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