my favourite things

27 Dec

I'm simply thrilled by lucky breaks. So you can imagine my audible delight when I chanced upon a winter cap at 50% off on my way to yoga. It was adorned with a cute knitted fleur, no less. I grabbed it on the spot and thanked God, my lucky stars, my angels ... beaming.

Well, just a note on fashion, I am happy to come across a precious nugget of wisdom by Nina Garcia - "Style is a deeply personal expression of who you are, and every time you dress, you are asserting part of yourself …" And in her book, she listed 100 of her favourite things which made her feel fabulous. That set me off to do some wardrobe editing of my own.

Thank heavens for her style tip. Maybe I'll be on my way to enjoy a less cluttered wardrobe and my very own list of 100 fabulous faves.
kate

fete with friends

26 Dec

After a whole afternoon of housework, I met Mr BF to buy some finger food and joined our friends at an X’mas gathering.

Was nice to meet up with my ex-colleagues ... eating and alternating chitchat with our movie critiques of whatever the HBO channel was showing. There was much food and got to taste some turkey and ice-cream paired with bread pudding. Yummers!

And well, the party ended with ... the ... gift exchange. Bien sûr. How could we miss that huh? :)

Today I gave thanks for X’mas parties. Christmas wouldn’t be the same without the annual meet-ups and the spirit of giving, plus getting queer gifts hmm ...

* merry christmas *

25 Dec

Christmas started when midnight came. Excitedly I opened my first pressie for the day and it was a bright cheery pink gift. Nice. Sure blends well with one of my goals for next year – which is to experience more cheer and joy.

Popped by the cinema to catch “Avatar”. Was reminded by the movie to appreciate nature more instead of indulging in consumerism constantly. Took a moment to give thanks for nature, for the air and earth which feed our bodies. Sounds mushy, but very true. We need to treasure Mother Earth more.

Dinner was at home with the family. Ours was a simple meal of McDonald’s nuggets and Korean instant noodles (one of my faves!). Well I gave thanks that Mr BF cooked it cos the noodle thing is his specialty and it was yummy. Had a warm fuzzy feeling as I gave out the presents to Mom, Dad and Bro. It feels good to be able to give.

The night ended quietly ... and I gave thanks for the spirit of giving at Christmas.
kate

Christmas Eve’s thanksgiving

24 Dec

ONE more day to Christmas!! Started the day with a run, literally. I was running a bit late for the mani and pedi session and the manicurists were worried I wouldn’t have enough time as they were fully booked today. When I arrived, they swiftly started and coloured my nails a rosy pinkish-red. In the mood for the festive season!

Well I gave thanks for the meticulous young ladies who snipped and clipped away the dry and chapped skin with precision. Also thankful for the invention of nail colour and for these ladies who make our nails pretty, putting a bounce in our steps.

Caught a glimpse of this lovely Christmas tree on the way to the cafe.

Teabreak was another adventure with Mr BF and me trying a new X’mas dessert called Cherry-Go-Round. Always nice to try something new. For this one, I like how the cold ice-cream tasted when eaten together with the warm pastry. We kinda gobbled it up in 10 minutes.

At night, we went to a friend’s BBQ party that ended with a gift exchange. I didn’t know most of the folks there but they were friendly and a few kept barbecuing the food for us all. Very kind of them.

Gave thanks for Christmas time gatherings where new and old friends meet to just chitchat over food and oh yeah, the gift exchange of course. (By the way, I still find it tough to buy pressies when I don’t know if the recipient is a lady or gentleman *grin*. This year I tried something new giving cook books.)

kate

back on the yoga mat

23 Dec

Finally .... finally after two weeks, I was back to yoga again. The past two weeks were the worst this year for me, health-wise. Very seldom do I fall that ill, so it was way out of my comfort zone for me this month.

Slowly I got back my energy after resting and started with the Gentle Yoga class tonight. Didn’t want to over-tax the body since I had difficulties breathing just two weeks ago.

Somehow after a period of deep illness which forces you to rest in bed, your body seems to go through a detox. And then you feel this surge of energy after recovering.

