When Most Things Don't Go Your Way

......... 

You received a cupcake from a student who said to you: "A cupcake to cheer you up. I knew you love cupcakes. Happy New Year". Warmth.

Resolutions And Priorities

I learnt from F/B that many of my friends are currently planning on their respective new resolutions. Just like clutters in my room, I've resoultions piled up on resolutions that I've started to lose count and lose focus on what should exactly be my resolutions. Sometimes thinking of the resolution subject too long and too much, it makes one thinks so little of herself/himself and so little have been achieved so far.

But let's not be too alarmed, my previous line doesn't imply no achievement at all. While setting or rearranging our resolutions, there are many unexpected events happened. Those events for some people may even shape the course of their life.

Now, thinking back to two turning points in my life ie. 1987 and 2000. What have I learnt and what should I learn. In between finishing reports and attending meetings last week, I had some moments to reflect on my life. I've discovered, unfortunately, in the past 2 years I've become less optimistic (despite many still claim I am the most positive and optimistic they have ever seen. Well, they haven't known the 'old' me) and I've become timid (I'm less adventurous in many sectors in my life).

Thus, I am setting a new list of resolutions and the top two prioritise the list are: (1) Be the Positive self again (my mother is a strong and positive woman. I'm her daughter, and I should inherit this part of her good genes. I just need to pick up the 'old' me again and add in new "ingredients" that I've picked up along the way all these years. (2) Be the Energetic self again (if work has eroded my social life, then I only have myself to blame. I shouldn't be small minded and start using "too much work" as an excuse to defend my own lack of skills in time management. I found the greatest mistake in many people is failing to own up to own's mistake/s).

I recalled there was one scene in an American drama called "The Guardian". The father said to the son: "Nobody can put you down unless you give them the permission, son". I should learn from that impressive line ie. not to let others' destructive criticisms to erode my confidence, because my life doesn't build on those (or specifically, her) not-constructive words.

Beyond Expectations

Today is Winter Solstice, and we were told when we were younger that according to Chinese tradition, we should eat Tang Yuan (refer picture above) - symbolic of unity in a family. My mother usually prepares very delicious Tang Yuan. However, she sprained her waist yesterday afternoon and hence our Tang Yuan this year is a little substandard. LOL.

X'mas Decoration in Tokyo @ 2008

This X'mas!

Look at our "crowded" X'mas tree haha. Mama said X'mas tree supposed to look crowded & cluttered anyway hahaha!

Thanks Mac for the lovely X'mas card!

To Hold, To Give Or To Keep

If you recalled a few times in my past postings, I've talked about my interesting experiences at the Hair Salon I frequent. 

Recently, there was another interesting experience and this was from the boss herself. To boost her employees' productivity, in the past 10 months Ms KC has organised a number of talks for her employees - some on increasing productivity, a number on motivational talks, a few on managing their personal finance, and one or two on life philosophy. I agreed, and I believe it's good idea to bring all of her employees together. The sense of togetherness and teamwork can be fostered through these gatherings too. 

Around 12.45ish two afternoons ago, my hair was messy + greasy and definitely in need of a good hair wash before I can face the world proudly again (for your info: I found it difficult to wash and blow my long hair myself, it will take more than 45 minutes to wash and dry partially). 

After parking my car and rushed in to the salon, the shampoo girl (SG) told me: "Er, I can wash your hair but I don't think I can blow the curls you want". 

Pancakeism: Where is A? 

SG replied: She's attending meeting now. Boss called 30 minutes ago. 

Pancakeism: Oh! A normally texts me if there's a meeting or training.

SG: Hmm, she was told last minute too. In fact, three customers came before you and left because A won't be back until 5pm today.

Pancakeism: Ok, I will go to your other branches. Can you arrange an appointment? 

SG: In fact, all our Senior Hairstylists are attending that meeting until 5pm. 

I left the salon with my messy + greasy hair, and went to another salon instead without wasting my time further. 

On the way back to my office around 1.45ish, I was thinking: Why on earth organise a meeting/training at times when you know many customers may visit? Increase productivity or losing opportunity?? 

My hairstylist called me this morning, and I asked about the meeting/training. She told me: My boss talked about her aspirations and goals. She was the speaker herself this time. However, there were too many new terms that I heard for the first time and actually I don't quite understand many of the things she said. 

In life, we always want many things our way. In Economics, all students are taught in their first lesson: Limited Resources, Unlimited Wants. But, I believe, most important lesson of all: We must prioritise on what we actually/exactly want, when objectives are not clearly defined we will lose more than we earn. 

Can't Get You Out Of My Mind

And, that's irritating ...

Hahaha ... this comic reminds me of Kylie Minogue's "Can't Get You Out Of My Head". I recalled when I was studying in Brisbane few years ago, this song was playing non-stop everywhere when it has just released. Despite I am not a big fan of Kylie (I can't stand her what-media-tagged-as-sultry-voice, sorry!), I must admit this is a fun dance song with catchy chorus and addictive beat. Now, Jason Mraz's "I'm Yours" seems to have the same irritating yet addictive beat impact on me. It was fun listening to it for the first 2-3 times, after a while especially after you have started to understand what he was trying to say and fully deciphered every word in his song, his "loved love loved love loved" just made my nerves jump. Hahaha! 

Let's Celebrate!!

Pancakeism's counter hit 10,000 two days ago ;-D

Thank you for all of your support!

Stand Alone Or Left Behind?

Is It So?

I Live For Simple Moments Like These ..

It Has Been A While ..

Wow, for a second or two a while ago, I was worried that I might face difficulty in writing down my thoughts. Come to think of it, I haven't been updating this blog for nearly 2.5 months. There are two reasons. First, I was introduced to Facebook (F/B) in early October and have been busy with another circle of social networking. I must say it is one good way to de-stress because of the subsequent reason. Second, I was very unhappy in the past two months with a woman colleague who basically finds fault in everything I do - to name a few, many times I had to stay up until 3am in order to get all work done, she raised her voices at me in meetings, she asked me to print documents and sent to her house because she doesn't have internet connection at home she claimed, etc. etc. etc. OF COURSE, I refused to send because I am not an office assistant; and when I refused to send her the documents, she told others that I didn't contribute anything in office.

Anyway, life was stressful, but I have decided two weeks ago not to let myself drowned in the river of sorrow and depression. I know I am good and I work hard and smart, I won't let her negative and destructive criticisms to erode my confidence!! 

I believe if no one sees and no one knows how hard I work, at least I know my family believes in me. 

My Best Birthday Gift

Thanks Woofhams for the wonderful + thoughtful gift!!