The Gal – Nicole

2012. Leap year.

For the sake of remembering the leap year, I shall blog about it.

Actually, nothing much to blog about for leap day la.

Feb 2012 was a roller-coaster of sorts. It was one hell of a ride – good and bad aspects of it… as with all roller-coasters… Suffice to say, it’s also very eye-opening, and humbling as well.

I learned that there is no sure certainty to certain matters in life. The moment’s certainty is in the present state. Beyond that, it is totally out of one’s control.

I’ve also learned to walk away without incurring too much emotional loss when certain elements are not in my favor. Simply not worth my time and energy if the situation is not going to get any better. I could take that elsewhere – where it would be of a benefit to a worthy cause.

Till the next leap day, in 2016. (If the world has not ended)

I stumbled upon this website, and read quite a number of motivational poems. But there’s one particular poem that I would like to share with all my readers:

The Vow
By Malcolm O. Varner

No matter how deep the sadness or wide the pain,
I vow to live for a brighter day will come again.

No matter how many mistakes I’ve made in the past,
I vow to live and in the future avoid them, surefooted and fast.

No matter how many tragedies beyond my control take place,
I vow to live and stay my course within this race.

No matter how poor or rich I may ever be,
I vow to live and aspire to search for the dignity in simplicity.

No matter how much a lover may pierce the inner core of my heart,
I vow to live for like spring I’ll get a new start.

No matter how isolated and alone I may feel,
I vow to live and do something for someone else to heal.

No matter how hopeless my situation my appear,
I vow to live and reflect until my viewpoint is clear.

No matter what happens in this life – good or bad
I vow to live, do my best, and just for living – be glad.

It resonates well within me, and having an extended period of time to rest also allows me to redefine certain fundamentals that I hold so dear to. It’s amazing isn’t it, that life can be seen from so many different perspectives, and that even in the most hopeless situation, there is a glimmer of hope.

With love,
Nicole

Oh hello!

Wondering if there are any readers still reading my blog… since I went missing in action for quite a while…

Right now, I’m taking a break from work and is in the midst of job hunting. Truth be told, I am quite enjoying my break, as this gives me more time to think things through and figuring out the next step. Not to mention that the amount of time that I have on my hands these days!

I would say, there are pros and cons of being unemployed… that said, I should just keep working on my long term plans.

Oh yes, I have yet to scribble down my thoughts on some stuff, as well as my Chiang Mai trip with the boyfriend. Stay tuned!

With love,
Nicole

PS: It would be great if you, my dear reader, could leave me a comment or holler! Would appreciate it, as this would give me even more motivation to continue blogging here.

Hello!

Wishing everyone a happy and prosperous lunar new year of the dragon!

May the dragon year brings about an overflowing abundance of health, wealth, peace, joy and success in everything you do.

Huat Ah!

Posted with WordPress for BlackBerry.

And so I’ve gotten a Mac Book Pro, effectively moving to the dark side, as how some would put it.

I never thought I would be able to own it someday, but this was totally made possible thanks to a partial sponsorship from the bf. Its really really nice of him to help me out on this purchase, and also the sister for helping me getting it through her school, which makes the deal worth it.

Fortunately, the learning curve for the Mac isn’t too difficult, but learning other stuff like keyboard shortcuts could be a real pain sometimes. That’s alright, I can learn something new each day!

For the uninitiated, I’ve left the IT industry, and am now focusing pretty much on design, writing, arts, photography etc. But that does not mean I have completely stopped reviewing devices and gadgets, just that I have a whole lot more choices opening up for me.

Work wise, am getting way busier, and learning to cope with it will be a key to help me overcome it in the next few weeks… And yes, I’m happy with where I am now, and learning to work smarter and play harder.

I recently stumbled across some beautiful websites, which I will hope to share it with you real soon!

Nicole

First time for everything I suppose. Kinda relishing the experience and the sense of satisfaction that comes along with it. Suffice to say, I still have doubts about myself but they are slowly fading away. Somehow I know I can do it, its a matter of when and how.

