I have Asian food very frequently; so today, we decided to go for something a little different and went to Gourmet Malaysia on Sheppard Ave. in Scarborough. 

Just reading some of the names on the menu brought back memories of my first two years in HK; when I worked with many teachers from Singapore and Malaysia.  I frequented Singapore and parts of Malaysia then.  Those were good years; everything was such a novelty for me!  The food was so different from the usual Cantonese cuisine I eat....Bak Kut Tai soup, Nasi Lemak, Nasi Goreng, Laksa Noodles, Mee Gorang, Bee Hoon Noodles, Beef Randang, Indian Rojak, CNY treats like Love Letters and Pineapple tarts, Kek Lapis and other sweet delights like pandan chiffon cake from Bengawan Solo. 

Fond memories of Singapore and Malaysia include enjoying curry crab and cereal prawn at Clarke Quay; hot ginger milk tea at kopitiams (cafes), slurping drinks out of plastic baggies, staring at the majestic Mt. Kinabalu and knowing I wasn't hike that thing, magical evening boat rides admiring fireflies, gorgeous sunsets while sipping cocktails on white sandy beaches...Learning about the Peranakan (descendants of Chinese and Indonesian/Malay people) in Georgetown...Perhaps one day, I will get to go back and visit some old dear friends. 

But today, we at least have Malay restaurants to enjoy, right here in Scarborough.  The place serves Halal food and is spacious.  I believe there are regular evening dances or karaokes.  The customers are varied and on this day, there were Westerners, Muslims and Malays and the table next to us with whom we chatted to; Malay-Taiwanese.  It's good to see a healthy mix of people...Everyone enjoying a diverse range of foods. 

It was a little late for lunch so the place wasn't too crowded and the service was prompt.  There were lots to choose from but the Gado-Gado, which was like a cooked vegetable dish with a satay or peanut sauce was lovely and a great alternative to cold salads.  The curry chicken with coconut rice was tender and flavourful.  There are quite a few interesting dishes that caught my mind and will definitely come back another day to sample them. 

It seems like these days, that coming by good volunteer work is nearly as difficult as getting a good job.  The process is pretty similar; applications, references, background checks, police checks, interviews....And the dreaded, "Don't call us; we'll call you" words at the end of the interview.  

Having taken time from work since July 2012; I spent the latter part of the year busy with family engagements and a bit of travelling.  When the new year rolled in, I thought it would be a great time to get back into a bit of schedule and to utilize my time by doing something for the community.  I've since applied and interviewed for three differing positions and have started working on two.  

One of the volunteer work requires the delivery of a day's program at local middle schools; the program is on job readiness.  It's been almost half year since I've been in a classroom and I felt a bit nervous; but it turned out great.  The students enjoyed their day and came away with some understanding about the accepting differences and working with different people.  I truly felt it was time well-spent on my part today.  Looking forward to the next one in a couple weeks' time. 

I also started helping an eco-organization doing some admin work...Love how I'm re-connecting with my original choice of study; environmental studies.  It's been a challenging work area for me to get into; not having the environment science/engineering background.  Maybe I'll be able to hook up with an NGO or something later.  

I'm still waiting go hear from one place; if that one goes, I'll get to see the panda bears! 

It's the first Easter I've spent in Toronto for close to 10 years.  Today's April 2 and looking out the window...There's snow!  Just a bit...but there's snow!  Many have complained how I've brought wintry weather back...It was warm this time last year; people were already golfing!

Fortunately, this past weekend, there was bright sunshine; perfect day for little children dressed in rabbit ears; Easter egg hunts and all things furry and sweet...Thinking of little chicks and fluff-ball bunnies.  I've had two sightings of wild rabbits hopping about  and am charmed by these sure signs of Spring waking up from her slumber. 


Wishing everyone a beautiful Spring; may it bring new welcomed beginnings to all.