Orange Chiffon Success

Well, I said I would try again and so I did! It turned out so well that I literally jumped for joy the moment I took the cake out from the mould. I could not contain my smile for hours on end! Silver Bullet loves it. Even the neighbours love it! I love it when they love it!

The taste was awesome, it was springy, super soft, really light and not too dry. No butter, too. Just perfect! Come to think of it, it wasn't that difficult to make. My initial suspicion of just too much mixture in the mould resulting in my cake being half-baked the other time seemed to be true. This time, I halved the portions of the ingredients below just to confirm my theory. Besides, I only have a small oven, so adjusting the temperature down a little did help for it to bake and brown quite nicely.

Honestly, all this started as I got was inspired by another blogger, and since then I have this annoying little craving at the back of my mind. Thanks for the nudge, Boo! Now I'm hooked and Strawberry Chiffon Cake will be next on my list!

Here's the full portion recipe of the Orange Chiffon Cake (taken somewhere off the internet and I honestly can't remember where!) if you ever wanna give it a go:

Ingredients:

• 6 large eggs, separated plus 1 additional egg white
• 2 1/4 cups (225 grams) sifted cake flour
• 1 1/2 cups (300 grams) superfine white (castor) sugar
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup (120 ml) vegetable oil or safflower oil
• 3/4 cup (180 ml) freshly squeezed orange juice (2 - 3 large Navel Oranges)
• 2 tablespoons (10 grams) orange zest
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 3/4 teaspoon cream of tartar (use to stabilisr whipping of egg whites and allow them to reach maximum volume)

Note: To make superfine sugar, process 1 1/2 cups (300 grams) of granulated white sugar in your food processor for about 30 seconds or until finely ground. Superfine sugar is used as it dissolves easier in the batter.

Method:

1. Separate the eggs and place the whites in one bowl and the yolks in another. Cover with plastic wrap and bring them to room temperature (about 30 minutes).
2. Preheat the oven to 170 degrees C (for a small oven like mine, I dialled it down to 150-140 degree C) and have ready a 10 inch (25 cm) two piece tube pan (ungreased).
3. In the bowl of your electric mixer, fitted with the paddle attachment, place the flour, sugar (minus 3 tablespoons (42 grams)), baking powder, and salt. Beat until combined. Make a well in the center of the flour mixture and add the egg yolks, oil, orange juice, orange zest, and vanilla extract. Beat about one minute or until smooth.
4. In a separate bowl, with the whisk attachment, beat the egg whites until foamy. Add the cream of tartar and continue to beat until soft peaks form. Gradually beat in the remaining 3 tablespoons (42 grams) of sugar and beat until stiff peaks form. With a large rubber spatula, gently fold the egg whites into the batter just until blended (being careful not to deflate the batter).
5. Pour the batter into the ungreased tube pan and bake for about 55 to 60 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. (When lightly pressed the cake will spring back).
6. Immediately upon removing the cake from the oven invert the pan and place on a bottle or flat surface so it is suspended over the counter. Let the cake cool completely before removing from pan (about 1 1/2 - 2 hours).
7. To remove the cake from the pan, run a long metal spatula around the inside of the tube pan and center core. Invert onto a greased wire rack. ( I used an already detacheable mould for easy removal of the cake)
8. Can store in an airtight container for a few days at room temperature or for about a week in the refrigerator. This cake can also be frozen for a couple of months.
   

Enjoy!

The award goes to...

Fudge has successfully claimed her title of world's most affectionate lap cat (at least by my standard!). She's just the sweetest when it comes to snuggling up. I have honestly never seen or known such a lovely cat who could never get enough snuggling with her humans at any time of the day.



That's just Fudge in her usual routine of settling into any small spaces or "holes" she could climb into. She's too damn cute that I just cannot stand it! makes me want to ruffle the fur on her face and pinch her cheeks. :D She really is just too cute!

Is it or is it not?

I'm sad. My heart breaks into pieces when I see animals being chained up in people's home. Especially if they look like house pets to me.

