Oh glorious weekend!

'Yellow' everyone!

Finally, the long weekend is here! I'm sooooooooooo happy. I'm determined to enjoy my oh-so-very-short 'holiday' to the max. I'm planning to:

- Finish 'When God Writes Your Love Story' book

- Go to the gym on Saturday morning (pump + combat combo!

- Dye my hair (yeap, my roots are showing!)

- Do major-clean up in the house

- Finished delayed craft projects

- Indulge in DVDs and K-Dramas... hihihi :)

- Sleep in on Monday morning and doing absolutely nothing for the whole day (aside from gym)

- Finished blog layout design requests (I will post the finished 'products' here later on)

- Spend some time with my beloved friends and do goofy things together! always fun!

- Call my mom (again!) and chat chat chatty-chat

- Annoy my lil sis :P through unimportant MSN conversations

- Look for inspiration for new designs and projects

- Make that long-awaited Tiramisu for my friends (if I'm not lazy... hahaha)

Or...

Stuff the entire list, just relax and do whatever comes :P

Anyhoo, in regards of 'celebrating' the arrival of long weekend, my friends and I tried on the new Korean restaurant in Victoria Park last night. It was... ALL YOU CAN EAT. Oh my goodness! This place is bad for me! And true enough, I kept on eating and eating and eating - and now my tummy is bulging. Gosh. But it was good :P

To tell you the truth, I am in the process of launching another blog that my friends thought I should do. I've set up the name and everything, however, there are bits of things that I need to 'get' before I could even start the blog... to name a few, a proper digital camera to take pictures for the blog. I never owned my own digicam (ok, laugh all you wantttt), always wanted one - since I gave up on my mobile's camera. It's pathetic *sigh*.

I am currently in love with Nikon's Coolpix 10 megapixel camera... but it costs a fortune hey. My mom and dad are going to China really really soon and I've been told that it's waaaaaaaaay cheaper there, so I told her to get one for me. I hope they get it! Consider it as an early birthday present, hey mom?

Ok, I think I'm going to stop here. Oh by the way, if you noticed below, I've inserted a 'signature' at the end of my post. This signature is going to be in every post I made because I think it 'personalises' the post more... And, to all drivers out there, be careful when you drive, double demerit points this long weekend, guys!

Have a great LONG weekend, everybody. Til then :)

Oh glorious weekend!

Seriously not my day.

Mood: @#$%^&*!!

Listening to: Estelle (feat Kanye West) - American Boy

There are two things that totally bummed me out today.

My leave application for late August was not approved by my boss.

I was planning to go back to Indonesia in late August to be with my family, because during October-February we were not allowed to take any leave at work due to busy times at work during those months, which is fair enough. So, I thought to myself "maybe it's a good idea to go home late August since my sis will have her holiday too, so we can be together in Indo for a couple of weeks".

With great expectations, I've submitted my leave application form last week to my boss to find out today that it was not approved! The reason was because I haven't been there for a year, that means I'm not 'entitled' for annual leave. However, that guy who works in the workshop - which hasn't work with us a year (maybe, nearly - but not quite) has already have around 4 weeks holiday before this month AND he's leaving for another 2 weeks holiday next week! I'm like... what the heck is happening??!! this is so unfair! :(

I told my mum just now, and she was quite sad about the idea of us not being able to be with each other in August... however, she really wants to see me, so she said she wants to go here around that time to visit me, with my dad and my lil sis! yeaaaaaaaaaaaaaaayyy!! I miss them so much I could cry, honestly! My dad has never been to Perth before, and he's so eager to see the landscape (he can't help himself, really. What's an Architect to do, hey?) in Perth, which I believe is one of the best in the world.

So, fingers crossed! Hopefully they will be able to come here and see me...

Due to *new* company policy, Internet and E-mail are RESTRICTED for private use.

Okay, let's face it... we - working class people - loved to forward funny e-mails and browse here and there when we feel that we 'had enough for the moment' and needed time to unwind. We e-mailed each other at work, just talking about random stuff to boost up our mood, or to organize what we should be doing on the weekend and what not. I was one of those people.

