Monday, April 27, 2009

:(:(:(:(

IM SO SAD. Will update on the skills camp once I emo finish.. :(

Are you aware of what you make me feel, baby
Right now I feel invisible to you, like I'm not real
Didn't you feel me lock my arms around you
Why'd you turn away?
Here's what I have to say
I was left to cry there,waiting outside there grinning with a lost stare
That's when I decided
Why should I care
Cuz you weren't there when I was scared I was so alone
You, you need to listen
I'm starting to trip,I'm losing my grip and I'm in this thing alone
Am I just some chick you place beside you to take somebody's place
when you turn around can you recognize my face
you used to love me,you used to hug me
But that wasn't the case
Everything wasn't ok
I was left to cry there waiting outside there grinning with a lost stare
That's when I decided
Why should I care
Cuz you weren't there when I was scared I was so alone
You, you need to listen
I'm starting to trip,I'm losing my grip and I'm in this thing alone
Crying out loud
I'm crying out loud
Crying out loud
I'm crying out loud
Open your eyes
Open up wide
Why should I care
Cuz you weren't there when I was scared I was so alone
Why should I care
Cuz you weren't there when I was scared I was so alone
Why should I care
If you don't care then I don't care we're not going anywhere
Why should I care cuz you weren't there when I was scared I was so alone
Why should I care
If you don't care then I don't care we're not going anywhere

Baby I know the story,
I've seen the picture
It's written all over your face
Tell me
What's the secret
That you've been hiding
And who's gonna take my place
I should have seen it coming
I should've read the signs
Anyway... I guess it's over
Can't believe that I'm the fool again,
I thought this love would never end
How was I to know?
You never told me,
Can't believe that I'm the fool again
And I who thought you were my friend,
How was I to know?
You never told me.
Baby
You should have called me
When you were lonely
When you needed me to be there
Sadly
You never gave me
Too many chances
To show you how much I care
I should have seen it coming
I should've read the signs
Anyway...I guess it's over
Can't believe that I'm the fool again,
I thought this love would never end
How was I to know?
You never told me,
Can't believe that I'm the fool again
And I who thought you were my friend,
How was I to know?
You never told me.
About the pain and the tears,
oh oh oh,
If I could I would,
Turn back the time
Ooh yeah
I should've seen it coming
I should've read the signs
Anyway...
I guess it's over

You were once my one companion . . .
you were all that mattered . . .
You were once a friend and father -then my worldwas shattered . . .
Wishing you were somehow here again . . .
wishing you were somehow near . . .
Sometimes it seemed if I just dreamed,
somehow you wouldbe here . . .
Wishing I could hear your voice again . . .
knowing that I never would . . .
Dreaming of you won't help me to do all that you dreamed I could . . .
Passing bells and sculpted angels,cold and monumental,
seem, for you,the wrong companions -you were warm and gentle . . .
Too many years fighting back tears . . .
Why can't the pastjust die . . .?
Wishing you were somehow here again . . .
knowing we must say goodbye . . .
Try to forgive . . .
teach me to live . . .
give me the strengthto try . . .
No more memories,no more silent tears . . .
No more gazing across the wasted years . . .
Help me say goodbye.

Wednesday, April 22, 2009

2nd-continue to 3rd day

I forgot to mention that yesterday we cooked in the skills kitchen.. Dishes: Chicken stock (white stock) and beef/veal stock (brown stock).. Cooking process.. Hmmm.. It was alright..

Okay. So today we had a few lecture on soups, broths and consomme. Then we went to the skills kitchen to do what chef demostrates.. Onion soup, chicken broth, white&blond&brown roux and clarified butter..

The roux was a failure.. Sigh. Not enough time to make.. Onion soup was alright just required more cheese and chicken broth was almost perfect.. Hehe.. Today was so tired.. I think I include the details next time..

I'm so happy that today there's no homework! Finally can get more rest..

Tuesday, April 21, 2009

2nd day

Today is so much better than yesterday.. But somethings didn't change.. I'm still having problem with my neckerchief. Today wasn't late, was early in fact.. My attire was perfect, finally.