I just came back from taking Angel to the vet for her annual checkup and vaccination. Well, it’s my first visit to the vet, and quite amazed at seeing the type of dogs and cats others keep. Angel is M’s cat, but I treat her like mine. My folks do not allow me to bring a cat home, or I would have done that eons ago.

As of right now, I think everything is getting back on track slowly, and I am very thankful and happy about it. Only time will tell, but I guess things are in a good start for now. I realized that there are small and subtle changes in my life, that’s making life bearable and giving me the courage to live on, and be happy. It still isn’t easy at times, though at least the thought of negativity is reducing. Its good to know that I’m surrounded by people who loves me, and care for me. That to me, is an important aspect of my life.

I’ve also learned that I cannot please everyone, but the first person I can please is myself.

Ok. enough of my random rubbish. Time to sit down and start reading.

Nicole

Just came back from Bintan since Saturday, and things have been in full swing since. Covered a work related event, and went trigger happy photographing the kids.

Of course, I did enjoy myself very much in Bintan, and I can’t wait to share photos with everyone.

Excuse me while I attack the work on my plate. Meantime, rock on with this tune from Jennifer Lopez. Have a good start to this work week!

Nicole

Will be away from today till Saturday evening in Bintan!

I’m heading there for a work / company retreat. Shall take this opportunity to also snap a few more photographs for keepsake. It is my first trip there and I am very much looking forward to it… Hehe. And very much looking forward to the activities that are planned in my itinerary.

By the time you are reading this, I would have been well on my way to Bintan.

See you!

Okay, enough of wordy posts from me… 3 posts in a row, and I think your eyes must be feeling tired.

So allow me to share with you one of my favourite Youtube videos – Firework by Katy Perry.

This video struck a chord with me, and I totally enjoyed her vocals… It also served as a source of inspiration to carry on even when I’m facing obstacles in my way. May this song light up your day too!

- This post is written and scheduled to publish when you are reading it.

Nicole

August is almost but over.

Time really flies. Since June 2011, life has quite not been the same for me… Sinking to the bottom of the pits, to the extent of requiring professional help speaks volumes of how shitty life was throwing at me back then. But it was also the moment that sparked a series of life changing, if not, minor changes that actually make life more bearable and enjoyable, despite having the odds in the way. Looking back, its as if I just escaped another crisis. Isn’t that wonderful?

Sometimes, I am overwhelmed by the motion of events in my life. Its too fast and too furious. Then again, I am enjoying what I am currently doing now. Riding with the flow that is. Don’t worry, at least now I’ve learned that it is important to pace myself out before being burnt out once more.

As I’m writing this, there are thoughts aplenty that is going through my mind, some of which are best left unwritten in the records. I’ll continue to work hard and strive to not let my learning stop for a single moment. Its just simply amazing of how much is there left to be learned, and the possibility of completing learning is endless. It ends till the day I drop dead and move no more.

Quite glad to say that I’ve started to regain my appetite, as well as being able to get a good night’s rest and feel energetic for the next working day. It feels good when the body is slowly starting to recover, and suffice to say, at most, a cup of coffee will do the trick. Reducing my reliance on caffeine has also boosted mood levels, and it makes me more cheery and positive… Coupled with healthy snacks on my table, I would say I’m halfway keeping myself in check of not snacking on crackers and chips. I usually will stock up dried fruit, as well as nuts for a quick source of energy, and oh, loads of fluids, especially plain water. Helps to keep the body systems well maintained.

Perhaps right now, my perspective towards life has changed. Whether its a good change or otherwise, time will tell. Though I’m feeling much more upbeat to what’s in store for me, than being bogged down by the past. Sure, the past remains for it has already happened, and one could draw invaluable lessons from it to move on and be happier.

Upcoming in September, I’ll be more tied up with work and other personal stuff, but I would still love to make time to meet up with my friends for meals, as well as coffee/drinks, or to even just hang out. And yes, I will be heading to Bintan (work trip)

In the meantime, stick around, because I will be writing more often these days.

Nicole