My 8th One Little Word...

2010 was a year of "Coming Home"… Coming Home to God. Coming Home to the ones who love me. Coming Home to where I belong. Coming Home to my own.

2011 was a year of “Preparation”... a year of building foundations. A year of preparing to grow up, preparing to fly, preparing to take big steps, preparing for big changes, preparing to be a wife, preparing to speak out, preparing to capture my dreams with two hands. 

2012 was a grand year of “Exploring” new places, a new relationship as a married person, exploring feelings, exploring ideas and so much more.

2013 was a year to “Create”. Creating memories, creating a business, creating a home, creating an improved DW, creating handmade, creating ways to help others who are less fortunate, creating new and lasting friendships and creating new adventures.

2014 was all about challenging myself to have a life filled with “Joy” and we had the best gift of our very own Sophia Joy.

2015 was a year to “Grow” all areas of my life, growing relationships with God, my husband, my family and friends , growing Hearts & Crafts, watching SJ grow, and growing my collection of happy moments.

2016 was when I needed to “Balance” – an even distribution of weight enabling someone to remain upright and steady. Balance all aspects of my life, relationships with God, family, husband, daughter, pet, friends, colleagues and community, my passions and myself.

For my 8^th year, 2017, participating in Ali Edwards #OLW movement [don't quite know how to catagorise this}, the word came so easily and naturally to me. In fact, when I was in Melbourne, Australia walking and browsing alone, I wondered to what word I would choose for the coming year. And I thought about what I wanted from the coming year, I wondered what it had in store for me and then the word came to me “Thrive”. I saw it a few more times in books, on cards, on posters…

To “Thrive” is to bloom, abound, flourish, develop, shine, grow, radiate, arrive, succeed, prosper, increase, bear fruit, get ahead, blossom, boom, progress… Such a rich word with so much meaning and depth.

So 2017 will be this, a year to “Thrive”. #OLW2017

I am already looking forward to it!

*smile smile*  *grin grin* 

Image from Live.Thrive.Love

He Provides.

So I say to you: Ask, and it will be given to you; search, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; everyone who searches finds; everyone who knocks will have the door opened." - Luke 11:9-10

Today's Gospel reading at mass {Luke 11:1-13} is a reading that I have read numerous times in many stages of my life and yet, each time I read it or hear it as part of a sermon or a conversation, the message changes for me. 

As I listened to the Priest share his homily this morning, I am reminded yet again that God provides and really, how amazing is it that this message comes to me two weeks in a row {last week a lady offered me two candles to light and so very randomly told me that God provides}. Surely God must be telling me, "Hi JW, I got this. Trust in me. I will provide. All you need to do is ask." 

It it foolish to think that all I want is going to miraculously appear on my doorstep tomorrow and I know that a lot of my prayers may go unanswered, but what the Priest shared rings true to my dulled ears that needed a reminder... that sometimes God answers your prayers in ways that you do not expect and that He always provides you what you need, when you need it. And how true that is. I with my human eyes and my limited understanding cannot fathom the design and work of His hands... His plan for me.

So I paused for awhile today and took a quick glimpse through my life... at all my wants that have been rejected, all the disappointments faced and all the trials endured and I realized that these things have only built me up, made me stronger, made me more compassionate, made me see things with new eyes and above all to realize yet again how infinitely blessed I am. 

I thank God that I have such strong support from my family, from my husband and best friend, from my two sisters of my heart, from my friends and even my colleagues. I thank God that I have the ability to make people laugh and put a smile on their faces. To be a part of a team. To be part of a loving and large family. To own a small happy business {who would have thought!}. To have traveled. To have a roof over my head and comfortable bed to sleep in at night. To have so many wonderful moments in life. To have loved. To really just be just me with all my flaws and good bits. How we take all this for granted sometimes...

...and oh, how happy and infinitely blessed I am.

So I ask of you today dear God, for blessings on those around me, that their burdens lessen, that their health increases, that they have more smiles and less tears, that their hearts be at peace, that they be given their daily bread, that they find people to love them as they should be loved, that they are kept warm, that they have shelter, that they have a hat to hold,  that they receive hugs when they are down, that they always have someone to listen to them and care for them, that their journey in life be filled with wonderful memories, that they find joy in their lives and that the empty void in their lives be filled with Your peace and love. 

...and oh what peace and love it is. What a friend we have in you. 

Thank you for providing me all that I need and so much more.

Oh how happy and infinitely blessed I am.

Just a plain old blur.

Seen @ Pinterest

A blur. That's how I would describe these last few weeks and months. The days do blend into another that at times I forget days and weeks and mix up things...or perhaps its my memory acting up on me! Regardless if it is my poor memory or time just moving unnaturally fast for my liking, I am just trying to be on top of things at work, for Hearts & Crafts and watching my TV series and reading my books {I know, I know, that shouldn't be on the list but it is!}. I find myself giving attention to work and then I neglect either my hobbies or Hearts & Crafts *sniff sniff* I do pray that I had more time a day or more like I have the will to follow through whatever plans I have made for the day - 'cos sometimes I get distracted with things.

Anyways, so many plans are being made, so many new activities at the office all of a sudden, and there also some changes in my life. So many things I would like to write down, so many things I would like to share... but time, oh time and procrastination and unfriendly blogger - all working against me and yes, I do also work against myself sometimes *snickers* Well just wanted to write a quick post to let whoever still reads this blog know that everything is okay and that I am alive and kicking {or zumba-ing! - am trying this}.