I think it was bad luck, my boss noticed the 'excessive amount of Internet usage' that's coming out and to my address. Most of them are forwarded e-mails (which made my day and also my colleagues, mind you) and of course, the occassional browsing on the internet when I feel bored and have nothing to do. She reckons that it slowed down the productivity of the company, EVENTHOUGH she admits that I've done a fabulous job in my department and never lack of anything.

So... she gave me a formal warning. A stupid FORMAL WARNING of using the Internet. Seriously, I think this is ridiculous. We need a break every now and then, and funny e-mails helped us to do just that! Sure, I can totally stopped the browsing, but WHAT IF I need to check something urgently in my bank account through the Internet? It's not like I'm on the net for hours and hours, and not doing my job. I concentrate on the job until it's finished, and when it's finished and I don't have anything to do.. then I browse for a couple of minutes. That's it! Gosh, I'm so pissed off. What she didn't know that my colleagues done the same thing, and I was the one who 'got caught'. Totally unfair.

Whoo-sahhhhhhhhhhhhhhh....

I have nothing left to say. Honestly, I'm just so pissed off now. Thank goodness for combat class - to channel my 'anger' and 'rage' into jabs, hooks, upper-cuts, front-kicks, jump-kicks, side-kicks, roundhouse-kicks, etc etc. T'was a good exercise today. But... I got so hungry I actually ate Indomie for dinner. There goes my effort to lose calories *sigh*.

Oh well, Thursday's here. One more day before the long weekend is here. Hang in there, friends!

xoxo

Seriously not my day.

Update - and more updates

Good morning, Upper-East Siders :)

As you might have noticed, I slightly changed my blog appearance a lil bit. You can tell that I was bored, hey? I loved the banner my lil sis made for me, however I just felt that I need a little change in my oh-so-stagnant life. So my blog was the first one I ‘renovated’. The new banner is much simpler than the old one – because I feel that I need some simplicity in my life. I kinda like the effect that the pattern of my background is embedded into the letters – make the title kind of like it was cut out from the white ‘paper’ that I ‘wrote’ my blog on, doncha think?

I also changed the title of my blog into ‘Pretty Little Corner’. The reason is simple, because I wrote my blog post usually in my room which is in the corner of the house, and I considered my room as pretty (a girl has to take pride in her room!). It’s my fortress of solitude – where all the sleeping in and being lazy happened thoughts and ideas come out of nowhere. One day I’ll post pictures of my ‘pretty little corner’ here for you to see.


Anyway, on a more random note, I’ve watched Indiana Jones & The Kingdom of Crystal Skull last night with friends. I’ve been adoring Indy’s adventures since I was a kid and been watching all three movies over and over again. My favourite out of three was The Last Crusade. I reckon that was the funniest – perhaps because Sean Connery was there starring as Indy’s father, which added major points to the comic relief. I’ve always been fascinated by adventure stories like these and Indy is definitely one of my favourite.

However…

I was disappointed when I watched The Kingdom of Crystal Skull. I expected the usual Indiana’s style of adventure – with artefacts, ancient history, the puzzles, the riddles and what not. This one didn’t have enough of it. Instead, there’s Extra Terrestrial involved in this. I’m like ‘what the?’. Me no likey. Maybe because Steven Spielberg directed this movie – he just couldn’t resist to put a lil bit of ET in it? Or maybe I was expecting too much of this movie…

Well, to my consolation, there’s the hot Shia LaBeouf in it, so I’m pretty much consoled HAHA. But yes, despite all that, it’s good to see Indy in action again with his trademark fedora hat and that famous theme song – and who would’ve thought he would marry Marianne Ravenwood (from Raides of The Lost Ark) and found out that he had a son! Hmm… what are the chances of Shia LaBeouf becoming the next Indiana Jones (they did share the name Henry Jones :P).

Oh yes, this weekend is LONG WEEKEND.

YEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAY!!

I’m so looking forward to itttttttttttttttt (notice the excitement in my tone? hehe)

I have so many things I want to do this weekend. I've finished the new episodes of Gossip Girl all the way, also 2nd season of Heroes and Psych. Carol lend me the korean drama 'Princess Hours' too, so maybe that's my next indulgement for this weekend? I am known of my capabilities to wrap up the entire season of TV series in one hit :P.

