As you exit the toll, drive further along, the Taman Buaya Melaka is next to the McDonalds. There are clear signage to lead you to the farm. We had previously visited the zoo Melaka, hence this time round was the TBM.

The day at Melaka continued with other activities. To be continued.

 

This honey cornflakes cookie made rap eat cornflakes

I was looking for some simple recipes to bake when I bumped into a honey cornflakes recipe. It was pretty simple and fast to make. I thought of giving it a try while rap was asleep. He could (hopefully) have it for tea time. The recipe needs melted butter in a pan, then add some honey. Once it bubbles up, dump in the whole grain cornflakes and toss them around to coat the cornflakes with the melted butter and honey.

In a mini cookie liner or cupcake liner, drop a some coated cornflakes. I added some chocolate chips and colored sprinklers. It looks pretty and most likely appealing to rap. Then it is baked for 10minutes at 160C. Tadaaa! It is done and super fast. Rap enjoyed eating these honey cornflakes and we did them again. This time with rap helping in the kitchen to make them. It is fun to cook together with my boy. 

Another time, I tried to make some doughnuts. Mini doughnuts covered with chocolate. My hand ached from making the dough but it was all worth it when rap was so happy when he saw them. After eating them, he said to me, it tastes "OKAY". That's the approval to the mini doughnuts I made :) As long as you enjoy them rap. Lately, I am pretty tied up with my research and don't have the flexibility to bake something new for rap. Hopefully,  can allocate some time.

I care for you rap...hope you read this someday

Dear rap,

I'm so upset. I couldn't stop thinking. How can someone say this to me. "You don't care for him". Really rap? Amma don't care for you? I love you too much rap. I wish to tell...

Since the day you were born, I have never left you. Not a single day. I had been away for short durations for classes while you are with me at the university. I have never left you. I will not leave you. It's you who may have to leave the nest to soar the skies and reach for your dreams.

I left my salaried job to care for you. I couldn't bring myself to leave you in the care of another person. I wanted to be with you so I can do my best for you. Money cannot buy you rap. Money cannot buy the time I am with you. I care for you rap.

I put effort to cook a variety of food for you, I try to eat more vegetables so you would too. I stopped drinking carbonated drinks since I was pregnant with you. I hardly drink it now. 

I read frequently to gain knowledge about parenting a child. I make mistakes. I try to correct myself to be better because I care for you. I am human too but I really try.

I feel lonely sometimes but I have you. My days are hardly quiet and slow. I am ready to play with you and care for your basic needs anytime even though I am unwell. 

I still breastfeed you to give you the best. It's the best gift I can give you. I have been wounded multiple times in this breastfeeding journey. I was in much pain. I never gave up so I can give you the best. I care for you rap.

I don't even remember when was the last I slept and woke up at my own leisure time. It does not matter rap. You matter most to me. I wake up to check on you at night. Just so you are not covering your face with the blanket or the pillow or not falling off the bed's edge. I care for you rap. 

It's too many to list. It's just the little things I can do for you as your amma. Is it fair for anyone to say I don't care for you rap? You are too young to understand now rap. Maybe when you have the opportunity to become a parent yourself, it may be clear that I care for you.

We do so much together. I treasure all of it and regret my imperfection. I love you with all of me. I care for you rap.

With love,

your amma.

Ice skating for the first time

Over the weekend, we were out at IOI City Mall, Putrajaya. My cousin had joined us. Mostly, we did activities in favour of rap when we happened to walk pass the ice skating ring. A lot of people were ice skating. I had this sudden plan for all of us to try it. None of us have ice skated before. It's sometimes exciting to try something new. This was one of them. We bought tickets and rented boots, bought gloves and socks as they were compulsory. We also rented a penguin which helps newbies to learn skating. It was meant for rap as he was the child there while we adults thought we could manage somehow in there.