Till the next time I write. Oh how I miss you my 

Little Piece of Heaven ~ my place of interweb comfort.

Let's Create!

Yes I know this post has been a long time coming... So finally, after thinking about a few words for my One Little Word {OLW} for 2013 and my 31st year {with "live" being a close contender}, I have selected the word... *drumroll*... "Create". 

Create is quite a common word and I know that many people have used it in previous years but to me it is not a deterrent  Besides, OLW is not a contest to pick the most unique word and we don't really have to compare your OLW with others because the selection of that OLW is so special to each and every person. All of us have different experiences and are in different stages of life with varying wants, viewpoints and goals. So what made me decide on the word Create?

For one, I realised that I needed to concentrate more on a number of things and in some ways, they involved  the word create. Here are some examples of how I shall see my OLW coming into play this year.

Creating Memories ~ How can the word create not feature prominently when memories are concerned? I plan to create more good memories, not only ones that I store in my mind but also memories that can be taken out on days when it is needed - think photographs, mini albums, scrapbooking and etc. 

Creating a Business ~ I have already started Hearts & Crafts for about 10 months and it has been developing steadily but not has fast as I would like it to. I am setting myself some business goals for the year in the hopes that this keeps me disciplined to manage my business {however little it is} in a more organised manner.

Creating a Home ~ I would love to create a nicer more comfortable home for myself and B. I want to really work on Project Love Nest and organised, colour coordinate and pretty up my home. There are so many interior design ideas {just look at my previous posts and pinterest boards} whirling around in my mind and I can't wait to try some of them. And since we are maybe getting a new home, I can't wait to decorate it and possibly have a nook for my craft stuff *smiles smiles*

Creating a Improved DW ~ I love myself. Every part of myself for that matter but I have noticed bits that need some work. Be it physically, mentally or emotionally, I am going to improve. One of my main goals would be to be much better manager and to really try and do the best I can at work.

Creating Handmade ~ I have started making things again. Slowly but surely {me and my baby steps}. I have some projects up my sleeve and quite a number of ideas are already taking shape so its more of a 'lets get the party started' kind of thing and off we go creating! This year, I will create more handmade things. Things that I can proudly say I made *smiles* I have also started to join some card swaps which will be fun to do and I am always participating in Post Crossing 

And of course I am sure there will be more opportunities or things that I can tag the word 'create' to such as creating a family {God willing when we are ready}, create ways to help others who are less fortunate, creating new and lasting friendships and creating new adventures of the awesome variety. I hope you enjoyed reading about my OLW for 2012 and my 30th year 'explore' and my new OLW 'create'. Here's to creating a wonderful and memorable 2013 and 31st year!!! *smiles smiles grin grin* 

Seen here

He is Risen!

I love what Pope Francis shared during the Easter vigil service in St. Peter's: Do not to be afraid of God’s surprises, never lose confidence during the trials and tribulations of daily life, and, if you strayed, do let God back into your lives... be confident that God is close to you, that He is with you and He will give you the peace you are looking for and the strength to live as He would have you do.

This words of encouragement and hope resonates within me as does the works of this new Pope. To be honest, I a born Catholic never really connected with a Pope until now. Since he was elected as the new Pope, Pope Francis' words and deeds have struck a chord within me. I pray that he will be strong enough to overcome the forces of darkness and the many obstacles that is the world and that surrounds the Catholic church. For once I earnestly pray that he will have the wisdom, the discernment and the courage to do what is needed. I pray that the world will come to know our religion as a religion of peace and forgiveness and not one that is marred by scandal. I pray for his health and his way, that it be lit by God's goodness and grace.

Yes, He is indeed risen!

Let us rejoice and be glad.

Happy {belated} Easter friends.

You can read Pope Francis' full homily here
Image seen here

trips, time and taking heart

 100 Trips to Take In Your Lifetime

I saw this on Business Insider and

was marveled again the many things

I have yet to see and experience.

On one hand I feel so blessed to have

seen so many beautiful things and

experienced so much. I know that there

are others who are not as blessed

or who have not had the means to do

so and I am so grateful for all that I have

gotten... yet being human, and being me

sometimes it isn't enough.

The wanderlust stirs in my blood.

It keeps me wondering about the next

time I board the plane, the next place I 

will be. I feel the magic when I see photos

of places on my wishlist and I daydream

about the places and what it will feel like...

Then there are times when I wish I could turn

back the clock. To not only revisit the places

I have been and taken more photos and savored

the experiences a little bit more but to 

undo the things that I did or didn't do

which have such repercussions on my life now. 

They could be things done here where I live

or the things done abroad but they are things

that I wish I could undo nonetheless.

I know there is nothing much I can do at the

moment for things have already been done.

Things have already been spun into motion.

All I can do is pray and hope that things

work out for the best because at the end of

the day, it is His will and not ours.

Sure they are my mistakes, but I know

in my heart that whatever happens and 

how things change after this, it will be

for the best decision at the end of the day.

I must be strong. I must take heart.

There is no one who will be there on my side.

And yes, it does call to mind the different mistakes

made over time that have changed me... I hope

this one does not have such severe repercussions.

God you hear me and you know what I ask of you.

