The process was long and arduous, but as always, seeing the finished product made it all worth while.
Saturday, March 10, 2012
First crafty project for 2012
I didn't take a photo of the finished Paddington Wool Baby Blanket I made last year, before giving it away. However, I had such a great time making it, that when I received Morris and Son's newsletter annoucing their annual Christmas Sales, I went back and bought enough of the lucious wool to complete two more blankets. I finished one of them a few weeks ago.
The process was long and arduous, but as always, seeing the finished product made it all worth while.
The process was long and arduous, but as always, seeing the finished product made it all worth while.
Tuesday, March 6, 2012
Didn't do great today... Will be better tomorrow.
Oprah tells us to live our best life.
Ghandi tells us to be the change you want to see in the world.
Lenka tells us to Live like you're dying...
Today, I may have failed on all those fronts.
I wasn't my best self today. I indulged in silly gossip, spoke ill of someone who rubbed me the wrong way (but in hindsight, not really, I was just being defensive and petty), behaved childishly in front of my peers.
All in all, It was not a good day.
*sigh*
But nothing I can do about it now. The past is in the past. Just need to try harder and do better tomorrow. Need to not be so self centered and more considerate of others. Aim to bring smiles to people's faces and make every encounter momentous.
Make every moment count for the better. Try again tomorrow.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
Ghandi tells us to be the change you want to see in the world.
Lenka tells us to Live like you're dying...
Today, I may have failed on all those fronts.
I wasn't my best self today. I indulged in silly gossip, spoke ill of someone who rubbed me the wrong way (but in hindsight, not really, I was just being defensive and petty), behaved childishly in front of my peers.
All in all, It was not a good day.
*sigh*
But nothing I can do about it now. The past is in the past. Just need to try harder and do better tomorrow. Need to not be so self centered and more considerate of others. Aim to bring smiles to people's faces and make every encounter momentous.
Make every moment count for the better. Try again tomorrow.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
Friday, February 24, 2012
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...
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.
"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.
Saturday, February 11, 2012
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.
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.
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.
Friday, December 30, 2011
New Years Eve's Eve - Happy Friday
It's the second last day of the New Year but I'll save the 2011 wrap up for this weekend...
Christmas this year was a momentous event as, for the first time, my new in-laws came over for the annual Wong Christmas Bonanza. Uncle B and Bree were also in attendance, and G-Bomb has reclaimed his seat at the Wong dining table, making this year the biggest Christmas feast we've ever had at the Hills household.
Christmas wasn't always such a big affair but over the last few years, JW and I have endeavored to turn it into a momentous and memorable occasion. The big beautiful 2-ft tall tree dripping with decorations, Christmas lights flashing out the front yard, fairy lights twinkling down the spiralling staircase and of course the big feast - a dining table heavy leadened with a big smoked ham, cheesy potato bake, smoked salmon, fresh prawns, oysters (this year, drizzled with Tetsuya vinaigrette), and salads galore. My in-laws also added a turkey and delicious Malaysian Cendol to the banquet this year. Deee-lish!
Then there were the presents! Everyone who comes over for Christmas gets a present. Not a random Dollar store present, but a considered, well thought out present, purchased especially for that individual. Example, MP got a Nerf sniper rifle - the perfect gift for him as, if he didn't work at a bank, he would most definitely have become combat sniper. I got a Sylvanian Families rabbit family and an ice cream cart - perfect complements to my Watermill Bakery, and the perfect gift for me as MP would have killed me if I bought any more kids toys this year.
Speaking of which, MP's cousins who are visiting from Hong Kong, come over last night for dinner with their kids, 9 year old Kaiden and 7 year old Jen Hui, and their four year old niece Anya. The kids found our toy stash before we had even the chance to offer the adults a drink. But last night confirmed what we had already known... our home is a kid's dream house. Both Kaiden and his dad spend the night driving recklessly on MP's PS3. The girls spend the night ogling over my Squinkies and then playing shop with my little Sylvanian Family characters, as my new rabbit family quickly became patrons of the Watermill Bakery and the ice cream cart.
It was a great night and it reaffirmed something to me, a thought which left me smiling.
Although I have adult responsibilities, I've still built a home and a life, that is true to me. I still have a childlike wonder and I haven't forgotten my childhood dreams.
That realisation has given me the perfect finish to the year, and I am feeling very grateful.
Christmas this year was a momentous event as, for the first time, my new in-laws came over for the annual Wong Christmas Bonanza. Uncle B and Bree were also in attendance, and G-Bomb has reclaimed his seat at the Wong dining table, making this year the biggest Christmas feast we've ever had at the Hills household.
Christmas wasn't always such a big affair but over the last few years, JW and I have endeavored to turn it into a momentous and memorable occasion. The big beautiful 2-ft tall tree dripping with decorations, Christmas lights flashing out the front yard, fairy lights twinkling down the spiralling staircase and of course the big feast - a dining table heavy leadened with a big smoked ham, cheesy potato bake, smoked salmon, fresh prawns, oysters (this year, drizzled with Tetsuya vinaigrette), and salads galore. My in-laws also added a turkey and delicious Malaysian Cendol to the banquet this year. Deee-lish!
Then there were the presents! Everyone who comes over for Christmas gets a present. Not a random Dollar store present, but a considered, well thought out present, purchased especially for that individual. Example, MP got a Nerf sniper rifle - the perfect gift for him as, if he didn't work at a bank, he would most definitely have become combat sniper. I got a Sylvanian Families rabbit family and an ice cream cart - perfect complements to my Watermill Bakery, and the perfect gift for me as MP would have killed me if I bought any more kids toys this year.
Speaking of which, MP's cousins who are visiting from Hong Kong, come over last night for dinner with their kids, 9 year old Kaiden and 7 year old Jen Hui, and their four year old niece Anya. The kids found our toy stash before we had even the chance to offer the adults a drink. But last night confirmed what we had already known... our home is a kid's dream house. Both Kaiden and his dad spend the night driving recklessly on MP's PS3. The girls spend the night ogling over my Squinkies and then playing shop with my little Sylvanian Family characters, as my new rabbit family quickly became patrons of the Watermill Bakery and the ice cream cart.
It was a great night and it reaffirmed something to me, a thought which left me smiling.
Although I have adult responsibilities, I've still built a home and a life, that is true to me. I still have a childlike wonder and I haven't forgotten my childhood dreams.
That realisation has given me the perfect finish to the year, and I am feeling very grateful.
Saturday, December 24, 2011
2011 Christmas Eve brekky
Brekky at Chatty Westfield before a battle at the Chase...
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
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