LAVISH EXPRESSIONS OF LOVE

You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion.

Generous giving displays courageous confidence in God's loving and faithful provision.

Prince Aimone, Duke of Aosta

So, during the meeting…I do the opening part…yes, I know I need to polish up a little on this…I did the re-cap as well…and I think Lord Alfonso is also quite surprise & impressed…because these days many people don’t do re-cap anymore; they just leave the meeting just like that…hahaha…but the icing on the cake is when Lord Alfonso also agree with my idea in having smaller working group…where every stakeholders come in…with no laptop, fully participating in the meeting. I told Lord Alfonso on how to revamp the current S&M meeting during our one-to-one session…is to bring all these stakeholders into the Marketing War Room and everyone work on it…like a pressure cooker…hahaha…

Nonetheless – THANK YOU GOD, PRAISE TO THE LORD, BLESS YOU GOD!
I declare my dependence on You!

Clotilde, Princess of Venice and Piedmont

Ok…so before the meeting starts…I drop Marcus & Miguel an email; cc to Lord Alfonso…what I did was; compiling all of the Merchants December Press Ad submission and group them by week…to have a better visibility of the overall year end plan…I have also insert what is missing and some proposal as well…I did those on Thursday when I was on leave…but in my email…I tell a small white line that I quickly compile them in yesterday early morning…hahaha…to get brownie points mah…I know that Marcus is in the clinic and would not have the time to read…Miguel as usual will be busy & will ignore the email…but it was intended for Lord Alfonso to read…and indeed Lord Alfonso got read…Yes!...that was the objective so that Lord Alfonso can notice my so-called skill and thinking…hahaha…

Touching Starlight

THANK YOU GOD, PRAISE TO THE LORD, BLESS YOU GOD!

Thank You God for being there…thank You God for putting Miguel there as well…hahaha…

I am so grateful to God that He have arrange Miguel to be part of my working life...hahaha...

Whenever Miguel needs something or need to request something from Marcus; Miguel will cc me and Mr. Horton’s Secretary's name will not be in the mailing list…hahaha…

So, Sir Thomas needs additional action plan for the month of December…so Miguel request Marcus to organize a working group…then, Marcus need to go to clinic…ask me to attend on behalf. Samuel is on leave…Mr. Horton’s Secretary; not sure whether Marcus knows that she was on half day leave in the afternoon or not…so yeah, I get to attend…hahaha…

Explore | InStyle

"After all, seasons change, so do cities. People come into your life and people go. But it’s comforting to know that the ones you love are always in your heart, and if you’re very lucky, a plane ride away." - Carrie

"Maybe our girlfriends are our soulmates, and guys are just people to have fun with." - Carrie

"Gay men understand what's important: clothes, compliments, and chicks!" - Samantha

Mommies and Aunties and Nannies

“I am a firm believer that things happen for a reason and things have a wonderful habit of working themselves out regardless of how you may plan them to the contrary.” — Pacey

Introverted Leadership

Introverts routinely downplay their contributions, their voices and shy away from taking credits for their work. They contribute in a subdued yet powerful manner. Unlike, introverts, extroverts, by sheer expression, expend their energies in talking than doing. These are no absolutes as we find each one of ourselves on, in different point of Introvert - Extrovert spectrum.

Rise of Industrial Revolution was a major force behind the paradigm shift from Culture of Character to Culture of Personality. Culture of Character, was serious, disciplined, sincere and honorable. While Culture of Personality gave rise to focus on how people were perceived, superficial liked, quick interaction, easily forgotten. The key words that we found in Culture of Character were, Duty, Work, Honor, Reputation, Morals, Manners, Integrity. On the other hand, In Culture of Character, we found words like Magnetism, Fascinating, Stunning, Dominant, Forceful, taking roots.

Bill Gates, Gandhi, Warren Buffet and more interestingly, Dr. Seuss have all been strongly introverted personalities with diverse range of professions or deep work they delved into. None of them have been loud in their presence but strongly authentic and voices of reasons. Introverts are deliberate risk takers because they consume themselves in thinking through all angles of their decisions often leading to fewer losses. Extroverts, on the other hand, for the want to be the ruling voice, shorten their deep dive into challenges and their actions which often lead to higher risks.