So we went into our super cool culinary theatre where we watched the chef demostrates to us. Today's was about stocks. Chicken stock (clear) and brown stock.. We also learned about sachet de'pice (spices tied into a sachet) and mirepoix (medium diced veg). While watching, we had a lecture about stocks and bones.. As the stocks are boiling, the bones are browning, the mirepoix is caramelising, the smell makes me very hungry.. Aromatic.


After the demostration, we are split into two groups. We cleaned up the demostration counter (a small kitchen area in the theatre) and went for lunch. Today I did bring a lock. I found many empty lockers. Guess what? They can't be locked! So I share locker with Xq.. However, we have different breaks.. So just like yesterday, I can't use my money. Great.


During the break, I found a locker which can be locked. But I'm not telling you the number.. Its BOOKED by me.. Haha. After lunch we went to practice knife skills. Yup, we cut carrots again and show our homework.. We cut large dice, medium dice, and small dice. Chef said I've improved from yesterday and my trimming is very good. I got a B! :)


After that, we went to make our stocks. We didn't print the recipes so we had to copy down.. Then we had some problem reading the recipes.. Anyway.. My chicken stock had too much water so its even more bland than it already is and I stirred when I was not supposed to, so it was cloudy not clear. Another thing is, despite the fact that I skim alot, its still too oily even though it gives more flavour. So I've to take note of that next time.. My brown stock was okay.. So overall I got 6/10. Not great. Just passed. Sigh. I hope tomorrow chicken broth and onion soup will be better..


Oh ya. I was so tired today that I almost fall asleep while cleaning after cooking.. -.-" But we had homework. I heard that we had homework (veg cuts everyday). Today is Julienne (3mmX3mmX5cm) and Batonnete (6mmX6mmX6cm). The picture below shows my homework. The length is almost perfect but.... The shape is not exactly square.. Perfect square is not easy.. I will try harder.. Wish me luck!


On 1st day

It wasn't the best way to start the whole semster. Seriously.

Missed the bus. Reach school at 7.25am, not enought time to change. Had problem with my neckerchief. Late for roll call. Socks not high enough. Some strand of hair fall out from hat, messy hair. Forgot to bring lock for locker. Place items in lockers without locks. was confiscated. No money for lunch, had to borrow. One last thing that makes this day so perfect is that I cut my fingers 3 times, not in a row but sigh. Lost at least a tablespoon of blood. Had a hard time stopping it. Oh yes, my chef uniform got stain by tomato.. -.-" WHAT A DAY!!!

We had homework for knife skills. We had to cut medium dice (1cmX1cmX1cm) and brunoise (3mmX3mmX3mm) from a carrot. Luckily in school, we had practiced so it wasn't that hard but it still took me about an hour just to cut them.. At least my trimming was not so bad.. I didn't waste alot.. Here's some pictures of my brunoise! Not perfect cut but I've improved! I just realised that for the knife skills assessment on day 1, I got a C.. Well 1st day so.. There's a long way to go!
My brunoise


I thought culinary is easy. I was very wrong.. But I didn't regret my path though.. Just that before today, I didn't expect that the training will be so tiring.. After school, which end at 5pm, reach home around 7 plus. Eat, bathe, do homeowork, mise en place (preparation):P By the time all these tasks are completed, its time for bed! So there's not much time left for other things.. I wonder how am I going to cope with projects! I don't even dare to think about it.

This explains why its so hard to get into this course.. You get the strictest training, with high expectation. So that when go into the working industry, it will not be that difficult. But currently, I'm deprived of sleep.. Sobs. I just hope I won't dozed off while cutting the vegetables because the next time you see me, I won't have any hands. Touch wood.

This also reminds me, I cut my fingers maybe is because I said if I cut myself its a perfect day for me. Me and my big mouth. Let's hope they heals soon and no scars cause I'm really in pain.

exhausted

I will update once I've completed my homework for the day.. Hopefully I won't take too long.. :( I hope I won't cut my fingers..

