Re-thinking Work-Life Balance

Work-life balance is a continuous problem that many of us struggle with starting from Day 1 in the work force. Dozens of books and articles have been written on this topic, and it is one of the top reasons for workplace dissatisfaction. Part of the problem stems from the fact that work and life are not balanced to begin with. The average full-time worker spends at least 8 hours a day, or the majority of their waking hours, at work. This leaves just a few precious hours after work each evening to dedicate to "life", which usually means spending time with family and friends, or pursuing non-work related hobbies or tasks.

So when we refer to work-life "balance", we are not really referring to balance in the literal sense; the see-saw is always tipped towards work simply based on the structure of the workplace which we are accustomed to. More so, we are referring to the extent to which we can "protect" our non-work time from the demands of the workplace. A common strategy is to develop a very thick barrier between work and life. Many people, as much as the nature of their work allows, make a point of disconnecting themselves completely from work as soon as they exit the building at 5 pm every afternoon, turning their full attention to family, friends, and any non-work activities planned for that evening. Something similar happens during the weekends. It is almost as if there are two switches in the brain, one for work and one for non-work, which are designed to be on one at a time, but never both at the same time.

While this approach has its advantages, especially from the perspective of ensuring that work does not take over your life, it may also be a source of inefficiency. For instance, putting work (which can often be difficult or frustrating) into a distinctly separated bucket from personal life (often relaxing and pleasant) may only aggravate any dislike you have for your job. It results in your mind having to unnecessarily toggle between two "modes": At 5 pm, your mind and body relax as you happily anticipate an evening at home. The next day when your alarm wakes you up at 7 am, your mind is forced to switch back to work mode, your body tenses, and you unwillingly pull yourself up and head out the door. This mindset exaggerates the excitement we feel on a Friday afternoon, but it is also the reason for the "Sunday blues", when we reluctantly switch our minds back to the issues and problems we left off with last week. Work may seem more burdensome than it actually is and something you have to "put up with". This decreases your proactivity and enthusiasm for work, making it even less enjoyable.

Consider an alternate way of handling the work-life balance issue, where instead of having that hard brick wall between work and personal life, we allow work to penetrate our lives naturally. I'm not saying that you should be checking your email during a fun night out with friends, or talking on the phone with your boss during your kid's soccer game. This is more about accepting work as an integral part of your life and who you are, as opposed to something you need to "get out of the way" before you can get on with your "real life". Of course, this is much easier said than done, but there are a few simple things you can do to help yourself embrace your work and let it in to your life.

1. Talk about what you do, to whatever extent possible. Obviously, you shouldn't be giving away proprietary information about your job or company, but you should be able to talk easily about your job to your friends, family, and even strangers as if you were chatting about any other subject. Often, we have trouble communicating or coming up with ideas at work because we haven't fully immersed ourselves in the content enough to be able to speak fluently on the subject. Imagine talking to a friend about a cute guy you just met, or about the amazing concert you went to last night. You were probably excited and very engaged in the conversation, so that the words came out easily, almost requiring no thinking at all. You didn't need to think about what to say beforehand or rehearse your lines. If you train yourself to talk about your work as if you were talking about any other interesting subject, then your presentations, client pitches, or even just informal conversations will start feeling like a natural part of your daily life, rather than isolated occurrences that you need to stress out about and specially prepare for.

2. Develop meaningful relationships at work. Many people strictly adhere to the rule that friends only exist outside of work. Although this is often good advice to follow, this doesn't mean that you should neglect building strong relationships with your co-workers. Your life contains many different types of relationships: family, friends (any many subsets of friends), lovers, to name a few. Your relationship with your co-workers is a special type of relationship that is just as important to nurture as any of your other relationships. Just because you wouldn't go out and party with your co-workers, or confide in them your deepest, darkest secrets, doesn't mean that they are unimportant. Working on developing camaraderie and working friendships in the workplace will not only make you more successful, but make work a meaningful place where you'll look forward to being each day.

3. Allow yourself to think about work after hours. While it is important to set aside time each day to unwind and put your mind out of work, you don't need to force yourself to completely block off work after hours. Keep an open mind and treat your work as an endeavor that can be continuously fostered and improved upon. Perhaps you will come across an article while browsing the Internet that may come in handy the next day, or maybe a casual conversation will give you some valuable insight for a current project you are working on. Giving yourself the freedom and flexibility to think and ponder a bit about work, without the daytime pressure of having to meet deadlines, may allow you to come up with creative solutions or ideas that you might otherwise have missed.

In summary, work-life balance is not just about allocating the right amount of time to each (because from a time standpoint work will always win!). Rather, it is about achieving a harmonious blend of the two, so that you can go about life seamlessly, and enjoyably, transitioning from one to the other.

