Back Into Swing

It's back to school for Sushi. And back to work for me, after a week vacation (in Quebec). So we're back into full swing. I will be up at 6AM everyday for my breakfast and bento preps, including some me time.

This is Sushi's back-to-school bento.

In case you're wondering what about my bento.

Mine is usually leftovers. Other days I buy from the cafeteria. We have a descent selection of meals and reasonably priced at - are you ready - $5. Check out our menu here.

Meanwhile...

The Kindergartens are on staggered entry, so Sashimi's first day is a day later than Sushi's. We bid adieu to our daycare of 5 years so today was a baby step to big school for my not-so-baby-anymore.

As you can see there is some resistance there. What happened after taking this photo was something too painful to recall. Thought to myself, this is what couples without children don't have to endure. *sob*

Since everything will be a first for him, I made his bento sweet and simple.

Bunny sandwich with gummy treat, hotdog brooms over a bed of edamame and granola bar.

This is his lunch bag. I worry how he will handle all this on his own. And whether this will make its way home everyday... empty.

I've Learned

Many times when a person initiates a negative message or difficult attitude, they are trying to trigger a response from you. They are trying to take away your power and make it their own. When we react, we are actually giving them what they want. Stop the cycle of negative snowballing and sell them short on what they’re looking for. Don’t bother responding and keep your power.

- Lessons Learned in Life

This life lesson is nothing but timely, after some tough weeks at work. I've learned that you don't always win and you don't always have to. I've learned to just uphold good work ethics - honesty, integrity and dignity (that order). I've learned that the workplace is like a box of crayons. Each crayon is a unique colour. Some colours clash. Some complement another. Some colours are used more often. Some not at all. The White, though always overlooked, is the one that stays sharpest. I've learned that whatever colour you are, all have the same sole purpose, that is to colour. More importantly, to live in harmony inside the box.

I've learned. Nuf said.

The Hardest Job

By P&G for London 2012 Olympic Games

This reminds me of the kids' book we borrowed from the library - 31 Uses for a Mom. Our everyday job.

1. clock
2. chauffeur
3. hairstylist
4. tailor
5. navigator
6. doctor
7. pitcher
8. catcher
9. retriever
10. encyclopedia
11. accompanist
12. beach chair
13. bottle opener
14. taster
15. fixer-upper
16. photographer
17. tooth puller
18. party planner
19. ruler
20. opponent
21. personal shopper
22. answering service
23. costume designer
24. thermometer
25. pet sitter
26. mixer
27. bank
28. tweezer
29. hand holder
30. page turner
31. friend

And more. Love you, boys. I'll be anything for ya!

It's the hardest job. But it's the best job in the world.

Sinful

Today's lunch - the sinful Chicken Club Burger - grilled chicken breast, bacon, and curly fries.  Photo was taken after I already nibbled through 1/3 of the curly fries as I took my 93 steps of stairs going up.

Please forgive me for I don't fry at home, let alone DEEP fry, and I don't buy pork bacon. My mantra is, if you don't make it at home, you can indulge elsewhere occasionally. And that's fine... right?

The sinful part is, I finished it all. Burp!

Stair Master

On my recent medical check-up, my family physician asked me if I exercise. I told her that I have been taking the stairs, if that counts. She gave out an insulting laugh. She thought I was referring to the stairs at home. Yes, I have 5 splits levels worth of stairs at home, and kids or laundry basket to lug up and down through, but of course I didn’t mean that.

For the last 3 months, I have religiously been taking the stairs at work. I work on the 5th floor (and my physician couldn’t believe it). That’s a combined 93 steps. And I do 4 trips each day – coming in & out, and down for lunch & up. No miss. Do the math. There are times I want to renege with thoughtful excuses of I’m running late, it’s a busy day, or I miss the interactions at the elevator. And then I’ll snap back to thinking if I renege once, I am bound to renege habitually.

With our daily mundane, working-out is really OUT.  Even the Wii Fit didn’t help =[  Now, thanks to the Fire Exit, I’m a proud stair master without a Stairmaster.