Each ticket costs RM30 for both adults and children. This was a weekend price. The ticket price includes the skating boots rental. They had sizes for children from age 3. Well, you don't need to remember your feet size. They had a measurement place mat at the boot rental place. We just had to place our foot on the measurement mat and the person in charge would bring you the right boot size. They have so many boots, all hung up like in a closet. The penguin rental was another RM30. We had to purchase gloves and socks too since we were not prepared. Otherwise, you could just bring your own to use. 

Getting into our skating boots

We got into our gears and walked around the carpeted floor. Though it restricts normal walking movements, it was not too hard to balance. Rap was excited with his strawberry designed gloves and was ready to walk around by himself on the carpeted floor. He even refused me holding his hands for balance. So I let it go and he manages to walk freely and falls. I help him up and he is not hurt. But his excitement did not fade. If given the opportunity, he would have walked off by himself without being bothered about falling. Maybe even roll on the ice. Rap had strawberries on his gloves and a small sized boots just right for him. He looked all set for ice skating. 

The horror started when I stepped onto the ice skating ring. It was not possible to walk like on the carpet. It was slippery and balancing was difficult. We had to hold on to the sides and make our way slowly, further into the ring. Rap was with his daddy just in front of me. My cousin was calling out to me every few seconds. We laughed and laughed because it was so hard to move. We were stuck near the entrance with many other newbies. Slowly, we progressed. We were just afraid to fall and embarrass ourselves. Rap had the penguin to hold and I can see him making funny moves so he can fall onto the ice. Daddy was sweating in attempt to hold him up. 

My tummy was aching from laughing so hard. I tried to skate but the sides where we hold on for balance was not supportive. It did not have a bar. It was just a glass wall with a small step like design to place our hands. It was so hard. Then slowly, I tried to balance myself with the wall support and move a little bit more. My cousin is still shouting for me. "Don't go so far. Wait for me". I am actually only a meter away. Along the way, we had to pass many people leaning against the glass wall for support. 

Suddenly, my cousin looses balance and falls. We were laughing. She kept saying it is cold. Definitely it is cold if you sit on ice, isn't it? I reach out to her to lift her up but not successful. How can we do this while still laughing? Shortly, she realized she have to go on her knees to stand again. I was able to pull her up at this point. And we continued laughing. Rap got this idea of falling. He was making funky moves to fall. hahahah. rap oh rap. Is it really nice to fall on ice? I believe it will hurt.

We managed to go half way through the skating ring. Suddenly, rap has a bleeding lower lip. How did that happen? He did not fall. Maybe struggling with daddy to free himself and his teeth might have hit on his lips. I had to put some pressure on his lips to stop the bleeding but he was alright. Then rap wanted to go fast, then slow and fast again. It's not like we can go fast, we all can go really slow, rap. Don't you realize how slowly we made our way to only halfway through the skating ring?

Then, he did not want to hold the penguin anymore, so I had a chance to use it. Oh my, my skating is improving with the little penguin helper. I have more balance and can skate a little. Then I hear someone shouting for me. Guess who? So I go back and my cousin holds on to me and we try to skate together for a very short distance. My confidence too increased with the little penguin. I managed to skate a bit to and fro. Then made a whole round again by myself. Luckily I did not fall. Earlier, daddy and rap had a fall. I was shocked. I could not even reach out to hold them from falling, as I'm also loosing balance and we may all fall in a heap. I check on rap and he is not even bothered about the fall. I hold him while daddy tries to get up. The experienced cousin who had a fall before that told daddy to go on his knees. Yes, we learnt.

Almost at the end of our round, rap decided to sit on the ice and collect chunks of ice. He wanted to do snowball. He enjoyed some time on the ice. It must have been cold for him but he did not show any sign of discomfort. I collected some ice for him too. He asked if he could bring it with him. Well rap, you can take them but they are going to melt away just like in the Timmy Time cartoon. He could relate when I mentioned about the cartoon. Yet he took it with him and kept looking at the ice in his gloved hand. 

It was such a new experience. It's not like roller skating on the ground. I used to roller skate before. The concept may be the same but the ice is slippery, making it more challenging. My cousin and I would love to try again some day and learn to ice skate. Hopefully, rap will learn too.

