Pimm's Cup

I recently discovered a cocktail called a Pimm's Cup, which a cocktail made from a gin based beverage called Pimm's No. 1 Cup. Yes that is the actual name on the bottle and it is certifiably yummy and great on a balmy afternoon.

Here's the mix:

One part Pimm's No.1 Cup
Three parts lemonade or lemon soda or ginger ale
Ice cubes
A wedge or stick of cucumber
Mint leaves
Slice of lemon (squeezed and dropped in glass)
Slice of orange (squeezed and dropped in glass)
Slices of strawberry or banana (I have not tried the banana but heard its nice)

Enjoy!!

M Chilling

Lazy, Shiny and Happy Afternoons!

We all love leisurely afternoons, and what is better than spending the morning with around 150 plus children who are 3 years old, watching their antics and expressions while being surrounded by people who are full of joy and laugther. And then, rounding of the lazy day with brunch at PS Cafe with some of these fun loving people only to get a phone call with good news, actually great news.

Sorry I can't share the actual news but it is good for me to hear it and for the person conveying it, it is something that he has been working on for the past four years that has finally come to fruition. So all around was a great day!

M look forward.

Phew!

Yes Phew!! The tree is up and boy does it make me feel so happy that it is. And what a glorious tree it is. After all the drama both of us admired the tree and let out a good sigh of relief. What's more it only cost 50 bucks! Yes the emotional ride was not worth having but at the end of the all is well. And as I said in my previous post what is life, if not more interesting with some dramatics!

M Merry again!

Christmas Miscalculation

Last year we did things very last minute. Since there was no gatherings or parties to be had we sort of felt there was no reason to put up a Christmas tree. But as the 25th drew closer and all around were in the festive mood, something was missing. So at the absolute last minute we visited Island Landscape and got our tree (at a great discount) and with some simple decorations and lights from Concourse on the 23rd. All was well and tree did bring lots of good cheer.

This year we decided that we would do a last minute thing again but not to leave things till the absolute 11th hour but at least the weekend before the 25th, so as to also enjoy the discounted rates as we did last year. But much to our bitter disappointment and dismay all trees had been sold the previous day!

We were gutted, that is, whatever good cheer that was holding us up had been sucked away. With the fact that my folks were coming for lunch of the 25th, I was dreading this conversation with Mr. D Senior:

D Senior: Where is the tree?
D Junior: Oh this year decided not to have one lah (jokingly)
D Senior: (Looking perplexed) How can? It's Christmas and a tree is a must(getting disappointed).
D Jr: (Trying to downplay) No must lah, Christmas is about family getting together and spending time together.
D Senior: (Getting near angered) Yes together under the tree with presents. Where are the presents then? (looking around seeing the pile of presents in the corner) There? Dunno if those are for Christmas or someone’s birthday.
D Junior: OK. (Surrendered liaoz)

So instead of having this conversation I said. Ok let's do lunch at the parents. We cook and bring there (considering their tree was up in late Nov). No tree, no party! SK was getting increasingly guilty as she was the one who preferred to keep things so late, I initially wanted to go the previous week but decided to go this week as she suggested. She was almost in tears with the prospect if ruining Christmas as she knew what having a tree meant, considering my happiness last year. It's like Chinese New Year but no Ang Pows, none, notta, zip. How can right?

So dejected, we headed to Bar Chor Mee at Toa Payoh, for some divine inspiration. She started calling the usual contacts and before the bowls were served we got light of a place where trees were still being sold. Jelita Cold Store! So after French class will be another post in coming days, we headed there and got our tree; to be delivered today!!

It was a bit of emotional roller coaster to be honest, with the enthusiasm of getting a tree and then not getting one at all and then hopefully getting one then to actually getting one. I guess that is what makes the two of us, so different from the rest lah, always got drama one!!

M picking the tree later.

Chairs and Menu in time for Christmas

This year we are hosting Christmas lunch at our place. It's not the bestest of family climates but we have to do this as it is tradition like a reunion dinner of sorts.

Immediately certain questions entered our minds. What to cook? Christmas is a feast so the more dishes the merrier but let's go over board when there are only 5 adults. We are torn between Penang Prawn Mee or Beef Stew as an anchor dish.

Both dishes are lots of work but what to accompany them? Prawn Mee for Christmas also sounds strange but hey we are never normal.

Then another conundrum of epic proportions loomed. Where to sit everyone, what with our dining chairs falling apart literally.



We have a beautiful 8 seater rosewood dining set given to us by my sister but the chairs have undergone some wear and tear, so the joints are coming apart. So we re left with only 3 "sitable" chairs which are safe for human "inhabitation" :-)

So rather than giving a lame excuse to the family that Christmas dinner at our place is off because we don't have chairs. We have sourced for a furniture repair shop to come pick up the chairs to get them fixed in time (fingers crossed) for Christmas.

