Showing posts with label Grateful Stuff. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Grateful Stuff. Show all posts

Gratitude


One of the most beautiful videos I've seen.

"You think this is just another day in your life, it's not just another day, it's the one day that is given to you, today, it's given to you. It's a gift, it's the only gift that you have right now" 
"The only appropriate response if gratitude." 
"Let the gratefulness overflow into blessings around you. Then it will really be a good day." 

Lucky Thursday

I've got to be the luckiest person on this planet earth. With the best kind of friends to boot.

Was heading out to lunch with my friend at her workplace (about a 15 min bus ride away from my office) and I was running terribly late. The bus was delayed and traffic at the main road was badddd. "If someone would give me a lift man." I thought to myself.

Just as I was about to give up and head over to the cab stand, a car pulled over and the driver shouted for me to get in. It was Timothy (and his friend)! HAHAHA. I scurried in and he told me he actually circled the area twice just to be sure it was me standing at the bus stop. Good lord, that cracked me up so hard!

"Do you even know where I plan to go? Hahaha". I asked. "Nope, but I figure I could give you a lift." Nawwwwwwwwww.

:)))))))

Okok I know I'm supposed to be writing about all the wonderful places that I've been gorging myself at. Will write about them soon! I'm a world-class procrastinator, if you haven't realized by now. Hurhur.

Oh you little cutie

I was smiling to my phone this morning on the way to work when I noticed a little boy standing just right in front of me. He was staring up at me, giggling at the same time. I caught his eyes and smiled back, while his face brightened up, he shyly looked away before turning back again.

"Why are you giggling?" I asked, my desire to burst out laughing was almost impossible to hide by now because he was soooooo adorable and I surprised myself by even asking him that. "Because you look happy" he replied before flashing me a big bright smile, with a missing tooth in tow. I laughed, and he laughed too.

Little boy in SOTA shirt, you really made my day. And hopefully, I made yours too :)

Good day

I've been waking up to ridiculously good mood these few days and I have no explanation for it. Maybe it's the lack of sleep or maybe it's having too many cookies at work. Or maybe there's no real reason at all. Hahahaha.

Just got my new laptop at work and everything is smooth like butter. The screen is amazing too. I can't wait to finish all my papers and models! Hahaha. I'm feeling extra productive today too. Maybe I will bring the new baby home and have some fun customizing it.

As you can tell, I'm an easily satisfied employee.

Smile

I love going for Hot Yoga. Or rather, I feel connected with my instructor.

"Smile. Smile while you breathe, smile while you are in pose. Smile while doing everything, just like life". This statement of his used to get my on nerves all the time, especially when I'm struggling to move/stretch muscles that I never knew I own. 3 months on, I decided I had enough of getting frustrated with imperfect postures and that it doesn't matter if I lose my balance or make a fool of myself. So yesterday I made peace that I still need time to build my core strength. I smiled, breathed and went with the flow.

Guess what? I finally flowed seamlessly into the Warrior Three Pose. Thrice. No quivering, no fidgeting to fight for balance. Wait for me, Bakasana, I will get there. Hahaha. The rest of the class yesterday was spent smiling, taking long slow breaths and completely focused. I didn't even notice I was still wearing that smile when class ended until my instructor pointed it out.

"Smile, happy looks good on you." I'm getting you, coach. Totally getting you now :)


2012

I'm extremely stuffed from all that Christmas food at home - so that's day 4 of my state of food coma. Will be locking myself in the gym next week man. Hahaha. Don't get me wrong, I'm still grateful for the company of all these amazing people in this festive season :) Oh yes, the food and gifts too :) Hurhur. 

Amid all the eating, drinking, partying and gift receiving/giving, it's also time of the year to give thanks for all the amazing things that have taken place in the last 11 months and to welcome yet another awesome year with a grateful heart :) 

2012 was well.... eventful. An extremely unpleasant working experience and a sizeable amount of wallowing in self-pity took up the bulk of my 2012. I reported to an emotionally abusive boss, was completely demoralized about my future career path, got fired for no apparent reason, threw myself into 6 months of joblessness and ended my rocky love relationship. Looking back, it has been quite a ride.

It has however, also became a year of discoveries for me. That I could be a true blue Debbie Downer if something hit me hard enough. That I have the potential to turn bitter. That real naysayers do exist, and in definite abundance. That I really do love hotels. That when some things are not meant to last, they are not meant to last. That no one can take away your self-worth unless you allow them to.

Being Debbie Downer made me miss my jovial self very much and I'm more than happy to have her back now :) Most importantly, I never want to lose her again! Niahaha. I guess sometimes things need to happen for one to understand only you know what's best for you. So to all you peepz out there who can't stand me being the forever energizer bunny, too bad guys. I got her back and I ain't ditching her again. So deal with it. Hahahaha. I've learn that naysayers exist not to run you down, but to fortify what you want/don't want in life. So instead of resisting them, embrace them. There's no need to get defensive or break down under their words. Let them probe about your passions or capabilities - acknowledge them and then surpass them. Simple as that. Last but not least, sometimes when you feel that a certain relationship is not a good fit, you are probably right. Don't ignore what your heart or your inner voice tells you. Most of the time, they are eerily accurate.