Leadership is often misunderstood in our current times. While extroverts occasionally make decent leaders, there are a lot of very deep studies and qualitative data that suggests that being outspoken and social has got nothing do with successful results and better leadership. As elaborated by Susan Cain, in her seminal work, Quiet - The Power of Introverts in a World that Cannot Stop Talking. She says, Introverts make better and powerful leaders, simply because of their internalized strategies. They listen, they delegate, they analyze various perspectives and devise a plan that have low or zero risk factors. When they are asked to take on leadership roles, they actually outperform their extrovert colleagues in almost all situations.

One of the significant differentiator you will notice in Introvert leaders is that they more authentic. It takes them longer to recover from failures. They are cautious and modest. Their prudence ensures that they are high on scrutiny on situations, more inclusive, egalitarian and thus deliver better results. Extroverts do not get impacted by failures so deeply. Hence, they move on quickly and learnings from previous situations can be easily overlooked. So while, introverts leapfrog with better strategies, extroverts look for external circumstances to blame and move on quite quickly.

To conclude and to pick up another time, I borrow a quote by Willian James, "A Man has as many social selves as there are distinct groups of persons about whose opinions he cares. He generally, shows a different side of himself to each of these different groups."

The Happiness Project

Yes of course, sometimes terrible circumstances make it impossible for me to be happy, but it’s almost always possible to be happier, and often with just a few small steps, I can give myself a big boost. I try to recognize the fact that I’m feeling blue (oddly, this is often easier said than done) and take action to lift my spirits.

Here are 30 things I do to make myself happier when I need an immediate boost:

Do ten jumping jacks.
Go outside and look at the sky.
Pet my dog Barnaby. Then…
Text a photo of Barnaby to my family.
Re-read a few chapters of a children’s or YA book in a series I love: Graceling, Harry Potter, Narnia, Melendy Quartet, etc.
Enjoy a beautiful smell.
Do a small good deed for someone else.
Clear some clutter (I can always find some).
Look for a beautiful color in my surroundings.
Call my sister Elizabeth.
Take a minute to be grateful for some basic aspect of my life: elevators, space heaters, Wikipedia.
Send a family update.
Clean off my desk.
Copy some quotations into my giant trove of quotations.
Look at my TimeHop app.
Make sure I’m not cold, hot, thirsty, hungry, need to go to the bathroom, or experiencing mild discomfort: in other words, treat myself like a toddler.
Re-copy my to-do list, so it’s fresh and clean.
Go to the library.
Watch an episode of The Office (American version).
Make the positive argument.
Randomly read a few pages of Virginia Woolf’s A Writer’s Diary.
Make myself a cup of coffee.
Make a plan for some future fun: plan an outing, make a date with a friend, add a book to my library list.
Re-read Winston Churchill’s eulogy for Neville Chamberlain.
Tackle some small, nagging task that’s been weighing on my mind.
Move with more energy, put a smile on my face. When I act happier, I’ll feel happier.
Plan to go to bed early. I always feel better in the morning.
Hug a member of my family (whoever’s available).
Allow myself to do some quick research on a subject that has been fascinating me, but is unrelated to my work.
Listen to Nina Simone sing “Feeling Good.”

Making Of & Behind

I’m stuck.

I don’t want to go back to buying. Even if I do go back to buying…I am also already out of touch with so many things. And now, I cannot and dare not to move out to Trade Marketing or Marketing because currently what I am doing, what I am learning, what I am gaining in G13 is insufficient and inadequate for me to do so.

Sigh.

Crossing the finish line: The finish line is just the beginning of a whole new race

I could go on for hours as this is a subject dear to me. I've heard of employees passing away because of stress at work or working 100+ hours a week. Money should not be the only determinant factor when choosing a job. Work life balance is very important. Balance means making choices and enjoying those choices. There are three aspects to our lives - Personal, Spiritual and Professional. A fine balance needs to be maintained between the three elements to lead a satisfied and contented life. Sadly, most often it is the professional that occupies the driving seat. Life is too short to live with regrets. It's time to stop enduring life and start living it.