So only thing open now is the menu. Any suggestions on accompaniments to either make Prawn Mee festive or Beef Stew more than a one dish meal would greatly be appreciated!

M Merry

Cantonese Dramas

OK I sure I have got your attention. What is this Indian guy talking about this subject.

Well past few weeks I have been "exiled" to the room because the ladies in the house are watching Cantonese dramas. I am cool with the exile because I get to indulge in the my comfort food in the comfort of my bed.

But there is something about this language and the mannerisms of the people in the dramas that is rather perplexing. The language in it of itself is a rather rude and annoying sounding language. I mean no offence but it is to the untranslated ear. Sounds like they are fighting.

Then there is the mannerisms; they hardly ever look at each other when they are speaking. There always this air of superiority, when one person is talking to the "air above" and the other person is standing behind the other person reacting and listening. If I was that person behind, I would probably turn the person around and say "Here, I am here not up there!". But that's me. Perhaps it is meant for dramatic effect or perhaps it's just bad acting.

I have watched Korean dramas and though some of the theatrics are there but, it is more subtle and natural. I guess they are better actors, and of course the language is more easy on the ear. Oh well actually watching a full Korean drama, Jumong, was an achievement in itself, watershed event more like it.

So who knows maybe I might one day someday actually watch a Cantonese drama. Oh wait! I did; it was this show with an Inpsector Tim, can't remember that name of the show but it was CSI Cantonese style, and boy was it corny. I was laughing more than anything else much to the wife's irritation, what to expect when there are no subtitles.

M open.

Pampered like Siao

So the past few days, I have been down with a bad case of constipation and I am talking bad. Things are going in but nothing is coming out. So quite jialat and I have been in not too great shape.

So time for the wife to swing into action for some healthy food and home remedies. As she slaves away in the kitchen after work to prepare for me something wholesome with a laxative effect I am left to watch tv or just rest because the stomach cramps make it hard to walk.

Tonight was the ultimate. She came home by herself getting groceries on route because I had a late meeting. When I arrive, she is in the kitchen whipping up a storm. Avocado salad - apparently avocado promotes digestion; accompanied by fish soup which was really yummy. Even the chef was self impressed. All this was followed by guava - also promotes disgestion. Topped of with a concoction of lemon juice and salt with hot water. It tastes as foul as it sounds but man does it get the browns going. Not to end there, I was waited on hand and foot. It was a first for me considering I was not bed ridden.

As a result there were numerous visits to the bog and me ending up feeling lots better than the past few days.

So thanks babe, you rock my world. Poor fellow is tired and sound asleep she deserves it.

M no so bloated

Reuben Sandwich Home Style

One of my fond memories when I was in Perth is a place called Fast Eddy's. Those of you who studied there undoubtedly will know the place I am referring to. This place was popular for us students, because it was one of the few if not the only place in Perth that was opened 24 hours. So we night owls congregated there for coffee and some food after some late night studying. For me the best thing to eat there was a Reuben Sandwich, made with rye bread, corned beef, mayonnaise or Thousand Island dressing, and Swiss cheese. Yes I loved this so much that it was my standard meal if I was going there for food and best if it was washed down with choc malt milkshake. Heaven in a foreign land!

So today, my sandie surprise was coincidentally a Reuben Sandwich Home Style which was yummy, memorable and at the same time healthy. Thanks my ever excellent wife who has made this possible! No rye bread, but multi grain bread, just as good; No Swiss cheese, too fattening lah, simple Kraft Singles will do; No Thousand Island, I was always a Mayo man and of course a healthy dosage of greens, lettuce and coriander, thus the home style label! Yum!

M reminiscing

Chili Oil with a side of Beef Noodles please.

Ok if you are one of my ardent fans you will know that I am a wee bit strange. However, if you are new here, then I am sure that after reading this post you would arrive at that conclusion.

There are two places I love to eat at Suntec, Pho House and Crystal Jade. The reason for this love is not their specialty dishes or their mediocre service but the condiments they provide. In particular, the chili oil! Yes you heard me, the chili oil.



I have never been a chili aficionado and I think I am still far away from being called one. But my love and level of consumption of chili oil makes the hottest chili eaters raise an eyebrow not to mention service staff and other diners as well.

Pho House is thus far the best chili oil I have ever had. It’s crispy at same time slightly moist. There is a flavor play of spiciness and saltiness while packing a powerful punch. Careful though, premature swallowing may result in a coughing fit. So the best will be to chew the contents of the dish and the chili oil to allow the flavors to intertwine and mingle. Yum!