Monday, April 20, 2009

1st day

Today, I can only say its not a good day to start the semster.. I have a lot to say but.. Today, I'm very tired and I have homework to do.. Its not that kind of written assignment.. Its cutting of vegetables,okay,cutting carrot. But its not as easy as you think..

If there's time tomorrow.. I'll update on today and tomorrow.. Tonight still sleep earlier than usual.. Latest 11pm!!!

PS Mj,this short enough? Haha..

Saturday, April 18, 2009

1 more day!!

Okay. One more day. To the life in the kitchen.. All year 1 in CCM are waiting for this day.. Including me of course! Haha.. I'm excited and nervous at the same time.. TRY OUR BEST! Leave no regrets cause life is short :D Must cherish every single moment.. You never know if they might be your last..

Anyway.. Had a long day today.. Not exactly loooong, but was feeling quite tired for some weird reason.. Despite the fact that I wake up at 12plus.. Must sleep while still can.. Haha. Recently I kept receiving calls from banks asking me if I wanna sign for a credit card. Even though I said I was a student, still studying.. -.-" And because of that, this morning I didn't answer a unknown number.. 2 times.. Guess what? Hs called me. -.-"! Looks like I have to answer all calls again.. Just today I didn't.. Haiz. Sorry Hs!

Went to work for 4hrs.. Don't think I'll be working when school reopen. I wanna spend more time practicing my knife skills & remembering theory.. Hehe. This is not considering no life okay.. Must enjoy schooling while still in school :P I missed my secondary school days and primary school days.. Poly is great too! I love 1J02! Best class in my poly life :D Let's see if we can open our 1J02 restaurant.. It'll be soo cool XD A dream will not be a dream if we can achieve it.. Even if can't, at least we dare to dream.. Not easy but can try :) If we never even try, we'll never know if it works..

Tomorrow I'm going out to study.. For school! Study guide shows us so much to learn and know.. For a not so hard working person like me, I better start early.. I have the feeling that when I reach home from school, I'll be in front of the computer till I sleep.. And I'm not doing homework.. I just discovered that there's a new game on big fish! Looks quite interesting and fun.. I wanna find out XD

Oh ya.. SIMS 3 (Qh please remind me to return your disc) in coming in June 2! 11 days before my birthday XD *Hint hint* Haha.. Just kidding, I will get it myself.. But I scared my laptop cannot support it.. The requirements like different from mine.. Better find out more first.. Hehe. Just remember my birthday will do.. :P By the way.. Mary-kate & Ashley, Enid Blyton have the same birthday as me too!

I wanted to sleep earlier today so that I can get used to it.. But now its 19 April, so its too late to start.. I'll try that tonight if possible.. 9hrs in school.. Quite long eh, can I stay awake for that long? For every single day, be wide awake throughout the whole 9hrs.. Okay, maybe break can snooze abit.. Should we bring pack lunch? 45mins doesn't seems enough to queue in canteen.. But if bring packed lunch, by the time its lunch, its no longer warm. And its filled with additional ingredients, BACTERIA or foodborne pathogen (microorganisms that cause foodborne illness)! They grow best in that temperature range which i suddenly forgot.. From 5 degree to 57 degrees.. Temperature danger zone.. Correct or wrong? Haha.. I think I shall discuss the packed lunch issue again.. Cause I'm not sure if I actually have the time to do it.. Need wake up even earlier.. Sobs.

Let's enjoy while we still can.. 1 more day to enjoy the whole day!

