Tag Archives: count thy blessings

Humbled by a compliment

Posted on by

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. 

a bouquet for Mommy

Posted on by

Hubs and our toddler went out for a walk in Hubs’ childhood neighbourhood. They came back showing me videos and photos of their walk, showing how passionate Yui became (or more like how she went amok) when she saw a statue of a horse. 

Apart from the stories though, they brought home a priceless treasure too. With Yui in Hubs’ arms, she handed me this teeny weeny bouquet of wild flowers which she and her Dad picked up and which Dad bundled to make a bouquet. 

Priceless. 

Thank you A and Anak. But above all, I thank God for sending you both to me. 

写真 1

 

 

baby diaries: love

Posted on by

It’s past one and I know I should already be off to bed I could just not stop looking at you while you sleep. I thought I’d only be loosing sleep like this – gazing at you – when you’re in your infancy. But it has continued well into your toddlerhood, and probably well into your adulthood as long as we live under the same roof.

It’s inexplicable joy when you’ve met and married the man/woman you’ve been dreaming of since you were a kid. But having your own baby is a whole lot different experience that most of times, it could make a 180degrees change in you. When I was single (and some months during our married life) I wasn’t working overtime, weekends were mostly spent only on sleeping and movies and sleeping. Having a baby, there are times you find yourself about to ask, “sleep? What word is that?” .

Still Anak, the joy you bring to Daddy and Mommy and the myriad of emotions (most prominent of which is worry about your well being) and ideas you spark within us is incomparable.

From Mom and Dad, thank you. Grow up well.

a Wonderful God

Posted on by

This autumn had been exceptionally beautiful. With our schedule being loaded, preparing for something new in our lives, we didn’t have the luxury this year to go sightseeing autumn’s wonderful colours. Nevertheless, no matter how busy we were (and once there was a week when our hearts were really troubled), we still had the chance to pause and try to catch our breath as we looked at God’s wonderful creation. Cloudless blue skies, tree trunks so dark, ground matted with yellow, gold and red, colours heightened by the setting sun. Snow-topped Fuji against the backdrop of the blue sky; against a golden sky; against a sky with hue of pinks, purples, reds and blues. My heart can only sing praises of You, dear God as we look on.

IMG_6309.PNG

baby diaries: in which the baby comforts Mommy

Posted on by

A fellow Mom asked me last Sunday, if there are cases of other babies/kids biting Yui at daycare. My reply was that the teachers take great care to avoid such cases. And if ever there are such mishaps, they apologise extensively.

And then it happened come Monday.

When I picked Yui up at daycare, the teacher came up close to me with a grave face. And then he explained how, just after lunch time, Yui’s classmate bit Yui’s right arm. That it was very red but that they applied cold compress and medicine and that after pool time the redness was gone so that now, evening time, only a faint trace is left. I got very concerned as I’ve been seeing some pushing and kicking already even when I was there (in which in those occasions, I always scold the hitting kid).

As we walked home, I kept on asking Yui what really happened, even when I know she really couldn’t explain to me nor could I understand even if she tries I explain. In which she did try to explain, her mouth in a pout as she did so.

Come bedtime and I was stroking her back, I felt the urge to start telling her to defend herself in a non-violent way. This is very difficult considering that I need to say it in a very simple way so that my barely-two-year-old daughter could understand. In a very gentle voice, I told her to defend herself and not let others hurt her. But that she should not hurt other people as well. At every end of these three points, she nodded an agreement and a “nnnnn” (which means yes for her).

Then I told her that Mommy is worried and that I hope she would fare well in her social interactions. She then sat up, her browse furrowed as if she’s irritated about something that she remembered, all the while mumbling something. And then her face cleared as if she’s reached some resolve, her face determined and resolute. I wouldn’t have had expected to see that on the face of my barely-two-year-old daughter. But what happened next was even more incredible.

She lifted her hand to stroke my head. Then she leaned on my shoulder, put her arm around me and moved her arm up and down the way an adult would comfort someone. Amazed beyond words.

With a heart like that Anak, maybe Mommy shouldn’t worry too much; you’ll definitely do great. Yet still I pray, grow well, Anak.

20140730-013105-5465409.jpg
—————
We had a talk with the daycare staff and they profusely apologised. They also assured us that they will take extra care on those babies who have biting tendencies and also assured us that Yui is not being bullied at all by a classmate and that rather she always have a classmate or two whom she’s holding hands with. Relieved.

by invitation, 1st round

Posted on by

Quite a productive day! Covered health, some of base make and make-up. Almost all of the anti-ageing options are a given – no further discussions needed; they have to be added. But of course since everything adds up to the cost, cost-cutting has to be considered.
One thing we’re really thankful for. Yui didn’t fuss much and even looked like she’s having a very enjoyable time.

20140722-013758-5878615.jpg