So why do I call myself strange probably if I describe you the scene. Picture me sitting alone over a bowl of beef noodles soup, sweat on my forehead, tears sneaking out of the corners of my eyes and my nose runny constantly sniffing to keep something foreign from leaking out. Not the best sight right but believe me I am enjoying and savoring.

M thirsty

Kwok Yuen & Wan Ling's Wedding Picks

So here is something new that I am trying out. Have a see. There are the first proper shots from the 50D with some editing more to recreate the mood.

M joy.

When does it end?

I have just stumbled upon a bunch of blog posts that were quite revealing or rather shall I say refreshing. Called the Business 360 by the good folks of CNN.com. The description about the blog is "CNN International's business anchors and correspondents get to grips with the issues affecting world business, and they want your questions and feedback". To be honest, I have had such a great time reading these blogs that I have decided to post a few extracts from some the blog, which talk about the nonsense that is taking place with our financial crisis and the slow realization that it not really about what we initially thought it was about.

Posted by: CNN business anchor, Maggie Lake: Greed and denial in the corner office

Her point was the fact that people, real people are suffering, under this financial crisis and the guys in the corner offices are still expecting their lives to be as per normal despite the fact that the people who put them in those corner offices are in fact the "real people" I was mentioning. To quote Maggie, “Investors can't make sense of the markets which swing wildly from day to day. Workers don't feel secure in their jobs. Families aren't sure how they are going to find the money for healthcare and education. There is a sense the system isn't working." And she went on say in contrast, "Auto executives are trying to hang on to their jobs and in some cases, multi-million dollar salaries, even as they beg for an 11th hour taxpayer lifeline. Monday, John Thain, CEO of Merrill Lynch, gave up attempts to get a $10 million 2008 bonus, but only after unflattering media attention."

She ended off by asking where all the good CEOs have gone, the guys who lead by example and the guys who are not afraid of being examples of real corporate leadership. I postulate; is this real corporate leadership is now about?

Another article by Maggie Lake: Have the automakers learnt their lesson?

My beloved former industry, these jokers first went to congress to ask for a bail out using the Federal Reserves. They went there with their private jets, and ended up getting critized by congress and the media. So upon the second attempt they decided to use that multi-million dollar earning brains of theirs and drive there instead. But rather than doing it sensibly, I felt that theier choice and means were a little too blatant and sarcastic. To rephrase Maggie, the 3 CEOs in questions from GM, Chrysler and Ford this time made their trips of Capitol Hill in their company's hybrid cars and they said they will lower their salaries to one dollar if they are allowed federal aid. Do they guys then really need the requested bail outs?
There are more articles on the site about the subject and to me Maggie Lake and the other correspondents have given us an adulterated and frank view which I believe has been missing. So do take a trip there to Business 360 for a delightful read.

In summary, I guess and my wife knows this all too well, I think the financial crisis is due to these jokers who have lost the plots to greed. To be brutally honest I think they need to be "saved". Indeed some grace is what they need and I think if that was done, the world will be a better place. So is Grace the answer? ; To me the answer is a resolute YES!

M hopeful

Why the 5 year wait?

This was a question that came up over the weekend, a few times. A blissful weekend spent at The Beaufort in Sentosa. We have always wanted to make the quick trip there for a weekend getaway but it proved to be a little nonsensical since it was not really away to say the least. I mean its Sentosa. So we never made the trek there for a weekend break instead we looked overseas and after considering the hassles and the possible need to take leave the idea died down.

But this weekend there was refreshing break and I have to say much needed. Best part of it, it was so convienent and even though we were in Sentosa and could be home in 30 mins, not venturing back to the mainisland during the weekend made the trip "feel" like we were well and truly away. There was little to do, but that is the case, for these sorta of weekend breaks. Lounging by the pool, catching up on some reading, and basically just relaxing and soaking up the atomosphere was the order of the day. Although the first day was a "working" day the second day there was awesome and we got back to full charge after it.

Although our weekends are usually packed, we got to do this more often!

M charged!

Sandies of Love

One of the greatest ways to start my day is to have breakfast cooked by my one and only Siew Khee. The usual order of the day for breakfast is sandwiches (which I have come to call sandies). I simply love sandies, they are too me the best meal that anyone can have, IMHO. It does not happen every day though because of our early morning schedule and if she has been working the whole night before then it would be just cruel to expect a home prepared breaky. But when she has the time she will make something simple, like a humble peanut butter and jam sandwich.

Being the culinary master for oriental cooking and being one who loves to impress via the kitchen, when she has time and the mood she will prepare something extravagant and today was no exception. Today's sandies was pan fried chicken marinated with special sauce and of course garlic and with simple bread lovingly cushioned with a juicy tomato and the absolute necessity in all sandies, coriander! I am sure there was more in that sandie but these are the flavours that still linger in my mind and mouth.

