Muse - August 31, 2016

Normally I try not to take trivial matters seriously, but when you add a stressful, demanding job in the equation you WILL get stung by it. No matter how much you try to stay mentally and positively strong.

*cue the waterworks*

But that's okay, because crying is not a weakness. It lets out all the frustration and misery so you can start afresh.

So at the end of the day, you do your job well because you signed up for it and all the credits belong to you alone. Never mind if your colleagues do not recognize your effort but knowing that you gave your hundred percent in it is all that matters. Know that you can proudly say that you have utilized every single tool given to you and do one hell of a job.

Celebrate Humanity

The 2016 Olympics is about to come to an end and life for the past 2 weeks have been pretty much all about swimming, gymnastics and badminton. It also reminds you to go to the gym.

Since becoming a fan of the Games, this is the first time I made a point to indulge in it as much as I could. I have my own TV and Astro decoder now so I don't have to fight for it like when I was still living with my folks. Hehe.

If you love watching the Olympics, chances are you'd watched this video before. Celebrate Humanity was a promotional tool during the 2000 Olympics. It tells inspiring stories of athletes, promotes various Olympic core values and asks the world to join and celebrate humanity.

The video is narrated by the late Robin Williams. Here's the transcript in English just in case as the subtitles are in Portuguese.

Muse - 20 July 2016

Source - onsizzle.com

This hits close to home because work has been mundane and stressful lately. I try to make it a point to leave work by 9pm in the event of too much work. My manager gave me a different job scope also, so until I am familiar with it I foresee many stay backs. I am also trying to improve on my time management, I promise.

So I try my best to vary the things I do lately:

1. Wedding is over, so we’re planning our honeymoon. We’re undecided between US and Europe but researches on hotels, flight tickets and itineraries are pretty exciting. Or maybe you can check back with me in a few months to see if it’s still exciting.

2. Finish my paint-by-numbers artwork.

3. I’m planning to take violin classes, which in turn I’d need to do some budgeting.

I have a lot more plans in store for myself, but I think these 3 items are enough for me to handle at this point.

Best of luck to me, yay :)

Half yearly update

Apologies again for leaving you for half a year.

It has been a whirlwind past 6 months and I will try to finish all of the posts I have been meaning to publish but didn't have sufficient time.

In regards to personal life, I got hitched on June 18, 2016. A year's worth of planning for a 5 hour event is mind boggling but we thoroughly enjoyed the process. Will definitely do a post for this.

As for work, it didn't go as well as I wanted it to so that was a pretty bummer week. But we have to pick ourselves up because the only way we can go is forward, unless there's a time machine I can borrow to go back in time.

I also managed to snag an interview for a position in the department I have always wanted to go to but didn't get the job. :/

This weekend will be busy with a wedding today, meeting my folks and paying our respects to my bridesmaid's late father tomorrow.

But with our wedding done and over with, I am hoping to continue and perfecting the things I enjoy doing and learning a thing or two.

Muse - January 15, 2016

Credit - canva.com

A brand new year means starting fresh once again. For majority of us, it's about performance review and bonus time.

This year, the boss require us to do a presentation of our past year achievements. There are around 90 of us so standing out is vital, because everyone wants to get the biggest bonus, no? But for some, it's also about being appreciated of the hard work you've done and it'll be nice to get rewarded. It depends on how you see things. 

Honestly, I hope I have made a good impression on the team even though this is my first year. Part of my job is to come up with innovative ways to increase efficiency and productivity. It's not an easy task suggesting ideas and having it rejected. But I have been procrastinating for so long and it has to stop sometime.

Here are some ways I have learnt to stand out at work:

#1 - Create your own goals and objectives. Different people have different goals so do the things you think you are capable of.

#2 - Believe in your idea. Draft your ideas into a proposal and think through everything before submitting it to your boss. Be prepared for the questions that will be coming. Show how passionate you are towards this idea.

#3 - Failure is a vital part of success. If your manager rebuffs your ideas, like mine did, do not give up. Either re-brand the idea or start anew. Easier being said than done actually, but you're not alone in this situation.

#4 - Brainstorm with people. Talk to colleagues, family, friends and even kids. Ideas can generate where you least expect it.

#5 - Be enthusiastic. Sometimes your boss may come up with an activity or suggestion that will increase teamwork within the team. Instead of fretting that this will potentially take your time away from completing your work, embrace it and show your boss (and yourself) that you are one hell of a multi tasker.

#6 - Do more than what your job requires. When everyone in the team does the same job, you will have to go one step further and do something different. It could be learning something new, doing your job in a different way, organizing an activity to encourage team participation etc

#6 - Progress is what matters. Start small and take baby steps towards your goals. 

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?

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 =)

Muse - August 31, 2015

Hello all! It's National Day today so I have the day off work. 

I found this beautiful quote on Elegance and Enchantment today and I couldn't wait to share it with you. Michelle has tons of other inspirational printables on her site, so please do say hello whenever you're visiting.

This struck a chord in me, because I have been working on a work project. My previous one was rejected on the basis of departmental budgeting. The current project is to basically ease the amount of workload faced by a number of colleagues and I'm hoping my manager sees it as something worthwhile.

So many famous people have been through adversity and the reason why we know or look up to them is because they rise up to become tougher people and do big things. And we can be just like them if we just try. If it doesn't work out, it will still give us a sense of pride to know that we actually went out and tried it.

So if you're in this position like I am, I say go do it and don't.give.up.! 

Lots of love and encouragement,

Yours truly.

Muse - August 30, 2015

A friendly reminder to never be afraid to chase your wildest dreams!

