"Happiness is like a butterfly, which when pursued is just beyond your grasp
but if you will sit down quietly, may light upon you."

January 18, 2009

Our Life Thus Far

I was in a very good mood to cook last night. I made us my own version of Japanese ebi (shrimp) and vegetable tempura. It's easy but too messy. I also bought this instant miso soup. I intend to learn how to make miso soup next time. Yes, I'm sticking to my new year's resolution to save by not dining out and instead cook a lot more. I thought I'll start off with Japanese foods. I've tried to make chicken karaage before. I don't know why I never cooked this recipe again. I think it's nothing but fried chicken.

Too much playing video games can absolutely change a child's attitude towards other important activities. I can tell because lately I'm having a hard time asking Axel to play the piano. He is constantly complaining and not wanting to practice and yet he can spend hours on his playstation. This is driving me crazy. When he refuses to play the piano, he's grounded from playing his PS although once I see his sad face, I cannot resist not to connect the cable back. Despite his shenanigan, I can still manage to make him practice but that's after a bout of scoldings.

I am so adamant to make him practice because the Young Musician Club Concert is fast approaching and he needs to come up with a solo piece. I chose Little Serenade by J. Haydn. It's one of the 50 great classical pieces. After five days of few minutes daily practice, he has shown progress. It needs some more polishing though. I've listened other renditions on YouTube and Axel's doesn't sound quite right. His piano teacher hasn't heard him play this piece yet.

Another of my frustration is not having the free time I had before. In my previous job, I'm off at 2:30 pm. I had ample time in my hands to supervise Axel's piano practice and help him with his school homework before sundown. I don't have this time anymore. This is discouraging to Axel just as much as it is to me.

I hope we will eventually adjust to the little time we have and embrace it.

January 11, 2009

Save for a Rainy Day

It's the 11th day today since we rang in the new year. I'm sure many of us have come up with resolutions for the year. I don't make resolutions but this year is an exception.

It is foreseen that the first quarter of 2009 will be the toughest economic ride due to the rising global economic crisis. Some of us may not be affected by it but many of us are. I heard people losing their jobs. I heard people getting reduced working hours. It's pretty scary.

I resolved that I must SAVE, SAVE and SAVE. I do admit that my shopping addiction has rocketed high last year compared to any other year. Never in my lifetime did I buy so many shoes within a year. I guess I can't say never anymore because I broke the record.

I bought 5 out of the 9 pairs of Aldo shoes not including the other branded shoes I purchased this year. I know this is nothing for some ladies out there but for me this is extreme. I was never this vain. Not that I'm saying the others are vain.

My steps toward saving are:
1. Not to buy clothes and shoes when I still have some to wear. I can always reuse them since I am no hollywood star.
2. Not to eat out a lot. Learn how to cook.
3. Stay at home as much as possible. Window shopping leads to actual shopping.
4. Buy what I need not what I want. I can always justify that I need it eventhough I don't. I should be honest to myself.
5. Never buy impulsively. Compare.

Hopefully I'll stick to the plan!

January 03, 2009

We're Ready!

Last December 12, 2008 was the opening of the Richmond Olympic Oval. This is one of the venues for the 2010 winter olympics aside from the main venue in Whistler.

The ceiling is the architectural feature of the oval. Not only does it boast a huge skating rink, it also has a basketball court right in the center of the rink and a fitness center on the second floor. There will be other amenities in the future. The outer design is as spectacular as the inside. Unfortunately, I wasn't able to take some photos outside because we had a pretty bad weather on the opening day.

There were different kinds of entertainment.

There is a digital graffiti wall.

The skating rink is now open to the public. We're ready!