The Comfort Zone by Author Unknown

The Comfort Zone
 
I used to have a comfort zone where I knew I wouldn't fail.
The same four walls and busywork were really more like jail.
I longed so much to do the things I'd never done before,
But stayed inside my comfort zone and paced the same old floor.

I said it didn't matter that I wasn't doing much.
I said I didn't care for things like commission cheques and such.
I claimed to be so busy with things inside my zone,
But deep inside I longed for something special of my own.

I couldn't let my life go by just watching others win.
I held my breath; I stepped outside and let the change begin.
I took a step and with new strength I'd never felt before,
I kissed my comfort zone goodbye and closed and locked the door.

If you're in a comfort zone, afraid to venture out,
Remember that all winners were at one time filled with doubt.
A step or two and words of praise can make your dreams come true.
Reach for your future with a smile; Success is there for you!
 
Author Unknown

Salad, Oh Salad...

Turning over a new leaf on your lunch diet? Want a lunch that's filling and yet won't be the cause of your snooze after lunch time? Dying to stop snacking at 3pm?

Well, it's been a proven diet fact that having a good portion of salad will keep you filled and keep you up after lunch time, and keep you away from wanting to snack in the mid afternoon.

Yet, of course, it depends on what your motivation is. A couple of my girlfriends are enjoying having salads with me because one needs to keep slim due to an upcoming pre-wedding photo shoot, while the other just wants to be slimmer.

For me? I seriously just love salad for how creative it can go and I'm able to control its taste. Of course, I definitely enjoy salad because of its benefit. Like today, I am so taken by the way my salad tasted! Haha

Salad is not necessarily cheap. Especially in the vicinity of my workplace. But lately I am able to enjoy awesome salads, healthy pasta, and fruit salads at really good price!

There's a place called The Salad Shop, and truly they are the best! I just had my lunch there today.

The salad, the soup, and the place is simply good. This salad I had today was with the base of Deli leaves and Mixed Lettuce, topped with carrots, broccoli, sweet corn, croutons, fussilli and boiled egg. The soup of the day today was a really awesome Cream of Tomato. Really went well with bread.

All these for just $10.50

I must say I don't like spending $10 for lunch, that's why I said salad isn't really cheap. But you can still get their cheaper healthy alternatives:

Avocado & Crayfish pasta, Cream of Pumpkin with freeflow bread is only $6.50. If you don't like the base of their soup of the day, you can definitely just settle for their 3-5 pasta choices, or even their sandwiches and wraps. These ready-to-go items price range from $4.20 - $4.50

See, not very expensive ain't it?

Anyway, for the benefit of those who work at Tanjong Pagar, you can find SunMoon, a fruits wholesaler that also have a salad bar to-go. I have yet to try it, but looking at the greens and the toppings they offer, I think that a $4.90 for basic salad with 5 premium topping is good bargain.

Of course, there will be a level down on quality of the greens and the toppings, but if you're not really picky on quality, then I believe SunMoon is great!

What I love at SunMoon is definitely their fruit salad! It's ready-to-go and it's only $3.00. Comparing The Salad Shop's fruit salad and SunMoon's, I'd definitely choose the latter. It's $1.50 cheaper but 2x better on the quantity as well as the quality.

Tomorrow, I will be trying their salad bar or fruit bar. Keep you posted!

Cheers.

Birthday Collages, Updates

Finally! I decided to just create collages on the loads of pictures that I've received from my friends, and

Kiseki Japanese Buffet Restaurant w Philisia

Birthday Eve dinner <3 p="p">

7107 Flavours of the Philippines with Jeremy and Dapheni dear.

Birthday lunch <3 p="p">

The following are collages from 57 Chevy @ Katong, usual playground for LLL and churchmates heh :)

  

25 Aug 2012, Saturday - Party for the Awesome! :)

Had really good time with all sorts of friends from church, lovely friends, work, ex-work, poly etc! 

