Ketupat : Weaving Ketupat with Coconut leaves

Ketupat : Weaving Ketupat with Coconut leaves, originally uploaded by mohdnaharazmi.

Not done this for more than 20 odd years. Hmm I need to start back my skill of weaving the coconut leaf to make "Ketupat"

I managed to do it but it took me about half and hour to complete one "Ketupat"

Eid ul Fitri 2011

Big feast, originally uploaded by mohdnaharazmi.

Wish all Muslims all over the world Happy Eid ul Fitri. 
Coming back to fitri after a month of fasting. 

It is the second day on Eid celebration in Malaysia but the first eid day of Eid for some other countries including Australia, Indonesia and Brunei. 

Just to remind myself don't eat too much during the celebration. I have managed to keep my weight stable since I came back from Melbourne in April. Happy with it I still able to maintain my lifestyle and becoming an icon in my work place, the healthy and fit physician. 

The New Beginning

The two tower, originally uploaded by mohdnaharazmi.

Finally I manage to spare bit of time to update my blog.I know most of my friends back in Melbourne might wonder what had happen to me. Since I came back so much thing I had encounter. Work, family and personal matter.

Anyhow I am really hoping that everything will slow down a little bit and I can focus to one thing that I have not accomplish yet.
It is not easy but it could be done. Wish me luck.........

Via Flickr:
Olympus Pen Series : EP-3
M. Zuiko Digital Lens : 12mm f2.0 ED

More Mushrooms

Mushrooms, originally uploaded by mohdnaharazmi.

Found more of these on the weekend on my way to Uni.

Amanda and her story books

I went to Adel and Nazim's house yesterday. As usual each time when I went there, Amanda will always showed me something. Her Cinderella perfume , her toys and so on. And yesterday she showed me all her story book. Then she said "Uncle Nahar, can you take picture of my books?" . So I did. Then I showed her the picture, "Do you like it ?" I asked. "Yea....". Then her aussie ex-cent came our. :-).  Then she asked again, "Uncle Nahar, can you please read the story book for me" . "Ok.." I replied. "Which one do you want me to read for you"."Hmmmm I have, Snow White, Cinderella, Little Mermaid, Aladdin ......". "I choose this one ok, little mermaid". Then I started to read the story ...bla bla bla bla........the end.. Then she asked me again. "Uncle Nahar, can you please read for me some more book"   . :-). Alamak kena baca lagi kaa, hehe. I was in a hurry told her politely. I will but next time ok, I need to go now'.."OK" 

So I have to bare in mind next time when I go there I will  read her another  story book.  :-)

Chilli Padi Mamak Kopitiam : Racecourse Road, Flemington : Asam Laksa

Restaurant: Chilli Padi Mamak Kopitiam

Racecourse Road ,Flemington

I had Asam Laksa for lunch. Adel had tried the Asam Laksa few weeks back. She gave 10 out of 10. That too generous :-), giving a full score as if like My Kitchen Rule show. Anyhow.....

I do like it and agree it was good. Same stuff as when I had back home. The Ingredients were perfect. The hot and spiciness for me was enough, the sourness from the tamarind and pineapple perfect and well seasoning. And the most important stuff the black prawn paste/sauce (petis). Yummy..... As if  like a food critique :-)  , I gave 8 / 10. Good food and would recommend this when coming here for a meal.

I was on fire...........

Melbourne: Walking down the Alley, originally uploaded by mohdnaharazmi.

I was so occupied this week, My working hours was extremely super duper long. I have done this before few times, during my degree for my final year medical exam. Then the last 2 months before I had completed my specialist training and then the last 6 weeks especially this one week. Started from 6 or 8 am in the morning then finish either midnight or 3/4 am in the morning. I think this week especially, I was really on fire. My be the new office did contribute a lot with my mood. Once I sit and start working I will continue on and on and on, and I will keep saying hey there's a lot to be done. Each time when I said that the time will drag...without knowing it already 3/4 am in the morning then I stop, cycle back home in early morning had a short nap, got up at 7 or so , have shower etc etc etc then cycle back to Uni. What a bored routine yeah..... Anyhow I did break this routine a while yesterday get back at 5 pm and had a good rest for today. Will make an easy day today but tomorrow (Saturday) will start back the usual routine.

