I GET TO....

Got some tips from a website about motivating oneself: Instead of thinking or saying, I have to finish this project or I have to pick up my kids, I need to tweak my language: I get to work on this assignment. I get to pick up my children from school. I get to help them with homework. I get to buy groceries and make dinner for my family. I get to dine out with friends. I get to help my colleagues. I get to take Alyssa for classes. I get to go on a long run. I get to go to cinema with Alyssa. I get to run this 5-K, 10-K....In this way, I won't be able to dwell in negative thoughts too often.

Reflection At the Park

Went to the Park opposite for a stroll and reflected on this weekend:

Saturday, 26 Jun:
a) Had breakfast with Richard at McDonald's@ Henry Park. He shared about his outing at Hooters (I was "sua ku" and did not know what it was before that) with his friends and something about family and such. We steered clear of work-related topic. That's Great!
b) We proceeded for volunteer work with 13 other colleagues at Mei Ling St, helping an elderly HCA Hospice Care patient to paint up and clean her flat. Spent abt 3 hours.
c) Had lunch with Angeline and Richard at Tanglin Halt.

d) Visited ruins of QRP.
e) Went home and sent Alyssa to and fro Tampines Mall for piano lesson.

f) Rushed home, and went out for dinner with Ma'am Lim, Jac, Anderson, Beng Wee, Gwen and Vionne @Dempsey Hill. Tried hard not to talk too much about work.
g) Reached home and realised that it was Mr Jo's B'day. Sent him a message.
Sunday, 27 Jun:
a) Went for a 5km jog to burn off the calories consumed the day before.
b) Sent kids for Swimming lesson and back.
c) Prepared apple soup, thanks to the thermal pot!
d) Brought Alyssa to watch Toy Story 3 at Downtown East. I was not interested but relented because didn't want to disappoint her. Slept through part of the show (abt 30 mins of it).
e) Helped Alyssa with her journal.
f) Did some pull-up at Park.

Fine at Work

Over at work, things are going on quite fine. I'm glad that everyone is adjusting well.

Alyssa's Ballet Exams

Alyssa's ballet exams results were made known to us last Friday. She scored 78 points - a distinction. I was very glad with the results. Months of ferrying her to and from coaching classes had paid off and I know Alyssa had also put in her best efforts. Well done Alyssa!

Divination Lot

While at the Goddess of Mercy Temple at Asakusa, I went to qiu qian (Divination lot) out of curosity (or desparation?). Top most in my mind was my health. I drew lot no. 61. And it read something like "the patient will keep the bed long". It didn't sound good at all. I was kind of affected when I reflected on it back at the hotel room in the evening. But put it behind me till I am back in Singapore. Still bothers me once in a while. But just hope for the best.

Odd Shaped Boxes From Japan

Amongst the gift items I came across in Japan were these food boxes with an interesting shape from FRANCfranc @ Venus Fort. So I bought them without hesitation. Little did I know that they were no ordinary tupperware. I've yet to figure out how to use it. I think the design is perculiar to the Japanese. Alyssa likes it because it is pink. The green one is for Richard. He'll figure out how to use it.

Holidays In JAPAN

Had a Wonderful Holiday with the Kids in Japan....

The shops and goods are awesome;

Neon lights at Shinjuku were captivating;

Disneyland is heaven to children and adults alike;

The Japanese's attitude to serve were unequalled;

You can practically sleep in their toilets;

The ppl are so civic-mindedness;

Got to see Mt Fuji - the feeling is hard to describe - it's overwhelming;

The relaxing dip at the onsen, real stress buster;

Tranqulising Lake Kawaguchi - I wished time had stood still just for me; and

FOOD! Oh GLORIOUS FOOD!

FOCUS

The state of euphoria is over. In the next one week, I shall focus on the following:

Get the kids ready for their new school term. It's going to be hectic because Alyssa will resume her catechism and with other enrichment classes thrown in, I'll have my hands full. She told me that she wanted to take up singing (?!). Alexus will miss school when he goes for scout camp at Mt Fuji in August. Need to prepare warm clothing for him.

