Blessed

Wouldn't it be nice if I had a secret fan/reader who looked forward to reading my movie reviews, because he/she thought I write it well? Ah, we can all have dreams. :)

I must confess there are times when I truly love my job. The feeling is so strong, it's like I can almost taste the sweetness. Having worked for 10 years now I've always had a strong attachment with my jobs, but this latest one is the icing on the cake. There are times, when I search for the right words to describe a scenario, I get this huge adrenaline rush. And when I do find that right word or construct a whole sentence that I am proud of, it's just a moment of pure bliss.

Every so often I do feel blessed to have this job as a writer. Love it to bits I do. And I've said this quite often to God, thank you for giving me the chance to be able to discover my way with words and make a living off it. Thank you!

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Book Review: Tapai - Travels & Guilty Pleasures of a Fermented Malaysian

Title: Tapai - Travels & Guilty Pleasures of a Fermented Malaysian
Author: Hishamuddin Rais
Publisher: ZI Publications
Ratings: 7/10

If you think the title of the book is intrigu­ing as the reviewer did, you are in for a treat. Written by Hishamuddin Rais, the columnist for Off The Edge magazine, blog­ger and former ISA detainee has plenty to say in this book that pays tribute to a diverse selection of gastronomic adven­tures.

From his sister's home-made tapai, gulai itik at a village restaurant and satay in Kua­la Lumpur, his many accounts of flavourful dishes are consistently both detailed and drool-worthy.

Hishamuddin's tales of tasty concoctions are not only from Malaysia but from cities across the world, including Rawalpindi, Tokyo and London.

Tapai - Travels & Guilty Pleasures of a Fermented Malaysian is a unique read as it fuses stories about a variety of food fe­tishes with real life travelling anecdotes. Between "food porn" and cultural experi­ences from his days of exile, it is hard to pinpoint which aspect defines the book.

While the mixing of English, Bahasa Ma­laysia and French may be frowned upon by hardcore linguists, it portrays the au­thor's straight-forward, relaxed and open minded persona to the front. Hishamud­din's personal and candid method of writ­ing is a breath of fresh air.

Adding to the authenticity of his stories are colourful photos of dishes he tried with relish and people he met while on his quest for good old fashioned food. Warning - this book may make you hungry and cause you to travel the world in search of new flavours. - By Anu Venugopal

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The Truth

The truth is everyday I think about him, even if its in a small, simple way. There are days when I can't listen to anyone talk about him without having tears in my eyes. But there are also days when my heart is filled with his face, his actions, his thoughts and he gives me comfort in his own way.

Work makes me feel better, but it also leaves a bittersweet feeling. I remember all those times when I was home, but not really at home because I was busy writing, busy finishing up my stories. When I could have been with him, talking to him about his childhood days or whatever he wanted to. But that is life, you're always chasing something else thinking that it is important, when you let the real important stuff slip by.

I make mistakes, I am only human. They said it right - you don't know what you've got until it's gone. So true! I will just have to remember all those times when we were together, the funny things he used to say, the things he used to teach me even though I didn't want to listen (yes, I admit it!)

But I know, even though I wasn't the perfect daughter he accepted me as I am and always thought the best of me - as fathers often feel about their children. And as days pass, it may still hurt but I know I will get by with the memories of him, in the big corner of my mind and centre of my heart.

Blogging also helps, so emo Anu is here for a while...:)

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