Report Card Day

Well the son got his report card today and guess who went to pick it up and met his teacher at the same time?  Yup, his daddy, which of course, meant BIG trouble for him as son has not done as well as he should have.  Hubby is a huge fan of 'A's and so with so few in the report card, son was in a deep creek, so to speak.  Ah well.  And what did I do, you may wonder?  Hummed the Darth Vader theme song and then replaced it with 'Taps' much to the annoyance of son.

Got another four postcards from my daughter who was in Italy - and now in Prague - certainly making full use of her time there.  The postcards remind me of how young I was once too, and how dreams had to make way for reality.  I am so glad that daughter has the opportunity to realise her dreams; she certainly knows she is lucky and thankful for the support she has from the rest of the family.

Another Saturday looms but no rest for the wicked as I have to head to Kolej Tuanku Jaafar down in Mantin for some forum.  A full day affair with my bosses along for the ride.  Hope it will be useful though.  Keeping my fingers crossed.

Busy Saturday

So much for looking forward to a relaxing morning.  Had to mop the floor then go out to get a new power supply unit for the home computer.  Dropped a couple of hundred at the Digital Mall, had wantan mee for lunch and then headed home to pick up the son from his extra classes at school.  Little did I know that he had been trying to call home as school was let out early for his class unexpectedly.

Tomorrow looks like a busy day too as it is Father's Day so will have to take the father-in-law out for some makan, if we can get a hold of him.  There goes my weekend of  RnR.  Next week, I am off to KTJ for day long conference cum workshops.  Tired already....

So Son has his McD lunch - yes, not healthy - but he loves it, the big baby.  He's chowing down on a double cheeseburger and nuggets.  To add to this combo, he has his favourite McShaker fries.  Seventh heaven for him!  Well at least someone is happy and contented.

Nearing the weekend

I am so looking forward to the weekend as I write my blog tonight.  Just falling asleep, even before dinner.  It has been a stressful week fo decision making and mediating.  Life at a busy school is exactly what it sounds like - busy.  Saturday should be good as I will be alone in the morning.  This gives me lots of 'me' time which I so enjoy and which I find races by far too quickly.  Maybe I will cook something special this weekend.  Hmm, a bak kut teh sounds really good right about now.  Maybe.

Pig Trotters in Vinegar

10 eggs (optional)

1 pig trotter, cut into large chunks

800g pork collar, cut into large chunks (about 10cnm by 5cm each)

30 ml sesame oil

300g old ginger, unpeeled and sliced

375ml black vinegar (sweet or mixed type)

375ml water

1 tbsp light soya sauce

5 tbsp black sugar

1/2 tsp ground white pepper

1. Put eggs into a pot of water and bring to a slow boil.  Allow to boil for six minutes, drain and set aside.  When cool enough to handle, peel the eggs and set them aside.
2. Bring another large pot of water to the boil.  Blanch pig trotter and por collar in the water.  Remove any impurities that might have risen to the surface of the pot.  Take the meat out of the water.  Clean it thoroughly and remove hairs from the skin.  Set aside.
3. Pour sesame oil in a large pot over medium heat and fry ginger slices for about two minutes, until fragrant.
4. Pour the entire bottle of black vinegar into the pot.  Then fill the empty vinegar bottle with water and pour into the pot as well. 
5. Add soya sauce, sugar, pepper and hard boiled eggs.  Cover and allow to simmer gently for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally to keep the colour of the eggs even.  Remove eggs and set aside.
6. Add pig trotter to the pot and bring to a boil.  Reduce the heat and simmer gently for 30 minutes. 
7. Add pork collar and bring to a boil again.  Keep the pot on a rigourous simmer over medium  heat, with the lift left ajar.  Simmer for one to one and a half hours, or until the meat is very tender.
8. Just before serving, scoop out any impurities that may have come to the surface, such as the ginger skin.  Place the eggs back into the pot.
9. When ready to serve, bring to a boil again.  Serve hot.
10. Serves 6.

Back again

Time has flown and it has been a long, long while since I last wrote. Things have happened and not all good, I may add. Some days suck, while others are worth celebrating.

Daughter is in Europe having a blast of a summer while we poor things rough it out back home. Sigh! Son is struggling to finish his Biology homework - tell me why a school break deserves homework somebody?? - but he has turned out into a good kid, hardworking and focussed. Phew! It was touch and go for a while and I am so glad he is not like some other kids I have heard about or know of in my journey through life.

Still have good days and bad days with hubby - who at times, behaves like the caveman he is. Love is blind as they say and don't I know it.