Moomba 2011 firework

Moomba firework , originally uploaded by mohdnaharazmi.

Went for the firework show last night.The firework started at 9.30pm.
Will be my last firework experience in Melbourne.

Thank you and farewell

We had another picnic gathering, one last time before leaving Melbourne. Most of my ex participants/patients came. All of them brought a plate of food. The weather was really beautiful. Clear sky and sunny. Started with 45 minutes walk around the lake then get together stuff and enjoying the food. Nice, I made beef rendang. We had a wonderful time, chatting with everybody. We had a great time. I gave a short speech thanking everybody for helping me with my study. Sincerely really appreciate for all their time and effort with all the exercise program. Thanks everyone, may we meet again one day somewhere out there. 

Brighter End

Dromana , originally uploaded by mohdnaharazmi.

Almost unfinish journey will come to an end
Still, it seems so so long and hard with lots of obstacles on it way
The brighter end could be seen from a distance
But, it will be a while to reach
Still walking towards the brighter end
without loosing any hope
and will able to achieve it, successfully.

Meredah Hujan

Pink Rose under the shade, originally uploaded by mohdnaharazmi.

Hujan renyai sejak tadi malam. Rintik - rintik hujan masih kedengaran sewaktu ku bersiap siap untuk ke kampus. Waktu solat subuh jam 5.32 pagi.Setelah solat aku terus ke dapur menyiapkan bekalan buat seharian di kampus nanti..

Hujan masih rintik dan terasa semakin agak deras. Suasana pagi yang masih gelap tapi segar. Di sekeliling rumahku, ramai yang masih lena dibuai mimpi. Aku gagahi meredah hujan, berbasikal ke tempat yang dituju.

Kesabaran

White Roses and a Bee, originally uploaded by mohdnaharazmi.

Minggu ni memang menguji kesabaran. Banyak perkara buat serba tak mengena. Tak perlu detail kat sini. Apa apa pun harapan permohonan hari jumaat nanti mendapat kelulusan dari pihak fakulti . Sangat - sangat berharap.

Wild Berries

Wild Berries , originally uploaded by mohdnaharazmi.

It not really wild though, think the owner of Zainah's house had planted the blackberry tree initially. This last few weeks lot of black berries in front of her house. Taste good too. Don't have to go and buy berries from Coles or Woolworth then. :-)

My Flavoured Pandan Scone

My Flavoured Pandan Scone , originally uploaded by mohdnaharazmi.

I have made the scones last weekend. Inspired by Lenore (Tony's daughter) creativity, changing flavouring for the scones, instead I have used Pandan flavouring for my scones. Always like Pandan smells and taste. Yummy..

Anuar Zain - Sedetik Lebih [ Official MV ]

Start Packing

Garden, originally uploaded by mohdnaharazmi.

I already start packing and send few stuff away few days back. Mostly all my unused clothes I have sent to charities. Still have lot more clothes, need to choose and send it away. I will sell some of the expensive some to get extra cash before leaving Melbourne. Hope all the cleaning and clearing I get it done as plan. Have few more weeks left and the count down continue.

How I maintain my weight ....

Wooden Apple, originally uploaded by mohdnaharazmi.

As I have been involve in health, exercise, rehabilitation, sports prescribtions, injuries and chronic diseases secondary prevention because it is part of my profession, sports & exercise physician and I am keeping myself fit, active and healthy. Not just being too cautious (as somebody commented to me)  but it is as part of resposibility to show a good role model to others. It is much easier to give an advise and instructions to others if I look after myself too. A chance of people will listen to me/you and follow as much as what I /you would like them to do. Not in such  cases of some obese physicians and big tummy advice patients to exercise and looses some weights but they themself didn't loose weight and never exercise. It's  so so ironic. You have to do what you preach. So sad.

Anyhow, not all the time you would get good response and results. Even though you have put much effort but it seems didn't show any good results. In such cases, don't give up. Just think about the health benefits point of view not just loosing weight. At some stages of age, It will be hard for some to loose weight. Still continue keeping fit and healthy. My be I am such a believer in active lifestyle. Still, you can only do your best to be healthy.