Today I gave thanks that my body has a natural healing ability, and that I am well enough to exercise again. Good health is a great blessing and I appreciate it lots.

kate

grace

22 Dec

Met the babes Steph and Audrey for an X’mas lunch today. Lunch was courtesy of Ms Aud, at our favourite cafe hangout.

Maybe it was their charm, or the pure kindness of the manager there. After our main course and mouthfuls of laughter, the manager walked by and whispered that he’d bless us with a slice of cake. How sweet. Here's the surprise we got. Today I gave thanks for the graciousness of strangers.



At night, Mr BF and I went to the petrol station to beef up the two plastic Santas using the air pumps there. It was truly kinda weird to be at a petrol station filling Santas with air. But it was good fun. And I gave thanks for new experiences, no matter big or small ones.
kate

at home

Another busy Monday flashed past. Kinda like Groundhog Day with the familiar flooding of the email inbox. What's new right?

As I'll be on a longer business trip soon, I thought to spend more time with my family after work. Dad scooped my dinner on a plate for me, same for Bro. Mom smiled at us, then back to eating her food. Pet hamster Rufus was running around conducting his own business.

Very ordinary stuff. But very family.

Today I gave thanks that after busy and tough days at work, there is a home and family to return to.
kate

beside one another

20 Dec

Sundays are truly precious. Because the rest of the week just seem to scurry by so quickly.

Today I was strolling through the day mostly ... and spent some time just being with loved ones. In the late afternoon, Mr BF and I enjoyed our cheesy nachos during an action-packed movie (lots of blood and gore too ... yeeks).

We made it a point to head home straight after that to spend some time with my family. Though we were eating packed dinner sitting in the living room on the floor, it was nice to just be around family and friends. Mom was like the queen bee sitting in her own chair and watching us eat and yak.

Today I gave thanks for the presence of loved ones.
kate

pocket-friendly fashion

19 Dec

The rain was a bummer today. The weather was clearly not on my side when I was lugging bags of stuff plus holding an umbrella, and rushing home to take over from Bro to eldersit Mom.

But ... I had a little rainbow moment when I bumped into an unexpected surprise today in the mall - a fun girly pink top made of lace with 'puff' sleeves. What a delight!

Today I gave thanks for the creativity of designers and the sensibility of businesses who price some nice apparel at reasonable prices. Cool.
kate

sit and slurp

18 Dec

Finally Friday!!! So really glad that I could have more rest this morning and didn’t need to be a slave to the alarm clock’s call. But I still made it in time for a McDonald’s hotcakes breakfast. Yummy.

It was my errands day today. Less than a month later, I would be in a totally different climate (frosty winter) instead of the sunny and wet days that we are used to in Singapore. The business trip will last slightly more than a month, so I had to start getting the winter gear ready.

We went to some sales (very very crowded) before getting Mr BF’s pressie. Bought a scarf, a pair of long socks, shampoo and collected the stationery and mini postcards I ordered online. We hunted for a pair of sandals for Mr BF as well but couldn’t find them. Poor him! He had to drag his feet along the stretch of Orchard Road that whole afternoon.

Amidst all that busy activity, I gave thanks for the nice little tea break we had, enjoying our very own Ice Earl’s Vanilla drink. It was nice to be slurping something so delicious, and getting a feet rest from all that walking. Love feeling a touch of heaven on earth.

kate

month of sales

17 Dec

I was hoping that today would be terrific Thursday with me working chirpily at my desk without a trace of being attacked by the flu bug. But that was not so.

I was still feeling awful so I dragged myself to the doctor’s to get some medicine to stop all this nonsense. Am really not a fan of medication, but I gave in today.

Though feeling the strain, still I had something to feel grateful for today. I gave thanks for the sales going on in December. Managed to get some cosier clothing for winter during a sale today. It was like $100 for 3 items. Definitely wallet-friendly.

kate

chomp & chat

16 Dec

It was finally mid-week! I was especially happy that the days were moving along because I was so looking forward to resting this weekend. The big bad flu was a tougher nemesis than I thought, and I was struggling with painful on and off headaches whilst trying to resolve work tasks.

