Up to some more cookin'

more cooking adventures.


Prawn Noodles. Tag team with Ron, and courtesy of Ling's auntie's soup base.


Pasta with crumbed oven-baked fish.

Days

from a birthday song a friend wrote. (not for me though) It's s'posed to a bit of a hush-hush affair, so I can't reveal too much of the lyrics. but in a nutshell, she writes with each new year, we wonder if there's a new floor, a new door, if they are new flaws. But somehow as we recollect our hindsight, we've all got one positive, we're one step closer to who we're truly meant to be. The sum of all these trials and tribulations, pains and joys we've accumulated to become who we are. And there is joy in that. What a journey.

"... and all of your days, they will walk with you."

beautiful.

Sharing.

It's been a while since I've shared thoughts, so here's one.

It came over a hotpot party I was attending. Got stuck into many a conversation, and when asked what I did, my answer was simple, but easily read as cryptic. I said, "I'm trying hard not to work."

A few faces of amazement, some of bewilderment, others of cynicism, I had to present my case.

I shared my understanding of the machinery civilized, patriotic folk are trapped in. The cycle of endless work, time bankruptcy, a life where true enjoyment of things around us are an occasion bonus facilitated by annual leave, or the sickie (come on we all do) could be broken by a simple (not to be misconstrued as simplistic), rule of thumb.

Breaking through the barrier of the 8-10 hour work day was the key. When we get the much vaunted first full-time job, we're trapped straight away. Case in point - how many activities can you engage in after coming home tired from work? Dinner, the odd movie out, the fortnightly drinks with buddies that do not end too late coz you've got to maximise the rest of the weekend?

I had a simple solution. By learning to make the best of the things I enjoy, I found a middle path. Gainful employment with a worthwhile pursuit, and the luxury of being free from the work day cycle. I now teach drums (3 regular students), give English tuition (4 regular students), work at a furniture chain selling sofas (twice a week), grow my own vegetables, work remotely for the academic institution as an academic associate, and pursue the PhD dream all at once; they are all things I enjoy and have come to know as an integral part of me. To top it off I play in two bands, and one's halfway through recording an album for release in Australia this year. My activities are blocked into no more than 2-3 hour chunks. Which means one simple thing - more time to do more things and enjoy the fruits of being alive. It's not been without his share of hitches and scary bank balances, but I am enjoying what I love doing. Been able to travel and wander around much too. Hence.

Trying hard not to work. Enjoying what I do, making a living out of it, and being free from 8-10 hour blocks, unless I choose to.

Of course I have more obligations than most, but heck. It can't be all too perfect. We're here on earth. Yes I lose out on medical benefits, the works, et al. Let's see how I can learn to find a middle path that'll incorporate that too.

Thanks for reading!

Eating at Home

Pita bread with two bean mix in Mexican Sauce + Bacon Special, with a hint of tabasco.

and.


Oven-baked soy garlic marinade chicken and beer basted chips.

The Vege Patch

Lettuce, turnips, beetroot, carrots and parsley! Doing fine despite the cold weather!

"There's a room somewhere with a different look."