A JOB is a JOB. It's a way to pay for a living, but that's it. Don't let it define your happiness. You work to live, not live to work.

15 things you can do to make 2019 successful

TAKE OUT TIME FOR HOBBIES
If the rat race to earn those big bucks is sucking the life out of you, then it's probably time to take a break and indulge in some hobbies you like. It could be something as simple as taking time out to read your favorite gossip magazine or a stroll at the nearby park. There will always be a big project at work, but you will have to make the effort to take time out to rejuvenate.

GIVE YOUR HOUSE A THOROUGH MAINTENANCE CHECK
Don't try to give your home a makeover in one day. Start by decluttering the bedroom, then move on to fix all the leaky faucets and set aside a weekend to fix the cracking walls. Take it one step at a time and you'd be delighted to come back to a nice and shining home after a long day at work.

START THE LONG-PENDING REMODELING PROJECT
Always wanted to turn the basement into a party room or a recreational center? Plan for it and do it. Even before 2019 starts, decide on how you want to remodel the area: choose the month, set a budget and start saving for it. Depending upon the time frame and design, meet an architect to know how realistic your ideas are.

MAKE SOUND FINANCIAL PLANS
Don't wait until the middle of the year to putting together your financial plans. Start early and lay out a structure for your expenditures, investments and savings for the entire year. Planning helps in lending perspective and producing better results during crunch times.

HAVE A HOLISTIC APPROACH TOWARD INSURANCE
Protect yourself and your family from financial ruin. Make sure the insurance company is around to pay claims in times of need. Become a responsible consumer and start doing your own research on reliable companies. Look for the type of insurance you will actually need before you contact an agent.

GET REGULAR HEALTH CHECKUPS
If you're eating right, and doing some form of physical exercise then you’re on the right track! But it won’t hurt to get a complete health check-up done regularly. Even if you feel absolutely fine, make sure the doctor performs a physical exam, checks your blood pressure and cholesterol level. Check-ups are a great way to ensure that a minor problem does not turn into a serious health issue.

GET THE JUNK OUT OF YOUR GARAGE
If you have been avoiding the mess that is your garage, now's the time to get it sorted. Get down, clear the stuff you do not need and maybe organize a sale to earn some money out of it.

GO ON A VACATION
You don’t necessarily need to plan an elaborate holiday, unless you’re saving for it. For new experiences and perspective, you’d have to explore more. Save a small amount of money in your piggy bank every week and when the time’s right, make a short trip. This will revive you from your daily routine.

START EATING HEALTHY
Eating healthy does not equate to eating less. Make a real diet plan, don’t try to achieve goals that are hard to sustain in the long run. Remember, you are eating healthy to remain fit, starving will not serve the purpose. Divide your meals, eat at fixed times and cut down on unnecessary processed foods.

TAKE GOOD CARE OF YOUR CAR
The importance of a car maintenance sometimes takes the back seat if you are not an automobile aficionado. From all points of view, be it financial or utility, taking care of your car is really important. Get the engine examined, check on the insurance and give it a thorough wash to keep your ride in mint condition.

WRITE YOUR WILL
This isn’t mentioned to scare you. You can turn this into a fun activity. Writing a will can help you set goals, you will figure out your assets and how much you are worth.

PAINT A ROOM
Add some drama to your room with a splash of color. You can go for light pastel shades on all the walls, as lighter colors make rooms appear bigger. Go crazy but also ensure that you choose colors that complement the furniture in the room.

LEARN SOMETHING NEW
It could be a musical instrument, a language, dance lessons or developing a new hobby. Indulge in activities that you haven’t tried ever. It’s about time you get out of your comfort zone.

SPRUCE UP YOUR LAWN
Just like a good looking beard, your lawn needs a regular trim. Take the end of the year as an opportunity to clear out the weeds. Apart from mowing, you could try reseeding, rearranging your plants and indulge in DIY projects to give your lawn a brand new look without spending a lot of money.

