274 - Everything in between

So, Valentine's Day is approaching soon and apparently back at home, a certain group of people are campaigning against the celebration. First, it has never been a problem. This is the day where restaurants will be filled with reservations for two, flowers would be sold at ridiculously high prices, young couples will flock the cinema catching a movie together...everywhere will be packed.

Two, I can understand that the ustazah is concerned about young Muslims behaving un-Muslim like. Because church elders and pastors would also probably preach and advise against conforming to and adopting paganistic behaviours and celebrations, which is un-Christian. But to seriously say that on national TV, and to specifically say that how couples behave on Valentine's Day (you really have to hear the things she said) are the traditions of Christians, is beyond incomprehensible stupidity. Outrageously unbelievable.

Since when is Valentine's Day a celebration of the Christians?

As much as I wish (and I really, sincerely do) that everyone in my country can live harmoniously side by side, but when something like this happens, it's impossible not to feel attacked and insulted. I feel that this is friggin' disrespectful. Disrespectful because she got her facts wrong and tried to preach it to other people. Thus, the insult.

Like on another article I read, in a pre-school textbook (pre-schoolers have textbooks now???), 'mahjong' is explained as a Chinese traditional game. Oh. My. Gosh. Get your facts right, people! Seriously! Next, we'll be attacked on our gambling habits because our forefathers have been traditionally playing mahjong and therefore, no one should have any relationship with the Chinese.

I love my country. I really do. I wouldn't give up my citizenship. This is my home. And to see all these happening, is just disheartening.

***

Heavy stuff aside, I've been having a lot of fun lately. From cooking for my friends to having a Chinese New Year gathering celebration with the same people, and an additional few. Fun aside, I've also been going for interviews, following up on them, and writing to more potential employers. So far, I've gotten a few maybes, some nos, and not a yes. My permit ends this month, which means I'll have to look harder to avoid spending a large sum of money for a new permit, twice. Bottom line is, I need a job before the month ends. Of course, I've got Plan B and C but best lah if my Plan A works.

Helsinki's black Superman

He accepts cash only, thank you.

Dinner at Marette's

Made rendang.

This was what happened. I asked Tom to get rendang and fish curry paste during his weekend trip to KL. He got me the stuff all right, but they were imported from Thailand and Singapore respectively. Thus, a slightly different kind of rendang. And he got me fish curry powder cos the rest was just 'water'. *face palm* Never trust a white guy.

Nasi lemak. Burnt the rice a little and put too much salt. Hehe :P But still edible. The rendang overpowered it anyway.

Tuomas & Marette

Marette made Sunday roast; just the roast.

And then I had a headache and someone was a good friend =)

Satisfaction. I did feel better afterward.

Marette asked for the same service, which she didn't seem satisfied about.

Well, Tom was fooling with her.

But finally... =)

And Marette fed me her homemade pie, which led to Tom and I arguing about chili sauces.

Went to a bar in Kallio, had a couple of drinks, played cho tai di with Angie, Matias and Sasku, and I don't know who these guys are. Some of Marette's friends she made me take pictures with.

Marette

Us girls

Made nasi lemak rendang for the family during the week. The adults loved it, the kids freaked out at the fried anchovies cos 'they had heads'.

Grandma Riita had her nameday. So it was time for coffee and cake.

Cake, meat pies, and Grandma's awesome blueberry pie.

CNY dinner at Angie's!

Angie's version of yee sang.

Fried wantons and Joy's yummy seaweed salad.

Nasi lemak again. This time, there was sambal belacan.

Half of the people. Brought my classmate, Paulina, along.

Lou sang! But bad shot :P

The aftermath. Funny stuff we said while lou-ing too, like 'Hope Polish football team will win the next World Cup'. - Paulina. She's from Poland =)

Played Alias. It's like Taboo, but with more rules.

And it was very fun too.

Some LOL moments:

Matias: Two words, with a line in between.
Me: *thinks* is it horizontal or vertical? What line???
Me: Do you mean a hyphen?
Matias: Yes!

Matias: Another word for cups.
Me: Glasses!
Angie: Police!
Matias: Correct!
Me: Cops or cups?

Paulina: *points to Marette* She is...?
Sasku: Dumb?

Matias: *to Angie* We have...?
Angie: Sunlight lamp?
Matias: Love! !!!

Made rojak and served as dessert. But not everyone liked it bwahahaha :P

And as usual, we went out to a bar after that. Went to Gaselli (the really Finnish bar) and the karaoke bar again. This time, it was for Paulina. She hates the place now :P And Marette kept feeding me with Sex On The Beach after learning I could drink Passoã and like it. Crashed at Marette's and apparently experienced my first hangover the next day. I literally felt like a potato.

CNY potluck open house tomorrow in the ambassador's house. Food and friends! Not cooking this time. I'm only bringing oranges. Easy peasy. Will see Marette, Sasku and Paulina again. Hopefully no more hangovers.