Smell the Roses

I was taking out my trash yesterday when I saw the beautiful evening skyline from my 20th floor flat. It dawned to me that many of us are always so busy, rushing against time, balancing all the demands in our lives that we do not "have time" to stop and smell the roses. I just am so thankful that I managed to take this break from working and really rest. I mean, really.

Though I did take regular vacations when I was previously working, I kinda always had work at the back of my mind during those trips and I really dreaded the end of the vacation, dreaded the night before coming back to the office to face all that piled up work and emails! Now, everyday is a holiday for me! My body and mind are really well rested and I am ready to embark on my next step, which is to search for a new job (well, the need to pay bills does not just disappear with one's happiness!)

Anyway, I had an interesting conversation with my mum just now! I was sharing with her about me embarking on my job search, and she told me, "Ah girl, just find a simple job and don't do Marketing jobs anymore lah."

I was both frustrated and bewilded by Mum's words. Firstly, I am in HR, not in Marketing! So while I got frustrated at her not knowing what I did for a living, it also dawned on my that it could have been that I had not put in enough effort to keep her updated on what I did! Our usual conversations were short and sweet, focussing mostly on our general well-being and not so much of intimate sharing. Mmm...made a mental note to spend more time talking to my folks.

Secondly, I don't think there is any "simple" job in this world that can pay what I am expecting currently. So, its either I lower my expectations on salary and find something "simpler" or I bite the bullet and go back into the rat race! It really is a constant struggle (like i'm sure for many other people) to balance the need to maintain a certain lifestyle, finding a fulfiling job that keeps one's brain alive, and on top of all that, have time for the family!

Ok, back on a lighter note, have a look at what I have been busy with the past 2 weeks of not blogging! Colin and I took a 2-day golfing trip to Bintan. Ok, so Colin was the only one who golfed, but I had the all important task of driving the buggy! *ha* Golf aside, we also managed to squeeze in a visit to the Taman Sari Spa, a few huge buffet meals, and some games of pool! The day after we came back from Bintan, Colin left for another business trip to Hong Kong/China. Luckily we managed to have a nice home-cooked dinner before his 5-day trip.
We had a stew of beef with baby carrots, potatoes, onions, which was totally yummy with rice.

Fried Broccoli with the remaining slices of beef
and lastly, a super tasty Lao Huang Gua soup boiled with pork, red dates, and some other chinese herbs. Colin, being Cantonese, loves his soups and is usually the one boiling our soups.

After Colin left, it was back to eating alone. Here are some of my meals since -
Whampoa hawker centre has the BEST ban mian in Singapore (in my opinion!). I love both the soup and dry versions, which comes with a fiery chilli sauce! (Chilli lovers, please don't gei kiang and ask for more chilli coz this one is really POTENT!) Had the dry version that day, and saved the packet of free ikan bilis soup for my dinner of Niang Doufu instant noodles! Bought assorted Niang Doufu from the wet market for $1, so effectively, I only spent $4 for my lunch and dinner combined! *YAY*
Angel Hair with Olives and Sausages tossed in Tomato Sauce was my lunch for today
And for dinner, Kimchi Ramen with real Kimchi, Enoki Mushroom, Caixin, meat balls, and fish cake

Noticed a trend yet? What can I say, apart from being a total noodle fanatic, noodle dishes are just so much simpler to cook for one! :Þ