So it's been some time since I did a bar crawl. Even rarer was doing a bar crawl while having an empty stomach. But my bar crawls are unlike most people, where I'd go to places where quality cocktails are mixed and talk the night away. But in my tipsy (but still functioning) condition of mine, after bar crawling to 5 different basr, it turns out that I am more aware of my flaws than when zero alcohol in my bloodstream.
Over just about half an hour I've engaged myself with a debate with one of my friends on, of all things, food. Or rather the approach to food. This little exercise proved to me that I am more stubborn than I actually am and reminded about the dinner that I had with my friend not too long ago. In fact I've written a post on it as well, detailing how I was essentially shot down by my friend's frank and blunt analysis. This debate proved to me once and for all that I am incredibly stubborn. Worse still, is that I am incredibly stubborn on the things that I claim to know a lot about.
I am of the opinion that a person who loves food and enjoys making it cannot confine his/her self to one set of techniques, similiarities in flavour, contrast in flavour and so on. Appreciating food while at the same time not wanting to cook in that direction to me feels very contradictory. Finding that less is more in food usually works but that doesn't mean that it is the be all and end all. Simplicity in food can be highly regarded, focusing on the freshness of a few key ingredients and that is it. Which is fine, but to appreciate bold, complex flavours and not be the least bit curious on trying it out for yourself makes me very puzzled.
But what do I know? I'm just a simple monster in disguise.
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First time hosting Australia Day barbeque. Have had loads of fun even during the earlier part of the day when there was just three of us. Very chill. And I have to say I am very happy with sorbet #4.
Too bad Federer lost.
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Roger Federer is one of the few people that makes a sport look beautiful. Every return he makes is very graceful and if you watch the slow motion replays, he is one of the few people who, not only does not make funny faces in slow motion, has a very zen expression, almost effortless. Or that of a classical pianist feeling through a piece. This is a prime example where gracefulness does not equate to weakness. Watch his backhand returns, while it looks almost artistic and gentle but the speed he can generate off his backhand is incredible. He also does not plough through a game through brute strength but with cleverness, a tactician. His personality off court as well is something to be desired. Couple these few qualities together and you'll see something wonderful.
He can be categorized under 3 words that make up the Dunhill slogan back home. Gaya. Mutu. Keunggulan. (Non Malay speakers: Style. Quality. Excellence.)
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Sigh.
7 Habits of Mediocre Leadership
Saturday, January 21, 2012
at
5:00 PM
I would say that most people struggle with the principle that good leaders should be born out of servanthood. That these people have done the time and rise through the ranks by their acts of service and performance to then finally be in a position of leadership. They didn't get there by bossing people around from the very start (though people may act like it). And all that jazz. I understood all of that quite well for a very long time. However, it dawned upon me that I had a very different struggle from most people, another misconception about leadership, at least personally.
Yesterday I had one of those late night conversations with a couple of friends and the in passing statement about leadership came up. The context is irrelevant, but needless to say it kinda struck me even though nothing much about leadership was mentioned again. For the longest time, I kept thinking that there is no difference between a person who serves and a person who is in a position of leadership born out of service. The person of leadership is just a label, a title that gives the illusion of a higher power/calling/whatever but fundamentally, both look exactly the same. To be good at both, you need to serve well. It's just that one has a cubicle with no name on it while the other has a shiny office with an engraved plaque with your name on it. All very exterior.
But thanks to my unbeknownst friends of mine, it caused me to think twice on my misconception. The actions of the leader are, in my opinion, slightly different from the role of a servant. I'm not exactly sure how to put it down in words but their actions show and carry more weight, that their eventual act of service in leading carries more meaning, have the initiative. Ok, sounds a little wrong but for a lack of a better description that will have to do for now.
This of course has implications about my current situation. There are some things where I cannot sit there and expect things to happen. I need to step up to the plate. This is so not in my comfort zone but I think the time has come for me to just do it lest I will continue to ponder on the "What if...?"s. To show some kind of an attempt at leadership. If it in due time that a position of leadership does not work out for me, then fine. I learn better when I make one mistake, especially if it is a big one.
