Thoughts

Here are my lifesavers. The gadgets that allow me to be a domestic goddess in my office pantry. Or even in the jungle if I so fancy.

Let me introduce you to them starting from left to right:

A = The amazing Aeropress that makes grit-free coffee that is smooth and perfect! (Thanks, FM!)
B = Microwaveable jug to warm milk and boil noodles in the microwave oven
C = Steel container and cover
D = The fantastic mamak egg maker/boiler for perfectly half-boiled eggs everytime!
E = Electric kettle (can be replaced with a portable stove burner when there's zit electrical sources)

Here are the dazzling combinations of dishes and beverages that I can whip out with them:

A + B + E + Microwave = Smooth Latte
C + D + E = Indomie Ibumie with Half-Boiled Eggs
B + Microwave = Maggi Mee Kari
A + E = Espresso

Most of them are portable and require no electrical plugs to work. That means that I can have the perfect cup of latte and perfectly half boiled eggs right there in the heart of the jungle. And when I am stuck in the office because of work, I won't be starved for yummy food.

Now who says I can't cook?

Loagan Bunut, Sarawak

My Constant One
~ Michelle Tumes

When I wake, when I sleep
I hear whispers that seek to reach me
My constant One
When I dance, when I weep
When I run, You are with me

Everyday, every night
After death in this life
You are constantly keeping
In my joy, in my strife
When I taste my desires
I am caught in your eyes holding me
My constant One

When I taste of the words
That You speak, they will feed my hunger
My constant one
When I stray, when I turn
I will say that I love you

I want to kiss the mouth that soothes me
When the smile has vanished from my face
When I sparkle in the mist that clouds me
Be sure that I am lost in You
Lost without a trace
My constant One

Updates: Comments are ok now! Yippee!

I fell in love with Indomie during uni days in Aussieland. It was a snack and staple diet. Occasionally I would cook other wholesome stuff. But Indomie was the perfect student food - easy to cook and so very yummy.

The love affair with Indomie continued even when I returned to my homeland. Even when I was no longer a student, it still served its purpose as a delicious meal for days when I'm bored of eating the usual humdrum or too lazy to go out.

Unfortunately, this relationship came to an unexpectedly abrupt end when I ran out of my last packet of Indomie noodles and couldn't find any in the supermarket. At first I thought that the particular branch ran out of stock as well and went to another store. That store did not have any Indomie either. I started panicking a little by now. Every mall or grocery store that I went to, I would search for my beloved. But he was not to be found. Not even when I scoured the whole city and beyond for him. I found it hard to believe that he disappeared on me! With no sign or warning. Even the store owners didn't know quite what happened.

"They just stopped shipping Indomie," said an uncle mournfully.

It's been a few long months now and I'm still Indomie-less. I've tried getting acquainted with other brands but somehow they weren't the same. To be honest, some were downright awful.

But I think I may have found a suitable replacement at long last - Cintan. It tasted almost like my old love Indomie. Maybe, just, maybe I can find my noodle mojo again. I certainly hope so.

Resumes. I look through them and the first thing I check for is their stickability to the companies that they worked for before.

Take for example this guy who barely lasts a year in all the jobs that he's been in. Three jobs in three years. By the time he has just settled in, off he goes again. All the training that you have invested in him is gone and you are on to another time-consuming recruitment exercise. What am I, a perennial head hunter? I've got better things to do with my time.

And he's not the only one. There are far too many resumes of young adults and peers with this kind of track record. A testimony of un-stickability, if you ask me. Don't like your boss, just quit. Your colleague giving you a hard time, scr*w them and leave. Too stressed by work, quit and travel for months on end.

If there's anything I have learned, it's this: there is no perfect company. Just like there is no perfect church or family or mate. Life's not perfect. And if you leave your job because of some unresolved conflict, believe me - you will encounter it again in your next one.

And for that matter, what can one learn in a few months or a year in a new job? Nothing much.

Stickability is a rare trait these days. I sure hope I wouldn't be forced to take on someone who's not.

Note: This was written in Oct last year when I was looking for a new assistant in my previous job. They are still looking for that elusive person. I post this now as a reminder to myself to be faithful in my work and not be distracted by the many attractions in the industry.

I love September this year! And not just because it's my birthday month (8 days more to go!) - but because it has been filled with many great stuff and sweet moments. This month I've managed to meet up and reconnected with some of my oldest and dearest friends in the world. This month, I've gotten promoted to Editor (woot!). Started receiving gifts, too

I remember hearing about important occasions such as proposal dinners, hen parties, weddings of acquaintances and friends, and having people ask me, "Where were you then?" And me feeling a little embarrassed to tell them that I wasn't invited.

But that's life. Sometimes you get invited to parties and dinners. Sometimes you don't. Sometimes the tables are turned and it's you who has to decide not to invite so-and-so for a number reasons - not enough seats, being requested by your close friend not to invite that person because she can't stand her, etc, etc.

While it may sting to find everyone invited except for you, all it means is that there's just one less party to go to. One less ang pau to give. One more night to catch up on some much-needed rest in bed.

What's more important is that the people you treasure remember you on their special occasions, and remind you that you are loved on yours.

This year, my friends just decided to start reminding me a little earlier. One even got my gift waaaaay in advance

And going by track record, my birthdays are usually month-long celebrations. Bring it on, I say! Hee!

I'm blessed.