To me, honestly, they are filled with flavour and that extra special ingredient called love. There is nothing like food prepared from the heart where the eater is put first. Nowhere in this world can you find such cooking for any price except in a home!

M blessed - it took great control to stop eating and take pictures

Birthday, Wedding and Resort Weekend!

This year's birthday was a special one. I shared this day with the wedding of two close friends. Since I recently got my new 50D, I thought it would be best if I put it to use to capture this momentous occasion. The day started early, with the wife heading to the bride's house and I over to the groom's house for the usual morning get together before setting off to the bride's place. As the day progressed the festivities reached a climax after the tea ceremonies were completed at both the bride's and groom's house we headed to Sentosa. At this point I think I got in around 600 shots. Yes a little excessive but hey that's me, when there is unlimited space and fast camera; trigger happiness is the way to go.

The night events were to start with the solemnization followed by dinner. After the solemnization I had enough of pictures (over 1,300 plus) and decided to put it away and enjoy the rest of the evening. It was a blast, everyone there had a great time as the star couple pulled off a great event! These are always good reasons to get plastered and I did, well not as bad as my own wedding night, but just enough to ensure that at the end of the night, Mr. and Mrs. Wong got back to their room safe and sound! And so began the relaxation portion of the weekend, doing not much but relaxing by the pool, eating, drinking and basically chilling out. What was really surprising was that within the hotel environment, you feel like you have left Singapore and the feel is truly like a resort island in Bali or someplace exotic!

Overall great weekend with good friends and more great memories into the mental scrapbook!

M relaxed!

Where art thou Squirrel

So today on my walk I was trying a few things out. Note this is actually my first time in a long time with a DSLR camera so my hands was becoming a little shaky from the weight but that is temporary. Of course with the "odds" against me I tried to be a NatGeo photographer and try to capture some "wildlife" shots. Here are the results



Aiya, missed the money shot!!



He is posturing... getting ready, aiya didn't set to high speed shooting. Doh!



This one the best, there one second gone the next. At this point of reviewing my pictures I was laughing at myself. Here is a guy, who in the morning on the way to work decides to take some "test shots" with the new camera. So I quickly get out my camera bag and start to pull equipment out from the dry cabinet. So with the work getup (ok casual friday not so bad), I decide to take a walk in the nearby Kent Ridge park and before you know it I am trying to snap these squirrels much to the amusement of the aunties and uncles with their grandkids out for a morning stroll.

So how did YOU start your day today?

M laughing @ self.

Random Image #2

First of many from the 50, this one was one of the first pictures I took this morning. Actually the 4th to be honest and I am quite pleased with the result and contrasting colors. What is probably not evident because Blogger puts images with crappy resolution is that there is an ant on the leaf to the bottom left and a ladybird on the flower to the bottom right (to see more clearly click the image for a larger view) .

M

D Soixante - Cinquante D

As most of you probably know by now I am a photography buff. I started this "habit" for almost 12 years now and it has added much to my life, in terms of joy as a hobby and as a means for me to express myself. Around 6 years ago I bought a D60 which was at that time a close to the top range digital SLR camera. At that time, SLR means film and the use of the digital medium in SLR was only reserved to the professionals. So I forked out what would be an exorbitant amount for camera these days for my beloved D60. There DSLR acronym had not even been coined yet.

This camera became almost like an appendage to my body. It followed me everywhere, everywhere that was practical lah. We have shared many life changing images and seen the world through a different set of eyes. We have basically grown together and it has allowed me to use this medium as a language to communicate. But the D60 which still takes great pictures till today and I can boldly say out take some of the newer cameras in the market needed to be updated. I mean 6 years in terms of digital technology is an eon. So the wife (who shall always be worshipped like a deity) has done the amazing and got me a new appendage!!! (see above picture sequence).

She did all the research necessary, with help of some friends (thanks to all) and arrived at what I would call the perfect present. She has always had a great knack for it and she has outdone herself this time. Enter the 50D. This fellow is a monster of a camera and based on the first few shots, it is a going to be a love affair. Coupled with a new lens which was sorely needed I am ready to go out and get some amazing shots for the rest of you to enjoy.

M Canoned.

INFJ ENFP MBTI

Ok stop looking at the title and read lah. If you are not familiar with MBTI personalities this would be a doosy.

I recently, actually earlier today, took the MBTI and discovered something; my personality has changed well somewhat.

I used to be a INFJ which basically works out to being introvert, intuitive, feeling and judging (doesn't mean judgemental ah) persona. The first few times I took this test I found myself falling into this category.