Too excited, I don’t even know where to start... I’ll keep you posted!

Over and out people, have a great day!

xoxo

Update - and more updates

Persuasion

“…there could have been no two hearts so open, no tastes so similar, no feelings so in unison, no countenances so beloved”

(Jane Austen's "Persuasion", Chapter 8, Pharagraph 3)

Persuasion

Simpletons

Mood: thoughtful

Listening to: Colbie Caillat - Magic

Aloha people!

A friend of mine forwarded this email to me with a video of a cute lil baby boy who laughed histerically over paper-tearing! It's hilarious to see how he laughed - seemed like he was enjoying himself so much he didn't care about anything else. It's true, baby does not need expensive toys, so we could forget Toy shopping for Christmas and birthdays for them?

Anyway, it got me thinking. When was the last time we laughed like he laughed? When was the last time you enjoyed simple pleasures in life without getting distracted by your routines or responsibilities? Since when did we become 'complicated' and not being the 'simpletons' that we were?

Ah, I remembered when I was a little girl. I had a happy childhood, I must say. I remembered of not having to care about the world's problems, of not feeling like you have the burden of the world on your shoulders. The only problems you face were whether you are able to watch your favorite cartoon without finishing your homework first (turned out to be that you CAN'T *sigh*), whether your mum and dad would buy you that toy you want so badly (and for my case, it was a Goggle Pink figurine... I know) or what to play with your friends on a weekend afternoon.

As we grow up, our eyes has been opened to all the imperfections of life. People disappointed you, friends betrayed you, your plans don't work, you're not happy with yourself and so on and so forth. How did we get here? How did we forget to love life itself? We only have one shot in life, better make it count, right?

Life is complicated as it is, do not complicate it even more. Keep it simple. Live your day one day at a time. Sure, you've set your short-term and long-term goals - keep trying to fulfill it at your best capabilities, but don't stress yourself too much. Yeah, I'm preaching to the choir. Being an overthinker, I often stressed myself out. I think about things too much, feel too much, and without I realize it, I've depressed myself. I forgot how to 'enjoy' life and all the things that comes with it. After all my blog does entitled 'Life, Love and Laughter' and I should live up to it.

What are my simple pleasure in life... I asked myself that very question tonight. I believe that it's your friends and family who made your world, no matter where. Perth - as boring as it is - seemed so much more fun when you have your loved ones around you. Your joys seemed to doubled and your sorrows seemed to eased.

I hope that we all could laugh like that lil cute baby everyday of our lives :)

xoxo

Simpletons

Insomnia

Mood: lost?
Listening to: One Republic - Stop & Stare

Have you ever had one of those sleepless nights when your mind just keep wandering off and your brain - magically - couldn't stop thinking and by the time you look at the clock it's time to wake up and get ready for work?

I just had one of those episodes last night. I slept around 1 am, and to my dismay, woke up at 4:30 am - and just couldn't go back to sleep. I stayed in bed the whole time, tried to close my eyes, turning around here and there, fixed my pillow, counted sheeps, and what not - but still, I was awake. This could only mean : I am stressing, worrying and freaking out about things. Overthinker, that's what I am.

I have been dealing with this certain issue most of my life. It's weird because sometimes we don't seem to learn from our own mistakes. Even though I've tried SO HARD to avoid it, to fix it, to plan ahead, cut back on things and stuff - the issue seems not to have left you. It brings you down, it haunts you in moments that you've least expected it to happen and certainly, you don't need that to happen. You've got enough in your plate - and usually, your default reaction will be "Oh, GREAT! Now this happen? Could it be any worse?!!"

To be honest, I'm not happy with myself at the moment. I know I shouldn't - but I can't help it. It frustrates me that I seem to have not yet achieve anything major in my life - academically, financially, spiritually, mentally - pretty pathetic for someone my age. I can't really complain about it though since most of what I'm facing right now were results from careless decision making. So yea, have to live with the consequences, I guess. That's seems fair. But I've had enough! I'm trying to move forward but it feels like I'm going nowhere.