Friday, April 17, 2009

personality test

Went to G blog then I saw this test.. Quite interesting so I attempted..
Here's the result, I think 95% true in my case:

Your view on yourself:

You are down-to-earth and people like you because you are so straightforward. You are an efficient problem solver because you will listen to both sides of an argument before making a decision that usually appeals to both parties.
The type of girlfriend/boyfriend you are looking for:

You like serious, smart and determined people. You don't judge a book by its cover, so good-looking people aren't necessarily your style. This makes you an attractive person in many people's eyes.
Your readiness to commit to a relationship:

You prefer to get to know a person very well before deciding whether you will commit to the relationship.
The seriousness of your love:

You like to flirt and behave seductively. The opposite sex finds this very attractive, and that's why you'll always have admirers hanging off your arms. But how serious are you about choosing someone to be in a relationship with?
Your views on education

Education is very important in life. You want to study hard and learn as much as you can.
The right job for you:

You have plenty of dream jobs but have little chance of doing any of them if you don't focus on something in particular. You need to choose something and go for it to be happy and achieve success.
How do you view success:

You are afraid of failure and scared to have a go at the career you would like to have in case you don't succeed. Don't give up when you haven't yet even started! Be courageous.
What are you most afraid of:

You are concerned about your image and the way others see you. This means that you try very hard to be accepted by other people. It's time for you to believe in who you are, not what you wear.
Who is your true self:

You are mature, reasonable, honest and give good advice. People ask for your comments on all sorts of different issues. Sometimes you might find yourself in a dilemma when trapped with a problem, which your heart rather than your head needs to solve.

If you are interested, here's the link :D

SOBS

I went to school today to print notes and buy textbooks.. This morning when I checked the blackboard then I realised the textbook list has changed! And the worst thing is I've bought the book that was being changed. -.-" So I asked my teacher whether if it can be used, she said I can exchange, buy new one or share with friends..

Went to computer lab to print notes first before going to the bookshop.. There was so many things to be printed.. Study guide which consists of 116 pages and many many lecture notes & recipes.. We managed to print 90% of them so when school reopen, at least we don't have to rush down after school to print.. Can't imagine myself carrying uniform, knifes and running.. With the weight of the safety boots, it's just too heavy..

After printing, at the bookshop I had a hard time persuading the auntie to let me exchange.. It wasn't really my fault that the list was changed last minute as they found a better reference book :( But anyway, I managed to change it and purchase garde manger with additional of $22.. So those who bought baking & pastry, if you wanna change it for how baking works, it is possible. The aunties at the bookshop are prepared for your visit.. That's what they said.. How baking works is cheaper than baking & pastry by half.. There's questions for you to do & lots of theory stuff...

However.. They don't have one thing which makes me kinda regret returning it back.. No recipes at all!!!!!! I've flipped through the book & look at the content page.. I don't think there is.. At most one per chapter I think.. Sobs. Unlike baking & pastry, this is just words & more words.. :( So now I can't make the hard candy anymore.. Cause I no longer have the book.. And it'll be really troublesome for me to go back to the bookshop cause now the auntie remember my face.. If I buy outside 100% more expensive than in school.. I think I might check if the library have a copy.. Sigh.

Regarding my peach & mango tea I bought yesterday.. It smell good, like mango, taste like peach. Haha. Its true.. I added less than 500ml of hot water to it, still kinda diluted though.. And my tea bag is still inside the cup. The taste is quite alright.. Feeling relaxed already.. Oh, I heard that after drinking tea, you should rinse your mouth or drink water to prevent stain on teeth.. Not sure if its true, but no harm doing anyway.. Haha.

I shall start reading my study guide soon.. Or else if on Monday I'm being questioned and I don't know anything, I'm sure I will lose a lot of points.. 116 pages shouldn't take very long to read right?

2 more days to school! Tonight there's ghostwhisperer on channel 5!!!

Thursday, April 16, 2009

sigh..

I'm so bored that I've decided to post again.. Haha.. Recently when I went out to purchase some items, I realised I will always get some extra items.. I do use them so its not actually wasting money.. But I spent more than expected.. -.-"

Anyway.. So I went to buy some socks for school.. 3 for $10, compared to 2 for $4.. Its quite expensive.. Luckily, it covered my ankle! If not I have to buy again.. Now I just need some black hair clip & black rubber band.. Even though the requirements are very strict, we looked very professional & smart in our uniform.. We all looked different in our uniform in a nice way of course..