I relished the timeouts (lunch breaks!!) more as it meant I had a rest away from staring and typing at the computer. Today was special cos I met an ex-colleague for lunch. We had both moved on from the workplace where we first met and were facing different work issues at our respective jobs now.

We had a good time of updating each other on the current happenings in our lives now. And we found out that some of the tough challenges we faced at work ain’t so dissimilar across different companies anyways. (Ok, that helped us to feel a little bit better about our own mountains to overcome.)

Today I gave thanks for good old pals who can still chat and connect with me, offer me advice and insights, and at the end of it all truly hoping better outcomes will pop up for each other. Now that’s what I call all-weather kind of friends :).

kate

feeling Christmasy

15 Dec

Steph and I had a brief but nice catch-up over lunch today. It was my first day back to work this week, after falling ill from Saturday night which cumulated to a fever on Sunday. So it felt extra great to be having some outside air today.

I brought some red hot roses for her and we had a healthy meal of soup and bread ... after which we saw this Christmas tree nearby. Couldn’t resist taking a pic!

I gave thanks today for the lovely X’mas trees and decorations dotting the malls. Sure brightened up any humdrum December days.



(courtesy of Steph)

kate

care to share

Today when I read the email newsletter from Conversation Pieces, I was touched by the story that the lady shared. She was at a supermarket when the elderly man in front of her swiped different credit cards but still could not pay for his purchases, even after he asked the cashier to exclude a bunch of bananas.

In the end, the lady blessed him and paid for his purchases. The total was about $15, including the bananas.

When I read this poignant account, I gave thanks that there are people in this world who care enough to touch others' lives, even strangers. I am also thankful that I have sufficient and do not need to worry about my daily basic needs.

This Christmas, perhaps you can think of a small way to touch someone else's life. Maybe with a gift, money or your time. Spread some cheer!
kate

clowning around

13 Dec

An extremely tiring day today with throbbing headaches, clogged nostrils and an itchy throat. Not a pretty situation at all.

The bed was my best buddy today and I was thankful for the sparks of cheer from a bubbly toddler laughing happily cos he had a worm in a container.

Mr BF's baby nephew was chasing his older cousin around, trying to show him his new-found fun toy (aka the worm). It was mayhem in the living hall, but sounded like good fun!

Too bad I couldn't join them in their horseplay. Still, I was thankful to hear the kids having fun at home.

kate

the special day

Today was chosen by Mr BF to be the special day.

And to my amazement, he gave me the biggest pretty bouquet I’ve ever received in my life.



It wasn’t one of my glamorous days as I was still bogged down by the big bad flu and sans makeup. But how wonderful that even when you are in one of your ‘down’ days, someone still finds you special, tells you so and takes care of you.

I give thanks for the gifts of generous doses of care and of course, the garden of roses!
kate

snug and tucked

It was one of those days when I felt so under the weather.

The inbox at work was more than flooded. To make things worse, a small migraine started troubling me after lunch. I finally gave in and popped a pill because there was still a lot of calculation to do at work. Later today, the runny nose crept in together with a sore throat.

My thanks for today are for the basic but comforting things when I feel unwell.

I gave thanks for the cardigan and the blanket that kept me warm. How soothing ...

kate

carpe diem !

10 Dec

Tonight I had a fabulous dinner with two gal pals. The wafer, ice-cream and oozing warm chocolate were undoubtedly heavenly. But what was even better was the heart-to-heart chat with the gals that was peppered with much laughter, downloads of work frustrations and plans for the brand new year.

One of the gals shared that her hubby suggested that they create three goals for each other, to be fulfilled in 2010. Her hubby already had one in mind, which was for her to have her own photo exhibition. How apt, since my friend does take good pictures and is blessed to be able to travel much and have more subjects and places to photograph.

We started asking each other what goals we want to take on as challenges next year. The plans have to be infused with excitement and be a bit scary, so that we’ll grow out of our comfort zone. As we talked on, we became more inspired ...