This year has shown me one thing - that like what my friends have been telling me for years, I'm truly a very blessed child. Clearly, much have happened this year so that I have access to better things. I guess Ted Mosby (for you How I Met Your Mother fans) was right when he said "Things fall apart for better things to fall in. You just have to believe in it.". And things have turned out just like what the director in my previous company said, "Everything will get better. It always does." 10 months ago, I sat in his room, thinking that he was mad when he was speaking those exact words. But now, I see what he meant. 

I've come a long way for 2012, or at least I'll like to think that way. Hurhur. 


Sometimes instead of looking how far we are from our goals, we need to celebrate how far we've come as well :). I certainly am miles away from where I expect myself to be but I'm equally thankful what a long way I've come today. 

Will need to start cleaning the bedroom and work on those plans for 2013! 

Till then, make merry and enjoy the festive season with your very loved ones :)   

Gifts for yourself this Christmas :)

It's 1 hour to Christmas and I'm home here typing a blog entry. Hahaha. I just finished 2 rounds of Christmas celebrations with (clearly) 2 separate groups of people. I'm supposed to head west for another celebration but too much food has rendered my system a little too uncomfortable :(

And that explains why I'm home early and having an old fart kinda Christmas celebration - curled up on the sofa with TV and laptop. Hurhur. Oh and a glass of warm water too. Hahaha.

While you gift yourself expensive bags and goods this festive season (because yes you deserve them! :) ), how about giving yourself some amazing and free gifts too? I came across the following list in the afternoon and it resonate with me so much, especially so for the highlighted points.

1. The freedom to be unapologetically YOU.
2. An uninhibited imagination.
3. An open mind.

4. The commitment to fail forward - Failing is as certain as sunsets and detours. So why exert energy avoiding the unavoidable? Embrace it. Shift your energy from protecting yourself from failure to squeezing the life out of life. Get real comfortable with that uneasy feeling of going against the grain and trying something new. Doing so will always take you to places you never thought you could go.

5. Using encouraging words - Words are powerful. They can create or they can destroy. The simple words you choose, especially when you speak to yourself or about yourself, can offer encouragement and positive thoughts going forward, or they can send you further into despair. So choose your words wisely.

6. A 'glass' filled with the right things - It's not just whether your glass is half-empty or half-full that matters. You also have to be mindful of what you're filling your glass with. Be sure to fill it with those things that satisfy you soul; good friends and family to love, passions to pursue, dreams to fulfil,  and charity for others. Because the only situation more tragic than seeing your glass as half-empty, is filling your glass until it is overflowing, and then realizing that there's nothing in it to satisfy your thirst for a meaningful life.

7. Enjoying what you have. - The thing you need to do is enjoy the ride while you're on it. Think positive, be positive, and positive things will happen. Do not spoil what you have by desiring what you have not. Enjoy your blessings right now. Remember that what you now have was once among the things you only hoped for. Celebrate this. Work on being appreciative and happy that when others look at you, they become a little happier too.

8. Lifelong learning.

9. Hope. - Remember, it's always darkest just before the dawn. Never underestimate the strength of your will to live after a loss, to love after heartache, or to rise after a fall. For although your troubles may be too dense and dark right now for you to see the light, that doesn't mean there isn't a strong spirit within them, or a beautiful sunrise just beyond the horizon. 

10. Spirituality.
11. Stability and love at home.

12. A positive temper - Anger can be useful in calling your attention to issues that require your response; but anger itself is not an effective response. Take a slow, deep breath, and remind yourself of how much more effective you can be by maintaining a positive, results-oriented approach to the issue at hand. Don't let the silly, thoughtless, destructive actions of others trap you in an unproductive state of anger. Take note of your anger, let it go, redirect your focus on being your best self, and you'll sure emerge with a smile.

13. A sense of humour - He or she who laughs, lasts. A sense of humour is a major defense against minor troubles - something life is filled with. So laugh as often as you can with those around you, for your sake and theirs.

14. Doing the best you are capable of. - Don't complain about something you can actually do something about. Take action. Do the best that you're capable of. Any less is cheating yourself. Those who get the most from life are those who give the most. Find something you're passionate about, and keep tremendously interested in it and focused on it.

15. Being the change you want to see - Happiness, freedom, and peace of mind are always attained by giving them without expectation. The only way to raise yourself up is to raise others up - to raise your world up - to raise all of life just a little higher. Joy comes to you when you give it. Happiness becomes yours when you live it. Everything you need you are already capable of being. So smile from the heart and fulfill the destiny that is yours in this priceless moment.

Source: Marc and Angel

Which are the ones you would like to gift yourself this Christmas in order to welcome the brand new year to come? :)

Merry Christmas all! :) Hope all of you are spending this joyous season with your loved ones! Stayed blessed :)


Meet Mylo!

Can I give thanks again about how LUCKY I am?!

A few months ago, I met Nikon V1 for the first time at a gathering. I fell in love with it at first sight. I love how light it is compared to a DSLR, but yet still able to produce some really gorgeous shots.

