Weeks of Gratitude.

Weeks of Gratitude

Being inspired by my recent read of "The Happiness Project", I started wishing that I could be more appreciative of the life I have, being a little more positive towards life and definitely hoping that the people around me are happier.

Even me.

 

This is a great book.

Tons of ways on how Gretchen Rubin took on to make her life a happier one, including the ones around her.

I decided to take upon one of her methods, showing gratitude for my daily life.

I can't promise to commit posting up a gratitude everyday in my life (I mean seriously, sometimes we are too forgetful/occupied/procrastinate to do so)

So making it a weekly commitment might be a better way for me to stay on track and focused.

 

Today, I begin with Week 1 of my gratitude towards life.

 

Family.

 

My friends know how family-oriented of a person I am. They are like my priorities.

Somehow, even the slightest change or things that affects their mood, indirectly affects me.

Yes, indeed high level of sensitivity.

My colleague and I spoke today and we mentioned how time flies past at a blink of an eye.

As we grew up from kids without worrying about anything (except homework), to how we started worrying about bills, relationships, future, work and money etc.

To think that we have come and grown a long way, have we ever looked around at the people around us?

How fast they might have grown or aged,

improving or deteriorating health condition(touch wood of course)

happy or unhappy,

living well or not?

 

There are so many factors that we could probably probe them about, even just a simple "Hey, how have you been doing?" would be a great comforting sentence to the opposite party.

Just like how a simple WhatsApp message that I sent to a friend of mine today, and she was really glad that I checked up on her often despite us not meeting for months.

How grateful and happy I felt upon seeing her reply.

This made me realized the importance of "Keeping in contact."

 

I recently met up with a few of my really close primary and secondary school friends, and each meet-ups with them definitely made me felt like I time-travelled back to my younger days.

Likewise with my family, I felt like I am the youngest whenever we have family gatherings, and everyone would be calling my "cynnie" (my nickname).

It just makes you delighted that they call you with nicknames which makes the relationship even closer than before.

 

As the days continue , I appreciate more and more of the time I have with my family and the people around me.

I want to create more memories with them, spend more moments, and definitely taking snapshots of these memories to remind myself "Yes, this did happen!"

Photos do miracles at occasions.

So please say "Yes, to photos, even food photography to document your life."
:D

Thank you to my family for always being there for me during my ups and lows, how far I have come so far was simply amazing.
And I am grateful to be a 21 young teen now, being able to handle my own issues and work.
No doubt there are times that I will beat myself up over things that I have done, but over time, I guess I really should forget about it and simply just move on.
Because life leaves no time for us to think about all the regrets in life.
So why not, live our life to the fullest, enjoy and embrace what we have now?

What will come, will come.
No matter how many twists and turns that we make to avoid it, if it is meant to be, it is meant to be.
Stay happy, stay grateful,
& our lives will be much more beautiful.

goodbye,
cynnieco.



Return.

Finally opening up this old dusty blog of mine, I am surprised to find out that I have actually left my blog untouched since February this year. How time flies, it's now close to the end of September and I am officially 21 years old. Entering the adulthood doesn't change much of anything, but I guess I become more sentimental towards things, thinking back about the years I have undergone.

I remember back then in polytechnic days, I enjoyed my life. Meeting up friends every week, attending events, simply living life without worrying too much of what is to come ahead in my life. Ever since I entered University, I started worrying about every single thing. Even till now, I might still worry now and then about the tiniest thing. But I guess things got better, and I'm slowly regaining that confidence, happiness and smile that I have once lost during my University days. 

Fret not, because Cynnie is determined to gain back what she has lost. I miss the old looks of mine, the old happiness of mine, and how my parents and everyone missed the old cynnie. I will return, and I promise that I will. Whatever comments that people have ever said, it's not going to affect me because I love myself for who I am, and I'm not changing myself because of the way people judge. Neh Neh Ni Poo Poo :P

"Train to Busan"

So, after contemplating to watch "Train to Busan" for like weeks, my Dad finally brought me out on a movie date the other day. Yay! You know such opportunities don't come knocking on your door...so when it comes you just gotta grab it. Headed down to Cathay Cineleisure with dad for an afternoon movie at 3pm and wow Dad was really fascinated with all the events and activities that were going on on a Saturday afternoon!

We settled down for lunch over at Burger King (since we have lost the one at Yishun since like forever) with chicken burgers and cheese fries. Yumz were the days of Burger King's breakfast croissant that we have on weekend mornings... :( 

We went into the theatre at about 3.15pm and it started right on the spot, thankfully not missing any part of the movie. Dad was so uptight during the middle of the movie, he clenched his fist and his whole body were literally shaking. I bet the row of seats felt like an arm chair for the others :P

It really was a great movie. The intensity and climax of the movie was intense throughout, with tinge of humours here and there. Then came in the tearful scenes when the survivors sacrificed themselves one by one in order to save the others. Even the dad who gave himself up for his daughter.