Today’s thanks are for good friends who motivate and challenge us to grow more and be happy at the same time. With them around, who needs shrinks? :)


p/s: Merci beaucoup for the X’mas pressies too!

the delicious and the divine

9 Dec

First thanks for the day was for this delicious and simply tasty donut. The look of it already melted my heart. I was totally satisfied with my dessert!



Then the night started with a nice surprise with this picturesque sketch by Mother nature at Marina Barrage. Took my breath away right away ... And I gave thanks for the wonder of nature which never fails to amaze me.


kate

sweet treats

8 Dec

As I chatted with a nice lady over email, she brightened my day with this nifty calendar that she emailed over.



Her sweet hubby will be putting in a new gift each day till Christmas Eve. Yesterday she found candy in the pocket of the day. Perhaps one day she may find some gorgeous bling? *wink*

As a gush of giggly joy surged in me whilst feeling happy for her, I gave thanks for the delightful treats I received as well. Like Mr BF buying dinner for me first at the foodcourt tonight, before he bought his own. Small but thoughtful gestures. Nice!

kate

zoetic

7 Dec

Tonight on my way home, I saw a wake at the void deck of our block of flats.

I went home and asked my Dad about it. He said the granny who used to lived in the apartment above our floor had passed away. Which just reminded me (again) that life is very fragile, very transient, and is short.

So today I give thanks for the alive and the non-departed ... The folks whose presence I can still enjoy (the list includes pet Rufus of course) and also the nature that’s breathing around me.



p/s: Just bought a pretty flower during lunch today to brighten my desk. Lovely.

kate

home cooked and loving it

Wrapping up a moderately paced Sunday was a dinner at home. It sounds quite ordinary to have a meal at home, but it was a home cooked dinner, dished out by Mr BF’s mom. I do miss these kind of meals because in my own family’s place, the menu is always packed food as nobody has time to cook during the more than five years after Mom’s accident.

So there we were at the dinner table together, scooping the food and having our tête-à-tête. What’s nice is that there’s always soup as part of the menu. I ate more than usual today as I was quite hungry after yoga. Yummers.

As weekdays are usually hectic and choke-full of demands in the office, a quiet dinner together on a Sunday evening is the perfect date. And today I give thanks for this sweet rendezvous.

kate

the blues and Santa’s visit

5 Dec

After five consecutive days of problem resolving in the office, I usually like to take things slow on Saturday mornings before clearing the housework. The afternoon’s routine then goes something like this ...

Neatening the room and throwing away rubbish.
Bringing Mom back to her bed after brushing her teeth.
Washing dirty laundry using the washing machine or by hand.
Keeping the clothes that are cleaned and dried.
Making a milo drink for Mom for teabreak.

Today there was a sudden change of routine when Mom managed to untie the string at the side of her bed, and escaped. I heard a noise and went to check on her. To my surprise, her bed was empty and she had walked to the kitchen.

As I led her back to her bed, I thought something smelled funny. My suspicion was unfortunately confirmed when I saw the urine patch on her bed. The urine probably leaked from her diapers onto her bed when she was making her getaway.

At that moment, it was very frustrating. My initial plan to take a bath was instantly killed. Having to clear the mess quickly, I put her back on her bed to change her diaper before letting her sleep on Dad’s bed whilst I cleaned the soiled bed.

Whilst rushing to clean up the mess during that vexing half an hour, I was glad for one thing. I wasn’t in the mood to be chirpy and thankful. But I did give thanks that the urine did not leave a trail on the floor, else I’d have an extra chore to do.

I had another surprise in the night though, luckily a much happier one. Here it is ... a Christmas sock with a present in it. I was delighted that Mr BF found some romance in his heart and pinned up a cute Santa sock without me knowing. Love the reversible hat (stripes and khaki) inside the sock and of course, the even bigger surprise of a little card because Mr BF is not a fan of written notes. I give thanks for this out of the blue wonder that made my today better.

Thank God Santa dropped by for a visit today.


kate

we've got mail !

