For my 25th (eek) birthday, we kicked it off with a late 11km urban hike which I very much enjoyed (but of course, a foot massage in the form of a carrot was dangling at the end of it).

And for NYE, we embarked on a 37.5km ride in the east coast. The day was just perfect, even the radioactive waters of the sea looked appealing and once we surpass the tangled mess of idiot pedestrians strolling on the bike lane hand in hand, children wobbling on their starter bicycles etc the route became more tranquil and easier to ride on.

I hasten to point out that it is not true that I only exercise on special days. Not true at all.

Both nights also shared similarities of binge eating and drinking. Also, some um, regurgitation done as elegantly as possible.

And since, talking about resolutions is so en vogue (and painfully passe at the same time) I have to say, no resolutions for me, there is only a to-do list which actually is scarily long.

Onwards and upwards!

Always running to greet me when I arrive at his home, very affectionate (but gets a little grumpy when ignored) and has a really cute snoring problem, may be slightly overweight and is on a strict diet. All in all, a really irresistable package.

Look at that completely guileless face!

(1) Never trust a woman who shags married men.

for me: AND never 100% trust anyone who knowingly flirts with people in relationships. Take it from me, these people are morally deficient.

(2) Never make a deal with a guy who wears a white belt.

for me: dealbreaker would be the uber recognisable Hermes belt with the big H buckle. If you’re really interested in him, give him a chance to explain why he made this sartorial faux pas, coquettishly tell him you’d like to borrow it and buy him a classier one with no visible branding. Perhaps I should add, never take a guy seriously when he’s too in love with showing off his labels. This could only mean one thing – small. penis.

(3) Never try to be “friends” when the affair is over. Not even the great Gatsby could make Daisy stay. After she slobbered over his shirts, it was pretty much finished.

for me: arguable but needless to say, some distance is always healthy.

This excerpt is from a 2010 Elle column called 25 Things Every Woman Should Know that keeps popping up unexpectedly, as if to remind me to keep myself in check. Thought it was time to share it with the rest of you. You can read the rest of the brilliant and very true column here.

Naturally I’d find the lurid neon lights tacky and jarring now but back when my age was still delightfully a single digit, being bathed in an unnatural hue of pink or blue meant I was soon to be sucked into a whole new reality. It was here that my saintly mother sat through Jurassic park 5 times with me. 5!!!

Anyone who frequented this snack bar would know to order the savoury popcorn if only to just watch the server generously pump into warm liquid butter. Are such things legal still or do they remain as whispered memories amongst those privileged (ignorant?) enough to have sampled such delights?

(images from storyofbing.com)

p.s Chuck and Blair 4ever!!!!!

Google told me Japanese crab congee is also called kani meshi and I ferreted out a recipe that seemed very basic.

It really was easy peasy except the crab meat packed nicely in the styrofoam trays that Cold Storage sold me turned out to be good quality crab meat! I felt really cheated and the pleasure I took in the meal took a nosedive.

Next time, I’m sticking to frozen crab meat or some other kind of (real) meat all together.

E pointed out that it looks like risotto and indeed, the texture was true to the kani meshi I ate in Osaka – wet and slightly sticky but not clumpy.

Recipe from here.

Before….

After…

Also, over the weekend, I met E’s caucasian friend who was visiting from Amsterdam and after leaving the fate of his gut in our hands and having several meals with us, he remarked that Singaporeans seem to like gooey, mushy, soft foods.

It took an angmoh to put out our rather infantile diet but it’s true, don’t you think?

I for one enjoy my soups, congee, risotto, bean curd etc

Sometimes, it’s nice to let your gut bring you back to the comfort of infancy and childhood.

Only when we passed the signature giant (and frankly quite scary) crab welcoming crab-lovers did I realise I had had a perfect meal a year ago in Kyoto. Having a 7 course set meal for lunch (for about 60+ sgd) was one of the best decisions we made. The restaurants are part of the Kani Douraku chain and I highly recommend going for at least one meal when in Japan.

We had almost the whole place to ourselves for lunch

Simply broiled legs with ponzu sauce

Something equal parts eggy and crabby and absolutely comforting

Delicately grilled…

The lightest, most oil-free tempura I’ve ever bitten into

And seriously, the best congee in all my 25 years. For all the courses prior to it, the donabe pot (earthenware pot) was sitting on a table beside us with a low fire, teasing and seducing me. The rice was fat and fluffy with crab broth and slow cooked for so long it took on a slightly glutinous quality. Will be trying to replicate this at home soon.

Clear but flavourful soup

And the perfect end to a flawless meal…

Mutant crab vs my hand

Gossip Girl, with regards to tv’s most epic couple, Chuck & Blair