The month that was

Source - tumblr

Finally there's a 3 day break in order to recharge and prepare for the new year. The past weeks were hectic enough that I'm going to stay home this weekend and do nothing :P

First off, I was on leave on Nov 19th to attend the opening of Ikea Cheras. Friends tell me I don't do anything out of the ordinary much so I thought joining a throng of citizens on a Thursday at a furniture store is a start. Then I queued for more than an hour at the cashier only to abandon the idea because I was running late to meet my wedding planner. Also I took the opportunity to visit my former working place and a dear friend. I was supposed to meet my ex boss for dinner but due to miscommunication, we met on Nov 25th instead.

Thanks to the steamed fish I had, I got sick on Nov 26th and was on medical leave. Unplanned leave meant more unfinished work that I had to finish the next day. I was feeling better the next day but the diarrhea continued until Dec 4th that I took a half day leave to visit the doctor. I still have phobia towards steamed fish until now.

The following week was a critical rush week because we had a departmental team building on Dec 9th and 10th. I came earlier to the office on that Wednesday to hopefully get some things done before departing. The next day I was back in office to continue before heading home for a much needed rest. Doze off while waiting for a show on TV and slept on the couch until the next morning.

Dec 11th was a public holiday but I went to the office, and I wasn't the only one. Tee hee. I had to get things running before a replacement for yet another public holiday on Dec 17th. It kind of sucked when your job requires you to finish everything before you go on leave. Just my luck there were so many things happening so close together. Also went to work that weekend.

Because the following week was, you guessed it, another public holiday x2. Dec 24th and 25th were the Prophet Muhammad's Birthday and Christmas respectively. Oh dear God, what is this. And I was taking additional leave on Dec 28th and 29th so that meant more overtime.

But wait, it doesn't stop there. Jan 1st was New Year's so I had 2 days to finish whatever I can in order to have a proper rest for the next few days. Good thing I got it all done by 6pm today and even had time for a discounted Starbucks. Yay!

Some day I'll look back and wonder how I survived all these.

Till then,

Happy New Year 2016 y'all!

For 2016

2015 will come to a close in a few days (wasn't it January a few months ago?), and I thought I'd jot some things down to do more for 2016.

Source - tumblr

1. Read more books. Unlike the year before, I was shopping on a budget at Big Bad Wolf's this time. Big Bad Wolf is an annual book sale event held in KL for roughly 2 weeks for 24 hours. And the event boasts of selling books discounted up to 95%! That's a bargain if you're trying to be frugal in the wake of the weak economy. I bought 3 books this year because I only had 50 bucks with me, and donated 2 to Astro Kasih Pediatric Ward, a corporate social responsibility program by Astro. Must.find.time.to.read.

2. Continue painting. I'm not an artsy person, but would love to be one. So I got myself a paint-by-numbers kit early this year and sadly, it's still in progression. *blames work again*

3. Write blogging ideas down. So many times I've got ideas on what to write - when I'm supposed to be sleeping. And sometimes I've something interesting to write but by the time I open Blogger I have a blank brain with zero interest to write.

4. Get to the gym. A vast improvement from last year. But still could use an improvement.

5. Read more news. I'll be 30 soon and it's high time (in my opinion anyways) to be more informed on the hard news happening around me.

6. Have more time for myself. I've been working overtime and on weekends way too much this year. If memory serves right, I've only left work on time less than 5 times this month alone. Looks like I've to work more on time management.

7. Be an asset to the company. New year calls for new KPI (key performance index). Let's see how innovative I can be this year and prove my worth to myself and well, the company.

8. Be a better person. This has been my resolution for couple of years now. Be kinder, be nicer, be a better friend and wife, appreciate the small things, be more patient and do more good deeds.

So, what are your plans for the new year?

It's Christmas!

Err mah God ... it's Christmas! Seasons greetings everyone and enjoy the rest of the weekend! xoxo, yours truly.

Source - tumblr

5 days till Christmas

Gone were the days of classic green Christmas trees and colorful baubles and lights. Until today, it didn't cross my mind that Christmas too can have themes! I've scoured some themes that you may like, so do share if you have your own theme =)

I know it's too late to change themes now, so keep these in mind for next year!

#1 - Monochrome Christmas. Decors consisting of white, black, an earthy color or just one color.

#2 - White Christmas. The whiter it is, the better.

#3 - Minimalist Christmas. You know the saying, less is more.

#4 - Vintage Christmas. The first Christmas tree I remember having had a lot of toys as decorations, similar to these.