Unpack all the luggage.

Concentrate on Work issues =(.... this is my rice bowl.

Not sure when Alexus is coming back from M'sia. It's his Birthday today. It's also Fathers' Day, so Janet is bringing father out.

But I'll go shopping with Alyssa... at Raffles City?

What You can do with eggs

Alexus and Alyssa, Besides omelettes (with tomatoes, bitter gourd, hairy gourd, shrimps), here are some quick fixes using eggs:

Sweetened Egg Drink:

Break an egg into a cup, add two teaspoon full of sugar and mix well, pour hot water into the cup, the egg will cook under the heat. There you have a nutritious sweetened egg drink. (Fr Grandma)

Egg mixed with steamed rice:

Break an egg into a bowl or on a plate, scoop hot steamed rice (about 1 bowl) to cover the egg, add soy sauce to taste, add a few drops of cooking oil fried in garlic or shallots. Mix the content well. The rice will taste heavenly. (fr Gandma)

Steamed egg custard:

Egg to water ratio is 1 egg: 3 egg shells of (boiled but cooled) water. Beat the ingredients well, add few drops of cooking oil, some salt to taste, mix well. Steam for 15 to 20 mins in a clay / metal bowl. Yummy when eaten with rice. (fr father)

Sweetened Egg Custard (Dessert)

Egg to water ratio is 1 egg: 3 egg shells of (boiled but cooled) water. Beat the ingredients well, crush afew rock sugar and beat into the egg mixture. Steam for 30 mins. (fr father)

Raw Egg (not recommended):

Use a knife to break a small hole at one end of the egg, suck out the egg white, yoke and all till the shell is empty. (fr Grandma)

Half boiled egg:

Place two eggs into a metal mug, pour freshly boiled water into the mug till the eggs are well covered.Covered the mug and leave it for 20 mins. Remove egg, break them into a bowl, add black sauce and pepper to taste.

Hard Boiled Egg: Need I say more?

Appointment at NCC

Called NCC yesterday to make appointment for further tests. I was hoping to be able to go for it soon after my trip. Unforunately, the earliest date available is 14 July 2010, exactly one month after my trip. Hope I remember. I'm relieved that my Ins agent said my medical coverage is quite comprehensive.

After holidays.

I'll be back in town by next Monday, 14 June 2010, late night or, 12 mn. Hopefully, I would be able to energise myself to go back to work.

Ready to go

Tomorrow, I'll be on holidays in Tokyo with Alexus and Alyssa. I'm glad I had decided to go ahead and no news (is good news) from mother. I've just completed some last minute packing. I think should be fine. Feeling pretty exhausted but unable to sleep just yet. Alyssa is definitely too excited and has problem sleeping. Alexus is busy using the hp. Hope I'll be able to fully enjoy my time with my children.

Went for a slow, long jog at about 8 pm. Ended at about 9.15 pm. I had covered the 9 km route. Feeling very satisfied. Hope can do the same tomorrow. Will be away on holidays from 10 Jun 2010 to 14 June 2010 with Alexus and Alyssa. The shopping and walking should allow me to burn some calories even though I may skip exercise.

Results of Mammogram

Alamak! The mammogram results show I need to go for further tests at NCC. Shall book for appointment. Tough luck. I have this hunch that things are not going smoothly for me these few months. People always say the probability of getting cancer is higher than striking 4D. Maybe meanwile I should go buy 4D or TOTO.

Tensed Meeting

Attended a meeting which lasted more than 5 hrs. Felt rather drained due to the long hours, tension and negative vibes. Nevertheless, managed to go for a jog and I'm glad I did because it helped dispell some toxins from my body. And the bonus is I burned some calories, and chalked up another 5 km.

Chalking Up Mileage

Since Monday, I had chalked up 18 km. Hope I can chalk up another 10 km before Sunday=)