A photo in the ice skating ring

How about pirate ship water play?

Cascading water effect

Rap had always enjoyed water play since an infant. I do encourage and allow lots of water play whenever possible. Besides, the extra work and cleanup, I do enjoy watching him. Sometimes, I join in the fun and play with him. Many a times I too get wet in his play. Initially it was playing with squeaky bath toys. Then it transition to little cups and tools to fetch water. It can be any sort of tool, water bottles, bowls, cups, spoons etc. Then, it was bubble fun all over the bathroom and colored balls in the inflatable pool. Rap even played with his float during bath. I'm not sure what's the amusement with the float in the bath. But still he had his way. 

Then it was water sprays. The ceiling and walls and every corner of the bathroom is splashed. Once we even tried water spraying at the balcony but realized it was not a good idea. Rap sprays water out of the balcony. Possibly someone walking on the road below is going to get wet. Despite reminding him numerous times, he could not follow through. To rap it was about the fun of spraying water everywhere. Once he even made his dad drenched with his water spray. Kind of cornered him and shot him wet. Hahahaha. I had a jolly laugh away from the spot to stay safe from the game. Rap laughed and enjoyed this game. He even requested for the same on another day but daddy was not up for it this time. Imagine being sprayed on the face too. It was too funny for me seeing daddy getting drenched.

Soon he wanted to play with his baby bath soap and shampoos. Squeezing them in the water and over the floor. Then he makes bubbles by holding the shower over the soap + water filled bucket. He literally turns the bottles upside down and squeeze them hard with both hands. And I am standing there saying not to waste the soap. He tells me, I just want to use little. I'm not sure how many bottles went to waste like that. Maybe 2/3 of the content goes to waste. At one point I thought of switching to bar soap. Even that became a victim to his water play. Dump them into the water and squeeze them till they go out of shape and skid on the floor. *facepalm*

Exploring the pirate ship

Another water activity is fishing! I fill a big container with water and rap uses his net to catch them or the magnetic fishing rod. Then he put pebbles into the water. Shifting them from one container to the other with water dripping all over the floor.

My father has plants at our balcony. Sometimes, he does major change of soil and planting. During those times, he pulls a hose to the balcony to water the plants and clean the floor. Rap jumps right in because it involves water. He would help to water the plants and at the same time pour so much water into single flower pots till the soil spill over. His grandpa  is not happy. Once rap let the water on the awning of the house below ours. If the tenant noticed, he/she might have thought it was raining but only at his/her place.

The latest water toy is a pirate ship. It can be filled with water and has some parts spinning when water is poured at the top. It has a waterfall kind of effect and rap enjoys watching and pouring water over and over again. It also contains spade and cup with tiny holes that makes it look like rain. He explored to fetch water from the cup with holes into another foam cup. Adjusting the foam cup to ensure water goes inside. Besides, I helped to add more fun to his play with the additional water toys stuck on the glass door. The water pours from the top like raining clouds, into a dumping bucket, spinning sun and splitting rainbow which finally ends into the pirate ship. It's so much fun playing with water.

You are free fish!

Two weeks ago, we went to Penang. While there, we usually visit my cousin living nearby our place. Rap enjoys playing with his older brother. That Sunday morning, rap and I were at my cousin's place and suddenly rap's dad suggested we head to see some fish in the aquarium shop. The boys were excited to head out.

They were talking about buying fish from the shop and releasing them near the house. Rap's bro used to release fish in a big drain near his house. So we all go to the shop an enjoyed watching the fish in aquariums. We even bought an aquarium and water pump to set up our own back at home. We already have those colorful pebbles, plastic fish that can float and move like it's swimming and decorative seaweeds. 

After enjoying about 45 minutes in the shop, we finally made our purchase and bought two packets of fish to be released. We need to find a good place to let them go so they could survive. The purpose to release them is to free them. We don't intend to kill them. 

As we were driving, we passed two rivers. It's not like those days where we get to access the rivers easily. But this one was accessible. We parked by the roadside and checked the riverbank. It looked safe to get down close enough to the river. This is it. The best place for the fish. Let's go boys and fish.