"How much does this retail at?" I asked the golden question. My ex-colleague replied "I bought it at $1,200. including the lens". My heart fell, there's no way I would spend a 4-figure sum on a camera (well unless I'm earning 5-figure monthly! HAHAHA I'm sensible like that).

"I guess I could look for second-hand ones online" I mentioned it to Matt, my bro who's a photography-fanatic. "I could help you spot some deals from the forums. Just tell me your budget" he said.

A few weeks ago, I received an email from him that he spotted an awesome deal for a black Nikon V1 (I wanted white). Apparently the seller won it at a lucky draw but he doesn't want it. He was letting it go at $450, completely brand new and comes with 15 months warranty! :O "Do you want it? If you want, I will notify the seller. I understand it's not the colour you want, but this is a real steal man." my bro said.

No shit! The offer was a no-brainer. I knew I had to get it, and so I did.

So everyone, meet Mylo (yes I name my gadgets). Mylo, meet everyone :)


Can't wait to have fun with it! 

And yes, I've been too crazily blessed and lucky these days :) Thank you, greater powers! :) 

Blogged from my iPhone

I'm one lucky girl :)

Sometimes God/the universe has a way of telling you, "Yes, I've always been here for you. "

Had a dinner appointment with my dear girls at Fika (along Arab Street) earlier this evening. It's about 15 minutes by foot from Bugis train station and it's not the most difficult place to get to.

But I had one problem - it was raining and I didn't have an umbrella.

I was already an hour late for my dinner and there was no way I can afford to wait for the rain to stop. So I stepped out into the drizzle and tried to walk as fast as I could. "If only someone offer to share an umbrella!" I thought as I quicken my steps.

You would not believe what happened next!

While waiting for the green man at the road junction outside Raffles Hotel, a sweet female voice came from behind me. "Hi there, do you know where is Fika, the Swedish restaurant?" I turned around and there my angel in disguise was - flashing a gorgeous smile and holding an umbrella. That moment was so unreal, I have no words for it.

"You won't believe it, I'm heading there too! And I have the directions from my friend." I replied in between laughters, completely taken aback at how lucky I am. And so we chatted while she sheltered me all the way to the restaurant.

"Meet my new friend, she's an angel!" I announced to my table of friends when I reached. "HAHAHA. It was great meeting you. Have a great dinner!" she replied and headed off to join her group of friends.

Damn I'm so so so lucky :) thank you to whoever up there! :) you make me believe greater powers really do exist :))))

Blogged from my iPhone

Things that puts me in a good mood

A good dinner. Girly time at the nail parlour. Really smooth legs and feet. OPI's Log on to love. Lied to pedicure lady about my heritage because she refused to believe I'm Chinese. Now she's convinced that my dad is a product of Vietnam war and my mum is a Middle-east and Chinese hybrid (it's quite fun but don't think I wanna do that again).

And generally grateful how good life has been treating me :)

Blogged from my iPhone

Thank you :)

Some great things have happened. Some not so great ones too. All in all, I am grateful for awesome friends and sincere company who knows what to say and offer at the those moments.

Thank you to all. And to the greater power above (yes I know you are there), thank you too :)

Will elaborate when work is not up my eyeballs :)


Being grateful

Today I want to talk about gratefulness. For the good things that has happened so far.

I spoke previously about a favourable piece of news but didn't elaborate much on it as I had to deal with some personal affairs and plus I had yet to sign it yet. Since it has been confirmed and signed, I think its safe to talk about it :)

YAY I HAVE OFFICIALLY SIGNED ON THE DOTTED LINE FOR MY NEW ROLE!!!! It took quite some time between the verbal offer and final amendments of details of the contract. I managed to push for some stuff and I am so so glad they were more than willing to oblige! Hahaha :) I'll be starting work this coming Monday and to be honest I'm pretty psyched :) At least many senior people in my field knows my direct report well and have good reviews about him. Now that's a real bonus :) One of my team mates is a friend of one of the directors in my previous firm. World is so crazily small! Haha. My first day at work is going to jammed pack as budget reviews starts on Day 2! Hahaha. I'm already looking forward to it.

The signing took place 2 days ago so I made sure I left house early. I was at the bus-stop when I realized I left something at home so I had to go back. Upon stepping out my house the second time, my bag snapped and tore! HAHAHA. Surprisingly, my first reaction was laughing out loud. And at that very moment, I received a call from the HR that our meeting would be pushed back half an hour as she has something to attend to! Tell me about being lucky and I will share with you this incident over and over again :)

I didn't have a spare bag (speaking of which, I got laughed at by my male friends that I should really start shopping for more stuff...) so I had to use..... my laptop bag. It was too funny. You have no idea how many weird comments I got throughout the day as I attend my lunch and coffee appointments with my ex-colleagues and friends.

There's been many small great things happening these days - in this moment of solitude (I'm not allowed to talk about here), I've learned to count the little blessings in life. And all I can say is, it's a nice feeling to have :)

Favourable piece of news

I just got a call that I've been waiting for. YAY!

Will elaborate more later tonight. Hurhur!
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