START PLAYING MORE WITH TECHNOLOGY
The digital revolution is taking over the world and all aspects of our lives can be handled with the help of smartphones. Explore the internet for more avenues of learning and earning. Right from downloading apps to being active on social media, technology can add a new dimension to your life.

Identity Matters

Consider the following 25 tasks your last-minute bucket list before 2018.

1. Finally read that book you started but never finished.

2. Set a small weekly goal for the rest of the year and do it. (it could be as simple as waking up 10 minutes early!)

3. Drink more water.

4. Reflect on your proudest accomplishment of the year.

5. Think about a moment you're least proud of and make your week's focus figuring out how to improve.

6. Finally go through with plans with a friend you've been meaning to meet up with.

7. Try a new workout.

8. Take an hour to tidy up your home.

9. Eliminate one unhealthy habit for the rest of the year.

10. Go on a weekend trip.

11. Cross off that one thing that's been on your to-do list forever.

12. Grab lunch with a co-worker you've never talked to.

13. Treat yourself to a spa day or a day of binge-watching.

14. Learn something new, whether it's a simple DIY or a new language.

15. Try to mend any broken relationships or friendships.

16. Check out that museum or restaurant that's been on your list.

17. Take a day to unplug and focus on your emotional and mental needs.

18. Sell or donate old clothes that have been sitting in your closet.

19. Organize a nice dinner out for you and your closest friends.

20. Dedicate one pay cycle to being frugal and budget-conscious.

21. Call your family members and tell them you love them.

22. Participate in a volunteer activity.

23. Try a new look on your next night out.

24. Practice a mindful activity like meditation or yoga.

25. Think about how you can make 2019 your best year yet.

got a runny dnose?

There are plenty of little things you can do that will keep you feeling blissful all year long, and here are 25 ways to help you get started!

1. Go to sleep when you are tired. You aren't doing anybody any good by forcing yourself to stay awake when your mind and body need a break.

2. Take your breaks and vacation days.

3. Take the time to cook a good meal at least once a week.

4. Take a second out of every day to think a positive thought about yourself...even if it's just the fact that you're having a good hair day.

5. Make your bed and open the blinds.

6. Write out a blurb of your thoughts as often as you can and save them in a box. Writing often puts things in perspective.

7. Always listen to calming music — feel-good or sad — when you clean. You'd be surprised at how therapeutic dusting can become.

8. Drink more water.

9. Don't take your work home with you.

10. Give yourself a small challenge to complete every week — as opposed to feeling defeated when Sunday rolls around, you'll feel accomplished! These challenges could be as simple as smiling at a stranger every morning or skipping sweets every other day.

11. Hike more often.

12. Eat breakfast every day.

13. Take snapshots of your good days and happy moments.

14. Try with all of your might to wake up when your first alarm goes off.

15. Find a way to shake up your daily routine so as to avoid getting into a rut. Try a new coffee drink, eat your lunch outside — anything to break up the monotony.

16. Give yourself something to look forward to on Friday evenings that isn't always necessarily a social event, like taking a bubble bath, starting a book you've been meaning to read, or making a dish you've been craving!

17. Don't rely on social media as entertainment every time you're bored.

18. Don't go to bed in a bad mood.

19. Go on more coffee dates with friends.

20. Don't work and eat at the same time.

21. Cry when you feel like crying. Repressed negative emotions never lead to a happy disposition.

22. Carve out time every morning to stretch and also to sit and drink your cup of joe without feeling rushed.

23. Don't let emails be the first thing you see when you wake up.

24. Always talk to somebody you trust when something is bothering you — don't keep it to yourself.

25. Eat more ice cream.

AN ANCHOR WHEN WE'RE AFRAID

Are you a worrier? I am. I wrestle with anxiety almost daily. I worry about big things. I worry about small things. Sometimes, it seems like I worry about everything. Scripture repeatedly tells us not to be afraid. Because of God's goodness and power. We may well face hard things but God has promised to be with us through it all. I love that promise - an emotion-steadying anchor.

Lord, sometimes the struggles we face in life seem so big. But You are bigger. Help us to cling to Your promise of comfort in fearful moments and to experience Your loving provision as we trust You.

