How has your diet changed the past... eeerrr year?

Years of training for marathons have blessed me with quite a good metabolism. But, like most things in 2020, diet and lifestyle are having some major unfavourable shifts. Eeks!

I am not bothered with a slight weight gain, I know that slowly I can shed if off. So many people are struggling for their lives now so adding that as a reason to be depressed seems ungrateful. One time, I heard my friend talking on the phone saying this to her sister "If we survived this pandemic with some extra weight, it means we are one of the lucky ones." 

ps: Here's a relatable illustration for us to smile about. But of course, try to hit the road, yoga mat, or tennis court every other day. 

It will keep our emotional state in balance.

by Grace Farris

What are your (not so secretly) random turn ons?

In an attempt to cheer the mood of this blog a little, let's talk about something fun!

We all have those strange little things we're attracted to that may dilate our pupil bigger than if your type of guy (in my case, Mark Ruffalo) is walking into the restaurant where you were eating. It could be in the way a guy talks softly to a waiter when placing his order, the way his eyes crooked when he smiles, or as simple as the way he rolls up his sleeves.

It could be anything, often overlooked, and it's pretty much random but you cannot help but feeling giddy just thinking about it!

Here are some of mine:

• Beard and glasses. Not too much tho, just enough to give that scruffy look. A simple framed glasses is a plus as it makes him look serious and boy am I so into serious guys. The challenging part of this one is that I only like it if the guy is tidy at the same time too, so... no washed out top or dirty jeans!
• Broad shoulders. My mind will instantly wander off to some romantic scene of us lazing on a sofa, watching a movie, as I slowly doze off on his shoulder... Sleepy girl here.
• If I caught him being gentle, talking softly to children and or elderly. Brownie points bagged baby...
• When we have the same pet peeves. This, obviously can only be recognised after some serious conversation but nothing beats the exhilarating feeling of saying "Oh my God, I hate (insert something) too!"
• Intelligence. Not limited to academic lane, but more like a passion that you can see in his everyday life.

What are yours?

Also, did you know that Figs are aphrodisiac?

Canine Epilepsy Journey

Against all odds, we got to celebrate Marilyn's 8th birthday last October. It was simple, sweet, filled with cuddles and treats. We even got wishes from all across the world. Some of you might have been following her story for years, and even connect with me in some ways (thank you, all of you my IG friends with an epileptic baby in tow). 

Here's a medical update: 

When she turned six, our vet has laid out all the truth and some hard to grasp reality. I have come to accept it. Her regular Phenobarbital 30/60mg will no longer distance the seizure as effectively as it used to, nor will those electro acupuncture. To avoid a lurking kidney failure, we tried to alternate her medicine with herbal drops- Cuprum 30 (copper), and she seemed to respond quite well until two months ago... Today, we'd be lucky if she has no seizure for a day.

Everyday, I am feeling like walking on an eggshell because a slight change of emotion can now effect her harshly. 

Soppy story aside, she still is the same goofy girl that I love, and I have told her (with tears streaming down my cheeks), that I will not force her to stay strong for me... if that day comes, she can bring some parts of my shattered heart with her. I promise to be a little bit braver than I am today.

Last week, I wrote a short note for all of you parents out there dotting a kid with a special need, something that I hope can ease your pain a little bit:

To parents and pawrents out there, with a special kid in tow

Who sometimes feel the need to hide their sorrow and putting on a game face on when their heart is on the floor

During one of the hardest nights, when you are cradling your baby through the most difficult hours...

Try to look into their eyes

Trust me

They think... you, are magic