We Love Ya Cupcakes!

Recently the Sunshine Ladies formed a truly sweet alliance with the Economic Empowerment Programme (EEP)  students in one of their skill areas - making cakes and pastries.

We stepped in when we heard that a lesser demand  has resulted in  low production in the bakery. Heads came together and on whatsapp, our ideas came flying in - a Cupcakes forum was formed.We worked out our business model, and even excited  some generous souls  among our friends who donated 2000 cartons for the cupcakes. Gosh, that's a lotta sweet cravings out there, somewhere!!

On that morning, some of the Sunshine Ladies came to witness the launch of our joint  enterprise with the students of Cheshire Home. President Khatijah marked the date in her busy schedule and was there when the legs of the tables were unfolded and a smart red tablecloth  just said in a simple, no uncertain  manner, 'Yes, we are ready for business!' Soon the cupcakes were attractively arranged, stickers of the vendor peeled and stuck onto the cartons by the EEP students. The baker, Mr Lai was beaming proudly. I wonder  what  was running through his mind.

The students were rather shy in the mechanics of selling. But soon they relaxed under the tutelage of their teacher.So for this morning some skills were learnt  on how to fold the cake boxes, pick up cupcakes with the tongs with a kind of dexterity to sit nicely in the boxes etc.

We stayed long enough to leave in high spirits.  Not without being our own supporters, we carried home boxes of cupcakes to tease some palates of families and friends. What will it be tomorrow and the next? Only consumers' tastes and pockets will determine our success. Fingers crossed, hope  the gorgeous icing that swirls the tops, the creamy butter, the cakes lovingly baked will melt mouths and bring us more customers. Ok, more cash!

Setting up shop

Our baker giving support to his students.

Resident learning the intricacies of a  business 

On the spot tips from our Sunshine lady, Janet.

A great team behind our main attraction !

Hurrah! Our first customers.

Physiotherapy Keeps You Moving

How the months have flown! After nursing  my ankle injury, it was time for physiotherapy sessions.

A friend reminded me 'not to cheat' when I told her her about the stretching exercises which I had to do daily. That was good advice for it is easy to be lax.

Being regular at the hospital, I have seen others make inroads to a faster recovery. The key is discipline.

The word 'pain' is on every patient's lips. I can understand that. The physiotherapists understand too well their state of  fear and pain. Yes, the road to recovery involves pain . Undoubtedly, targeting the affected part of the body , following instructions will speed recovery.

At the physio  I see a guy who has been plugging at  recovery for more than 5 months, doing  2 sessions daily thrice a week and one session  on the other 2 remaining days of the weekdays. It is a slog but he manages with some cheer and a great deal of determination. His legs are slowly responding  to walking on a stand up frame. It's been a long haul, 2 major operations  for a brain tumour which  began 9 years ago. His medical insurance has run dry. He is presently aided by former  school mates and friends who keep his rehab bills going. Daily, his faithful maid from Surabaya follows him every step of the way and helps him with his physio. 

When he saw the physiotherapist putting me through the paces, checking on my balance, his face lit up and  he gave me words of encouragement. I wish the same for him. Fingers crossed, I hope his tumour  'dries up', as he puts it when the next MRI is due.

Am glad to say I've been productive through these past months writing and collating for a special project. In the meantime, my blog was inactive, in  sleep mode. Sorry friends, hope you're still around and keeping well.  My mind went into overdrive to produce a book, all from the comfort of my bed!!! If you have guessed there's a story of some sort about my injury, sorry, it is far from it!

Thanks to my friends and family members who have kept me moving and recovering.

So what has been happening at physio  for me? Have a peek. 

Keep moving though it hurts ! 

Stretch band  - keep pulling  - keep knee straight,   aim the toes point to your nose.

A mini see - saw to increase flexion

Not a water baby  but water sure helps a greater range of movements. 

More stretching exercises on the stair case - foot flat , bend knee forward and feel the pull at the ankle. Keep back straight always.

The exercise ball -  make a dent and keep knee straight.  I found it particularly helpful. Aim to press on the lower part of the ball for a better stretch.

A cold pack to reduce the swelling after all the stretching  exercises. 

Stepping exercises on the Theraband pads - standing between the parallel bars to find my balance again  and to strengthen my left leg