2010 New Year Resolution December 29, 2009

So I’ve taken a much needed break from blogging. As you can see, my posts were becoming a little dark, but much has changed since the last entry. No longer am I a disgruntled, part-time employed MBA grad. Underpaid? Perhaps, but I feel that I’m in a good place at a great company with much room to grow. To me that’s way more important than holding a high-paying, dead end job with little to no intellectual stimulation. Plus, I get to bring my dog to work. That alone feels like a 20% pay increase.

What better way to bring my blog back to life than to share my 2010 New Year Resolution?

www.magnetreps.com/image/art/475/

1. Save money (mainly for a home). After 2 yrs of lost income and incurred student loans, it will take a while to replenish my funds again. However, I’m determined to be a home owner by 30 (in CA!). Thanks to Mint.com, I know exactly where my money goes.

http://www.kefaloniatravel.com/Myrtosbaypan2.jpg

2. I’m just as determined to live up to my self-proclaimed name-note the blog domain. My one-new-country-a-year escapade shall continue. Next dream destination: the Greek islands. I know this probably contradicts with #1, but hey, life is dull when you live in a bubble.

3. What almost makes me as happy as traveling to another country is to buy things on the fly, when my impulses kick in, but I will need to put the brakes on come 2010. It won’t be easy, especially since I work in fashion and online retail, although that only means I will be able to buy what I usually buy anyway with awesome discounts! Ahem, this goal obviously needs refining.

4. Take on more happyfurball pet photography projects (see shameless self-promotion and link to site above). I have a charity event to attend in March where I will donate a free pet photo session to be auctioned to the rich and able. That will hopefully help me promote my hobby biz.

LiveStrong Calorie Counter iPhone App

5. Stop eating junk food like I’m still in college. Not completely stop of course, just do a little more portion control. Maybe it’s time to re-download that LiveStrong iPhone app.

6. Read and finish ONE book. I have this bad habit of starting a book and stopping 2/3 of the way, so starting 10 books and not finishing them doesn’t count.

2010 will be a good year; I can smell it. Can you? What is your resolution?

The underpaid MBA September 22, 2009

While job searching online, I noticed lately that there has been a surge of low pay or unpaid internship offerings. When I read the descriptions, the employers are often asking for qualifications that an educated professional with years of experience would have. REALLY, when was the last time you saw job postings offering $15/hr internships and listing an MBA degree as a preferred qualification?? I also would not be surprised if those employers actually receive an abundance of highly qualified MBA candidates who are haunted by their imminent student loan repayment.

Has this job market become so dreadful that companies are able to use and abuse those of us who devoted 2 years and $100k+ to make a career change? And they do so with such pride and joy. It irks me to see my classmates apply for these low-pay contractor positions/internships, and preparing for these interviews as if they have a final round with BCG. The credible sources say the long-term ROI of an MBA is still very positive, but in this economic meltdown, how long is long-term?

In a buyer’s market, I can understand why employers have the power to call all the shots, although from a strategic standpoint, I am completely baffled. If I had the fortune to own a growing company in a recession, I would tap into the best talent, the kind of talent that I would not have been able to reach in a healthy economy, and groom them into the leaders who will help weather the storms. Not every MBA is looking to jump ship to a fortune 500 company if you keep them happy, and that goes for any competent employee. If I need an administrative assistant, I hire one who did and WANTS to do admin work. If I need an intern, I hire undergraduate interns who need the experience to get their foot in the door.

For you hiring managers out there with the postings: You get what you pay for. If you pay $15/hr for an MBA, only 15% of their heart will be there. The economy will not be crappy forever. Once all the underpaid but educated, talented but disgruntled interns/assistants/contractors that you took advantage of are gone, who is left to be the buttress of your business?

Source: Canadian Marketing Blog

Expensive pants but damn cute August 29, 2009

There’s a saying that if your dog is fat, you’re not getting enough exercise. My first defense is, my dog has obesity prone genes, I don’t. My second defense is, my dog is not fat, just big boned. And if you’ve seen my dog, you know he’s as fluffy as the next corgi you see on the street.

But still, all the cupcakes, ice cream, and frappuccinos I consume have to go somewhere, and I’d rather they not go to my waistline. I figure if I can’t change my diet drastically, I’ll have to compensate by burning off my junk food calories to break even-hopefully. So after a month-long wait (actually it was more like 2 weeks), I decided that I needed cute and flattering workout gear to motivate me.

