The Bright Side

Looking at the bright side of things. I often offer this piece of advice to friends who are in need of hearing this. Wise words no doubt, but sometimes, it is much easier said than done. I too at times, find myself struggling to find that silver lining. It is during these moments that one needs to summon the positive outlook that helps us see the sunlight during overcast days.

Successful individuals often share tales of how optimism and self-belief have contributed to their achievements. Self-help books espouse the virtues of positive thinking. The Secret advocates the law of attraction. All these are universal values. If we care to spend the time looking more closely, we will identify with them.

So why do we doubt ourselves? We should instead have faith in ourselves. Be willing to embrace change. Be courageous enough to face challenges. Be lighthearted enough to see the good in bad situations that we sometimes find ourselves in. To see the bright side of things.

Photo of Leticia and I at Leticia's and Tjun Hong's wedding in Bali, Indonesia where the couple received showers of blessings. Photo courtesy of Jim Liaw Photography.

One Of Those Moods

I am in one of those moods, actually, I have been in one of those moods for quite a while now. I gather everyone goes through such moments from time to time, except the super-perky ones I suppose. I belong to the former.

My long time friends, and I mean those who have known me for more than a decade, would readily acknowledge that I have my moods. In fact, I have been rather infamous for them in the past. My friend Shirley insists that she can sense a scowl by the way I answer the phone. She says I have improved, but that's only because I make the extra effort when I see her name appear on my phone! And I have been in need of such extra effort of late. For many reasons, some personal, others professional, I haven't been in the best frame of mind the past couple of weeks. I deal with it as I best know how and I am sure it'll soon pass.

In the meantime, I surround myself with positive vibes. Exercise. Good food with friends. Indulging my sweet tooth. Wisdom from wise words. And a reflexology and massage are definitely long overdue.

Notre Dame Cathedral in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.

Rut

We tend to get into a rut from time to time. This is more so especially when our lives revolve a routine. Work, eat, sleep, more work, the weekend; the cycle repeats itself over and over for the majority, myself included. Although I make it a point to have some leisure whenever I can during the work week, there always seems to be a pull to break out of the mundane and do more, things that nurture the spirit and feed the soul.

I have a variety of interests, as do so many of us. The perennial challenge is finding the time to throw ourselves into these interests. I envy many of our Western counterparts, those who seem to be able to leave everything behind for a couple of months to take on new challenges, to travel the world, to volunteer perhaps, to truly experience life in a different circumstance.

For me, the longest viable break I can take is probably ten days or thereabouts, and I do ensure these periods away from the routine happen, a couple of times a year at least. Human nature however always makes us want more. I am plotting to see if I can take a month off next year. It'll take lots of planning. Some of my friends think I won't succeed. That certainly remains to be seen.

Photo shot at Beach Republic in Koh Samui, Thailand.

Sweet Tooth

Yes indeed. I have a sweet tooth. Now you know why I have to do those swims during lunch time! Allowing myself to indulge means I sometimes have to sacrifice lunch to go for a swim to work the calories off.

Sherly of Tie The Knot came by That Special Occasion with a client for a fitting two evenings ago and with her she brought a gift. A cute gift I might add, with instructions to 'Take twice a day to keep the bridezillas away'. Thoughtful and creative. And the strawberry cake flavoured jelly beans? Let's just say I am overdosing big time.

It is always encouraging to see wedding industry colleagues come up with unique ideas. This is when we can tell clients 'you are paying for our ideas and expertise'. And originality doesn't come cheap, so there you go!

Photo courtesy of Sherly Aziz of Tie The Knot.

Confidence And Trust

My cousin in Hong Kong, Roy, will be marrying Ming in January 2012. When this news was conveyed to me during their visit to KL early this year, I offered them a gift of a wedding gown. They graciously accepted and I appreciate the confidence they have in my abilities. I say this because not all in my family have done so in the past. I always enjoy working on gowns for family members, it is fulfilling.

We have been discussing designs via email the past few weeks with sketches and photos sent back and forth. The design has now been decided and I am excited to embark on this project soon. Ming's kind words of 'I absolutely trust you' also makes me want to do my best.

I'll be heading to Hong Kong and China for a holiday come August. I intend to bring the dress along for a fitting then. It will be fun.

Photo of Ming and Roy shot in Kuala Lumpur in January.

Cafes

I like visiting cafes, be it in town or when I am traveling. Thing is, I don't drink coffee but that hasn't stopped me from enjoying a chocolate or tea. I sometimes work in a cafe, writing, answering emails, but most times, I am happy just to have some solitude, reading a magazine amid pleasant surrounds.

Lately, I have had a craving for cakes, don't ask me why, the result of which is that I am finding myself being drawn towards spending more time in such establishments. Looks like the calories are inevitable and are a foregone conclusion.

I guess what this means is that I'll have to swim more. The sacrifices one has to make to indulge.

Photo of Bitter Sweet in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.

Buble

I had wanted to go watch Michael Buble's concert but as usual left it to the last minute and was told that tickets were sold out. Then I saw a friend's status on Facebook indicating that she wouldn't be able to attend and had tickets to sell, fairly pricey tickets too at RM850 a piece.

An afternoon tea and some business talk later, I had my tickets. Suffice to say whatever deal I made was worth it. Fab singing, fab songs, fab moves, fab cajoling. My only complaint - below par air conditioning and needless to say, the toilets at the stadium. I was also hoping to hear this song live but alas it was not in his repertoire that evening.

I have in the past missed many a concert because of procrastination. I've learnt my lesson. In future, I'll be quick to pounce on tickets. Slap me if I don't!

Michael Buble's Crazy Love Tour.