#5 - Beach Christmas. If you live for collecting beachy decorations, use them during Christmas too!

7. Rustic Christmas. I've always associated rustic with burlap, beer barrels, tree trunks etc but I was being told by my wedding planner that rustic is also about incorporating lots of natural elements, materials and earthy colors into the decoration.

8. Go All Out Christmas. And if you're the ultimate Christmas lover, I'd say go all out with all the decorations and lights - in and outdoor!

Pageant Predictions: Miss Universe 2015

Let's take a break from Christmas and rejoice in the fact that Miss Universe 2015 is 2 days away. It'll be airing on Star World on Monday, 8am so I'll be watching from my cubicle (and not getting a lot of work done :P)

Picks based on headshots and various info gathered from the USB Bubble Board forum.

Aruba - Alysha Boekhoudt

Australia - Monika Radulovic

Belgium - Annelies Toros

Bulgaria - Radostina Todorova

Curacao - Kanisha Sluis

Dominican Republic - Clarissa Molina

France -Flora Coquerel

Georgia - Janet Kerdikoshvili

Israel - Avigail Alfatov

Peru - Laura Spoya

Philippines - Pia Alonzo Wurtzbach

USA - Olivia Jordan. I love this gown so much!

Venezuela - Mariana Jimenez

Vietnam - Huong Pham

My two cents after the controversy -

The pageant is going to be notorious for what happened at the end for a long time. You don't have to be a fan to not know what took place during the crowning. If you don't, you can watch it here.

Right after Miss Colombia was crowned, I thought to myself there was something amiss because she wasn't taking her first walk as Miss Universe 2015. And the host, Steve Harvey also didn't ask her to do so. That was odd watching her standing and waving and blowing kisses.

Then came the announcement that Miss Philippines was the rightful winner. She wasn't on my radar at first but so many people were pegging her to win and after the final question, I thought she sounded the most sincere. Some fans might conclude her answer as pageant patty, but she did a great job throughout the evening and she was the least nervous girl in the Top 3.

Although I'm happy with the results, I felt bad for Ariadna the moment the crown was lifted off her. By this time, all of us at work were glued to the screen and the pandemonium was deafening. The bosses were also taking notice. That was how big it was.

I can't wait to see more of Pia. She will be a very thoughtful and caring Miss Universe. Job well done, judges!

8 days till Christmas

I've always wanted to do a Christmas wish list but my mind turns blank once I sit in front of the desktop. So this time I made sure to write it all down:

1. Christmas candles. I recently found out Yankee Candles are being sold right here in Malaysia at 1 Utama, Great Eastern Mall and Sunway Pyramid! Can't wait to get one to add to the festive ambience at home.
2. Mystery Case Files - Shadow Lake. I'm playing catch up with the Mystery Case Files series. The game gets a little pricey once the price is converted. We're now RM4.30 for $1.
3. Concealer. I never bothered much about make up when I was growing up because my mom didn't use much of it, save for lipsticks. I was also for an all natural look, until I attended a wedding and saw pale photos of me; that was when I decided that I have to put more colors on my face. I have the basics like foundation and eyeshadow, and it's time to purchase a concealer.
4. Lipstick. The one I bought was too bold pink and it wouldn't hurt to buy a more subtle one.
5. Wedding heels. I own a lot of black heels so I thought that could be my something old for the wedding. Except a lot of people got shocked by that color so here's adding yet another item to buy for the wedding.
6. A new handbag. I own one proper handbag, given to me by my mom's boss's wife.
7. OPI nail polish. I have achieved some milestones this year, and one of them was a manicure. I never thought of painting nails as a big deal but once I saw how shiny and sparkly they were, I must get one bottle!
8. Starbucks tumbler. I've always wanted a Starbucks tumbler but it's either not liking their design or it was too expensive. I saw these 2 Christmas tumblers priced at RM62 each and my hands.are.itching.to.get.one.
9. Purse. The purse I'm using now is older than me. My folks went for their honeymoon in Europe in the early 80s and bought a leather purse, and it's still in great condition. The color has faded a little and has only 3 compartments but I still love it; however it doesn't hurt owning 2 purses, right?
10. Primer. Another item needed to add into my makeup bag.

11 days till Christmas

My 10 favorite things about Christmas.

1. Decorating the tree. The tree has been around since I was born. One time we were too lazy to dismantle it so we just left it there for the whole year. Now that I've got a place of my own, I got one (but have yet to get it out of the store room) to keep the Christmas spirit alive as much as I can.