There was a clear space for us to stand and comfortably release those fish. But something was stinky. A dead rat or chicken? eeewww. We need to do this fast people. Rap had a packet of fish to release while his brother had the other. Both boys happily let the fish free and watched them swim away. Some remained near where it was released and attempting to swim against the current. Shortly, we left and drove back. 

Holding packet of fish each at the riverbank

The boys had this little fun and experience. Maybe rap wont remember much but I have some photos for him to see. During my childhood, I could get close to a river behind my house to catch little fish and worms with my brother. We had aquarium and reared fish. I could still remember the fun we had back then when we got to this river to release fish instead. I was looking to see if there were those worms (cacing) like before. None spotted. Nevertheless, the fish is free and we are happy.

Releasing the fish

Go fishy. You are free.

New craze on baking

I wished for many years I had an oven, especially when I see all those cute cupcakes and cookies posted on the web. But there was hardly a space to fit an oven in my kitchen. Rap enjoys cakes. The problem with that is... it contains loads of sugar in the icing and that's exactly what he wants. Gosh.

Finally, we purchased an oven from Lazada and an electric mixer. I am so excited I couldn't wait to try. I went to shop for some baking utensils and ingredients. The first thing I try is butter cookies. Rap helped me with the cookie making. He wanted bus shaped cookies. 

That's fine rap, we can make bus shaped cookies.

The dough was quite dry and difficult to shape. Clearly, I did not follow the measurement of ingredients properly and end up having dry dough. I ensured I followed the recipe the next times and my butter cookies were so much better. I only managed to make some bus shaped cookies while the rest was made with teddy cookie cutter and star shaped cutter.

The cookies turned out fine and tasty too. Rap enjoyed them very much. I was pleased with the outcome too. Two weeks with the oven, I tried on few more recipes.

1. cupcakes
2. apple cinnamon muffins
3. orange muffin (though this one did not taste so orange, maybe because I did not include the peels)
4. raisin muffin
5. and more butter cookies

When I tried the apple muffin and raisin muffin, both tasted good. Rap enjoyed two apple muffins. It's one of the ways for me to feed him fruits ;) .

When rap and I made raisin muffin, he was waiting eagerly and kept saying he was very hungry and needs to eat. Patience rap, the muffin needs to cook and cool down. But, he only ate the muffin without the raisins! hmmm...it was my dad feeding him, so rap had his way for leaving out raisins.

I am so hoping to use my oven more and make new meals for rap to enjoy. One of which is to make pizza and bread. I had been busy lately and there are still more datelines to meet for my studies and job.

RAPs birthday

Rap's birthday was just around the corner but I had no idea what to do for him. On the same date, we were going to attend a wedding. A lot of time will be spent on the road to get to the wedding. But I have to do something for this boy. Rap and I had gone back to my hometown few days before his birthday. My dad kept asking if I was going to purchase a cake? Well, I'd love to, a bus cake.

I had asked a known cake maker about making bus shaped cake but did not receive any feedback. So I asked my cousin. She's not good at making bus shaped cake. Oh well. I am disappointed. I thought it was best to settle for those ready made cakes in the bakery. Maybe rap can choose the cake himself.

Few days before his birthday, 3 of us headed to 2 different bakeries. At least rap found something interesting in one of the bakeries. There is another possible bakery to check out but we were running late for prayers.

The next morning, rap said he wanted to go supermarket. Both of us took a drive but none of the supermarkets were open just yet. Too early rap. Then I decided to check the other bakery left from last night. There were some nice cakes there. I happened to ask the staff if we could order a design of our own. To my delight, she said yes but needs the picture. I quickly browsed the net for a simple bus cake and showed to her. She said they could do it for me. Perfect!

My dad collected the beautiful bus cake since we were away for a function. As soon as we got home, I couldn't resists but to check on the cake. I opened the fridge with caution. I wouldn't want the little guy to see me peeping at his cake. It's the fear that he would want to cut the cake immediately. I was satisfied with the outcome of the cake, simple with a school bus icing.

