Sometimes you don't need to rush, all the time.
Life is really short to just let each day just pass by, though we do get caught up with work (most of the time).
It is funny how often we get caught up with things that take up most of our time, thinking that it is important, and essential for our survival and living yet barely taking the time to breathe.
Sometimes we even end up forgetting about those who really care about us.
It is not algebra, but yet we forget the little things that matter.
All the time.

I am guilty of this too; often getting myself entangled in that web of crazy rush throughout the day (and even through the week) and stuck with non-responsive interactions (i.e web, emails, etc), and then realizing that the time has just whizzed past me.
Well, what did I expect anyway, for time to freeze while I get myself embroiled in all my worldly matters?
It happens. All the time.

Everyone tells us to take breaks.

"Go for a vacation"

"Give yourself a break"

The usual responses?
"I can't"

"I've got this big project(s) coming up, and I am in charge. I can't just leave"

"There would be so much to do when I get back! It's better that I don't. Weekends are my breaks"

The list goes on.

Sometimes we do need to take breaks.
That is the reason companies give us annual leaves.
That is why authorities set aside Labor Day annually (not saying that you should just wait for this one-day public holiday)

We are human beings.
We need to take breaks, to unwind and just leave the crazy daily stuffs behind us and just relax.
To breathe.
To remember that there is a world out there besides work and that laptop and inbox.

I have gone on breaks too, and am learning to appreciate taking short breaks for what it does to restore and maintain my sanity.
Yes, it works or I would have gone cuckoo.
I am sane right now, in case you are wondering.

Breaks do not need to be all about taking a flight or a road trip to somewhere.

Sometimes, just catching up with friends or colleagues could be a form of break too.
Taking that time to just enjoy a simple meal and engage in a lively or comfortable banter with someone could just make a small difference.

I am not one who dines with everyone, to be frank for I am far too picky, and often am the subject of vindictive judgment just because of my picky (not to mention fussy) habits.
I mean, not everyone does that to me, but sometimes there are just those who just enjoy passing off remarks and making me feel extremely uncomfortable, whether they are aware or not.
I don't take it personally on them; nor do I blame them, just that I am always selective with the company I enjoy my meals with and it takes time for me to grow in comfort with that person.

Well, my job nature sometimes don't allow such luxury, to go out for lunch in large groups or just enjoy that long lunch breaks.
I am not sure if that is fortunate or unfortunate.

When I do get the chance, I would love to hang out with my friends and colleagues, who would probably set something up.
(Yeah, like an appointment, gosh, I feel important :-P )

Brunch, lunch, tea break, whichever it is.
It is a luxury sometimes.
To me, that is.


Enjoying a tea break in between.



Enjoying a lovely cup of tea is my favorite idea of relaxation.

Lemon Mint Tea (MYR8.90)



Or something crazy like a smoothie.
Don't make me choose; I just can't decide.

This is a tempting concoction of mixed berries.




I would have loved this had the name kept me from giggling and laughing all over it.
I just couldn't stop laughing, so I refrained from ordering this or I would risk choking over this drink though it was just visually irresistible.

Wondering what the name could be that could make me go ga ga over it, non-stop?

Well, it's called "Everything But the Kitchen Sink" (MYR14.90)

I had no idea how they came up with this name, but yeah, now that the name came up, it set me off.
Again.


When ladies are together and it's a breakfast kind-of-break, salads just come to mind.

Classic Caesar's Salad topped with a beautifully made sunny side up and wobbly egg yolk waiting to ooze all over the plate is just one of the favorite choice.



It would be even better if they had some smoked/grilled salmon.
Just my personal preference though.

Anyway, that is what the Grilled salmon salad is for, though the grilled salmon took my a little by surprise when I noticed that they came in tiny bite-sized chunks.
I think I enjoyed my other favorite versions better.
Note the word favorite.






Anyway, food probably took a second place that day as it was more of a engaging conversation set up for us ladies to catch up away from work.

It was good to just chit chat over light and simple food like this.





Life's simple pleasures are always the best, aren't they?



Food and drinks in this post are taken at:-

 D'Italiane Restaurant, Jaya 33



**Not a sponsored post, and all the opinions are solely based on author's personal experiences and are not based on general views.

Live your dreams
Do What You LOVE
Follow your Passion

Inspirational phrases often uttered to motivate one towards pursuing their life aspirations.
Inspiring, motivating, encouraging, and uplifting are these phrases if one were to take it as it is and that, is the ultimate aim of these words; to influence and elevate one's mindset to think in the positive manner.
Idealistic are these but they are still not to be taken literally and directly implemented without that kick of reality.
As stimulating as they sound, try telling that to someone who has to work more than three jobs in a day to pay the bills, support the entire family and juggling their sleeping and waking time to care for their ailing parents and probably schooling children.
To them, this is a whole lot of crap.