Let your will be done. Amen.

a teacher & a student

Seen from DW's instagram page

Encik Rahimy taught my brother when he was in primary school 

and later he taught me as well for two years. I was 10 and 12 

when he taught me and I remember him to be a very inspiring teacher 

in the sense that he nurtured my love for design, drawing, 

colours and anything related to art. He encouraged us to participate 

in colouring contests, he brought music to the class, he gave us 

rolls of coloured paper and without a pair of scissors asked us to 

create a backdrop, he yelled as us when we were rowdy and 

disorderly, he brought us for adventures to explore, he gave 

us prizes when we did well with his own money, he allowed us 

to explore acting and so much more. 

When I left primary school, it was difficult to say goodbye to 

him and my other classmates as we were all going to 

different schools and do we made promises and wrote

in our autograph books that we would be friends forever,

we were all still afraid of what our new adventure would

hold for us. Encik Rahimy however, was quick to tell us

that we would be okay and that we would all do well

and that we should not worry.

I didn't see Encik Rahimy for many years. I thought about 

him every now and then when I heard a song or when I passed

by the old primary school I attended and then just recently

my friend Soorian who was coming back from LA said that

we should try tracking him down and so I did. It was fairly

easy and as luck would have had it, he was visiting Kuala

Lumpur as well. So long story short, I got to meet with him.

It was a surreal experience in some ways. Almost 18 years

had passed and here we were, teacher and student.

He remembered quite a number of things about me and in

particular he remembered how I loved to draw, to colour,

to create. He said he kept the cards I made him {and in 

fact several people did mention this to me... about keeping the 

handmade cards/bookmarks I made for them yonks ago.} 

I was happy to hear this because somewhere

between then and several years ago, no one bothered

to encourage me much in developing that part of me.

It was always about studying, getting good grades, not

failing in my exam, vying for scholarships, part time work,

writing, more writing and then getting a good job, and then

performing in your job to get bonuses, increments and 

promotions. Then there was the endless dramas of boys,

men, friendships, death, love and everything in between. 

There was hardly time for creating and colouring.

And seeing him there, older, quieter, married with a

daughter of his own I realised that it was always in me

this desire to create, to colour, to draw but I had forgotten.

It was a good affirmation to meet him and have him 

remind me of the girl that used to be, the girl that actually

still is *smiles smiles* I am so thankful that I got to meet

him with B and I like the pink soft toy snake that he got me.

I am going to be planning a reunion for me and my primary

school friends 'cos when they saw this photo of us on FB,

they too wanted to say 'hello' and to thank Encik Rahimy

for being such an awesome teacher. Some of them were as inspired 

as me as well and I hope that Encik Rahimy knows how 

many lives he has touched and how we all 

remember him for his awesomeness.

And yes, I am going to keep on crafting and creating.

juggling

I am lagging behind my writing and updating 

this Little Piece of Heaven but more pressing

things have to be cleared first before I can sit

down and write my thoughts, my reflections,

my hopes and my dreams.

I have to say though that I am enjoying

{as best as I can} each day that passes

and am trying to live and explore new things

daily. Again, time is passing too quickly and 

I am learning how to juggle things so that I

get as many things done as possible.

And OMG, January is almost at an end!

*egad* more planning is needed I say.

Anyways, I wish you all a good day ahead.

More awesomeness coming this way soon.

#TrueStory

I am...

Seen on Pinterest

I would not have been able to say all these things 

a few months ago but today, now, right here in my

dining room where I am writing, I realise that I can.

I think I have grown-up some *smiles* 

The List ~ Update 2

On 16 January I started with "The List" a compilation of 52 things for me to do in 2012. It is a really long list and to be honest I stopped referring to it because the list was super long and instead just lived each day as it happened ~ I think my list this year will be shorter so its easier to manage I reckon....Anyways, I did however, take stock of where I was on "The List" and wrote a post about it titled "The List - Update 1" on 5 May.

Since today is the 31 December, I thought it apt to provide a final update before 2013 happens! So, here goes folks... {OK.. I technically updated this on the 31 December but only managed to put in the pictures and etc. today ~ tsk tsk tsk! But better late then never. Enjoy!}Presenting "The List ~ Update 2".

1. Make time to be with God. To pray. To listen to His promptings and to just be with Him.

Update: To be perfectly honest, this year is the first time in all my 30 years to have missed mass so many times. It is indeed appalling. I will not try to make excuses for my actions but rather I think the lack of attendance boils down to not putting God first {shame on you DW!} and for not staying with my family. Since moving to my Love Nest, I dread to ask B to bring me to church since the weekend is sometimes the only time he gets to himself, yet he has almost always brought me to church and has on occasion reminded me to go as well. In terms of praying regularly, I find myself talking more to God but have been slack in reading the Bible daily. It is such a challenge to sit down quietly when my mind is buzzing with things to do or things that has happened. So this is definitely something that will be on my list in 2013 and hopefully I will be more diligent in setting aside time to be in God's presence, to pray and to read the Bible more. I think I should also plan my weekends a little better so that I fit in time to go to church.

2. To live in the moment.

Update: Ahhhh… I think I became better at this ‘living in the moment’ thingy half way through the year and even more so after the honeymoon. I don’t quite know what the trigger was but suddenly I began to do things that I would not normally do, I stopped taking everything too seriously, I Laughed loudly and more heartily, I listened and immersed myself in music, I cried till my soul ached, I put my passion into the things I enjoyed and loved like “Hearts & Crafts” for example. I still have a long long list of ‘things to do’ in my mind but I have decided to let some things go. This will also be on my list in 2013 because I want to live in the moment for all things because it has made my life so much richer.

