I would like to share this story which I find most appropiate as it relates to what I had just learned at the Mirroring workshop.
One day all the employees reached the office and they saw a big advice on the door which was written : Yesterday the person who has been hindering your growth in this company has passed away. We invite you to join the wake in the room that has been prepared in the gymn.
In the beginning, everyone was sad for the death of one of their colleagues, but after a while they started getting curious to know who was that man who hindered the growth of his colleagues and the company.
The excitement in the gymn was such that security guards were ordered to control the crowd within the room. The more people reached the cffin, the more excitement heated up. Everyone thought : "Who is this guy who was hindering my progress? Well, but at least he died!"
One by one the employees got closer to the coffin, and when they looked inside they became speechless. They were all silent and shocked, as if someone had touched the deepest part of their soul. For inside the coffin lies a mirror : everyone who looked inside could see himself!
There was also a sign next to the mirror that said : "There is only one person who is capable to set limits to your growth : it is YOU!"
Yes. You are the only person who can revolutionize your life. You are the only person who can influence your happiness, your realization and your success. You are the only person who can help yourself.
Our life do not change when our bosses change, when our friends change, when our parents change, when our partner change, when our company change. Our life change only when we change...When we go beyond our limiting beliefs, when we realize that we are responsible for our own lives.
The world is like a mirror : it gives back to anyone the reflection of the thoughts in which one has strongly believed.
Friday, February 29, 2008
Thursday, February 28, 2008
BreathWorks
I haven't had the slightest idea of what this BreathWorks is all about. I was told that it's breathing exercises related to qi or yoga for we were instructed to bring yoga mat, pillow etc. On that very day (a Sunday),I learned BreathWorks...
BreathWorks is a very gentle yet powerful, rejuvenating form of therapy. It is "Conscious Connected Breathing", a technique of circular, uninteruppted rhythmic breathing where the inhale is connected to the exhale.
Toxins are released and exhaled from the cells. Breath alters the states of awareness; more breath mean more life..more physical and spiritual energy in our bodies.
It unlocks and removes negative, emotional "blocks" in our bodies. We then become more aware of what's happening in our lives, so that the choices we make become conscious to us. BreathWorks session ends in peace, joy and total relaxation.
As it was my first, I do not have any expectations, in fact I was prepared to sleep as we were to lie down on our mats. But I didn't sleep because the process was so mindblowing!! I was breathing as per instruction ie. "INHALE LOVE, EXHALE FEAR" and be very conscious of that breathing. Dehyana kept reminding us to trust the process and never to slumber. After breathing for 15 mins or so, I felt my body began to tightened and became stiff. But the breathing process continued...until not long after that, when Dehyana mentioned, "Think of your mom, think of your dad", I just burst into tears. I don't know why and I guess I have never cried so much in my life ever since my father's demise. This went on for maybe an hour or so (at that moment I was really oblivious of time) but as I gradually calmed down, my body began to relax and I saw something yellow then turned red in front of me. I couldn't figure what it was but the feeling was good. We were then told to sit upright with eyes still closed while remaining very silent.
Later, we were given an opportunity to share our experiences with everyone. Every individual has different experience. Still perplexed as to why everyone cried so much - I was given the explanation that it's because of Love. When we inhale love and exhale fear, we are actually inviting love to fill our hearts. With that love, we are able to let go..which also explains why the body which was initially feeling stiff (because of all the anger and fear bottled inside). Once we let go and let love in, it will return to a very relax state.
The rest of the afternoon were spent sharing and discussion on our assignments given yesterday. For me, it was certainly an eye-opener. I am very thankful to Carina and Lynn Toh for encouraging me to attend this workshop for I know the wisdom I gained here will further enrich my life. Yes, life is just a game but we need to play it well. For when that one Great Scorer comes, He asks not whether we win or lose but how well we played the game.
When I arrived home, I couldn't wait to share my experiences with John. Without a doubt, he seemed to understand and feel happy for me and why not? He is just a relection of me!
When you meet anyone, remember it is a holy encounter. As you see him, you will see yourself. As you treat him, you will treat yourself. As you think of him, you will think of yourself. For in him you will find yourself or lose yourself. Give him his place in the Kingdom and you will have yours.
May I never forget this.
BreathWorks is a very gentle yet powerful, rejuvenating form of therapy. It is "Conscious Connected Breathing", a technique of circular, uninteruppted rhythmic breathing where the inhale is connected to the exhale.
Toxins are released and exhaled from the cells. Breath alters the states of awareness; more breath mean more life..more physical and spiritual energy in our bodies.
It unlocks and removes negative, emotional "blocks" in our bodies. We then become more aware of what's happening in our lives, so that the choices we make become conscious to us. BreathWorks session ends in peace, joy and total relaxation.
As it was my first, I do not have any expectations, in fact I was prepared to sleep as we were to lie down on our mats. But I didn't sleep because the process was so mindblowing!! I was breathing as per instruction ie. "INHALE LOVE, EXHALE FEAR" and be very conscious of that breathing. Dehyana kept reminding us to trust the process and never to slumber. After breathing for 15 mins or so, I felt my body began to tightened and became stiff. But the breathing process continued...until not long after that, when Dehyana mentioned, "Think of your mom, think of your dad", I just burst into tears. I don't know why and I guess I have never cried so much in my life ever since my father's demise. This went on for maybe an hour or so (at that moment I was really oblivious of time) but as I gradually calmed down, my body began to relax and I saw something yellow then turned red in front of me. I couldn't figure what it was but the feeling was good. We were then told to sit upright with eyes still closed while remaining very silent.
Later, we were given an opportunity to share our experiences with everyone. Every individual has different experience. Still perplexed as to why everyone cried so much - I was given the explanation that it's because of Love. When we inhale love and exhale fear, we are actually inviting love to fill our hearts. With that love, we are able to let go..which also explains why the body which was initially feeling stiff (because of all the anger and fear bottled inside). Once we let go and let love in, it will return to a very relax state.
The rest of the afternoon were spent sharing and discussion on our assignments given yesterday. For me, it was certainly an eye-opener. I am very thankful to Carina and Lynn Toh for encouraging me to attend this workshop for I know the wisdom I gained here will further enrich my life. Yes, life is just a game but we need to play it well. For when that one Great Scorer comes, He asks not whether we win or lose but how well we played the game.
When I arrived home, I couldn't wait to share my experiences with John. Without a doubt, he seemed to understand and feel happy for me and why not? He is just a relection of me!
When you meet anyone, remember it is a holy encounter. As you see him, you will see yourself. As you treat him, you will treat yourself. As you think of him, you will think of yourself. For in him you will find yourself or lose yourself. Give him his place in the Kingdom and you will have yours.
May I never forget this.
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
The World Is A Reflection Of Me
Looking at my own guilt and forgive it
Guilt always makes us hate ourselves and there is only one way out of this and that is to move through the open door - the heart of forgiveness.
I realized that by refusing to look at the darkness in me, I will continually try to make others feel guilty because I can't accept the fact that I've made some mistakes (acting without love) along the way. Therefore, it's time to accept that I have made mistakes and that mistakes are correctible by perceiving myself with love instead of self hatred. (Later, we were told to do an exercise to take a non judgmental look at our own darkness and instead of indulging in it by making ourselves wrong and bad, we resurrect it through a loving act of forgiveness).
The Law Of Vibration
The law of vibration tells us that if we are angry, tired or feel victimized by life, we will look out and see angry and tired people reflecting these aspects back to us. But if we vibrate it in a forgiving and loving frequency then people around us would reflect back that love to us.
