Living in Niseko during January

Can I just exclaim how amazing January was for me!!

I've put a hold on my part time dish washing job to focus more on my day job, and I felt less tired and best part is I have more time to hang out with friends after work! Since I eat out more often now, my expenses shot up to 60,000yen for January. But I kept consoling myself that since it's my final season, it's okay to go all out and enjoy myself to the maximum. And I am doing just that =)

January was also the month where new staffs are more comfortable with the job and knows what to do now without asking for much help. It makes me happy that new staffs are more comfortable with the job now. As for myself, I have to start thinking of how to pass over my duties to the next person in charge. I actually feel quite sad to part ways with what I've worked on since the beginning. There's so many minor details that I need to pinpoint so hopefully I can organize everything and make everything smooth for the next person in charge.

I've also realized that one of my weakness is, it's hard for me to delegate jobs to other people. Firstly, I feel bad to ask someone to do something. Secondly, I will worry more if I were to delegate jobs to others, I will keep thinking how did it turn out. Thirdly, I feel that it takes more time for me to explain what to do and how to do, might as well do it myself. This kinda concludes that, either I won't be a good boss to others or it's better for me to be my own boss.

Now I actually feel quite sad to be leaving this job. I really like this job but I need to go somewhere new. Also kinda feel like I can't fully enjoy my last season because I need to search for new job after this...

Moving on to a topic that will never wipe the smile off my face - FOOD.

Free authentic nasi lemak!

I was really really torn between giving some nasi lemak to my colleague who has never tried them and to spread the amazingness of Malaysian food OR to be selfish and devour it all by myself as I am Malaysian and I already know how to appreciate it!!!

Well, in the end I gave half to colleagues and half to share with my Indonesian friend.. I was given 5 packets and I ate probably just half of a packet... It's fine.... I can eat all I want when I'm back to Malaysia....

Cooked up a storm to complement the nasi lemak which was the star of the dinner. 

Deep fried chicken skin

Chicken wings

Spaghetti

Stir fried chicken

Spicy potatoes

NASI LEMAK

I had a few in-dorm cooking session with my roommates as well. 

And some were on a totally random time like 7am or so, because all of us have different shifts, and the only time to cook was 7am.

Oden with udon at 7am. So so good though, warm tummy in the morning.

Cheese fondue dinner with pizza!

Smoked duck and stir fried pork! SO GOOD.

Surprise teatime snack during work, how awesome can this be?

Gyoza soup

Soup curry with ramen

(And odd looking failed egg)

Before (Potatoes with chicken skin)

After (So so good)

Cooked Bak Kut Teh for my roommates and colleague as well!

Wide grin for positive feedbacks!

Solo attempt in baking potatoes. Not too bad but needed more oil to crisp up.

Attempted baked lotus roots, success!

Moving on to outside food!

All time fav, Korean barbeque!

Japanese barbeque!

Awesome part was this is an all you can eat buffet for 60 minutes.

Malaysian fried rice with steamed chicken. 

So delicious though it's so expensive...

Shabu-shabu for lunch!

The famous must order seafood salad in Hanayoshi.

Crispy part at the top are deep fried potatoes. I like how what Kutchan is famous for apart from the snow, which is potatoes, are incorporated into this dish.

Sashimi time!

Sushi time! 

It was not an easy task sharing this among 3 of us... 

To finish off our meal (I was still not full actually)

Yes I ate 2 plates at once. (Though I took away half of the rice)

Interesting cheese I had! Chocolate cheese which was surprisingly really delicious.

Can't believe this karaoke place is so well decorated and designed!!

And I went SNOWMOBILING with my colleagues!!

So much fun, the thrill of speeding through the snow was just amazing.

Epic ice bar have this half egg shell thing where you can pose inside!

While waiting for the bus, I felt so nostalgic and I can't believe I'll be leaving this place for good soon. Niseko really is very special to me, I had many first times while I'm here. But I believe it's time for me to try something new.