You see, every morning I walk past rows of houses on the way to the office. There's this one house at the corner of my street where everytime I walked past it, I see 2 dogs hanging out at the front porch. One is a husky, the other looked like a mutt. The mutt is being caged up and the husky is being chained-up. Both are really huge dogs. From what I can tell, the space of the front porch ain't really that spacious, with all sorts of other junk being dumped in there. By the looks of it, the front porch is a mess!

Recently, I caught a glimpse of the husky up-close. I had to do a double take as I thought the husky didn't look right for a husky. A proper-bred husky usually looks majestic, alert and oh-so-handsome. This one though was rather skinny, his eyes were red, and his coat, unflaterring. He has the saddest eyes and the most defeated look I have ever seen in a husky. I was about to "talk" to him while standing on the outside of the gate, but as soon as I did that, a man of about 50 year old of age came by and gave me quite the stare. I assume he is the owner and probably doesn't quite appreciate strangers looking into his home. I had to walk away.

Honestly I haven't seen the dogs being walked or be allowed to wander freely on their porch. Each time I pass by that house, which is everyday, I see the same dogs in the same positions. It saddens me, esepcially after noticing that the husky doesn't look very healthy. However, I also do realise that I probably don't know any better. Perhaps the owners do take very good care of their pets and that I just happened to see the part where they have to be caged up because of behavioral problems.

It saddens me...if what I see and think it's true, it does border on animal abuse. Whatever it is, I hope I am wrong.

I'm thinking that perhaps we should make a report. To whom, I have yet to figure that out...

Rush rush

It's almost year end with November seeing the last of its few days as December creeps in. So far, it has been nothing but a hectic work schedule for me which shows no probable signs of slowing down anytime soon. The rush and insane demands at work has literally suck the strength and life out of me that I feel so drained at the end of the week. I'm hoping that things will slow down in a couple of weeks. I hate being busy especially when the December holiday mood starts creeping in.

Absolute Lamp

Say what you will, but I wouldn't mind one or a few of these cool looking illuminators which I discovered at one of the newer night-spots at Thonglor, in my living room.

At least they do look much nicer than all of the lamps we have ever seen at the stores here while trying to look  for a couple of decent-looking corner lamps for our living room.

Ok. I half lied.  I actually want it in my living room mostly because of it's cult status. But it's true that for the longest time, we have not been able to find a decent looking lamp around here...probably a matter of taste. And this lamp is just so absolutely cool. Cult cool.

From the inbox

[WARNING: A RATHER LENGTHY  POST]

Finally finding time to clear my inbox again, I came across a forwarded mail from Vicvanvinkle and decided to read it thoroughly. I have no idea how true this story is, or if it's true at all...but it is a humbling story. It did occur to me that we do live in a selfish world. Social graciousness almost non-existent as we get pre-occupied, even obsessed with getting ahead in the quest for material acquisition that we may just forget to live for the moment.

"It's been 18 years since I joined Volvo, a Swedish company. Working for them has proven to be an interesting experience. Any project here takes 2 years to be finalized, even if the idea is simple and brilliant. It's a rule.


Globalize processes have caused in us (all over the world) a general sense of searching for immediate results. Therefore, we have come to posses a need to see immediate results. This contrasts greatly with the slow movements of the Swedish. They, on the other hand, debate, debate, debate, hold x quantity of meetings and work with a slowdown scheme. At the end, this always yields better results.


Said in another words:
1. Sweden is about the size of San Pablo , a state in Brazil
2. Sweden has 2 million inhabitants
3. Stockholm has 500,000 people
4. Volvo, Escania, Ericsson, Electrolux, Nokia are some of its renowned companies. Volvo supplies the NASA


The first time I was in Sweden , one of my colleagues picked me up at the hotel every morning. It was September, bit cold and snowy. We would arrive early at the company and he would park far away from the
entrance (2000 employees drive their car to work). The first day, I didn't say anything, either the second or third. One morning I asked, "Do you have a fixed parking space? I've noticed we park far from the entrance even when there are no other cars in the lot."

To which he replied, "Since we're here early we'll have time to walk, and whoever gets in late will be late and need a place closer to the door.. Don't you think? Imagine my face.