4 Dec

Christmas time is my favourite festive season, because my postbox gets more mail than usual. Minus the increased fancy mailers from malls or credit card companies asking you to buy more and more, what I really like are the X'mas greeting mail.

So you can imagine my delight yesterday when I stepped into my home and saw a bunch of envelopes addressed to me. I literally went YEH (!!!) cos it had been a hectic work week and these keep-in-touch mails really made my day.

There were cards from my primary school teacher, my ex-colleagues, ex-schoolmates etc ... how refreshing to see handwritten greetings instead of the usual emailed ones with perfectly neat fonts. It's nice to read a short brief on how friends had been doing lately, in their own scribbles.

Christmas mail rocks! And I give thanks for getting a bunch of X'mas cards.

kate

chitchat and ramen

3 Dec

My "thanks of the day" is a toss between a chat with Dad and a bowl of ramen.

Something cropped up last minute at work today and I had to stay back. Just before 8:30pm, I ran into the yoga studio and made it just in time for the lesson. I was dripping big fat drops of sweat during the class but at least the tension in my muscles was released.

Feeling tired after the class, I trooped down to City Hall's foodcourt. Right on the table were two bowls of ramen that Mr BF bought whilst I was rushing to meet him and my dinner. Grateful for a ready meal because all the food stalls were closed by the time I arrived. The noodles were a bit soggy but I was real happy to dig in immediately as I was quite hungry. The ramen satisfied my stomach, and warm gratitude filled my heart as we gobbled our dinner together.

When I reached home, I had a nice casual chat with Dad about the current turbulent times and the world's economy. Sounds like dry topics but we got to know each other's thoughts better. Time flies when you are truly engaged in something you are interested in. So whooooosh and suddenly it was twelve plus already.

Today I give thanks for the loved ones in my life who care about me and my thoughts, and who are generous enough to share their time with me.

kate

xoxo

Today’s lunch was a fabulous timeout from the month-end activities in the office.

I give thanks for the peppy gal pals who spiced up our lunch date with lotsa happy chatter. We had great fun watching one of them milking the cow on her iPhone excitedly. It was hilarious. You go gal!!

After the meal, they brought me to an accessories shop and helped me handpick a sweet baby blue hairclip. Nothing beats having gal pals who make your day much brighter with their presence and help dress you up prettier. One of the gals even blessed me with bling bling that was so my style.

Thank God for gal pals who shower me with lots of xoxo!

December begins ... tick tock ...

Finally, after eleven months of waiting, I strolled right into my favourite month of the year. With the festive season in the air, most folks seemed to be a tad chirpier.

I shall attempt to give thanks for something, for each day in December. Not a bad way to sign off 2009 huh?

Last month I accidentally smashed my watch when I dropped it onto the floor. It had been with me for around six years and the design is not available any more. So you could imagine my loud gasp when the watch fell from my palm.

As I flirted with the idea of getting a new one to replace the spoilt watch, I remembered a watch that my Dad gave me after Mom’s freak accident which showed us that life is very very fragile and a person can say bye to the earth any moment. A few years ago, Dad gave me a memento to remember him by, and it was a watch. Not a surprise, since he’s a ‘watchaholic’.

The old me would have bought a new watch at a sale. And there are many sales going on now! Super tempting.

But the renewed me decided to cut waste by not spending unnecessarily, and to appreciate and use whatever I already have. So out came the memento and when I wear it now, I remember Dad’s thoughtfulness.

I give thanks ... for Dad’s gift and love, and also for Mr BF who taught me how to de-clutter my life by making better use of what I already have. Kudos to these two men.

kate

great scoops

Recently I found that our kitchen’s collection of plastic spoons shrank to ... none. Maybe Dad accidentally threw them away with the food wrappers.

I was pleasantly surprised when I chanced upon a nondescript shop at Ang Mo Kio selling these plastic wonders for 40 to 70 cents each. Unexpected nice surprises sure have a knack of lighting up my day!

I bought a few in different colours so that Mom can have some variety in her life with these cool stuff.



kate