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THOUGHTS ABOUT MY FATHER
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The stress of the work week has got me a little jittery these few days – feelings of incompetence and lurking questions about self-worth have unsettled me. But then, as Juan told me, these feelings will result no matter the workplace and no matter the boss, and I know it’s a chance for me to challenge myself to be stronger in character.
When I think about these things, I inevitably think about my dad – who has plowed through years of hard work, who has climbed the corporate ladder step by step, whilst having to do a part-time accountancy course; whilst having a family of five to take care of, and how he has managed to achieve success in the professional world.
My dad is proof that if you hang in there, with complete, unswerving perseverance, you can actually make your mark.
I don’t know if everyone’s idea of success is success in the corporate workplace, but the essence of it all is his determined spirit. And I take comfort in the fact that one day I will look back at this particular period of my work life and think back on how it has helped me grow as a person, to be tougher but also a better human.
When I think about my dad, I also think about his likes and dislikes – more specifically regarding food and eating. My dad hates anything to do with cheese (except for brie and crackers and a nice white wine paired with it), so don’t ever invite him for pizza, unless its pizza without cheese. He loves local Singaporean cuisine and can eat fried noodles and coconut rice with deep-fried fish and eggs for breakfast (just like I totally would), and can also be seen eating the very same dishes way past mid-night for supper (as I would again). My dad also almost never misses the opportunity to have dessert; ice cream in particular – and whenever we pass by an ice-cream store, he tries his best to drag us in, even if he was the only one keen on eating.
My father’s sweet tooth tendency also includes drinking certain types of uncommon smoothies, such as the avocado smoothie with gula melaka, a type of palm sugar originating from Malacca.
So when my friend Miranda from Spend Your Days dropped me a message the other day suggesting I try her favorite creamy smoothie – a mix of avocado, oranges and carrots – it immediately conjured up the image of my dad and his favorite smoothie.
It’s been years since I’ve drank an avocado smoothie, and now that I’m back into drinking natural drinks, such as this grapefruit, orange and lemon cooler, or this green apple, carrot, celery and tomato juice, I thought, why not an avocado smoothie with some other fruits and vegetables?
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AVOCADO, ORANGE & CARROT SMOOTHIE
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Now, before you give me a smirk and crunch your face up in disgust, I’d say, give this smoothie a chance. While not exactly the most common or popular smoothie (Juan actually told me that avocados could not be used in smoothies) – I’m sure that if you like banana milkshakes, you’ll find this similar in texture and absolutely wonderful.
Think fresh, fleshy avocados, beautifully ripe oranges and sweet orange carrots.
Beautiful fruits and vegetables that do wonders for your health and spirit.
This is a smoothie that is drank best chilled, for a quick and nourishing energy-filled breakfast to last you till lunchtime (which is precisely what I’ve been doing for the past few mornings).
It’s full of flavor and body, a drink that simply doesn’t go unnoticed. You won’t regret it, I promise.
Creamy and thick and stained a rich avocado green, combined with a hint of carrots and the citrus flavor of oranges, doesn’t it sound like a drink of heaven?
AVOCADO, ORANGE & CARROT SMOOTHIE (Makes 4 medium-sized glasses)
Inspired by Miranda from Spend Your Days
Ingredients:
1) 2 ripe avocados
2) 2 oranges (to be juiced)
3) 2 medium-sized carrots
4) 1 cup of water
5) 1/2 cup of milk
6) 4 tablespoons of sugar (or more depending on how sweet you like it)
Steps:
1) Scrape avocado flesh from its skin
2) Squeeze the juice from the oranges
3) Peel and roughly chop the carrots into small pieces
4) In a blender, combine the avocado, orange juice, carrots, water, and milk
5) Pulse until it reaches a creamy, smooth consistency
6) Mix in sugar to taste
7) Chill until ready to serve
Fresh avocados, oranges and carrots:
Prepare the ingredients:
In a blender, combine the avocado, orange juice, carrots, water, and milk:
Creamy, smooth avocado, orange and carrot smoothie:
Mim Nash says
Hello
I just made this smoothie in my Nutribullet and although I didn’t have freshly squeezed orange juice I used a good quality juice I had in my fridge. No milk either as I’m vegan but I did have some soya yoghurt so used that instead. It was absolutely lovely and made good use of a couple of avocados that were languishing in my kitchen. Thank you for the recipe I look forward to trying some more.
love Mim xxxxx
felicia | Dish by Dish says
Hi Min! So glad you loved how the smoothie turned out! Isn’t the texture amazing with avocado? 🙂 Thanks for dropping by! So nice to meet you!
Jess @ On Sugar Mountain says
I am LOVING the smoothies and beverages Felicia! They look to-die-for and so refreshing. And i know those feelings of self-worth can be exhausting, I get them quite often, but its good that you keep your dad and all his hard work in mind. It’s all worth it, and you are worth it. 🙂 Hang in there Felicia, those weird feelings will pass and you’ll be back to your chipper self in no time.
Sending lots of love from NJ! <3
rosewithoutthorns says
Thanks for ur wonderful encouragement Jess – I can feel your love miles away! Thankfully I’m feeling better already – it’s alot to do with perspective and I’m definitely going to plow through those tougher days because I know the sun always shines in the end! Thank u dear friend!!! Big hug!
Min says
I struggle with self-worthelessness all the time…Those moments are when I’m the most vulnerable and of course, satan would not dare miss out on this opportunity. I’ve found that nothing is as powerful as having my Lord by myself during these low moments. “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me..” Philippians 4:13.
Even though I like all kinds of cheese (except blue cheese), brie is my absolute fav! So dad, I approve of your choice ;). If there’s one cheese that I must choose, it will be hands down brie as well.
I LOVE avocado so adding it to smoothies sounds like a wonderful idea! Hope you have a great week, Felicia!
rosewithoutthorns says
Thanks for the encouragement dear!! It really helps, especially with it being Monday, the start of the work week. Nothing better than a Bible verse to pull me through the week and end it well 🙂
Have a wonderful week too Min! hope you and Tim are well!! BIG HUG!
gracelimsaifong says
This looks great. I am going to get some avocado to try out this one.
rosewithoutthorns says
Hope u like it mummy!
msdulce says
Felicia, this looks AMAZING!! I am so honored to inspire one of your recipes… especially one that made you think of your dad. I also have to tell you that mine *never* come out looking this pretty at home. 😉 I can’t wait to try your recipe!
rosewithoutthorns says
Thank YOU for inspiring this smoothie! It was actually really delicious! Better than I expected it to turn out! Have a good weekend Miranda!!
76sanfermo says
Apart from the roses…..I have at hand all the ingredients you suggested in your post.
My breakfast , tomorrow , will be the smoothie you proposed!
Ciao , Feli.
rosewithoutthorns says
Ciao Anna!
hahah, roses are just extra for decoration! It’s a great and easy breakfast so i hope you and Rene enjoy this smoothie! Baci!! and enjoy your weekend!
76sanfermo says
Ja ja ja!
Rene’ va a comer sus scrambled eggs , y me déja todo el smoothie a mi…!