He Knows Us

God knows us thoroughly as we go about our everyday chores, at different locations and situations, no matter our condition. He does not abandon us or forget us; nor is He so busy that He neglects us. Even when we are in trouble or in difficult circumstances - darkness and night - we are not hidden from His presence.

Thank You, Lord that You always know where I am and how I am doing. You know me inside and out.

No Co-Signer Required

Lord, thank You for being so TRUSTWORTHY. I need no other promised but Your word. Help me to trust You more and more each day.
God's promises are sure.

I JUST CAN'T DO IT

But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise.

Mash-Up

I think what is lacking right now…is that we lack of creative & commercial brainstorming session among all the cross-functional team. Looking at our competitors; whether traditional or modern…we are just kurang something or terlambat somewhere…there is no inclusiveness & cohesion.

// what a...

This Mr. Horton’s Secretary…I really want to cekik her…I know that she wants to show off during meetings, to show that she have opinions & insights…but her answer always bercanggah with what ideally TP wants to do…ya mah…already discuss that TP only manages the feature promo space which is in line with the newly revamped Leaflet & Press Ad…then when Supply Chain brought up on how to order for those inside or within each of the business unit own department…so celaka betul this Mr. Horton’s Secretary brought it up & trigger them…don’t know on purpose or not…and she is also very kepo…whenever she overheard that I will be taking leave, Mr. Horton’s Secretary will perch her head; hoping to hear more…what ever lah…

fling

And because of the below incident…when Lord Alfonso ask me to do a presentation in the LT meeting...Marcus will be going on leave mah…so, since I screwed up the first offer…so, tak mungkin I go and screwed up the second mah right…so I answered yes lor…I am very sure at that point of time both Samuel & Mr. Horton’s Secretary is tak puas hati with me one…but in the end tak jadi present juga…because…I thought Lord Alfonso was around…bring me into the meeting is to share with the LT team that TP is already using the Promo Effectiveness report to evaluate both the Leaflet & Press Ad sales…and also to give me some higher level exposure...but mana tahu…Lord Alfonso will be in Singapore for a meeting…so ask me to do it on behalf…however, I also undur diri in the end...because since Lord Alfonso is not around…first time using the template to present…I terus feel not comfortable already…and anyway, in the end the meeting also tak jadi because the big boss was on Deepavali leave…now is all gone…

Legendado

Sigh…actually…Marcus got give me the opportunity one…when I present the idea of revamping the S&M meeting format to Lord Alfonso…I also have share my thoughts to Marcus…Marcus also buy in one...Marcus; even in the first team meeting…praising my idea & was very supportive of it (Marcus mention - I like J___'s idea...)…when Marcus ask me to do it…I; put my foot in the mouth again…as usual lah…the always idiot in me…I go and jawab I shy…sigh…Marcus won’t ask me anymore…I always screwed things up...

Tiger Moth

When it comes to the weekly S&M meeting…if I were Marcus; in order to groom the team…I will rotate Samuel, Mr. Horton’s Secretary and myself to chair the meeting…now, with the revamp slides from Lord Alfonso; Marcus can already present it…previously; Mr. Horton’s Secretary don’t present one, only me…now; both of us have no participation at all…hahaha…just sit down there & do nothing...and Marcus pula is tired…I think Marcus don't know how to delegate or don't want to burden us...either way lah...

that's what HEROES do

Biar lah…I don’t care whether Samuel and Mr. Horton’s Secretary like me or not…disagree with me or not…Marcus also agree with me that we should complete everything by 11.30am…so Marcus can go through the slides, the numbers & the commentaries first…before handing over to Lord Alfonso to screen through…before emailing out to the big boss…I think 11.30am is a fair call…the both of them is running Leaflet sales leh…1 time run only…I have Press Ad; sometimes up to 4 frequency…I only kesian Marcus have to kan cheong to run through all of the information…I know that the both of them turn me today…this morning; we email to Marcus at 12.30pm…just that we are so lucky that today don’t have the LT meeting; otherwise we all will be kelam kabut…I hope I did score some brownie points with Lord Alfonso when Lord Alfonso came over and ask us whether the slides are done up or not…and Lord Alfonso mention no rush as the meeting is cancel…but I said that we will make it by 12pm (Lord Alfonso’s earlier request in the previous meeting) as we need to get ready, well-prepared and punctual…hahaha…

TORRENT

Liverpool 2 - 0 Fulham

vv. 5 - 6

The condition for FRUITFULNESS is connection with God!

