.. grants rest to ..

I didn't think I will be rather reluctant to go away for a month, because who is so crazy to book a much-needed and anticipated month of rest and recharge, to then not feel excited those days leading up to it.

Because in the days leading up - there are a bunch of personal and work must-do, whole new discovery of the perspective that I was confused, the ongoing world event, other social activities, lack of (long and well) sleep, new decision to bring along work laptop for a month, huge consumption of spearmint tea to keep the cold at bay.

But, there is always time for everything in life. So the time for a holiday is meant for a holiday.

Nevertheless I am glad that some issues have better clarity and that I look forward to coming back. I am sure the post-holiday days will be as exciting as the holiday.

So see you soon.

Countdown: 2 days to Korea. (the flight is past midnight)

The theories in life, I think

1. It isn't the same anymore; even if everything seems the same, as everything is different already.
2. The most lasting liking is a distance away; turn it into a longtime friend maybe.

The song playing in the car,
Say what you wanna say
And let the words fall out
Honestly I wanna see you be brave
Sara Bareilles, Brave

*

I know it doesn't seem to say much, but it sure does makes sense to me.

Countdown: 5 days to Korea.

I will make you lunch.

What have I been eating?

My recent favourite lunch box, consisting of grilled salmon belly, roasted vegetables with mushrooms and mashed potatoes. I am sure I can finish two such lunch boxes at one go! Or rather, I can eat this every day!

A Sunday of roasting - fish, corns, green beans, mushrooms, and cajun chicken fillet!

Lunch variety - really love this combination of mashed potatoes, hard boil egg with beetroot.


Mix them up as bibimbap!

Grilled fish with long beans and mushrooms, with mashed potatoes.

My sister got us some sushi, with roasted corns, cajun chicken fillet and fried egg. There is no way I crave for food outside with such healthy and yummy lunch boxes.

Thanks to my mum (and some of our own Sunday cooking), I actually get loads of other lunch varieties, including Chinese rice and noodles. Equally yummy but clearly I love all those above most.

A daily fruit box of seasonal (and often exotic) fruits. Honeydews, strawberries and blueberries are common!


Countdown: 10 days to Korea.

Feeling grateful of everything in life.

I woke up today feeling the ache in my legs but on my way to work I recalled how this feeling was far from what I experienced throughout my recovery period. At that moment, I felt grateful for everything in life - that despite being injured, I did recover - though I am sure I am more grateful than the times I've expressed about it.

Being grateful and being content are 2 of the best things in life - someone told me recently. I cannot agree more, even if I might not be reminded of this everyday, but I am learning to.

So despite being exhausted, I went for my usual walk, feeling grateful for it. I really love being closer to nature (ok along a huge drain doesn't count, but still it's lined with trees on the other side), I cannot wait to get out for some sun (adjustment made no less), fresh air and sweat. It helps clears my mind off whatever too.

And, thank you for all the swimming days or walking days that I can still do.

Countdown: 23 days to Korea.

And I think it certainly helps to remind myself that I should be grateful for a long holiday and be content after the holiday. Thanks again.

I no longer think about running.

Either I run, or I don't run. I don't think about it much anymore.

When I first gotten myself injured, I thought about running quite frequently. I asked myself numerous times whether I could still run, then decided to think of it as a matter of when can I start running again as a way to motivate myself. I guess it helps that back then I think alot about running, read inspiration books on running, because that gave me a meaning when I was struggling with recovery.

I hadn't run since. Sure, there were short sprints but it was merely trying to get from one place to another urgently, that's about it. Even when I was walking on my treadmill, the thought of no I am not ready to run came out strongly. I was at peace with that thought even.

So when I joined some peers for a game of floorball a couple of days ago, I realised I wasn't really going to run after the ball, and I was terrified to get myself injured. I was passive and non-competitive, which usually wasn't the case. But I realised it didn't matter that much, because I really wasn't going to run (so there was nothing much I could do). Even when I spent most of the time waiting for the ball (and also because I am lousy with ball games in general) on the court or sitting at the sideline watching, I wasn't going to run. If I can do better without having to run, I would, but there isn't.

I think I generally feel grateful and contented to be doing everything that I can do now even without running. I might run for my life, but other than that, I am not sure when or if I ever would run. It helps that I am no longer curious to know the answer.

Countdown: 27 days to Korea.