Every Cloud Has A Silver Lining

I went to the temple on Wesak Day. I had a lot to pray for, which is the norm for me. I also make it a point to ask for guidance. This is what I received .................

Every Cloud Has A Silver Lining - Whatever adverse circumstances you are in, they will soon fade away. Be patient, bide your time for the advent of bright and promising days now gradually within sight.

This I shall believe and have faith in.

Photo shot in Cappadocia, Turkey.

Close Shave

My mum and two of my aunts were driving along Karak Highway yesterday afternoon when a 100-foot tree uprooted itself and crashed into their car. The entire bonnet was crushed. I hate to imagine what would have happened if they had driven just a split second faster. Fortunately all three of them were not injured, shaken perhaps but unharmed.

A close shave as such is a wake up call of sorts. It reminds us that anything can happen in life, good or bad. It reminds us to thank our lucky stars. It reminds us to live life to the fullest on a daily basis, appreciate our loved ones, and not take anything for granted. It reminds us not to let unhappy events of the past hold us back from embracing the happiness that is to come. It encourages us to pursue our aspirations now rather than later.

There is a lesson to be learnt.

Photo of Gulhane Parki in Istanbul, Turkey.

Insulted

I've been in the wedding business for 10 years, well almost, and never have I been so insulted. A mother-of-the-bride today accused me of using remnant fabric from an old gown to create her daughter's evening gown. I did not hide my displeasure when I retorted 'we do not do such things'.

Now, if she had not been a client of a wedding planner who is a good friend of mine, I would have told her to 'terbang wau' and leave immediately. This is a case in point where I should have turned down the job when it was offered to me months ago. The vibes were already not great then but I took it on because of my relationship with the wedding planner.

Last week, I put this up on Facebook ...... Kris Wong is going to consciously and politely turn away potential clients whose attitudes he doesn't fancy or whose entourages he can't stomach, don't need the stress ....... today's encounter is a catalyst for me to put this into practice sooner rather than later!

Photo of Louisa and I with models in That Special Occasion creations.

No Time To Waste, No Time For Nonsense

I've recently made it clear that I have no time to waste and no time for nonsense. Be it in work or relationships, it's just not worthwhile dealing with individuals who have a chip on their shoulder, who have baggage, who are generally rude and who have no knack for diplomacy.

I've come to realise, though I should have a long time ago, that I need to rid my life of these negative elements in order to be in a better disposition. A more positive outlook is in the works. Yes, I am a work-in-progress, not perfect but making improvements along the way.

As a start, surrounding myself with happy, positive people!

Photo shot while having lunch on my birthday on the terrace of Midpoint Restaurant on Istiklel Caddesi in Beyoglu, Istanbul, Turkey.

No Regrets

I was listening to Caroline Oh interview Michelle Kwok on BFM earlier this evening and the latter remarked about living life without regrets. That's something that I believe one should aspire to achieve.

We all have our ups and downs. We come to crossroads every once in a while. We make rash decisions, rightly or wrongly. We sometimes hold on to the past, knowing full well that we should move forward instead. Optimistic. Overly cautious. We take the bull by the horns and assume control.

The decisions we make in life, the paths we take, shape our destiny. My late father told me 'it is your life to live, live it as you deem fit'. Positive outcomes are never a guarantee but what is life without taking some risks. For me personally, the key is to be accepting of the scenarios that unfold. Accept the good graciously. Acknowledge the not so good and work towards improving them. I seldom look back and ask 'what if'? Instead, I rely on family and friends to keep me grounded, to keep me optimistic, to assure me of the wonderful things life has to offer, to remind me that time is precious and is not to be wasted.

My sister Suk Harn, mum and I at Lantau Island in Hong Kong.

Cravings

Having been travelling for the past couple of weeks, I find myself craving for local food since I have been home. I haven't gotten to the roti canai yet but the evening I got home, I just had to have the ayam goreng, fried egg and rice from Pak Lang, my favourite stall at the SS2 mamak, opposite the police station.

I have frequented Pak Lang for many years. I have their mobile number. They recognise my car. I order ahead when I need the food to go, they deliver to my car when I get there. It's an understanding that we have cultivated over the years.

However, nothing beats eating at the stall itself, particularly with family or friends. We can order more and indulge in the variety, alfresco.

Photo of roti canai, Milo tarik and a good travel mag.

Memories

I met my friends Faizol, Sonya and Patricia at the latter's brother's wedding dinner last night. During the course of the dinner, we reminisced about the time that we have shared in the past.

The memories that stood out shared a common trait - meaningful moments in our lives. It could be something as simple as driving all the way to KLIA and having a meal before sending a friend off. Our less than stellar but enthusiastic renditions at karaoke. Weddings in Ipoh and Bali.

These images are etched in our minds, a tapestry of paintings that remain with us forever. Pleaseant reminders of the wonderful moments that life offers.

Photo of paintings at the old town Kaleici in Antalya, Turkey.