They say, "What doesn't kill you, makes you stronger" - but sometimes you think enough is enough. It's like we want the quick fix, the shortcut to make it all go away. Oh, how I wished I could talk to a butterfly and ask how did it feel being trapped in the cocoon for so long before the catepillar morphed into a butterfly? how painful was the process of the ugly duckling growing up into a beautiful swan? I don't think I will ever be a swan or a butterfly. It feels like I'm stuck in a middle of nowhere, not knowing where to go or what's the next step to take. Selfishly, I want to be happy with my life, not just feel content about it.

Or maybe, I am too proud to admit that I couldn't do it by myself? I thought I've learned that God's powers are way greater than human? I've thought that I have faith in Him? My plate's full and I refused to give it away to God? He did say "cast all your anxieties on Me and I will give you peace". I thought I was doing that already? Apparently not.

Was I just blabbering and making no sense at all?

Haha. Blame my lack of sleep last night. Oh well, I'll just enjoy my dark chocolate now - my aphrodisiac and hopefully I feel better by the end of the day. It's tough being an overthinker :P

Happy Thursday everyone, tomorrow's Friday. YAAAAAAAAY :)

xoxo

Insomnia

My huckleberry friend, moonriver and me

Hello guys!

Just wanting to share with you guys one of my favorite songs, from one of my favorite movies, sung by one of my favorite actresses - the late Audrey Hepburn. Who could get enough of Breakfast At Tiffany's, My Fair Lady or Sabrina?

They don't make movies like these anymore, do they? Classic, effortlessly beautiful and timeless. Audrey Hepburn sure was a beauty - so chic, elegant and classy. I don't think anyone could ever have the same charm as her.

Anyway, here's a short clip from the movie 'Breakfast At Tiffany's' with the famous song 'Moonriver'. I still got goosebumps everytime I watch the movie! So I hope you guys will love it as much as I do... Where's my huckleberry friend?

Moon river wider than a mile

I'm crossing you in style someday

You dream maker, you heartbreaker

Wherever you're going, I'm going your way...

Two drifters off to see the world

There's such a lot of world to see

We're after the same rainbow's end

Waiting round the band

My huckleberry friend, moon river

And me...

***

My huckleberry friend, moonriver and me

Love of my life

Today (11/05/08) is Mother's Day in Australia. So I just want to say Happy Mother's Day to all mothers out there (and mother-to-bes). Come on guys, don't forget to tell your mum that you love her and take her out or something for the day. Shower her with praises, compliments, gifts, you name it - as you would need to do everyday.

Due to this occassion, I would like to introduce the most special person in my life to you. My dearest mommy. I haven't talk about her much in this blog, but I really want you to know what sort of person she is and why she means more than the world to me.

Mom & I - at my graduation day which she said was one of the proudest moments in her life

I know I know, I looked nothing like her. She's tall, has sort of 'dutch' foreign look (as my grandfather's dad had dutch genetics in him - blame my dad's strong chinese genetics on why I don't look like my mom at all!), slender and very calm. She's exactly the opposite of me who's reckless, loud and a lil bit of a daredevil. She's quite a shy person and she's really nice to everyone - again, nothing like me :P

I am very close to my mom - especially since I'm the eldest in the family. My mom, my lil sis and I would spend the night talking to each other in her bedroom about random stuff, laughing at each other, doing silly faces or just watching whatever show that's on the TV while she dozed off to sleep and I will annoy her until she wakes up hehehe. We love the same food, had the same taste in clothes, same size of shoes, tops and pants (not anymore, I think! I'm way fatter than she is).

Of course, like any normal child, despite my closeness with her, there are times I considered her as 'annoying'. The time when she gets naggy, especially. "You are too fat, you HAVE to go on a diet and lose 10 kgs!" - "Why do you have pimples in your face, put some acne cream on!" - "Don't eat too much." - "Save up, don't go shopping all the time!" - "No, you cannot have this." - "You have to set an example for your sister." and what not. Oh, how I loved for her not to be around me at those times. I guess, living far away from your family do have its benefit. You became independent and not depended on your parents anymore. You can do pretty much whatever you want without needing their approval and stuff.

