Gratitude Challenge Day 12

Day 12: 20 Oct 2014, Monday

I am grateful that:

1) I did not go out for lunch today. Because I brought vegetables and eggs yet I was tempted to go out for lunch. At the last minute I somehow managed to say 'no' when Jiuyu asked if I'm going for lunch. 

2) One of the helpers whom I shortlisted was considering working for me, and my current helper Anna is also considering renewing her contract. Therefore I am not stressed at all with regards to securing a helper. 

3) I spent a nice 10 minutes with Lucas at Limbang. He was a very good boy, we quickly bought his toothbrush and toothpaste and we left. He thought of his brother too, and he wanted to buy a set for him as well. When we passed by the toy shop he wanted to see toys but I said we will be late to pick daddy, he nicely said 'all right' and moved on promptly. 

Gratitude Challenge Day 11

Day 11: 19 Oct 2014, Sunday

I am grateful that:

1) My sil, Bee Leng, was able to help me with Lucas today so that I could go to the agencies to interview for a new helper. She brought him to and from his Tien Hsia and swimming classes and even got him to nap. At times like this I am grateful for supportive family members. 

2) After spending 11am - 4pm at Far East Shopping Centre and Roxy Square at East Coast and 7-8 interviews later, I managed to narrow down to 3 helpers. At least I know that I won't be in a rut and left without good help. 

3) I managed to sneak in a jog in the evening despite a busy day. I'm glad to have done it. I seriously need to lose weight and I do want to get fitter. Sometimes I remind myself that I have two young sons who depend very much on me. I don't want to be caught in situations where I fall sick or somehow is not fit enough to protect them. 

Gratitude Challenge Day 10

Day 10: 18 Oct 2014, Saturday 

It is now getting harder and harder to be disciplined and record everyday. Today is already Tuesday! Nevertheless...

I am grateful that:

1) There is a nice vegetable farm near our house. We went there to feed the fishes, goats, bought vegetables for eating and seeds for growing. We had a really relaxing and enjoyable morning, and still in time for Luis to nap at 1pm. 

2) Luis had a good 3-hour uninterrupted nap and Lucas did not take too long to fall asleep too. I had an hour plus to experiment with a a steamed orange cake. Well it was a disaster, it looked so ugly and tasted so bad that I could not stand to take a picture and I threw it away! 

3) We met our friends and their kiddos for dinner, followed by animal rides which was the highlight of the night. Lucas was a little apprehensive at first and daddy had to ride with him, but after one round he was confident to go in his own. Luis was very excited from the beginning. We managed to get a monkey, his fav animal, which he calls 'ah ah'. And later when Lucas rode with Luis I was very grateful for their brotherly relationship.

Gratitude Challenge Day 9

Day 9: 17 Oct 2014, Friday

I am grateful that:

1) I have a resourceful partner in my husband. I asked him to find out which vendor is taking over Mulberry's location at the stadium and he managed to find out! Even left my contact for them to call me back next week!

2) Lucas is developing confidently. When he was younger I worried that he will be bullied because he is a quiet boy. At times he doesn't like to play with others too. But over time I find that he's quite adaptable, when I drop him off for Heguru and Tien Hsia he didn't cry at all despite the fact that he is a little apprehensive. Today when I picked him up the teacher also told me that she felt Lucas has developed a lot and now shares and spends time with his friends, is talkative and talks to the teachers on his own initiative. This may seem like no big deal for many children, but I am damn proud of Lucas. 

3) My helper gave me two months advanced notice that she is resigning end of year. Though I have a tendency to grumble that she did not finish her contract, I try to lok on the bright side that at least I have time to get a new maid. Perhaps it's a chance to get a better one too. 

Gratitude Challenge Day 8

Day 8: 16 Oct 2014, Thursday

I am grateful that:

1) My husband is supportive of me playing badminton after work. He agreed to pick Lucas up (without the car cos I drove it to work) and so I get to play for an hour. 

2) The badminton players are nice and accommodating. So picture this, all the players tonight were men, and all of them are good players. Yet they were very welcoming towards me joining them and I slugged it out in order not to torture them with overly boring games!

3) After 3 dormant years I did not play too badly! Last time I used to make many mistakes, well I still make a fair number today but overall it's not too bad. There were a few good shots and saves too, so I guess I can return without shame next week. 

Gratitude Challenge Day 7

Day 7: 15 Oct 2014, Wednesday

I am grateful that:

1) I have a team made up of members who are mostly capable and committed. Over the last two years we have improved a lot and we are all ambitious on what we want to achieve. And we are capable of doing that!

2) I managed to find interest in my job again. There was a period of time when I was dejected and uninterested and I dread going to work everyday. Now I like working with the test houses, especially when I know it's going somewhere and it's something that I can contribute significantly to. One thing though, if we win the test I expect to be duly recognised and rewarded!

3) My manager is out of office for three days! This means there is no overstretched section head meeting this morning. Even though most days I do not need to interact with him, knowing that he's not around makes me feel less stressed. 

Gratitude Challenge Day 6

Day 6: 14 Oct 2014, Tuesday

I am grateful that:

1) My sons' diets consist of healthy food. This morning Lucas had Greek yoghurt with honey, cranberries, walnut and oats. And Luis has homemade bread or oats usually. So they are both growing up healthily!

2) I enjoyed a nice day out with my husband. We went for breakfast followed by some shopping, then lunch, vet, groceries and to the gym. A very relaxing day with fitness built in. 

3) I have a husband who gives me good guidance on exercising. He teaches me efficient exercises and tells me what to eat in order to lose weight. Now it's all up to me!