Fight Fire With Kindness Is (One Of) The Hardest Thing To Do

When life gets hard. Should you get harder?

Haih, so tired today. Because of pent up anger.

You know how sometimes you know that you're done for, but you still try your best to make sure all the players on the team know where they stand, but all the players just don't wanna play ball?

I felt like I was caught in that scenario today. So much for teamwork.

But then, I am not exactly proud of myself either. I could've handled the situation better. Why fight fire with fire. Everyone loses.

I just haven't quite figured out what else one can fight fire with when you've already tired every possible solution.

Guess if you've tried it all, then.. just burn lo and rest in the fact that you'd done everything you could.

Mhm. That sums up my day.

What Is Kaya Toast Without Butter

My Kopitiam breakfast set came without the butter. Otherwise, it may have just as well been perfect.

Your surroundings shapes what you become.

I never used to break my own soft-boiled egg. But I do now.

Tomorrow is the day of the big move. Packing continues today. Perhaps after the move, with the promise of stronger wifi at home, and lesser hours spent on the commute, I will write more often. I do love writing after all. I realised.

I love it when I select a random playlist and I hear that one song that I instantly heart.

Way Back Home - SHAUN (feat. Conor Maynard) [Sam Feldt Edit] 

It's like I'm dancing among the clouds. What a feeling!

Only One Winner

Doesn't matter how hard you try. And what effort you make. And the things you do. Nothing counts anyway.

Ultimately, only one person emerges as the winner, and it'll never be me.

Every Now & Then: Trust

The higher up you get, the more you need to trust. Trust yourself to continue to do the right thing despite the pressure and expectations. Trust others that they too would do the right thing. And just trust in that trust.

So much of trusting business going around.

I don’t know if I am capable of that just yet.

Having worked 8 years of my life thus far, all my roles have been relatively easy come to think of it. Considering the fact that I was mostly in charge of just me, myself and I, and of course the work that I was tasked to complete.

It’s kind of – you just do what you got to do, do it well, deliver results and enjoy the process while you can. And repeat.

And it’s only recently that I have started to observe what it is like to be a boss. Or a superior.

When the story is no longer about just you. But larger than you. When for a fact, there is no way you can know every minute detail of how things are done. Where things are kept. Who does what and you just got to believe and trust that the people given their roles will do what is needed of them.

And not just that, but if you have tension among the team, disharmony (which has to be common), or underperforming but good intentions folks, what do you do? Turning a blind eye is not an option, but trying to resolve every conflict is just bound to tire you out and what happens to real work then? Who fixes those problems?

Evil, lazy and opportunistic bastards should just be fired. Definitely. But what if the evil, lazy and opportunistic fox actually is capable of work, but is a moral and emotional threat to the cohort? What then?

It’s at this precise moment where you probably find yourself walking the fine line of doing the right thing. What is the right thing?

I’m just glad I’m not there in life yet. Worry when it is my turn, then again, worry is for fools. I ain’t no fool.

I’m just tired from the day. Every now and then, I just get home so tired, for no apparent reason. And I just want to crash.

At least today I managed some coherent thoughts.

Life At Thirty

Why this is an important photo.

Because in our university group of friends, the 3 of us are based in Singapore together, and last week we were gathered at the airport to send Ivy off to Warsaw with her husband for their new adventure.

Who would've thought this this day would come when we were cramming for Research Methods and whatever else just 8 years ago?

So guys, really, you can plan life all you want, but speaking from experience, life is far from what we predict so live it up, and come what may.

Don't forget to smile a little, be kind to others, and be brave.

When Your Response Is A Standard - "I Am Okay"

People can be really mean sometimes. Without realising it.

 Someday (The Smile Has Left Your Eyes OST Part 1) - 이승열

"Don't trust people."

Maybe that would be easier.

Paper Crown

Paper Crown - Alec Benjamin

Just this today.

Be That Wild Child

Wild Child - Enya

Dinner snack (best) combination: Cream cracker + cream cheese spread + canned wasabi salmon.

I know. High in calories and low on nutrition. But man, I've not been on the healthiest dietary intake for awhile. Let alone minimal to zero exercise.

And while I can't seem to really be bothered, and just eat anyway, I sometimes am. Usually only when I see the bulge forming when I wear unforgiving dresses - which I should get rid off. LOL

Jacket weather. Umm nice. Explains why I got out of bed late today.