Email in the Smart Phone Era

Lately, I've settled into the following less-than-ideal morning routine: When my alarm rings at 7 am, I groggily flip over on my side to turn it off. My eyes inadvertently fall onto my iPhone in its neon pink case, and with the charger still connected, I grab my phone and start flipping through emails. After rolling out of bed and brushing my teeth, I check my phone again for new messages. I eat breakfast, get dressed, and check my email yet again right before I head out. Once I board the train to work, I continue to check my phone regularly until we enter the tunnel and lose signal.

It is mind-boggling how the concept of email has changed over these past few years. Before I had a smart phone, email used to be something that I checked just a few times a day at most. Each morning, I would turn on my computer, log in to my email account, and find a cluster of new messages in my inbox. Checking email was almost like opening the mailbox in front of your house - full of anticipation as you leaf through the stack of envelopes, hoping to see that one letter you've been waiting for - whether an acceptance letter from your dream college or greeting from your pen pal.

With smart phone technology, though, email is no longer something we need to sit down in front of our computers to check. Now, instead of us having to go out of our way to see our messages, email comes to us in the form of a buzz, click, or beep. The delay between sending and receiving has essentially been wiped away, as we can now read and respond to messages anytime and anywhere

Unfortunately, along with this incredible technology comes unreasonable expectations in communication. We are often expected to respond to messages immediately, and depending on the situation, waiting anywhere from a few hours to a day before replying may be considered rude, similar to ignoring someone when they speak to you. The problem becomes especially augmented if your employer provides you with a smart phone, as in my case. With a smart phone, you have no excuses for not seeing and responding to an email in time, even if it were sent after work hours. While this may speed up communication, it can also be extremely tiring as it starts to feel like we are "on call" 24/7, literally working around the clock.

Luckily, I have come across a few strategies to prevent your phone from taking over your life, while still meeting the high expectations of the smart phone era. The next time you find yourself reaching obsessively for your phone, consider the following:

-Keep a default signature on your phone email that says "Sent from [insert name of phone]", for example, "Sent from iPhone". That way, if you respond to any messages from your phone, others will know that you are on the go and and be more forgiving of any errors or typos. They may even decide to hold off on their questions or requests until you are back at your desk.

-Set limits on how often you check your email (and stick to them!). For instance, you can set a rule that during work hours, you will check your email every 20 minutes, and after work, every hour. The interval you choose depends on the nature of your work and the expectations of your team members.

-Remove sound and vibration email alerts from your phone.This will reduce the urge to check your phone every time a new message comes in and also prevent messages from waking you up at night!

-When reading email on your phone, always either respond right away or flag for follow-up. Do not read a message and leave it to deal with later, because chances are you will forget. Even if you cannot complete a request right away, reply to the sender acknowledging that you have received the request and are working on it.

Fajita Quesadillas for Cinco de Mayo

Quesadillas are the ultimate comfort food: warm, toasty, and oozing with cheese. But the virtues don't stop there - they are also extremely versatile and suitable for any time of the day. Even more, they are so quick and easy to make that you can satisfy your craving in no time.

Oddly enough, I first tasted a quesadilla at a local supermarket while shopping with my mom. They were giving out samples of a simple concoction of cheese melted in between a flour tortilla. I loved it because it was so different from our usual Asian diet of rice and stir-fries. Mom loved it because it only took a few minutes to whip up. Since then, cheese quesadillas became a staple at our house.

In college, I began to branch out and experiment with different quesadilla flavors. One of my favorite breakfasts to get me through those early morning classes was an egg and cheese quesadilla: fluffy scrambled eggs and gooey cheddar cheese melting together to create the perfect combination. But things weren't limited to just breakfast. For those late nights of studying, I created hearty and filling versions stuffed with steak, chicken, shrimp, or beans, always making a little extra for another bite to eat the next morning.

When making quesadillas, the tortilla is just as important as the filling, and not all tortillas are created equal. One of my favorite brands is Guerrero - their tortillas are incredibly soft, and when you brown them in the pan, they develop a golden, flaky crust that is almost addicting. Some supermarkets like Mi Pueblo offer tortillas that are made fresh daily.

Below is my current favorite go-to recipe. The bell peppers, onions, and fajita seasoning used are reminiscent of a fajita, another one of my favorite Mexican foods. For an extra pop of festive color, you can mix together red, green, and orange bell peppers.

Fajita Quesadillas

Estimated prep + cook time: 20-30 minutes

Makes 2 quesadillas

4 ounces steak, thinly sliced. I like to to use rib-eye or NY steak, but any other type is fine, too.

