Only the good from travelling

I still haven't reached that point in my life where I am comfortable travelling alone, by that I must specify travelling outside of my province, really getting on a boat or a plane. I tried travelling alone many times, took a bus and went off to my destination. When I was younger it has so many advantages for me. But now that I am older I must say it's not as exciting anymore as when I was in my 20s.

So I guess this post is about the benefits of travelling with companion. Now, what kind of companion is another story. So for now I will qualify it as "travelling with a companion you enjoy".  I would love to travel with someone I love and who loves me in return. Someone who's devoted to me is much better. There are some scenes on my mind, I can still recall them where I was treated like a VIP in my travel. I want to relive these moments soonest.

What good is there in planning?

The past days I have been writing down my things to do, for the day, for the week, for the month, for the year, for the year ahead ... targets, drawings, sketches, figures. Amazing how it helps me to relax, worry less, and trust that the future is not so scary as long as I got a plan. Coming from a spiritual perspective, it does not correlate at all because as Christians we are expected to trust in the power greater than us. That has always been my understanding. But right now, reaching this particular age, I have realized both are correct and actually interrelated. I trust in the Lord Almighty that he will take care of my future, but while I am here living my present, I make the most out of it. And writing down, planning, evening things out are one of the ways where I can live life to the fullest. It helps me become more hopeful, positive, organized, calmer, more relaxed and more confident. Indeed it has given me just the right amount of control over my life at least on a daily basis.



 

Are you a bully?

bul·ly¹

ˈbo͝olē/

verb

gerund or present participle: bullying

1. use superior strength or influence to intimidate (someone), typically to force him or her to do what one wants.

   "a local man was bullied into helping them"

   synonyms:

   persecute, oppress, tyrannize, browbeat, harass, torment, intimidate, strong-arm,dominate; More

   Bullying is not good for your well being. I am being bullied at work, by someone next to me in rank. I tried not taking it sitting down but the retaliation was even worse. I would just then keep silent go to the bathroom and cry there. It's a nasty thing. I can now understand victims of bullying who hurt their offenders, even kill them. Many times in my mind I do that to my office mate. Then again I know I'm not like that. So I gain myself back and think how pitiful bullies are. 

You can make cake using rice cooker!

 

One of the benefits of baking your own cake is that you can very well control what you put into your pan. You can choose the amount of sugar, (in my case I use brown sugar, as it is of course healthier), the amount of cream, milk, nuts and whatnot. I have tried this rice cooker chocolate cake recipe, surprisingly easy to prepare and for a busy mom like me, it really comes in handy. I made one for my son's 11th birthday. It was such an experience preparing it the night before and putting on the ganache early the next morning while my son was still sleeping. 

 Rice Cooker Chocolate Cake 2 cups cake flour* 3/4 cup cocoa powder, sifted. 3/4 cup caster or superfine sugar. 4 teaspoons baking powder. Pinch of salt. 1 3/4 cups buttermilk. 2 eggs, at room temperature. 80g butter, melted.


 

Spinach for my sandwich!

Was so thrilled to see on Facebook this morning that spinach can be included in a sandwich. Plenty of spinach from where I come. You can see it everywhere. Imagine the health benefits: Health Benefits of Spinach. Low in fat and even lower in cholesterol, spinach is high in niacin and zinc, as well as protein, fiber, vitamins A, C, E and K, thiamin, vitamin B6, folate, calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, copper, and manganese. It is such a great encouragement as I look to my future advocating on organic farming, healthy lifestyle, clean living and going organic. I believe that this earth was created for us to enjoy every bit of its creation. I do not have to deprive myself and suffer just to "appear" healthy enough. I say "appear" because looking thinner is healthier as the society suggests. No I won't starve myself just to look that way. Finally in my life I have learned to love eating, after being skinny for  as long as I could remember. Where did I go all my life missing so much on all these mouth watering treats.