You need to read and prepare my soups and drinks to fully understand and appreciate the benefits and importance of soups and drinks!  Please check it out - Healthy Chinese Soups and Drinks Cookbook

Sometimes, on a nice sunny day when I do not know what to cook for my son, the above soba noodle with canned tuna recipe comes in very handy!  It is simple and yet healthy choice for little ones.

I prefer tuna in olive oil as the olive oil adds a fine fragrance to the soba noodles.

You can purchase soba noodle dipping sauce from any Chinese or Japanese grocery.

In the photo, I used fresh tuna steak which had been pan-fried with a touch of oil for 2 minutes one each side until cooked.   The recipe uses canned tuna which is so convenient.  This photo was taken in July 2008 and I am adding the recipe now!

Ingredients

1 bunch soba noodle

1/4 cup brocoli florets

1 small can tuna in olive oil

2 tablespoon soba noodle dipping sauce

Method

1.  Boil one bunch of soba noodles in small pot with water until soft or to your liking.  Add brocoli florets and cook for one more minutes.  Rinse noodles and brocoli florets in cold water and drain.

2. Add 1 can of tuna (I drain most of the oil first) in a medium bowl.  Add noodles and brocoli florets.  Add soba noodle dipping sauce and mix or toss well.

Serves immediately.

By Susan Chan, November 2008, updated on Oct 2009!

I was searching for publishers who publish Children’s books because I have written a book. This is an Alphabet book based on Australian themes.

I came across a publisher who publishes folklore tales. So naturally my mind raced to writing one. I was thinking about some of the folklore stories that I remembered from my childhood. Then I remembered one story which is inspirational and motivational, and I believe is educational and beneficial to children.

Immediately, I started writing it as a children’s story but then I changed my mind the next day.

Why?

It is because the story is inspirational and motivational to both children and adults too. Since I have posted a few blogs (articles) on relationship, teamwork and conflict resolution, I thought I could include this one as the motivation topic. I hope that parents would print this story and read it to your children as a short bedtime story.

Here is one Inspirational Burmese Story

Once upon a time, there was a little girl named ‘little Jasmine’. She was 8 years old and studying in primary school. Although she loved school, Little Jasmine was not very keen on homework

The teacher taught many subjects. At the end of each day, the teacher asked the students to revise and memorise what they have been taught for that day, like poems and multiplication tables. Then the teachers asked each student to read the poem, or the multiplication tables in the class.

Poor Little Jasmine was the only one who could not remember the whole poem or the multiplication tables. She was always the laughing stock of the class. She assumed she had tried hard and yet it was just too difficult for her to concentrate on memorising for so long.

Then one day, the teacher asked the students to memorise a new and difficult poem. She also announced that whoever could read out the poem most efficiently (by heart) would win a prize. The prizes included some books, school stationery, and school uniforms.

Everyone wanted to win the prize including little Jasmine. When Little Jasmine told her friends that she wanted to win the prize, they all laughed at her. Every time, her friends made fun of her, Little Jasmine did not mind but this time she was determined to show them that she could win the prize.

After dinner that evening, Little Jasmine began to study and memorise the poem outside her house in the backyard (it was still bright!). After a while she just could not concentrate any more. But she forced herself again to continue. Her mind wandered off again. She gave up when she became too tired and sleepy.

Then Little Jasmine noticed a little snail on an old and wet wooden fence. The fence was slippery because it had been raining earlier. Little Jasmine saw that the little snail was trying to climb up the fence. Suddenly the little snail fell off the slippery fence on its way up. As Little Jasmine continued to watch the little snail, it began to climb up the fence again. Half way through its journey, it fell off the slippery fence, again. At this point, Little Jasmine was fascinated by this little snail because it tried to climb up the fence again. Finally, at last, it went up and over the fence and out of Little Jasmine’s sight.

Little Jasmine was amazed by what she had just witnessed. She thought “look at the little snail. It failed but it tried again and again and finally succeed in its mission. It was because it did not give up. If the little snail can achieve its goal, why couldn’t I achieve the same?” Little Jasmine was suddenly inspired and motivated by the little snail’s adventure.

She returned to her poem and began to memorise it with new found determination and energy. She was memorising it past her usual sleep time.

The next day, Little Jasmine arrived at school early. When the class commenced, the teacher asked the students if they have memorise the poem already. Only a few students put up their hands in response to the teacher’s question. Everyone laughed including the teacher when they saw Little Jasmine’s hand up in the air. But Little Jasmine did not say anything.