Continue dreaming big!

xoxo

Muse - August 21, 2015

This is true. I'm in the midst of pushing myself to do something worthwhile, and no matter what the outcome is, I'll know it has made me a more resilient person.

So, go ahead and challenge yourself!

It's a love story, baby just say yes

If I was being truthful, weddings to me is a gorgeous, willowy white gown. 

All these years I have never given much thought to who the groom might be. My quintessential dream man when I was a teen, was a hunk, probably Caucasian and with an whopping bank account.

Fast forward to 2011, all the necessities I pined for in a man changed when I met the person I'd be spending the remainder of my life with. He didn't have to be the most good looking person in the room, he didn't need to be a Caucasian, he didn't need to be super rich, he didn't need to have a 6 pack.

All he had was love. And a bubbly personality. He was the positive to my negative.

Throughout the past 4 years, we have been through together a lot. From the switching jobs frenzy, to purchasing a place together and now to planning a June wedding.

You're an exceptional person, Mike.

Here's to forever.

xoxo

Muse - June 1, 2016

Source - Pinterest

The blues will pass.

Inhale. Read a chick flick book (or anything non serious). Talk to a loved one. Watch something funny on TV.

If all else fails, go to sleep and forget the blues.

20 nice things to think about

It's a weekend and all I can think of is an unfinished proposal for work and I have to drop by at work later to attend to some unfinished business.

So here I am at 2am in the morning thinking of happy thoughts to take my mind off unpleasant things.

1. Fresh air and natural light pouring into your living room.
2. McDonald's nuggets. Once in a while.
3. Leaving work when it's still sunny out.
4. Enid Blyton's story books.
5. Scented pomegranate candles.
6. That IKEA smell.
7. Making new acquaintances.
8. New chick flick books.
9. Anything vanilla.
10. Sunsets.
11. Beautiful illustrations and sketches.
12. Staying in on a Friday night with a good book or magazine with classical music playing in the background.
13. Spring time! Or any of the 4 seasons.
14. The Cotswolds! It's so pretty I have to post a picture of it.

Source - Tour of England

15. Rustic and vintage cafes.
16. The aroma of coffee brewing.
17. Purchasing a new dress.
18. Beautiful fonts for free. =P
19. Fresh flowers.
20. Getting into bed and doze of immediately.

40 happy things

Source - Tumblr

A while back, I told myself I needed to be more contented with my life. I was depressed with it, I didn't know what I was doing, the future was scaring me, I was in a job I didn't particularly like, I was a pessimist and my life was downright bleak.

I have switched jobs since, I learnt that I needed to pamper myself, I try to arrange meetings with friends once in a while and be inspired by random people out there. Oh, and think happy thoughts - it makes life more comforting even just for a second.

Here's some things to be happy about.

1. Conversations that lasts into the wee hours of the morning
2. Sleeping in
3. Laughing till your stomach hurts
4. Cooking your own meal
5. Bunnies
6. Spontaneous trips
7. Receiving texts from pals
8. Coffee in the morning
9. Waking up early (it's good for you actually!)
10. Coffee shop ambiance
11. Rainy mornings
12. Colorful illustrations
13. Christmas mornings
14. Seeing your crush
15. A good book
16. Being organized
17. A clean desk
18. Making someone smile
19. Fresh flowers
20. Compliments
21. Leaving work on time
22. Cupcakes
23. Friends marathon
24. A clean house
25. A good hair day
26. Weekends
27. Pringles binging
28. Adorable kitties
29. Successfully applying make up
30. Beaches
31. Cloudy days
32. Snuggling under the covers
33. Feet in the sea
34. Relaxing by the pool
35. Free things!
36. Generous, friendly people
37. Gathering with friends
38. Board games
39. Rustic & vintage items
40. Favorite song comes on the radio

10 life lessons I've learnt

Source - Tumblr

Some life lessons I've learnt in this lifetime, and I'd like to think it helps me in this quest for positive thinking. =)

1. Do things that make you happy. Listening to classical music, doodling, Google searching for beautiful things, read etc. I recently discovered Spotify and I love the function that allows you to listen to music according to your mood.

2. Those who mind don't matter. You can't please everyone, and you can't make everyone like you. People who criticize the things you love doing, use you for their own benefit and puts you down are not worth it.

3. Just a few good friends will do. These are the people who enjoy your company, who you can rely on on a bad day and texting each other random things is perfectly fine. 

4. You're your own biggest rival. Everyone has different abilities. Some are slow, some are quick in getting work done. The only thing that should matter is how much you've improved yourself. So stop comparing yourself to others.

5. Mistakes are inevitable. We are not perfect. Mistakes actually make you a better person. You learn from it and it serves as a reminder to not do the same blunder again in the future. Sometimes I even thank myself for doing a mistake.

6. Compliment people. A simple kind word can make someone's day. It can help to boost someone's confidence too. At the same time, you'll also feel you've actually made the world a better place, even just for a while.

7. Challenge yourself. Do something extraordinary. Do the usual things in a different way. You'll never know what you're capable of until you've done it. Life is shorter than you think, so go all out and not regret the things you should've done in the first place.

8. Be confident. Fake it if you must. It will give people the impression that you're in total control of yourself. If you don't believe in yourself, who else will?

9. Treat people they way you want to be treated. Put yourself in someone's shoe. If you don't like the way you're being treated, what more about that person?

10. It's okay to feel down. Life is unpredictable, and sometimes you can't handle it. So it's okay to feel sad and bad, just let it out. Crying is not a sign of weakness, it's a way of letting things out so you can move on. It always feels better after crying, no?

And once you've given yourself a chance to change yourself for the better, you'll start appreciating yourself and your life more.