Belated birthday dinner with Naqiah baby! :)

I had a great time, and that's the most important thing. Actually my birthday celebration isn't over yet. I'm still waiting for Eshani to come back from her summer vacation! At which, it'll be another party. Yey! :)

I turn 24

I can't post pictures at the moment, because I want to keep them all till my birthday celebrations has ended. My celebration started from 19 Aug 2012. It has been fun and really full of love from all angles.

I am touched, and very appreciative of all the wonderful blessings and wishes that my family, close friends, colleagues and many long time friends has given me. It's a blessing to be able to celebrate my 24th with my grandpa as he is here in town, from July all through September.

But on 22nd Aug onwards, food after food after food is going into my system. Philisia took me out for Japanese Buffet which surprisingly went good :) We went to Kiseki Japanese Buffet Restaurant at Orchard Central :)

On my birthday itself yesterday for lunch, my friends Dapheni and Jeremy came to celebrate me. Jeremy didn't want to tell me where the place was! And such a nice guy he is, fetched me from my building as it was raining and became my umbrella man all the way up the hill to the restaurant! (Oh, and back down to my office again). Eventually found out it's the 7107 Flavors of the Philippines :)

Dapheni dearie came and we were off ordering what's good on the menu. I must say it's a very costly pinoy food, but really good! It's up at Neil Road, and was from the Marina Square area. A lot of pinoys and locals come by to eat. And I'm such a lousy pinoy I didn't even know such a place existed!

So the party continues tomorrow at one of my favourite spot - 57 Chevy's!

With all my usual groups of friends joining tomorrow (from my long time friends to workmates to church mates), I invited them as long as they are just there to have fun and to celebrate me! It will be rocking good night! Hope this goes fun, I have hardly celebrated my birthday since Grandma passed away, so I'll make it good this year!

Majority are workmates actually. Let's hope I don't get drunk, I don't want my colleagues or AJ (from church) or whoever for that matter, to take disgusting pictures of me and tag in Facebook, especially NOT IN FACEBOOK.

Anyway at the moment tonight, I'm headed back home after some small agenda on the way. Then I'm going to rest! Then tomorrow morn, I'm going..... SHOPPING!

The whole afternoon, I aim to spend time with grandpa, the siblings and mimi, my cat before I head off to join Breeze and Debbie for KTV (maybe) before the party at Chevy's!

I'm happy once again, I'm spending my birthday with my dear good friend, Laura. She and I have travelled through all sorts of life phases, and now as we mature and are more inclined towards the faith, I'm glad to have her around again tomorrow. <3 p="p">
Let me end this post with poster Laura shared earlier today.

Holy Trinity Helps Phil Flood Victims

I am honoured to have had the opportunity to run another donation drive for my fellow countrymen's current tragedy. The recent weeks have been horrible for them, and I thank God that the Holy Trinity parish priest have given such wonderful support for the people of Philippines and allowed the donation drive to go on with his blessings.

It's sad to hear of the parishioners who have been stricken with this tragedy. I am always thankful that our place in Philippines is very far from this natural disasters. My family in Philippines is safe and sound.

Here are some of the photo collages I have done to sum up the donation drive event:

In total we collected 140+ bin bags and thanks to LBC Express for the free delivery shipping to the Philippines :)

Cheers.

Total Recall with LiveLaughLove & more!

Source: Wikipedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:TotalRecall2012Poster.jpg)

Watched Total Recall earlier with the LLL group and some wild card addition, Mario and auntie Rennie's friend, Auntie Serene. Laura's siblings, the two Jonathans' also came to join us. So in present from LLL, there's only me, Laura, Gloria and Auntie Rennie, with Kisho and Francis absent!

The movie was really good. The rating 3.5 / 5 does not do it justice! I was on my toes, attentive and interested in how everything went, even though most of the plot has been revealed through the trailer that I have seen.

Set in futuristic United Federation of Britain, where everything in this set of the world was complicated, from the transportation system, to the way of life and many more futuristic suggestion this movie contains. I couldn't imagine how it'd be like should Earth fall into great depression, global chemical or nuclear wars and devastate the world as we know it now. Bouncing back, we are then separated to two different powers struggling to dominate the colony, or whatever that's left of Earth.