The students took turn to read the poem out loud. Although they could memorise the poem and read it well but they stuttered at some part of the poem. Then it was Little Jasmine’s turn and everyone laughed. But their laughter died as soon as Little Jasmine began to read out the poem loud and clear. Everyone including the teacher could not believe what they have just seen and heard. Little Jasmine had completed reading her poem beautifully without even getting stuck for a word.

There was a silence and then followed by applaud for Little Jasmine!

Little Jasmine won the prize as the best student to read the poem.

As for myself, I have just received an offer of contract from an Australian publisher to publish my Traditional Chinese Soups and Drinks cookbook. I started writing this book 9 years ago when my niece was born and I completed the manuscript in 2004.   It was rejected by more than 25 publishers around the world.  Then I got pregnant and my son was born and I had other priorities.  But early this year I sent my Alphabet on Australia book to the publishers and I thought of sending my Chinese Soups and Drinks cookbook again.   Now 6 months later,  I am so happy with the offer of contract.

I know there are so many people who is going through the same process of getting the books published and some may get rejected.   But just remember that it is nothing personal.  Keep on finding publishers and one day you will find a publisher who will accept your book!

Although my Alphabet on Australia book has been rejected by the publishers that I have submitted, I am also searching for more publishers around the world to submit my book.   I am sure that one day, some where in this world, there is one publisher who will take up my book!  Right now, it is my responsibility to rewrite, reedit, research and resend it to other publishers!

I make pancakes for my son about once a week.  These days he asks me for pancakes!

It is so easy to prepare and I don’t mind making them because he loves them. I try to give him a variety of cereal, Chinese bun, bread or pancake as part of his daily breakfast.

The following recipe makes 3 to 4 small pancakes just enough for his breakfast. I add about 1/2 cup of self raising flour to 1/2 cup of soy milk. If you want the batter to be a bit thicker add less milk, for a thinner or a bit more watery batter, add a little more milk. I add 1/2 teaspoon of Orgran No Egg powder as egg substitute (see note below) which you can purchase from the health food store.

“ORGRAN NO EGG* is Australia’s original egg substitute containing no cholesterol, no lactose and no egg or animal derived ingredients.

This product is versatile in its applications as it functions as a binder and thickener in much the same way as eggs do.”

Preparation time: 5 minutes

Cooking time: 10 minutes

Ingredients

1/2 cup self raising flour
1/2 to 3/4 cup soy milk
1/2 teaspoon Orgran No Egg (Natural Egg Replacer), equivalent to 1/2 egg
a pinch of salt
Canola oil or Olive oil for pan-frying

Method

1. Add all the ingredients in a small bowl and combine them into a smooth batter.
2. Heat 1/4 teaspoon of oil in a small nonstick frying pan over low to medium heat.
3. Add about 2 tablespoons of batter to make a pancake.
4. Cook for about 40 to 50 seconds on each side. Turn and cook the other side for 40 to 50 seconds or until golden brown. Repeat with remaining batter (steps 2-4). Makes about 4 pancakes.

Serves warm.

This morning (actually, Friday the 12th Jun 2009) we all watched Venus and Jupiter at 6:10am - still quite dark.   Luckily, the sky was clear this morning so we were able to witness the beautiful scene.   Venus was big and bright and so close - it seems it is just above the distant tall trees in the horizon.   Under the telescope, my husband said its shape is ‘gibeous’ - not so round or almost 3/4 round.  But Jupiter was quite small but very round.  We also saw two of Jupiter’s moons - must be two of Jupiter’s biggest moons!   We were so excited to see them!   It was freezing cold morning and yet my son was screaming with excitement.

Almost a year ago, I never knew that the sun is a star, the moon is a moon, and there is more than one moon in this universe.  But since I have to read to my son, I have also learned so much about the solar system and this has become our family hobby now.  Remember, my previous blog on ‘family fun day’?   Well, we have been to Sydney Observatory for about 10 times in the past 6 months!  My son never gets bored of going there.  We have been there last 3 consecutive weeks!  The back of the Sydney Observatory is with views to the Sydney Harbour and most of the times, we witness a wedding ceremony there - it is a beautiful and romantic place to exchange wedding vows!

