Open House

As my friend remarked the other day, all I seem to be doing post marriage is cleaning. Would like to clarify that I do other stuff too: like watch TV, lounge on the couch, run other house errands and host parties. =)

Speaking of which, had a blast having friends over during the Christmas season.

1. Boxing Day Dinner

Ed's pork loin and roasted veggies dish...unfortunately we started alittle late and the meat was not optimally moist. Nevertheless, the dutiful wife consoled Ed that it still tasted ok.

The final spread: Home-cooked pan-fried duck breasts, pork loin, tomato-based bacon penne, VERY spicy stir-fried veggies and famous hawker centre carrot cake and meat patties. In spite of this being the ang-moh season, the local favourite fried carrot cake remained the popular dish.

For dessert, we had our usual staple, strawberry tiramisu. Unfortunately, we got overly ambitious and 6 people unsuccessfully attempted to finish a 1 kg cake. We ate so much that my craving for this dessert has disappeared altogether. *bleah*

Overall, it was great fun having an intimate get together, exchange gifts as well as initiate my brand new dinner plates and cutlery. Unfortunately, any group size larger than 6 would have to contend with paper plates. So don't fret if you don't get this 'special' treatment. *hee*

However, the washing up started to get to me after scrubbing through 6 sets of cutlery, dinner as well as serving plates. When I reached the pots and pans, decided to handover the arduous task to Ed. *reminds herself to remain hospitable*

Post dinner, lessons learnt included: using paper plates regardless of group size, don't fret over messy cooking or cleaning up.

Nevertheless, my continued lament remains, "Why can't people cook cleanly!?"

2. STB Fellowship

As I had shared with a number of friends, the STB fellowship has been a real blessing to me ever since I 'discovered' the existence of this group 3 years ago. Joining them required a change in mindset since the natural inclination was to view work and church as separate entities.

Although people have come and go while the composition has also changed, I have never failed to be refreshed by this bunch of unique individuals. =)

It was definitely heartening to hear the sharing as well as catch up with the alumni. In fact, it was a good time to be encouraged: be it pressing on at work, remaining a light as well as being mindful that there's a time and season for each of us at our respective workplaces.

Besides finishing up the 1 kg strawberry tiramisu as well as a load of other food, I like to think the real highlight was the fellowship. *beams*

Post note: People have asked me how I remain so positive in spite of circumstances at work. Although there's a tendency to attribute it to my generally sunny nature (or being on a perpetual high due to coke light), I know deep down it's more than just my personality. Many times, it's having a group of prayer warriors covering my steps, sharing and praying with them over issues as well as being accountable for my actions.