Read more of the plot here

The entire futuristic vision of this movie amazes me, and I really feel that the characters are very well played by Colin Farrell, Kate Beckinsale and Jessica Biel.

I give this movie 4.5 / 5 stars.

After the movie, Karl & Keith left for home and shortly after upon reaching Wendy's, Mario left, not wanting to be the thorn amongst the roses. So it was Laura, Gloria, Aunties Rennie and Serene, and I catching up at Wendy's as we talked a lot about everything - life, future, religion, solar flare, angels, Bible and more.

We were there for more than 2hrs, and when it was time to go, we headed on still chatting about life and religion - Laura, Auntie Rennie and I. It was a really good conversation, such exchanges of thoughts, opinions, knowledge, beliefs and hopes.

Reached home and spent some time with Lolo watching replays of the Pinoy tele-series that we missed today. Besides, I didn't want to leave Lolo alone, who didn't feel sleepy yet.

Now, he's tucked in and I at this last few words bid adieu.
I'm off to bed for another long day tomorrow for cell, joining IGNITE! after such a long time.
Deacon Joseph will be giving a talk on Detachment from the World. Something that I am rather interested in hearing.

After cell, mass and then I hope to join for prayers of the rosary at Laura's Aunt's place as the Holy Family Shrine that makes rounds in Tampines homes, is currently placed there.

I want to end my day with a short quote:

"I was like a boy playing on the sea-shore, and diverting myself now and then finding a smoother pebble or a prettier shell than ordinary, whilst the great ocean of truth lay all undiscovered before me." - Sir Isaac Newton


I am in search of the truth.

Meteor Shower for my Bday!

It's going to be spectacular. I really do want to see shooting stars. Oh how I wish, and fantasise how he can be the one I admire the night sky with.

Ha.. but as soon as I think it, I need to erase him from my mind.

It's not forbidden, but I don't want to hope for nothing. I need to be practical. I need to shrug off how I feel for him. Slowly, I'm winning. But kinda falter today as I itched to want to see him.

Oh, shooting star.

*Starlight, star bright. First (shooting) star I see tonight... Wish I may, wish I might, grant me that wish, I wish tonight*

Internal conflict now~

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What Matters the Most

There are about so many things that matter in my life.

Family, Church work, Career, Friends, Social Activities, Financial stability and many more.

I realize somehow that there isn't suppose to be anything bigger than my relationship with God. That amidst everything that is important in my life, my God should take the first place.

But being human, I falter, and I fall harder most times in my road to holiness.

A Carmelite nun told me before not to live like a nun outside the monastery. I fear losing touch with God and only after finally thinking things over that I will never lose touch with him if I always make the choice to renew my relationship with God.

Despite my iniquities and failures to follow Christ, I believe that God still loves and is faithful to me. He has something that I can never ever find in any lover, in any suitor, any date that I have had.

A handful of my friends asked if I ever really thought about being a nun. I said of course, then there's a but. I guess I don't see myself worthy, perhaps I find that I am not at a level of holiness that I can fully accept such a life that is demanded as a religious.

Also, deep down, I know I want to feel loved. Physical love.

Most times, I feel that the unconditional love that I search is most evidently only found with God. And I am honoured to have felt it, and to even felt the preview of eternal love with the Divine One. But, in prayers, I admit to Him that I want to have someone with me. Someone who accepts and loves me for me, and who better can give that but someone whom He sends.

However, for now, I know I am not ready yet.
And so I hover around, fluttering by like a butterfly till I finally find somewhere to land.

August!

WHAT? 4 POST FOR 2012?!

I am horrible! I cannot believe that I've only done 4 posts so far this year.
And it's already past half of the year.

Summary Highlight:

August
My birthday is coming! Weee~
I'm not planning for a formal celebration actually, but I'm excited :)

July
Ana just turned 13, and she had a small birthday party because my mum decided to still hold her birthday on a weekday, so most of her friends have left by the time I came from work.

Lolo and Tita Barbara came to Singapore to visit, staying till September!

