Q1 2007

The first three months of 2007 has been like a crazy roller coaster ride. The year started with me feeling lousy about myself, frustrated with carrying excessive weight which I've not had the discipline to shed. I was making everyone around me miserable because I was feeling miserable about myself. Then I received an opportunity of a lifetime. I was selected by a health and lifestyle magazine as their weight loss diary person. I have been working out three times a week with a personal trainer for the past couple of month, been very good following a low carb high fibre diet and is now rewarded with a more toned body. My progress will be charted and will be featured in the monthly magazine which will be launched later this year. I am definitely feeling healthier. Still some way to go to being a babe but getting there.

The first couple of months were a frenzy of celebration and feasting. Received good news from friends who gave birth to healthy babies. Better news is that they are breastfeeding their babies! I've also been busy with cakes the past couple of months. Truly blessed to be given the opportunity to make birthday celebrations and special occasions extra special.

A few days before my birthday, I receive news of my friend, Bobby's sudden passing. I could not pay my last respect to Bobby nor attend his funeral. He's been constantly on my mind the past few days. Perhaps it's because I didn't have a chance to say goodbye. Bobby's passing made me reflect on my own life and my loved ones. Life is so fragile and is to be celebrated. I am reminded not to take anything or anyone for granted.

My birthday celebration was extra special this year. I said a silent prayer of thanks for having my beautiful family and friends with me. Nothing is more beautiful than to wake up and find my daughter, Laura, sitting next to me patiently waiting for me to open my eyes so she could be the first to wish me Happy Birthday. Adam went with PT to prepare for me breakfast in bed! My family is the best birthday present ever.

Today, I receive shocking news that my friend's husband died in a horrific accident. They have three young children ranging in age from 3 to 10 years old. In just a split second, their lives have been turned topsy turvy. I am in shock over the news. I cannot begin to imagine what my friend must be going through. I feel so helpless. Somehow, words like "Please call me if you need anything" sound so shallow in circumstances like this. I sincerely do want to help but do not know where to begin.

Life.... the ultimate roller coaster ride.

Goodbye 2006...

2006 has been an interesting year for me. On this last day of 2006, whilst busy preparing for a party at home with close friends and family, I'm feeling out of sorts and a little out of control. PMS doesn't help either. Very timely too as it gives me a time to reflect on 2006, my family and about myself. 2006 has overall been fabulous for me. I'm now able to exercise my creative self through cake making. I have two beautiful children and a husband who loves me. Yet, something seems to be lacking. What? I've been asking myself the past few weeks. I am angry about something. Feeling out of sorts about something. But what? Am I getting "all whined out"? Children whining 'coz they're bored. "Mama, ChiChi doesn't want to share with me!" "Mama, I got it first!" Well, kids, deal with it yourself! People around me whining about the state of the country and pointing out what should have happened or should be done. I'm whining to myself 'coz I've had to deal with bills, arranging for this and that, grocery shopping, etc? I'm tired of being the "bad guy" who says "Enough sweets", "Time for bed", "Eat more vegetable". Yes, I think I'm all whined out.

So, in 2007, I'm going to get "whiners" to stop telling me the problems but give me solutions instead. Show me more stuff that are going well and not always point out the negative. What can we do together? Inundate MPAJ with calls and letters to get them to do something about dying trees which are threatening to fall on a car? Highlight to the press? What? Give me solutions! If no solution, let's work something out together.

In 2007, I will like more "me" time alone at home. So I can enjoy my own home in peace and quiet. I love my children and really do appreciate having a helper at home but to bump into someone ALL the time *sigh*

I am looking forward to 2007 as I know it is going to be a year full of success and good tidings. It is going to be a fantabulous year for my family and me. Just less whining please, even from myself!