you live in a dream world

However long it takes, however difficult it seems, or however lonely you may become, Kat, remember, you live in a dream world where everything can change in an instant.

Especially when you've been visualizing.

Love, love, 

The Universe

PS

And especially when you know "The Universe," Kat.

take chances

Look mom, I'm listening to Michael Franks!

Today I rediscovered Michael Franks. Who the h**l is he you say? Here's a snippet of his bio from michaelfranks.com:

Over the languorous course of 33 years and 16 albums, Michael Franks has mesmerized an international legion of fans with his one-of-a-kind artistry. Seamlessly weaving lyrics of stunning sensuality, wit, reflection and literary eloquence over music that tastefully utilizes top shelf shadings of jazz, soul, pop, chamber and music from around the globe, Michael Franks the songwriter has set a bar in the music world that places him as nothing less than a statesman of song craft. 

When I was much younger, Mommy listened to his music. We had cassette tapes of One Bad Habit (released in 1980) and Dragonfly Summer (1993). Mommy enjoyed listening to Michael Franks but back then, my taste in music was limited to OPM, R&B, hip-hop and rock. I didn't appreciate Michael Franks' mix of "jazz, soul, pop, chamber and music from around the globe." It was just too complicated for my barely teenage ears. I remember even asking Mommy why she listened to songs with lyrics that were difficult to understand and titles not even mentioned in the verses! Haha. Children do say the funniest things! 

Fast forward to the age of the Internet. I Googled Michael Franks to give his music a listen. I found his myspace and now, as I am typing this, I'm listening to his soothing voice and relaxing tunes. It's the perfect background music!

Shrimp and asparagus stir-fry with bihon

Ingredients:
Leftover chilli shrimps (you can use fresh shrimps)
about 150 grams of bihon (soaked in water for 20 minutes then drained)
asparagus, chopped
4 cloves garlic, chopped
1 onion, chopped
half a bell pepper, sliced into strips
half a cabbage, sliced intro strips
spring onion, chopped
1 tablespoon oyster sauce
1 tablespoon dark soya
about 1/4 cup of soy sauce
ground pepper to taste

Directions:
1. Saute the garlic and onion.
2. When the onion becomes transparent, put the shrimps. Saute for a minute then add the asparagus and bell pepper.
3. Put in the oyster sauce, dark soya and soy sauce and mix well. Simmer for half a minute then add in the cabbage.
4. Put ground pepper to taste.
5. Add in the bihon and mix thoroughly.

Serve with toyomansi.

Lechon paksiw

Description:
This is one way to recycle leftover lechon or crispy pata. Garantisado, there'll be no more leftovers after you serve this.

Ingredients:
Leftover crispy pata, chopped to bite-sized pieces
1 ladle-full of vinegar
4 cloves garlic, chopped
1 onion, chopped
About half a cup of Mang Tomas
Ground pepper to taste

Directions:
1. Saute garlic and onion.
2. Add the pork and saute for about one minute.
3. Put Mang Tomas sarsa then mix a bit.
4. Put the vinegar (don't mix!) then simmer for about three minutes.
5. Put ground pepper to taste.