Today

The doctor prescribed me a day's Medical Leave for a nasal allergy. This allergy seems to give me a headache throughout the day. It is common to develop respiratory problems given the sky high pollution levels daily.

Three things were on my mind today, my tax bill, cable TV subscription and my future direction. Strange how the very mundane counts as a weighty issue when you are living by yourself! Managed to sit myself down and clear two out of the three.

It was a good day to rest, and to compartmentalize my thoughts. Keeping in mind the "big picture", I steadied and re-focussed what I would like to do, and the open mode of thinking I should adopt.

From A's advice, I should do something that I like / find interesting, at the same time useful and complements my long term goal.  Learn more about the business, or take a break and do something different.

Couldn't agree more. What I need to figure out is: how do I get to doing that? Where should I start? What role could I do with my current skill-set? Will think and observe a bit more.

Meanwhile, to keep myself from getting to caught up in work, I should get involved in some charity work, and exercise.

It is now nearing the end of the month. I managed to tick off one out of the two resolutions that was set at year end. How is that for a good start.

Week in Pictures (4th Week of Epiphany)

Panda Cake

Bday Celeb

Sweet soup

Roast half chicken

Oyster Porridge with Chicken

Year of The Snake

These past two weekends, I have feeling a little bit lost. And been slowly trying to figure what I wanted, and think through what I needed to do to get there. Also been checking websites to look at job offerings and reviewing my applications. Apparently the year of the snake bodes well for dogs, so fngers crossed my luck will change for the better.

And so, been spending time by myself, cooking, resting, reading, going to church. Weather has been chillish, hovering under 20 degrees, hence a strong inertia to move very much. Have been making use of my HTC,  finding new apps to keep myself updated! Through the SG news apps, I managed to follow the elections, am heartened that opposition won.

The coming week might be interesting. Prof John K is giving a talk coming Tuesday in church under the broad umbrella of ethical dilemmas and this week's topic is relationships. Also looking forward to C birthday celebration at a French establishment on Friday. Saturday will be a day of self grooming and attending D's house-blessing to round off the evening.

How I Spend my Winter

It is still cold here - hovering between 13-19 degrees. Still have the nasal cold - hoping it goes away soon. The clothing shops here are all trying to clear stock ahead of the Spring Summer collection. I managed to get 2 blazers for a real steal of under $15 SGD!

Am currently reading a book called Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Man, by Steve Harvey. Am halfway through it, and giving me insight on how men think and how I can control the direction of any relationship that I am in.

Drawing lessons from the book, I should have set ground rules for my partners that I were with before. I did not understand the power of communicating what I wanted, and what I expected them to do, if they wanted to make me happy. Instead I kept it all inside.

Workwise had been interesting observing how two alpha females in the team, try to wrestle for power. Unfortunately, I am not in their league, and am content to sit at the wings. This week, I realized dating is a lot like climbing the corporate ladder.

Have also built up a nice routine here at home. After work, Surf the Net / Job hunt, Cook, Plop down to watch TVB's Friendly Fire (法網狙擊), Sleep. I will blog around once a week - probably penning my thoughts on Saturday or Sunday. I will also have to practice my flute every weekend.

I will go home in about 2.5 weeks time. A bit excited to wear my new clothes and see my folks.

Here is a photo taken with my HKU fellow post-graduates!

My Week in Pictures

Beginner's Flute on loan from PY

Chicken Stew with Potatoes , carrots and mushrooms

 

Salmon Salad with toast

Bought these heavenly tasting Choc, Yuzu and Vanilla cream Choux

 

Little Taiwan mushrooms from Sai Wan Ho market!

First Full work week of January

Stangely, it might be because I have read very good fengshui reviews for the year of the dog, I do feel very upbeat for 2013. Or because I have been having regular conversations with God, that I feel more relaxed in everything.

This full work week started of with having my new HTC phone. 4G sure is fast! Bought my air tickets back for CNY. Attended a luncheon with Mr JY Pillay as the guest speaker. First time going into the Banker's Club. So many were there to network and get sales. On the upside, food was good! Started music class with PY. I am going to learn the flute and keyboard. My, is it challenging! Also learnt a fellow banker client has opened a bakery selling choux - pronounced as "shoo". It was pretty yummy. I do hope they do well. Am also cutting down on meats. Working on making a vegetable-base soup instead of using meat all the time

This weekend was interesting. Walked around Sham Shui Po. They have a long street of electronics and wholesale clothes. Didn't manage to buy anything as it was all winter wear, but got something for Auddie. Some thermal pants as she is going to view the Northern lights in Mar!

I also welcomed Nat & Cam to HK. N is a uni-mate and C is her Aussie bf. Glad that she has visited me, even gladder she has stayed the same. We had Sushi and Lucky Dessert for dinner - we ordered a grand total of 5 desserts! Also did a foot massage ... ahaha!

Coming week should be fine. Keeping the faith in that there is a suitable job out there for me. Have you bought your CNY clothes yet? I am almost done.

A quote for you that I saw at a supermart. Feel blessed I have time for leisure and a full Sunday to while away! Wheeeeeeeee!

New Year Prayer

God, thank you for a new year.

May we be willing to begin anew with a clean slate. We know that you are always ready to forgive us. Help us to be willing to forgive ourselves and to forgive one another. Help us heal the wounds of past so we can put them aside and move on to be at peace.

As we begin a new year, remind us of our truest values and our deepest desires. Help us to live in the goodness that comes from doing what you want us to do. Help us to put aside our darkness and anxiety about the future and the past, so that we might live in peace with you now, one day at a time.

Fresh Start!

At first I thought it was only learning for my Masters that was the only milestone in my life.

During evening church today, I realized a few more gems in 2012. I discovered
- my weakness 1 : I am very tense at work and need to relax
- my weakness 2 :  I do not enjoy pursuing targets or having to meet clients if I do not a real agenda
- my weakness 3 : be more politically aware of another's intentions, not trust someone wholeheartedly
- how to read men a bit better after having my heart broken twice
- that J was only making use of me and I needed to break away from him
- what I need to do to make myself happy, workwise - having the autonomy and a good mentor
- a friend in my dentist, T and her family - rekindled my love for teaching
- my family's continual love and support
- my girlfriends' listening year
- my manfriends' silent support

My resolution for this year - pretty simple: Move On
- from a past failed relationship
- from my current job to one which daily work I enjoy doing and / or in an area which I have passion and feel for.

I will do it!