Operation Barbarossa

Samuel complains about Marcus to me:

(1) Whenever Samuel goes to Marcus with a problem; Marcus will shut Samuel out like a roller-shutter. I guess that the both of them have very different working styles. Samuel feels that Marcus perceive Samuel as not independent enough in the decision making process.

(2) Samuel finds Marcus to be too softie; always lend a helping hand to the Merchants.

(3) On Marcus proposal to have the MTP & CTP >> Samuel just feel that both roles are still an on-going of role duplication.

(4) Mr. Horton’s Secretary felt why there was no discussion among the 4 of us when proposing the MTP & CTP.

(5) Samuel thinks that Lord Alfonso also have no idea on how to mold our portfolio moving forward.

Operation Seelöwe

Maybe Tommy was right…I am pretty quite convincing; at times…hahaha…so I had a one to one session with Lord Alfonso…yes I am over-qualified for this job…I am pretty well articulate in expressing my view…I have raise the bar higher…I have a high level of maturity…hmmm…actually, I want to be an incredible and awesome young lady…with interesting and strangely insightful opinions and perspectives…has a great attitude, happy, full of funny stories, talkative energy, crazy ideas, yet so smart, focused, sensible, reasonable and reliable…and now how am I going to achieve all of that?

Heimdall

I know that I mention before that I don’t want to blog about Mr. Horton’s Secretary anymore; but I can’t help it…all of these are memories in the making…so this is another selfish case of Mr. Horton’s Secretary.

There is this Nestle EDLP + 10% Panel Ad…somehow Mr. Horton’s Secretary have gotten news about it and didn’t share with both Marcus & myself. So what happen was…one of the Supply Chain colleague came over to our workstation and enquire regarding one of the item code status…of course; I was not aware about it…then; this Mr. Horton’s Secretary spill out all of the beans…so immediately; upon such a situation…I tumpang sekaki and said it out loud that Mr. Horton’s Secretary didn’t share this piece of information…hahaha…oh boy, I’m sure Mr. Horton’s Secretary was not very happy with me at that point of time…Marcus ask Mr. Horton’s Secretary to share the details…of course, Mr. Horton’s Secretary only share it with Marcus. After a few days…Marcus ask me whether I need the info or not…I said – yeah; email over…so, another indicator that I am a very important person in the team…hahaha…

Samland

THANK YOU GOD, PRAISE TO THE LORD, BLESS YOU GOD

Seriously, Marcus don’t have to cc the email to me…well, what happen was…as usual; Mr. Horton’s Secretary generated a very fantastic & intelligent analysis report for Lord Alfonso…so, it was natural for Marcus to thank Mr. Horton’s Secretary for the job well done…but here’s the thing…Marcus cc me in the email; which I personally think that Marcus don’t have to do that…just thank Mr. Horton’s Secretary directly, why loop me in? Isn’t that indicating that I am a very important person in the team? Hahaha…

Golfplatz

Liverpool 1 – 1 Arsenal
Wow…the fight for the EPL top flight is such a tough race this season. Manchester City, Chelsea & Liverpool have not lost a single game yet and the points between us is so close. It’s no longer about winning games but also scoring the most goals. Because teams may end up sharing the same score sheet but the number of goals difference will make all the difference! Now, we have to treat every game as it is our last.

Be Still, My Soul!

I have calmed and quieted myself.

Life's circumstances change and sometimes we are humbled.

Father, when things change in my life, help me not to be anxious but to trust You and find contentment in You alone.

Living Out Loud

Welcome
Our prayer is that your stay here will be restful
And that your travels will be fruitful
May the Lord bless you and keep you
and make His face shine upon you.