When my mum told me a few weeks back that my dad was going to retire at the end of this month, it took me a while to digest the news.
I wasn’t that I expected my dad, who turned 62 years old this March, to work all his life and never retire.
It’s just that my dad has always been such a hard worker. He’s the epitome of productivity and an efficient manager of time, and to be honest with you, I don’t think I’ve ever seen my dad not work.
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Daddy’s the sort of person who always needs to maximize his time.
Somehow, a long time ago, he was imprinted with the need to make full use of time, to always be constantly doing something.
This is him: checking the news between bites of breakfast oatmeal; or reading an e-book on his iPad while waiting to in the lobby to be called for his doctor’s appointment.
I remember that when I was still just a little girl, Daddy would come home from a long day at work, have a quick dinner, and then head to my parents’ room where he’d be spend the next few hours studying for his part-time accountancy course until the wee hours of the morning. He’d eventually only stop poring over his books when his body gave way to sheer exhaustion and he’d fall asleep in his armchair, whichever book he was reading still cradled in his arms, his head tilted to one side, snoring deeply.
And then, when he wasn’t studying for any course in particular, he’d make sure to keep up with the latest news or be updated on new skills, simply so he wouldn’t fall behind. Even today, Daddy is still constantly learning new things all the time, working on new projects (like designing our house from scratch with a ruler in one hand and a pencil in the other; or using hydrophonics to grow vegetables at home). I think my dad’s idea of fun is to maximize every single minute of his time.
That’s why it’s so hard to believe that Daddy’s retiring in less than two weeks.
It probably will be a huge change for him, and I was worried that the change might be too drastic once he has so much free time on his hands.
However, when I asked him about retirement, my dad simply sent me a text message saying “Now I will have more time to explore and learn new things,” followed by a long list of activities he plans to do once he officially retires (including writing e-books, developing apps, learning new IT skills, traveling, golfing, investing in more shares, and the list goes on.)
I suppose I worried for nothing. It seems like Daddy won’t be bored at all.
If anything, Daddy’s attitude of constant learning and working hard has left a strong impression on me.
Sometimes, I realize that I do have some of Daddy’s characteristics, which have become particularly obvious to me during the past few months as I’ve been working non-stop writing my e-cookbook.
As I work on tying the loose ends of the book together, learning so many new things along the way, I’m reminded of Daddy’s hardworking spirit and determination to always better himself.
And you know what?
I’m so grateful for the dad I have – that he’s been such a great example of what it is like to work at something long and hard enough that it eventually manifests in something real and tangible.
Daddy worked hard at his job and climbed the corporate ladder in order to provide us, his family, with a comfortable life in which we lacked nothing. He constantly aimed to improve our standard of living, and instilled in us the value of sheer persistance and good work ethics. If anything, I am so incredibly proud of the dad I have.
Thank you for everything Daddy! I love you. Happy Father’s Day.
Today’s recipe is dedicated to my dad – because noodles and peanuts fall in the universe of foods that he likes.
This is a lighted up version of Asian peanut sesame noodles; instead of using wheat noodles, this 15-minute meal incorporates refreshing zucchini noodles (so easy! so fun!).
You can either shred the zucchini into noodles with a julienne peeler like mine, or use a spiralizer like this. Once the zucchini is shredded into thin noodles, process peanuts, water, sesame oil, soy sauce and chilli sauce in your blender or food processor until you get a thick, creamy sauce of your desired consistency.
From there, it’s literally peanuts! Pour sauce over the zucchini noodles, garnish with chopped peanuts, sesame seeds, and spring onions – and enjoy!
PrintPeanut Sesame Zucchini Noodles
- Total Time: 15 mins
- Yield: 2 1x
Description
A meal in 15 minutes: Fresh zucchini noodles mixed with a rich,creamy and fragrant peanut sesame sauce. Healthy, delicious and quick!
Ingredients
- 6 zucchini
- 1 cup of peanuts
- 1 cup of water
- 4 tablespoons of sesame oil
- 4 tablespoons of soy sauce
- 3 tablespoons of spicy chilli sauce (optional, only if you like it spicy)
- 2 tablespoons of chopped peanuts (to garnish)
- 1 tablespoon of white sesame seeds (to garnish)
- 2 tablespoons of chopped spring onions (to garnish)
Instructions
- Begin by shredding zucchini into noodles with a julienne peeler or spiralizer
- In the bowl of a food processor or blender, place the peanuts, water, sesame oil, soy sauce and chilli sauce and process until you get a thick sauce (If sauce is too thick for your liking, add a bit more of water or sesame oil at a time until it reaches the desired consistancy)
- Divide zucchini noodles evenly into two bowls, pour sauce over, and garnish with chopped peanuts, sesame seeds, and chopped spring onions.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Category: Grain-free
- Cuisine: Asian
Amy says
LOVE this recipe! So quick and easy to make, definitely my new go-to for bring-to-work lunches!
felicia | Dish by Dish says
Hi Amy! So nice to meet you, thanks for dropping by! Isn’t this recipe just a lifesaver? Quick, easy plus healthy! If you plan on bringing it to work, I suggest you pack the zucchini noodles separately from the peanut sesame sauce, and only mix them and garnish with spring onions/sesame seeds when you’re about to eat! If not, you can definitely also mix it all in the same container and eat it, shouldn’t be much of a difference!
W L Lim says
Thank you Felicia for the good wishes and the Father’s Day tribute
One must have purpose in life to keep one looking forward to the next day.
Indeed, for my retirement, I am looking forward to do something different (especially new things) that would provide me the positive energy to keep me wanting to know more..
“Life is like riding a bicycle. To keep your balance, you must keep moving.” -Albert Einstein
“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose” -Romans 8:28
Love Daddy
felicia | Dish by Dish says
Daddy..! excited for you this new phase of your life! Enjoy it to the fullest! 🙂
Jin says
Hi Flea!
I rem Shawn telling me your Dad is an investment guru so I can imagine him investing wisely. Your Dad has always struck me as a very wise person. Perhaps he can take walks to East Coast Park in the mornings/ evenings – slightly envious here, because the beach with the sea breeze is particularly glorious in the mornings/ evenings.
Come back soon please! We should cycle again now that my ankle’s much better 🙂
Happy Father’s Day to Uncle in advance!
felicia | Dish by Dish says
Hey Jin!
Haha, yes I can imagine my dad working on his investment portfolio..and then reading up on how to create apps and a thousand other new things! And yes, walks to East Coast since it’s so near! I miss ECP. And I miss cycling with you. Glad your ankle’s so much better dear…. but try to take care of it still!
Sending all my love.