Monday, January 31, 2011

last weekend - Jan 2011

The Chinese New Year celebrations this year is almost upon us {it starts on the 3rd of February and lasts for 15 days} and both B and I are already on our break. The first 2 days of my holidays thus far {also the last weekend of January 2011} however has been awesome. Here's what I did...

Church meeting for CHOICE
The CHOICE weekend {CHOICE is a self enrichment experience. It is a weekend getaway from the busy lifestyle. It’s about making choices, looking into every aspect of our relationship with the significant people in our lives. Our weekend experience gives young single adults the opportunity to meet like-minded people, and be able to look at the various relationships in our lives} was a 3 day 2 night retreat that I attended last year and this year, they have asked for me to serve in their ministry.

Many years ago {about 7 or so years}, I was rather active in my cell group but that involvement didn't last for long due to my not agreeing with some of the things that were told to me. After leaving the cell group, I basically stopped serving in church. I gave myself all kinds of excuses and I procrastinated to find another cell group or to get involved with church activities although I yearned for something more.

So, when CHOICE came knocking on my door asking me to serve {the Priest calling no less}, I at first was reluctant. After all, this year is the last year of my single hood and the year that will have so many things happen all at once {read Uber Grand Changes}.Yet something in me would not let me rest and though I am not quite happy with the role I have been given {secretarial coordinator}, I feel that God has His own reasons why He is placing me in this role. It is difficult to explain this calling. It is a feeling of knowing that this is the right thing to do and accepting His call to be a servant leader.

There have been many times when I have been placed in positions that I was not quite fond of being in, but He has shown me how His ways are really not my ways and how He has taught me lessons and provided with so many blessings when I listen to Him and walk in the ways He has directed me in. 

During one of the breaks yesterday during the CHOICE meeting, I chatted with Jen, a girl who was sitting next to me. We talked about what we did and she asked which ministries I served in and I told her that I was not from any ministry and that I used to be in a cell group. To make a long story short, she was the new leader of the cell group that I had once attended and she asked me if I would like to join them again. At that time, it really was a 'in your face' moment of sorts with God telling me directly... "Look child, I have delivered her right to your side, you just need to say yes" and I did. I said yes. So soon, I will belong in a cell group again and I am glad {it is truly amazing to speak and share the Word of God}. 

Lunch with Gerard
After CHOICE, I had lunch with Gerard - our first lunch alone in ages. It was a departure from the talks we used to have about relationships and gossip {ok... so we did touch on that a little}. Instead, we talked about life, about the changes, about family. It was a good conversation. It was good catching up with an old friend who at a glance had not changed but who did. We both grew up and walked down different paths and yet and though we certainly have changes in viewpoints and experiences, we are still the same at the core of us.

It was good affirming each other. I feel that for the most part of our lives, we learn to criticize and pick faults with others, seeing only the bad and the seemingly wrong in them when in fact, it would be more valuable on both sides if we took the time to talk through things, encourage and look for the good in others. Being sinful and imperfect people, it is always the easier route to condemn and to put ourselves on a higher pedestal than others though in actual fact, we are really no better.

I am going to make it a point to be less of a grumblet and more of someone who comforts and motivates and who builds people up instead of tearing them down. Although it will be hard, I believe that once we have set our minds and hearts on something, it will be easier and really, trying is so much better than not trying.


Hanging Out with the Boys
I used to hangout with the boys a a lot when I was younger. I don't quite remember what we did but we spent hours together. These two days however, we have hung out at 1 Utama trying to get CNY clothes, Salims {just talking and stuff}, playing poker {I heart poker!}, sharing meals and etc. G also gave me a Coach purse {my first ever Coach} and I can't wait to use it. Never realized how much I missed these simple times of sharing, talking and laughing together... Fun times indeed!


Genting
On Saturday, we also took an impromptu trip to Genting Highlands to just enjoy the cool air while sipping on hot double chocolate lattes. As always, a trip to Genting is never really complete without stopping at the Bakery {a bakery (duh!) that serves uber delicious sandwiches and cakes. 


Food
Some of the restaurants that we ate at this weekend would be Nandos and Belly Good. Nandos was good as always and I would say that our first time at Belly Good was pretty decent too although it would have been better if they had put more ingredients into their dishes. Am craving for some baby back ribs now and some cinnamon apples with vanilla ice cream *yum yum* 


It was indeed a very full and satisfying weekend though I wish I had spent more time with my folks and Belly. How was your weekend? 

Doggy Love - This little piggy...


