The Rabbit Hole

Celebrated WTC's birthday last Friday. This year, she wanted us to bring her somewhere 'hip' and 'trendy' (girls only). Much has been said about The White Rabbit @ Dempsey so we gave it a try. It's a chapel converted restaurant and bar with quite 'hip' and classy interior design. The ambience is nice especially the outside lounging area for before/after- dinner drinks. BUT I must say the food is nothing to be raved about. Mains that we ordered included oxtail, scallop linguine, lobster thermido, kurobuta pork neck, black cod.... all were average only...

If not for our self-entertainment with jokes, gossips, good news, laughter and funny ice-breaking game (despite knowing each other for 10+ years), we would have 'overpaid' for the venue...

Little joys

In my once-in-a-blue-moon workstation spring cleaning exercise, I found a post-it-note from my boss, commenting on my 1st report in 2006. It reads: “Generally okay! The points are there. Good!”

Everyone likes a little compliment. Everyone aches for a little acknowledgement and encouragement here and there. We yearn to be noticed (subconsciously).

The next time your maid finished weeding or changed your new sheets, tell her “Good job”. Noticed someone with a new outfit, a new bag, a new watch, a new hair cut? Compliment them (genuinely). Tell them you like it.

Who looks sad? Stop and ask them if they are ok. Who just started a new job, send a SMS to find out how their colleagues are or send a card to the new office. Who lost a job? Send some cookies to his/her house. The next time you buy yourself some after-lunch snacks or fruits, buy one for your stressed-out colleague sitted next to you, with a smiley face post-it-note. Compliment your friend for the child who recently learnt how to write or read, or participated in a sport/game.

There are so many little gestures (genuine I re-emphasized) that we can do that make one’s heart sing. It maybe short-lived but at least it sings…You’ll never know how much joy you could give a person by showing that you notice.

Woman: "You just winked at a very plain looking woman”
Man: "Yes, I know," "And, if she's a school teacher, her class will be in for a fantastic day."

Just for laughs

Shih asked me to be one of the models for her professsional make-up artist thesis. Don't worry, I'm DEFINITELY sticking to my day job!

Rejuvenation program

You would think that the term 'Staff rejuvenation program' is along the line of spa/massage promotions. No, it's not. It's a fancier expression to allow staff to take no pay leave from 1-6 months with position guaranteed... It's catered for "staff who have been consistently working relentlessly over the past few years and in need of a break from work, to spend time with families, attend to personal needs or travel". I like how it's being phrased...

Very tempting but I wonder if anyone will take up the offer...

Masochist

Call me a masochist because I patronised Wasabi Tei 2 days in a row!

For those who are not familiar, it's a small (16 seats) Japanese sushi-bar-like restaurant at level 5 Far East Plaza. It's run by a couple who are perpetually grumpy but serves cheap and good food. A few 'unspoken' rules that regular patrons obligingly abide:-

• Prepare to queue
• Don't complain
• Don't talk too loud
• The owner is always RIGHT
• Place all your orders in 1 shot, 2nd order will be charged 20% more
• NO special requests

Having said that, the must*trys are:-

• Chirashi set S$20 - big pieces of fresh sashimi
• Claypot cod fish S$18 - nice to have on a rainy day. My personal favourite is the chilli dipping sauce!
• Chawan mushi
• The grilled saba/fish look nice though I haven't tried

From the 2 consecutive days that I was there, I sort of figured out the "sweet spot" when there is NO queue or short wait - 1.05pm OR 2pm. So if you have a half-day off or long lunch , go and get tortured! It's like an Oliver Twist experience :)

PS: Will update when I figure out the sweet spot for dinner...

Rain or shine

Anti-aging tip # 2: Find a passion in life.

Aglio-oglio our way

Aglio-oglio Singaporean-style with chilli padi and shrimps. Thanks chef TM!