I should really go change into some gym clothes and at least attempt to sweat some. But even my attempt needs some attempting. How like that you tell me.

Ever close your eyes
Ever stop and listen
Ever feel alive
And you've nothing missing
You don't need a reason
Let the day go on and on

Let the rain fall down
Everywhere around you
Give into it now
Let the day surround you
You don't need a reason
Let the rain go on and on

What a day, what a day to take to
What a way, what a way to make it through
What a day, what a day to take to a wild child

Only take the time
From the helter skelter
Every day you find
Everything's in kilter
You don't need a reason
Let the day go on and on

Every summer sun
Every winter evening
Every spring to come
Every autumn leaving
You don't need a reason
Let it all go on and on

What a day, what a day to take to
What a way, what a way to make it through
What a day, what a day to take to a wild child

What a day, what a day to take to
What a way, what a way to make it through
What a day, what a day to take to a wild child

What a day, what a day to take to
What a way, what a way to make it through
What a day, what a day to take to

What a way, what a way to make it through
What a way, what a way to make it through
What a day, what a day to take to a wild child
What a day, what a day to take to a wild child

The Weather Today Is Beautiful

I wonder how will I conquer today?

Watched On Your Wedding Day in the cinema yesterday. I enjoyed it, but the show kind of sucker punched me in the end by not giving me the happily-ever-after ending I was hoping for. Then again, I guess it's a matter of maturity, from a certain perspective, it was a mature adult like ending. Not getting what you want in the end doesn't mean it was not a happily ever after?

To go see sunflowers, or not to?

When You Love Someone, You Make Room

Love Someone - Lukas Graham

If you love someone
And you're not afraid to lose 'em
You probably never loved someone like I do

Awww.. That said.

My right palm is so sore from bowling today. I hope it doesn't give me issues tomorrow because it's gonna be a crazy-roller-coaster-ride work week ahead. My motivation to get through it?

When checking bank account month end.

And watching Please Take Care of My Refrigerator makes me wanna date a chef.

Hey. A girl can hope!

Let's go, updates!

If you're an avid follower, you'd remember there was a time I insisted that the more I blog, the more stressed I am. It still rings true today.

Not that I'm stressed today, I just kinda remembered the need to update.

I just had a cream cheese sandwich = two slices of bread, and cream cheese spread. I didn't even toast my bread. Too hungry for that. Plus I already had FOUR slices of toast this morning. These hunger pangs, not funny.

I super love my manicure and pedicure colors. Just looking at them makes me so so happy.

My plan to move home is no longer on track. The landlord-not-to-be pulled a fast one on us. I'm still peeved but I'm reminded to live and let live.

I've heard so much about Lion King / seen so many friends post about Lion King online that despite not being able to find anyone to go with me, I've bought tickets to go watch it alone this weekend. #foreveralone #levelup If I can go at this on my end, I reckon I'm set for life.

Do you sometimes wonder if you smell bad, or that something weird is on your face when nobody chooses to take the seat next to you on a crowded bus / train? Is it just me?

I am gonna challenge myself to keep my hair super long this time and get it some wavy perms once the length is right.

Today, for the first time, I was wondering to myself, "What would I be doing right now if I were still living & working in KL?"

I really didn't have anything in mind when I started this, but updates you got! :)

Blow Wind Blow

Blow after blow after blow.

When you realise you're not different from the rest after all.

When you realise that no secrets are forever.

When you realise it's misplaced faith.

When you realise there's no running away or turning back.

When you realise you never should have had those expectations.

When you realise that the root of the problem traces right back to where you didn't expect it.

Yourself.

Though Tears Are Not Free

Those with more to prove, 

Always have more to lose.

Because we put in that much more heart, 

That much more effort, 

That much more care. 

And therefore, 

We are the first to bleed, 

Get hurt the worst, and cry the most. 

Toasty Toaster

Hello, today I'll be sharing with you about my latest online purchase from Shopee - a pretty pretty pastel mint toaster from Odette!

So, I did mention that I'll be moving to a new place in the next couple of months, and one of the things I was really looking forward to doing was to buy a toaster and have toasted bread. Really.

If you live alone, you'll probably understand the frustration (and pain) of buying a loaf of bread and force feeding yourself to finish the loaf before it expires. At times like that, I wished I had a toaster so that I could have a wider variety for eating bread.

