I started the post with the title “10 Things I Hate About Me”, an inspiration to a reality show on BBC Lifestyle Channel, “What I Hate About Me”.  Then I thought to myself, there is really too much negativity in the world, why add to it?  Thus, I am going to write about 10 things I love about me. 

Too many times, I hold myself to impossible standards and then, when I cannot achieve my goals, I think very little of myself.  This is a sure fire way of breaking down a person’s confidence, self esteem and ego.  I am sure lots of you working mothers out there do the same.  It is difficult to be a super career woman AND a super mum.  Don’t beat yourself up too much when things don’t go your way.    Think about the things that you do love about yourself.  This will help you to pick up the pieces and move on.

1. I love that I can talk to ANYONE
   When I say ANYONE, I mean ANYONE!  Dear husband is always amaze at how I can be such good friends with the cab driver after a 30 min ride.  I can talk incessantly about the most inconsequential thing.  Annoying sometimes to people around me, but boy, do I melt cold people fast!
2. I love that I know how to use a screwdriver, a spanner and a saw
   During the course of my life, I had to learn to use these tools.  I know some women have never even touch them much less use them!  I am sure if I put my mind to it, I can change a flat tire, change a light bulb and even change my kids’ minds that vegetables are the coolest food to eat!  I did set up this blog single handedly!
3. I love that I don’t mind making people laugh by being silly
   I don’t mind being silly, in fact, sometimes I love it!  This helps me relax and when my friends laugh, it makes me feel good that I contributed to their well being.
4. I love that I can whip up a decent meal with just 5 ingredients in under 20 minutes
   Here’s my dear husband’s favourite pasta dish – Pesto Pasta

Ingredients
200g long pasta (spaghetti works best)
50g pine nuts
60g bottled pesto sauce (I like Barilla best)
Shaved or grated Parmesan cheese to taste
Salt for cooking pasta

Method
1. Bring to boil salted water in pasta pan or any deep pan.
2. In the meantime, place pine nuts on dry pan on low heat to dry roast, while flipping them ensuring even roasting.
3. Cook pasta according to packet instructions.
4.  Drain pasta, add pesto sauce, Parmesan cheese (the heat will slowly melt the cheese), and the roasted pine nuts.
5. Mix and serve 2 greedy people.

1. I love that I can remember important dates
   Birthdays, anniversaries, tests, coming-back-from-holiday-day – I can remember them all.  Dear husband would look at me in amazement everytime I rattle off the dates.
2. I love that I can cut fruits really quickly and really nicely
   I learnt to cut fruits – even the big old watermelons and honey dews – from the best, my mum!  Even I have to say they are pretty decent and I love to present them attractively on platters when we entertain friends.
3. I love my eyes
   They were God-given and I have received many compliments since as long as I can remember.  Piercingly black, I use them many a times to discipline my brood without a word.
4. I love that I have a soft spot for kids
   Dear husband and I donate money annually to our favourite charities.  Inevitably, the ones I choose are always related to helping children.  I would do anything to protect a child from harm.
5. I love that I am an organizer
   Okay, this may drive some folks around me crazy.  But you have to admit that it is pretty cool to be able to direct someone on the phone directly to a document that is dated 3 years ago on a shelf in the office without being there in person.
6. I love that I have a loud voice
   I have never thought about this as a quality that I love about myself.  This exercise revealed that the volume of my voice is directly related to my vitality and enthusiasm for life.  If you find me quiet, you really should be concerned!

YOUR TURN!