Humbled by a compliment

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I believe anybody would consider being able to change someone, for the better, as an achievement of a lifetime. Especially when you didn’t intend to do it. That by just being yourself, you’ve brought change. 

Hence I was totally humbled when a colleague/boss told me how the whole project (process) team – 15 of us – changed, for the better, after I joined the team. How a once non-interactive team got more engaged and finally truly acted as a team just by being my communicative self. 

I didn’t see the compliment coming, who would?! Especially since I joined at month 4 and hence my role wasn’t as lead, not even for a dedicated unit. 

But indeed, if I would be honest with myself, I could see some change. No, not the whole team – even if I be truly truly honest to the core, I could not see the whole team had changed just because of me. But I did see the difference in a few people. How they got more passionate with their work, where before, there was lacklustre; and how a few became happier and more communicative. Was it because of me?! I wouldn’t dare claim that. They most likely just realised something within the month of my joining the project. 

Nevertheless, dear colleague/boss/mentor, I am deeply grateful that you think so highly of me. I am truly humbled. 

Mark Twain said, “I can live for two months on a good compliment”. 

Your compliment, however, will last me a lifetime and will continue to inspire me to be a better person than I was yesterday. Thank you. 

life with a kindergartener: water balloons 

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The day we got back from our Golden week vacation, you asked us to buy the water balloons on our trip to the grocery. And so for more than a week, we pumped water into your balloon, one per bath time until they couldn’t fit the basin anymore. Thankfully, you then stopped requesting to create new ones. 

Ever since a week after the first ballon was made, I’ve been egging you to try to burst the balloon by throwing them on the bathroom wall. Anything, just to burst them. I was already starting to cringe as I think of the warm water stored in the balloon that’s getting “older” by the day. Molds. Mildew. Fiends. However you would cry just with the mere mention of “burst”. 

A month passed by and I already was on the verge of begging you. Six weeks after and I was already begging you. But you always say no and even asked me to make a promise that I wouldn’t burst them. I asked why? Then you said something magical. 

You and Daddy made it. I don’t want it to burst. 

And that was it. I didn’t egg you from then on. Second month passed by. Nine weeks. And then early this week when you had your bonding day with Daddy as I took the Japanese exam, Daddy bought you a water gun. The balloons stayed on the bath corner as you got passionate with your gun. 

This evening though, you were playing with the balloons and were stretching them. Until one reached its bursting pressure. You cried and then said we could refill it again. Told you it’s impossible as it was already torn. I was already cringing with how the old water inside the balloon went to the water in the tub. And I told you so, about how dirty the water must be inside. And so then, while holding your water gun, you gave your go signal to burst the balloons albeit in a lacklustre manner. You did say bye to the balloons though. 

Pretty soon I’d probably be fixating next on the molds on your water gun. And I know what you’d say then – “Daddy bought it for me!”

Keep that lovely character you have, my sweet. 

life with a kindergartener: in which Yui’s EQ is higher than mine

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When I saw the My Little Pony plush toys on Sony Plaza I was totally ecstatic. Thought it’s the perfect gift for Yui for her birthday. But it’s still early July, her birthday’s still three months away. So every week I made sure to drop by the store to check if the set was still there. 

And then last week Twilight Sparkle was gone! I instantly grabbed Fluttershy and Rarity and then looked for a staff so I could order Twilight Sparkle. But then that day Daddy was on business trip which means Yui and I will have dinner out which means there’ll be more time for Yui to ask what the package is for. However, I just couldn’t let go. Crossing my fingers that Yui will not ask what the big paperbag is for, I went ahead and bought and ordered the plushies. 

Whilst picking Yui up, and on our way to the restaurant, there wasn’t any fuss. But while waiting for our food, boredom hit her and it was then she noticed the package and asked about it. Of course I was very excited to see her excited reaction so I was almost holding my breath when I told her that it was Mom and Dad’s gift for her birthday. But that since her birthday is still in September, she couldn’t open it yet. Her shoulders dropped, her cheerful face frowning as she let out a sigh after “Aaaahhh”.

But that’s that. Within thirty seconds after my explanation, she readily and cheerfully said, “OK!”.

I let out a gasp. What?! And in my head, I was like, “oh please force me to let you open it. Please please please”. 

But Yui moved on and didn’t force me anymore. Now I’m the one suffering because my EQ is not enough to last me till September. 

Twilight Sparkle arrived three days ago. Now considering to give the plushies this weekend. I-could-not-stand-the-thrill-anymore. 

The Examined Life

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Realised it’s been a month since my last post. Been so busy recently I’ve been giving up some of my passions – writing, reading a good book. Ah, I miss being passionate about a book. Been having working lunches for the past two weeks in that even the one hour that I could study Nihongo has been taken away from me. 

I could go on and blame the person who’s behind this busyness. But no I shouldn’t. He probably is also in hot water because he left (for vacation!) at a very crucial time. 

So I just have to count the blessings and look at the positive side of things. That Hubs has been very supportive of my schedule and knows when I’m on short fuse. That Yui is such a sweet darling, that she is. That I could recommend ways that paved for huge cost savings. That (hopefully) my efforts will reach far. I can only hope and pray. 

6th for A&M

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Today was laid back and nice; the weather beautiful and perfect for walking around after Church. Perfect for reflections and thanksgiving, most specially since Yui didn’t throw any tantrum and was such a big sport at the museum – totally had her voice down the whole time! 

But what really touched me was how Yui highlighted our anniversary day, twice today. 

We walked by a billboard with a woman on a wedding dress and her man looking at her. Yui stopped and exclaimed excitedly that “Mommy also wore the same beautiful dress and Daddy was the Prince! And then you both danced!”

Later, while we were sitting and waiting for the bus, Yui, seated between us, gathered both our heads together and exclaimed happily, “Mommy, Daddy, happily ever after ne! Yui wa, dou ka na; mada ka na (how about Yui; maybe it’s not yet my time)”. That last sentence she uttered with a sigh. 

There’s much to be thankful for. But we are most thankful for you, dear Yui, for the person that you are. Little still, yet big of heart.