About two years ago, my mom found a lump on her left breast. She refused to get it check despite the countless effort and 'nagging' from me and my sis to get it looked at by a specialist due to reasons like 'I don't want to spend more money on silly stuff like this - I want your sister to get into a good school'. Still, in the midst of her sickness, she thinks of other people. She still managed to tell me not to worry as she would be fine. Thanks to my lil sis, she managed to get my mom to see a doctor - and there it was... the verdict. She was diagnosed with a stadium three breast cancer.

After the diagnoses, my mom went through a painful chemo process. She became thin, her skin was darker, she had bigger eye bags, and of course, the scary hair-loss. She will vomit all the time and then she finally shaved her hair completely. The sad thing is, I wasn't there. I wasn't there with her through the whole process. I was here, in Perth, working. I really wanted to come home but I couldn't afford to do it. It was so hard knowing that she suffered so much and I wasn't there even if I really want to - like how she was there everytime I was sick, nurturing me back to health.

Dad, my lil sis and mom - during her chemo

I actually considered on going back for good to Indonesia to be with her, but she rejected the idea. "Life is so much better for you in Australia. Stay there and make it work. I know you can do it..".

Seeing her sick - hurts me a lot. Made me realize how much I love my mom. She meant more than the world to me, I wouldn't trade her with anyone else or for anything else. I would rather hear her nagging me all the time rather than not hearing her voice at all. She's my role-model, one of the bravest women I've ever known. The one that loved me for who I am not for who I could be. The one who no matter what, will support me. Everything seems so much easier and lighter when I'm with her and she said it all the time... "My greatest joy is to have my two daughters here with me...". She is my greatest joy and it's sad that I have to realize this because she was not well.

I don't know what I would do if she's not here with me anymore. If she's not with me, how can I be me?

She had her left breast taken out and the doctors told her that she was 'clean'. However, recently they found something in her left shoulder... and both of her arms started to ache and hurt. The doctors don't know what it is yet - however she was told that it might be the cancer, spreading. Oh God, please no...

To be honest, at this very minute, I am worried about her. I couldn't stop thinking about it. Oh, how I long to be with her... and held her in my arms, telling her that I will be with her every step of her ways. She needs to fight this for herself... and just because I am selfish, for me. Because I could not exist if she's not with me.

The one thing that I ask from God is this... please let her remember that I love her forever and ever and not let her forget that. Please grant me time, to be with her and to actually make her proud. Please let her know that she's not alone. Please let her know that she means everything to me. Please allow me to repay her love and kindness. I'd do anything to keep her with me as long as I can. So friends, please do pray for her as well... I really need all the prayers that my mom could get, I know that God listens to our prayers...

So, mommy... Happy Mother's Day. I am thanking God for the beautiful mom He has blessed me with. You are beautiful and strong, inside and out. I couldn't ask for a better mom than you... It hurts me seeing you hurt, and although I'm not there in body - I am constantly praying and thinking about you and I would NEVER stop loving you. You are, indeed, the love of my life. Please be well... I don't want to be without you. I wish you were here with me or I was there with you. So many things I want to tell you, so many things I want to achieve for you. Let me live my dreams for you - and I want you there watching me as I live it.

I love you, mom. Always have, always will.

Missing you each and everyday,

your daughter.

PS: You know those times when I told you to not treat me like a child anymore? Guess what... I am still your little girl and there won't be a time that I don't need you by my side.

***

Love of my life

A Tear & A Smile

I would not exchange the sorrows of my heart

for the joys of the multitude.

And I would not have the tears that sadness makes to flow

from my every part turn into laughter.

I would that my life remain a tear and a smile.

A tear to purify my heart and give me understanding

of life's secrets and hidden things.

A smile to draw me high to the sons of my kind

and to be a symbol of my glorification of the gods.

A tear to unite me with those of broken heart;

a smile to be a sign of my joy in existence.

I would rather that I died in yearning and longing

than that I lived weary and despairing.

I want the hunger for love and beauty

to be in the depths of my spirit,

for I have seen those who are satisfied the most wretched of people.

I have heard the sigh of those in yearning and longing,

and it is sweeter than the sweetest melody.

With evening's coming the flower folds her petals and sleeps,

embracing her longing.

