Monday, October 9, 2017

Keep your face to the sunshine and you cannot see a shadow

Recently a mother requested me to draw bookmarks for her six children. Never would I thought I would be encouraged by the ideas, and so I made myself one here as a constant reminder that in life we need these 6 things - Be brave, Explore the Day, Dream Big, Be Kind, Think Happy Thoughts and Smile Often. 
It strikes me that i needed these 6 things and it is good to adopt this positive attributes in mind in our daily life. As I reflect back the pass 9 months or so, tt has been like a desert in the hostile workplace this year, begging for hours and struggling in work. In big offices, it is all about dollar and cents. People work for hours which translated into money, in big organization terms. Many unpleasant behind closed door conversations. Sweet promises and plans became empty and worse still, it came back to threaten and bite like a hidden weapon. Endurance and perseverance are the only thing that still keep me going till now. Forgiveness and letting go. Thank God for His constant presence in my life, that I am still privilege to breath and perform my job as best as I could, despite many frustrated moments. If it had been not for God, I would have lost my sanity, really. 

If there is one thing that I learn this year, it would be to stay positive during very difficult times. When we have no choice but to face it, keep praying for strength and look at the good sides of thing (blessings to have a beautiful family and good health). Work is just part of life. I really like Helen Keller's quote--"Keep your face to the sunshine and you cannot see a shadow". Yes, that is the spirit, keep your face to the sunshine intently that you cannot even see a trace of shadow.

I hope one day I can impart this 6 beautiful values to my little one(s). It makes life so much beautiful by just being more positive. Positive attitudes helps us get through difficult times. 



Friday, October 6, 2017

this year

this is the scene i see every morning on my way to work, and today I happened to read Morgan Harper Nichols poem that resonates my heart. 2017, a tough year indeed, but a year where i grew so much, in a tough way. Stay strong!
This year will not end
like last year at all.
You have learned to be free.
You have learned to be strong.
you have held onto light
When the night was too long.
You can braved many fears, 
You learned a new song.
And through all of these valleys
You have learned to stand tall.
This year will not end
Like last year at all.
-Morgan Harper Nichols

Wednesday, October 4, 2017

putting on shoes

Isabella has grown to a stage where she is beginning to be more curious and observant of her environment. These days, she knows that she needs to put on shoes before going out for a walk, and  she needs to insert her feet into the shoes to wear the shoes.

I caught her exploring on how to wear the shoes while standing. She must have observed I had been doing that all these while. She was quiet and focus while trying hard to wear the shoes. I sat at the sofa, partaking in her joy and curiosity. 

Dear Isabella, 

Few years from now, you will be able to wear shoes perfectly by yourself and go to school. Mummy and Daddy is working hard to make things work now to provide you a better environment and schooling experience. Our hands are bare and tight, and time is limited as you grow up so fast everyday but do not worry for we are working it out now. Just be happy and healthy and enjoy growing up, just as you are. Your smile is already our strength. We love you so much. 

Love,
Dad & Mom
5th of October, 2017

evening like this

That evening when we brushed our teeth together and smiled at each other.
You smiled because you felt happy you are doing something that mummy is doing.
And I smiled because I am doing something together with you.

Evening like this is priceless. 

Tuesday, October 3, 2017

turtle watching at nanny's

I saw this lovely sight when I went to fetch Isabella from nanny's. She was looking in astonishment and amazement at Uncle Sandy's two turtles, which was in the pail, with her little index fingers pointing at them, and her little body inclining towards the pail occasionally. Little Isabella is curious and excited. I went near her and asked her what did she see, she pointed at the turtles and tried to tell me about it excitedly.

After keeping the two turtles as pet for several years, the small turtles which was as big as a palm has now grown into large turtles, as huge as a regular pizza. These turtles had been knocking themselves in the aquarium. Uncle Sandy was worried if one day the aquarium would be broken, which I doubt it would be! So yesterday they bade farewell to the two creatures and would be releasing them somewhere in the neighbourhood.

I asked them if they had sentimental feelings towards the tortoise and they told me they don't. I had mixed feeling about it. Even though I did not keep the turtles, but once a while I enjoyed looking at them in the aquarium. I felt like the turtle are part of the family and can't help feeling a little sad when they are releasing the turtles. Yet, at the same time, I was excited that these turtles got to experience freedom from then on. 

                "ohhhhh.." Isabella giggled to herself as she marched in baby steps towards the lift.  
                "Do you know the way, Isa?" I asked her, trying to catch her steps from behind. My thoughts about the turtle was interrupted as I walked towards her. 
                "She sure know her way," said Aunty Judy with a smile.