Goodbye 2011

The last day of 2011 is a Saturday, 31 Dec.

I didn't wake up for a morning run, but then again, I slept pretty late last night doing pretty much nothing either. I had planned to cook something today but plans are shelved to Sunday.

Probably I will make a simple dessert instead.

I had a fun time yesterday at lunch with colleagues reminiscing the year with all our mishaps and travels. It's great to feel that bond and friendship with a bunch of folks whom I spend almost a third of my time with each day. I guess I enjoy and treasure the camaraderie we've established over the years. I've also made some new amazing friends this year and I do feel grateful for these blessings.

Regrets, I may have a few but not something I should dwell on. There are questions I wished I had asked earlier and things I should probably not have done but living out the experience and consequences being part of that are what builds character. And for highlights, I do have some and they've pretty much made the year more bearable.

So my last post for the year is to hope that 2012 will be a greater year for everyone. And come all rain and shine, we'd live it through with greater smiles. Happy New Year.

Becoming me

It's that time of the year again when one starts to reflect on the year that has passed and the one that's about to come and start drawing resolutions that never quite seem to get accomplished. At least that's how it is usually for me. Guess my forte is in planning and not exactly in execution.

I don't think I made any specific resolutions this year but I did put out a list of 'long term' ones.

Family
"I will make effort to plan for a family trip at least once a year and cook one healthy meal once a week."

Friends
"I will make time to catch up and connect with my friends at least once a month."

Finances
"I will stay focused on working towards financial independence by saving $xxxx/mth." 

Fitness
"I will care for my body so that I can continue to feel the pleasure of being fit and fully alive as I grow older. Thus, I need to continue with my exercise and watch what I eat."

Career
"I'll find a job or activity that feeds my soul and uses my talents to help others."

Looking at them now, I think I've managed to do some of them. There are a few I'd need to work harder at but at least it's not just NATO.

Next year, there are some plans on the family and fitness front on what I'd want to do such as aiming for a trip to Europe and completing a full marathon amongst others. As for finances, friends and career, I can only hope I'd be able to have the good fortune and opportunity to do what I hope to do, and that more good things will come my way in the year of the dragon.

Happy 2012, everyone.

Girl, Domesticated. Kitchen Affairs: Episode #2

I did it again. After a long 'hiatus' after my first kitchen affair, I'm back.

Inspired by a dish I ate when in US on a road trip, I googled and experimented the receipe and will try my best to replicate it. Tom Yam pasta.

Last attempt was a few weeks back which got the thumbs up from the folks at home, and today, I will try it yet again to feed my fellow runners.

Hope it'd turn out well and they'd like it.

Calling for the inner chef in me, don't be shy today and come out and play...