Learning to manage my everyday

I have been reading a small but powerful book that is hugely needed for procrastinators (like me). The subject matter is basically about managing time more efficiently and having a routine set everyday.

Here are some key takeaways regarding building a "rock-solid routine" which are from "Manage your day-to-day: Build your routine, find your focus and sharpen your creative mind". The below are quoted from the book.

1. Great work before everything else.
>> Do your most meaningful creative work at the beginning of your day, and leave "reactive work" - like responding to email or other messages - for later.

2. Jump-start  your creativity
>> Establish "associative triggers" - such as listening to the same music or arranging your desk in a certain way - that tell your mind it's time to get down to work.

3. Feel the Frequency
>> Commit to working on your project at consistent intervals - ideally everyday - to build creative muscle and momentum over time.

4. Pulse and Pause
>> Move rhythmically between spending and renewing your energy by working in ninety-minute bursts and then taking a break.

5. Get lonely
>> Make a point of spending time alone each day (which I do a lot of but not really reflective). It's a way to observe unproductive habits and thought processes, and to calm your mind.

6. Don't wait for moods
>> Show up, whether you feel inspired or not.

Things that I'm grateful of today - 6th January 2014

1. That I manage to get the Lack TV bench at Ikea Alexandra after it was sold out earlier.

2. That I got to pay bills and buy BBQ meat for the mom...as per requested...

3. That I found a cool and ergonomic red Hershel shoulder bag at half price! It was on sale and I love it! (The bag is quite light and very useful for carrying my laptop)

Well, I haven't really done anything artful today except for the fact that I got myself a nice looking bag (pics to be shown later). I suppose that counts... :P

More to be done tomorrow! I will probably be trying out new cosmetics and reviewing them later this week. Cheers.

June is an eventful month:)

It's been a long time since I have felt this nervous but good at the same time. This is me, experiencing the apprehension yet secretly excited and hoping for great things to come. Yup, it was back to corporate life and corporate people again in June. 

Working in a sort of government-ish setting can create a scary yet somewhat safe feeling within, even if it's imaginary. The vibe of uncertainty and low confidence of not having done this in a long long time is definitely stressful but yet has given me a short moment of joy every morning after the daily newsy stuff is done, and there's a breather; heaves of temporary relief. 

The hazardous one-week haze also brought people together...I'm grateful for having really kind and thoughtful people around me...good food on some mornings, warm honey water when the haze was bad, comforting recognition/messages/emails of gratitude when I put in the effort to get something for them...it really seems like too good to be true..but I know it's God's blessing and way of looking after me.. and I'm really thankful...

Although weary from lack of sleep (becoming a norm on Mondays), something good happened today. I made a couple of minor connections from a tea break gathering in the office. Just a short interaction with colleagues can work wonders for one's emotion...uplifting the worst of moods n reinforcing self-belief in the strangest ways. Just the other day when one colleague asked if I'm doing ok, and started chatting with me, made me feel so happy I thought something was wrong with me... Then I thought, it's human interaction that brings the best out in us. As Brene Brown said, we are all connected, and that is why we yearn for that connection with people... it's simple, yet so powerful. 

And so, tomorrow is a new day... I guess I have to be less pessimistic and unsure; more positive and confident, and believe that anything is possible...just work hard and keep on keeping on... 

Peace out (for now) <3

And so, the fourth day of the first month of the year passes us by...and the fifth awaits...

Tried the chia seeds this morning, and made hubbs drink it just now...haha...tasted ok, not much of a taste, but more of a gooey texture after mixing with water...will probably drink it mixed with water and see what effects it has after some time. :)

Went to the library and borrowed books on PCOS and blogging...haha... this is what I ate for brekkie after the chia seeds in the morning.

Bought chromium picolinate and biotin too, was reading about my PCOS and what are the good supplements to take to balance blood sugars, etc...Nature's farm was having a whopping 40% discount, so decided it's a good time to buy and try...