That brought me to the Lululemon store. My wallet isn’t happy about it but my butt is. I tried out these Rock Out crops that the Pasadena store just got in stock, and was amazed at what luon can do to my behind.

Lululemon Rock Out crops, click image to shop

Of course it doesn’t stop at the pants. These racerback tanks look so cute in their fall purple color that matched the day dress I was wearing that day. So I got that too.

I love that everyone working at Lululemon is fit and active in yoga & pilates. The stores also promote local yoga/pilates studios with a bulletin board and flyers, and some locations even offer free yoga sessions.

Since I bought my gear, I have in fact been working out more. I also signed up for a pilates class at In and Up Pilates in Silver Lake so hopefully I will keep that up. And as for my fluffy dog, I plan to take him hiking or to the dog beach more. Bottom line: get off your ass away from your computer and do something. Your dog will love you more.

The lingering question August 22, 2009

I’m having another one of those days when I ask myself: what do I want to do with my life?

Yes, this is one of those self-reflection entries that may either make you roll your eyes or bring you to the same page as me.

In the midst of yet another underwhelming workday, I got to think about the measurement of success and happiness, and how everyone has a different scale and set of criteria for them, unlike height and weight. I for one do not believe success is measured by one’s income or net worth, for I know too many people who have more money than they can ever spend but are living lives they wish they could escape from. I also thought about the people with their insatiable desire to succeed (whatever that means to them) and feel that the status quo is never enough. I wonder if I will become one of them. Heck, I’m definitely not one now because status quo stinks (kind of).

I usually look at the glass as half-full, so I wonder if this recession happens for a reason. For those of us who take every curveball in life as an opportunity to grow, perhaps this recession is, euphemistically speaking, a chance for us type As to smell the roses. Had I gone down the traditional post-business school path in a normal economy and landed a job, I would have probably moved on with my life slavin’ away in a near six-figure job, live comfortably (financially) for a few years until things just get old.

Instead, I am working part-time, at a fresh undergrad level salary, no benefits, but the trade off is some cash flow, little day-to-day stress (except the stress of finding a full-time job), and a lot of free time to think about what my plan A, B, and C is.

Opening my kimono August 20, 2009

Since I only started my blog two weeks ago, there really isn’t much in my kimono right now. I also haven’t decided if I want to upgrade to the WordPress custom CSS editor which also allows web analytics tracking code, so I have very little data to work with. Nevertheless, as an attempt to write about something unrelated to food (because this is not just a food blog ), I will open my kimono to satisfy your longing curiosity.

This might be a good time to mention that I am fascinated with web analytics. I always thought I was more of a creative person, but working with web analytics in the past year has really awakened the nerd in me. I should also mention that I love Excel. These two are like peanut butter and jelly so you can’t love one without the other.

Web traffic for my blog (unique visits)

Notice the two spikes in traffic. First one was when I emailed my friends about my new blog. Thank you people for the support! Second spike was today when I posted my URL as my gchat status. Still I can’t help but wonder where the other visits are from since I didn’t email that many people on the 2nd day. This pattern also gave me some ideas on how to attract more visitors, but more on that later when I actually try them out.

Now that’s just funny. Whoever searched “blouse wet” and landed on my site must have been thoroughly disappointed. That can be said about the person looking for the “fattest bird in the world 2009″, although I am certain my Aussie bird can hold its own. What’s interesting is even someone who searched a term as generic as “bird” found my site.

So there is a lesson to be learned here. Two, actually. While I’ve focused on really generic topics like food, I’ve neglected the long-tail keywords that have inadvertently brought traffic to my blog. The big BUT is, do I want people to come to my blog for the sake of looking at a photo? What’s the point if most people land on my blog from a random search of a photo and leaves right away (high bounce rate and low stickiness)? Is it about time I stick to a theme or two on my blog so my visitors are not as random as I am?

Now for the 1% of you who have a blog or site AND know what I’m talking about, maybe this will get you to think about using web analytics (free tool from Google to start). If you don’t have a site and would like to see more fascinating data unfold, please send over a $15 gift through WordPress.