This little piglet found a cosy bed with these sleeping puppies. 
How adorable? *grins grins*

Since my brother introduced to A Place To Love Dogs site, I have been busy doing the whole "ooooo... so cutes" thing. Really, wouldn't you go all mushy when you see these photos? So, I have decided to include some "Doggy Love" posts every other day or so *smiles* I hope that all of you will enjoy this little bits of "Doggy Love".

Remember: "Hoarding & Collecting is not a crime. It is an art!" 

Friday, January 28, 2011

Home Office Interiors #1

For the past couple of years, I have been toying with the idea of setting up my own home office and craft space {but let's not sidetrack this time round!} and to just quit my corporate job and just be a domestic goddess {not quite sure what this job entails and how to go about being qualified - Nigella Lawson I need some guidance here!} and start a business to call my own. 

I know its strange to think about the getting myself a home office even before I know what I want to do {Ok... I sorta have a clue but its still in the "can I do it, is is sustainable, will I make heaps of money" stage}but I can't help it, there are just so many pretty interior ideas to choose from!!! So, I decided to post some of the home office interiors that I have found from the ever informative interweb. 

So, which is your favourite? For me, there isn't a specific one that I like though there are elements which I would love to incorporate. The nearest however, would be the wooden interior facing the French doors and with the book cases 
{3rd photo from the bottom}. 

I kind of like the little coloured elements in this photo. I especially
like the pink striped window shades and the turquoise folders - it
makes the room pop and come to life!

Heart the pink wallpaper but this office interior is a 
little too girly and pinkish for me.


Am starting to open up to the idea of green {all kinds of green}! 
This interior is a close second. The windows rock if they are 
at the side or front of you. Never at theback. 
I heart the pictures on the green wall as well. 



Loving this at the moment. I just love bookshelves 
and these shelves rock! The French windows in front of the desk
 is also awesome - natural sunlight is great
though curtains are a must {the afternoon sun here is scorching}.

I like having a little rest/TV corner at my home office though it 
will distract me to no end.

Seen @ Luxury Furniture Design

Remember: "Hoarding & Collecting is not a crime. It is an art!" 

Thursday, January 27, 2011

Tea Party

I love tea parties. There is just something very nice about sitting around a table and nibbling on little pieces of yummy pastries, cakes and sandwiches and having cups of soothing or refreshing tea. I reckon that tea parties are also an awesome time to catch up and gossip with girlfriends. 


One of the most classic tea parties of all time is Alice In Wonderland's tea party with the mad hatter, the march hare and the door mouse. Epic! {Sidetracking a little, everyone should watch and read Alice In Wonderland and Through The Looking Glass - it is awesome and quite crazy!} Well I hope you enjoy these pretty tea party settings below by some really creative people. I thought they were lovely. 


Btw, while we are on the subject of tea parties, you should also check out High Tea Society on Facebook - they are based in Australia! Anyone up for a tea party anytime soon???

Seen @ Reason.Com


Seen @ Frolic





Seen @ Toast and Tables 


Remember: "Hoarding & Collecting is not a crime. It is an art!" 

Wednesday, January 26, 2011

French Flair or Life's A Beach?

I saw these beautiful inspiration boards on With This Ring and decided to put them all on my blog because they were all just so pretty *smiles* Perhaps some of you may just need the boost of inspiration below for some of your projects. I know I certainly need some *grin*
I think I am leaning towards 'French Flair' and 'Life's A Beach'. 
How about you? Which one would you choose?

French Flair

Life's A Beach

Backyard Picnic

Mustard + Blue

Let's Get Married

White + Green Wedding

Winter in the Countryside

Pastel Hues

Winter Wonderland

Yellow + Navy Blue


Remember: "Hoarding & Collecting is not a crime. It is an art!" 

Tuesday, January 25, 2011

Button Me Up

Was surfing around the interweb and found these creative uses for buttons. Supe cool ideas folks. Makes me feel like I should be doing something creative with my small stash of buttons {another thing to add to the 'To-Do List'} *grins grins*





Seen @ Curbly









Remember: "Hoarding & Collecting is not a crime. It is an art!" 

hmmm...

Seen @ Lawn Party


Remember: "Hoarding & Collecting is not a crime. It is an art!" 