2 flour tortillas

1/2 bell pepper, diced

1/2 small onion, diced

1 avocado, sliced

1/2 cup of shredded Monterey Jack cheese

2 teaspoons fajita seasoning

2 tablespoons vegetable oil

Salt and pepper to taste

Combine steak and fajita seasoning in a bowl. Heat oil in a large, non-stick skillet on medium-high heat. Add the steak and saute until fully cooked, about 3-5 minutes. Transfer to a plate and set aside. Next, add in the onions and bell peppers and saute until onions are translucent but veggies are still crisp. Transfer to a plate and set aside. 

Add additional oil to the skillet on medium heat. Place one tortilla on the skillet. On one half of the tortilla, place half of the cooked steak and veggies and sprinkle on shredded cheese. Top with avocado slices. Using a spatula, flip the empty half of the tortilla over the filling, pressing the edges to seal. Carefully flip the entire quesadilla over to brown the other side. Cook until cheese has completely melted.Transfer quesadilla onto a plate and repeat with the other tortilla. 

To serve, cut each quesadilla in half. You can enjoy as is (as I typically do!) or garnish with pico de gallo, lime, and cilantro.

Pasta Demystified

Photo courtesy of www.chow.com

Pasta has always been my go-to whenever I'm in need of a quick and easy, yet satisfying meal. For a long time, my typical pasta would start from a jar of tomato sauce, mixing it with sauteed bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, and chicken or shrimp, and finally, tossing the mixture with some cooked penne pasta. Penne was my favorite type of pasta to use because I loved how the sauce crept into the hollow tubes, making every bite flavorful.

Lately, though, I've started to experiment with different alternatives to my usual "semi-homemade" style of pasta. What I've learned is that there are endless ways when it comes to cooking pasta, and that pasta sauce can be so much more than just a jar of Prego. Here are just a few of the different pasta dishes that are out there and what their defining characteristics are.

Fettuccine Alfredo
This is a classic Italian dish that has become immensely popular and is a staple on many restaurant menus. The signature creamy, white sauce is made from heavy cream (a key ingredient in creamy pasta sauces) and loads of Parmesan cheese. Typically, lemon juice and zest are added to the sauce to balance out the heavy sauce. Fettuccine is the most popular type of pasta served with Alfredo, and the dish is usually served with chicken or shrimp.

Spaghetti Carbonara
Similar to Alfredo, this pasta starts out with heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Egg yolk is then added to the sauce to create a particularly rich and creamy consistency. Pancetta and garlic are first sauteed, and then the pasta (typically spaghetti), is added. The sauce is then added on low heat to prevent the egg yolk from curdling. When making Carbonara, be sure to use the freshest eggs you can find, as this dish involves egg yolk that is not fully cooked.

Mac 'N Cheese
This traditional comfort food is found in all forms: made from scratch, frozen, instant, or pre-made and ready to be thrown in the oven. It's great on it's own, or mixed with bacon, ham, broccoli, or even seafood (think lobster mac 'n cheese - delicious!). Mac' n cheese typically starts with sauteeing butter and flour together in a pot, creating a "roux" that helps thicken the sauce. Whole milk is then added, then various cheeses are slowly stirred in. Cooked pasta is then added, and the mixture is poured into a baking dish and topped with pieces of butter, bread crumbs, and more cheese. When it comes out of the oven, you have a gooey, indulgent masterpiece.

Pasta with Pesto
My personal favorite, this pasta shows how sometimes the simplest foods can also pack the most flavor. The most important components of pesto are basil, garlic, Parmesan cheese, pine nuts and olive oil. The ingredients are typically blended together in a food processor, while the olive oil is slowly drizzled in. The unmistakable aroma of basil and the pungent taste of garlic adds a kick to any pasta dish, meat, or even a spread or dip. Pesto can be made in batches ahead of time and then frozen.

Marinara/Tomato Sauce
I used to think that pasta sauce was super complicated to make and involved a ton of fancy herbs and spices. But in reality, it starts from the most basic ingredients: a can of diced tomatoes, fresh garlic sauteed in olive oil, and basil. Tossed with some pasta cooked al dente, along with some fresh mozzarella cheese, traditional marinara makes a healthy, super easy, and scrumptious meal.

All of these dishes are simple, easy to make, and requirement few ingredients. The next time you reach for that jar of pre-made sauce at the supermarket, think twice and remember to broaden your horizons!

Winter Favorites

Happy December! The shopping season has begun again, starting off with the much anticipated Black Friday  and continuing throughout the holidays. Here are my favorite items that I've managed to snag so far.

1. Enameled cast iron from Martha Stewart Collection 

A dutch oven is something that's been on my wishlist for quite sometime now. I absolutely love braised meats and for a long time, have been settling for cooking them in my stainless steel Calphalon pot, which just doesn't do as good of a job. I've also been wanting to try the technique where you sear the meat on the stove and then finish it off in the oven, something that the dutch oven was built and designed for. I had been drawn to Le Creuset cast irons for their strikingly bright colors and variety of shapes and designs but just couldn't bring myself to spend over a hundred bucks for a pot. Compared to those, the Martha Stewart version was quite a deal: I picked up a 3-quart, bright orange one for only $39.99 at Macy's on Black Friday. I'm totally in love with my new pot and will definitely be cooking up a whole lot of deliciousness this winter!