Source - drew-fuller.com

2. Christmas songs on the radio. Keeps me company during the 2 hour drive home.

3. Decorating the office. This department decorates during each major celebration and takes them very seriously. Last year we won 3rd prize for the inter-departmental best Christmas decoration.

4. Opening gifts. This was a huge deal when I was a kid because I'd get so many gifts. I believed in Santa back then; but one time I didn't get a gift from him and I didn't question as to where he was, so the surprise present just stopped coming. These days, we exchange presents with the whole department so I still get very excited over this.

5. Starbucks' Toffee Nut Latte/Frap. I love toffee, I love toffee nut syrup, I'm okay with latte - basically I like sweet things. Plus, it's a festive drink so I'm used to associating it with Christmas. And if you want to know, I don't have a beef with the plain red cup this year.

6. Shops' displays. One of the signs that the Christmas season is here are the displays malls and shops put up. From simple Christmas trees to elaborate designs .. you have to give them the thumbs up for their effort every year.

7. This Hallmark Christmas ad. This.gets.me.everytime.

8. Snow. Thanks to Christmas movies and stories, I grew up wanting to celebrate a snowy Christmas (I will, one day). For some, snow can be savage but for people like me who has never experience snow falling, so allow me to fantasize the beauty of it.

9. Christmas candles. There are so many candle scents you can get from departmental stores or a cute little vintage shop. I'm mostly familiar with the fruity scents from Ikea, but the one scent I came so close to buying was pomegranate (that's going into my wishlist). And if anyone knows where I can find Yankee Candles, do let me know so I can try it too.

10. Christmas spirit. At the end of the day, it's the joy and warmness you get and feel from this particular day. It could be from receiving gifts, being with the people you love, showing kindness and generosity to people around you. So do something good during this festive season!
All images courtesy of Tumblr unless stated.

14 days till Christmas

Hiya gang! It's 14 days to Christmas!

I hope you're starting to feel the Christmas joy already! It has been raining almost everyday here, so I can pretend it's the winter chill.

And one of the things I like to do during this season is to prepare a Christmas/Winter playlist to get me more into the holiday mood. I personally do not think there's anything better than that. Listen to it in the car, in the train, put it on speaker in the living room .. anywhere really.

You may notice most of the songs I've picked are covered by legendary crooners. I think there's something so nostalgic in the voices and it makes you all warm and rustic feeling inside.

Do share your favorite holiday songs and spread the joy during this festive season!

1. All I Want For Christmas Is You - Mariah Carey

2. Jingle Bell Rock - Bobby Helms

3. Let It Snow - Dean Martin

4. White Christmas - Bing Crosby

5. Frosty The Snowman - Gene Autry

6. Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas - Frank Sinatra

7. Christmas - Michael Buble

8. Winter Wonderland - Frank Sinatra



9. Last Christmas - Wham



10. Feliz Navidad - Jose Feliciano

17 days till Christmas

The highlight for 2015 for me was becoming a wife. I still can't believe it to be honest, because we're still doing the same things we did before. Like working late, occasionally cooking and other times, ordering take outs, him watching football and me doing whatever I feel like doing (playing Sims .. lol) but hey, we're just like that.

Christmas time can also be a time to reflect, and to start afresh. Be thankful for the life you have as of this moment and anticipate for better things in the coming year.

As for me, I'm thankful for:

#1 - our health
#2 - having a job, despite complaining so much about it
#3 - moving into our new place without much issues
#4 - wedding plans are underway but we should really stop procrastinating
#5 - the friends around us
#6 - learning to not stress too much because I'd end up with tension headache

And as for next year, I hope to become a better person. Be nicer to people, discover and learn more things and control my temper. Oh, and not turn into a bridezilla.

19 days till Christmas

Holy Christ! It's December already?! It feels like we only ushered in 2015 couple months ago and it's the end of the year already. Can you believe it?

And synonymous with December, Christmas is also approaching! Hands down it is the holiday I always look forward to. There is just something so magical about Christmas, don't you think? Setting up the tree and lighting it, cozying up with Christmas movies, seeing Christmas decors at departmental stores, listening to Christmas songs .. it's making me all warm and fuzzy just thinking about it ..