You'd ask why couldn't I do it before? Well, mostly because I wasn't bothered to ask my landlords if I could bring in a toaster - I kind of just assumed they wouldn't welcome the idea. But I could be wrong.

Anyway though! Too late for that, I did buy a toaster, and I bought it now because this particular one was on sale, and it was love at first sight. Watch on!

.

.

.

And my toasted bread turned out great, but I don't know why I can't upload photos right now, very strange, but I'll try again tomorrow.

Ultra happy! :D

Let's Eat Series Inspired: Seoul Shiok Noms

I finally dragged my butt to Seoul Shiok at Sengkang Square after having read about it a couple of times. And because I'm moving out of the neighbourhood soon, so it was a now-or-never sorta thing.

Also, I confess I've spent much of my downtime lately watching the second season of Let's Eat which stars my crush - Yoon Doojoon, who has just enlisted (sobs!) and my female crush, actress Seo Hyun Jin!

All the show has done for me was increase my cravings for all food Korean, and ignite my hopes that kdrama can become my reality. ROFL.

A snippet from the series, don't say I didn't warn you.

A girl can dream.

Back to Seoul Shiok, there wasn't a queue of humans per say, but I suppose as food delivery services is all the trend now, I waited for about 15mins, behind 2 delivery guys who had truckload of orders, before I could even place mine. Good thing I wasn't hungry.

Food was ready in about 10mins or so, so that was sweet. I'm not one to be fussy about my dining environment, so the non-aircond open air foodcourt didn't bother me, though I suspect it would be a concern for some.

Sidenote, Kopitiam kopi is the best, and at only $1.50 to boot. I sometimes wonder why we spend so much on premium coffee. (-__-)"

Soy Bean Paste stew, $4.90 and Fried Chicken Wings, $3.90 (for 2 pieces)

The stew was yums, though it was on the salty side. I have a preference for saltier food so it was just nice for me, no complains there. Mushroom, tofu, onions made up the main ingredients, and some slices of pork, that was what I could tell. The rice was nicely cooked too.

I went for the sweet soy fried chicken, and maybe perhaps.. no, I was too greedy. By the time I got to the chicken, I was pretty stuffed, but let's just say that I've tasted much better fried chicken wings.

All in all, my meal set me back by $8.80, not too shabby a price to pay for a Korean meal I suppose.

And in true Gu Dae-young fashion, here's what's left of my meal! :)

Happy tummy!

Are You Happy?

Am I happy? Affirmative.

Woke up today feeling chirpy. And 2 hours later, I still am feeling quite elated. No apparent reason though. I just feel happy. Life has been kind.

On to some thoughts of the day.

My kpop/ kdrama crush has enlisted - Yoon Doo-joon. Read an article about why he's so loved by fans and his own band members, and my hope is that, I too will be a leader like that. Bring people up, and rise together. Be humble and kind.

Ultimately, no one person is perfect, but while we're at life, we've got to give it our best shot. And truly, that is all one can ask for.

I want to figure out a style that I am comfortable with, and get past the experimental stage. Something that fits.

​Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Deuteronomy 31:6

#positivevibes

Just Stay

Just Stay - HYOLYN; 서른이지만 열일곱입니다 OST Part.2

I managed a run after work, super proud of myself.

Thought today: When I started this new job, I was delighted that I could carry a handbag instead of a backpack, all day, everyday. But today I decided to carry my trusty Herschel and I instantly fell (back) in love with the convenience of a backpack.

Familiarity breeds comfort.

Time

Mhmm. Hola!

I've been away for a while haven't I?

Thought it was good time to come back and start penning down my daily thoughts and experiences as a form of stress relieve, at the same time keeping a journal, and sharing. Sort of like an all in one kind of thing.

Today, a regular thought popped up, it's mostly rhetorical and not for arguments sake.

Why do we always compare to others and fail to see what we are already blessed with?

The next time I catch myself comparing myself to others, I'll remind myself of this day.

I'll be back!

Happy Feels

Baby It's You - Lee Gikwang and Yoon Dujun

This really makes me ridiculously happy! So so happy!

How Great Is Our God

How Great Is Our God [World Version] -  Chris Tomlin

It's easy for us to feel protected and safe when the environment promotes it, when the people around us provide such comfort.

But more often than not, and every now and then, we waver - I waver.

Insecure of my choices, insecure of my doings, insecure of my being.