Nowadays, there's a movement in Europe name Slow Food. This movement establishes that people should eat and drink slowly, with enough time to taste their food, spend time with the family, friends, without rushing. Slow Food is against its counterpart: the spirit of Fast Food and what it stands for as a lifestyle. Slow Food is the basis for a bigger movement called Slow Europe, as mentioned by Business Week.


Basically, the movement questions the sense of "hurry" and "craziness" generated by globalization, fueled by the desire of "having in quantity" (life status) versus "having with quality", "life quality" or the "quality of being". French people, even though they work 35 hours per week, are more productive than Americans or British.


Germans have established 28.8 hour workweeks and have seen their productivity been driven up by 20%.. This slow attitude has brought forth the US 's attention, pupils of the fast and the "do it now!".


This no-rush attitude doesn't represent doing less or having a lower productivity. It means working and doing things with greater quality, productivity, perfection, with attention to detail and less stress. It means reestablishing family values, friends, free and leisure time.


Taking the "now", present and concrete, versus the "global", undefined and anonymous. It means taking humans' essential values, the simplicity of living.


It stands for a less coercive work environment, more happy, lighter and more productive where humans enjoy doing what they know best how to do. It's time to stop and think on how companies need to develop serious quality with no-rush that will increase productivity and the quality of products and services, without losing the essence of spirit.


In the movie, Scent of a Woman, there's a scene where Al Pacino asks a girl to dance and she replies, "I can't, my boyfriend will be here any minute now". To which Al responds, "A life is lived in an instant". Then they dance to a tango.


Many of us live our lives running behind time, but we only reach it when we die of a heart attack or in a car accident rushing to be on time. Others are so anxious of living the future that they forget to live the present, which is the only time that truly exists. We all have equal time throughout the world. No one has more or less. The difference lies in how each one of us does with our time. We need to live each moment.

As John Lennon said, "Life is what happens to you while you're busy making other plans".  (that's what I said on my blog title too! :p)
Congratulations for reading till the end of this message. There are many who will have stopped in the middle so as not to waste time in this globalized world."

In my world,  the no rush rule can be written on a piece of paper and be flushed down the toilet without remorse.In my world, social graciousness too, might just happen when pigs learn to fly.

But, but, but..in my own little frenzied world, I think appreciating the small moments in life is not too much to ask and it is something that I have, over the years, learn to value.

The lioness wants a ride too!

If I was the one in the car experiencing this while on a safari, I wonder if I would piss in my pants or try to pat the big, fluffy cat and make friends with her...

Half-Baked Chiffon

My attempt at the orange chiffon cake I raved about almost went well! The dough looked right just before it went into the oven. In fact, it was browning and rising nicely, until I realised that the baking mould I used was probably too small for the amount of mixture I had.

After abnout 40 minutes of baking, it overflowed and finally sank... |:'(

So my story goes at my almost successful attempt of baking a chiffon cake. The bottom half turned out half-baked, so I had to cut-off that bit and then decided to salvage the top half of the cake which  looked soft, fluffy and quite edible. The taste was there, but presentation wise? Big, fat red cross. F.A.I.L.

Look closely at the picture above and you can see the moist, half-baked bit at the bottom. So in the end, after cutting off that bit, my chiffon cake was only about 5cm wide! It was still edible, but I had to laugh. Who am I kidding right? It wasn't almost successful, it was, in fact an unsuccessful attempt!

The result, however, did not dampen by enthusiasm. I'll definitely have a go at this again next time!

Public Enemy #1

This thing which can be found in all BTS stations in Bangkok, is nothing but a big, fat hazard to commuters alike. For those who, unsuspectingly ever got caught in-between the orange 'slammers' while trying to get across this barricade, will surely know what I mean.

In the last month or so, I have had those things slammed right onto my pelvis twice!  I know I was not careless, and was in fact in a high state of alertness when I approached it, ensuringthat I was quick enough to get through it without being caught. But sometimes, the sensors in these things have a habit of not being too accurate as soon as you tap your card. It was so darn painful that I stopped walking and had a tear or two in my eye from the pain. I swear I had the wind knocked out of me!