At morning's approach she opens her lips to meet the sun's kiss.

The life of a flower is longing and fulfillment.

A tear and a smile.

The waters of the sea become vapor and rise

and come together and are a cloud.

And the cloud floats above the hills and valleys

until it meets the gentle breeze,

then falls weeping to the fields and joins with the brooks

and rivers to return to the sea, its home.

The life of clouds is a parting and a meeting.

A tear and a smile.

And so does the spirit become separated from the greater spirit

to move in the world of matter

and pass as a cloud over the mountain of sorrow

and the plains of joy to meet the breeze of death

and return whence it came...

To the ocean of Love and Beauty --- to God.

(Kahlil Gibran - A Tear & A Smile, 1914)

***

A Tear & A Smile

Soul Searching

Mood: nostalgic

Listening to: Lingua - Bila Ku Ingat

As you might have noticed on my sidebar to your right - I've been reading a book by Eric & Leslie Lundy titled "When God Writes Your Love Story". I haven't finished the book yet (half way through! I'm planning to finish it by this weekend) but this book has made me think about stuff that I don't actually want to think about (or I deny to think about?).

Everyone needs someone. A soulmate, as they call that certain person. They even have an entry in the Dictionary. According to them, a soulmate is a person with whom one has a strong affinity/attraction. The origin of this 'soulmate' concept was not clear, but I found as I typed the word 'soulmate' in Wikipedia one of the theory of soulmate was from Aristophanes in Plato's Symposium is that that humans originally were combined of four arms, four legs, and a single head made of two faces, but Zeus feared their power and split them all in half, condemning them to spending their lives searching for the other half to complete them.

A bit freaky, isn't it? :P

One of the most popular questions that people asked me was "So, have you had a boyfriend yet?", "When are you getting married?", "So, who's the lucky guy?" - and so on and so forth. These questions especially came from my family in Indo. Well, to you guys who are not Asians - it's kind of uncommon for a young lady my age to not have a boyfriend or a fiancee or not planning a wedding (your own, that is). The fact is, almost all of my friends which have the same age (or similar) as mine had been married. And (maybe) it kills my family to see me not even having a boyfriend.

Ok, it's been seven years since I last had one (yeap, it was in highschool. and yes, I'm pathetic!) but I'd rather not rush it. Easy comes, easy goes - they say. Some people called me a 'perfectionist' and I'm too picky... but I think you can never be too careful about these kind of things, right? You don't want to spend the rest of your life with the wrong person and be miserable. Better safe than sorry.

I guess, I'm a bit traumatized by relationships. Most of the one that I had been in left me broken hearted and in tears, even looking at what my parents had been through made me a bit scared to trust that opposite sex. I think I'm cursed that way hahaha. Ironic, really. I don't want to feel this way, but I do. Don't get me wrong, I'm enjoying my time being single - exploring my capabilities, my skills, my personality, etc.

But yeah, finally - after years of 'single and fabulous' moments - I do feel a bit lonely, especially when most of the friends your age are married (or planning one), building houses together, went on to family dinners from both side of the family - it kind of singled you out even though they didn't mean to. Luckily, I have my friends here which, even though they are married or planning to get married soon, they didn't ruled you out of activities and we actually get along really really well (too well sometimes, haha).

Because of that book, I'm beginning to 'think' about it a lot... After all, I am turning 24 this year and it'd be nice to have someone in your life (apart from your family n friends) that you can count on. I am waiting on God's appointed time to actually meet the appointed one. Let God take your pen away from you, and write you a beautiful Love Story that would last forever...

Incompatible, it don't matter though

'cos someone's bound to hear my cry

Speak out if you do

You're not easy to find

Is it possible Mr. Loveable

Is already in my life?

Right in front of me

Or maybe you're in disguise?

Who doesn't long for someone to hold

Who knows how to love you without being told

Somebody tell me why I'm on my own

If there's a soulmate for everyone

Here we are again, circles never end

How do I find the perfect fit

There's enough for everyone

But I'm still waiting in line

(Natasha Bedingfield - Soulmate)

xoxo

Soul Searching

If the shoe fits, wear it.

