Some of Su's Favourite Foods...

On the eve of Raya, I had to get out of the house as soon as I awoke. Being the last day, personally, I felt the temptation too great to be indoors. The cigis, water, coffee... just needed to get out.

It was after 1pm. Decided the best way to kill time was to take a short walk to Coronation Plaza. It's a much shorter distance than to Ba'alwi. Fine... let's do that.

It was pretty crowded. Think it's because of the holiday tomorrow. Lots of kids, teenagers and kids thinking that they're teenagers and adults behaving like kids, etc... But was all right. Didn't bother me much. My mission was to be as focused as I can to achieve my objectives.

Su has been such a dear to me this past month. Crying when I fail, happy when I manage to get through the day. Hey, did you notice I didn't bitch or throw my tantrum as much?! ^_^

Anyway... although NTUC does not hold all of Su's favorite stuff (only Sheng Siong can boast of that), it was good enough (I spend at least 2 hours in Sheng Siong just walking around and comparing prices) for the short time that I had.

Su has this thing for Chinese food/snacks/deserts/sweets, etc. Particulary, "Tang Yuan" (Glutinous Rice Balls). She loves the ones with peanut fillings, and practically refuses to eat anything else. No matter if I bought the wrong filling. Ok, peanut filling Tang Yuan - check.

Sometimes her craving for nuts comes suddenly. Therefore, it is vital that a packet of nuts - roasted, salted, etc be held in contingency. It can save lives... your's especially. NTUC sells the cheapest Mr. Potatoe @ $1.60. More Halal than Pringles.

It is nice to see someone enjoying the food that you cook. Su can be a fussy eater (even though she denies it). Simply, she doesn't eat much. A few spoonfuls of whatever is just needed to fill her 75%. She doesn't believe in filling her tank up to the brim. So, that 75% content has to be what she likes. Be it comfort food - fries, Himalayan Tea (she has got a bigger capacity for comfort food).

So far, the food that I prepare that agrees with her the most is:

Dinner Set:
*Hainanese Chicken Rice;
*Deep fried Chicken with Sambal Chilli (Ok... this is my fav);
Nasi Lemak (better than Changi Road);
Kuning Fish (Still learning to prep it the way that she likes);

*Su only eats chicken drumbsticks

Desert (all with Ginko Nuts):
Tang Yuan with Ginger Soup;
Red Bean Soup;
Barley Soup - with egg, bean curd skin;
Chin Teng - Herbs & lotsa longans.

I'm sure there's more... I'll let you all know more when I remember. Happy feasting.

jahwsl
1154
25 Oct 06

There are no strangers in the world...

I found the note from Su one of the sweetest and most frank on her thoughts of spending Ramadan with me:

Dearest Dear

Selamat hari raya to you! It is your first hari raya
as a Muslim and this is my first hari raya with a
boyfriend!

Ramadhan left us in a speed which I cant comprehend.
too fast too soon! I miss eating free food with other
Muslim brothers and sisters whom became friends.  I
miss the spirit of togetherness in congregational
prayers! 

I miss looking out for you at the women's prayer
balcony before prayers.

Moreover, I miss Ramadhan.

With you it has been so meaningful. Spiritually,
emotionally as well as physically. Both of us were
pushed to our limits and comfort zones.

I am sooo happy that we get to pray and eat together
even segregated by a curtain. 

I am soooo proud of u for making the effort to go the
mosque and practise the mosque culture.

I am so proud that u made friends with strangers.
These strangers in hand made u feel welcome!
Alhamdullilah...

You have done a great job at fasting and practising
self control. Syukur Alhamdullilah..

I pray that our relationship has bonded stronger
spiritually and emotionally.

Moreover,
Pak Ali came at a time when we both needed someone.
Alhamdullilah he is almost godsend.  He is such a
positive thinker that it is very infectious!

I hope your friendship with him will prolong and be
useful for all of us.

Alhamdullilah, I overheard u talking to Pak Ali saying
that u plan to enrol a Fiqh class in Al Falah this end
of Nov 2006.  Do u want me to accompany to class? 

In this Ramadhan, we have learnt the true meaning of
Alhamdullilah... Thanks to Allah.. we have the chance
or many chances to experience life, the road less
travelled.


salam sayang..
Suraya 

It is endearing to receive such thoughts, especially from a person like Su. Thanks kid.

I reveberate the feelings too. Into the 2nd of Raya, I am beginning to miss it too. Last night, I took a bus down to Al-Falah to do Maghrib. There were less than 20 of us. There was no Bilal. The Imam asked one guy to do the call after Adzan, when we were gathering to pray in congregation. I think I saw a single lady. There was a nice feel to it. There was a nice feel to it. Why did I say that twice? Well, I Ctrl C & didn't wanna waste the effort. But it sounds goood doesn't it?

I miss taking a bus down to Kampung Siglap & Al-Falah. I think those places holds the most memories for both Su & me. In all fairness, it was been great all over. On the eve of Raya, Pak Ali & I arranged to meet at Ba'alwi. We met Osman, a volunteer at Al-Falah there too. We were so surprised to see each other. Pak Osman was very nice to me the first time I was at Al-Falah. Incidentally, both Pak Ali & Pak Osman went on Umrah together some time back. Nice people they are.

I have been very blessed. It is a good thing that I am not visiting anyone this year. The time alone has given me the oppurtunity to reflect and think about the happenings of the past month. What I have done, and what I have failed to do. It has been a humbling experience.

I want to be a good muslim. I want to be a role model for others. I want to inspire, give encouragement and be patient. I want. I want. I want.

End of Shawal, I'll be attending classes. I think it would be the very first step for me to achieve my objectives. No Su, I prefer to go alone thank you. You distract me too much!

My love to you all...

jahwsl
1127
25 Oct 06'