I wonder how many commuters have ever been injured by these things. And if they were injured, I wonder if anyone has ever dared to sue the relevant party here for creating such a hazard for commuters. Given this is Thailand, I'm also skeptical if suing the relevant authorities for injury sustained by the orange monsters will be legit.

I really hate taking the BTS because of this nasty entrance. Someone ought to do something about the safety of commuters. Those things can really hurt!

High Climber

Fudge has recently discovered a new hobby where she finds it absolutely necessary to climb up a 2 metre cupboard whenever I open the cupboard door to get dressed.

 

I could hardly reach her if she climbs up that high and it's probably too high for her to jump down , especially when her balance is a little precarious up there. She simply loves to get herself into a pickle.  I smply love to watch to see what she would do! :p

Fluffy head

I suddenly have a sudden and the strongest urge to bake. The problem is, while the mind and the heart is ever willing, the body isn't as I am struggling to stay awake after a long day at work.

In my head though, I'm seeing soft, fluffy orange chiffon cake, a moist, chocolatey brownie and a banana chocolate chip muffin. I can even smell the fragrance of baking in my head...

Right now, my head is just full of fluff...

There is now a pressing need to get the ingredients for my baking mission. Can't wait for the working week to be over!

Home-made chicken wings

...when deep fried can be so darn good. There is so much satisfaction in this home-made deep fried chicken likened to that of my mom's; marinated overnight in a blend of herbs and spices before tossing them into the deep fryer. The subtle taste of cumin can be so addictive.

These are just great as appetizers or for when you have the nibbles!

View from the top

Bangkok, as far as we know has always been a crowded city; but I never realised how crowded and tight-spaced everything is, until I absent-mindedly peer out of the window from the 43rd floor at my client's office building while waiting for a meeting to start.

From the top, it appears there's really no room for anything else. I'm astounded as to how every inch of the space is being taken up. There is literally no space left, yet new buildings are sprouting out everywhere like wild mushrooms. You really have to squint to find a decent space between the buildings.





These 180-degree view were taken from my Sony Ericsson mobile phone. Cool, eh!

There are of course parks and all, but the greens are rather far and between. It makes me miss the greenery back in Singapore.The plants make it much more easier on the eyes!

Snapple Facts

Real fact #10 from a Snapple bottle cap: "Mosquitoes are attracted to people who have recently eaten bananas"

Now, THAT cracked me up big time. I wonder why they are attracted to bananas?

Banana or no bananas, unfortunately for me, those pesky mossies will flock to me no matter what. By now, I've resigned to the fact that mossies have choosen me as their favourite human being no matter where I am in the world.

Up

I heart Up.

Besides the fact that I'm generally a sucker for anything Pixar or animated cartoon movie (Think the likes of Animaniacs, Tiny Toons, Nemo and Ratatouille. Japanese Anime not included, thank you very much!), Up is simply delightful.

There's an element of comedy, adventure, imagination and heart-felt emotions that sent a lump to my throat several times, all held together by a very strong and innovative storyline. The devotion depicted in this film between 2 people seems so real. So real that it seems endearing but sad at the same time...

It definitely is a brilliant Pixar movie; so brilliant that I think words and applause cannot do any justice to this well-crafted animated film.

Things you can do

...with leftover meatballs:

a) Meatball Sandwich

b) Meatball Pasta

Just the kind of variety I like!

Hole again!

This is not the first time that the mesh-wire screendoor in our apartment has been left with a gaping hole. It is also not the first time that we have to get it fixed. And that's for both of the mesh-wire screendoors we have on 2 of our balconies! 

It happened again recently and the only reason the hole was discovered was because I saw Fudge on the outside of the balcony. The side where the plants are at. The other side of the apartment where she isn't supposed to be and cannot get into unless we open the screendoor. The moment the hole was discovered, the curtains were drawn to prevent the other 2 cats from being copy-cats (which they obviously attempted!)

Then I realised that Fudge started running from one end of the apartment to the other end several times; almost deliberately at high speed so she would bounce off the mesh-wire screendoor. It occurred to me then perhaps, just perhaps, she may just have discovered that by doing so, her body impact to the flimsy screendoor can actually create a new opening for her!