Last school holiday, we went to Canberra space centre and naturally, my son was so delighted and running around like he knew the place so well.   He knows all the planets - he knows blackhole, astroid belt, kupier belt, nebula, names of the moons, names of space probes, hubble space telescope, etc.   He knows the layers (?) of the sun - from the core to corona - the outer layer of the sun!  In the past couple of weeks, he just spends most of his time drawing the solar system and space probes on paper!

His favourite planet is Jupiter with the great red spot.  He says that his father’s favourite planet is Saturn with the rings.  And he assumes my favourite planet is Uranus because I like diamonds and scientists think it rains diamonds in Uranus!

My son has many, many books on space and planets. They are not small books but they are large books for adult’s levels.   My friend gave them to him and of course, each time we go to Border’s bookshop or any book shops that got ‘planets’ book, he has to buy a book.  He will cry and will not let go of the books.   He only does this with the planets books and not other books.   No. He does not cry if we refuse to buy him a certain toy either.   But with planet books, he does.   So he has planet books, planet toys, planet DVDs, planet clothes, socks, underwear, plates, bowls, cups, nightgown, globes, school bags, and planets lights (see note*), and posters, etc, etc, etc.   Note* - He loves to go to Australian Geographic shop and buys those planetary things- like spinning light, planets models, globes, binocular, etc, etc, etc. He loves reading books on planets - even though he can’t read he still loves looking at the pictures and very fascinated by them all.

For a couple of months, he watched the Mars Rover clip on Youtube and he even sang part of the song from the clip - like ‘old man, can I see your face again…’ He loves to watch and lisen to the scientist talking about black hole, etc.  He does listen to the clips quite intensely.  If I talk to him he askes me to be quiet!  He loves to  Google and sees the spinning planets!  I am teaching him how to type the words for the planets and then he types them by himself.   He told me the other day that some of the earth images were spinning in the wrong direction!  Earth spins to the right with the exception of Venus spinning to the left and he told me that earth was spinning to the left and he said that’s wrong!

He is so sure that he wants to be an astroanut.   Naturally, we are very happy for him if this is what he wants to become when he grows up.   Even at my age sometimes, I am not sure what I want to do and if I have any passion left now.

So are there anyone like my little boy who is nut about being an astronaut?  I wonder if the real astronauts had this passion when they were young?  What ticks them being an astronaut?  At what age do they develop their passion?   How well do they have to be at academic level?   What do they need to study and be excel at?  Did they attend pivate school?  etc, etc, etc?   I really want to find out for my son.

I guess, I may have to ask the astranaut at NASA Space Centre or ask Mike at Twitter!

You may now download Chapter 1 of my novel ‘Judge Quan’s Revenge From Beyond’. Once you have download the PDF document, you will note the following:

• A Chinese Character on the title page, which also appears on the right of this page. This is the simplified Chinese character for the colour ‘Red’. It’s not apparent why this is of any signifance in Chapter 1. But it will be later in the novel.
• A Character List on Page 3. This is useful for the Western readers who is unfamiliar with Chinese names. Use this list to remind you who the novel is referring to. In Chapter 1, only a few characters are introduced, so you won’t need to relay on this list. However, as the novel continues you should have grown accustomed to the names and characters and you won’t need to refer to the list at all. Please also note in Chinese, the surname appears first followed by the given name.
• A sketch of the town’s layout drawn by the author. Its a first draft so it may change, but it will give you some idea during the novel where the settings is at.

Your Download Agreement to the Author

By clicking this link Copyright, Disclaimer, Agreement and request for PDF Chapter Download you agree to the terms and conditions specified. Please click this link and send your email address and a PDF will be forward to you shortly.

Your Deal!

Please read, enjoy and send through your comments. Any suggestions would be appreciated as to the next steps and any changes.

More than ten years ago I started to write a Chinese Crime Novel set in ancient Chinese period. My inspiration came from reading books by Robert Van Gulik when I was studying in University. I’d found his books extremely captivating and interesting especially when I have interests in ancient Chinese culture, myths and legends.

Robert Van Gulik was a diplomat in both China and Japan. I shall create links on the web next time once I get permission to do so.

While I do not have the same caliber as him, I decided to write my own ancient Chinese crime novel because:

1. My former flatmate and I decided to write a similar novel and that just spur me on.
2. I always had an interest in Chinese culture, myths and legend.
3. My University had a large collection of Eastern Collection, which I read during my past times while studying for my exams.
4. I have a deep interest in Buddhism and thought its teachings blended well into the novel.
5. I’d wanted to promote Chinese culture, myths and beliefs to readers.