[inhales]

And then I google snow and Christmas to get more in tune, since we don't have snow here in Malaysia =/

Anyways, Christmas is also the time all of us return home to our hometown, Ipoh and spend quality time with family. All the cousins and uncles and aunts get together and have a hearty meal (not necessarily turkey and eggnog) but it's the gathering that matters. We just have so much fun sitting around and talking about anything that comes to mind. And we also watch the annual Victoria's Secret Fashion Show =)

Since Christmas is only one day, we try to make the most of it; by slowing down and savoring every second of it. Different people celebrate in different ways (or maybe won't celebrate at all), but the most important thing is - be happy and enjoy the one day holiday!

10 Inspirational quotes to start the week

It's Monday tomorrow! Usually my working days are super productive ... or otherwise. So occasionally I depend on googling inspirational quotes or rants from random people (makes you feel like there's someone out there sharing the same problems like you too) to help you get through.

Here are some quotes to help you get through the week.

Credit 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6| 7 | 8 | 9 |10

Muse - October 18, 2015

Source - thinkbrilliantly.com

You know how things just magically fall into place some days? Work is good, baby's not cranky, traffic's smooth, you're in the pink of health etc.

Well, enjoy it and feel blessed. It's easy to get caught up in the daily grind of everyday life, but there's always unnoticed tiny things that make you feel joyous. It could be a friend texting you for a meet-up, the computer system is without glitch, a co-worker treating you to homemade dessert or finding a seat during lunch packed hour.

Expressing gratitude allows you to be aware of the blessings that have been showered upon you. Enjoying the simple pleasures can make your life feel more exciting because it's these small moments that trumps the other disappointments and problems that come your way. As you reflect back, you try to hang on to those sweet moments instead of the frustrations, right?

As of this moment, a lot of things seem little to you. Once you've lost it, it becomes a big deal. So, take a few moments to reflect on what little things made you feel content and fortunate today.

xoxo

Muse - October 4, 2015

Source - Pinterest

Everyone finds happiness differently. I used to think happiness is something tangible, like cash, a person to love, nice clothes, fancy dinners etc. But what about happiness in a mental state?

I believe I can start from this list.

Be nice to people.
Hold the door open for someone. Give way to a car on the street. Small gestures like this will put a smile on a stranger's face. To give you an idea, here's a good start - 50 ways to brighten up someone's day.

Be modest.
One of the many things I can remember, is the one when a college friend pointed me out that I was showing off one too many times. While watching cars pass by us, I pointed to a Honda Accord. And she flatly remarked, "yeah, like your dad's car, right?" That slapped me in a right way, and I try not to flaunt much these days. Even if you recently got something new and want to show it to your friends, do it in an unpretentious way.

Be appreciative.
Thank people who have helped you, no matter how big or small. We have a lot of ways to show our appreciation, but a simple gratitude like "thank you" can go a long way.

Smile at people.
On the Induction Day for my 2nd job, I met a girl my age who would soon become a good friend. If it wasn't for her smiling at me, I don't think I would make a new friend that fast. Smiling is contagious, research have shown. Do you ever feel lighter, and that the world is a tad better when you're next to a person who exudes an aura of happiness?

Put 100% into what you believe in.
What you do today reflects your future. If you truly believe in something, you will automatically give your all in it. Same goes to your job. If you truly love it, you will put in extra effort. If you don't, keep looking for it - this is quoted from Steve Jobs's 2005 Stanford commencement speech. His speech has truly resonated in me because it was something I have been searching for a long time, and perhaps it is the same for you too.

Be sincere. 
Do things out of the goodness of your heart. Help others not because you want a reward. Remember the phrase, be beautiful in the inside as well as the outside too? Your sincerity in the inside will give you a beautiful soul on the outside too.

Stand up for what you believe is good.
The quality of having strong morals and uprightness is never easy to be achieved. Having a good character - like being punctual to work, be honest with people, apologize if you're in the wrong is a start. Respect and be fair to people, treat others the way you want to be treated, the list is endless, really. 

Love yourself.
At the end of the day, love yourself first. See the good in you, focus on your strengths, count your blessings and love your imperfections. I was born with a birthmark on my left hand and I hated it until I was in college. I was getting tired of buying clothes with sleeves to cover it, so I came to deal with it. Be happy with yourself and spread that cheer to others!

Remember,

"Happiness is infectious, so be happy and pay it forward" 

Muse - September 19, 2015

Source - Etsy

Happy Sunday y'all!

I have been adopting this mantra for quite a while now. Where I work, there tends to have a lot of backstabbing, boot licking, gossipers and showing of favoritism. Some people will tell you that sitting back and avoiding all these acts will not do yourself any favors, you have to ask yourself questions - is this what I want to be? Do I feel good if I do this?