I don't have anything to prove my theory, but I won't be surprised if she does. If my suspicion is right, she really is a smart, sneaky, little cat!

The Walking Directory

I have been stopped-short on my tracks not once, but 4x by people on the street asking for directions in a span of 10 minutes while walking from home to my office. The most stops I have had experienced so far as a walking directory who have yet to wake up and still feeling grumpy in the morning.

Not that I ever minded giving directions, but 4 times in a row is quite a bit in such a short time span given my morning temperament. What makes it more daunting is the fact that these passer-bys tend to ask me for directions in Thai; obviously, a blame I cannot put on them, as they don’t know any better. The truth is, I’ll be happy with helping with directions at any time of the day, but as soon as I replied with a “Pardon? Or I’m sorry, can you speak slowly” the moment they rattled on like a bullet train, they would give me “a look”. A priceless super shocked sheepish look , followed with a girly cover-the-mouth-giggle accompanied by wide-eyed popping corneas and a super long echo-ey “oooooohhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh” , suggesting they have no clue that I am not Thai. Each time that happens, I would feel like an alien for a minute. I swear I could almost feel how shockingly sorry they were for picking the wrong person!

Honestly, I think I’m able to figure out what they say and I’m pretty sure I can direct them where or how to go with my pidgin Thai. If only they would speak slowly for me, instead of just giving me a funny look, an overtly shocked oh reply and then just walk away...

Funnily though, one older lady out of the four actually repeated her question in English and when I told her where to go, she replied with a “You are welcome” to me. I had to smile at that, thinking it came out wrong as it should have been me saying that. Then again, I realised that unconsciously, “thanks” actually came out from my mouth right after she said "you are welcome". *smacks head*

Me and mornings are the bestest of friends.

Going Dutch

.

That's my version of Stammpot Stamppot, Dutch traditional dish from a combination of mainly potatoes, vegetables (I used kale here), onions and mushrooms all mashed up and mixed with half a cup of full cream milk. Obviously, I can't help but add some form of meat into this otherwise all-vegetarian-sounding-dish with chicken sausages and leftover beef meatballs

Actually, it's my first time trying this. I have only heard about it before, but have never tried it myself.  Since it's Silver Bullet's birthday, I thought I'd give this a go and surprise him with this tradional, yet humble Dutch dish which he occasionally raves about. Stammpot Stamppot as I am told, is comfort food for the typical Dutch. I'm glad to say that he loved it! So, that's another recipe to add on to my list of dishes!

I have to say though, I thought that the end result did look like that of  baby's food or food meant for the old folks who have lost their teeth! I guess Stammpot Stamppot to the Dutch is like Nasi Lemak to me.

Or char kway teaw.

Or prata.

Or mee rebus.

Or goreng pisang.

I think I just managed to give mysef another set of craving which cannot be immediately satisfied. Damn!

GreenDay!

What I wouldn't do to go to this concert! A few more days to get this 'coupon' exchanged for the real tickets; and then less than 2 months wait after almost a lifetime of anticipation. Can't wait!

Of flies and rotten meat

Silver Bullet had the nastiest surprise when he walked to his car to go to work this morning. Apparently, he was promptly assaulted by the stench of rotting meat the moment he got into the driver's seat. When he opened the trunk of his car to investigate, he was greeted by swarms of flies and the worst smell ever that came from the once-very-fresh plastic bag of chicken legs when we did our grocery shopping last weekend.

For some reason unbeknownst to us, we both did not realise that a bag of fresh chicken meat had been accidentally left behind; and so left to rot for almost 2 full days! I cannot, cannot imagine for the life of me how bad the smell would be, but I am pretty sure whatever the smell was, it would probably knocked the life out of me had I been there. When Silver Bullet told me about that this morning over messenger, all I could do besides asking if he took some pics so I can put up the evidence here, was say 'eeeeeeeeeeks and oh-dear, oh dear' over and over. Needless to say, taking any pictures was probably the last thing on his mind as he proceeded to bug-bomb and febreezed the car.