In the mood for some Risotto? August 18, 2009

Yes I was. The thought of standing and stirring for half an hour sure can deter any lazy person like me from making this scrumptious dish, but oh was it worth every stir. My favorite risotto dishes are the butternut squash risotto and mushroom risotto. I was in the mood for some mushrooms, so off I went Googling for a recipe.

Apparently choosing the right rice for the risotto is science, so don’t settle for regular white rice or long-grained rice. I got the Arborio rice, but you may also use 2 other varieties: Carnaroli and Vialone Nano. Something to do with their absorbency of flavor and stickiness-more on that on wikipedia if you’re interested.

Arborio Rice

I got my gourmet mushroom risotto recipe from AllRecipes.com, but made minor changes to my liking. I also believe I somewhat reduced the caloric intake so cheers to a healthy-ish and delicious risotto! I’m adding this to my favorite recipe list!

MY INGREDIENTS:

• 4 cups chicken broth
• 3 table spoon olive oil
• 8oz (1/2lb) white mushroom, thinly sliced
• 8oz (1/2lb) Portebello mushroom, thinly sliced
• 1.5 cups of Arborio rice
• 1/2 cup white cooking wine
• 2 small shallots
• 3 teaspoons chives
• 4 tablespoons I Can’t Believe It’s Not Butter (less fatty!)
  
• 1/3 cup Kraft Parmesan cheese
• Sea salt and ground black pepper to taste
• 2 saucepans

DIRECTIONS: (with my tips :] )

1. Finely chop up the shallots and chives. Slice the mushrooms if you didn’t buy them pre-sliced.
2. Warm the chicken broth on low heat in saucepan.
3. Warm 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large saucepan over medium-high heat. Stir in the mushrooms, and cook until soft, about 3 minutes. Remove mushrooms and their liquid, and set aside. - Make sure you save the mushroom juice!
4. Add 1 tablespoon olive oil to saucepan, and stir in the shallots. Cook 1 minute. Add rice, stirring to coat with oil, about 2 minutes. When the rice has taken on a pale, golden color, pour in cooking wine, stir until the wine is fully absorbed. Add 1/2 cup broth to the rice, and stir until the broth is absorbed. Continue adding broth 1/2 cup at a time, stirring continuously, until the liquid is absorbed and the rice is al dente, about 20 minutes. - taste after 15minute to check if rice is cooked thoroughly
5. Remove from heat, and stir in mushrooms and mushroom juice (adds yummy flavor and darker color), I Can’t Believe It’s Not Butter, chives, and Parmesan. - Save some chives and Parmesan as garnishment.
6. Season with salt and pepper. - Add 1-2 pinches at most.

Total preparation & cooking time: 50minutes. Voila! The above portion is enough for 4 people, and since it’s a lot of work, make extra for the next day.

Portebello and White Mushroom Risotto

Rant August 13, 2009

In the past two months, I’ve been thinking a lot about starting my own business. Sure, many people out there in my situation can feel the same way. What is my “situation”? New MBA graduate from first tier school, career changer, only a couple of years of work experience pre-MBA, unwilling to settle for an entry level full-time job, all of which amount to unemployment in this recession.

Eventually we either become desperate and work for a role we’re overqualified for or return to our pre-MBA job function. But after investing $80k+ in ourselves, are we to let a little recession reverse all the work we’ve done? Traditionally, an MBA education is suitable for someone who is looking to hold an executive position in an organization or for someone who plans to start his/her own business. The latter to me is much more attractive than the former.

I don’t want it big. I don’t want to go through rounds and rounds of investor funding, splicing of ownership, change of management, reorg, office politics, power trips. But I do love the flexibility of working for myself. I get bored, pretty fast, so the only way I’m going to keep myself interested is to do something I love, for myself, with people I respect and trust.

I haven’t just thought about it. I’ve done the market research and a rough financial analysis. What a prudent MBA thing to do. Still, what’s keeping me from taking the plunge? Risk-aversion? Or coming up with THE idea that isn’t fleeting, and doesn’t require a ton of start-up capital. The soul-searching continues.

Whao, my blog has no theme. I haven’t been on the same subject twice. That could be problematic.

Smart dog, spoiled dog August 11, 2009

Anthropomorphism – attributing human characteristics to non-human creatures and beings.