3. Enjoy and savour my Wedding even if there are so many things that are not in our control.

Update: I still have not done and epic post for the wedding. I really should. Perhaps for my first year anniversary. But yes, the wedding was epic. Definitely a highlight of 2012. Will check this off my list for sure.

4. Learn how to sew something {ornaments, pouches, pillow cases… whatever. Just sew!}

Update: The cross stitching has been abandoned because of “Hearts & Crafts” and the several other projects I am dabbling in. However, I have made cloth pinwheels which does involve some minimal sewing of buttons… LOL! I wanted to also join a class to sew a tote bag and am hoping that I can fit that in before my 31st birthday. Let’s see how it goes. But, will definitely want to continue learning how to sew or use sewing in my projects to come *smiles*

5. Launch “The Knick Knack Box” proper

6. Plan, prepare and photograph items for “The Knick Knack Box”

One of the most awesomest news of 2012 for me would be not the launch of “The Knick Knack Box” but instead, the launch of “Hearts & Crafts”. The name “Hearts & Crafts” seemed to suit me so much better and I loved it when Joy recommended it to me. The design of the logo and the concept for “Hearts & Crafts” was developed in mid May and “Hearts & Crafts” officially started on 24 June, a day of new beginnings. I have so many awesome ideas for “Hearts & Crafts” in 2013 and can’t wait to start on them *woot woot*

7.   Start working on my play lists for Lexy {Lexy is my new Samsung Galaxy II phone}

Update: Ok. I hate reading manuals. So no, I have not started any play lists. I have however expanded my musical interests to include rave music, super emo music and whatever interesting things I find on youtube. I might not want to make play lists for Lexy anymore, but play lists for perhaps cooking, relaxing, sleeping, dancing and etc. A definite thing to do in the New Year.

8.   Think about different kinds of posts for My Little Piece of Heaven

Update: I really did think about different kinds of posts for this little blog of mine but I don’t seem to have the time to really blog this year to be honest. It’s a pity to be honest. Anyways, on a side note, I hope to revamp the site for “Hearts & Crafts” in 2013. I want to give it more life and a more “me” feel *snickers*

9.   Pack, pack and pack to move into the Love Nest

Update: I have moved quite a number of things over but realised that with the Love Nest being the size that it is {compact}, there is just no space for B’s and my things. Every nook and cranny of the Love Nest has stuff *egad* am trying hard to clear the space but its super tough when the things aren’t mine. In 2013, I hope to decorate and store things in more efficient and appealing way… and who knows, we might even get a new awesome landed property to call home *keeps hoping*

10. Get down to a 'friendlier' weight

Update: There was one time that I was doing well and going down but its taken a turn for the worse. I actually mentioned it to the doctor when I went to get some meds and he said the easy weight gain could be due to stress and hormones! *egad* Anyways, needless to say, I will need to continue this and I am going to really try making it down to a ‘friendlier’ weight. It’s tough when your husband tells you to exercise and that you look fat. Obviously the whole ‘round is a shape’ or ‘there is more for you to love’ will not work here *super fails* *sigh*

11. Get highlights

Update: Done! I looked awesome *huhuhuhu* Problem is I gotta do it again cos the colours are uneven now. Perhaps before my 31st birthday and CNY… hmmm… what colour should I get?

12. Perm my hair

Update: So the perm thing obviously didn’t work. After getting short-ish hair, I went crazy and cut it even shorter, around my ears or so. I liked the lightness of my head, the easy maintenance and the whole different look I had … but then I got kind of sick of looking like a chubby boy and decided to grow out my hair again. I really want a good perm next year, so this is super going to be

on my list in 2013.

13. Remember to be more grateful for the things in my life – try writing one grateful thing a day

Update: Did not manage to write down my daily grateful thing but like I have mentioned, have been more thankful and observant of God’s blessings. Will continue to be grateful daily {and hopefully will be able to write the one grateful thing a day}.

14. Go to Europe and ROCK it {slight snag encountered but am positive it will be okay}.

Update: What can I say, Europe was EPIC!!! It wasn’t all that I had hoped it would be to be honest but it was just awesome to be at all these different places, smelling the different smells, looking at things that once belonged on postcards or documentaries and meeting new people and trying new food and drinks. This exploring and adventuring is addictive. I believe this wanderlust in me will never go away. Am daydreaming about my next trip to Europe already!

15. Remember to document the Europe trip well

Update: I tried my best to document the trip. I took about 4,000 photos {which I have yet to editor sort} and hope that it is good enough for the both of us to piece together the things we did and the places we visited. Did manage to keep some bits and bobs which will come in handy when I decide and finally do a mini album of our trip *smiles*

16. Go for at least two local holidays {Cameron Highlands? Langkawi? Malacca? Thistle PD?}

Update: Awesome possum! I managed to go to Thistle PD, Awanmulan in Jelebu, Seremban {I just got back from there a few hours ago} and Malacca {stopped by for a makan session before going back to KL}. B and I have decided to do a couple of these short holidays at least twice a year next year too! *woot woot*

17. Brush up on my photography skills 

Update: I don’t think I managed to write a post about this gorgeous new toy of mine which is a shame. Another shame would be how I did not use the new toy often. 2013 will see that change fur sure!