What a great dad love.

And it comes to make me think about the relationship between my dad and I. Everyday, he does the washing of clothes no matter how tired he was. To me, I would nag at him to not wash it because I don't want him to be overly-tired and stressing over the washing of clothes after work. But on his perspective, he didn't want us to not have sufficient clothes to wear everyday. We cared for each other, but due to the habit of it, we fail to look at the other perspectives.

Dad, I love you. Thank you for everything that you have done. People might get bored with my endless "Thank You" posts, but I believe every single one is like a precious "Thank You" to you. I will work hard and make you proud, and for now, let us spend all the precious moments together :)

I love you too Mum, and my siblings.

I will post up photos next time! So till then, have a great night because Monday blues are hitting me.

Goodbye,

cynnie.

Months of procrastination, or rather hectic-ness.

I can finally find a peaceful Sunday, sitting right in front of my laptop and typing out these words.

For the past month, I've been working in an office.

yes, you're right.

I am temporarily "out of school".

Many people were shocked at my decision.

People exclaimed it's insane.

But at the same time, many people said it was good to find out what you want to do in life.

So what do I want to do in life?

Honestly, I am still clueless at this point of time.

I have a dream.

To continue studying, in Aviation of course.

But at the same time, we can't deny the fact of practicality.

"Money makes the world go round."

No doubt about that.

Being financially constrained, studies is now a dream, not a need.

Sometimes, I thought I was selfish to my parents.

But then again, I have to be selfish to myself at times.

That aside, life is great right now.

Every morning, I wake up with smiles looking at the sunshine shining upon me.

I come home with a lethargic, yet upbeat mood to see my mum or even my family at times at home.

Such blessings, such happiness.

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Chinese New Year passed by in a blink of an eye as well.

This year felt a little...less festive?

Maybe it's just me, or in fact is it how it really is?

I don't know, probably not gambling much enough with blackjacks :p

Reunion Dinner - Can't miss out on lou hei/yu sheng!

Usually, it represents a good start towards the new year.

Everyone would frantically throw up the yusheng while saying good wishes hoping that it comes true in the coming year.

And we had our yu sheng specially from Watami!

Love the Chinese/Japanese fusion version of their lou hei.

There were the usual veggies, fresh salmon sashimi, and even your favorite seasoned jellyfish found on sushi!

There was a sweet and salty taste to this yusheng and I was absolutely in love with the jellyfish!

And the steamboat battle begins!

Well, without our usual Koi tradition in the photo..(but it happened afterwards!)

Officially, CNY Day 1.

We did the usual visiting to my grandma's house located in Hougang.

She stays alone, but it's really heartwarming to see my uncles and aunties who stays nearby taking care of her daily needs :')

Our family would visit her once in a while too with some of her favorite goodies,

which she would then push some back to us or my uncle exclaiming it's too much for her :p

And my absolutely gorgeous and handsome-looking siblings! <3

I would never say my maternal side's extended family is too small...

Just look at the younger generation...not even including the adults!

All of us have grown up, whether they are married with kids, in universities/polytechnics or even taking O levels, the young ones are sprouting out now too!

Taking over roles of our younger days :D

--------------

Moving on to CNY Day 2, one of the days that my family do not do visitings.

Instead, we have our yearly buffet dates with my parent's ex-colleagues!

This year, we had it at Edge @ Pan Pacific.

Gosh...I'm in love with this place!

Can't resist from taking #ootd in the hotel lobby.

And then FOOD.

Lou Hei all day everyday <3

Can't exclaim how much I love veggies and mushrooms, especially the chinese way!

The braised mushrooms were so good that I needed a few servings!

Can't miss out on the usual suspects of dimsum in the background and I am honestly sorry about that unflattering sauce on the plate...

It just spilled all over the place because of the fish sauce while I was walking back to my seat...or did I almost started jogging..?

Oops :P

DESSERTS.

Major weakling when it comes to desserts, I would be dying of sugar overdose.

I once had 9 servings of bread and butter pudding at Carousel.

I swear, it is the best desserts in life because I love warm desserts.

It gives off a tinge of...warmth to your heart.

Teehee.

Ice-cream...coffee flavored?

I'm not missing out on it!

Would be better if there were dark chocolate ones :(

But the truffles did not disappoint.

Loved the softness of the truffles and it was really pure, like you could taste the cocoa taste which I absolutely love!

The rum chocolate truffles were simply too alcoholic for me unfortunately, I thought I would get drunk from it.