In more familiar terms, an example of anthropomorphism that we witness today is us pet owners treating pets like humans. We’ve seen it all – people buying expensive accessories for their pets, putting cutesy clothes on them (which they abhor), throwing doggie birthday parties (or “bark” mitzvah), taking them to daycare and luxury pet hotels… the list goes on. Heck, I’m guilty of many if not all of these anthromorphistic behaviors. No wonder the pet industry is at $45 billion and growing.

People either think throwing dog birthday parties is cute or plain ridiculous, but people throw birthday parties for newborns. Newborns don’t even know that they have arms and legs. According to research, an average dog has the intelligence level of a 2-yr old toddler, and evolution has something to do with it. According to Professor Stanley Coren (horrible website btw), leading expert in canine intelligence:

“dogs are among the most intelligent animals and can rival apes and parrots for their ability to understand language.”

“centuries of selective breeding and living alongside humans has helped to hone the intelligence of dogs.”

So raising a dog is like having a 2yr old that never grows up but is potty-trained and will never nag, cry, or ask you for allowance or college funding. You gotta admit, that is pretty sweet.

The article from Telegraph.co.uk also lists the top 10 smartest dog breeds in order of doggie IQ. I found a source that lists top 80 breeds here, and guess who’s #11.

1. Border Collie

2. Poodle

3. German Shepherd

4. Golden Retriever

5. Doberman Pinscher

6. Shetland Sheepdog

7. Labrador Retriever

8. Papillon

9. Rottweiler

10. Australian Cattle Dog

11. Pembroke Welsh Corgi

My Pembroke Welsh Corgi

So next time you attempt to converse with your dog (of above average intelligence), rest assured that you’re not just a crazy person talking to yourself.

Mac ‘n Cheese fan? August 7, 2009

I threw a baby shower for a friend a few months ago and had lunch takeout from Elements Kitchen in Pasadena. It’s a cute hole-in-the-wall cafe-like restaurant that is only open from 11am-4pm. If you love mac ‘n cheese, you need to try it here. If you could care less (like me), this place may just convert you. It had inspired me to write another Yelp review:

“I had 3 items here: tuna tarragon panini, chicken curry panini, and mac ‘n cheese. Panini satisfied my palate but it’s the mac ‘n cheese that really hit the spot. I don’t even like mac ‘n cheese all that much, but I find myself craving it from Elements Kitchen every so often. My fav is mac ‘n cheese with bacon – mmmmmmmm… the wild mushroom and truffle oil option is pretty good but not +$6 good. $12 for a mac ‘n cheese with a topping is pretty pricey but apparently the demand is there.

It seems like all their food is made to order, which guarantees freshness. At the same time, I feel like the wait for takeout is longer than necessary. If the food is still not ready after I checked Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, news headlines, FML, and stock charts on my iphone, it’s taking too long. I’ve never eaten in so I don’t know if it’s any different. Still, it seems more like a weekend brunch date with the girls kind of spot than a quick “I’ve to catch my 1:30 meeting” lunch break spot.”

Mac 'n Cheese with wild mushroom and truffle oil

Yelp review -> posts to Twitter, Facebook, and my blog. Whao I sure whore my reviews out. Ok there, I admit it, maybe the foodie in me does kinda sorta maybe want to be an Elite Yelper.

World eater August 6, 2009

Now comes the food photos from my Australia and New Zealand trip. Yes I ate kangaroo and it tasted like medium/rare steak. Everything else are probably stuff you can find in the States.

Found on a street in Melbourne full of bakeries. Had we not just stuffed our faces at lunch prior to coming here, we would’ve given in to countless temptations.

White Cream Puffs

Why do I only find rambutan in Asia and the South Pacific? Very juicy, tastes sort of like lychee.

Rambutan

Nothing you haven’t tried before, but it was one of the best seafood pasta I’ve had.

Seafood Pasta

Crocodile tasted like overcooked chicken. This entree cost $46AUD / approx $36USD, but we got a view of the Sydney Opera House.

Kangaroo and Crocodile Steak

Kilpatrick oysters are an Aussie specialty  – baked oysters sprinkled with bacon and Worcestershire sauce. We tried it at Omaros Bros in Gold Coast, who is supposed to be famous for this dish. I honestly still prefer my oysters raw.

Kilpatrick Oysters

Lastly, this bird is so fat that it might as well be food.

Fat bird at Sydney Harbor