Ultimately, working hard & be kind is not something easy to be accomplished. I have worked in a company that strongly exemplifies that, so it's good to know there are still good people out there. As for my current workplace, I am working hard to show that having good values will also help you get to where I want to be. I share my ideas with fellow colleagues, so we'll both be able to ascend. 

As for being kind, be nice to everyone. They may not share the same idea as you, but people say being kind and nice is infectious. Why not give it a shot?

Sleep early and be an early riser

I am only a morning person when it's a work day or a morning appointment. Honestly, if the body decides to sleep in and rest more, shouldn't I be obligated to let it wake up whenever, instead of a fixed timing?

I have heard one too many testimonials and self help blogs and books that tells me going to bed and rising early is good. Researchers also say it's good, so it should be good, right? I have tried going to bed early before, and most of the time, it's either I was working, coming home late, catching up on TV shows or suddenly there's just too many things I should check on the Internet. Sometimes I'd go to bed early and for an hour I twist and turn to try to doze off and lo and behold, it's 12am already. Dang.

And in the morning I stumble my way to the bathroom and the first thing I see in the mirror are my eye bags. And I swore to myself I'd do myself a favor to sleep early, and the same cycle repeats.

So, since it's a new month, I thought I'd look into this matter seriously. Sleep early and rise early. It's not rocket science or algebra, right?

How to be an early riser:

#1. Convince yourself the benefits when you're an early riser. 

There has to be something you would want to achieve if you wake up early the next morning - maybe arriving at work earlier, or checking the news or putting more time to prep yourself for work.

#2. Easy does it. 

Train yourself to go to bed a little earlier than usual (15 mins, maybe) and wake up 15 mins earlier. The body will adjust to it as opposed to drastic changes.

#3. Avoid TV and Internet close to bedtime. 

An important thing you should know is a naturally occurring hormone called melatonin. The production of melatonin is controlled by light exposure that regulates your sleep wake cycle. In layman terms, the more light you're exposed to before bedtime, the harder it is to fall asleep. 

Another term you should know about is blue lights. Lights emitting from your TV and computer screen or tablets and smartphones are called blue lights. This also contributes to the disruption of melatonin production. 

#4. Relax yourself.

There are many things to unwind yourself after a day of hard work. Read a book, write in a journal, think peaceful thoughts. Make sure your bedroom is as cozy as it can be and your bed as comfortable. Soothing classical music or white noise can also do the trick. The white noise apps I use can be found here and here. 

#5. Avoid a heavy dinner.

Avoid a hearty meal 2-3 hours before bedtime. Your stomach will take time to digest the food, when all you want is to relax and doze off. But if you really must snack, try a banana, sugarless cereal or a small glass of milk (I don't like waking up in the middle of the night to use the toilet).

#6. Don't hit the snooze button.

Guilty on so many levels. Hitting the snooze button contradicts this whole early riser plan in the first place. Keeping your alarm clock as far away from you also forces you leave the comfort of your bed to switch it off.

Keep in mind these are some easy ways that everyone can follow, or if you're just starting this regime. There are a lot of ways more you can try - via Googling or seeking advice from your doctor.

Now that you're pumped to get started, here's some benefits of being an early riser:

Rewards for an early riser:

#1. Gain more time.

When you're up early, you'll automatically feel there's so many possibilities for you in the morning. You get to take your time doing things you normally wouldn't do - like fix a healthy, nutritious breakfast, drink coffee while catching up on news, inhale the fresh air or if you like, do a little exercise, meditate or yoga. Or anything else you can find to do.

#2. Quiet time.

If you have kids, use the early hours in the morning to have some quiet time for yourself.

#3. Arrive early at work.

You can choose to have your breakfast in the pantry, or get a head start at work. This is the time when the office is most quiet and it'll give you time to focus and plan the rest of your workday.

#4. Enjoy the sunrise.

It's the start of a new day! Visualize peaceful scenes and pictures and take deep breaths. Tell yourself today is going to be a good day!

#5. Get better sleep.

Experts say when you go to bed early and rise early, your body will be more in tune with the circadian biological clock and it will create a sleep and wakefulness balance.

#6. Family time.

Depending on your job scope, the earlier you get a head start, the earlier you can get work done. So you can come home and spend quality time with your loved ones as you didn't bring work home. This is easier said than done of course, but remember, one step at a time =)