What Rocked In 2006

I was talking to a good friend today and he noted that many people our age seem to be in the situation of looking for meaning in life, asking themselves what they are doing and what they should be doing in order to be happy. Is this a quarter-life crisis or what? I don't know. Maybe people in their middle age are also facing this. My friend asked how our parents managed to survive 30 years in the same job, while we get bored after two years on the job. I said different generation, different expectations. I guess the previous generation were contented with just being able to earn enough for their families. Enjoying their job was just a bonus, to some, even a dream. But we of the comfortable generation who didn't really have to suffer much (suffering is equivalent to mugging like hell for the A levels) dream of bigger things. Which is not wrong, as long as you're not in some land in Enid Blyton's The Folk Of The Faraway Tree.

The horrible thing about asking yourself what you should be doing to be happy is that it's an often difficult question, and may take a lifetime to answer. Your concept of happiness also changes with time. I guess what is important is for us to be able to find happiness in simple things. A meal with a friend, a nice quiet afternoon to yourself, picking strawberries, walking on the beach... These are things that can be very pleasurable in themselves. I believe that it's very difficult to be happy if one cannot find joy in simple things. Having said that, we should still keep on searching for that little pot of gold, which I believe is findable. Just don't expect it to deliver you to cloud nine.

I just hope that I'll be able to find a job next year that'll be a little more exciting, stimulating and challenging. It's not asking for too much, for people like me cannot live a monotonous, contented, stable life of boredom. There is hope yet, for I've got some ideas and contacts already. We'll see how it goes. But for now, I have to say I'm quite happy with my life. God has been great to me this year it's just amazing. Before I say goodbye to 2006, here are the ten things I should thank God for. He totally kicks ass!

1. My breakup with Boy turned out to be a blessing in disguise because instead of being awkward strangers, now we are such good friends. In fact, Boy is my best guy friend and irreplaceable because he is just a rocking cool dude, out of this world and as crazy as me.

2. I survived a year of madness at work. No need to elaborate, but let's just say God is giving me strength to get on when I feel like crashing on my laptop.

3. I went to Bangkok FOC, thanks to a nomination for an exchange trip. It was great and I will go back again next year.

4. I still managed to enjoy Hong Kong, even though I was sick throughout my holiday. The food is truly awesome and I will forever miss the desserts, which I really hope will make their way to Singapore soon.

5. Ah Ma (Granny) went through a successful cataract operation and is recuperating well.

6. I am in the pink of health, according to my comprehensive health test results. My GP says 'very good, no need to worry.' My eyes are also very healthy, given my high myopia. My optometrist is impressed with their state and said I could not ask for any better.

7. My skin is getting better and better, thanks to my facial auntie who is the greatest discovery of 2006! She is the reason why my skin is glowing every day even when I don't get enough sleep. On top of that, she cooks for me every time I go and have a facial.

8. I discovered the joys of working out in the office gym. I look forward to a tauter, toner, stronger me as I'm beginning to be addicted to exercise! Now the challenge is to try to bring it up to three times a week (gym, yoga + brisk walk).

9. I discovered Cookie Man, which bakes the best cookies I have tasted in my life. Please watch this space for a separate food review on Cookie Man. The fortunate few who received cookies for Christmas will understand what I mean. Man, these cookies are ADDICTIVE.

10. I am an even more optimistic person, thanks to a greater faith, hope and trust in our Creator who is true to His word. Indeed, God is faithful to those who love Him, and He is never outdone in generosity. Every time I made an effort to spend time with Him, I was duly rewarded with a peace that is indescribable, a peace that transcends everything. Now, if that is not out of this world, then I don't know what is.

Thank you Lord and may I shine forth in 2007 with the grace of your Holy Spirit. Happy New Year to all!

Extract on Love

I read this in the booklet of a wedding mass I attended yesterday. It's really meaningful, so I'm leaving it here in cyberspace for the rest of you to get inspired:

AN EXTRACT FROM CAPTAIN CORELLI'S MANDOLIN
BY LOUIS DE BERNIERES

Love is a temporary madness,
it erupts like a volcano and then subsides.
And when it subsides you have to make a decision.
You have to work out whether your roots have so entwined together
that it is inconceivable that you should ever part.
Because this is what love is.
Love is not breathlessness,
it is not excitement,
it is not the promulgation of eternal passion.
That is just being "in love", which any fool can do.
Love itself is what is left over when being in love has burned away,
and this is both an art and a fortunate accident.
Those that truly love, have roots that grow towards each other underground,
and when all the pretty blossoms have fallen from their branches,
they find that they are one tree and not two.

Thank you to the happy couple JJ for this! It has really touched my heart.