But now several years down the road, ENFP I have become. This one is extrovert, N,F, perceiving persona. Why the shift? I guess it was something I sort of forced myself to become.

I to E - this has been the most dramatic transformation for me. The willingness to step out. This decision has resulted in me being where I am in my career and most importantly to have met my wife!

The day I told myself "Marcel, you have to put yourself out there and take hold of all that life has to offer rather than allowing it past me by". Basically to seize the day and live life to it's fullest!

J to P - this one was not intentional but I guess life forces us to become perceives if life is lived experientially. With a motto like "Live life to it's fullest" it can only be done experientially and to take advantage off that, living by perception than in a conclusive way is necessary thus explaining the shift.

Overall to me it's positive affirmation that I am growing and we all need to keep growing. Life's a journey, not a destination!

M livin

December Flows

As the year winds down, the month of December is my favourite of all the 12. It's the most stress free month. Most businesses are in low key mode and the whole mood is festive.

It's also a transitionary and somewhat reflective period for most people as they end of the year and their sights turn towards the new year.

Personally, best of all, December is when we celebrate my birthday. I take birthdays quite seriously not because we a year older but wiser and more experienced. Presents are great too! 50D hehehe!

Then there is Christmas it's a great holiday I am sure all will agree. Yes more pressies! And after all the festivities it's time to welcome the new year. Technically that's no longer in December of course but who counting the days of December......it just flows!

M loving it

Where have I heard that before?

A top 10 of irritating expressions has been compiled by researchers at Oxford University. I was kind if surprised to see the list and found it fairly unique. I personally try to formulate my sentences such that they are pleasing to the ear. With all due respect if it sounds nice and good to you, then it works; come on it's not rocket science. I used to get very irritated with people who butcher the English language using incorrect grammar and pronunciation, it's a nightmare! I used to heard it almost 24/7, so much so that I eventually became immune to it. At the end of the day, the world is becoming smaller and purist like me shouldn't of be so unforgiving to new learners of the tongue. At this moment in time, I am trying to learn French and I am sure at some point I am butchering this language of romance, but to be honest, I absolutely love it. Oh before I forget below is the list of the top 10 of irritating expressions as compiled by researchers at Oxford University:

The top ten most irritating phrases:

1 - At the end of the day

2 - Fairly unique

3 - I personally

4 - At this moment in time

5 - With all due respect

6 - Absolutely

7 - It's a nightmare

8 - Shouldn't of

9 - 24/7

10 - It's not rocket science

M hoping this made you laugh.

The 3 stooges

It has been a while since I have punched in some keys to a post, been busy or rather unmotivated. Not just to blog, but to do pretty much anything, well except for watching my comfort food lah. The past week has been one interesting week for me. It has been a rather pressurising week work wise, more than usual. I do not usually succumb to the daily pressures of work and whatever, but there are days or rather weeks when the accumulation adds up and I succumb like everyone else and become a different person…well a bit more like my old self actually. It's good that I am so familiar with myself now that I know when to do the needful when I get to this stage, well there are 3 stages to be exact. Well they are stooges really, because they are like 3 different people. Read on..It's going to be a long one.

1^st stage – Impatience
Usually manifests itself on the road on the way to work. Well I am normally rather unforgiving to other stupid road users and some "personified road hazards" but when I am in this stage, I become the embodiment of a road hazard. I will get honked at more frequently because I cut some off too close or refuse to give way to someone else and basically become a big Meany on the road. Being a normally, patient person, no really, I do not get impatient with other things, it just manifests on the road.

2^nd Stage – Cynicism and Snappishness
OK, I do know that I am a sarcastic person, blame it on growing up around people who are English powerhouses and who are quick to comment on basically anything, but I am self confessed person of the sarcastic inclination. However, add a little pent up frustration and unhandled stress my normally harmless and sometimes humorous sarcasm turns into downright cynicism. I start to have a problem with everything, and I mean everything. The negativity exudes and I have a beef with everyone except the wife of course. She is in a different and untouchable league but she becomes the sounding board of all this crap and she, poor girl, has to listen to the ranting. She is never the subject of the rant but she can become the innocent by stander.

3^rd Stage – Retreat
The final stage. I am still trying to figure exactly what this stage is all about. What happens here is that I become quiet and reclusive. The stress level is at maximum at this point and there is no point engaging in witty conversations or discussion because it is likely to become heated, anger driven and personal. So the best thing to do is shut up and not say anything; because it is going to be hurtful. I am thankful somewhat for this stage that I have inbuilt within myself. Previously this will be typified as rage and mayhem, but that is gone now. Praise the Lord!! So I have this defense mechanism if you want to call it. When I get to this stage I become unreachable and the person that suffers (hmm OK that is a bit strong word to use) the most is my dear wife, because I know she needs me be the pillar that I usually am.

