Project Money Saver

After two rather serious and heavy post previously, i decided that i better post something that is more of me.... something less heavy (not me.. i am heavy)... and something light....

It's about a part of this ongoing project, call "Project Money Saver".... The project is, as the name suggests, a project to save money... (duh!)...

And one integral part of this project is..... my lunch!!

Since I have been on the current engagement (abt 5 weeks back), I have tried to bring lunch frequently (abt 3 weeks out of 5)... to the "me" from Singapore, bringing lunch to work is a big "no-no". *Where got time to cook? Bring lunch, so ma fan (troublesome), just buy lah! How must only(singlish accent)?*

But since I got here, I have been doing the Math everyday... the figures simply do not add up... while I earn more here, I do actually have less... (frustrating irony)... So the solution to this frustration is.... be a GIAM KANA (see footnote A). I decided to bring lunch when i saw that my senior, a Filiphino, is also bringing lunch to save money... What's the big deal you might ask... US$7-10 is THE big deal... as opposed to bringing my own lunch... I probably spend abt $5-7 extra each day... it all adds up...

So I had the wonderful idea of cooking double portion for dinner (when I was having dinner alone), and saving half of that for lunch the next day. I even had to invest in a set of containers (only $2) for this part of "Project Money Saver". The very next day, I simply have to heat up my lunch in the microwave... it is also healthier than having the sandwiches and the fried stuff in the deli (like canteen).

Here's a look at my lunch for today:

It may be a little difficult to see. On the left, I have cut Chicken thighs stir fried with dried chilli and ginger, and on the right i have my staple, rice, with greens, brocolli with oyster sauce.

Looks simple.... it's simply delicious... (and my mum always tells me... dont force yourself to eat your own lunch just to save money.... I didnt force myself to eat... i like my lunch... haha)

Here's a look at the aftermath:

ALL CLEANED UP! eh... except a bit of vegge, i cooked more than I could finish....

But it's all fun... and I think it's a big money saver....

FOOTNOTE A:

Giam kana

Pronunciation: 'kiä-am\m-ga&nar

Function: noun

A person who is unusually thrifty. This person will choose the cheapest meat when there are more expensive ones. He will drive to another supermarket, just because the chicken thighs cost $1.80 for 4 large parts (when the present one cost $3).... he will see where is the cheapest petrol and die die try to refuel there... he will think of different permutations and combinations to maximise any additional benefit that he receives... He is me... and He will start the great "PROJECT MONEY SAVER"...