Even after all the onslaught of Febreeze, Lysol, vinegar and coffee grinds, the stench still lingers when I went over to help Silver Bullet sniff out those stench 10 hours later. I cannot imagine how he managed to drive to work without passing out from the fumigating smell!

This might sound bad considering I had a part to play too for forgetting to check the trunk, but I am so glad I'm not the one who discovered it. Had I been the discoverer, chances are, I'll never look at chicken the same way ever again, and I might just lay off chicken for good.

One thing is for sure, I will not be hitching a ride with Silver Bullet these few days. Not until after the stench has all gone away or I swear he won't appreciate it if he has to clean up after my puke too!

Chai a-brewing

Nothing feels more comforting than couching out the cool evening with a humble home-made brew of pandan tea and enjoying it with the husband to sooth the weary mind and body as we indulged ourselves in inane conversations, mindlessly sharing and discussing the events of the day over a fragrant, steaming hot tea.

Hitler spotted again.

The visual of Mussolini and Hitler were spotted on the left-hand side of this billboard as we passed by a very busy street in Bangkok yesterday. I believe it is an advertisement for a Thai TV station, with contents probably similar to that of Discovery 's or NatGeo's. Of all the iconic pictures that are available, they choose to pick the one that's most frowned upon.

Perhaps ignorance is really bliss.

Sight & Noise Pollution

Here's a lovely view of the balcony from the comfort of our couch of late...



Lovely isn't it? It seems like the building owner right next to our apartment has kicked out all their tenants and decided to do a major renovation work to the building. Hence, in the last few weeks, we have been greeted by an eye-sore of a view and multitude of contruction noise, noise, noise coming from our backyard.

The darn thing is, the construction goes on for a full day even on weekends! It's like these people have no regard or sense of consideration for others who might be needing a restful and noise-free weekend.

Thank heavens for the sound-proof sliding glass doors in our apartment which helped cut down the noise pollution by A LOT! That being said however, it also means that we are missing out on the nice breeze coming from outside because of inconsiderate people who seem to have a mission of giving the rest of the residents here very bad weekends. Grrrrrrr...

End of its life

Seems like my all-time handy 'wallet' is reaching towards the very end of its life. She's now about 10 years old I reckon, and was a gift from Aunt Antsy. I only noticed that she has started to fall apart today, fraying away at the edges, with big gaping hole on the side and not as capable to keep my money and cards safely anymore.

She has served me well all this time, and the only one I would carry with me during the weekends, when I travel or when I'm going for a night out. It's so handy to stuff it in my pocket (or Silver Bullet's pocket for that matter) without having to carry a full and bulky wallet or a handbag since I prefer to be hands-free when I'm out and about. It's my fuss-free wallet with only the essentials for my convenience and peace of mind.

I'm so attached to this thing that I feel kinda sad to have it replaced! There's some sentimental value to this, I tell you. Sigh!

Today's find.

Excitement is finally finding some pandas leaves at the wet market today after searching for it for more than 4 years now.

A lot of these leaves are actually being used on a daily basis in the Thai kitchen,  so technically, it should not be that difficult to find them, right? Wrong. For some reason, we have been completely out of luck with finding these leaves, especially when I see the need to use it. Strange but true.

What's stranger for us is that we have been going to the same wet market for several times now to get fresh, halal meat ,and we have always keep an eye for the pandan leaves, just in case. So far, no luck; till today that is.

In truth, I don't have the need for its immediate use, but I felt that I  have to just get them just because they are available. I have this nagging fear that I'll never find them again when I actually have a need for them.

But then again, I can always start using them by making some fragrant pandan tea!

Melted

The weather almost killed me today. It was unexpectedly super hot, and certainly not a good day to be walking around Chatuchak to run some errands. Feeling like I was about to melt while trying to navigate the crowded, no-shelter market did not contibute too well to my diminishing patience nowadays...Good thing for a good plate of chicken rice to the rescue!

I think I spoke too soon when I mentioned that 'winter' came early to Bangkok this year.