18. Try my best to get rid of the procrastination problem

Update: I am still trying!!! *snickers* but procrastination is a serious habit to break. Some days are of course better than others. Will remain on my list till I see some improvements in my time management.

19. Get into the habit of handwriting letters / post cards to friends overseas

Update: YAY!!! Not only did I handwrite the letters, I also started doodling again. In part through

the encouragement of GW, a new colleague of mine. But yar, more handwritten and personalised letters to be part of 2013. There is just such awesomeness in handwritten/drawn/doddled letters or pictures, don’t you think?

20. Organise my photos {soft & hard copies}

Update: The photos has exploded ~ both hard copies and soft. The good news, I have a new hard disk which means more space to save my stuff and I also developed some hard copies of my wedding photos and have sent them out to Philip and the Eatons. A few more packs of photos to send in 2013 ~ yay!

21. Arrange my new reading/craft room

Update: The room is in a mess due to the numerous things that both B and I own. Have been arranging my arts and crafts supplies but I really really need new space or better storage space! Here’s to having a cleaner, bigger {hopefully} and more organised reading/craft room.

22. Endeavour to cook at least once a month

Update: I don’t think I managed to cook at least once a month, but I can safely say that I did cook more this year than in my entire life. I have almost perfected my stew and Bolognese sauce. I definitely want to try new recipes in 2013. Let’s hope it tastes good. *woot woot*

23. Try making 12 cakes / cookies this year

Update: Ok. This one is an epic FAILS! With so many things going on, baking was something that I really could not take on. Perhaps next year though this is quite tough to gauge since I don’t have the right baking tools and would need to go to my mum’s place to borrow her stuff…. Let’s see how it goes. I might however reduce the amount to 6 instead *huhuhu*

24. Start creating art {mini albums included ~ hehehe} 

Update: Have managed to create art thanks to “Hearts & Crafts”. More inspiration to come in 2013 ~ confirmed!

25. Start creating mini albums for: the Trip to Philippines and Vietnam, Project Love Nest, Project Happily Ever After

Update: LOL! Another utter scuff moment. No mini albums yet, but I managed to sort out things into bags so that it will be easier to get the memorabilia when I want to do the mini albums.

26. Look for more fulfilling careers

Update: Life has always given me many twists and turns but none like PC, a public relations consultancy that I am now working in. I have been working with them for close to 6 months already and at times my stint at the hovel hardly seems real. Anyways, I wanted to leave PC about 3-4 months into my time there but then I realised that maybe it wasn't the place that was the problem, it could in fact be me. I lie, there are some things in the company that are just like ‘wth’ but I reckoned that running away from things that I am not happy about would only make me a quitter and a quitter I am not. So I changed my mindset, decided to fully focus on my clients and to just try my best. I think this was one of the best things I have done for myself this year. To take a risk and join PC and to have the courage to look inward, change and to ultimately decide to stay instead of taking the easy way out and leave the company. Here’s to a good 2013 at PC with less cray cray demanding clients.

27. Backup all my files on the external hard drive

Update: The backing up of files is a never ending process. I have a new hard disk coming and I think I need to re-file everything in a more organised manner soon…ish! LOL!!!

28. Try a 30/31 day photo challenge {see here, here, here, here, here, here, and here}

29. Try snapping a photo a day {this is one awesome project}

Update: Managed to do a couple of these photo challenges. Not easy and I failed for some months but to do one. Will definitely try again this coming year *happy snapping!*

30. Sell all the things I don't quite need

Update: Have been pretty good at this. I have sold more books this year and have sold some stationery and etc. via “Hearts & Crafts”.  There are still so many things to sell or give away.

31. Organise my craft items

Update: Have sorta organised my craft items but it was done hurriedly so it may not be like super awesome. Will hopefully have more space for my craft stuff soon.

32. Delete toxic people from my life

Update: Either I have become more tolerant or toxic people have just become a dying breed. Either ways, I might go through FB and delete some toxic or unpleasant people on my FB.

33. Bring Belle the beagle out for more walks

Update: Ma has been awesome bringing Belle for walks but have instead tried to teach her new tricks. There is this whole conundrum now as my dad wants to give Belle away. Belle to be honest has become to spoilt that she doesn’t listen to them and barks heaps and tries to eat everything that she can get a hold off. Anyways, I don’t know what the future will hold for Belle and us but I know one thing for sure is that I love her and want her to be happy above all else.

34. Learn more about marketing online, social media and branding

Update: Learning never stops. Have to read up on my tech stuff now too!!!

35. Stop comparing myself to others

Update: There are moments when I love my life and am super confident and then there are days when I compare myself with others for the most ridiculous of things and get upset for nothing. Nevertheless, I feel a mass improvement now so the comparing is less *yipeee*

36. Read at least 20 books this year

Update: I honestly don’t know if I managed to read 20 books but I think I hit about 15 or so. I gotta sit down and do a real count. Still a good effort I think. Here’s to 20 books in 2013 *woot woot*

37. Catalogue all my books

Update: GULP! Zilch. Nada. Let’s move along. I don’t quite think this is necessary {not in the near future anyways} .

38. Stop buying new books {unless I really really need it!} *snickers*

Update: How can I resist books? It’s not right. But yar… I did buy quite a number of books but mostly all cheaper or on sale. Books and I will always have this thing together ~ LOL!

