31 December 2013

2013 has been a bitter-sweet year in many aspects. The last day of the year is an apt reflection of the ups and downs that have been part of my year. Nevertheless, the encounters and experiences, whether good or not so good, have enriched my life in one way or another.

 

So, I am thankful. Thankful for my entire family who epitomise the exended, loving family. Thankful for my close friends who are loyal and supportive, regardless of the circumstance. Thankful for the opportunities to face challenges head on and overcome them. Thankful for the miles logged during travels. Thankful for those who have contributed to making 2013 an eventful and memorable one for me. And thankful for much, much more.

 

As 2014 beckons, I look forward to the new year with optimism and hope, that it may be the most fulfilling yet!

 

 

Sunset in Guam.

Christmas 2013

As always, Christmas is a time to appreciate the loved ones in our lives. Celebrating the festive occasion with extended family and friends is a way of renewing and strengthening the bonds that exist. However, this Christmas has also brought me new lessons in life, in particular the necessity of patience and sacrifice for the better good.

 

Instant gratification is what I am used to. Decisive by nature, I seek resolutions and take swift action when the need arises. I always focus on the outcome, and a quick one at that. Of late, I have come to the realisation that some things cannot be rushed and whilst contrary to my nature, I am taking a back seat. I will do what I think is necessary, but shall let the future unfold. As a good friend told me, que sera sera.

 

So this Christmas, I am thankful for the kind thoughts of my family and friends, appreciative of the words of wisdom that have been shared, grateful for the company of my closest friends. May the spirit of Christmas - peace, love and joy - be yours throughout the year ahead and much, much more.

 

 

Christmas decorations in Bali, Indonesia.

Good Behaviour

Being in the wedding industry, I often bring up the issue of being a good guest at weddings. It's very simple really ........

 

You are there as a guest because the couple has deemed you important in their lives, so support them wholeheartedly.

 

Be punctual.

 

If there is a dress code, adhere to it. The wedding photos will then look great.

 

Sit where you've been assigned to sit, no griping please.

 

When asked to pose for photos, do so quickly.

 

Enjoy the food, enjoy the company and have a good time.

 

........ Not too difficult is it?

 

 

Photo of a centrepiece.

A Good Thing

A friend of mine, the better half of a good friend, com-mented during dinner this evening, 'it's a good thing'. He was referring to my seemingly improving - albeit slowly improving - patience and tolerance.

 

These have never been my better traits. Those in my inner circle will attest to this. They are also the same people who accept me as I am but who nevertheless also try to educate me in the finer points of being patient, to go with the flow, to acknowledge the cons but to always embrace the pros. I am slowly getting there. It takes effort. Hopefully the results will be worth it.

 

So this evening's nudging by my friend, someone who is more objective than  most, is another step in the right direction. An enlightening chat over dinner it was.

 

 

Saying a prayer at Lake Bratan in Bedugul, Bali, Indonesia. Photo courtesy of Thoo Yeong Ken.

Getting Along

I've always main-tained that I get along better with some and not so with others. The 'I can't please everyone' mentality is one that I carry with me. Case in point, my cousins. I get along with most, but with varying degrees of comfort.

 

Realistically, those who happen to be around my age, whom I spent most time with during childhood, and with whom I have remained close are the ones I consider my inner circle within the extended family so to speak. Like any relationship, it takes effort to nurture.

 

Going on family trips is an opportunity to develop such relationships. In close proximity, having to jointly deal with some stressful situations every now and then, the chance for more in-depth conversations, all these lead to the possibility of expanding the inner circle. Now, whether such expansion eventuates will very much depend on the effort made in the future.

 

 

With some of my cousins at Tegalalang in Bali, Indonesia. Photo courtesy of Thoo Yeong Ken.

Family Travel

I was recently in Bali for the wedding of my cousin Lye Synn who married Allyssa. As always, my extended family turned up in full force for the celebrations.

 

Group travel is not always easy. Differing age groups, varied interests, there are bound to be instances where stress levels rise. Despite that, my family certainly knows how to have fun. A bit of compromise here and there and everybody has a good time at the end of the day.

 

Here's a photo of part of the family who headed to Bali, having afternoon tea before joining the rest of the family for the pre-wedding dinner. A wonderful afternoon that was.

 

 

Photo shot at Bali Café in Seminyak, Bali, Indonesia.