Mum's the word

Weeks ago, I was in my shop's kitchen working with my mum. It was a Sunday and there were only 2 of us. Whenever the kitchen is short-staffed, extra hours are put in. It's the same situation again and so we worked. In a matter-of-factly manner which we are both alike (or I resemble my mum).

Suddenly, it dawned upon me that my mum has been my very good kitchen partner for the past one year. Recounting the number of times we worked together, it has always been this routine: first list down the tasks, split the workload, and then we go off to accomplish what we need to. No squabbling, no complaining...simply focus and do. At work, we are partners.

Interestingly, that's not the case if we were in our home kitchen...well (& not surprising), she often has her final say. If I intend to prepare or cook anything, my recipe needs approval from her, making sure that the kitchen is not messed up, condiments/sauces and other ingredients or cookery not to be misplaced. At home, she's the boss.

I think I am going to miss that partnership at my shop's kitchen because I seriously enjoy cooking with my mum more at work than at home! Perhaps the dynamics may change in the coming new year...hmm... :)

(This picture reminds me of her...after the mad hours of kitchen work, she likes to sit down with a good cup of cappuccino )

Frame of mind

This very much sums it up for me.

"Outliers are those who have been given opportunities -- and who have had the strength and presence of mind to seize them." Malcolm Gladwell

Whether or not I agree with how the author defines the success of outliers...to me, the latter part of the above statement is the key. Even if the opportunity presents itself to me or I am the one who create the opportunity, the question is can I handle it? Do I have the strength and presence of mind to grasp and use it?

Resurrected!

Yeah, I'm back (:

Falling Slowly

After a LONG hiatus...here's something to share

[From Once OST]

I don't know you
But I want you
All the more for that
Words fall through me
And always fool me
And I can't react
And games that never amount
To more than they're meant
Will play themselves out

Take this sinking boat and point it home
We've still got time
Raise your hopeful voice you have a choice
You've made it now

Falling slowly, eyes that know me
And I can't go back
Moods that take me and erase me
And I'm painted black
You have suffered enough
And warred with yourself
It's time that you won

Take this sinking boat and point it home
We've still got time
Raise your hopeful voice you had a choice
You've made it now

Take this sinking boat and point it home
We've still got time
Raise your hopeful voice you had a choice
You've made it now
Falling slowly sing your melody
I'll sing along

Enlightening aphorism

Before you criticize someone, you should walk a mile in their shoes. That way, when you criticize them, you're a mile away and you have their shoes.

Back from the ruins

I needed to get away for a while...although not my ideal break, it was still a good distraction.

Streets of Phnom Penh
Buzz....buzz...buzz...
and almost everything's in USD...

Food-wise, it was average for me. Its local cuisine doesn't have a distinct flavour like Vietnamese (with lots of herbs, spice) or Thai (clear distinct tastes such as sour, spicy). Tried its porridge, soups, veg...hmm, it's like a combination of Chinese, Viet (less herbs, spice used), Thai style.


At the Royal Palace, Toul Sleng Genocide Musuem...












Angkor Wat, Siem Reap

Sunset at Angkor Wat...unfortunately the sun was feeling shy that day and insisted on hiding behind the clouds. Then again, it's still beautiful in its unique way.

Angkor Wat, and other temples during the day

Lost civilization, fallen city, remnants left behind by the 'tomb-raiders'...

It's actually quite a nice sanctuary, away from the street noise (not from the tourists though).



Sunrise at Angkor Wat
Nice...










What further makes this trip more memorable...

Our lodgings...especially at The Villa Siem Reap, and Villa Langka (:

I did it my way

...this is what I would like to say at the end of the day, and it's one of my all-time fav songs as well.

And now, the end is near;
And so I face the final curtain.
My friend, I'll say it clear,
I'll state my case, of which I'm certain.

I've lived a life thats full.
I've traveled each and every highway;
And more, much more than this,
I did it my way.

Regrets, Ive had a few;
But then again, too few to mention.
I did what I had to do
And saw it through without exemption.

I planned each charted course;
Each careful step along the byway,
But more, much more than this,
I did it my way.

Yes, there were times, I'm sure you knew
When I bit off more than I could chew.
But through it all, when there was doubt,
I ate it up and spit it out.
I faced it all and I stood tall;
And did it my way.

I've loved, I've laughed and cried.
I've had my fill; my share of losing.
And now, as tears subside,
I find it all so amusing.

To think I did all that;
And may I say - not in a shy way,
No, oh no not me,
I did it my way.

For what is a man, what has he got?
If not himself, then he has naught.
To say the things he truly feels;
And not the words of one who kneels.
The record shows I took the blows -
And did it my way!