39. Try my hardest to fit some form of exercising into my week {walking in shopping centres count}

Update: I need to walk more or to do some exercising that involves me actually physically exerting myself for a couple of minutes. A good thing though, B and I participated in the Terry Fox Run 2012 along with quite a number of the consultancy I work for.

40. Put at least 15% of my salary into the FD account

Update: LOL! I obviously wasn’t thinking right when I wrote this. I have not been able to do this but I think it something I need to inculcate in myself in 2013 if I intend to go on nice holidays or to furnish my home.

41. Start creating my photobooks

Update: Photobooks!!! *gulp* I have a few more to use thanks to my itchy hopeful fingers who bought several Groupon vouchers. Here’s to making more photosbooks for the New Year.

42. Try to do a facial monthly

43. Buff my nails at least once in three weeks

Update: I can’t remember the last time I went for a facial though I did buff my nails last month I really need to work on this beautifying thing. I need to maintain my youthfulness *snickers*

44. Limit my ice blended coffees

Update: BLEH! For the whole year, I did limit my ice blended coffees but come Christmas time, well it is the time when I drink the most Starbucks beverages. The Christmas drinks are just yums. 

45. Drink more water and tea

Update: Have started drinking milk and oats in the mornings for breakfast. I kinda like milk *smiles* but may need more tea. Drinking more water never hurt anyone as well *snickers*

46. Eat more fish, fruit and vegetables

Update: I am not very good with this. Had several new fruit this year though. Perhaps I will need to relook my diet for next year if I truly do intend to go down to a ‘friendlier’ weight.

47. Downsize my wardrobe

48. Go through my shoe collection and discard old shoes

Update: This is an on-going process as I unearth more old things. Definitely an on-going project in 2013.

49. Catalogue my Eeyore collection

Update: huhuhuhu… a pet project that never took of. Perhaps in 2013?

50. Do at least two MAD (Making A Difference) projects {visiting an orphanage, volunteering at a soup kitchen and etc.}

Update: I have not done any projects but have been donating money to random people whom I think need it. Will try my best to do two MAD projects next year.

51. Search and try new restaurants and cafes.

Update: Have been trying new places every now and then but its not quite cheap to eat out in PJ/KL. So instead, I have been trying new dishes in old places *snickers* Will love to continue exploring for new places to eat in 2013.

52. Just be me!

Update: I have definitely smiled more, laughed more, sung out loud more, told more stories and jokes and just enjoyed being clumsy, slightly geeky me. I have become more snug in my own skin and have come to accept myself as I am. I also see myself learning new things and evolving to be a better version of myself *hoorah*

Note: All photos from DW's pinterest collection

Solemnity of the Epiphany of the Lord - A Reflection

I usually don't post articles or thoughts on my religion or about God {other than to say thanks or to ask for something ~ tsk tsk} but I read this post from a priest called Father Michael Chua and I could not help but post it up. It's a very good piece in that it is simple to understand and makes for excellent food for thought especially at the beginning of this New Year. Enjoy the read.

"Last Christmas, it must have come as a surprise (or a major disappointment) to many that our pre-mass programme seems sedated in comparison to previous years, even solemn to the extent of sounding like a funeral, some critics would even claim. There was no Christmas pageant, no wise men or kings arrayed in royal finery, no cute children’s choir belting out a repertoire of carols, which include ‘White Christmas’, ‘Twelve Days of Christmas’, ‘Jingle Bells,’ ‘Rudolph the Red nosed Reindeer’, or a Boney M number thrown in for good measure. Of course, we had some traditional carols with profoundly deep theology; but no banal stuff, at least not the kind that we can sing or yell from memory without having to refer to a book of carols. Sigh ... I must admit, it was anything but entertaining.

And so I was particularly surprised when a family of visitors, with some young men, came up to me after the midnight service to tell me how they ‘enjoyed’ the mass and found it lively. They were expressing gratitude for the sense of the sacred. It was the last thing I expected to hear. But I guess, I could have fallen victim to the popular mode of assessing the celebration of the mass – the important criteria was whether it was entertaining, creative, exciting etc. I had forgotten that the only criterion is the one displayed by the shepherds who made their way to the side of the crib, or the group of wise men who traversed distant lands braving all forms of difficult terrain and weather conditions in order that they may present their gifts before the child born in Bethlehem. That criterion is simply this: we are here to worship God.

Over a period of time I have overheard people discussing the setbacks of a Catholic mass and the futility of coming to Church. A teenager, talking to a group of her peers said that: "Mass is soooo boring. The music doesn’t rock at all! I don't know how a priest can say the same things every Sunday." A man declared: "I am Catholic, but I don't see the need to go to church. After all, I know a lot of bad people who go to church and I know a lot of good people who don't go to church." A lady stated that: "I'm a Catholic, but I don't go to church every Sunday. The homilies are so bad, I can't stand them. When I do go, I sometimes take a novel with me to read during the homily."

Our initial reaction to any of these statements may often be to offer sympathy and our own agreement. Yes, mass is boring and seems even pointless when we don’t seem to get anything out of it. The argument might be raised that if people have fun, they will like going to Mass. If they don’t have fun, they won’t go. They will think Mass is boring and religion dreary. So we make a list of suggestions on how to remedy the situation – simply, make it lighter, shorter, less painful and uncomfortable, more fun, more exciting, more creative, and definitely more entertaining. We fail to recognise that these statements are actually quite revealing. They suggest that many people do not attend mass because they have come to worship God. In fact, many people attend mass because they are looking to be entertained.