Let's be realistic, not everyone of us can afford to think or say that we must make a change if we are not happy and just quit our jobs to pursue what we would love to do instead.
Sure, life is short, and it is OUR lives to begin with, so why should we sacrifice for others?
Extremely selfish, even with that need to focus on one's self once in a while.

The thing is, the world is becoming more and more absorbed in literal interpretations and centering mainly on perceptions; and in that I mean, individual and personal perception.
It is good and bad at the same time; for the key always lies in the balance.

The paradigm shift in human minds due to the evolutionary changes in the world has propelled us to think of channeling that inner desires to reality, at all costs.
That, along with the many natural catastrophic events around the world and also the rise in weird and unheard of diseases popping up are just cementing the belief that life is too unpredictable and simply, short, for everyone is not born with clairvoyant abilities (though some are blessed, or not).

We have been taught about aspirations since we were young.
From that single question of "What do you want to be when you grow up?", it makes all of us grow up to think that we must have something we want to do; an ambition, that we can see ourselves in upon graduating from school and probably, die with it.
Setting that ultimate goal or aim just sets us in that mode to then pursue it relentlessly, as though that is all we live for.
Of course, things could change along the way, and we could realize our interests could lead us away from that original path. Again, no one could ever predict the future.

For instance, I always thought I wanted to be a doctor or a dentist but I did not become one today.
I took up and majored in a course where I would never dream of and ended up in a job which I would probably laugh at you if you were to tell me decades ago when I was a primary school kid that this is what you saw me in the future.
I will just laugh and call you crazy.

Everyone has aspirations; there is always something that everyone wants to do, or at least almost everyone.
What about those who have no idea what they want to do?
There is nothing wrong with that either, for they will just discover eventually, that they are meant to do something (or probably nothing at all, to reduce the harm to the society, just kidding)
We can always dream big, there is no limits to our imaginations; in fact, one should always harbor great aspirations to motivate themselves, push themselves to achieve great heights.
It is amazing what one could do when they are given that extra push.

Imaginations can be limitless, and aspirations can not and should not be defined by boundaries; one can always dream to their heart's content.
It is all about aiming for the skies or beyond, to achieve more than what is possible.

But, are there truly no limit at all?
What about reality?
We can always dream and aspire to pursue our dreams in that most fashionable way.
Unhappy with your job? Move on and do something that you like.
Sounds easy, doesn't it?
Yes, it does, for most of us are just blessed with that luxury to be able to do so simply because we are not bound by the circumstances life has presented.
Of course, the optimistic voice will tell you that life always comes with hurdles and obstacles and that we should always see them as the challenges to make us better.

I totally agree with that statement, for I am myself, an optimistic person.
I always believe that we should not be bound or limited by anything which could block our quest in pursuing and making that dream come true.
However, there is always that element of reality that should be injected into the pursuit of our dreams as well.
Our dreams do not materialize from the air, and that one should not be doing anything while waiting for our dreams to come true.

Yes, we should always enjoy what we are doing and live with positive joy and have that passion in what we do.
That is, if you have mummy and daddy to pay for your meals and expenses, or just that large trust fund waiting for you to build the kingdom of your dreams upon.

The dream of achieving the ambition is the goal, and is probably that big picture we have painted from our fascinated minds.
Now the reality of heading towards the goal is the journey; and this is the very one we need to be practical about.
Granted, as I have mentioned, most of us could probably identify with the fact that we could still have that ability (and probably a little bit more of financial independence and flexibility, though running thin with the rising costs in the modern living) to be able to fund our journey.
We probably have day jobs which help to keep the lights on and the air conditioning on, while being able to surf on the Internet and text on our cell phones, while we could splurge on our lusts for fashion, technology and even enhance our well being at the same time.
That financial independence is what keeps us optimistic and sane, at the same time.

Now, do we really love our jobs?
Most of us may say Yes, of course, with probably a quarter who really mean it while the rest are just saying it because they could never imagine themselves without their jobs.
They simply could not see themselves without a job, even.
Is it the job that they are interested in? Or rather, that paycheck that puts their lives (and families' in order)?
If you think that you love your job and not because of the amount on the paycheck, then good for you.
But ask yourself another question, what if you get to do your job everyday, without a paycheck, or with minimal pay?
Since you love your job, you wouldn't mind, would you?

