Day 18 / 108 Challenge

#18

"I bow to reflect that my teacher's lessons are inside me"

Not off to the best start of the week, as I failed to get up early to get studying done. However, I was an absolute warrior at work today. It felt like I was doing 1.5x workload (yet I still have pending tasks to tackle).

On another thought, I am loving this 108 challenge. One, it does not feel like a challenge (don't get me wrong, it is not a piece of cake to complete all, every day). The right amount of balance between enjoying life and being discipline exists compared to 75 Hard Challenge.

In fact, I start to enjoy life in a much healthier way. We live in a society surrounded by abundant sources of dopamine boost. If we are not carefully selecting when and how much to utilize them, we get addicted, slowly lose our discipline, and move away from productive activities that gives you long-lasting satisfaction. From my past 2 weeks of getting back into being discipline, I experience less down mood and longer up mood. Honestly, sometimes I am too busy to realize I crave drinks, desserts or mindlessly watching videos. By the time I am done with my tasks, I am often tired that I want to simply fall asleep.

Reflecting on today's prayer, me realizing what I mentioned above through experience is probably the fact that the lessons are inside me. I just needed to realize that the wisdoms existed in me already. I just had to listen to my mind and find out.

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Challenge Log

Requirements
No Snacks No drinks or desserts exceeding weekly limit	No cravings
Water intake (max 2L)	2L
2x Pomodoro flows (read min. 10 pages)	Some Ch 8
Productive activity (write a journal or a blog; create a product)	Journalling
Physical activity (min. 45 minutes)	REST DAY - outdoor walk
Wildcard (any 1 of read/produce/exercise above)	(PRODUCE) More real estate deal analysis

Should've/Would've/Could've

-- Pictures, pictures, pictures.

Drink/Dessert tickets remaining: 3

Day 17 / 108 Challenge

#17

"I bow to feel that love originates inside me"

Again I had a lot of meetings planned at the second half of the day, so I wanted to check off as many requirements as possible. I started by finishing the reading and running errands (daily exercise portion).

All my 3 back-to-back meetings were great. I got to catch up with each, and came up with a solid plan for the future. Next step is to execute.

Here are the ramen reviews I promised from yesterday.

Spicy white sesame shio - Ramen Isshin

Broth 10/10 - The definition of rich and creamy broth. Once you add freshly crushed white sesame seeds (you get the joy of crushing too), it's a 11/10. I got the spicy version this time because I wanted more complex flavour.

Noodle 10/10 - Thin curly noodle was cooked well in al-dente style. Again, wish I had an option to choose the firmness, but I am sure you can ask your server to pass along the message.

Chashu 9/10 - I got two Chashu with this meal. Sadly they were thinner than I remembered. Some people may like it better that way (who does not necessarily like the meaty texture). Regardless, Chasu here was still top quality and no complaints other than I wish they were thicker cuts.

Toppings 9/10 - The basic toppings were great additions to the ramen. It may take awhile to get used to the bamboo shoots, but after a while it becomes your must-have. The combination of toppings suggested by different types of bowls make you believe they care about how to properly enjoy each style of bowls.

Egg 10/10 - Perfectly marinated and soft-boiled egg that complements the bowl. It was so good that I ordered extra.

Overall 9.5/10 - One of the best authentic Japanese ramen spots in town. I recommend going with either miso or white-sesame shio (spicy ver. available). The only downside is that there's most likely going to be a wait time (15-30 min).

OG Ajisen (feat. beef teppanyaki) - Ajisen Ramen

Broth 9/10 - The richness in pork broth was present, which is essential to a good bowl of ramen. The garlic oil added another layer of flavour which gave pleasant experience through out the meal.

Noodle 9/10 - Thin (Chinese hand-pulled style) noodle was well cooked and provided different experience compared to other ramen spots.

Chashu 9/10 - I got four small thinly sliced Chashu with the meal.

Toppings 10/10 - The basic option has everything you need (bonus point for including bean sprouts) to enjoy a bowl of ramen properly.

Egg 8/10 - Perfectly soft-boiled egg with half-runny yolk. Although it could use more marinating.

Overall 9/10 - A good fusion of Chinese and Japanese ramen. If you are bored of authentic Japanese ramen and looking for a new palate, or are a fan of Chinese ramen, highly recommended. The service is VERY quick. Hardly any wait time, so a bonus point on that too.

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Challenge Log

Requirements
No Snacks No drinks or desserts exceeding weekly limit	No cravings
Water intake (max 2L)	2L
2x Pomodoro flows (read min. 10 pages)	Finished Ch 7 reading
Productive activity (write a journal or a blog; create a product)	Journalling
Physical activity (min. 45 minutes)	REST DAY - outdoor walk
Wildcard (any 1 of read/produce/exercise above)	(PRODUCE)

Should've/Would've/Could've

-- I slept in today, and that messed up my eating schedule. I should be stay consistent with eating schedule on weekends.

-- I could have done the meal prepping in between meetings.

Drink/Dessert tickets remaining: 1

Day 16 / 108 Challenge

#16

"I bow to the teacher who has shown me the right way"

Here comes another weekend where I have to be careful not to fall off of my daily habits. Luckily, I planned out my day full of activities to not get lazy. I got all the study and exercise requirements out of the way in the morning since I was checking out few properties in the afternoon and dedicating most of my day into decluttering.

During the decluttering process I got to know the helper (who shall remain nameless) a lot more. This was only fair since she learned so much about me by (accidentally) going through all my stuff.

We cleared through most of the shelves and I was genuinely impressed that how much stuff that I didn't need or use were taking up the space. We separated piles of goods into 1) things that must be kept, 2) things that must go (usually broken things that got replaced, or empty boxes I kept in case I need to use them again), and 3) things to be donated.

We also got to try ramens from two different spots, and they were both equally excellent. I shall write reviews tomorrow.

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Challenge Log

Requirements
No Snacks No drinks or desserts exceeding weekly limit	No cravings BUT I had two bowls of ramen today. A slight over my daily caloric intake - deducting one dessert ticket for rest of the week
Water intake (max 2L)	2L
2x Pomodoro flows (read min. 10 pages)	Some Ch 7
Productive activity (write a journal or a blog; create a product)	Journalling
Physical activity (min. 45 minutes)	PULL DAY 1. Machine reverse-grip pull down 140lb 4x6 2. Machine pull down 100lb 4x8 3A. Cable curl 51lb 4x8 3B. Cable reverse-grip tricep extension 20lb 4x8 4A. DB row 1.5 60lb 4x5 4B. DB curl 15lb 4x8
Wildcard (any 1 of read/produce/exercise above)	(PRODUCE) Decluttering the house & prepping for the move

Should've/Would've/Could've

-- I could've been more brave with my choices today

Drink/Dessert tickets remaining: 2