man in a collar

Although I'm not a big fan of visiting the mechanic's and being made to wait while they work on my car, I actually did have quite a relaxing time there today.

The air-conditioning was nice and cool, and while I sat cozy in the corner, there was lots of activity going on around me. Maybe this is car breakdown season or something because the waiting room was pretty busy.

I particularly enjoyed listening in to the conversations going on around me. One man came in with one of those cervical collars and man, did he have a loud and animated story to tell about how he met with the accident that 'darned near broke his neck'.

He practically had everyone in the room tuned in and jumping into the conversation. That made for some much-needed entertainment in that boring place (LOL).

new restaurant

This weekend, we found ourselves in New York, New York, a new restaurant in town. We kinda drifted in there somehow and sat down to order. The food wasn't the greatest, not if you're already a fairly good cook, like me, heh!

Most of the food they serve are ones that I already cook regularly at home - like pastas, buffalo wings, roast chicken. We had a hard time picking out dishes that are new to try.

school lunch rewards

You would not believe what a slacker I've been. Since Chinese New Year, I've barely made it to the gym once a week. The days just seem to fly and with them, all my good intentions of increasing my workout intensity this year.

What to do? Something has to give, right? Now I seem to spend more time preparing school lunches than ever. Luckily it's such a rewarding job hearing my kids ask for second helpings (LOL).

a foodie Valentine's

No Valentine's Day celebration for us. I used to like the idea but over the years, Valentine's has become nothing but another excuse for retailers to rob us blind. Quite frankly, if you have to wait all year for this one day to profess your love for someone, your relationship must be quite meaningless.

But then again, we're always looking for something to celebrate especially if it means trying out a new restaurant or new cuisine :wink: . So have you made your dinner plans yet? The Village Voice, a weekly news publication of entertainment options for the New York area, is worth checking out if you still haven't got anything planned yet.

They have an impressive list of New York Restaurants to tickle your fancy. But you have to be quick and make your reservations before everything is fully booked. Happy Valentine's Day!

late culture

The traffic has been crazy now that school is back in full swing. It takes me a half hour now to get back from the gym which, technically is only 10 minutes away. So can you imagine?

Everywhere I go, I have to start out at least a half hour to an hour ahead of time to ensure I'm not late. Our local culture is that people are ALWAYS late and our national excuse is "there was a big traffic jam, that's why I'm late". Mind you, an excuse doesn't always come with an apology.

But I don't like to be late for appointments and especially wedding dinners which always start 1.5 hours late because most people have no respect for other people's time. So no matter how highly educated they are or whatever rubbish top positions they hold in whatever rubbish organization, I still say they're stinkin' rude!

pathetic boss

Ursula, our family's resident b*tch, has been very busy this Chinese New Year polishing the shoes of our uncles and aunties. She figures she has moved into the high life since forcing Father to sell his only piece of property, his house to pay for her house.

Actually it's quite interesting how, although she imagines herself to be one heckuva wealthy diva, she's essentially nothing more than her maid's maid. She and Kaa are so deathly scared that their maid would harm their kids while they're both at work that she just lets her maid off easily.

The maid sits there holding their baby while Ursula rushes around making milk formula and preparing the children's food. Then the maid takes an afternoon nap in an airconditioned room while Ursula babysits her two boys. What a laugh! She pays the maid to sit pretty while she does all the donkey work. Now that's what I call a pathetic boss, hahaha!

on a mission

Well, the fifteen days of Chinese New Year are coming to an end. We won't be going out as much because well, the kids and I are on a mission this year to reduce spending (LOL).

So right now, we're trying to figure out productive ways to spend our weekends. I'm thinking maybe the kids would take up some sport and I would maybe do my Master's at an online university.

Sounds great, doesn't it? Well, let's see how far we get with these beautiful plans. I like the thought of it. If we can stick with these plans and not fall out midway (like we often do), these would be brilliant achievements.

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a friend's strength

Over Chinese New Year, I met up with a few friends that I haven't seen in years. And while that's usually quite refreshing, it was sad to hear that one of friends has been in and out of alcohol rehab after her divorce.

In the good old days, she used to be a really strong person and we all looked up to her for that. Her divorce must've been rather traumatic otherwise I don't think she would be in this state right now.