Solution: Yes there is one. Luckily or perhaps I should say Gracefully. Take a break from work; a day is all I need, sometimes even half day can oso, to spend alone preferably, soul searching and seeking that which is greater than ALL things, J he that has ears to hear let him hear. After that without a doubt I am good as new, or should I say old. Back to the old trusty pillar, that ya'll have come to love.

M back to old.

Sound of Slience

Due to some circumstances, I am working from home today.

One thing I love about living where we are living is the ambient noise. Right now I hear the whirring sound of my overhead fan, the occasional chirping bird and the sound of crickets. I think that is true bliss is urban Singapore to be able to hear such silence and be so peaceful!

It maybe far from everywhere but this is home.

M wfh.

Laughter is the Best Medicine

There is nothing like having a good laugh. There are a few things that can make me actually laugh out loud. So when I find something that does that to me, I save them. Today, is one of those days when a good laugh is required.

So here is a little clip that I like to watch of the outgoing POTUS, that never fails to crack me up.



M Laughing out loud

Who, what, where??

Being caught off guard is something I really hate (see above picture). I mean everyone does but it has been happening to me more often these past few days. So the stress + frustration level has been higher than my initial expectation when Sunday turned into Monday. All I can say, is that I am glad we are in the better part of week and I pray that its going to downhill from here on in. One thing to look forward to is a makan session with my team, who are a bag of laughs and always do things to crack me up. Thank God for them!!

M working for the weekend.

Favourite Spot

So as to further drive the point of me being a couch potato, I am going to show ya'll my favourite spot at home. Yes it is the couch, as pictured. Its cumfy and it is the place where I am the most secure at home. When I have had a hard day at work, there is no other way for me to unwind than to sit here, and either watch some TV or surf the Internet. Wait, wait…. avert your thoughts of slobbish disgust; my TV is my computer, literally. I have hooked up my computer to our 27-inch LCD so I have a mega monitor. So this is not just a "watch TV" place, but a place to work, blog, edit my pictures, download stuff, surf, listen to music and of course to watch TV.

M lovin it

One Minute Writer

I recently started following a blog called the One Minute Writer. I found the concept rather interesting. I think we all have at some point had a prompting to write something, it could have started with writing in a diary about the day's events or could have been random notes jotted down somewhere. I used to love to write down these thoughts when I was on the bus but since I drive that opportunity has gone but the love of writing is still there and inspiration is everywhere.

So back to the One Minute Writer; what it does is that it gives a daily prompt and from this prompt we are to write whatever within one minute, if you take longer go ahead. The idea is to get the words flowing. If it lasts a minute so be it, if it lasts an hour, then it does ya. The adage is "You have 1440 minutes a day. Use one of them to write".

M writing

Coffee Convert

I have always disliked the idea of paying 5 bucks for a cup of coffee. I just found the idea of it ridiculous when for 70 or 80 cents you can get some damn good traditional coffee.

That's the other thing our beloved Kopi, Kopi-O Kosong, etc have now been compartmentalised as traditional coffee. And the Lattes, Flat White, Espresso are now called designer coffee. Sheesh.
But when I went to study in Oz, designer coffee was the only option we had there so eventually I started to appreciate it.

After starting my current job for more than a year now. I have been utterly converted. Presenting Nespresso!

For the informed this is an über range of coffee machines and coffees from Europe which has recently been introduced in SG to much raving.

Yes we have a machine in the office and the coffee is FREE! What's more, recently we got a free machine upgrade to this Sci-Fi looking baby that blows the regular coffee drinker away. It make perfect coffees every time. I now need at least 3-4 shots of coffee a day. Convert now or slave? Convert lah, I still have my beloved Kopi on weekends.

M caffeinated.

Perfect Partner

So it has been 5 years to this day that we decided to try out this partnership. I remember the akward kiss (which neither of us were expecting thus the akwardness) we had at the train station as she was going to KL for a conference. And then two days later when she decided to come back early and surprise me as I was watching the 2003 Rugby World Cup Final.

Over the 5 years we have shared happy times, sad times, and painful times as we tempered our partnership. But now I can honestly say that I have found the perfect partner. Someone whom I look for in a crowded place, someone who needs to be close and reachable at all times, like a security blanket, someone with whom I can share my hopes, dreams, fear and frustrations, someone with whom I can travel the world with, and most importantly someone with whom I can share the rest of my life with as we start a new family.

So in tribute to this day, above is not a great picture but it is special because it’s the first picture that we took together. A first of many, I love you sweetheart Happy Anniversary.

