Gratitude Challenge Day 22

Day 22: 30 Oct 2014, Thursday

So far I have been catching up on my recording. I find that it's difficult to recall what I am grateful for. From now on I will try to do it one day after at the latest.
 

I am grateful that:

1) A friend shared a poem about 'The Last Time'. The part that really struck a chord in me:
The thing is, you won't even know it's the last time
Until there are no more times.

Good friends share things that they feel you will like. This is a good reminder for me to treasure the time spent with my family. Now put away that phone!

2) My mentor introduced me to a group of capable youngsters, whom I met for the first time during dinner tonight. They are young, ambitious and full of energy to want to change things. At the same time they are so humble, so willing to learn and hear what you have to say. Seeing them like this humbles me too and reminds me never to get cocky, which I can get sometimes. That is not a good way to learn!

3) Once again I have a fantastic mentor. I was telling him about this colleague in my team who has a good attitude but does not deliver. So he advised me on how to do it effectively and kindly. Just tell the facts, and that you also don't know what to do. On the other hand, try to get some compensation for him from HR.

Gratitude Challenge Day 21

Day 21: 29 Oct 2014, Wednesday

 

I am grateful that:

1) Lucas is showing progress in his year-end concert. In the first year (PN) he was standing at the side. During the concert he did not follow the pace, he danced (or rather jumped) for a littlewhile not according to when he was supposed to do it, and most of the time he was standing on the stage staring at the background and at his shoes. In the second year (N1) he was standing at the back at the side. He was standing there partly also because he missed quite a large part of the rehearsals because he was out sick. He danced through 90% of the performance, movements not the best and not always in tune, but he did. I was super proud! This year Teacher Punitha said he is standing in the first row! At the side but first row nonetheless! I am super looking forward to his concert next week!

2) Luis seems to like me more than the helper these days. Some mothers have no problem being the first person in their children's hearts. I have no problem with Lucas but I had a lot of problems with Luis. Because I have a helper and because I also need to spend time with Lucas, I did not have as much time with Luis. When I come back from work, he would prefer to stick with me and sit at the dining table, or ask me to bring him to see the wheatgrass that we are growing, than playing with my mother in law or the helper. I don't care what you think, but hooray mummy, your hard work pays off!

3) My colleagues are kind enough to eat and commend on my muffins. I do not feel that they are better than those sold outside, but they are very kind to say they are nice, moist, not hard, good enough to be sold etc. I have thin skin, so I really appreciate that they are so nice about it.

Gratitude Challenge Day 20

Day 20: 28 Oct 2014, Tuesday

 

I am grateful that:

1) My husband is fillial (even though hot tempered!). When bringing Bobby to the vet I brought along both sons, and still wanted to send my in-laws back (husband is driving). There were not enough seats to be comfortable. My in-laws offered to take the bus.We left for the vet, my husband on the way complaining I shouldn't have brought Luis, that Lucas is not being easy, blah blah blah. But at the same time he kept thinking that we shouldn't have allowed his parents to have to walk so much. So he went back to pick them up from the bus stop and sent them home.

2) Bobby ate his dinner tonight after I stirred the food and gave it to him again. His appetite is getting worse, I also don't know if it's due to old age, therefore bad teeth. Or he doesn't like the food, or he just generally does not feel well. It is common that he only eats a meal a day because he gets so hungry that he just decides to eat it. These few days he is eating less than that. I am grateful that at 16 years old, he is considered a relatively healthy dog. Tonight he slept in a funny position, reminds me of many times when he was younger where he did many funny things that my husband and I will often ask each other to look at and also talk about.

3) We had a short fun time making wheatgrass juice tonight. We didn't have a juicer, so we had to blend it. Lucas was very excited to cut it. Husband quickly blended it with honey, then we drank the juice. Luis had a spoon and did not want anymore. Lucas took quite a few spoons. It was fun nonetheless!

 

 

Gratitude Challenge Day 19

Day 19: 27 Oct 2014, Monday

I am grateful that:

1) My mother is still considerably healthy. I brought her for her diabetes check-up today. Each time during her doctor's visit, a small part of me is nervous about her test results. I'm worried that her kidney is no longer good and that she will need dialysis, or her blood sugar or blood pressure or any other issues have gotten worse. Today the test shows her blood sugar is slightly raised, but her kidney health is maintained. So she gets a small dose of medicine for her blood sugar. To me this is A+ report card! What else to ask for, she's 79, walking and healthy and happy!

