A Break in Between

During the course of my indefinite leave, the greatest lesson I've learned is to take a break from whatever task I'm doing. There is nothing wrong with slowing down every now and then. 

Had I done it before, I wouldn't end up becoming burnt out from doing the balancing act between work and studies. 

Leaving a task behind for at least fifteen minutes gives me a renewed energy once I resume doing it. What I usually do is take a power nap, check out an interesting blog, or write in my journal. 

And yes, my 15-minute break has lapsed and I'm back to work.

All Things Shabby Chic

I'm a late bloomer in interior design. Growing up, I remember how I hated being in the home section of department stores because my mom loved to spruce up our home every now and then.

Only when I started working did I finally learn to appreciate the art. It does help when a childhood friend of yours is engaged in the profession.

There is one interior design style that I'm particularly attracted to and that, my friends is Shabby Chic.

Our trusted friend Wikipedia defines Shabby Chic as "a form of interior design where furniture and furnishings are either chosen for their age and signs of wear and tear or new items are distressed to achieve the appearance of an antique. At the same time, a soft, minimalistic, and feminine feel is emphasized to differentiate it from regular vintage decor; hence the "chic" in the name."

If you find the time to browse for Shabby Chic interiors, you will notice that one color dominates and that is white. Very minimalist but nonetheless elegant. 

Houses designed in this style give off that rustic feel. Someday, my own place will be an expression of Shabby Chic.

Below are just some of the details taken from Rachel Ashwell's Shabby Chic Website. Enjoy!

Source: http://www.shabbychic.com/

Steady Eddy

If you ask me how my weekend usually goes, I can describe it in one word - steady.

People hardly believe me when I say that clubbing and partying aren't exactly my cup of tea. Sure, there was a phase in my life when I partied a lot but that was only short-lived. As I approached my mid-20s, the trendiest hotspots and the loud music no longer appealed to me. It's a lifestyle that clearly isn't for me.

These day I find contentment in exchanging meaningful conversations with friends over a glass of Rosé wine or Taboo game nights that become intensely competitive. These are what I define as quality weekends. 

So, what's yours?

Perfect Timing

I've always believed in the idea that God allows things to happen in His perfect time. And God's perfect time, more often than not, does not always coincide with our definition of it. 

I'm writing about it because of a wonderful news concerning an equally wonderful friend of mine. Her life is the best example of God's perfect timing. After years of waiting and trying, she and her husband have finally received that blessing - a baby. And as her friend, I couldn't be happier!

I guess it was also His way of telling me to hold tighter to my faith. Just a few days ago, I've been feeling crappy due to the disappointing results of my job applications. Has it ever happened to you - what you once thought was the right decision suddenly feels like the opposite? It made me question whether leaving a job without a replacement was a completely bad idea at all.

One thing's for sure - this funk I am in isn't permanent. In God's perfect time, the right job will come knocking on my door. I just have to believe.

 

Relish

verb [ with obj. ]

- enjoy greatly: 

Anytime soon, I'm about to kiss my unemployment life goodbye and say hello once again to the corporate world and the fast-paced life I used to live.

Barely a month after my resignation, I was already anxious to start working again. Friends would constantly remind me to enjoy first my indefinite vacation leave. The dream job or so I thought - which I ended up not getting - was probably the Universe's way of telling me to slow things down.

Hence, the reason for using the word "RELISH" as the title of this post. Probably on of the greatest lessons I've learned in the last four months was simply to relish the moment. It's those little things in life that we often forget to do - whether you are seated in a coffee shop having a cup of cafe americano or browsing through titles in your favorite book shop. 

Yes, I can confidently look back at the last four months without any trace of regret. I relished the moments when weekday afternoons meant being able to take naps or drive by to the nearest coffee shop and read a book. 

Try doing it. It's a liberating feeling.

Hola 2012!

I've neglected this blog far too long. Admittedly, I did get caught up with the holiday frenzy - that is Christmas and New Year.

After a really long time, this is my first time to feel the holiday groove despite attending less Christmas parties. It was also my first time to attend the dawn masses despite not having completed all nine of them.

The days leading to Christmas weren't that exciting but the ones before New Year definitely made up for them. 

For someone who is used to spending holidays with family and relatives, it was my first time to welcome 2012 with an after-party! It has always been a wish of mine to party till the wee hours of morning on New Year's Day and it happened. Yay!

My 2011 was far from smooth sailing but that doesn't mean it's any less meaningful. Yes, the year marked gargantuan changes in my life. I took a leap of faith by leaving a job that no longer gave me fulfillment. Likewise, major changes took place as far as my personal relationships were concerned. 

Even so, I look back without any ounce of regret. These experiences, when fused together, form a mosaic of a life well-lived. 

It brought me to places I never thought possible. New friendships were established whilst old ones were strengthened or rekindled.

I guess that's the magic of life. You never know who will come or who will leave. As the saying goes, "All we really have is between hello and goodbye."

With that, I wish everyone an awesome 2012 filled with limitless blessings, possibilities, opportunities, hope, and second chances!

CHEERS!