Tiring

It's tiring enough to have to sit through a meeting in 65% Thai for almost 3 full hours today, given my fluency and perfect understanding of the local language. What makes it more tiring is having to read between the lines of things being said and sifting out condescending words and tones being said, which of course are not necessarily music to the ears. Why can't people just say exactly what they mean so we all can move on with our lives. Falling short of being politically correct of having to say the right things in meetings, isn't constructive honesty always the best policy to get the best out of people?

'Winter' comes early

It's still a little bit too early for the cool season here in Bangkok, but it does seem like "winter" might just already be here! The presence of the cool breeze has already started to linger just a few days ago and it felt much, much cooler today; marking the unmistakable sign of the changing weather pattern.

Such cooler weather at the end of the year is always associated with the upcoming holiday season in my mind. It is certainly way too early to start slacking given that the cool season = holiday mood don't usually start till about almost the end of December. My holiday mood and feeling will seem longer now if the weather continues like this till Jan or Feb next year. A shame, really, since I can't quite start slacking off at work yet, given the current work load.

I wish the work load will let up a little. It is, however, a nice time to be here in Bangkok. The cool season is really my favourite time of the year. It makes me crave for hot chocolate, marshmallows and something minty or savoury.

Get paid to sleep

I so want this job!

Silver Bullet is spot on when he forwarded me the link and remarked that the job is just perfect for me.  Imagine geting paid to sleep in luxury beds and be able to blog about it. I want, I want, I want!

A moment of distraction

My thoughts drifted to one of the coolest and most memorable quotes with the beginning and end scene playing in my head for a split second today as I try to meticulously navigate the madness of work in the office without losing my sanity :

"Choose life.

Choose a job.

Choose a career.

Choose a family,

Choose a fucking big television,

Choose washing machines, cars, compact disc players, and electrical tin openers.

Choose good health, low cholesterol and dental insurance.

Choose fixed-interest mortgage repayments.

Choose a starter home.

Choose your friends.

Choose leisure wear and matching luggage.

Choose a three piece suite on hire purchase in a range of fucking fabrics.

Choose DIY and wondering who you are on a Sunday morning.

Choose sitting on that couch watching mind-numbing sprit-crushing ga me shows, stuffing fucking junk food into your mouth.

Choose rotting away at the end of it all, pishing you last in a miserable home, nothing more than an embarrassment to the selfish, fucked-up brats you have spawned to replace yourself.

Choose your future.

Choose life.

But why would I want to do a thing like that?

I chose not to choose life: I chose something else. And the reasons? There are no reasons."

Sounds familiar?

"So why did I do it? I could offer a million answers, all false. The truth is that I'm a bad person, but that's going to change, I'm going to change. This is the last of this sort of thing. I'm cleaning up and I'm moving on, going straight and choosing life. I'm looking forward to it already. I'm going to be just like you:

the job,

the family,

the fucking big television,

 the washing machine, the car, the compact disc and electrical tin opener,

good health, low cholesterol, dental insurance,

mortgage, starter home, leisurewear, luggage,
three-piece suite, DIY, game shows, junk food, children, walks in the park,

nine to five, good at golf, washing the car,
choice of sweaters, family Christmas, indexed pension,
tax exemption, clearing the gutters,

getting by,

looking ahead,

to the day you die."
Source: Here

Trainspotting is easily one of the best cult-classic of all time; having first watched it when I was about 16 or 17 years old. It still is one of my favourite movie even till today. The scripting: Superbly Brilliant! The storyline: Incredibly nerve-wrecking, yet enlightening.

While I can't resonate with everything that's in the quote or the movie itself (thank god for that!), there's definitely some, for the lack of a better word, assimilation (?) to: "choose your future, choose life...getting by, looking ahead, to the day you die".

There's an undertone of rebellion in there while trying to conform. I like.

I reckon...

T.H.I.S

:

:

:

:

:

:

:

:

:

:

:

:

:

:

:

:

:

:

:

:

:

:

:

:

:

I.S L.I.F.E!

If reincarnation truly exists in this world, I'd want to be born as a cat in my next life. A HOUSE cat, no less. A healthy house cat living in a decent home with enough space for me to jump around, chase imaginary marbles or plop my furry ass anywhere I want, whenever I feel like it.