Monday, January 24, 2011

It's Amazing

I had a simple but delicious lunch with B and I realised I still have heaps of time before lunch ends... so here I am blogging {again}. Decided to also listen to my ipod to drown out the sounds of a colleague loudly munching on a piece of chicken which kind of made me grosse out. Anyways, thought I would just share a song by Jem called "It's Amazing" which I was listening to. I like Jem and this is one of my favourite songs by her. The song is available on the Sex In The City 1 soundtrack which is btw, a really good soundtrack. Enjoy the lyrics of the song and if you want the mp3, just email me for it.

"It's Amazing"


Do it now
You know who you are
You feel it in your heart
And you're burning and wishing


At first, wait, won't get it on a plate
You're gonna work for it harder and harder
And I know 'cause I've been there before
Knocking on the doors with rejection (rejection)
And you'll see 'cause if it's meant to be
Nothing can compare to deserving your dream

[Chorus:]
It's amazing, it's amazing all that you can do
It's amazing, it makes my heart sing
Now it's up to you

Patience, now, frustration's in the air
And people who don't care
Well it's gonna get you down
And you'll fall (fall)
Yes you will hit a wall
But get back on your feet
And you'll be stronger and smarter

And I know 'cause I've been there before
Knockin' down the doors, won't take "No" for an answer
And you'll see 'cause if it's meant to be
Nothing can compare to deserving your dream

[Chorus:]
It's amazing, it's amazing all that you can do
It's amazing, it makes my heart sing
Now it's up to you

Ooo-ooo-ooo
[electric voice]

[Chorus x2:]
It's amazing, it's amazing all that you can do
It's amazing, it makes my heart sing
Now it's up to you

Teacup Piggies

B and I were in slightly early this morning to office but was unable to have breakfast together {yes, we work in the same conglomerate but in very different departments - I work in Corporate Communications & PR and he sells bonds}, so I was fortunate to have some 'me' time in the office with my sardine sandwich {thanks, mum} and a hot chocolate drink from the pantry. It's always lovely to start the day with calm and 'alone time' - in my case, reading blogs and surfing the interweb for fun and interesting, less work related stuff, I mean, I have the whole day for that right?

Anyways, the Chinese New Year is around the corner and I have been hearing lamenting from many people {myself and B included} that we have not done any preparations yet and how true that is. It's lucky that I am on quite a long break {about 10 days if you count the weekends} and will be able to do some much needed spring cleaning {die, dust animals. die!} and possibly, hopefully a spot of baking as well.

Chinese New Year of late have been good celebrations. I have valued being with my family and relatives more and have enjoyed this togetherness that we have. Poker games, Black Jack and all manner of gambling during this festive period has also increased and I hope that this year there will be a poker tournament as it has been awhile since we had one. I am looking forward to the good food and the cookies, the laughter and the fun and the oranges and angpaus {red packets with money}. Hopefully, there will be photos to show what Chinese New Year looks like here in good old Malaysia.

It's off to work for me now. I hope all of you will have a good Monday and a great start to the new week. Dear God, bless my family, my relatives, my friends and all the readers of this blog. May they have an awesome week ahead. Amen.


Remember: "Hoarding & Collecting is not a crime. It is an art!"
Today: Let's all have a cup of tea or a nice warm drink!


Seen @ US News One


P.S: How cute is this tea cup pig? I would love to have one so that I could tote around *grin* Alas, I live in a Muslim country and I have to respect that not everyone views pigs favourably here and besides, I doubt Belle would be too happy to have a little piggy running around. Btw, this little piggies aren't cheap either but omg, they are so adorable *oink oink*
Read more about these cuties here and here.




Seen @ 43 Things

Sunday, January 23, 2011

eternally grateful

This is just a short post to praise and thank God for taking care of B today while he was in a motorcycle accident. The accident was a minor one {thank God} but it could have been so so much worse. I am so mad at the person that drove away when he was in the wrong and when he saw B fall. How inhuman can you be to just drive away knowing that someone fell and could be hurt? Yet, there is no place for hatred in me. It takes too much time and effort to hate. 


Instead, I am so thankful that God has taken care of and protected B not just this once but the other two times he has fallen too. I thank God for the the McD's delivery guy that was there to witness everything that happened and who helped B. I thank B's motorcycle friends who came to his aid and who helped him. I thank Gary, B's brother for coming to help him too in SS2. 


I thank God for all these good kind people that has helped B and I pray that God will bless them. I also pray for B  and all his future journeys, that God will be with him and watch over him every step of the way. 


Thank you God and Saint Christopher for returning B to me safe and sound {with just a few scratches and bruises}. I am eternally grateful. 

Super Stylin' #6: Imprintables

Surfed to Imprintables and loved what I found there *smiles*
Enjoy these pretties.





















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