Revenge From Beyond

My novel title ‘Judge Quan’s Revenge From Beyond’, set in the ancient Tang Dynasty and the central character is Judge Quan himself. Please note that ‘Quan’ in Mandarin means Magistrate. So, it is that Judge Quan in my novel is the Magistrate of Sui-chou a small district in the Ch’eng-tu Prefecture. A Judge in ancient China are your equivalent of our modern day Governor. His role is to ensure the district managed justly. As such, his duties includes tax collections, health care, public works and most importantly, crime and punishment. It is obvious, a Judge’s duties in ancient China is all encompassing and it is within this backdrop of hectic schedule, Chinese belief and crime that my novel; ‘Judge Quan’s Revenge From Beyond’ is all about.

Judge Quan had just graduated from the Chinese Judiciary Examinations and had been assigned his first post in Sui-chou. He have had to overcome his own inexperience, lack established resources, win the hearts of the towns folks and at the same time, fight and resolve three successive murders right after assuming his post.

‘Judge Quan’s Revenge From Beyond’ tells how Judge Quan through the use deduction battles these crimes. It also provides insights of life in ancient China, her culture, beliefs, traditions and inventions. It is my hope the readers will be brought back in time and enjoy a by-gone period.

Next Steps

‘Judge Quan’s Revenge From Beyond’ is complete! As it stands it is around 22 chapters, complete with Character List, general layout of Sui-chou and various sketches.

However, it requires considerable editing and that is where I need suggestion from the general public regarding the next steps in the novel process. Grammar aside, I believe it is a good read and those who had reviewed the novel found it captivating.

In my next post, I will upload Chapter 1 free for all to review. I would really appreciate any feedback regarding next steps or whether the novel has enough to persevere further. So, please stay tune and I will post Chapter 1 in the next few days.

Yes. Of course, I have a piece of fruit and fruit and fruit.  But then I get bored with too many fruits and might even turn into a banana!  All of a sudden since last month, I crave for mixed nuts.  So I started buying about 100 to 300 grams of mixed nuts each week for snacking and I am turning into nuts.

Then I begin to worry about consuming too much nuts.  So I did a little research and found the following good news on nuts consumption. I have extracted the following section to share with you all.

Just remember one thing though. I dont think the article suggests that we can eat nuts and drink beer or wine at the same time.  No, no, no!  I think it is better to consume non roasted nuts as roasted nuts are quite oily and high in salt. My mother in-law usually buys a bag of raw peanuts and then she boils them.  When she visits us, she usually bring a bag of boiled peanuts for us.   In fact, I finished the whole bag that I got a few days ago.  I think they taste better than roasted peanuts and I don’t have to feel so guilty.  These days, I feel guilty whenever I eat something that could impact my blood sugar level.  I guess this guilt is good to have to safe guard me.

I also had a quick check with the dietitian and she said nuts are good but they can be quite fatty.  So the rule of thumb is to consume less and enjoy more.

Anyway, that’s good news for those who loves nuts and for some to turn into nuts!

NUTS - THE SURPRISING HEALTH BENEFITS John Livesey PhD
Scientific Officer
Department of Endocrinology
Christchurch Hospital

New Zealand

http://www.vegan.org.nz/nuts.php

“One of the most unexpected nutritional discoveries of the 1990s was that the frequent eating of nuts appears to dramatically improve health¹. In particular, nut eating greatly lowers the risk of heart disease². In 1992 researchers working on the Adventist Health Study at Loma Linda University in California reported that those eating nuts daily had up to 60% fewer heart attacks than those who ate nuts less than once per month³. The beneficial effect of nut consumption was found for men, women, vegetarians, meat-eaters, fatter people, thinner people, the old, the young, those who did much exercise and those who did little exercise. The study was large, comprising 31,000 white Californian Seventh Day Adventists and similar benefits of nut eating were subsequently found for African Americans⁴. Prior to the publication of these results, nutritional advice had usually been to minimise nut consumption on the grounds that they were a “fatty” food.

Four other large studies have since confirmed the benefits to the heart of nut eating^{2, 5-8}. In addition to the cardiac benefits of consuming nuts, the risks of having a stroke⁹, of developing type 2 diabetes¹⁰, of developing dementia¹¹, of advanced macular degeneration¹² and of gallstones ¹³ have all been found to be lowered by eating nuts. Calculations suggest that daily nut eaters gain an extra five to six years of life free of coronary disease¹⁴ and that regular nut eating appears to increase longevity by about 2 years¹⁵. Adding 30 g/day of nuts to a Mediterranean diet resulted in significant reversal of the metabolic syndrome¹⁶.”

