Further thoughts from my previous post...

I have things that I want to buy, which I haven't bought (even though I have saved up enough money), which I know I'll end up eventually buying... So why don't I just buy them?

Well, humans consistently strive. And I am human. If I were to obtain the object of my desire now (i.e. the Shaun Tan print, the Vitello Lux Miu Miu Bag...), then after the momentary euphoria I will experience from FINALLY buying it, I will just move onto my next consumerist pursuit.

So I choose to wait. For what? I don't know. But like I said, I know I will buy it eventually. I guess that by waiting, I acknowledge my superficial wants and consciously choose not to fulfill them. It gives me a sense of control over the humanistic trait of always wanting "better stuff".

This is why I feel that I will still be happy earning a fraction of my current income in a low paying job that is a billion times less stressful than my current one. I feel that I have enough self control in taming my wants, to not need to have a lot of money.

But MP's idea (please see previous post) flips this whole notion around.

Essentially, he's saying that the grass is greener on the other side.

Hmm. More things to ponder...

Working for freedom

MP is not usually one for insightful, philosophical thought. He surprised me the other day with an idea that has made me realise how much I take what I have for granted.

"You don't work for money. You work for the freedom that money brings you. If you quit your job, you won't miss the gourmet yoghurt you currently buy, (you'll just go back to Ski). What you'll miss, is the OPTION to buy the gourmet yoghurt. i.e. The freedom to do whatever you want with the money, to buy whatever you choose."

Working for Freedom. The notion sounds a bit ironic. I have to go to work because I have to pay the bills. Work isn't really a matter of choice. But what MP is suggesting is that we work so that we can have options, and options equates to freedom. A freedom to choose, to buy whatever we desire. I may be in a frame of mind now where I feel that I can go without the fresh yoghurt, deli cheeses, and a good bottle of Riesling (yes, I am a simple girl. Yummy food is my Prada). I can relinquish those things so that I can embark on new adventures which may not reap much (if any) monetary rewards. But when I'm there, what MP is saying is that I won't miss the food. I will miss having the choice to buy it. Money brings with it a window of opportunities and choices... and that is what I currently take for granted.

I never thought about it that way. And since I have, I've grown a newfound appreciation for my job. Isn't it funny how a different perspective can change everything?

Happy Friday.

2011 Highlights

I know it's February but as they say, better late than ever!

There were so many highlights in 2011. I'm a highly visual person so when I think back on the year, all I see is a mosaic of pictures. So what better way to present my 2011 highlights than through Picasa's photo collages!

I went to some of the most amazing places to eat in 2011. My tastebuds went to heaven and back, many many times. Almost half the photos I took in 2011 were of food. Here were some of my favourites.

As most of you know, I love making things, but time was the most finite resource for me in 2011. Fortunately, I was still able to finish a few creative projects. Most notably, my crystal wedding shoes... haha. 

The main event of 2011 was no doubt MP and I's wedding day. The official wedding photos can be found on our photographers' blog here, but for me, the highlights were the spontaneous moments captured. These were my favourites.

  

Back when MP and I were sixteen, we jokingly painted a dream of what our future together would look like "when we grow up." Realistically, neither of us really thought it would come true as at that age, we doubted our relationship would last 12 weeks, let alone 12 years. But suffice to say, in 2011, our childhood dream came true. It was the first year MP and I moved in together, setting up home in our little apartment... getting married was just the cherry on top.

2011 was a year of many tumultuous changes at work but alas, I think I've finally reconciled the battles in my head. I'm in a good head space and 2012 is shaping up to be a great year with many exciting projects in the pipeline. Career wise, I have never aspired to any particular rank or title. I've always written in the annual performance reviews that I wanted to grow to a "position of influence". I finally think I'm there. 

There were definitely sad moments in 2011. We lost Autie Sue which was sudden, shocking and devastating. It served as a gentle reminder of how short life can be, and that every breath I take, someone else in the world is fighting for theirs. 

All in all, 2011 was an amazing year and I learned many lessons. My big motto for 2012? 

Make every moment count.