I still keep on physically active since my younger age and until now. I am already in my early 40s. At some stages I did put on weight. The highest weight that I ever had was 85kg within a short period of time (in just more than 1 months). Funny . I knew then I was being physically inactive, eat too much an eat late at night. But there was a turning point when I talk to myself, hey you have to do what you preach. :-) At that point I start to change and get back to my usual routine. I was still eating the usuall stuff that time only the different was I became more active and never eat too late and eat propotionately. Stop before you get full. It hard but have to put mind set on it. It was a successful task. From then I felt really great,  fit and energetic. Each time when I advice to patients and give some talk at some seminar or conferences, they will listen and respect what I have said. I have neve been when people so interested listenig to what I have said may be because I did give an example of myself what I was before and after. So they knew that I talk with my own experience and not just talking nonsense.

Before I came to Melbourne my weight was around 70kg which was just nice at some stages it did went down to 68kg. Running 5 - 10 K is a routine twice a week . Involve in aerobics 2-3 times a week and other activities. Not much of gym work though but I do bit of light weight.

Since being in Melbourne and since the last 2 years when I was heavilly involve with my reasearch exercise study for the first time I managed to get down some more weight even lower than 68 which I have never had done before (except during my pre University and at Uni during my degree, my weight was around 60 - 62kg). Look really funny that time :-). Now my weight  sit around 64 -65kg. Think that it no more less.

Loosing weight it much easier compared to maintaining the weight. Need lot of effort and self motivations. But for the last 2 years, I managed to maintain the same weight. Glad and felt happy for it. My motto was and still , just watch out the energy balance. What is the input (the food intake) and output (activities) for the day. I have a website, maybe some of you might like to have a look. http://www.calorieking.com.au There are lot of diet website but I like this one and I have been using this for more than a year. Easy and free registration.

I am still physically active. Running 5-10 km one/twice a week. Walking or cycling to Uni or Hospital and do bit of strength training at home. Just basic push up 100x a day, crunch 100x/day and squat 100x but not continuously 100x, have a break in between.

Now my next task is how I am going to maintain my weight when I get back in Kuala Lumpur. Food wise, will continue my curent pattern which will be not much different. But, the main concern will be physical activity since I will be driving to work. But, what I can do is and I have done before, coming early to work and jog/run for half an hour before work or after work or both. Running much longer distance during the weekend at Mount Kiara. The is the best spot I like to go last time , hopefully the place is still ok for joggers. And, continue active with my aerobics. Since I teach aerobics, I need to start find a places where I can teach. :-). Yesterday somebody had called me from KL when I am back in KL, coz they want to offer me some sessions. That cool.

Hopefully it will goes well for me later. I only can plan but what happen next I need to find out and try to adjust myself . It is much easier here for me in Melbourne to monitor and maintain myself. But, will see and hoping for the best when I get back later.

My Last Autumn

Double Happiness, originally uploaded by mohdnaharazmi.

It is the second day of Autumn today. Chilly weather, not hot and humid like in summer. But to think of it, the recent summer was not as hot as last year summer and the year before. Which is good in a way not much bush fire and not many hot days and hot summer night. Lot and lots of rain which is good for the damn. Now Melbourne water capacity is more than 54% and no strict water restriction.

I will cherish my Autumn time this last few days before leaving Melbourne. Will try to enjoy the colourful leaves in Autumn as when I could during my relaxation time. And by the way the Park is not far from Uni so could easily seen the colourful leaves of Autumn.

Count down : 30 more days to go

Egg shell : The Arts of Decoration : The Egg Clock , originally uploaded by mohdnaharazmi.

I am not sure how should I feel at the moment. It becoming more complicated and I am getting more anxious. In one hand I am looking forward to go back home. It about time, I had enough and need a fresh air to move on. But, on the other hand, everything is not according to the plan. I am not sure if I could do it now. I don't want to stress up. Just calm down and do as much as I could. 

Looking at the positive side, I am going back soon. 30 more days to go.

Egg shell : The Arts of Decoration : Blue Swan

Egg shell : The Arts of Decoration : Blue Swan , originally uploaded by mohdnaharazmi.

It is delicate master piece, patience, dedication and it definitely time consumed but good out come at the end.

