Year: 2018

Lifestyle: Countries That Have Best Work-Life Balance

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Work-life balance is a thing promoted  in recent years in San Francisco, mostly in the tech world,  where the typical work hours are being eliminated, as well as accrued time-off and in  place, the chance for the employee to design their own work schedule, providing that timelines are met, and open-ended off-hours, where some places do not even require reporting. I am a fan. Because I think this type of culture, encourages responsible people – see how I qualified that – to be committed to their jobs and even more productive than when it is demanded of them to be available at a more regimented shift or work schedule.  Kind of like reverse psychology. On the other hand, the irresponsible ones do nothing but take advantage of the flexibility. But I suppose there is always a price to pay for every positive attempt at realigning culture in a society. So, in case your part of the world doesn’t seem interested in the work-life balance approach to business – and you are too forward a thinker to …

Strangest of Days, I am Thankful to Have Survived.

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I decided to go into work this morning, even though I suffered and probably still suffering from the worst stomach flu ever since Friday. The whole of the weekend I spent horizontal, with frequent runs to the toilette. The entire time trying to figure out what I ate, or came across or touched to cause such an illness. I don’t handle the flu – stomach or otherwise – very well. I mean really who does? But when you lay dead to the world, with curtains drawn, and absolutely no tolerance for sound,  cocooned in bed, sweating and cold at the same time – you actually begin to question life in the not-so-great manner. You start by thinking about how you’re getting old, and weaker and less tolerant of pain, and then you jump into thinking about the choices you’ve made, and the mistakes which have cost you and/or led you to better places? Family, aging parents, life after a pet dying, you needing to draft a will sooner than later, and then you realize you are …

Friday and It’s a Wrap

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What’s your take on the comment, “Friday can’t come soon enough.” I don’t think much of it. To me Friday is just another day leading to the next, in terms of fulfilling  obligations or commitments, sometimes to the point it almost feels like a work day. And then there are those who actually work the weekends. So for the sake of the traditional Fridays leading to a weekend filled with rest and relaxation and all that is fun and play – I ask, what are you doing this weekend? My weekend is leaning heavy towards doing chores, and running too many errands. Hopefully I can insert a walk along the coast, if the weather permits, or a game of tennis in between and a mid-day nap. The highs and lows of this past week were something like this: Low: Had trouble saying my final goodbye to a family pet over the past weekend. Low: Experienced a few reality checks. I suppose we all need that from time to time. But I hate how its flared …

Food: Dinner Tonight – Spaghetti Squash Loaded with Cheese

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Cheesy gooey comes to mind, while taking my early morning walk today and a taste of melted cheese. So guess what we are having for dinner tonight? And the best part is – I am not switching up anything. In fact, I am adding Italian sausage or the sweet-spicy chicken sausage 🙂 INGREDIENTS 2 medium spaghetti squash, halved and seeds removed 1 cup whole milk or heavy cream 1/3 cup basil pesto, homemade or store-bought 1 teaspoon dried oregano 8 ounces frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dried 1/2 cup whole milk ricotta cheese 1 1/2 cups shredded fontina cheese 1 cup shredded provolone cheese 1 pinch crushed red pepper flakes kosher salt and pepper fresh oregano, for serving  {more}

Fashion: Bridal Gowns – Spring 2019

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I just realized there are no upcoming weddings for 2019 in my family, or circle of friends. But these wedding gowns are simply perfect to cross over to a formal occasion, a celebration gathering or fundraiser event by the rich and famous. Can you see shades of royal blue, formal black, crimson red, even burnt orange?  

Wildlife Photography Admired

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On the flight from London to San Francisco last May, I sat one seat away from a man who was editing photographs on his computer. Which I could have sworn were taken for National Geographic Magazine. I meant to ask him if he were a famous photographer or just an amateur like myself, always in search of the most colorful of things to photograph – which I do, every chance I get. But then I realized, as I side-eyed his meticulous editing techniques that he was no amateur and he had an eye to manipulate or enhance his photographs for a professional portfolio. I am sure of it. In honor of all photographers, amateur or professionals – wildlife, or still-life, color or not, I am sharing some of a list of NG wildlife photographer of the year. Other interesting articles: What would make us care enough to save endangered species? Striking Images from world best wildlife photographer my gallery – just in case you are curious.

Travel: Behind The Scene Stories

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When I watch a film or a television series, I always feel the need to know the behind the scene stories. Such as, why the actors chose to portray the role, the budget for the film, whether the story is accurate or simply a made up one, and all other trivia to get well-rounded perspective on the experience. I do the same for travel. I aim to learn as much as I can about an upcoming travel destination, and sometimes just read historical events that have shaped the world.  Like these ones:

Dinner Tonight: French Onion Soup With A Twist

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The weather turned or as everyone would say, has become ultra unpredictable – where one day it is in the high 80’s and the next, down to the low 50’s.  I would say, I guess this is Fall, but the weather in San Francisco is a toss-up every day of the year. Hardly sun, some sun, wind, and fog – I call it unpredictably consistent. So, I already announced while bolting out of the front door this morning, that we were having soup for dinner. At first I was planning chicken vegetable homemade soup, but now I am leaning towards this French shallot soup, with my twist – and yes a slice of bread included. INGREDIENTS 6 tablespoons salted butter 6 medium shallots, thinly sliced 1 yellow onion, thinly sliced 2 cloves garlic, minced or grated 2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves 1 tablespoon chopped fresh sage 1 teaspoon honey or brown sugar.     {exclude for my recipe} 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour   {exclude for my recipe} 1 cup dry white wine, such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc 2 quarts low sodium chicken or vegetable broth 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce 2 bay leaves 1 pinch black pepper 6 slices french bread …