Later at night, I told rap that we will be heading to McD for his celebration where he can cut his birthday cake. Then he enquired about his cake. I told him it is in the fridge but could only cut it the next day. He nodded. I showed him and he went "wow" with both his hands on each side of his cheeks. I asked him if he likes the cake. He said YES. Oh, I feel so happy that we took that drive to the other bakery. On top of that, I'm glad I made the attempt to ask them instead of walking straight out. Well that's because I usually don't make such move to ask about extras and be satisfied with what's there.

On his birthday morning, I kissed him when he woke up and wished him. A BIG hug for my little guy. It's been an amazing journey for all of us so far. Rap was wearing a bus designed pyjamas, one of his new clothes. His tata (my dad) wished him when he got back from market while rap's dad was still asleep. After shower, he got into another bus designed t-shirt. Yes, it's all about bus this time. It's his favorite right now, I managed to find those clothes, so we let him have that joy. Maybe in future it is no longer about bus. I keep that in my mind. His interest may change and that's alright.

Rap was eager to head to McD as he wanted to play with his brother at the small play place. He kept asking me if we could go now. Dear rap, please be patient. It's still 2 hrs away. We managed to kill the time at home till it was time to go. Then, it started to rain. But we all made it there. 10 of us altogether. We cut the cake 1st after ordering our food. After meal, the boys went off to play while the rest of us chatted and enjoyed our meal. Simple and fun celebration. Rap blew his candles and cut his cake by himself. Oh, he is so grown now. I love a lot rap. Hope you enjoyed your birthday and maybe you will recall the moments when see the photos and video.

Rap's birthday cake, 2015

Time for myself but what did I end up doing?

During the Chinese New Year 2015 break, we had some fun time outside the house. One of those days was a moment at a mall. Rap enjoyed himself running around and trying most of the activities in the kids play area at JKids in Paradigm mall the last time we went there. I had accompanied him into the play area while he had so much fun. This time round, we thought of going there again but rap's dad was going to accompany him while I get some time walking around. Though not all outlets were open during the time, I had the leisure to walk around by myself.

It was a time for myself, 'me time'.

My thoughts is all about rap. So I ended up in Toys R Us looking for anything that would be suitable and interesting for rap to explore. I spent a whole lot of time looking at the things but did not purchase anything. Then I decided to just go sit in JKids and watch my boy play. After about 10 minutes, I felt he was doing alright and decided to walk around the mall again. I am almost always nearby rap, just in case he needs me. He used to look for me about every 15 minutes even though we are at home and he is playing with his tata. He'd just come, hug, sit on my lap, cuddle a bit or request me to play with him, like it is some kind of intermission during his play. Or maybe he remembered amma is in the room, he comes to check on me.

Well, back at the mall, I saw a manicure/pedicure centre. Maybe some pampering would be good. Unfortunately, they were not available for service at the moment and I have to wait.  What a waste, scrap the idea. 

I then went to bookstore. Looked around for books, not for my reading pleasure but for rap. I grabbed a few story books, an activity book and some stickers that has bus designs. The good part about time in the bookstore by myself was that, I had the luxury to take my time to look through the various choices without worrying about the whereabouts of rap in between the shelves. When I was almost finalising my selections, I got a call. The boys are out of the play area and are heading to the toy shop. So I hurried and paid.

When I got to the toy shop, rap was choosing some toy buses. I gave him the bus stickers and he was surprised and happy to receive them. "Thank you", said rap in such a sweet manner. I knew he was delighted to see those stickers. I showed him a bus book I bought. He has now shifted to my arms and looking at the book with much interest.

Although, 'me time' was almost entirely spent in looking and purchasing for rap. I was thankful for the little time I had walking around by myself without the worry of keeping an eye fixed on my toddler if he was walking too. Maybe this is how mummies spend 'me time', thinking about their kid, always putting their kid before their own needs.