Today’s Solemnity of the Epiphany offers us a realignment of our orientation. The magi, as did the shepherds on Christmas Day, offer us the supreme goal of our lives – it is to encounter Christ our Lord and offer him our worship and adoration. Unlike other astrologers who were busy studying constellations and stars that could guarantee good fortune and ward off bad luck, unlike King Herod who was so absorbed in his own self-importance, and unlike the Jewish priests and ruling elite who were concerned with self-preservation, the magi were able to transcend their own selfish goals and ambitions to discover their salvation in the Christ-child. In this sense, the Mass is a kind of epiphany, a manifestation of Christ in person, body and blood, soul and divinity, calling us to transcend our self-absorption. Epiphany is an invitation to restore the sense of the sacred, to return Christ to his rightful place as the real star of the celebration, and to give priority to worship in our encounter with Him.

The primary importance of Jesus Christ within the liturgy has been a constant theme of Pope Benedict’s teaching during his seven-year pontificate. He has often expressed concern that bad teaching can lead some Catholics to view the liturgy ‘horizontally’ as the creation of a parish or group in which the community celebrates itself. “The liturgy is not a kind of ‘self-manifestation’ of a community,” in other words, it is not an Epiphany of man. Rather, it should always be an Epiphany of God – Christ who manifests himself not only as man but under the form of bread and wine. Pope Benedict noted that when priests or parishioners reflect on how to make the liturgy “attractive, interesting and beautiful,” they can “risk forgetting the essential: That is the liturgy is celebrated for God and not for ourselves.”

 If God is absent from our celebration, then we are lost – without a star, we become the stars. “If the centrality of Christ does not emerge in the celebration, then it is not a Christian liturgy, totally dependent on the Lord and sustained by his creative presence,” the Pope adds. The Mass, therefore, is a bridge between heaven and earth, a serious business which can never be taken lightly. The Mass was never meant to be a form of entertainment, any more than the sacrifice on Calvary was meant to be. The whole point of Holy Mass is not to create a human experience, but rather to encounter mystery. Our experiences at Mass must be conditioned by and predicated on these goals: we are here to discover Christ and worship Him.  

Sometimes, the young are cited as the justification for introducing innovation and ‘fun’ into the liturgy, in the form of livelier music, relaxing the rubrics and rules regarding decorum and dressing, and turning the priest into an entertainer. This is the argument many self-described pastoral types make: and see how it becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy. If, week after week, our young people are given the message that the Mass is supposed to be “fun”, entertaining, rocking, etc., then they will expect it always to be that way, and they will learn to judge it according to these malformed standards. Giving the kids a ‘good time’, is a tragic short-changing. The idea that a Mass must be entertaining and must hold the attention of children by means of gimmicks is a mistake. We will create a kind of spiritual blindness and deafness in the young. They will come to mistake their subjective experience for the voice of God.

In the three gifts offered by the wise men to Christ, we are invited to restore Christ’s rightful place in our liturgy.  The gift of gold symbolises our acknowledgement that he is king. The gold in our sanctuary is not a symbol of human opulence but the glory due to the King of Kings, worthy of our humble submission. The gift of frankincense symbolises our worship and adoration due to one who is not just a mega rock star or super-hero – he is God worthy of our praises. Finally, the gift of myrrh reminds us of the solemnity of our celebration which is a re-enactment of his sacrifice on the Cross. The cross is hardly entertaining because the cross demands that we deny ourselves of the need for amusement and stardom. Christ must suffer and die in order for the world to be saved. This is his destiny. We as his followers must also be prepared to follow his example and accept his fate. The way of the cross leads to heaven.

Today, as we pay homage to the King of Kings, the Lord our God, and the Saviour who died on the cross for us, let us never forget that he is always the Star and focus of our celebration. He may have to suffer this injustice whenever we can’t tell the difference between what we sing in a bar, in our bathrooms, at a concert with what we do in mass. A renewed sense of the sacred in Church would allay such fears and provide a sensible distinction between what we are doing in the Church and what we are doing in the Hall next door."

Seen at MichaelCKW

~* Hello 2013 *~

Hello 2013 and goodbye 2012!

*happy happy joy joy*

"Despite the disappointments, the heartaches 

and the lost of loved ones... 

2012 was filled with adventure, exploring galore, 

happiness, many blessings and 

lots of wonderfully epically awesome moments. 

Thank you God for everything."

My Facebook status update above pretty much sums 

up what I want to say and how I feel about the close of 2012.

I love the 1st of January every year. Everything feels new and fresh.

Like life has given you one more chance to mend your ways.

You get to turn over a new leaf. 

The old year with its unpleasantness is gone...

but yet, although I enjoy opening up a new diary, penning things

down on a new calendar and buying new stationery, 

I realise that every day, every hour, minute and second is new.

So really, we don't quite need a new year to start afresh. 

We can begin anytime we want... all you need is a willing heart.

Having said that however, I will still be churning out a new

'list' of things I hope to do in 2013 along with my selected 

'One Little Word' for 2013. There are also several posts

that I will be developing which just recaps 2012.

Till then though, I wish all of you a very 

Blessed and Happy New Year. 

I hope and pray that God will grant us

a wonderfully, epically awesome 2013!