It implies to what ever things/job/responsibility we have been given. How difficult the works are. Still, with dedication, patience and hard work the outcomes are within reach. Even though it will take more time than what you expected. But, the accomplishment to execute the job well done is more satisfactory.

Elmo: The Collections

Elmo: The Collections, originally uploaded by mohdnaharazmi.

Not my collections, but it is Lenore, Tony's daughter had lot of them. The most recent was last year Xmas.

Scones Party

I think I have been to Tony's house more frequent compared to my other research volunteers. Don't know why,  I like going to his place and meet the rest of his family so friendly and they have such a nice cosy place. Other than their antiques and arts collections which I would like to see, I always like to have freshly made homemade scones. They made the best scone ever. :-) . So soft and melt in your mouth., mmmmmm :-) . As usual, Lenora their daughter will made the scone. Today she made the scone with a different flavour. It was so so good, I had 6 or may be more big scones. I purposely break my diet routine today just for the scone. :-)

Chilli Padi Mamak Kopitiam : Racecourse Road, Flemington :Chee Cheong Fun

Chilli Padi Mamak Kopitiam : Racecourse Road, Flemington :Chee Cheong Fun, originally uploaded by mohdnaharazmi.

Went to Chilli Padi Mamak Kopitiam not far from my house. Just open recently on the 19th January 2011. Noticed it on their opening day, and have a look for the menu and make sure it is HALAL. It is owned by a Malaysian. I went there with Adel and Amanda. I ordered Chee Cheong Fun, Yummy. Haven't had this for such a long time. This gave me an idea to make this myself at home. Had the opportunity to talk with the cashier and the cook, Faizal. The cashier suggested us to try Faizal famous Asam Laksa next time. I will, lot of other menu and variety too.The prices for each dishes are reasonably ok. By the way Faizal (the cook) born in Kedah raised in Penang and stay in Ampang for a while and now live in Flemington Melbourne.

Spinella's Pizza Restaurant, Mooney Ponds: Strawberry Swan

Spinella's Pizza Restaurant, Mooney Ponds, originally uploaded by mohdnaharazmi.

Interesting and yummy desert. Mika had this at the restaurant for desert few days back.

Dinner with Ken

Ken was one of my ex-participants in my research study. Catching up with him , Mika (his partner) and Nic (student whom had help me in my study, his now working full time at the Austin Health. Good on him) at one of the restaurant near Ken's house. His going to be 86 soon and still look strong. :-)

The Candle Light

Candle Light , originally uploaded by mohdnaharazmi.

Maintaining the motivation is the hardest thing to do. Hope the eagerness to get things done will still remain until I finish. Will do my very best. As long as the candle still flaming and continuing brightening the dark room till the end

Lunch at Sharon's 'Palace'

Lovely day and beautiful place where Sharon's lives with her husband, John. Had the opportunity and been invited to come over at her and her husband's 'palace' today during lunch time. Sharon had been arranging and try finding the best time to invite me to have  lunch at their place. Her son, also had  joined  and had lunch with us. Had enjoyed the company and food. :-)

entrée

smoked salmon 

The main : salad with grilled prawn and calamari.

desert 

Thank you for inviting me to come over. :-)

Chef Greg and Asian Delicacy for dinner

Gregory is a chef whom participated in my study research. He had been bringing me cakes, foods to the session on some occasions. Gregory is a mix Chinese and Irish, so imagine the wide range of Asian influences in his cooking. He had promised to invite me to come over to his place for so so long and only able to make it happen last weekend in the evening, while I was at Austin that day (A day after I went to Mr. riachi house). As usual he pick me up from the Hospital and going towards his place. Supposedly his daughter and his neighbour will join us but at the last minute they had something else to do. The neighbour had an urgent work appointment and his daughter (a chef too) had to work.

Anyhow, three of us me, Greg and his wife had a wonderful evening, enjoying the food and chatting. I watched Greg cooking. This was an opportunity to learn something from an experienced chef. Everything is on his finger tips. The dinner theme was all about Asian influence. A lot of cooking tips from him. It really made me so excited to implement some of his technique in my cooking from now on. Cool isn't it learning straight from the  chef. :-)



Garlic prawn

 

Tofu

There were two others dishes, shitaki mushroom and steam barrumandi. It was rally nice..:-). He will invite me again in march and will cook diffent menu.