Annadhanam preparation for Thaipusam

In my earlier entry, Annadhanam and free refreshment drinks since 1970 during Thaipusam, Penang,

I mentioned about some history of Ganapathy Singaravellan Thaneer Panthal and the purpose it was being put up. Doing annadhanam for many people comes with lots of dedication and hard work, it is not as easy as ordering the food from a restaurant. Instead all food are cooked and prepared in the panthal itself. This takes place overnight. Yes, overnight. It's no easy job cooking for 3000 people.

The usual menu in our panthal is rice, sambar with loads of vegetables and 2 side dishes. All dishes are definitely vegetarian since it is for Thaipusam. Can you take a guess how many kilograms of rice and vegetables we cook? There is no rice cooker in the panthal instead it is cooked in large pots filled with water in somewhat olden style. Once the rice is cooked, it will be scooped in buckets and poured over a clean cloth to drain the water. Once the water drains, the rice will be separate grains and placed in a clean container, covered. So, how many kilograms did you guess? It is 200kgs! Isn't that a lot? The rice is usually cooked in multiple batches due to the large quantity and stirred using a long ladle that looks like a mini oars.

The next main item is the sambar or lentil curry with lots of vegetables. Almost 150kgs of vegetables: patato, carrot, winter melon and tomatoes are put into the sambar. There are usually 2 large pots of sambar to be served and everyone is able to get sufficient vegetables with their rice. When annadhanam commences, the sambar is scooped into smaller buckets for ease of serving. It is steaming hot and remains a challenge for the person transferring it into smaller buckets.

The 2 side dishes are usually pumpkins (100kgs) and cabbage (80kgs). I love these combinations. Even while writing, I am salivating thinking about the delicious food.

We have a few friends who are able to cook in large quantities and usually do the cooking in the panthal. The chopping of all these vegetables starts about 7pm on eve of Thaipusam where friends and family join in to help. Many of us dread peeling onions as much as 25kgs. But there is a trick to peeling without tear, soak them in water. I have tried peeling and my eyes didn't tear. The cooking itself continues overnight till about 6am of Thaipusam day. The food remains covered and always under the watchful eyes of my father.

The annadhanam itself starts at noon of Thaipusam or as soon as we have enough workforce to do the serving and transferring the food from large pots into smaller buckets. One person is needed for each of these; giving out plates, serving rice, sambar, pumpkin and cabbage. While others do the transferring of food into smaller buckets for those who are serving. Sometimes, additional person to help pack for those who'd like to take away and enjoy later. Penang is Styrofoam free hence we now use plates and packaging made of sugar cane waste or brown packing paper. As friends join us throughout the annadhanam, some of us take turns to have a break. Usually the annadhanam commences until about 4pm when all the food is completely served. 

Though it is a tiring process, we would all feel satisfied and relieved that annadhanam concluded well. Warm, thankful words from devotees receiving the anndhanam fill our hearts. We could not be thankful enough for this opportunity of doing annadhanam. 

I am now eagerly waiting for annadhanam this year. All ingredients have been listed, some ordered and some to be purchased soon. Rap says he wants to help serve drinks with his cousins. But he is not even tall enough to reach the juice bucket! Nonetheless, he will help a little more this year compared to last year. Your tata will be too happy.

Annadhanam and free refreshment drinks since 1970 during Thaipusam, Penang

Thaipusam had always been one of the most awaited time in a year for me. My dad, together with family and friends started putting up panthal since 1970 during Thaipusam in Penang, Malaysia. The panthal since then is named 'Ganapathy Singaravellan Thaneer Panthal' and is now 45 years old. It is located along the main street leading towards the 'Thaneer Malai Murugan Temple' during Thaipusam. The main purpose of the panthal is to serve free food (annadhanam) and drinks to the devotees during Thaipusam. It is said that annadhanam is the best charity (refer below for meanings of annadhanam).

"Annadanam Samam Danam Trilokeshu Na Vidhathe These are the verses from the Vedas, meaning Annadanam is supreme and incomparable to any charity. Food is the basic rhaiequirement for all humans. Thus according to Vedas, the one who does annadanam to devotees, attains heaven (Punya Loka) in this Universe (Brahmanda) itself. In this whole universe, the creation and its progression depends on food. Hence giving food to the devotees is more than attaining heaven.", quoted from IndusLadies.com.