2.  Nestle Toll House Cookies

As much as I love cooking, I have to admit that I'm not much of a baker. That's why this ready-made, pre-cut cookie dough is perfect when I'm craving for the taste of fresh-baked cookies without the hassle of bowls and mixers. They are just the right thing on a cold winter's night, warming up the entire house with their heavenly smell. I actually tried the Pillsbury version first, and they were pretty good, but the Nestle ones are just to die for. They are gooey, buttery, loaded with chocolate chips and come out exactly right every time.

3. Banana Republic Puffer Vest

I've never been a big fan of those puffer vests you see in stores every winter because I didn't think they could actually keep you warm without sleeves. And if the weather were warm enough so that I didn't need sleeves, then I probably wouldn't need the puffy vest in the first place. This vest from BR showed me otherwise. First off, the inner lining is a soft fleecy material, unlike most vests which have the cold polyester lining. When I put it on, I was amazed at how warm it was, even though my arms were exposed. The office where I work has been freezing lately, so this is the perfect thing to throw on without looking too bulky. Plus, the red is eye-catching and festive for the holidays, and the thick fur lining on the hood gives it a feminine and wintery touch.

4. Nike Flex Experience Running Shoes

Okay, so this isn't what you would call a winter item, but I purchased these shoes on Black Friday and have been loving them this season. JC Penney was having a $10 off on all their Nike shoes, so I picked up a pair for $45, pretty good for a new style. They are ultra-light and super soft, and so comfortable I feel like I could walk for days in them and not get tired. Plus, the design is sleek and slender, unlike some of the bulkier running shoes, and can be worn even when you're not working out. The big neon orange Nike checkmark on the side adds a flashy touch to the subtle gray and purple tones.

Well, that just about sums it up... so far! I'm sure I'll be heading back to the mall soon again and coming back with more items to obsess over. So what are you're favorites this season? Feel free to comment!

Food Tip: Grocery Shopping for One

Grocery shopping for yourself can be a challenge, especially when you’re on a tight budget. If you happen to be hungry, it’s all too easy to pile your shopping cart with every item you lay your eyes on, leading to a much higher than anticipated grocery bill. On the other hand, if you limit yourself to just a few items in an effort to save money, you’ll end up eating the same thing everyday for a whole week – and never wanting to eat it ever again! No wonder so many decide to order take-out instead of bothering with a cumbersome trip to Safeway.

With some careful planning, though, it is possible to not only lower your grocery bill, but also ensure that your kitchen is always stocked with a variety of healthy and delicious food. Here are a few tips to make grocery shopping for yourself faster, cheaper, and even more fun.

1)     Plan meals ahead of time.  Before you head out to the supermarket, take a few minutes to plan out the week’s menu (including all three meals and snacks). Keep your menu in mind as you shop. This will prevent you from making too many spontaneous purchases.

2)     Check out what’s in your fridge/pantry first. Clean out your fridge and pantry before doing your shopping. Throw away anything that has been sitting there for too long, and make note of what you still have in there. This will help prevent you from accidentally buying something that you already have. This will also help you to plan the next week’s menu: Try to use as many of the items currently in your kitchen.

3)     Scan the weekly ads before going to the store, and write down the items that seem like good bargains. Be sure to include the brand, size, and sale price, as supermarkets these days have hundreds of similar-looking items that could easily be mistaken for each other. Take advantage of store coupons, but make sure to read the fine print as sometimes there will be a minimum purchase amount required.

4)     Don’t buy similar items. When you’re shopping for yourself, keep in mind that you have a limited budget and can only eat so much in a week. Therefore, you cannot buy everything that jumps out at you. Try not to buy items that are too similar. For example, if you decide to buy a loaf of bread, then steer away from also buying a bag of bagels. If you buy a package of bacon, then resist the temptation to also buy a pack of breakfast sausage. Chances are, you’ll only be able to get through one of them, not both, in a week anyway.

5)     Take advantage of versatile foods as a way to both save money and eat a variety of meals throughout the week. Try to buy ingredients for which you can think of three or more dishes to use them in. Some great versatile vegetables include tomatoes, bell peppers, and broccoli, which can be cooked in so many different ways (roasted, stir-fried, steamed, etc). Chicken breast is a versatile meat that can be cooked whole (chicken parmesan, for example) or cut into pieces and thrown into pastas, salads, or sandwiches.

Hopefully these ideas will make your weekly shopping trips just a bit easier. Now, happy shopping!