Anything that causes us to feel bad, ashamed, guilty, unloved, resentful, angry or any other emotion that triggers a negative charge is up for healing. And it will not go away until we understand the need to forgive it all and return to love. Then will we attain peace. By looking at our stories and by forgiving the mistakes we've made, we become accountable for our lives and at the same time, willing to forgive those that have hurt us. We let go and move on with an attitude of gratitude.
Wow! That's a mouthful! The afternoon session was heavy and interesting though the topics are for me, I tried my hardest to keep both my eyes and minds opened. Later, I discovered there were many others who silently took their 40 winks too due to waking up too early that morning. We were all given assignments to do for the night.
That night while the rest of my friends went out to Jonkers Street, I stayed back. Being a slow learner, I needed more time to finish the exercises assigned to me. The questionaires required us to think deeply and answer as honestly as possible.
Then we had to list down all the negative things that we see, hear or experience in our lives now because the awareness of these things will give us an idea of what we need to forgive in our own consciousness. This process is being accountable for our lives. If we were to take total responsibility for ourselves then, we can't afford any blind spots. This purpose is to practice the Principles of Forgiveness. To be open and grateful that the universe provides us with the information reflected by every person in our space.
Feeling pensive yet tired, I ended that day with a mind full of profound thoughts and certainly some valuable life's lessons to embrace.
Guilt always makes us hate ourselves and there is only one way out of this and that is to move through the open door - the heart of forgiveness.
I realized that by refusing to look at the darkness in me, I will continually try to make others feel guilty because I can't accept the fact that I've made some mistakes (acting without love) along the way. Therefore, it's time to accept that I have made mistakes and that mistakes are correctible by perceiving myself with love instead of self hatred. (Later, we were told to do an exercise to take a non judgmental look at our own darkness and instead of indulging in it by making ourselves wrong and bad, we resurrect it through a loving act of forgiveness).
The Law Of Vibration
The law of vibration tells us that if we are angry, tired or feel victimized by life, we will look out and see angry and tired people reflecting these aspects back to us. But if we vibrate it in a forgiving and loving frequency then people around us would reflect back that love to us.
Anything that causes us to feel bad, ashamed, guilty, unloved, resentful, angry or any other emotion that triggers a negative charge is up for healing. And it will not go away until we understand the need to forgive it all and return to love. Then will we attain peace. By looking at our stories and by forgiving the mistakes we've made, we become accountable for our lives and at the same time, willing to forgive those that have hurt us. We let go and move on with an attitude of gratitude.
Wow! That's a mouthful! The afternoon session was heavy and interesting though the topics are for me, I tried my hardest to keep both my eyes and minds opened. Later, I discovered there were many others who silently took their 40 winks too due to waking up too early that morning. We were all given assignments to do for the night.
That night while the rest of my friends went out to Jonkers Street, I stayed back. Being a slow learner, I needed more time to finish the exercises assigned to me. The questionaires required us to think deeply and answer as honestly as possible.
Then we had to list down all the negative things that we see, hear or experience in our lives now because the awareness of these things will give us an idea of what we need to forgive in our own consciousness. This process is being accountable for our lives. If we were to take total responsibility for ourselves then, we can't afford any blind spots. This purpose is to practice the Principles of Forgiveness. To be open and grateful that the universe provides us with the information reflected by every person in our space.
Feeling pensive yet tired, I ended that day with a mind full of profound thoughts and certainly some valuable life's lessons to embrace.
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
Mirror, mirror on the wall..
Mirror, mirror on the wall...
those that trigger you,
reflect you most of all!
The Mirroring session is like waking from a deep sleep and realize that we are choosing our own adventure in this life! Yes, it's exactly like looking into the mirror of our life to see the many reflections of our consciousness staring back at us. Come to think of it, people I met so far today is actually holding up a mirror in order for me to see myself and they are the external feedback of my subconscious mind projected outward. Yes! I learnt that the people in our space actually come forth from within us just as we ordered..They animated our own guilt and they activate negative emotions that we choose to experience in order to gain knowledge. Through every person we either see the love that we are or the guilt of our unloving deeds committed somewhere in time mirrored back to us.
I've learnt that every thought, word and deed is being animated by the people in our space; good and bad. Many times, we try to escape this insanity by running here and there looking for people to treat us better, or to act differently so that we will be happy. But what always ends up happening is that "wherever we go, there we are", because what we run from, runs us! And many times, we are addicted to blame - we keep blaming others when things went wrong etc. Well, until we stop and take an inventory of our lives by examining our own defects of character without judgment we will keep trying to escape..
Law of circle
The process of "Mirroring" began with understanding some key points and one of them is the law of circle. It is important to be aware that all that we think, say or do will return to us fulfilled. The law of circle - what goes out must come back; karma or cause and effect. Whatever seeds we sow, we shall reap. As we think, we create and we manifest it.
Then we need to understand who we are in Truth. We are created in the Image and Likeness of God which is 100% love. Therefore being created by love would mean that we are here to shine our light. But somewhere along the way we fell asleep to the purpose of our being...we go on automatic pilot create haphazardly through lots of pain. Then the cause and effect show up. Karma is set up to show us where we stopped loving. Doing things which are not align with nature will cause us to feel the pangs of guilt. Think about how many loveless thoughts we think throughout the day, how many hurtful words we speak, or loveless acts we commit in one day. Every ounce of guilt that we've stacked against ourselves lies beneath the surface of our conscious mind. And without our knowing stored as an ever pulsating energy. This energy is magnetic by nature and it is continually seeking to attract more of itself to itself! Whatever circumstances we find ourselves in, we can find where we are vibrating in consciousness. It's just that now we are at the receiving end of what we did somewhere in time.
Since the outer world is a living testimony of an inward condition we are simply witnessing ourselves being animated through the actions of another person. In other words, they are me and they are demonstrating all that I love or hate about myself! I always thought it was the other way round and tend to believe that "they" are the problem, when in fact I am. I am the reason they are there. I am the source of everything that happen in my space. I used to think that things are always happening to me when in fact they are happening because of me.
to be continued...nap attack!
those that trigger you,
reflect you most of all!
The Mirroring session is like waking from a deep sleep and realize that we are choosing our own adventure in this life! Yes, it's exactly like looking into the mirror of our life to see the many reflections of our consciousness staring back at us. Come to think of it, people I met so far today is actually holding up a mirror in order for me to see myself and they are the external feedback of my subconscious mind projected outward. Yes! I learnt that the people in our space actually come forth from within us just as we ordered..They animated our own guilt and they activate negative emotions that we choose to experience in order to gain knowledge. Through every person we either see the love that we are or the guilt of our unloving deeds committed somewhere in time mirrored back to us.
I've learnt that every thought, word and deed is being animated by the people in our space; good and bad. Many times, we try to escape this insanity by running here and there looking for people to treat us better, or to act differently so that we will be happy. But what always ends up happening is that "wherever we go, there we are", because what we run from, runs us! And many times, we are addicted to blame - we keep blaming others when things went wrong etc. Well, until we stop and take an inventory of our lives by examining our own defects of character without judgment we will keep trying to escape..
Law of circle
The process of "Mirroring" began with understanding some key points and one of them is the law of circle. It is important to be aware that all that we think, say or do will return to us fulfilled. The law of circle - what goes out must come back; karma or cause and effect. Whatever seeds we sow, we shall reap. As we think, we create and we manifest it.
Then we need to understand who we are in Truth. We are created in the Image and Likeness of God which is 100% love. Therefore being created by love would mean that we are here to shine our light. But somewhere along the way we fell asleep to the purpose of our being...we go on automatic pilot create haphazardly through lots of pain. Then the cause and effect show up. Karma is set up to show us where we stopped loving. Doing things which are not align with nature will cause us to feel the pangs of guilt. Think about how many loveless thoughts we think throughout the day, how many hurtful words we speak, or loveless acts we commit in one day. Every ounce of guilt that we've stacked against ourselves lies beneath the surface of our conscious mind. And without our knowing stored as an ever pulsating energy. This energy is magnetic by nature and it is continually seeking to attract more of itself to itself! Whatever circumstances we find ourselves in, we can find where we are vibrating in consciousness. It's just that now we are at the receiving end of what we did somewhere in time.
Since the outer world is a living testimony of an inward condition we are simply witnessing ourselves being animated through the actions of another person. In other words, they are me and they are demonstrating all that I love or hate about myself! I always thought it was the other way round and tend to believe that "they" are the problem, when in fact I am. I am the reason they are there. I am the source of everything that happen in my space. I used to think that things are always happening to me when in fact they are happening because of me.
to be continued...nap attack!
Nap Attack!
Think I got stung by a sleeping bug recently. For the past few days, I just fell into the sleeping mode whenever I stayed stationery, be it sitting down to read a book or watching TV.
Something heavy (too embarassed to reveal) fell onto my right feet a couple of days ago - cut the vein and the blood came gushing out. Wow, obviously the feet was swollen and in pain and I was left with no choice but to stay home and rest. Being an active person, this is frustrating but it has taught me to be a bit more patient with myself and with the incident that I can't change.
But I recovered fast and went ahead with my agenda to Melaka on Saturday for the Mirroring Workshop which I am so glad I attended. Again, I am so blessed to have people who are so kind to me. I don't even know them at all...they came to my place, picked me up and six of us shared an apartment together. Oh my God, I am absolutely thankful! To my new friends: Elaine, Serena, Susan, Karen, Peggy, Eunice and of course, Carina...I am so happy that our paths crossed. A BIG THANK YOU to...
Elaine for the transport - Serena for lending me the beautiful white shawl - Susan for giving me the white pants - Peggy for being my room-mate and reminding me that we could've met before in one our life times! - Carina for arranging accomodation - Peggy & Eunice for sharing and encouraging me to walk with them in the light. Then there is Dehyana whom I met for the very first time and she is one word : Amazing! Thank you so much for all your kindness!!!
Something heavy (too embarassed to reveal) fell onto my right feet a couple of days ago - cut the vein and the blood came gushing out. Wow, obviously the feet was swollen and in pain and I was left with no choice but to stay home and rest. Being an active person, this is frustrating but it has taught me to be a bit more patient with myself and with the incident that I can't change.
But I recovered fast and went ahead with my agenda to Melaka on Saturday for the Mirroring Workshop which I am so glad I attended. Again, I am so blessed to have people who are so kind to me. I don't even know them at all...they came to my place, picked me up and six of us shared an apartment together. Oh my God, I am absolutely thankful! To my new friends: Elaine, Serena, Susan, Karen, Peggy, Eunice and of course, Carina...I am so happy that our paths crossed. A BIG THANK YOU to...
Elaine for the transport - Serena for lending me the beautiful white shawl - Susan for giving me the white pants - Peggy for being my room-mate and reminding me that we could've met before in one our life times! - Carina for arranging accomodation - Peggy & Eunice for sharing and encouraging me to walk with them in the light. Then there is Dehyana whom I met for the very first time and she is one word : Amazing! Thank you so much for all your kindness!!!
Thursday, February 21, 2008
An interview with Buddha
"Where will you be going today?" This seemes to be the standard question John has been asking me almost everyday. Yes, I still move around rather often eventhough I'm not working.
My intention is to stay at home today - to clear some of my old files before I report to work again next month.
In the midst of discarding old files into the recycle bin, I came across this message sent to me by an old friend who now resides in Perth, Australia. It's an interview with Buddha :
"Come in," he said. "So, you would like to interview me?"
"If you have the time." I said.
The Buddha smiled and said : "For me, there is no time; it doesn't exist. What questions do you have in mind?"
"What surprises you about mankind?" I asked.
The Buddha answered : "That they get bored at being children - are in a rush to grow up - then long to be children again.
That they lose their health to make money and then lose money to restore their health.
That by thinking anxiously about their future, they forget the present, such that they live neither for the present nor the future.
That they live as if they will never die and die as if they had never lived."
The Buddha's hands took mine and we were silent for awhile and then I asked.."As a Bodhisattva, what are some of life's lessons you want humans to learn?"
The Buddha replied with a smile : "To learn that they cannot make anyone love them. What they can do is to let themselves be loved.
To learn that a rich person is not the one who has the most, but is one who needs the least.
To learn that it takes a few seconds to open profound wounds in persons we love, and it takes years to heal them.
To learn to forgive by practicing forgiveness.
To learn that there are persons who love them dearly, but simply do not know how to express or show their feelings.
To learn that money can buy everything except happiness.
To learn that two people can look at the same thing and see it totally different.
To learn that a true friend is someone who knows everything about them but love them anyway.
To learn that it is not always enough that they be forgiven by others but that they need to forgive themselves."
I sat there for awhile enjoying the moment. I thanked the great Bodhisattva for his time (which was nonexistent) and for all the wisdom that he left here for me, for my family and my friends.
He replied : "Anytime. I'm available. All you have to do is to look for me inside yourself. For that's where I live."
My intention is to stay at home today - to clear some of my old files before I report to work again next month.
In the midst of discarding old files into the recycle bin, I came across this message sent to me by an old friend who now resides in Perth, Australia. It's an interview with Buddha :
"Come in," he said. "So, you would like to interview me?"
"If you have the time." I said.
The Buddha smiled and said : "For me, there is no time; it doesn't exist. What questions do you have in mind?"
"What surprises you about mankind?" I asked.
The Buddha answered : "That they get bored at being children - are in a rush to grow up - then long to be children again.
That they lose their health to make money and then lose money to restore their health.
That by thinking anxiously about their future, they forget the present, such that they live neither for the present nor the future.
That they live as if they will never die and die as if they had never lived."
The Buddha's hands took mine and we were silent for awhile and then I asked.."As a Bodhisattva, what are some of life's lessons you want humans to learn?"
The Buddha replied with a smile : "To learn that they cannot make anyone love them. What they can do is to let themselves be loved.
To learn that a rich person is not the one who has the most, but is one who needs the least.
To learn that it takes a few seconds to open profound wounds in persons we love, and it takes years to heal them.
To learn to forgive by practicing forgiveness.
To learn that there are persons who love them dearly, but simply do not know how to express or show their feelings.
To learn that money can buy everything except happiness.
To learn that two people can look at the same thing and see it totally different.
To learn that a true friend is someone who knows everything about them but love them anyway.
To learn that it is not always enough that they be forgiven by others but that they need to forgive themselves."
I sat there for awhile enjoying the moment. I thanked the great Bodhisattva for his time (which was nonexistent) and for all the wisdom that he left here for me, for my family and my friends.
He replied : "Anytime. I'm available. All you have to do is to look for me inside yourself. For that's where I live."
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
New Age
I am currently into reading some New Age books and I find this book : SAME SOUL, MANY BODIES by Dr Brian Weiss extremely interesting and inspirational. In his first book MANY LIVES, MANY MASTERS Dr Brian Weiss wrote about regressing his patients into the past. In SAME SOUL, MANY BODIES, he discovered that he could also progress them into the future. He has discovered that our futures are variable - the choices we make now will determine the quality of our life when we return. Indeed, what we do in this life will influence our lives to come as evolve towards immortality.
But the whole idea of this progression therapy is to enable his patients to experience peace and healing. Sometimes in the midst of a regression, a patient could bring back a lesson or 'messages from The Masters'. I would like to share this particular message from the book which I find inspirational to me :
"The earth life is a gift.It is a school to learn how love manifests in physical demensions where bodies and emotions exist. But the school has many playgrounds, and those need to be used. The physical life is meant to be enjoyed. This is the reason you have been given senses. Be good people. Have fun and enjoy yourselves. Enjoy the simple yet abundant pleasures of life while not harming other people or other things, like nature." - Same Soul, Many Bodies pg.29
In one of the chapters, Brian Weiss also shared healing exercises which the reader can also put into practise. I'll like to try 'Dialogue with illnesses' for my sinus later but I need a friend (preferably a doctor, yoga teacher or physician) to guide and help me. If it works, I'll share again.
But the whole idea of this progression therapy is to enable his patients to experience peace and healing. Sometimes in the midst of a regression, a patient could bring back a lesson or 'messages from The Masters'. I would like to share this particular message from the book which I find inspirational to me :
"The earth life is a gift.It is a school to learn how love manifests in physical demensions where bodies and emotions exist. But the school has many playgrounds, and those need to be used. The physical life is meant to be enjoyed. This is the reason you have been given senses. Be good people. Have fun and enjoy yourselves. Enjoy the simple yet abundant pleasures of life while not harming other people or other things, like nature." - Same Soul, Many Bodies pg.29
In one of the chapters, Brian Weiss also shared healing exercises which the reader can also put into practise. I'll like to try 'Dialogue with illnesses' for my sinus later but I need a friend (preferably a doctor, yoga teacher or physician) to guide and help me. If it works, I'll share again.
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
Weekend excitements
I woke up this morning, blur and almost forgotten when I slept last night. I recalled coming home after dinner and immediately dropped onto the sofa and slept the sleep of the just. I think I was too exhausted...couldn't let my eyes open a second more. You call this "nap attack"? Although still with a little sinus today, I felt rested as compared to previous days.
Too much excitement over John's awards and trophies, I'm left to solve one problem...where to place them all? I thought I had just got rid of some furnitures to make space. Now it seems we need to get another cupboard to display those trophies (expecting more to come in as well) and there we are, back to square one! If you've visited us, our house is nothing but Ms : medals, magnets and magazines; money as well I hope(dream harder, dreamer!)!
Now we also need a place to fit in Scott (John's new toy) and a trainer. Yup, we would like to welcome Scott Pro CR1 to be part of us. Scott weighs about 16lbs. To me, a bicycle is just a simple invention, yet it serves the rider so much freedom of movement whether racing or otherwise. And it's environmental friendly! Talking about racing, I'm sure Langkawi will be flooded with Ironmen/Ironwomen this weekend. In fact, I was told that some had already made their way there today. Therefore, to all Ironmen and Ironwomen and all my friends who will be embarking on this incredible journey this Saturday, I want to wish you all GOOD LUCK. Remember every second counts. Enjoy the journey. It doesn't matter (maybe it does to some) who will cross the finishing line first. It is knowing that you did your best ever and at the end of the race, be able to lift your head high and say aloud, "Yes! I've made it and it is all worthwhile!" And to quote Alden Yap..."live to tell your story."
Enough excitement going on for Ironman Langkawi and also for John to seriously put his new toy to test (at Gunung Peres), my excitement will be something very different. I'll be travelling to Melaka for a 2days Mirroring Workshop. No, not that I have no mirrors at home! I believe many times, I've forgotten to look at myself! The ability to look at myself before I judge or look at others, is what I hope to achieve and learn from this workshop. So, it is my desire to experience something new from the said workshop and take home with me some valuable lessons to share after that.
Monday, February 18, 2008
Another Sunday
I believe my sinus is getting from bad to worse. I slept at 1.20am and woke up at 3.15am due to that blocked nose! I just sat and sneezed non-stop with a box of tissue on hand. Even a cup of hot Milo and Himalaya's Cold Relief Balm did not seem to help. It was bad cos I sneezed until my backache and was grateful that I got an early massage from John.
I had no idea what distance I'll be able to go, given a running nose, a backache and lack of sleep. As the majority of the group is running double hills, John and I joined in the pack. The first few kilometres, we were all running at a reasonably slow pace until we reached double hills. John and I decided to attack the hills and thus, left the pack behind. Due to some hill training yesterday, my feet felt stronger and I managed to conquer the hills with ease today. Gradually, my sinus cleared and the running nose almost gone too. Good grief, running seemed to be the remedy for my sinus for the time being.
It's been awhile since we had a 'long-table breakfast'(a description by Wan Yew Leong) at Tong Shin. So, we gathered together and spent sometime there. If you were to ask me about the food there, I can tell you it's no big deal but at times, it's the company that counts and the taukeh there is friendly. He always welcomes us with open arms, eventhough he knew that we will take up a lot of his tables and time.
It always feels so good to be amongst with people you love and you know they'll love you back!
We decided to spend the Sunday afternoon sleeping, watching Tour de Langkawi and blogging before another dinner do tonight.
By the way, I learned from Dr Raymond this morning that maternity fees only cost about RM3k lah. Am I stupid to think it's 10k?
I had no idea what distance I'll be able to go, given a running nose, a backache and lack of sleep. As the majority of the group is running double hills, John and I joined in the pack. The first few kilometres, we were all running at a reasonably slow pace until we reached double hills. John and I decided to attack the hills and thus, left the pack behind. Due to some hill training yesterday, my feet felt stronger and I managed to conquer the hills with ease today. Gradually, my sinus cleared and the running nose almost gone too. Good grief, running seemed to be the remedy for my sinus for the time being.
It's been awhile since we had a 'long-table breakfast'(a description by Wan Yew Leong) at Tong Shin. So, we gathered together and spent sometime there. If you were to ask me about the food there, I can tell you it's no big deal but at times, it's the company that counts and the taukeh there is friendly. He always welcomes us with open arms, eventhough he knew that we will take up a lot of his tables and time.
It always feels so good to be amongst with people you love and you know they'll love you back!
We decided to spend the Sunday afternoon sleeping, watching Tour de Langkawi and blogging before another dinner do tonight.
By the way, I learned from Dr Raymond this morning that maternity fees only cost about RM3k lah. Am I stupid to think it's 10k?
Sunday, February 17, 2008
Productive Day - Awards and Recognition
Despite the mad rush, we were surprised to make it for the Annual Dinner on time. The highlights for the evening was the Awards ceremony where John was presented 5 awards for his fabulous performance last year. I just couldn't relate how proud I am, even now. He was awarded 1st runner-up for Overall Top Producer - Top Producer for Newsweek - 1st runner-up for TIME magazine - 2nd runner-up for Fortune magazine -a memento for qualifying to Bali for a holiday with his spouse. The awards came with a trophy and prize money as incentives. We have decided to sell our Bali holiday packages as both of us had been to Bali twice. In fact, John just came back from Bali recently.
As I witnessed this guy running up and down the stage to receive his recognition, I was thrilled and filled with nothing but great admiration for him. My heart was joyful for this man whom for so many years I proudly called my husband, my best friend, soul-mate, life partner, greatest supporter and my confidante. When the Regional GM of Time Magazine asked him of his achievements, he humbly mentioned, "It takes a great amount of determination, effort and discipline..." And no one can attest to this statement other than the wife.
Hey, dear! Here's to you and for many more good things to come!
Cheers!
Productive day - Bicycle Shopping
These days, I couldn't sleep much with my sinus bothering me. It disturbed John too.
I decided to practise some hill work this morning.
Since John is not cycling, we decided to run together at Bukit Kiara. I covered 3 loops while John did 4. But the jam home from Kiara this morning was ridiculous and I assumed it will stay that way throughout the day (depending on which way you take). But since John has promised Loke Chan Chuen that we will be dropping by his house at Subang USJ, we went ahead with that plan. We made a mistake by taking the Federal Highway and later, took a detour to the LDP-Puchong Highway.
Loke being an expert in cycling has graciously offered to help and advise John to shop for his new toy. I've been shopping all my life but bicycle shopping is something completely fresh to me and sound interesting. I never realized that one can spend 2 or 3 hours (or even a whole day for some) shopping for just a bicycle. I spent less time purchasing my car than John selecting his bicycle! Well, it's a totally different experience altogether. If you want to build a bike and create one of your choice, you need to select the parts (which I find it thoroughly tedious especially if you haven't a clue about what is what). All the parts cost money and not cheap at all! But then, one is also given an option to choose base on one's own budget. Depending on what you prefer, a build-up bike can cost up to the range of RM30k. In M'sia, what I heard was that there's a demand of bicycles but limited suppliers.
We were rather fortunate to meet Kimberley Yap (our M'sian woman triathlete SEA Games Gold medalist) who happened to be there. She greeted John and I and offered us some advice and recommendations on the model, frame, wheels and so forth; which she felt befitting John's size. Now I know...we need to buy everything separately from the frame, the wheels, tyres, pedal, handle bar and so many other accessories!! No kidding. In the end, with Loke's expertise and sound advice, then coupled with Kimberley's recommendation, John has decided to settle for a Scott Pro CR1. And the damage is close to RM11K. We thanked Loke for imparting his knowledge with us and spending time to help John.
Time was running out (we need to rush home to get ready for John's company Annual Dinner and Awards Night). On the way home, John posed me a question, "how much would it cost us if you were to give birth to a baby today?" Actually I had no idea and was silly enough to quote him about 10k! He smiled and surprised me by saying, "Please consider and treat this bicycle our baby and the 11k your maternity fees! The baby's name is Scott!"
AAH,WHAT??? Men are certainly funny at times!!
I decided to practise some hill work this morning.
Since John is not cycling, we decided to run together at Bukit Kiara. I covered 3 loops while John did 4. But the jam home from Kiara this morning was ridiculous and I assumed it will stay that way throughout the day (depending on which way you take). But since John has promised Loke Chan Chuen that we will be dropping by his house at Subang USJ, we went ahead with that plan. We made a mistake by taking the Federal Highway and later, took a detour to the LDP-Puchong Highway.
Loke being an expert in cycling has graciously offered to help and advise John to shop for his new toy. I've been shopping all my life but bicycle shopping is something completely fresh to me and sound interesting. I never realized that one can spend 2 or 3 hours (or even a whole day for some) shopping for just a bicycle. I spent less time purchasing my car than John selecting his bicycle! Well, it's a totally different experience altogether. If you want to build a bike and create one of your choice, you need to select the parts (which I find it thoroughly tedious especially if you haven't a clue about what is what). All the parts cost money and not cheap at all! But then, one is also given an option to choose base on one's own budget. Depending on what you prefer, a build-up bike can cost up to the range of RM30k. In M'sia, what I heard was that there's a demand of bicycles but limited suppliers.
We were rather fortunate to meet Kimberley Yap (our M'sian woman triathlete SEA Games Gold medalist) who happened to be there. She greeted John and I and offered us some advice and recommendations on the model, frame, wheels and so forth; which she felt befitting John's size. Now I know...we need to buy everything separately from the frame, the wheels, tyres, pedal, handle bar and so many other accessories!! No kidding. In the end, with Loke's expertise and sound advice, then coupled with Kimberley's recommendation, John has decided to settle for a Scott Pro CR1. And the damage is close to RM11K. We thanked Loke for imparting his knowledge with us and spending time to help John.
Time was running out (we need to rush home to get ready for John's company Annual Dinner and Awards Night). On the way home, John posed me a question, "how much would it cost us if you were to give birth to a baby today?" Actually I had no idea and was silly enough to quote him about 10k! He smiled and surprised me by saying, "Please consider and treat this bicycle our baby and the 11k your maternity fees! The baby's name is Scott!"
AAH,WHAT??? Men are certainly funny at times!!
Saturday, February 16, 2008
Love is...
Different people have different ways of expressing their affection during Valentine's Day. Many years ago, John and I had decided that we do not need to pay attention to Valentine's day and therefore, we haven't been celebrating like the rest of the world did. Love should be expressed everyday in our lives and not just on Valentines. Personally, I had witnessed a couple (my staff actually) whose husband sent her 99 roses on Valentine's Day but they quarrelled and fought the very next day and hence, she could not report to work for the day. Sigh!
Love should never be taken for granted. It takes a great amount of effort to make a relationship work. As for John and I, we are still working hard to fulfill our marriage vows - reminding ourselves to love one another from time to time, if not everyday. If we know deep in our hearts that we love, trust and appreciate each other - then, there is absolutely no reason for us to spend the extra bucks getting the 99 or 999 roses to please each other or broadcast to the world that we love one another. Make sense?
No romantic candlelight dinner for us. We ate at home and indulged tiramisu from Secret Recipe as our love dessert instead. For me, many times it's being able to spend sometime together that made it feel so good. We also enjoyed watching the finale of The Amazing Race Asia together and I was so thrilled and touched when the Singapore team won cos' I really wanted them to win. They deserved it...and as for Adrian, I'm sure with the experience from this race, his morale and confidence will further be boosted. His disability has not deter him from being a winner. Bravo and well done, guys!
This morning I read in the Sun papers about a David from PJ putting up a message, proposing to his girl friend Kelly to marry him on a giant billboard along the Damansara - Puchong highway which cost him RM40k. I am sure acts of love like this will impress his girl friend. Who would not? Would she accept his proposal? Of course.
Well, different people have different reasons for doing different things. Having learnt one or two lessons of love from ACIM, here are just some of my views of looking at love.
I believe that if love is real..if love is from the heart..if love is understanding..if love is compassion, the RM40k would be more meaningful if it is put to benefit a charitable organization under the couple's name. The message (proposal) will be on the highway billboard for a whole month. For what? I wondered. Gee, I do sound like one big sour grape, ha! But think, and trust me, gimmicks as such will only thrill us for a moment.
These are only my views. Love is...(free for anyone to describe and express).
Love should never be taken for granted. It takes a great amount of effort to make a relationship work. As for John and I, we are still working hard to fulfill our marriage vows - reminding ourselves to love one another from time to time, if not everyday. If we know deep in our hearts that we love, trust and appreciate each other - then, there is absolutely no reason for us to spend the extra bucks getting the 99 or 999 roses to please each other or broadcast to the world that we love one another. Make sense?
No romantic candlelight dinner for us. We ate at home and indulged tiramisu from Secret Recipe as our love dessert instead. For me, many times it's being able to spend sometime together that made it feel so good. We also enjoyed watching the finale of The Amazing Race Asia together and I was so thrilled and touched when the Singapore team won cos' I really wanted them to win. They deserved it...and as for Adrian, I'm sure with the experience from this race, his morale and confidence will further be boosted. His disability has not deter him from being a winner. Bravo and well done, guys!
This morning I read in the Sun papers about a David from PJ putting up a message, proposing to his girl friend Kelly to marry him on a giant billboard along the Damansara - Puchong highway which cost him RM40k. I am sure acts of love like this will impress his girl friend. Who would not? Would she accept his proposal? Of course.
Well, different people have different reasons for doing different things. Having learnt one or two lessons of love from ACIM, here are just some of my views of looking at love.
I believe that if love is real..if love is from the heart..if love is understanding..if love is compassion, the RM40k would be more meaningful if it is put to benefit a charitable organization under the couple's name. The message (proposal) will be on the highway billboard for a whole month. For what? I wondered. Gee, I do sound like one big sour grape, ha! But think, and trust me, gimmicks as such will only thrill us for a moment.
These are only my views. Love is...(free for anyone to describe and express).
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
A drama and a lesson
I bumped onto Mary in KLCC yesterday.
Mary was my ex-staff from Clinique. I remember when I employed her 8 years ago for Clinique, I got a earful from both my MD and GM. "How can you take such an ugly duckling to stand behind a cosmetic counter? Are you blind or what?" I was asked.
Perhaps I was at that time. Honestly, I forgot all about her looks when I interviewed her, I just sympathized her. I took her because her husband passed away and she needed the job desperately.
"Look, Ms Yap Wai Mun...as much as you want to help her, this is not a charity house! You'd better do something about it." was the instruction I received.
I was put in a dilemma cos' I had just given her an employment, it was unfair to tell her that my bosses thought your face is not suitable for the job and therefore..
Dissatisfied and feeling frustrated, I got John and a few of my male friends to take a glimpse of her at her workplace and give me their comments. They had all expected to look for a sweet young thing but it turned out to be 'ugly betty' instead. I was sure that they were disappointed, "Aiyoh. She's a Beauty Consultant but she's certainly not a beauty lah!"
I guessed it must be because she is still recovering from the lost of her husband and still mourning. Being stubborn, I counselled Mary and encouraged her to groom herself in order to further progress if she is serious about the job. Basically she has got to help me to help her.
I negotiated with my MD and GM to give her 3 months to improve. She secured the job within the stipulated time. I was glad I didn't give up on her. I was glad I fought to give her a chance. I was glad that she took the trouble to prove herself. I was glad she did not let me or her children down. Today, she is still with Clinique - a Counter Manager - and doing well. Well done, Mary!
As we haven't met for sometime, we just stood where we met (in front of the Himalaya shop in KLCC) and talk non-stop until I suggested that we should sit somewhere for a cuppa. But Mary said, "Mun Cheh (big sis), I'm already drinking this can of Nescafe." I told her it did not matter.
As we were walking to the Cafe, a lady bumped onto her and droplets of Nescafe from the can flew out onto the lady's pants. The lady was furious, made a scene and scolded Mary for being so careless. Mary apologized eventhough I thought it wasn't really her fault. But guess what was that woman's reaction : "You know, this is an expensive pants. What are you going to do about it?"
Remarks like that make me sick, I was absolutely annoyed and on behalf of Mary, I put it bluntly, "So? Is there a price tag there to tell me the price? Even if there is - so what? who bothers? If it's so precious - don't wear it out, keep it at home. Moreover it's white and it's bound to get dirty any way. Besides, my friend has already apologized to you when in actual fact, you are the one who knocked her. Otherwise, there's no way the coffee can flew out from a can with such a small opening! No point wiping it off with tissue, the stains will not come out, you've gotta go to the ladies and wash."
She further answered, "What if it doesn't come out?"
"Then that's your problem, not ours!" was my final remark to her, and I walked away.
Mary still in a daze and perplexed over the whole drama just stood there until I dragged her with me.
Yes, that is the other side of me which it found still difficult to change and improve. Outspoken, impulsive and sarcastic at times, I'm still very much a 'chilli padi' as my bosses used to call me.
But people like these upset me. They like to show off to the public that they are rich (maybe they are not?) by wearing expensive, exclusive designer label clothings, yet they are afraid and worried that it might get dirty or damaged. What rubbish is this?
Recently, I shared with John, Gary Goh and Lee Woon Khau a documentary (On The Road)which I came across in Astro, where Eric Tsang shared his own personal awakening on how material wealth eg. his Porshe, Mercedes or Armani shirt which were all once a luxury to him became a burden or excess baggage now. He talks about his experience on a retreat where he checked in a monastery in Taiwan and spent a few days there. It was truly an eye-opener for him. It touched and stimulated his soul and he decided to live simply from then on...bringing some cheer to the world. That was how the famous game show The Movie Buff Champion Chip (Chew Kap Moh Tik Cheong Moon Yan) came about. It's about having fun, being happy and laughing loud!
Many times, we need to learn from people's experience in order to grow. Watching a short documentary like this or reading some inspirational books could help motivate and enhance our lives.
Mary was my ex-staff from Clinique. I remember when I employed her 8 years ago for Clinique, I got a earful from both my MD and GM. "How can you take such an ugly duckling to stand behind a cosmetic counter? Are you blind or what?" I was asked.
Perhaps I was at that time. Honestly, I forgot all about her looks when I interviewed her, I just sympathized her. I took her because her husband passed away and she needed the job desperately.
"Look, Ms Yap Wai Mun...as much as you want to help her, this is not a charity house! You'd better do something about it." was the instruction I received.
I was put in a dilemma cos' I had just given her an employment, it was unfair to tell her that my bosses thought your face is not suitable for the job and therefore..
Dissatisfied and feeling frustrated, I got John and a few of my male friends to take a glimpse of her at her workplace and give me their comments. They had all expected to look for a sweet young thing but it turned out to be 'ugly betty' instead. I was sure that they were disappointed, "Aiyoh. She's a Beauty Consultant but she's certainly not a beauty lah!"
I guessed it must be because she is still recovering from the lost of her husband and still mourning. Being stubborn, I counselled Mary and encouraged her to groom herself in order to further progress if she is serious about the job. Basically she has got to help me to help her.
I negotiated with my MD and GM to give her 3 months to improve. She secured the job within the stipulated time. I was glad I didn't give up on her. I was glad I fought to give her a chance. I was glad that she took the trouble to prove herself. I was glad she did not let me or her children down. Today, she is still with Clinique - a Counter Manager - and doing well. Well done, Mary!
As we haven't met for sometime, we just stood where we met (in front of the Himalaya shop in KLCC) and talk non-stop until I suggested that we should sit somewhere for a cuppa. But Mary said, "Mun Cheh (big sis), I'm already drinking this can of Nescafe." I told her it did not matter.
As we were walking to the Cafe, a lady bumped onto her and droplets of Nescafe from the can flew out onto the lady's pants. The lady was furious, made a scene and scolded Mary for being so careless. Mary apologized eventhough I thought it wasn't really her fault. But guess what was that woman's reaction : "You know, this is an expensive pants. What are you going to do about it?"
Remarks like that make me sick, I was absolutely annoyed and on behalf of Mary, I put it bluntly, "So? Is there a price tag there to tell me the price? Even if there is - so what? who bothers? If it's so precious - don't wear it out, keep it at home. Moreover it's white and it's bound to get dirty any way. Besides, my friend has already apologized to you when in actual fact, you are the one who knocked her. Otherwise, there's no way the coffee can flew out from a can with such a small opening! No point wiping it off with tissue, the stains will not come out, you've gotta go to the ladies and wash."
She further answered, "What if it doesn't come out?"
"Then that's your problem, not ours!" was my final remark to her, and I walked away.
Mary still in a daze and perplexed over the whole drama just stood there until I dragged her with me.
Yes, that is the other side of me which it found still difficult to change and improve. Outspoken, impulsive and sarcastic at times, I'm still very much a 'chilli padi' as my bosses used to call me.
But people like these upset me. They like to show off to the public that they are rich (maybe they are not?) by wearing expensive, exclusive designer label clothings, yet they are afraid and worried that it might get dirty or damaged. What rubbish is this?
Recently, I shared with John, Gary Goh and Lee Woon Khau a documentary (On The Road)which I came across in Astro, where Eric Tsang shared his own personal awakening on how material wealth eg. his Porshe, Mercedes or Armani shirt which were all once a luxury to him became a burden or excess baggage now. He talks about his experience on a retreat where he checked in a monastery in Taiwan and spent a few days there. It was truly an eye-opener for him. It touched and stimulated his soul and he decided to live simply from then on...bringing some cheer to the world. That was how the famous game show The Movie Buff Champion Chip (Chew Kap Moh Tik Cheong Moon Yan) came about. It's about having fun, being happy and laughing loud!
Many times, we need to learn from people's experience in order to grow. Watching a short documentary like this or reading some inspirational books could help motivate and enhance our lives.
Monday, February 11, 2008
Lo Sang
I count my blessings in having friends!
John and I had some lunch / dinner invitations today...from Ms. Moey, Teresa Goh, Susan and Peony. Unfortunately, we can't be going to so many different places at the same time although we wish to. Eventually we resorted to eating lunch with John's aunt and dinner at my Nay's house.
My nanny's family made their yearly 'customised recipe' of fruit Yee Sang which is a delectable mix of fruits consisting mainly of Fuji apples, China pears, pomelo, carrots and other vegetables of the like. It became our CNY annual signature dish and my favourite cos' it's very easy to eat and healthy. Therefore, this is one food that John and I would look forward to every year. We also had abalone which can be added separately for anyone who is dying for some meat. This abalone that Connie Chan bought from EYS is so expensive (Judy got hers from the market for half the price)!I noticed an ad. in the papers that Overseas Restaurants are serving this same type of Yee Sang this year. We may want to savour to check if it tastes the same as my Ah Nay's later.
Well, my eyes been itching and tearing after a visit to Ikea this evening. I guess it must've been the particles from the furnitures and rugs. I don't know. After the Yee Sang dinner, it got worse; swollen and inflammed. Lo Koh advised me to sip some chlorophyll instead of taking my usual priton (drug). I obeyed and surprisingly, the swell and redness seemed to have subsided.
I've learnt something on chlorophyll today.
John and I had some lunch / dinner invitations today...from Ms. Moey, Teresa Goh, Susan and Peony. Unfortunately, we can't be going to so many different places at the same time although we wish to. Eventually we resorted to eating lunch with John's aunt and dinner at my Nay's house.
My nanny's family made their yearly 'customised recipe' of fruit Yee Sang which is a delectable mix of fruits consisting mainly of Fuji apples, China pears, pomelo, carrots and other vegetables of the like. It became our CNY annual signature dish and my favourite cos' it's very easy to eat and healthy. Therefore, this is one food that John and I would look forward to every year. We also had abalone which can be added separately for anyone who is dying for some meat. This abalone that Connie Chan bought from EYS is so expensive (Judy got hers from the market for half the price)!I noticed an ad. in the papers that Overseas Restaurants are serving this same type of Yee Sang this year. We may want to savour to check if it tastes the same as my Ah Nay's later.
Well, my eyes been itching and tearing after a visit to Ikea this evening. I guess it must've been the particles from the furnitures and rugs. I don't know. After the Yee Sang dinner, it got worse; swollen and inflammed. Lo Koh advised me to sip some chlorophyll instead of taking my usual priton (drug). I obeyed and surprisingly, the swell and redness seemed to have subsided.
I've learnt something on chlorophyll today.
Sunday, February 10, 2008
Back to work
I promised KC Lai to help her with AK's Valentines promotion at KLCC today.
I almost freaked out when I received smses from the part-timers: one said she couldn't come to work because of period pain and another mentioned that the brother has been admitted to hospital. Being in the industry long enough, I do have some 'insights' to determine between an excuse and a genuine case. Sigh! One more fella promised to work but didn't show up despite numerous calls! In the end, I managed to get hold of an ex-Aramis staff to replace. Phew! Such was the rat race in a retail scene, if not more..
KC and I realized that the promo stocks arrived 2 weeks ago but the girls didn't do the price tagging. Without a second thought, I gave them all a piece of my mind! That's the other side of the Wai Mun everyone should know. Everything was in a mess and we had to fix it in a haste as there was no preparation. Next, the person responsible for the cash register is on leave and in Ipoh. Yet why didn't she say so? No one else knows how to operate that darn thing. In the end, I had to get my Himalaya staff to help while I took over the shop from her. Hey, at least I managed to capture good sales for her! In the midst of all the hassle, there were these groups of people from God-knows-where who crowded at the nicely set-up promo area and had their photographs taken. Aiyoh,it was as if there's the only best view they can ever find in KLCC! And can you imagine...we need the security to get them to vacant the place!
When I related the day's event to John, he reminded me that I am only helping and doing a favour for a friend and there's really no need to be too serious and get all stressed up unnecessarily. I got his message right away. Just that at times, I can get carried away eg. this morning he predicted that once I get to work, I won't have time to eat breakfast - he was right. I've forgotten about breakfast.
The only consolation, if there's any, was the sales for both Himalaya and Accakappa were exceptionally good today despite all the hoohahs! The girls attributed it to my presence there, saying that I brought them 'ong' (luck).
What a nice way of putting it! What a nice way to end my day!
I almost freaked out when I received smses from the part-timers: one said she couldn't come to work because of period pain and another mentioned that the brother has been admitted to hospital. Being in the industry long enough, I do have some 'insights' to determine between an excuse and a genuine case. Sigh! One more fella promised to work but didn't show up despite numerous calls! In the end, I managed to get hold of an ex-Aramis staff to replace. Phew! Such was the rat race in a retail scene, if not more..
KC and I realized that the promo stocks arrived 2 weeks ago but the girls didn't do the price tagging. Without a second thought, I gave them all a piece of my mind! That's the other side of the Wai Mun everyone should know. Everything was in a mess and we had to fix it in a haste as there was no preparation. Next, the person responsible for the cash register is on leave and in Ipoh. Yet why didn't she say so? No one else knows how to operate that darn thing. In the end, I had to get my Himalaya staff to help while I took over the shop from her. Hey, at least I managed to capture good sales for her! In the midst of all the hassle, there were these groups of people from God-knows-where who crowded at the nicely set-up promo area and had their photographs taken. Aiyoh,it was as if there's the only best view they can ever find in KLCC! And can you imagine...we need the security to get them to vacant the place!
When I related the day's event to John, he reminded me that I am only helping and doing a favour for a friend and there's really no need to be too serious and get all stressed up unnecessarily. I got his message right away. Just that at times, I can get carried away eg. this morning he predicted that once I get to work, I won't have time to eat breakfast - he was right. I've forgotten about breakfast.
The only consolation, if there's any, was the sales for both Himalaya and Accakappa were exceptionally good today despite all the hoohahs! The girls attributed it to my presence there, saying that I brought them 'ong' (luck).
What a nice way of putting it! What a nice way to end my day!
Friday, February 8, 2008
Year of the Rat
Hey, it's the Year Of the Rat!!
As with the years before, the first day of the lunar year a few of us from Pacesetters will gather together for a leisure run and then makan. This year is the 'rat run' to double hills. Crazy runners!
Later, we had breakfast at Devi's Corner Hartamas which became an annual gathering place for us during Chinease New Year.
First day of Chinese New Year has always been like that these past years. I used to go for vacation before I got married, I wonder why I'm not doing it now? After all, I don't have any in-laws, so there's really no obligations to perform duties of a daughter-in-law. Must talk to John but he just came back from Bali!
Today, I caught up with a little sleep as I can't remember sleeping well the whole of last year. I dream most nights, I don't know why. That's why I call myself a dreamer. I never passed a night without dreaming...
Anyways..
Below is a message presented to me by a friend which I'll like to share:
"As we enter the Year of the Rat, we are inundated with upbeat views about the stock market and the economy, not only from economists, but also from geomancers. Coupled with some resolutions made for 2008 a month ago, the general mood is one brimmimg over optimism for a better year ahead and for greater opportunities to make more money.
What are we actually looking forward to in this new year and what new promises did we make ourselves? A new house? A new car? to beat the market? to climb the corporate ladder? to make more money?
