It's a Date...at the Car Wash!?

At the car wash

Can't remember the last time hubby surprised me with a date. A date ordinarily entails hubby and I passing calendar dates to each other, planning what to do when.

No, seriously. Normally hubby and I just go out. All planned, no surprises. And going out for us usually means running errands and topping it off with lunch or doing it in reverse fashion having food first then shopping.

Now I haven't really minded for the longest time. Maybe I have just been desensitized but I don't really miss romantic dates too much. Personally, nights spent together watching Game of Thrones episodes, with a shared bowl of popcorn, is already romantically good for me.

I've probably set the bar way too low.

But I do find sharing experiences together (any kind - be it a vacation or activity or simple stuff) a much better growth time for us. We see new places, we do new things, we share new experiences....

So talking about all things "new", hubby thought it would be "different" to spend an hour at the car wash and call it a date. And so off we went.

Me, I just saw this as a blogging opportunity.

The whole date felt very much like we were inside a washing machine except we had a protective cape on, because everything but us got wet. Afterwards, we came out feeling all bright and shiny and sparking and brand spanking fresh. And the car wasn't half bad either. :-)

The whole event was kinda fun from my perspective, which I think just confirms the fact that I have indeed lost my romantic compass if I thought watching the cleaning chemicals come down on the car was comparable to magic under the stars.

Colours!

But hey, that's just me. I'll take my romantic dates at the car wash any day, most preferably lazy Sunday afternoons.

What's your share of a simple date with your better half?

Bright and shiny!

The Memory of a Taste

Instagram photo by jamie250196

I used to be an addict.

My substance of choice was nothing as lethal as drugs or cigarettes or alcohol, but I had a serious condition nonetheless. I was addicted to drinking fizzy drinks. And not just any pop soda, I was all into the real deal Coca-Cola.

Back then, a 2-litre Coca-Cola bottle was a staple item on my daily diet. I used to buy my supply in crates and could literally down a whole 2-litre bottle all by my lonesome every single day.

Now I'm not gonna argue and debate all the bad that drinking Coke can bring. I still love my Coke so I won't be bashing it away just yet. Anyway, I always believed that moderation and maybe a bit of self-restraint, was the obvious key.

Suffice it to say I keep my Coke-drinking down to a minimum nowadays. I can't remember when it was but I did eventually realise that I needed to tone it down if I wanted to lead a healthier, less sluggish lifestyle. I reduced my intake drastically. And if I had the urge, I took the alternatives, Diet Coke and Coke Zero, instead.

The funny thing though....is that when I used to drink the real Coke, I could identify its distinct flavour and how it differed from the rest of the choices in the market. Ever since I've stucked with Diet Coke et al, I've found that my taste buds no longer clamor for that unique zing. I'm fine with whatever dark fizzy drink is in front of me.

I know this is supposed to be a good thing. I'm getting over the taste, and the addiction somewhat. The memory of it all is another story though. I still vividly recount that I was once so addicted to it that my palate knew no other.

Simply can't shake the feeling that I've lost my taste bud mojo somewhere.

But who am I kidding? It's all in my crazy head. I am still in recovery after all. Whatever memory of a distinct taste I have in my mind, it is just probably best to leave it be.

To any of you guys who were former supposedly Coke addicts, have you found the difference?

Eating It Up @ Korean Grill House

Our first visit to Korean Grill House happened 2 years ago when we were invited by some friends to visit Toronto.

The first time we were exposed to that kind of setting and eating style, we were really quite awed and amazed at the coziness and simplicity of it all.

First up, you are taken to your table, which is equipped with a round burner at the centre to cook your meat. The burners are lit by the waiters as soon as you sit down.

Next up is the ordering. It's an AYCE (all you can eat) where you order your meat. The different meat are raw to start with, cut in strips and come in portions of small square containers. Common meats offered are beef, chicken, pork, fish, and squid.

And then, the cooking begins. You are given all the necessary equipment (tongs for everyone) to conduct the grilling. You grill the meat to your liking. Whilst cooking, you and your friends get to talk over the burner, waiting for your food. You get to eat the faster you can cook. No blaming the chef on this one :-)

As I mentioned, the whole set up was simple yet cozy. Time just passes and you don't even notice it. It's great when you have a big party of friends with you because you really don't realise how much you've eaten until the buttons on your shirt start popping out.

We've gone back a couple of times after that first time, whenever we were in the Toronto area and our appetites warranted or were prepared enough for a Korean feast.

Of course, it's not like it's out of this world. But it's an experience that you'll need to have at least once in your life. So go and visit a Korean Grill House. You never know, you might just like it.

Have you been to one yet?

Newcomer Stories: Why Thank You, Driver

Instagram photo by jamie250196

Thank you.

Such simple words but not to be taken lightly. If said in the right context and spirit, it yields a powerful reaction, both in the giver and receiver.

I've recently developed the habit of thanking the bus driver as I step off the bus, arriving safely at my destination. I never really noticed it that much until I did it with such gusto that I was actually looking forward to thanking the driver when I get off.

Yes, the transit system here in Canada is effective and efficient. But the bus drivers take caution and attention with each individual trip that I think the single "to and fro" wherever still warrants a sense of gratitude. Don't you think so?

It gives me a warm fuzzy feeling, giving thanks for the small things in life. Thank you, Bus Driver, for getting me home safe and sound.