It has been a while since I continued with blogging.  But today I have some good news to share with everyone.   After six months since I found out that I had pre-diabetes condition, I have been quite discipline.  I plan and eat sensibly, reduce food intake, exercise daily.

Last week I had another blood test for my blood glucose level and got the results back yesterday.  My blood sugar level after 2 hours has been back to the normal range of 5.0  (ie. between normal range of 4 - 7.7). I was so happy and relieved.  I was scared to get my results but then I knew that I had been working hard to reduce the blood sugar level.  Six months ago, it was level 8.7.

I have achieved my goal with motiviation and discipline and of course, with hard work.  But the results make me feel happy and confident for me to continue for long term purpose.

As I mentioned before in previous blogs, I still consume those forbidden foods (like chips,fried food, cakes) that I enjoy but with lesser amount and less often.  The main key is to exercise daily.  After lunch or dinner, I also walk or do some house for at least 15 minutes or more before I sit down.  This helps to increase the metabolism and burn off food and helps to reduce the sugar level.

I have lost 4.5 kgs that I put on and back to my normal weight.  I am working on firming my tummy as this area is still quite flabby after birth.  I feel better and REGAIN MY CONFIDENCE now that I look good in my clothes again!

To monitor my weight, I purchased an electronic scale which I think is a great investment.  I check my weight every morning and night (also during day time).

Make sure to weigh yourself first thing in the morning after going to the bathroom and before any food or drink.  Of course, the wieght of clothes should be about the same to get comparable results.

If I know that I have eaten abit too much in previous night, it is best to reduce your food intak the next day or so to get rid of that excess weight.  Ocasionally, I will put on a kilo and it takes me about 3 to 5 days to shake it off.  It is extremely easy to put on one kg but quite difficult to lose it back.  But the key is to get it off it ASAP and do not let it become 2 kgs and so on!

Just to rehash from my previous blog- Some people say that there is something good coming out of something bad. I guess to me is that I am more mindful of what I eat and learn to lead a better and healthier life style now. I am also thinking about writing a cookbook on how best to avoid or reduce diabetes conditions!

I hope that this blog will motivate some people out there either to lose weight or reduce their blood sugar level or just anyone who wants to lead a healthier life style.

Now with the introduction of cheap public transport fare of $2.50 per adult on Sunday, it makes sense for us to travel on public transport. It is an unlimited travel on train, bus and ferry! To be eligible for this fare, you have to travel as a family with children! It is great that the government has introduced this special fare. If only they extend this offer on Saturdays as well so that people can decide which day to travel! It sure does encourage people to travel using the public transport and for families, it is an excellent way to spend quality time together having fun and have a better relationship!

Each week, we plan and visit different places. There are many interesting places to go and explore in and around the city.

Last week, we went to Sydney Observatory to show our son, the telescopes and solar system models, etc. We took the train and then bus to get to there. The place is very peaceful and cosy. My son loves the exhibition rooms where they keep the Solar system and the little planet models spinning. Since he knows all the planets , he was so excited and even tried to share his knowledge with other visitors. Since he is only three years old, not many people gave him much attention to him except the two nice ladies who spent time talking, asking and listening to him.

My son refused to leave the Observatory and went back to the room with the Solar system model about one dozen times before we manged to pursuade him to go somewhere else!

We decided to go to Observatory Hotel for a cup of coffee before catching a bus back to the Quay. There was a big awesome ship (Crystal ??- sorry, can’t remember the name) at the Quay! Then we went to Sunday Rocks market before heading back to Chinatown to Paddy’s market on a bus. While I spent time alone shopping for about 30 minutes, Dennis and our son went upstairs to the Galaxy World (place where kids spend lots of money to play!). It is one of his favourite places now and I am not sure if we should take him there. When I got there, my son got a soft toy, a little red lion. Dennis told me that a nice young man won it and gave it to my son! Then we had dinner at the food court nearby. On our way to the station, we passed through the World Square centre and bought some Portuguese tarts (yes. I did my exercise this morning and I have been walking almost half a day so I can indulge in a little sweet tart).

We got home and had a cup of tea with our Portuguese tarts on the deck to end the day!

Another wonderful Sunday! How we wish that everyday could be Sunday!