Had "grand salad" for lunch again (I had it yesterday as well) and thank goodness, I didn't feel hungry...I think the chia seeds must have helped with the "fullness" since it kinda expands in your stomach...

So far, project healthy seems to be going well...I watched this video today of Nikki Philippi...one of my favourite Youtubers...she's so chirpy and happy...she's even stayed in SG for a while before...cool girl...

...and I think like what she says, it's good to break down goals into specifics small actions....going to try it out that way...5 minutes of whatever needs to be done. Seems effective...I need to list it down like hers! Goal for tomorrow...haha :P


Action plan for baby making by next week: Do a blood test. Both me and the hubbs...to clear us for a more prepared planned pregnancy...taking more folic acid and getting him to take more zinc-rich foods. Yep. :P

Oh yes, we bought a juicer today! Woot Woot! Have been wanting one for AGES! Finally got one, and going to start juicing tomorrow! Going to get into the habit of veggies/green juices every morning ya know...let the stomach/intestines absorb all the goodness first thing....yay for health.

Lastly, reflections from http://csctr.net/reflections that I find inspiring...and healing...and remembering forgiveness.

"Every beginning spells hope for the future, just like the birth of a little infant.  When we begin a new job, a new chapter in life or a new relationship, there is always the hope that the new beginning will bring something to enrich our lives. 

Jesus also gives us a new beginning by affirming our goodness and giving us hope.

We too must learn to give others a new beginning by not harping on the past and reminding them of their past mistakes. We must free them from the past by affirming them in their goodness, strengthening them in their virtues, encouraging them in their efforts, consoling them in their failures and most of all, forgiving them when they fall.  In this way they will become more and more the redeemed people of God and we in turn become like God since we love our brothers and sisters the way God loves us all."

3rd January

Nothing really significant happened today...was driving a lot....sending Kevin to work, fetching him and sending us home from Bukit Batok...did some reading..definitely need to read more...

Bought a really nice and cool planner from Kino today...super love it...only one left that is wrapped and really happy with my purchase! :)

Also was reminded about chia seeds from a bestie, and decided to buy it to try when I found it in NTUC just now...apparently it helps weight loss too! Coolios... :P

Today's advice:
 K needs to take more L-arginine and tomatoes for sperm motility and count...

Also we are planning to get a juicer this week so we can make some green juice everyday! Cheers to healthy veggie living...in a way... :P 

Tonight is the 2nd night of January 2013... and I know I am blessed. I am also grateful for this life, so I'm going to try to blog daily in giving thanks.

My word for 2013 is 'Gratitude'. In general, I am thankful for things that I have, and the people around me. Hence I chose that word.

First home-cooked meal of 2013

My sub-word (if there is ever such a thing called subword) for January, is 'Vision'. I'll be envisioning a better year, and by doing that, I will also put plans into action of course. :)

Today's bible phrase/quote is, "Make a straight way for the Lord." With that, I will prepare myself for the Lord, in changing my ways to be more organized, clear and active for Him...

1st of January bible quote is,

"May the Lord bless you and keep you.

May the Lord let his face shine on you and be gracious to you.

May the Lord uncover his face to you and bring you peace."

Action plan for baby-making:
Today I went out for a short jog/quick walk at the beach, but obviously it's not enough...

What I learnt:
Aim for 30 minutes of exercise a day, combining cardio/aerobics and strength training, and stretching. Be in good shape. (p.21 of What to expect before you are expecting [WTEBYAE])

Love Faber-Castell Pitt Pens. It's great for mixed media and shading onto canvas or watercolour paper. In the above video, the artist shows how great it looks in his sketches and drawings. Lovely lovely pen!

Also, I have been following Christy Tomlinson, mixed media artist on her videos and online workshops. She's absolutely fantastic and really adore her techniques and art works. I look up to her and always love watching her video tutorials and "how -to"s.

Here's one:

And another: