Happy Lunar New Year 2555

Happy Lunar New Year, All~

How much 'red packet' have you collected? How much food have you swallowed since the 22nd night? Best thing, how much time have you spent catching up with your family? both close and 'long lost' family.

Chinese New Year has always been more 'festive' than the 1st January for me, why? Because this is where the true love is :) This year, it's less crazy for me. I spent this new year with my family in my parents' new home (... half done, but warm.) and hopefully, can get the family photoshoot done on the fifth day of CNY.

Hope this year is going to be a better year for all of us, despite the fact that most people believe that 'water dragon' is not so good~ Anyway, you decide whether to live a good live or not :)

Wake Up!!!!

Here is a story that feel very close to my heart (... and maybe yours as well):

It's a story of a former partner and general manager of one of the foremost publishing houses in the United States, Leon Shimkin of Simon & Schuster. Here is his own experience in his own words (extracted from: "How to Stop Worrying and Start Living", Cargnegie, D")

For fifteen years I spent almost half of every business day holding conferences, discussing problems. Should we do this or that - or nothing at all? We would get tense; twist in our chairs; walk the floor; argue and go around in circles. When night came, I would be utterly exhausted. I fully expected to go on doing this sort of thing for the rest of my life. I had been doing this for fifteen years, and it never occured to me that there was a better way of doing. If anyone had told me that I could eliminate three fourths of all the time I spent in those worried conferences, and three fourths of my nervous strain - I would have thought he was a wild-eyed, slap-happy, armchair optimist. Yet I devised a plan that I did just that. I have been using this plan for eight years. It has performed wonders for my efficiency, my health and my happiness.

"It sounds like magic - but like all magic tricks, it is extremely simple when you see how it is done.

"Here is the secret: First, I immediately stopped the procedure I had been using in my conferences for fifteen years - a procedure that began with my troubled associates reciting all the details of what had gone wrong, and ending up by asking 'what shall we do?' Second, I made a new rule - a rule that everyone who wishes to present a problem to me must first prepare and submit a memorandum answering these 4 questions:

1. What is the Problem?

2. What is the cause of the problem?

3. What are all possible solutions of the problem?

4. What solution do you suggest?

The result:

My associate rarely come to me now with their problems. Why? Because they have discovered that in order to answer those four questions they have to get all the facts and think their problems through. And after they have done that they find, in 3/4 of the cases, they don't have to consult me at all, because the proper solution has popped out like a bread popping out from an electric toaster. And when discussion is needed, it will take about one third the time formerly required.

The place where I work, it has been going another way around... Sad, but it's true. Oopss... Someone has started opening a whole basket of worms. Good luck!

More Love in 2012

How was your first 2 weeks in 2012? Mine was splendid becauase of the well-spent 4 days at home with friends and family :)

Would like to congratulate my bestie, Wenny, for her beautiful wedding. "May you live happily ever after~" Also, had so much fun with Awen, In In and Susan. It's tiring, but it's FUN and unforgettable.

My niece is a big girl now, she ate spicy Padang rice, with lots and lots of water of course. We had a 'girl' pajama party WITHOUT her milk bottle. I am so proud of her. Good job, girl! :)

How about work? It's still tense, tiring and not always fun, but I am hanging in there. Changes are not always easy and better, but still gotta get through it...

Oh yeah... I shall record the first dissapointing letter when I first arrived back in town from Medan, it's rejection letter for my PR application. I tried my best, but can't do anything now. It makes me a bit unsure on things, but It doesn't make me feel extremely upset. In fact, I am quite open about it. I believe anything happened, happened for a reason :)

What's my goals in 2012? I can't post it here, but I definitely have something in mind. Sneak peak: Losing weight! :P It has always been in my to-achieve list for the last 2 years, which is not very easy to fullfil. Don't wish me luck. I really don't need luck on this, just determination, it requires lots and lots of it.

I am turning 25 in less than a month. Should I be celebrating it or worried about it? I would like to wish myself to be more confident, to be braver, to be more courageous (standing up for my opinion), to worry less, to enjoy life more, to smile and laugh more, to be happier.

Happy New Year, All~ Be kinder and slow down a little (the earth is not spinning faster than yesterday, why should we be running faster then?)~ Spread more Love in 2012.

Love,
Lin ^ ^

What's done is finished. Wave 2011 Good bye~

Here we are at the end of year 2-0-1-1. In 3 more days we are going to welcome the new year, new resolutions and of course, new hope!

This year has not always been easy, but it's fruitful. At the very end of this year, I feel much happier as I am released from that burden and 'heavy' feeling of having no other choices. With parents' blessing and support from family and friends, everything is much much easier. I just need to try a little bit more, and let go when the time comes.

Anyway, wrapping up each year, it's a must to list down things that had been done and those which hadn't been done yet.

Travellings

This year, I made 4 short trips to Indonesia: Jakarta, Bintan, Medan and Bali. Also, 1 Malaysia trip. Each of them was made for a purpose, Jakarta for the theme park (FUN), Bintan for hanging out with friends (LEISURE), Medan for Family (QUALITY TIME), Kuala Lumpur for shopping (RETAIL THERAPY) and last Bali for the love I have for this place (RELAXING). Mom and Dad are very busy this year, so there was no time to go for a trip with them. Next year, I have reserved something for them :)

Books

Books have always been in my list every year. I actually read a lot this year, let's see: the Millenium trilogy (The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, The Girl who played with Fire, and The Girl who kicked the Hornets' nest), Snow Flower and The Secret Fan, The Secret of Life of Bees, Namesake, Sophaholic Abroad, The Lost Symbol, the Lucky One, I Don't Know How She Does It, Opening the Door of Your Heart and rereading a few other my-all-time-favorite books :)

Toastmaster

I am a member of YMCA Toastmaster now. I enjoy the meeting :) I have done 4 projects so far and had been appointed and volunteered as Seargant at Arm, Timer, Table Topic Master, Table Topic Speaker, and Toastmaster of the Evening. The meeting has always been relaxing and fun, even after a tiring and stressful day at work.

The Run

I completed 2 runs this year; Great Eastern and Shape Run. However, I may not want to run anymore in the future, as it seems my legs are not meant for that. Anyway, will see... when it's for a good cause, I may want to run again :)

Application of Permanent Resident Status

I have finally submitted the application in end of September. It will take time to approve, but at least I have put in a lot of effort, just hoping for the best.

Year End Present for Myself
I make it a habit that at the end of the year, for all the effort and hardwork that I had put in, I will buy myself a present: 2 years ago was a notebook, a year ago was an iPhone, now it's a Camera, Canon G12. Satisfied =p~

Other Happy Things

I would like to welcome my nephew, Sean, again. Am also very proud of my older niece as she is now in Primary School, and younger one who has always been so cheerful and never failed to shed some happiness to her parents, grandparents and others around her. I am a proud aunt :)

Things that I have planned but didn't do:

1) Guitar Course. I am in dillemma to decide whether to reserve my time for this or for personal time and rest? still... I have no solutions for this yet~

2) Preparation for further study (I have new plan in mind now... I will not depend too much on others in this matter anymore. I determine what I would like to do and how to do it!)

3) Be Healthy. It's really not so much on what I eat, really! It's the environment that trigger that acidic fluid in my stomach. (In the future, I know what to do =D)

There is no regret in this, as what's done and not done are finished. I have faith that today is good enough and tomorrow will be better.

Have a Blessed, Healthy, and Happy New Year 2012!

Angry People

The worst MRT breakdown after 24 years? People are frustated because they need to use alternative transportation to get to their destination, and it may not be more convenient.

I was reading the news and other than worrying about the well being on the passangers who are trapped underground, some people are making noises about REFUND and FREE RIDE.

OMG... if money what you look after just say it. Do not have to make a long explanation about how incompetent the CEO is, how SMRT should be sorry, bla bla bla...

When things are going well, no compliment given, assuming that it's something that you deserve. When things go wrong, again it's all about YOU YOU and YOU, and all else is wrong.

Principles

Finally... I exploded!

First of all, I am not proud that I can't always control my tears whenever I am angry, very very angry. But this time, I am glad that I have let it out. It feels tonnes lighter. Yeah, I admint that tears have never solved any problems, but they have saved my life. Never ever tell someone not to cry. You are killing them! If they are strong enough, without YOU telling them not to cry, they would never cry. However, if someone in need to steam off , crying is one of the ways. Some others may have their own way to steam off, such as: scolding others, throwing things, hurting themselves (or others), so on and so forth.

Try reading this article: the crying game. For myself, if I do not let myself to express and let out my emotions, I will probably be lying dead by now.

I have my principle in life! I may be young, but I know what's important TO ME to live in this world. Money is important, but it's even more important to live in harmony with others. I am not the type that will start a fight, but I will continue to fight if it's for justice.

Today, I would like to conclude a few points that I should remember for the rest of my life:

1. Tears may not be the most elegant way to solve things, but the fact that it helps to relieve burdens in life is important. You should unload the big block of rocks, before you can move on in life, with lighter shoulder and without grudge!

2. Come clean if you make mistake, at the same time never repeat it!

3. At the same time, when others make mistake, give them a chance to explain before you do your judging. Never let someone take the blame for mistakes made by others. It's not about pointing finger, but it's about justice and integrity.

4. Lead by sample! Walk the talk and NOT talk the walk.

5. Turn to family when you are in need. They will always open their door for you.

6. I am not ashamed to admit that I learn more useful and valuable things in life from my dog (for its loyalty), from the unfortunate people (for gratitude shown to the smallest things in life), and many others that may not necessary have the chance for higher education like many of us do nowadays (like my parents).

7. NEVER ever say that you understand others, because no one does! We will never know what others have been through! If you want to help, be true and kinder.

8. Stands up for what you think is right! However, it does not give you the right to hurt others! You live once, thus don't be nasty, be compassionate!

Quite a list, huh?

I wish I can let go...

I am exhausted!

Gosh... I think I had been working NON-STOP intensively from 9am - 6pm for almost a week. Not even a chance to get some fresh air during lunch time. I am so frustated! =(

I have been back to Singapore for a month and again I have been gulping down pills almost every day! I can taste it in my throat how sour the liquid on my tummy is. For the past week, I have not been sleeping well... My head hurts... Yeah... clinically, I may have been right to see a psychiatrist, as mentally I really need help. Sad truth...

I hate myself for wanting too much, not be able to let go and are not born strong enough. I am so tired~ :'(

I wish that there is a way out~

Discrimination: Name that killed

Did you read the news about an Indian boy from a lower caste killed for sharing the same name as a youngster from a higher caste? If it's true, It's really absurb!!!

Why should the boy change his name just because it's the same name as the other youngster? Is he afraid that people will mistaken the two of them? "Oh... Neeraj (the victim) had done something bad", then another Neeraj (the suspect) would feel that he is being accused? Goodness... What are they thinking? If they are form higher caste, they should be more educated. They should be able to tell what's really matter and what not... But apparantely they not always are...

What is a meaning of a name if you do not behave yourself properly? For example, your name is "Glory", but you act like an asshole, guess what, people will identify you as "That Glorious Asshole." Or if you have a name of a president, but you act like a criminal, it does not earn you the respect that the president may have.

Gosh~ I am really upset after reading the news =(

Being Competitive

Now I know why that despite the busy working life I am living now, I feel that there is something missing. I realize I am a person who is always in search of something new to challange myself. In short, I am competitive.

I like it when there is score to everything we do (I also realize there are things that we are unable to measure). The sole reason is so that I know whether I have done very well and can move on or I should try harder to make things better. What does good or bad mean? It's relative, it's subjective. People may say I have done a good job, as long as I do not satisfy with it, it's really nothing. On the other hand, when people do not appreciate what I do, I want to know if they can have done better. If they don't, just shut up!

All the while, during our school time, we had always received our report to say how we rank in the class or compare to students in the same batch. After receiving the report, I only felt 2 things:

- Great! I have done my best and I deserve this... NO matter what the result is

- Good... I have done my best and I know I can do better than this next time... and I work on it...

That makes me miss school badly~

Be More Human

My childhood, my savior, my everything

I had been absent for sometime from my blog. I have a lot going on but nothing to write or I don't make the effort to find time to pen them down....

Just back from the trip home, frankly speaking, instead of relaxing, it's a bit tiring. Why?

1) I don't have a proper place to sleep when I am in Medan (My parents' now house is in renovation... and I will have my very own room in my very own house for the first time. Don't ask!)

2) I had so many aunties and uncles whom I need to visit. Half of my time are spent with them I think...

3) Travelling by train is really NO FUN! I spent a total of 10 hours in my trip, Medan-Kisaran-Medan

4) When I am home, there were 2 days of blackout! Indonesia may be one of the most environmental friendly country. We celebrate earth hours more often thatn anyone else... With no electricity, it was darn Hot that I need to fan myself to sleep.

5) Last saddest thing is that My niece was not feeling well... Poor girl...

Anyway, I am glad that I spent my week this year absolutely doing nothing important (BUT very important that I was doing it).

1) More or less, I had been influenced by the lifestyle in Singapore, where everyone is very competitive and where everything is so systematic. We rely more to machines than the human who operates it, because we know human make mistake and we can't afford mistake. I would like to say that I was tested in my few days there. I realize I am so selfish. I saw my mom started small talk with strangers on the train, I was worried that they will get irritated by this total stranger, but at the end my mom got a positive response from them. I learnt that it's how human to human interaction should be. In Singapore, we all listen to our own music, busy checking our phone, reading and sleep when we are on the train. We do not know our neighbors, we basically do not interact if we do not have to. Gosh~

2) ALL my uncles, aunties, grandma and cousins treated me SUPER well. Without me asking, they bought me food that I love, they prepare the homecook meals that I could not find in Singapore, they tried very very hard to fulfill my wishes. I LOVE YOU ALL.

3) This is my first time 'meeting' my nephew, Sean Richie Wong. He is just adorable. He stays so calm despite her naughty sister who keeps on bullying him. I thought it's affection more than anything else. Hang on there, young boy! Make your mommy proud of you~

4) Most importantly, I am glad that I spent more time at home ('more' as in more than 7 days a year, like I had always done). Nothing has changed at home, except that I can feel that mom and dad are not young anymore. I want to do more things that will make them proud, proud and proud. Of course, when we say home, Joy, my little doggy counts! She did not bark at me at all.. Good girl~

5) You know what... this trip I found the absolute reason for my health problem. I admit that I am stressed living in Singapore. I could not single out a reason, it could it be the working pressure, the uneasy feeling, the nervousness that I had always had here because I need to make sure everything goes right (again, because I can't afford mistake), I don't know... I was so healthy back home. The moment that I was on the plane, I didn't feel that sourness in my tummy, and I feel refreshed. I can sleep even when I drank tea at night. WHY?

All in all, the trip was tiring, but it's a reminder for me to be more Human. I am glad that I made the trip home~