I love new beginnings.
It's awesome to be able to start all over again. 
The past erased and put away... 
the future out there, waiting to be explored.
It fills me with such hope, excitement and joy.
I ljust love new beginnings.

My 30th Christmas

More than 15 years ago I cut this picture of good old Santa from an old magazine and stuck it behind my childhood bedroom door and there it has remained. I looked at this cutout everyday while I opened and closed the door. It serves as a reminder that Christmas is on its way and it gives me hope that Christmas will be here before I even know it... I usually get a little annoyed with this little cutout about March and then again in the following months especially when there are no more celebrations around the corner but its a good cutout and I love it to bits.

Anyways, Christmas tends to creep up on me and then escapes me as suddenly as it arrives so much so that in about 3 hours and 25 minutes time {according to my clock now as I type} Christmas 2012 would have officially ended. To a certain extent, I feel like it never even happened. The happy wreath I hung on my front door fell about a week ago and no effort was made to hang it up again and so it sits forlornly on the shoe cabinet ready to be put away for another year. There are several Christmas wrappers and handmade gift tags lying around but for the most part, Christmas has come and gone yet again.

So what was my 30th Christmas like this year you wonder... its hard for me to describe what it feels like to be honest. There is that ever present excitement that Christmas brings. The Christmas carols, the gorgeous decorations, the pretty presents, the awesome packaging... how can one not feel excited? But yet I feel that as each year passes and the prettier the decorations get, the true Spirit of Christmas is lost. I am indeed blessed to have spent more time with my family this year and to share Ethan's {my nephew and god sons} first Christmas with him. Usually I spend the day with friends but they have opted to have their own arrangements this year. Yup, the changes are apparent in the way we celebrate this special day and I am honestly not too thrilled about it but changes come, its only natural isn't it?

The one constant I am still thankful for is Christmas Eve mass. It is the one shining beacon of Christmas for me. It's what I have come to relate Christmas with. Not the presents. Not the decorations. Not the merriment but the Christmas Eve mass. I remember Christmas Eve masses of yesteryear and I smile because they were always wonderfully magical to me. I also remember the performances I participated in for two years ~ once in an ensemble and once in one of the lead roles {I was a wise man} in a Christmas play titled "Three Wise Men and A Baby" {if I recall}. The smell of incense, the beautiful vestments and the grandness of mass will always amaze me. And this year, it is no different.

Daves and B joined me for Christmas Eve mass. We managed to get a seat by the side but in the first pew. It was good to see everything up close and be in the church for the mass. The choir was lovely though I don't quite appreciate it when they start singing in Latin ~ sure we should technically be learning it but since 90% of the congregation knows nuts about what the words mean, it would have been better to have had it all in English. My five cents anyways. Anyways, back to the awesome bit... as I knelt down to pray after receiving communion, I had a vision in my mind of those dearly departed at Our Lady's grotto. There was candlelight illuminating them as they stood there. Some faces were clear as day and some were in shadows but I knew who they were. They were smiling. They were happy and I was at peace. My eyes misted over and my heart wanted to burst and I wanted to reach out to them to touch them but just as soon as the vision came, it departed... but the feeling of that happiness, that joy remained. That my dear readers is what I remember and treasure most this Christmas. That simple vision of hope and joy. 

Today I went to my parents house to open presents with Ethan. It's lovely to see a Christmas corner in my home. After that, my parents, B and I went to visit my aunt who is sick with cancer. I felt so helpless and I didn't know what to do but offer up a prayer for her that she doesn't suffer. Then I went for a Christmas tea with my extended family and it was good to see all of them ~ there have been births, deaths and sickness in our family this year and its sad to remember the ones who have already left us but we remain hopeful that we will see them all again one day. After the tea, there was nothing much else to do so here I am writing this post to you after playing several games of Zuma and chatting online. There is a severe lack of activities this Christmas and I want to feel angry but I feel indifferent instead {I find it strange though that my non-Christian friends have more fun then I do}. Perhaps it is best this way instead, being here with my thoughts on this one special day. If I had wanted more fun, I should just have planned and sorted it all out in the beginning instead of waiting.

So really my dear readers, it's not the gifts that I received {though I am happy that people still want to buy me presents}, neither is it the decorations in the malls {most of which I have not been to unlike previous years where it was a must to visit every other shopping mall} or the Christmas shopping {which I used to love to do but which I completed in under 3 hours this year}. It is neither the fancy food that we had {some food was super yums}, the new glittery gold shoes I used for Christmas Eve mass or the messages received via SMS or whatsapp or on FB. It was just that one moment in church on the 24th of December that was Christmas for me... that moment when my heart wanted to burst with hope and joy and I pray that that moment will live in me for some time to come.

And yes, its been ten years and the memories are still fresh. The empty cavity in my heart still remains empty as I believe it will for years to come but I remembered you for a moment, said a prayer. I hope my thoughts reach you.

So yes... another Christmas come and gone. No carols in the background, no Christmas tree in the foreground, no BEC Christmas party, no Christmas carolling, a solitary Christmas card by a company whose products are overpriced and which I have never bought before and Bruce Springsteen's 'Secret Garden' playing in the background, home before 7pm... It sure has been a quite an un-Christmasy Christmas to be honest, but no matter... I have come to accept things as they are.
Christmas lives in my heart.

Happy Blessed Christmas everyone!

*God bless*

Read more about my other Christmases here, here and here.