"We owe our spiritual wealth not just to the sages, seers, masters and enlightened beings who walked the path, but also to the community that nurtured them. In our tradition, serving spiritual seekers and monks was of utmost importance. In fact for many, this was a path in itself. The most beautiful expression of this was the Annadanam, the offering of food." - Sadhguru

The panthal set up, decoration and the way the panthal is being managed and run has come a long long way since it was first started. Back then my dad used to load the things to set up the panthal into a cart and pull them by feet, like those man pulled cart. All the materials needed such as zinc roofs, wooden/iron pillars and decorations were stored in the house store at Sekolah Menengah Vokasional Pulau Pinang. A Chinese family living nearby the panthal used to provide water supply so drinks can be served and food can be prepared. Water hose was pulled as far as 50 meters to reach the panthal. Vegetables, rice and cooking materials were transported by my father and others to the panthal unlike delivery services these days. In fact, the food was also cooked and served by family and friends. At that time, only a few panthals were available. Devotional songs was played in each panthal to help devotees be focused on God while sometimes the kavadis would dance to it. Water would then be poured over the kavadi bearer's feet to cool them during hot weather as they walk long distances barefooted to fulfill their vows. Our family panthal had always run by donations from family and friends and we are always thankful for their contribution and annadhanam partake. Not to forget those who helped non-monetarily.

Now, motor vehicles has taken over the tough job of cart transportation. Delivery services have became common. Water supplies and electricity is shared among neighboring panthals and sorted by the respective water and TNB personnel. Devotional songs in most panthals are now centralized and played throughout the day and shut at Thaipusam midnight. This helps to disperse the crowd to some extend. Temples no longer take milk offerings past midnight of Thaipusam either. What has not changed for us is that, we continue to serve free food (annadhanam) and refreshment drinks. It is still run by family and friends through donations unlike the panthals being put up by organizations and companies. We no longer have the facility to store large panthal materials and decorative items, hence the panthal is now as simple as it can be just for the purpose it was first set up, with no large fancy decorations. 

This year we would be preparing annadhanam for 3000 devotees on Thaipusam day. Preparations have started for the annadhanam where the needed cooking and refreshment materials have been ordered. Friends who would like to partake in the annadhanam or would like to help in the panthal, feel free to contact me. All donations received will be used in preparation of annadhanam during Thaipusam.

If you are in Penang during this year Thaipusam, 2015, come and enjoy the Thaipusam together with many other Malaysians and foreigners from 2nd Feb till 4th Feb.

This photo shows refreshment drinks being served in Ganapathy Singaravellan Thaneer Panthal. Photo was taken on 29th Jan 1972.

HAPPY THAIPUSAM!

Too cute to miss the 1600 panda display in KL

When I first saw some friends posting about the 1600 pandas in Malaysia, I was super excited. I have never seen a real panda in my life despite the fact that Zoo Negara is now having two pandas from China. I didn't think it was worth to pay additional RM20 on top of the zoo entrance ticket so no effort has been made to witness these pandas. But these little pandas are just too cute.

They were made with paper mache for "Support 1600PandasMY for Initiating the Culture of Creative Conservation". Besides taking photos with the pandas, there were donation drives through WWF monthly contribution, mugs, umbrellas, t-shirts and etc that can be bought. The 1600 panda display ends today, 25th Jan 2015. Details about these pandas are located at their facebook page.

We reached Publika and walked around in search for the pandas. Rap was excited as well. He kept asking where are the pandas. Instead of hitting straight to the panda display, we ended up at the booths selling things and signing up for panda conservation by WWF. We signed up for a monthly contribution with WWF, collected some panda stickers and rap got busy with them as soon as he got it. His stroller still has 2 stickers attached in addition to other stickers already on it. Ok la whatever.

