Petra, one of the 7 wonders of the world, was the highlight of our trip in Jordan. I was astonished and impressed by the influence of Mesopotamian, Greek, Roman and Byzantinian Architecture evidently carved on the rocks. It seemed like a crash course that catapulted me back to History of Architecture class in college. (Darn, I should have paid more attention in class :-) Sir Banister Fletcher would have been handy at that time) It was a 3-hour hike under the scorching heat as we found temporary relief under the shade of huge mounds of ancient sculpted rocks. Memorable!
"When we truly care for ourselves it becomes possible to care more profoundly about other people." --Edith Le Shen
Guess what: This is an image I took during a trip in Salzburg, Austria in 2008.
At the end of a long day, I’d like to reward myself to an invigorating “me” time. I’m grateful that my hubby respects my habit of taking a fraction of the evening after work to engage in a feel good activity alone. It could be 30 minutes of yoga with a relaxing music, a long bubble bath while reading my favorite book, or a half hour massage at a spa a couple of blocks away from home. Sometimes it would mean lazily lounging around for an hour listening to soft music or pouring my emotions out with my brushes on canvass. There are days when it would mean cooking something straight out of a recipe book that we fancy or cuddling with our fat cat on the sofa.
During my hubby’s alone time, I’d find him reading the newspaper or watching TV. Other days he’s totally immersed in Play station bliss or opts going out for a long walk or a jog around the area.
Feeling energized, my hubby and I would catch up later in the evening. We would watch an episode of a TV series we fancy or share what happened throughout the day together before bed time. I strongly believe that in keeping this space of recharging and filling up our cups, we are able to give more. In taking care of ourselves, we are able to take care of the people we love, even better.
I am pleased by what I did. I found my passion in making lifeless spaces beautiful. Furniture makes me happy. Table lamps and cushions excite me. I escape from work related stress by surfing new designs of floor lamps and ottomans. I enjoy organizing things together and seeing my work transform in front of me. I'm still doubtful though, whether I should make a living out of this.
There are far too many out there. I am afraid to be a needle in a haystack screaming to be found. This job had been very elusive and the rejections for not having sufficient works in my portfolio after several attempts seemingly convinced me to stop my pursuit. I then turned my attention on making money in a career that I despise. Needless to say, I'm lost, hoping for a chance of being happy and fulfilled one day.
Baby steps. I woke up from a nightmare that I'm about to lose my job. I found my 6 month old blackberry irrecoverable. It was completely dead. Murdered by caramel sauce. Gone. Scarlett O Hara could kiss it goodbye and I can start planning the funeral arrangements for the IT Manager to bury it 6 feet under the ground. I was afraid that would cost me USD 500 deduction from my salary. "Think on the bright side,'' I urged myself. Silence. "WHAT!" My mind went blank. I can't think of anything good out of this. "Maybe it's another sign."
Sulking for a few hours and almost cancelling movie plans with friends to see New Moon. I decided at the last minute that I should go instead of giving in to depression. Lunch, a movie with friends, book shopping and a scintillating coffee conversation catching up with my Uncle I rarely see, I would say I was more optimistic than I would have been if I had stayed home and basked in sulk fest. I wasn't able to resist a little bit of gossip and a little whining about my lack of fulfillment. I hope to do better tomorrow. Baby steps.
It was easier than most days as we are currently on a one-week holiday. The morning went about smoothly until I indulged myself with a mid-day nap and woke up 5 hours later only to find a very very urgent message from my colleague for her nerve wrecking deadline. She panicked that I was not answering my phone, neither did I reply back so she went to the higher ups for advice. I replied to her 4 hours late and that was the time I broke the rule by screaming the F word out of sheer disappointment because I always respond immediately. I pulled myself together. A happy evening with friends and new acquaintances followed and by the end of the evening I found my blackberry floating in caramel sauce.