Love M

Exile

As announcement girl strikes again, this time on a Friday night we are both at home. But she is out in the living room working on some random Oil and Gas company while I have been exiled to the room. Ok exile is an extreme description, its more self inflicted so that I can continue with my downloaded TV shows. On the menu today: True Blood, Dexter and Californication. Nice. If this is what my life has come to I thank God, that I am so fortunate! Life is beautiful, for me that is!!

M Blessed

Random Image #1

Over the years I have collected many random images that I shoot with my camera or my phone or whatever device that I have on me. The goal is the capture interesting and unusual images to share with my legion of fans. Moreover, since I initially wanted to start a photo blog, this sort of makes up for that initial idea.

So here it the first installment, I will from now on be sharing predominately new images not old ones, unless I find something really special.

Enjoy M

Fashion Faux Pas Redeux, I think not

Ok, I may not be the most fashionable guy in the world, refer to previous post entitled "Fashion Faux Pas", but I think this polo t-shirt has been misinterpreted. The wifey thinks this is an old man shirt. I think it is retro cool. So there was not conundrum here, it was intentional. I like this shirt, not for the pattern but it is nice and roomy which is a major plus. Because the rest of my polos are getting a little too snug for my liking. Who said all sequels are bad! I think we might even do a trilogy, who knows...

M secure with what I wear

You speaka de French?

So since June the wife and me have been learning French at Alliance Francaise, first thing that struck me when I started was the number of people who were studying French. All classes were full and when we eventually changed classes to the weekend, there were more students. Overall, it has been really fun to learn French, and what makes it more fun it I am doing it with my best friend. We are still a distance from fluency of course but we are getting there. Languages have not always been my forte but I think I will make the extra effort because of my French roots and more so to have a secret language.

M parle français

Subtle Hints I Know Not

Being someone who is not in the "in crowd" when it comes to phones and am usually one who uses my phones to absolute destruction had a soft spot when it came to the iPhone.

I literally became down at the fact that I did not have one. I mean I couldn't sleep even. I mean come on it's a phone dah and I started noticing everyone having one. I was obsessed.

So my wonderful and awesome wife got the hint and ventured into Lucky Plaza and got me a black market iPhone. Eventually she saw how much of an awesome and life changing device it was and got one herself. Even kids are usin'em now.

iPhone M

Money

Whoever said that money is the root of evil was surely a poor man. Yet it's something that drives each of us to wake up each day get to work.

Or is it the need for a sense of fulfilment or worse is it for greed and power? My initial years working were for power and the need to show everyone what I am made off. Truly, I admit it but now for me money is a means to live a comfortable life.

I do not love it nor do I care too much about it than I become bothered. I used to be but no longer. My God has blessed me beyond my expectations and He will continue to bless me in His usual way.

M blessed

Negativity Ignorance

Ok, I'm sure my throng of fans is sick of my India subjective posts; this is will be last for this period. The first time I went to India, my mother told me about the poverty there and told me that India despite being such a beautiful place can be rather heart wrenching when observing the poverty especially the plight of children. So she told me, to ignore it, as there is nothing we can do about it. When in India; ignore the negativities and focus of the positives that is usually the advice they give to travelers.

And just like any trip, the poverty was evident; nothing unusual from my previous sojourns. But there was a particular scene that I think will not leave my mind. In my car being driven in aircon and on the sidewalk I was saw a young mother with her two kids, a boy probably aged 2 and a girl aged 4. They were sitting on the concrete sidewalk. The boy was not wearing any clothes yet they all sat on the pavement in the hot sun and mum was talking to another mum with one kid.

What got me was the 4 year old girl, dressed in a filthy dress and as she sat there she was nodding off could be from the exhaustion or just could be from the fact that no 4 year old should be where she is. What would normally be a comical and a cute sight of a kid nodding off, was heart breaking to me. I simply could not bring my camera out of my bag to photograph this site even though I had the time to do so.

So regarding what my mum said; is there really nothing we can do. Or is this just a way to be ignorant of the situation. Not sure why this picture suited.

M wondering.

Mumbai Maddness

As if the dramatics and conundrums were not enough this trip. Aside from the fact I was staying away from home 12 hours longer than planned was not perturbing enough, there was a real chance of me missing my flight.

The traffic was a key culprit but more so was the unexpected travel arrangements that were sprung on me. A detour was needed and this significantly compromised our exit strategy resulting us to be stuck in an impossible jam that only Mumbai could muster.

The so close yet so far away feeling was there and at times we felt we should just get out of the car and make a run for it. But some heroic driving towards the end managed us to get there before the checkin counters closed. Only just I must add!

M boarding - - Praise the Lord!