But I'm reminded today that God is great, no matter time or place.

Celebrate

Celebrate - Highlight 

Because, eye candy!

When "Page" Is Pronounced "Page-y"

And I still squeal..

Love Scenario - iKON

Latest fixation.

Things I Love

If you follow my blog from aeons ago, you'd know that the more I blog, the more stressed I possibly am. Which is about right.

So to take my mind off things that are bothering me. I'm going to talk about some of my favorite things and what I use them for!

In no particular order, let's go..

1. Vaseline | Photo credit

I don't remember how or when I came to own this, but it's been a life saver.

I for one, really don't enjoy drinking water, and it's usually just before bedtime that I remember not having drank sufficient water during the day (because day time too busy so I don't feel as thirsty). So I often find myself stuck between downing water just before bed, and risk disturbing my sleep in the middle of the night to go pee.

That is until this little tube of goodness came along! I still drink some water before I sleep, but just enough to ensure that I get a restful night's sleep and then I just slather on a generous amount of Vaseline on my lips and go to bed.

The next morning I wake up, I just go through my usual brush teeth wash face routine to rid of the residue and I'm saved from chapped and/or dry lips!

Yay, no need to drink water anymore!! And this little bucket of goodness is downright affordable, go get some.

2. Mamonde Rose Water Toner | Photo credit

There was some hype about this product at one point, but I'll be honest and admit that I bought it because it's pink, and who says no to rose(s)?

Turns out, I really really really like this product. It smells awesome - light, sweet floral and gentle on skin (my skin at least).

I love that it's not sticky, and very lightweight. Love. Love.

My night time toner is the Body Shop Nutriganics Refreshing Toner which is on the thicker side, which explains why I use it at night. Cause I think it is richer in content and therefore repairs my face better at night, and also because when I sleep, I don't care to feel sticky. LOL

3. Mentholatum Lip Care | Photo credit

This I was introduced to by a good friend, and I love this just as much as I love my Vaseline. Vaseline I use at night and bedtime, this I use during the day.

The stick version has SPF so I use it outdoors, when I don't misplace it somewhere.
The tube version is a balm without SPF, so I tend to use this indoors in air-conditioned environments.

Mega love too.

4. Garlic Salt | Photo credit

Don't even get me started on this. I can eat almost everything and anything with this. I got mine from the clearance shelf at Cold Storage, because I'm sucker for stuff like that. And I am almost regretting why I hadn't just gotten all that was left.

But, I know why. Too much salt makes you salty. That's why.

5. Benefit Pore Primer | Photo credit

I got mine from my previous Korea trip with my traveling trio, which was awhile ago, which is making me wonder if I've exceeded the expiry of the product, which I very likely have. Hmm.

Anyway! I haven't used it much because I usually hardly use any makeup at all, but I've come to realise that just by putting on a layer of this, my skin looks instantly better. And it feels crazy smooth.

But I remember this being quite expensive, probably also why I subconsciously haven't thrown it out despite secretly knowing it's exceeded it's shelf life.

6. Scinic SPF 50 Sunscreen | Photo credit

I was recommended this product at a facial session after the beautician found out what I do for a living. And I was skeptical but I mean, sunscreen can't go wrong and it was heavily discounted. If it doesn't suit my face, I'll just use it for my arms and legs.

Turns out, I've used it for the past three trips I've made, all very "under the sun related", and people keep asking me, "Eh how come you not dark one?" when I come back.

And, no breakouts from the sunscreen either.

So I guess, this be good too! But I do slather it on quite generously, and it's non-greasy which, instant love.

7. Clarins Rosy Glow SPF 50 | Photo credit

This one I remember being coerced into buying because I went for a free makeover trial or something like that, told you I'm a sucker for all these kinds of stuff.

So nice. I guess this is what expensive stuff feels like on your face. I only use this when I go out and need to look presentable, which is rare. Which is also a good thing cause then my tiny little bottle lasts me a long(er) way.

Let's just say.. If it weren't so expensive, I'd love it even more.

Alright, that's it for now folks, gotta rest up! Hope you enjoyed reading!

Oh, Hello New Year

It's really my own doing that I'm close to hyperventilating at how much I have left undone before shit hits the fan.

So, what can I say.

At least I have a good list of songs playing on my current playlist.

Lany - Super Far

And telling myself to breathe. After all, another day to live and make a difference.