Lunch Invitation

I am going to get busy other than my writing starting from last weekend trying to full filling all invitation from my patients whom had participated in my study before leaving Melbourne in few weeks time. Trying to avoid weekdays if possible.

Anyhow, first house was Mr. Riachi with Lebanese background. I am always looking forward to try homemade Lebanese food. Himself and his wife are a good cook. These were some of the meals which they had prepared that day.



Grill fish

Hammus (Main ingredient grind chick peas)

Egg Plant

 

Walnut dipping

This is the famous Kibbeh, grind meat mix with few others ingredients

Lebanese coffee

I was really full, everything was really yummy. I did eat at all in the morning just for this. :-) . And I didn't had dinner too, just a small bowl of black rice for supper. I asked them all the recipes and will try and make them someday.



My New Office

At first I was a little bit sceptical moving to a new building and a new office. Not sure if I could get enough privacy since I was told it is an office setting, open space with tables for working area with no divider. Hmmm. Then when I came in on Monday, it was totally different from what I had imagine. Instead, I have plenty of space, big table with a cupboard as a divider and shelves. No one can invade my space and using my computer comparing to last time. Nice, love it even though I only have 6 weeks more to occupy this place.

Sheila Majid - Dengarkanlah (Music Video)

My favorite female artist. Love all her songs since the beginning of her carrier. At 46 yo she still look outstanding. Her latest  song so calm and easy listing, could listen to this song all day long. It typical Shiela Majid songs. Love it. :-)

My Recipe My Invention

Guess what I have made 'Keropok Lekor' (fish sausage) last weekend. Bought a kilo of fresh Barramundi Fish Fillet at Woolworth. I couldn't find mackerel fish  at Woolworth may be next time when I go to Fresh Market at footscray, I  will get Mackerel Fish. Grind/Blend it until it fine then mix it with Tapioca flour. Total of 1.5 kg dough can get enough supply of 'Keropok Lekor' for a week. Boil it first and let it set for a while.

and fried it in hot boiling oil.

See you soon

Me , Zainah, Huzaizi and Effi had sent Zul's for the Airport Saturday night. An emotional time, but yet in a good way. One of us had accomplished the journey. An inspiration for the rest.  

So long and farewell my dear friend till we meet again soon in Malaysia.

Farewell Gathering

It was Zul's last day in Melbourne yesterday. Zainah had organised a small gathering just among us. Me , Zainah, Huzaizi and Effi. That it, one of our group has gone back now left us. Zul had finally submitted his thesis last Friday and was a big relief for him. Huge burden had fell off his shoulder and it was a nice feeling after all those difficult years. Now it is my turn. Am getting anxious even more. I am trying my very best and hoping for the best.

A Million Love Songs : Take That...Love it

Been listening to this song each time before and during the start my work. Motivation song for me.

The Town I have been

The Greenwich, where the meridian line is. I remember and been here in Summer 2008

It Friday again.....

A Plant, originally uploaded by mohdnaharazmi.

How time fly really fast. Since I becoming so intense with my work , everyday, from morning till late night. I didn't realize, it already end of the week. Yet sill a lot to be done, and I felt I didn't do much.

Anyhow, I took a picture of a plant recently. Bet you can't tell me what it is. :-)

It Crunch Time not Macaroon's Time :-)

Macaroons, originally uploaded by mohdnaharazmi.

It really a crunch time now, not macaroon time. :-).

Since last week especially, I have started becoming more and more serious and focus . I am in my own world like a psycho/mad guy. Don't want any disturbance from anybody. Everybody at my Uni now knows, once I am at my workstation, with my headphone on. Don't disturb no noise. Even I will get our from the room an go to the library to have some peaceful time to concentrate on my work.

Time to get really serious, less than 2 months now. It Do or Die.

Coffee Break

Gregory (one of my patient) and his wife, had called and planned with me a week earlier to catch up and have a coffee break yesterday afternoon. We went to a  restaurant where their daughter's has been working as a chef, at Cafe Vue. I have never been to this place before. First time, Nice place, cosy and  have modern art gallery and park too.

Have my cappuccino

and a raspberry macaroon, just one. :-)