Mood: impatiently waiting for Friday

Listening to: Jordin Sparks & Chris Brown - No Air

If there's one thing I can fill up my wardrobe with, it would be shoes. Please ask my friends around - I do have a thing for shoes. Why? Because no matter how fat we get, how old we get - shoes, will always be the same. Most of my clothes are pretty safe and plain, but I always play it up with shoes (and bags, and accessories - yes I'm big on those things!). I love my shoes, and my shoes love me. The feeling's mutual, you see :)

I watched Sex And The City reruns last night on Arena channel. The episode was when Carrie lost her beloved 'Sedaraby' Manolo Blahnik (pictured here) at a party where she was forced to take them off - and some girl with (obviously) excellent taste in shoes ran off with her beautiful new silver-sparkly shoes. Carrie was devastated and told the host of the party - however, instead of offering to pay Carrie back for the lost Manolo, she refused to do so and told her that "I don't need to pay for your extravagant lifestyle". The host used to be one of the Manolo devotees - until she got married and have kids.

However, Carrie spent a lot of money for this host. She bought her engagement presents, wedding presents, and of course baby shower gifts for child number one, two, and the latest - three. She spent a significant amount of money for this woman, and this woman refused to pay back $485 for her lost Manolo Blahnik. While Carrie respected and celebrated the host's life choices, the host refused to celebrate Carrie's.

Sometimes in life, we forgot to celebrate other people's life choices - or to just simply understand what they are going through. Of course, we all have our own opinions on things - and maybe some time, we are right. But you won't ever know and fully understand what they are going through unless you are in their shoes.

For example, I have this girl at work (to protect her privacy, let's call her Miss R) who has very wealthy parents and leads very extravagant lifestyle. Her shoes is Chanel, her bag is Balenciaga, her sunnies is Chloe, her necklaces and rings are Tiffany's, and so on and so forth. Sure, there's nothing wrong with being rich - and when you got it, flaunt it - which is very humanly for everyone. It's our pride, and God forgives, sometimes we can't help it.

Then one day, I was out for a walk at lunch time with her, and my other colleagues. We went to Target, and I saw this really cute open toe black patent sling-back shoes which was on sale for $20. I was so excited, and when I tried it on, it did look good! But as I expressed my excitement and my intention on buying it, Miss R said to me "Annie, what are you doing buying cheap shoes???!!!" with a disgusted look on her face. I was speechless, but then my other colleague, Alison, said "buying cheap stuff is fun, and when you get tired of them or they wore out, you could just chuck them in the bin without feeling guilty." and Miss R was laughing.

That's not the first time she said it. She hurts many people in this matter, when she expressed her 'objection' of the 'cheap stuff' that we are wearing. Well, too bad so sad - not all of us has rich parents to begin with, and not all of us still got monthly allowances from our parents (and they still pay for our rent/mortgages). Sure, life will be beautiful if all of us could have those - but unfortunately not.

People lead different lives - therefore, people have different situations. We need to stop expecting (and sometimes, forcing) people to come up to our standard. People are born unique - different capabilities, different calling in their lives, different talents, different point of view of things, different desires, different dreams/goals. The best thing we need to do as a friend is understanding them - because sometimes they just need to be understood and listened to without us strongly expressing our opinions.

Sure, we will always pray for them and support them in prayer, but it's time for us to start wearing their shoes and ponder how does it feel like walking in them.

Of course, life is a perpetual learning process. That's why it needs time for us to learn this, but the point, my friends, is that we are learning.

xoxo

If the shoe fits, wear it.

Hello, Sunflower...

Shall I compare thee to a summer's day?

Thou art more lovely and more temperate:

Rough winds do shake the darling buds of May,

And summer's lease hath all too short a date:

Sometimes too hot the eye of heaven shines,

And often is his gold complexion dimmed;

And every fair from fair sometimes declines,

By chance or nature's changing course untrimmed;

But thy eternal summer shall not fade,

Nor lose possession of that fair thou ow'st;

Nor shall death brag thou wander'st in his shade,

When in eternal lines to time thou grow'st:

So long as men can breathe, or eyes can see,

So long lives this, and this gives life to thee.

(Sonnet #18 - William Shakespeare)

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Hello, Sunflower...