But if you're an alcohol drinker, this is it for you!

Safe-players, go for matcha.

This dark chocolate cake was pure goodness. I had like almost 5-6 pieces of it despite my bursting dress.

Until my mum said I had to stop.

Okay... :'(

Last but not least, whether you're over-indulging(making you feeling sinful), having a bad day(because people spoiled it for you, or you're simply unhappy),

Remember: All these shall pass.

We live not to be just unhappy, but for the happy as well.

So if we could choose, why not choose the happy one?

Look at the smiles we all had.

Even looking at it makes me smile :)

That's joy, that's happiness.

We all have it in us.

Love it.

Enjoy it.

Share it.

And have a blessed Lunar New Year ahead <3

A fresh start.

As we bid goodbye to 2015, 2016 seems like it came a lil' too fast. 

I held my breath as I countdown to 2016. 

It felt so unreal.

One moment, we crossed over another year.

However, each New Year brings us a lil' tiny moment to reflect on ourselves.

"What's your new year resolution?" is a common question that we simply can't avoid on your first meet-ups with friends.

I've got this question from some of my friends, and my resolution this year is perhaps:

"To be a little happier, more tolerant, optimistic & hopeful in life."

2015 was no doubt full of ups and downs for me.

Smiles and joys, sadness and tears overwhelmed me during my graduation and my university days.
Some of the best moments in 2015:

1. Landing my foot in Taipei for the 2nd time with my sissy.

2. Graduating with a Diploma.

One of the proudest moment of my life, was getting my parents to witness the graduation ceremony.

The smiles they had on their faces are priceless.

3. Staycation with my family for the very first time.

Our very first family staycation!

I never thought we would do that but yes we did it, as a family.

Perhaps many more to come?

I really hope so :)

4. Graduation Trip with Winni to the land of Kimchi!

Achieving one of the biggest milestones of our friendship, to travel abroad together.

Cheers to our friendship ahead!

5. My 20th Birthday.

A year closer to reaching 21st.

Struggling with schoolwork, I came home with a surprise birthday cake from my parents!

I didn't expect that after a day of presentation and classes, and I was really glad that my family were there for me all these while :')

And being a huge fan of Gordon Ramsay, Sissy brought me to Bread Street Kitchen by Gordon Ramsay!

Best meal, best night, best company I can ever ask for.

The ambience was amazing, with the fact that we made a reservation at least 2 months prior to the actual date.

The best Fish & Chips I've ever had besides the ones in America.

The tomato sauce was totally out of the world!

Served in a mini jar, the quality was superb.

Young range chicken that sissy ordered!

Fork tender meat with succulent juice.

Chicken lovers, this is for you.

And to one of the best sissy nights together <3

6. Trip to Seoul for the 2nd time with my family.

Same destination, different company.

The moments and memories that we have created together is something that can never be replaced.

I had one of the best experience at KPOP Live, a hologram concert concept.

Thanks to Bora for getting me the tickets!

Despite visiting Seoul twice in a year, I'm glad that each visit brought me a surprise when I revisited the places.

Mum and I basically stuffed ourselves silly with all that kimchi that we could get, while Dad will be exclaiming the spiciness of it.

And mum would somehow be complaining about the weather, while we would go, "Ohhh, so cooling!"

That's my family.

Laughs.

2015 was eventful, and facing all that challenges, I have learnt how to be more determined in my goals and decisions that I have set for myself.

What the others say are advices and opinions, and no doubt, one day I may regret not heeding their advices.

But to think about it again, am I going to make myself regret for not listening to my own mind and soul when making decisions?

Even if I have made the decision that is best for me, am I going to be happy about it?

I doubt so.

And that's what I want to achieve: To start listening to my heart more often, doing what I really want to do and achieve in life.

We live for ourselves, not for the others.

Your happiness is yours, and no one can take it away from you if you decide not to give yourself happiness.

But never forget to stop someday and look back.

"Are you doing things right or wrong?"

That is a question that I have to ask myself constantly.

In 2016,

I hope to achieve my goals and reach my dreams ultimately.

Perhaps this is one big motivating factor for me in 2016.

I would love to thank my family and friends around me who showed me support for my decisions.

Special thanks to my Simpsons family, my cousins, Rengie, Jiaen, Winni, Irdina, Shu Ting, Sharlene, Swee Teng & many more.

Thank you for being there for me when I was down and helpless.

Right now, I'm much stronger, determined and affirmed in my choices and I've never felt any happier than now :)

Thank YOU, YOU & more YOU(s).

2016 will be better, happier and one that I am looking forward to.

May 2016 be the best for all of us, & not forgetting to give back to the people around us.

Stay positive & cheerful always,

cynnie.