Got to know one of my ex, Shenath is now a husband to his fiance. Happy to know that he's on his way to building his own family!



June
I left Innocom! And moved on to iHub Media, Singapore's leading Social Media firm!
It's a good move and a quick one too.

Cousins started schooling, and they've gotten awesome results for their first semesters.

Ana has gotten two academic awards for English and History! And she's handling secondary school life good. No sign of adolescence's madness going on... yet!

May

Went for Conversion Experience Retreat (CER) as one of the batch 30 members. It's a wonderful experience and I am truly blessed to have attended. I have learned so much more about the faith, and I have done a deathbed confession that I never knew I could do without the dying the next moment.


April
I decided it was time to leave Innocom, not knowing where I will go and what's my plan, I tendered in my resignation.

March
Went to the zoo with the bridal grp of Ninik and Eldrid :)

February

Papa's birthday.

And then a wonderful news! Daryl, a good ol' ex, became a dad! Happy for him on his way of wanting a family :)

January

Mum's birthday.

Done for the highlights :)

Hope to post a bit more, the coming days!

Family Effort

Despite the long day spent outside of the house, we put in our creative juices in together to build this for Zak..

Hehe this is for his project and we're all glad we contribute as a while.

Papa - financed the materials

Mum - Did the structure (inspired by what we'll be doing to our place in phil)

Mary (Me) - Details of the house

Ana - Furnitures

Zak - Supervision and remarking if we're doing it nicely n up to his liking

It was soo fun! :)

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Affirmations, Affirmations, Affirmations

The Wind of Change is always blowing.

And it is pushing against me harder each day, and yes I'm fearful of it carrying me away.

I don't want to have the need to let go of the times I spend it church. 

Because if I take up the change, my time in church might be jeopardized! 

Thus, resting on my laurels, my comfort zone, somehow is a much better suit.

But yet, it isn't giving me satisfaction.

And whatever I do, I want to be able to receive satisfaction, either by means of giving or taking.

Satisfaction to me is the fulfilment of my most basic necessities, which I pretty much ain't even getting.

It's becoming unbearable but each time, I know my faith renews me each day.

I am grateful that so far, whatever step I take, He shelters me.

This is the most wonderful grace ever yet. And this time, it really feels that He has sanction my plans.

And this form of affirmations strengthens my point.

I am going to do it.

I am going to choose the path where my heart agrees with and walk with my head high and eyes open.

I will not be afraid, for the Lord my God will bless the path I will take.

I'm excited! :) But I will pray more regarding this change.

Confused? Don't worry, I will fill you in when I have done what I need to do.

Good night! God bless!

Trust

Something that hits me.

Happy 2012 + CNY

I dont even know where to begin. I didnt think I'd actually find the interest or the will to write again in this blog.

It seemed as if this blog has long since expired.

As always, I hit a few obstacles on the road of writing. My words are too limited to talk about my experiences. My reading time has since been reduced to nothing and I couldn't find the time to actually push myself to read for inspirations to write about.

My very life seemed so much of a routine that I'm not eager, nor as much as I was before, to write things down to share it in this blog.

My blog counter tells me there are still people who come by in this site to read things from my past post. I bet that the people who visit this page would wonder when or if I'm ever going to write again.

Today, i found the will to type some of the words on my mind and I hope for more months that I will be able to commit to some writing.

Let me update some:

Firstly, happy new year 2012 and lunar new year of the dragon to one and all. It has been a fast pace lifestyle I'm leading. With just a blink of an eye, January 2012 is almost gone.

I'm now on my week long block leave for chinese new year period as my office has majority Chinese. Just like last year, my company closed down for a week. But not as long as this year due to the two weekends that fell between the block leave.

I have enjoyed work and still continue to do so despite the 'hardship' it can bring. My closeness to my family and friends gives me wholesome new perspective about life.

Life isnt always about work.

It's about time management - prioritizing who and what matters most.

This year, the obligation to my family burns deeper. Day by day I see how everything revolves around my family. I'm happy and I'm glad.

