Au Contraire

I can’t think right now, I’m kinda brain dead after an evening of confrontation. I’m stuck between a rock and a hard place and it doesn’t feel nice coz things get stone-cold, things like my feelings, emotions and my brain. The situation I’m in is not healthy, it wouldn’t be healthy for anyone, it’s absurd to say the least and most of all it drains me from my energy and positive thoughts that I’m trying to hold on to. That I have been trying to hold on to for quite some time now. Holding on to positive thoughts keeps me sane, it keeps me from looking over the edge and watching the abyss open up before me once again like it did tonight…

Writing helps, it puts everything in order so I can make a decision. One that will shape me again for the rest of my life, one that I’m not likely to forget. Life is never easy but I could really use a break right now, I think I’ve had enough on my plate over the last three years ever since I decided to trust and jump into the abyss. Back then it was easier, well at least I thought it was because I had a bit of support coming from someone I thought I could trust. Nine months later that trust was crushed and hasn’t changed since. I’m taking full responsibility realising that what doesn’t kill you only makes you stronger, but at what price exactly?

I often wonder what I’m supposed to learn from this experience, it seems I’ve only been stuck in this prison while I expected to gain some freedom. Au contraire… I know I’ll survive and I know I will gain in the end, I don’t have any doubts about that but what I’m forced to face would’ve been so much easier if I wouldn’t have to face it on my own. These are the times where I miss my friends, where I could use a proper Dutch ‘koffie verkeerd‘ and the company and uplifting words of those who never have let me down in any way. There aren’t many but those that I have are close to me no matter the distance or that bit of water…

One actually sent me a letter for my birthday along with a beautiful symbolic gift and his words echo in my head ever since. It meant/means more to me than I’ll ever be able to put into words. It’s hard to have no self-doubt when everything seems to be working against you and you’re in a constant struggle with circumstances. I’m a Capricorn, I’m not complaining… just extremely aware of facts and trying hard not to lose faith, but those words came at a moment where I needed them most and it’s still something I hold on to whenever I do end up seeing everything in black which is a typical Capricorn trait that I will conquer once again.

It’s time to make a decision and come up with a plan, deep down I think I already have. Not one that is made lightly, not one that will be easy to pursue. One that will definitely get me out of balance for some time but if I was to look at the positive side of it all I would say that at least I’m happy I won’t have to sell my couch that has been in storage for some time because it doesn’t fit through these narrow Victorian front doors…

Pancakes, Noodle Soup and Bapao

I’m having serious food cravings lately and I think it’s because I’ve lost so much weight over the last two weeks having to deal with a stomach bug and ear infection. Antibiotics didn’t really work and I was told at the hospital that I need to consider more surgery [I’m so looking forward to that!] I’ll have to have a CT scan done before I’ll make a decision. I still have vivid memories of the last time when they removed part of the bone without my consent.

But jeez those cravings… whenever food is mentioned it’s instantly stuck in my head. Yesterday I was reminded of pancakes for the second time, I haven’t had a bacon/apple pancake ever since I left the Lowlands and I went through each kitchen cupboard to look for a bottle of Wester Stroop. I think I’ve chucked it in the bin, I had no bacon either, just apple so instead I melted some extremely macho chocolate which was a gift and so tasty.

Then Ismoyo mentioned ‘Indonesian Bapao’ on her blog and again I had this instant craving for the wonderful flavours and succulence meat of an authentic Bapao. I wish I hadn’t read those two words because it’s now haunting me and so I’ve decided to make them for lunch this week. Actually make a whole batch and put a few in the freezer. I wonder if I should experiment with shrimp and crab meat, not authentic really but my own recipe: could be very nice…

Guess what… I went to Tesco on Saturday and found out that they’ve started to sell Indonesian products: boemboes [Indonesian spice pastes], satay marinade, kroepoek [prawn crackers] etc. etc. all by my favourite ‘Dutch’ brand. I so hope they’ll get the complete assortment! Oh… and it’s about time I have a proper Mie Ayam this week… *hehe*

What is wrong with me? Please don’t mention any more food on your posts… :P

My mini pancakes: finger licking good! My all time favourite Pannekoekenhuis