When we reached the exhibition area, it was exciting! SOOOOOO MANY PANDAAASSSSSSS!! I felt like jumping right in and hugging some. Rap was just as excited, trying to drag me in while I try to refrain my temptation and also stopping him by the barrier around the pandas. Rap was asking if he could hold them. Well, we are not allowed to get in unless we purchase a photo shoot (which goes for the conservation, I believe). We sent appa to go buy tickets for the photo session so we could all hold a panda! The queue was long, rap and I took some wefies with the pandas and enjoyed the special edition panda displays. Rap loved the special edition panda with the badminton racquet just because we played some indoor badminton :p. Maybe it was more fun to relate to something he knows than something just descriptive.

After almost an hour of queuing for tickets and waiting, it was our turn. Yaaaayyyyy! We were walked from 1 end of the exhibition to the other because it was just 3 of us. We had the privilege to walk by the side but within the display of the pandas. Which means we could actually reach our hands and touch them as we walk. Rap started running in excitement and even made a turn and ran the other way to grab a panda. Had to be on alert to stop him. Finally, we got our chance to hold the pandas and they were in such hug-able size. We also requested for help from the volunteers to snap a few on my phone. If only I could just spend a little longer hugging those little pandas. Nonetheless, it was a fun experience.

Our photo would only be ready in 15mins time, so we head to lunch and came back afterwards to feast our eyes with those pandas again and collected our photo which turned out pretty nice. Rap bid farewell to the pandas. We have photos to recall this day. It was worth getting there.

  

Arts & crafts: sand art bus

Rap loves bus. So, it's about bus again using sand art. YES! Rap and I were doing sand art that was bought in a store. After completing the picture, rap wanted to mix up all of the different colored sand together. He loves mixing them up. Some of those mixed up sand are still sitting somewhere in the house (not sure where in the house, I need to find them :| ). So, this time round, I didn't want to just put it somewhere in the house. I want to use it and finish it up. Why not make my own bus design and get rap to sprinkle those sand! Yeap!!

Quickly grabbed some glue, a pen, a marker, toothpick and rap's sketch book. Here's what we did. It's quite simple.

1. Draw out the shape of a bus and wheels with a pen. 

2. Apply glue within the bus shape.

3. Use toothpick for finer lines for the window.

4. Sprinkle sand. You will get pretty good sand bus art like below.

5. Some of those white spots can be covered up by using a toothpick to apply glue and sprinkling with sand again.

 

6. To make the outline look clear, use a marker to draw on the existing pen mark.

7. Rap decided to add some smoke from the exhaust pipe using different colored markers :)

 

8. Allow it to air dry and the artwork is now complete! 

 

Isn't that simple? It was quite fast to do as well.

Hope you'd enjoy trying them as much as we enjoyed making them.

Performance review for a SAHM

Last year end, we went to Singapore for a short trip. On our way back, at Changi airport rap spotted a bus shaped appreciation stickers. It's not about the stickers but the bus shaped box. So well, his daddy bought them anyway and I didn't mind for the stickers inside.
Today, I got my first performance review as a SAHM from rap. Despite the fact the day had been quite tough so far, my performance review was pretty good. He gave me 3 'WOWs', a 'GREAT JOB' and an 'A+'. All stuck on my t-shirt ;). Isn't that all good for the 24/7 job I'm at right now? It sure makes me feel good and I take that as my appreciation. An appreciation in its simplest form, stickers.

So, what do I get from this performance review? No increment. No promotion. Same job.
but... more playing, guiding, snuggling, cleaning, and the list goes on.
Well, I believe a happy mother makes a happy child.

Amma...amma....

For some reason I'm feeling down. I've been stuck in the house on a weekend for no apparent reason. It's probably one of the cause...hmm.

Just before I posted this, my little rap phoned me.
Amma...amma...ninge enge irrekenge? (Where are you?)
Swimming pool kitte aiya.

It was so heart warming to hear that little voice calling me over. Rap is down to play with daddy and I thought I'd have some air by the pool. It's windy and cool.

But I can't resist to go hug my boy now.

Happy new year 2015!