My family ties extends to the community at church. I continue to serve with my imperfections and I continue to strive to do what I can.

In love, i've stopped seeing people from May 2012. Focused on my career ever since I last failed attempt to romance. It's not really what you can call an attempt because I was too busy allowing love to blossom with whoever there was hovering about me.

I chose, however, to enjoy the school girl feeling of liking someone from afar. Many of my girlfriends has said this is unlike me.

They are right.

I've liked a guy (on and off honestly) for almost 8 months now. And no, Ive no notion nor opportunity to make it known.

I am kind of seeing someone on a regular basis lately and he's really nice.

I can connect with him and he's about one of the only guy I can have an honest and open conversation with.

But then he made me think about something lately; Why and what is this barrier I've built that is ever evident between me and anyone that I could have had a romantic connection with.

And honestly, I'm still pondering about it. Though for sure one thing I'm certain is that it's not because of only a particular "old flame". In fact, it's not the person, I believe it's the experience I went through.

This and adding on the "older flame" that was almost rekindled again early last year only to be doused again due to a self reality check.

I'm not broken. I guess I'm bidding time and has put it all up to the Lord.

I believe that now my current committment to my family is what I've to focus on first and foremost.

The rest as it is will take a secondary role.

I hope to continue to find the time to share more. As for now, I bid thee all adieu.

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Advent Wreath

Finally done!

I been really wanting to make my very own advent wreath and the desire was so great that I really did it! :)
I am happy and proud to have checked off this to-do list.

What is an Advent Wreath actually?
It's a symbol of the anticipation of Christmas. It symbolizes the need to spiritually prepare ourselves for Christmas, as we once again embrace Him in celebration.

It is a circular garland of holly. To me, it looked like the crown of thorns that our Lord was made to wear when the roman soldiers spat, insulted and made a mockery out of Him. The circular aspect of it represents that continuity or eternity of God.

More info from Christianity.About.com

Set on the branches of the wreath are four candles: three purple candles and one pink candle. In the center of the wreath sits a white candle. As a whole, these candles represent the coming of the light of Christ into the world.

On the first Sunday of Advent, the first purple candle is lit. This candle is typically called the "Prophecy Candle" in remembrance of the prophets, primarily Isaiah, who foretold the birth of Christ. This candle represents hope or expectation in anticipation of the coming Messiah.

Each week on Sunday, an additional candle is lit. On the second Sunday of Advent, the second purple candle is lit. This candle typically represents love. Some traditions call this the "Bethlehem Candle," symbolizing Christ's manger.

On the third Sunday of Advent the pink, or rose-colored candle is lit. This pink candle is customarily called the "Shepherds Candle" and it represents joy.

The fourth and last purple candle, oftentimes called the "Angels Candle," represents peace and is lit on the fourth Sunday of Advent.

On Christmas Eve, the white center candle is traditionally lit. This candle is called the "Christ Candle" and represents the life of Christ that has come into the world. The color white represents purity. Christ is the sinless, spotless, pure Savior. Also, those who receive Christ as Savior are washed of their sins and made whiter than snow.

Part of it is are 5 candles - in the one I created, I have only 4. I will be getting the Christ Candle next week. In anticipation for Christmas Eve.

ADVENT WEEK 2 - PEACE

ADVENT WEEK 1 - HOPE

Quote of the Day

"Who shall say that the maiden so pretty and fair shall always have the greater man; and the ogre who walks to the beat of thundering clouds will never find her prince?" - Unknown

What Way He Makes Me Feel

Okay, like seriously.

All the suppressing of emotion I been doing so that I won't fall for him, is making me more fall for him.
I can't stand it. It's like every bit of molecules in my body, mind and soul yearns for him!

Just a mere sight, slight touch and just being around him makes me feel really good. I don't think I felt this way before ever. It's like the type of innocent, school girl emotion that envelopes me in a warm cocoon.

Yikes, see even my poetic nature comes out at the thought of him!

I have to head to bed now. I don't know how long I can take it without giving in to my feelings. But I pray to the Lord that He will deliver me from this or deliver me to him. Heh.