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I think it is also time for me to stop dodging questions.
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Is it just me or when some fairly close friends who just got together with someone or just got married that they'll start the whole pay it forward thing? That they try to pick your brains and try to set you up with someone or at least, in my terminology, start poking you? Why do they do that?
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Pardon the language, but when a friend was describing about how he used to think, he called himself a wanker. Which is funny because that is how I am thinking now, like him then. Strong words for me to change my thinking.
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There is still hope.
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Making Milo can be a very messy and slightly dangerous process. I may need a hazmat suit and lab goggles when I make Milo the next time.
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Last one, based on my analytics, I've concluded that there only 6 people who regularly read this blog. All of which I suspect they've bookmarked this on Google Reader or . And I think I know all of these readers. Maybe I should start putting it up on Facebo...nah, too boring for the regular masses.
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A Side Of Cold Hard Truth, Please
Monday, January 16, 2012
at
9:30 PM
Recently I had dinner with a friend from my undergrad days. It has been about two years since the last time I saw my friend and it was good being able to catch up over a meal. This friend of mine has had it tough, especially the couple of years before the last time I met up with my friend so it is good to know that everything is well.
Our conversations strayed from side to side, covering the usual basics of catching up to random things to even avoiding some people in the place where we had our meal. It's like uni days all over again. Goodness I miss uni.
Then the real conversation began. It started with a new year resolution from my friend and quickly spread to other related areas, in particular relationships with friends and of course being the very kay-poh person my friend is, relationships. For one and a half hours, we've debated, questioned and wrestled with countless issues on this matter. And I have to say I was struggling to keep up with maintaining a coherent line of thought, harder still was to be able to convey my thoughts which I suspect is on the decline as I get older. Stretching over dinner and bubble tea, we just talked and talked that time just went by so quickly. And the bubble tea was getting warm.
Then finally, as the closing argument, my friend made this statement that shook me in a very unexpected way. "Juwen. You are a stubborn, over-thinking person, you know? Always thinking and acting the way you want it to happen. And when it doesn't, you freeze.". I was stunned for 5 seconds just in shock from what my ears were hearing. This is the part where I would start talking nonsense like in those cartoons. Here is a friend who hasn't seen me in over 2+ years and within a dinner session, saw right through me. Saying to yourself that you are stubborn and over-thinking and hopeless when things don't go your way is one thing, it is a completely different thing when you are hearing it from someone else, more so from someone whom you see as formidable. If any other normal person said this to me, I would gladly admit it. But when you get shot down like this, you admit it with a heavy burden. The two feelings are not the same, in fact the impact from the two are worlds apart.
So as we parted ways (and apparently accepted an interesting proposal), I reflected on all the relevant things that I have done and the actions I have taken and I have to say my friend is right. What my friend said about me transcends the scope of the conversation even though that's all my friend knows during that dinner session. That is how I act.
I wish I had more friends like this one, one who's not afraid to tell you that you are weak but in a totally non-judgmental, holier-than-thou way. As they say, iron sharpens iron.
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I'm usually about half a decade behind the games scene but humour me. Mass Effect is so good.
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We all have lists of people who are cute, pretty and hot, whether you know it or not. But the one that trumps them all is elegance.
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I'm really itchy to make noodles from scratch. Perhaps it is because of my ever growing desire for chilli pan mee. Like nao.
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How To End The Year In Three Dishes
Sunday, January 1, 2012
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4:08 PM
Capping off a year that's been great, I've decided to end it with a bang. Flying solo, I attempted to cook a three course meal for 8 people and the secret ingredient is.....MMMAAANNNGGGOOO!!! And I think I barely pulled it off. Kudos to Charles for the photos (too busy to take any)
Starter: Prawn salad with mango vinaigrette
Main: Sous-vide duck with mango sauce
Dessert: Mango and ginger sorbet with lemongrass and lime jelly, topped with peanuts and palm sugar
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It is going to be an awesome 2012. I can feel it.
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