2) I have a very strong relationship with my siblings. Last time I used to bring my mother to all her doctor appointments when it was just diabetes. After that many more came in and my siblings ungrudgingly stepped in to help. My brother on his own accord keeps track of all the appointments via an excel file and frequently sends out the roster for us to take up the appointments. When I expressed one day that I do not have enough leave, my brother immediately said it's ok and he will take over bringing my mother to that appointment. But I also know not to take advantage, because he is already shouldering a lot of the blood test trips and trips to the GP, so I said I will do it. Nevertheless, in times when a parent is sick, it makes me grateful that I have a solid support system together with my siblings. Also, we hardly quarrel. We don't talk very often but I know our relationship is strong. I like that all of us are mature adults who appreciate the relationship that we have.

3) There are nice people around us. The nurse at the doctor's office was very friendly. Later at the pharmacy it looked like I will be late to pick Lucas, so I asked the registration staff if he could ask the pharmacist to hurry the prescription. He did and we completed the transaction in a jiffy.

Gratitude Challenge Day 18

Day 18: 26 Oct 2014, Sunday

 

I am grateful that:

1) Lucas is an energetic boy. We left at the house at before 9am to go to his first piano class (which will not be continued because he doesn't listen to the teacher's instructions!), then to Chinese class, then to swimming, then a nap and then dinner at grandparents' house. The energy of small kids!

2) Luis is getting more interesting to spend time with. While Lucas was napping, he woke up and I let him play a little with the batter of my steamed lemon cupcakes that I was preparing.

3) Every night before Lucas falls asleep we have a good night ritual. He always wants to be the first to say it. If he doesn't want to close his eyes and seriously try to sleep yet then he won't say it. And if he is ready to sleep then he must say this before he falls asleep. I treasure it very much:
Lucas: "I say first. Good night mummy."
Me: "Good night baby."
Lucas: "I love you mummy."
Me: I love you baby."

Occasionally he will also say "Mummy hug me", so I will put my arm around him for a little while.

I once read an article about treasuring all these little actions because each time it can be the last time that it is happening. Perhaps the next day they will decide to be independent and not want to do it anymore. 

 

Healthiest muffin I have ever made!

I had apple sauce left in the fridge for about a month and when I started scooping flour my husband texted me and asked if I can make a banana cake with wholemeal flour, oats and chia seeds. Of course I said yes. So I adapted the recipe. Tastes all right, I regretted the assorted spice so you will not see it in the recipe here. It is surprisingly moist and not flat-dense too. This one you can really eat without feeling guilty!

 

Recipe adapted from http://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/applesauce-muffins.

Makes 11 silicon cupcakes.

 

INGREDIENTS:

1/2 cup oil
Between 1/3 to 1/2 cup sugar
1 egg
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup apple sauce

1 cup wholemeal flour
1 cup plain flour
1/2 spoon slightly heaped baking soda
1/2 spoon cinnamon powder

1 cup filling (I used 1 banana, raisins and oats)
Chia seeds for sprinkling
Oats for sprinkling

 

HOW:
1) Pour oil and sugar in a big bowl and mix together.

2) Add egg and vanilla extract and mix well.

3) Stir in apple sauce.

4) In another bowl, mix wholemeal flour, plain flour, baking soda and cinnamon powder together.

5) Prepare your cup of filling and then preheat Air Fryer at 175 deg C.

6) Pour flour mixture to wet mixture. Mix well with spatula, aim for 10-14 strokes. It's ok to have some flour visible.

7) Fold in filling.

8) Fill silicon cups to almost full, sprinkle with Chia seeds and oats.

9) Bake at 175 deg C for 13-15 min.

 

My taster was very happy with the muffins. Certified children-friendly.

 

 

Gratitude Challenge Day 17

Day 17: 25 Oct 2014, Saturday

I am grateful that:

1) Lucas is not aversed to all vegetables. This morning we went to a coffeeshop for breakfast. There was a durian roll dish that came with some green leafy garnish (tasted like mint) and he asked if he could eat it. I said of course and he put it in his mouth. Luckily before he heard daddy's friend say 'do you dare to?'. He liked it and finished the rest! Kinda weird, I wouldn't normally eat it, but good for Lucas!

2) I remember how to make a mean ondeh ondeh. I followed a recipe once, recorded it on my iPhone but lost the notes when my iPhone was spoilt. I've been meaning to try out again so I could document the recipe. Today I did it while the boys were napping and it turned out very well!

3) Lucas is a very good boy today. I enjoy spending time with him. Tonight we went to our friend's place for dinner. He cooperated and had his soup quickly, ate his dinner on his own and played happily. Before he fell asleep I told him that I am very proud of him because of his good behaviour.