Or did we resolve to spend more time with family and friends? to get home early at least three times a week? to do our bit to save the rainforest?
We make resolutions in a bid to improve our lives in the hope of increasing our happiness. So a very important question would be 'what makes us happy?'. What do we need to succeed in to make us happy?
Many people mistakenly measure their success in terms of Mercedes and money, not enjoyment and relationships.
Does more money mean more happiness? Would an extra million dollars make us happier? True, more money may mean more holidays, a better car or designer-label clothes but where does this stop?
How much is enough? People who know the answer are those who treat money or power as instrumental value. That is, these things are means rather than an end.
Ralph W. Emerson said: "To laugh often and loved much - to know even one life has breathed easier because you lived - this is to have succeeded."
Yes. We need to realize that success is not about what we have but who we are. It should not be linked to the size of our bank accounts and number of cars in our garage, but rather to personal excellence and fulfilment."
As for me, there are many aspects to success; material wealth is only one component..But success also includes good health, energy, enthusiasm for life, fulfilling relationships, creative freedom, emotional and psychological stability, a sense of well-being and a peace of mind.
Wishing everyone a successful and fulfilling year ahead!
As with the years before, the first day of the lunar year a few of us from Pacesetters will gather together for a leisure run and then makan. This year is the 'rat run' to double hills. Crazy runners!
Later, we had breakfast at Devi's Corner Hartamas which became an annual gathering place for us during Chinease New Year.
First day of Chinese New Year has always been like that these past years. I used to go for vacation before I got married, I wonder why I'm not doing it now? After all, I don't have any in-laws, so there's really no obligations to perform duties of a daughter-in-law. Must talk to John but he just came back from Bali!
Today, I caught up with a little sleep as I can't remember sleeping well the whole of last year. I dream most nights, I don't know why. That's why I call myself a dreamer. I never passed a night without dreaming...
Anyways..
Below is a message presented to me by a friend which I'll like to share:
"As we enter the Year of the Rat, we are inundated with upbeat views about the stock market and the economy, not only from economists, but also from geomancers. Coupled with some resolutions made for 2008 a month ago, the general mood is one brimmimg over optimism for a better year ahead and for greater opportunities to make more money.
What are we actually looking forward to in this new year and what new promises did we make ourselves? A new house? A new car? to beat the market? to climb the corporate ladder? to make more money?
Or did we resolve to spend more time with family and friends? to get home early at least three times a week? to do our bit to save the rainforest?
We make resolutions in a bid to improve our lives in the hope of increasing our happiness. So a very important question would be 'what makes us happy?'. What do we need to succeed in to make us happy?
Many people mistakenly measure their success in terms of Mercedes and money, not enjoyment and relationships.
Does more money mean more happiness? Would an extra million dollars make us happier? True, more money may mean more holidays, a better car or designer-label clothes but where does this stop?
How much is enough? People who know the answer are those who treat money or power as instrumental value. That is, these things are means rather than an end.
Ralph W. Emerson said: "To laugh often and loved much - to know even one life has breathed easier because you lived - this is to have succeeded."
Yes. We need to realize that success is not about what we have but who we are. It should not be linked to the size of our bank accounts and number of cars in our garage, but rather to personal excellence and fulfilment."
As for me, there are many aspects to success; material wealth is only one component..But success also includes good health, energy, enthusiasm for life, fulfilling relationships, creative freedom, emotional and psychological stability, a sense of well-being and a peace of mind.
Wishing everyone a successful and fulfilling year ahead!
Monday, February 4, 2008
Another month
The first month of the year has passed. January has proven to be a fruitful month for me. At least, I had the opportunity to experience what it's like to be free in KL and at home. I got to do what I need to do without having to rush for datelines. Although the phone still ring and I'm still keeping busy, I'm more relax and therefore, my mind is able to think clearly.
These few days I am able to spend sometime to reflect, review and validate what I wish to attain to move on. I tried listening to my heart, instead of my head!
Most of our fellow runners started their run very early this morning. By the time I reach the Bukit Aman car park, I was told that 3 different groups had already left for Hartamas including Wah Chai. While a number of them went to compete the KL Towerthon today. I was left to join Carol, Adam, Ah Hon and 2 Garys and they wanted to run the Hoki Stadium route. Aiyah! Gotta tackle that steep hill again! But weather was cooling this morning which made running pleasant and easy. Yours truly decided to add another few kilometres by taking the reverse 8km route, with the rest following me except for Gary Goh (lazy!). As we were almost finishing and approaching Bank Negara, the skies turned dark and opened up. Showers began to pour!
Upon reaching Bukit Aman, I was all soaked and decided to head straight home and gave breakfast a miss.
These few days I am able to spend sometime to reflect, review and validate what I wish to attain to move on. I tried listening to my heart, instead of my head!
Most of our fellow runners started their run very early this morning. By the time I reach the Bukit Aman car park, I was told that 3 different groups had already left for Hartamas including Wah Chai. While a number of them went to compete the KL Towerthon today. I was left to join Carol, Adam, Ah Hon and 2 Garys and they wanted to run the Hoki Stadium route. Aiyah! Gotta tackle that steep hill again! But weather was cooling this morning which made running pleasant and easy. Yours truly decided to add another few kilometres by taking the reverse 8km route, with the rest following me except for Gary Goh (lazy!). As we were almost finishing and approaching Bank Negara, the skies turned dark and opened up. Showers began to pour!
Upon reaching Bukit Aman, I was all soaked and decided to head straight home and gave breakfast a miss.
Friday, February 1, 2008
Life is fragile
Met Teoh Tay Wah while jogging at Permaisuri this morning. She ran to me and told me that her husband passed away on Sunday. I was shocked! She had not informed us as she has lost our numbers and she was a bit lost then. I'm now supposed to relate the message to Siew Cheng. Teoh's husband had been diagnosed with cancer of the liver 5 months ago and at the time, it was advancing at 4th stage. I dared not probe much as she was griefing with tears clouding her eyes. But Teoh was brave about the whole thing. I comforted her as we jogged together and then both of us remained silent. I guess at times like these, words are better left unsaid because it's of little use. Deep inside I really feel so sorry for her and the children.
Later, I told her I'll leave her to jog on her own in case she may have thoughts to ponder over, or she may just want to clear her mind. By jogging on her own, she may want to reminisce memories of her husband or she may want to release her feelings and cry. And she may not want me there.
All these I know because I went through it.
Perhaps when she gets out of it, we will catch up again and chat. I want to give her the book WE ARE THEIR HEAVEN by Allison DuBois. In her book, Allison explores both connection and communication between the living and the dead. It also contains true stories of people who have had their readings with Allison and they share their experiences.
Well, I must say that there are certain contents in it where I do have doubts. But then again, we are always given a choice to believe what we want to believe and there's no right or wrong. Therefore, I still would like to recommend it to anyone who has just lost a loved one. I hope they will find reading this book a comfort.
Later, I told her I'll leave her to jog on her own in case she may have thoughts to ponder over, or she may just want to clear her mind. By jogging on her own, she may want to reminisce memories of her husband or she may want to release her feelings and cry. And she may not want me there.
All these I know because I went through it.
Perhaps when she gets out of it, we will catch up again and chat. I want to give her the book WE ARE THEIR HEAVEN by Allison DuBois. In her book, Allison explores both connection and communication between the living and the dead. It also contains true stories of people who have had their readings with Allison and they share their experiences.
Well, I must say that there are certain contents in it where I do have doubts. But then again, we are always given a choice to believe what we want to believe and there's no right or wrong. Therefore, I still would like to recommend it to anyone who has just lost a loved one. I hope they will find reading this book a comfort.
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