I've finally memorised 75% of the names we were supposed to know.. Courtesy is very important even if its not in the kitchen. I'll just have to know the rest now plus what we're learning on MONDAY! I'm so excited! Yeah, I know I've said it alot of times.. Haha! The first thing we're learning is knife skills - how to cut vegetables and some other food products.. Let's just hope they will not test us anything regarding food science & product knowledge cause I haven't done any revision since semester 1 in year 1..

Just to get ready for the dining experience with chef/tutor, I decided to try more different type of food & drinks. Haha.. I'm too skinny anyway :P For a starter, I bought peach & mango tea from Lipton :) Hopefully its nice.. I wonder Lipton or Twinnings tea taste better? Should learn to differentiate food of the same kind..
I also bought Cadbury hot chocolate drink. Hehe XD. Recently I can't resist chocolate, I think I need to control my diet now.. Unless I wanna be a victim of diabetes.. -.-"

Tried cheesy mushroom puff today.. Unlike its name, it wasn't cheesy at all.. But i must say the mushroom tasted good even though its very little.. It goes well with the sauce, even though I have no idea what sauce is that.. The puff wasn't too oily too. The appearance looks appealing & taste was quite alright so overall is quite good.. If I can locate the cheese, I think it will be better.. Haha!

Last but definitely not the least, I wanna try all type of ice cream!!!! :D

:(

Felt like baking something but not enough money to buy ingredients :( I'm working part time at Swensens but the pay is low and my schedule is not packed. Not to mention that the year 2 materials are expensive (but worth investing)..

I'm feeling so bored now.. Can't wait for school to start!
Okay.. I need to go buy socks now.. My socks did not meet the requirement :( So the two pairs i bought the other day are wasted.. Sigh. $4 fly away.. I also bought gel cause i have to stick my baby hairs in place.. Quite expensive cause i buy those that won't damage hair.. Around $5 for a small bottle.. I can't complain cause I wanted to be in this course.. Oh well..

Counting down.. 3 more days to school reopen!

TIME TABLE D:

The time table was out today at 10am.. I just seen it.. No breaks at all! Everything is so packed :( I went to the blackboard and there's lesson plans for a few weeks.. There's 45mins of lunch and a small break.. So we can't actually follow the timetable.. Tomorrow will be going to school to buy the garde manger book & print the notes for school (Hope the computer lab is open!!!)

Oh. This just remind me of something.. My class is separated! SOBS. 1J02 is the best & i love my class.. But now most of us are different.. So sad. YY and me same class but QH & MJ different.. I wonder how they divide the class, its not by GPA.. But why do we have to change class every year? To know more people? Make more friends? Or because its polytechnic that we're talking about, so we can't choose the people to work with? I think that's the most possible answer.. Sigh..

When school starts, I need to find out how long food takes to spoil if without adding preservatives.. I felt like making the hard candy in the baking & pastry book.. Sound fun.. But i scared must be eaten within a day.. Better find out first :D

introduction..

Okay.. Now I'm officially a junior at Temasek Polytechnic studying culinary & catering management.. I have finally made it through the freshman year! That's something to celebrate.. Year 2 is so exciting, that's when all the fun begins.. Learn how to cook, bake, dine, basically everything about FOOD. I'm so excited and nervous at the same time.. So I thought everyday after training, I'll post something here to note how much I have learnt and hopefully improved!

I went to the briefing on Tuesday, to learn the basics such as wearing of uniform and personal hygiene. It was quite interesting and scary, you get to know what you are learning and how you will be assessed. Its all about professionalism. I hope I'm professional enough! This is what I wanted and I must excel :)

I'm not sure how everyday will be like though so I can't tell you now.. I'll tell you more about it when school starts on Monday.. But everyday is from 7.50am to 5pm.. I hope I will have enough sleep, I don't wanna fall asleep in class :(

This is the first step to my dream - open a restaurant! Hehe.. I know I'm ambitious :P Yup, but thats what I wanna do so wish me luck!