spend vs save

my wage is very modest, but for the past couple of years, after giving some to the parents, and the essentials, I had a bit left in the pocket. I have been using a large portion that cash for vacations, frivolous stuff I don't really need, etc. But the question of how much I should save and how much I should spend is constantly on my mind.

No one in their 30s can expect social security to be of any help by their retirement, so saving for future financial security is important. But I also see nothing really wrong with the logic of having a good time before the body is ravaged by diseases and old age.

There is always a good balance I guess, and this internal struggle will unlikely to stop. Only if I make a little more money .... maybe I will buy a lottery ticket today.

best part of coming home

just came back from spending a week in montreal for a conference. it was the third week-long work related trip I have taken this year. I like traveling, work or otherwise, because there is always a chance of eating something different, something interesting or something great.

That said, towards the end of such trips, the thing I look forward to most is coming home, eating something made in my own kitchen, and taking a dumping on my own toilet (sounds horrible, but so true).

clams and daikon in bacon dashi


ramp and asparagus omelet

it is here, I think

appearance of ramp in the market really signified the arrival of spring, in my humble opinion. it is certainly true that this very unique and seasonal produce has been blown up to a point that it is not only expensive, but the excitement it induces has been tempered a bit. But that does not change the deliciousness.

here I used it in a warm frisee salad with some pig ears and roasted potatoes, with whole grain mustard, sort of bridging the seasons.