Home-cooked Sunday brunch for myself

After having countless meals outside for the rest of the week, I've decided to spend my late Sunday morning cooking at home. To be honest, I'm quite tired of eating out and consuming indefinite amount of MSG. So here I have stir-fried beef slices with mushrooms, tomato and scrambled eggs, choy sum and miso soup with kelp and mushrooms. Filling and satisfying :)

3 July 2014 - 海底捞 Hai Di Lao Hot Pot @ Clarke Quay

That morning I was a little upset when 'Emma' indirectly reminded me of Jx. 'Emma' said, "Whatever problems you have outside, say for example the guy you're upset about... whom I don't know... Have you ever thought of what he thinks? Perhaps he thinks you're not responsible... and you can only do one thing at a time... Maybe that's why he doesn't fancy you..."

I stuffed the entire bread in my mouth and chewed hard as I heard the aforementioned bold-italicized-underlined words. Didn't expect to hear such words from 'Emma'. I don't blame 'Emma'. It was meant to be one of those analogies 'Emma' is fond of giving which I at times heed such advice; of if it doesn't really apply, I will just take it as a grain of salt & not bear any grudges towards 'Emma'. However, I never expect that coming. Although I still bear no grudges nor am I upset with 'Emma', tears inevitably streamed from my eyes as I munched my bread. 'Emma' said, "Oh no... Sorry, I said the wrong thing... Sorry I really didn't mean to... Was just giving an example... You can do better."

Maybe those words were meant to be constructive criticisms? I'll take that. And if i really appear to be irresponsible I'll stand corrected and seek to improve myself. Maybe I really do not have any attractive qualities in terms of my personality that appeals to Jx. Nevertheless, I seek to improve myself everyday whilst living through my prime years. My evergreen agenda is to Live and Learn.

In the evening, I went with an old friend to 海底捞 Hai Di Lao Hot Pot @ Clarke Quay. Just a stone's throw away from where I work. What an experience! The wait was long - more than an hour. But that is beside the point. Whilst waiting, the restaurant provides free manicure service for waiting customers (for the ladies only I suppose). Back then when my fellow male colleague told me about it (3rd hand information from his friend), I thought he was just joking. Now I finally believe. I haven't heard of a restaurant that provides free manicure services. That's just another queue on top of the existing queue though. I left my name and number with the manicurist. By the time I finished my meal, the manicurist didn't contact me. Wasn't that lucky lol. There is also a playground for kids to pass time. I heard there is a karaoke room but I didn't check it out. We didn't order any noodles, but we enjoyed spectating the noodle-pulling performance by the chef whenever one table orders noodles. It looks like those scarf/ribbon Chinese dance. Overall, the food and service is good. The shabu shabu beef is fresh. The staff will de-shell the fresh prawns for us, leaving just the head to dunk into the boiling soup. Definitely worth trying! The food is definitely more appealing than what you see in the pictures. It's my archaic phone that fails to provide quality images.

海底捞 Hai Di Lao Hot Pot @ Clarke Quay

#02-04, Clarke Quay, 3D River Valley Road 

'A' for Attitude/ Song of the day "Should I Stay" by Dreamz fm - Let's embrace local talent!

My dad once told me that as students we all yearn to attain 'A s' in school. Working hard to achieve that goal. Most importantly he said, we should also aim for that 'A' in life. That 'A' stands for attitude; the right attitude in life in order to succeed. He said, "Remember to always have that 'A'." I have to admit that there are times where I rest on my laurels, but I have to get up with that 'A'  and deal with life positively. We all make mistakes in our life. Sometimes our mistakes may be detrimental to ourselves; sometimes towards others. Most importantly we must realise/admit our mistakes and change for the better.

We will have to apply that 'A' school, at work and towards our family, friends and loved ones. I'm thankful that I am brought up in an environment that values education and I'm surrounded by positive-minded people who inspire me to work hard and never give up. I look up to them as exemplary individuals and appreciate their unique personalities. Life isn't all about winning but learning to give and take. Being complacent is one character trait of mine that I'm confident about. I'm not perfect nor flawless and I seek to improve myself everyday. I may not be able to witness it myself but I should possess that drive.

German philosopher, Friedrich Nietzsche (sorry, I don't know how to pronounce his name correctly but I hope I spelled it correctly!) said: "What doesn't kill you makes you stronger." Most people should have heard of this memorable quote by him; or not I believe most of you would have heard of the song that adapted his quote. Shan't repeat the title... Lol. Pardon my ignorance but I don't know who sang it! I'm too lazy to google or search it on youtube either :p For now my ears are glued on the song, Should I stay by Dreamz fm (a local band). I know I'm usually more inclined towards English oldies by Beatles, Eagles, Bread & so on, as well as various classical pieces etc. However, I think the lyrics of this song are meaningful and perhaps I'm embracing the patriotic spirit now that National Day is approaching :D Too early since National Day is a month away? Nope. National Day rehearsals are now ongoing :p

Here's the song for the day, Should I Stay by Dreamz fm, dedicated to everyone. Check it out!

Should I Stay lyrics:
Had a drive
Driven by your love
But when you messed around
I lost the drive I found

Thought you needed
Needed someone true
But you changed your mind
Or had I failed you?

Wish you'd been
Careful with my heart
But you tore it apart
And broke an angel's heart

The kiss was true
Has to end somehow
But I am livin' proof of what love is about

It's hard holding you
Loving you, losing you
It's sad to be true
And be fooled by you
I don't know (I don't know)
I gotta know
Should I stay or should I go?

You played me on
Played me like a clown
But I feel for you
Even though I'm down

My heart is heavy
Heavy like a rock
But I am so amused
You're still in my thoughts

It's hard holding you
Loving you, losing you
It's sad to be true
And be fooled by you
I don't know (I don't know)
I gotta know
Should I stay or should I go?

Oooohh,should I stay?
Should I go?

It's hard holding you
Loving you, losing you
It's sad to be true
And be fooled by you
I don't know (I don't know)
I wanna know
Should I stay or should I,?

This time its done
It'll never feel the same
But we had some good times
Guess it's sad just the same

I guess the truth
Doesn't matter somehow
But you were livin' proof of what love is about,