Comfort Food

No this is not another post about food as you might think; my avid fans know me better than to be so obvious. But like everyone, there are times when I get down, lonely, and sleepless. So rather than turning to food, I turn to my idiot box, more like beloved box. Yes yes it's my television and for me this is my escape, my comfort. So what does this self confessed couch potato like to watch well other than the usual favorite of Smallville, Greys, Stargate, Prison Break, Entourage and a couple of others there are some new shows worth checking out.

Weeds is particularly good, Dexter is everyone's favorite serial killer, Californication for some skin and True Blood for an interesting twist to vampires. This has kept me company for the past few hours of sleeplessness leading up to my car to take me to Mumbai and eventually home to my girl.

M coming home.

More blokes

Rebellion well perhaps. India is the best place for portraiture photography. But I have seen a lost of the innocence and the greater awareness to the surroundings. Five years ago they will be rushing to you to have their photos taken, now apparently they'll beat you up for fear they will morph their heads onto some obscene pictures.

Sorry lah..not my kinda thing...

M photo

Haiizz

After posting all the pictures below, I realise that Blogger.com renders pictures really badly. The quality of these precious images looks crap and the true emotive conveyance is lost. Oh well, take my word for it lah, they are great pictures.

M pixelated.

White Boats

This one is rather special with some light editing.
Simple subject yet very poignant or maybe it’s just me but I liked it.
Even before I snapped it I saw the image in my head and felt it was going to be special.

In the sky

This one is a rather unusual picture.
Feels a little eerie no?
Not sure why it evokes that emotion in me.

What you think?

Don't take pictures of people

What?? But that is what I do best and my love of photography comes from the fact that I can capture people when in their natural elements basically being themselves and going about their own business. Did I listen?? Well eventually but this was taken before I was warned. Perhaps not my favourite but one that I like a lot. Sometimes the best shots are the ones that looked posed but are not.

M

Online Again

A must in any hotel, is free wifi. Its just has to be. Come we are an online generation, so whatever same of form we should be able to get on the Net quickly and easily.

So I am glad to be back in St Laurn, where free Wifi is available with these Prepaid card. Not the best but it'll do.

M wified

Back in Hinjewadi

As the week starts we are back in Hinjewadi, which is where our Tech Park and our partner's office is located. This IT Park is the first of 3 phases were some ultra modern and stunning building housing 1000s, yes 1000s, of engineers. This being a relatively new place there is still quite a bit of development required so the usual contrast still exists where you see country against modernism. Another good thing is that my trip is at its tail end and I am looking forward to going home.

To make things worse, we had to make some last minute changes and are now waitlisted on the ideal flight and confirmed on the not so. Oh well the joys of business travel.

M waitlisted

Cheap but Good

Whenever I come to India there are only a few things that I buy to bring back home. One of the things I love to buy is books. It may be surprising but India has such a wide and large selection of cheap and good books. Best of all, there are books that you cannot find back home. Cheap you say?? Let me break it down for you. I bought 10 books, and I am talking full length novels here for SGD 65, all brand new and some are even new arrivals.

I have found that Indians being a literally expressive race have an unsurprisingly great selection of authors and the number of Indian Booker Prize winners to tantalize the avid reader. And of course there is R.K. Narayan who is one of my favorite Indian authors. My total selection was 15 books, yeah excessive you may say, at least I have got my reading for the next 2 years sorted out.

M Booked

Running on Empty

Initially I meant the above picture for my previous post on Glorious Food, but since I have not had Internet connection for a few days, I felt that I can use this picture better for this post. If you noticed something about this picture, it shows some of the glorious food that India has to offer and I feel fortunate to have this opportunity to travel for work. However, there is one down side here to business travel. If you have keen eyes, you can see amongst the savories there is an empty chair.

Many a times, meals are eaten alone. It can get lonely as one of my first posts motioned eating alone can be uplifting but if it is done on a regular basis it can get depressing. I apologies for the somber post despite the uplifting picture, but I miss my wife bottom-line, especially over the past weekend. She is my usual makan kaki, and this time the empty chair is a tribute to my one and only.

M missing you.

Food glorious food

Well to most outsiders when you think of travelling to India and food, the result is very often "Delhi Belly".

Yeah the foods dirty, it's not cooked properly, it's not fresh or it's not beef it's actually dog are some of the terms I heard being tossed around.

I disagree!

Food here is wonderful. The flavours are amazing and if you love Indian food then this place would be heaven. But strong ceaveat - EAT WITH MODERATION.

Overeating is usually the cause for stomach issues and if you ever do get food poisoning it's probably because you've drunk contaminated water. So stick with bottled water or what they call here as Bisleri. So travel without fear and enjoy.

M eating
(pics to follow as soon as I get a proper wifi; using illegal wifi at a shopping centre)