Alright, good night everyone!

Unconditional Love

Courtesy of God Wants You To Know facebook application

Sometimes, it gets too beautiful that I wonder how such an app can produce such affirmative and encouraging words. It's like as if God used this tool to reach out to internet demographics like me.

We usually forget the awesome love of God, and so I'm grateful how such application as this can be a form of reminder how His love is so unconditional.

I couldn't agree more.

There are more beautiful messages I have received that inspired and affirmed me, but let me start with this post.

More to come. Especially the recent update on the Sunday wedding that just passed. The first wedding that I organized :)

It was really enjoyable. More to come, more indeed.

For now, I need to catch my train to slumberland. Ciaos.

Weeeeekeeeeend

Usually I try to make it a habit to sleep in during the weekends, but as the months of late, I haven't been able to get what I wanted. There's always appointments and such.

Today, I bet it'll be fun :)

I'm going for a wedding rehearsal! It's a day I get to see the entire bridal party and of course, being the coordinator of the special day, I'm hoping to see the decor team the couple contracted for their matrimonial and reception.

November is here and it's soon going. I can feel the quick advancement of time to 2012 already! Yikes. And knowing December, it will fly past quicker than it came.

If you all can remember my last post, it was just a month back I semi-coordinated, and was the emcee for Jasmine and Neil's wedding. Now, I've Eldrid and Ninik's to get hyped up to again going to be doing three job scope - I'm the coordinator, the emcee and yes, one of the bridesmaid! :) (May God continue to sustain me and help me)

But honestly, I can't complain. I thoroughly enjoy the preparation because I'm not alone to do so. I've the music ministry member to help :) They've been awesome and really helpful.

Anyway, you know what they say about the time you attend one friend's wedding. You'd be invited to more and then either you will be next or never at all. Lol

My parents, as it seem wants me to be serious and take things seriously regarding getting married. At least to think about getting married in the coming years. Then again, it's not easy to decide and it will not be my decision of I do get married. I have left it to Him. He shall decide what is best for me. Yes, I will offer up my desires (which I am still rather shaky in), but it comes to the point where i'd rather be with Him than with anyone else. Unless, He finds me someone who can honour my relationship with Him.

From Nov 2011 - Feb 2012, I have this calling to discernment for my vocation. I need to know and seek His Will regarding the path I am to take. 2012 is just around the corner, and there are a lot of life events to happen and to anticipate. 

So my first step to discernment is tomorrow's day of prayer with the Franciscan sisters at the St. Francis Convent at Thomson Rd. I'm really blessed to be asked to join them to listen to God's will to discern for what He wants of me.

I know my parents want me to get married and all, but somehow, I want to experience these before I get to the point of just going for one option of marriage. I like to have the option that is wonderfully fitted to me.

A number of my friend's ask then how about the love interest. I say, I let it be. I do like him a lot but I cannot show him how I feel at the moment. 

1. I'm scared because to me, he's not just any other guy I've known and dated 

2. It's better to be friends till I know my vocation 

3. I want to be affirmed by God that I do indeed like him and He's the one worth getting 'hurt' for.

You know what they say, you cannot escape hurt and pain in any relationship. It's just a matter if the person is worth it to be in pain while in the relationship, because it's better than being in pain while no longer with the person. One way or another, God leads us to what He has made us here on Earth for.

There are many more to consider in this life. And I want to be sure that whatever choice I make, it will be God-centric. I have led my life and love not following is statutes, His ways, and His teachings. It led me nowhere but to hurt, pain and sinful deeds. So now, I believe I am now aware of what needs to be done when choosing a life partner, or a life direction.

For now, if my love interest is reading this - if it is God's will, mountains will move just so I will be with you. At the mean time, even if you're unsure if it's even you who I really like, It's okay. It's best to know it at the appointed time, if it is His will. Or as I believe, because of my strong feeling against showing you or telling you anything, if it is His will, He might just be the one to tell you and affirm to you that yes, I really do like you :)

Before I end off, I would like to share with you all a prayer that I found most useful.