I am talking about the reality here people.
Everyone has to keep their lives going while pursuing their dreams, and there are those who even have difficulty to keep their lives going, just like the example I posted earlier in the post.
Imagine a single woman (or a man) who has to care for her aged and sick parents, and school-going siblings or children, and her paycheck is the only source of survival for the entire family of 5?
Talk to her about aspirations and living her dreams and she will tell you to get lost.
She has to work probably two to three jobs a day; waiting tables, doing the odds and keeping a day job at the same time while maintaining her sanity.
She cannot even afford to fall sick, for she could be the main pillar of the entire family.
Everyone depends on her.

You think she doesn't have aspirations?
You think she loves her job?
You think she loves her life?
I am sure she may not say it, but she would give anything in the world to trade places with you, if you have a day job and full allowance to spend on yourself.
She may have even forgotten what it's like to live her dreams, or probably she is, still, silently hoping for the day her dreams would realize someday in a high fashion manner and that her current situation is a journey of her life and she could also be saving every penny to make everyone happy, and yet to realize that dream of owning her own business some day.

The whole thing about aspiration is about being able to dream yet, at the same time, understanding that reality still exists and that there is that part about keeping your lives and heart beating, and paying the bills.
It is not about just throwing away everything just because you are not doing something you are not happy with or enjoying, because your life is too short.
There are many who say that they should only do something that they truly enjoy and are passionate about, rather than waste time in something which they clearly do not see the worth.
They are truly blessed with the fortune to be able to do so, compared to the depiction of the woman above who will not even dare to take that risk to pursue her dreams without a job.

The key is to be realistic, and I especially love this saying which just makes so much practical sense,

"Sometimes we just got to do what we Have to Do, in order to do what we Want to Do"




*Note: 
This post is not to belittle the power of aspirations and that we should not give up things we don't enjoy simply because you need to keep yourself alive.
Life is all about making choices, and you know yourself best to your best capability and what you are truly made of.
Only you can make that call.
Be thankful that you have get to make a choice, it is a blessing.

And yes, I believe that dreams do come true.




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The world celebrates Father's Day on Sunday, the 21st of June, and it is hard to even let the event slip past one's mind especially with the prominent influence of social media seeping into our lives every waking second.
Facebook, Twitter, Google+, Instagram, and all social media feeds were just flooded with photos of friends having a good time with their families; especially their fathers, of course, all solely highlighted in conjunction with the theme of the celebration and one will definitely be reminded that the event is on Sunday with all these feeds filling the entire screen of your computers, handhelds and of course cell phones.

Back in my own family, we never really celebrate the day on a major scale, simply because my dad always felt that these are all tactics of the commercial field and that Father's Day is not to be observed on only one day but rather, it should always be in the heart and every day is practically Father's Day if we were to pay attention enough to our aging parents (not only one parent).

While there is certainly truth in his words, I do justify to my dad that commercialization may be but only one of the sales and marketing technique (well, how do people really keep the business running anyway? You have to give it to them for the ingenious idea which kept so many businesses happy on an annual basis), there is also that thought to honor the ones we celebrate on that dedicated day; be it Father's Day, Mother's Day, Parents' Day, Teacher's Day and the list goes on.
It is also a reminder to those who have been too busy with their lives to spare that one day, for that person who raised them up.
Laugh as you want, there are many who have overlooked the fact and always took it for granted that their parents will always be there.
It is just like festive seasons; it is just to create that one reason for family gatherings and for those based out of their hometowns (or countries) to reunite and just spend time with the family.
Of course, the commercial brands would make a big fuss out of it, but oh well, let's just give them that opportunity to do something and earn a modest income (not outrageously, that's a separate matter altogether).

This year, Father's Day was truly different, and definitely made more than an impression to my brother and me; especially myself, on a personal level.

While the world celebrates with outings and grand meals or cards/posters for their beloved fathers, we did not have much of that, but Father's Day was not going away without an impression.
Both of us were out of town though we did plan for a later celebration and my brother got back home earlier on Sunday, while I was home with my father-in-law who was also home alone as almost everyone was traveling due to work.
(Even my in-laws are not huge on celebrations like these and prefer quiet family gatherings on normal days).

"Dad fell in the bathroom"

That was all the text message from my brother came late afternoon.
I stared at the message in shock, and texted back immediately, "What happened?"

I mean, how can you send me a message with a statement like that and no explanation.
I was frantic, and called him immediately.
He picked up and told me that he would call me back, as they were in the clinic and that dad needed stitches.

Worse, that did not make me feel any better.
I reluctantly ended the call, and sat there, just stunned.
I did not know what I could do, except wait.
Should I rush home immediately? How bad was the fall?
Clouds of questions just swam across my mind, and they were not in a coherent sequence, mind you.
Everything was just in such a disheveled mess; and I am referring to the state of my mind.

Without myself realizing, tears streamed down and I could feel my eyes burning.
Light drops of tears soon turned into a continuous flow down my cheeks and I kept swiping them away.
This is not happening.
I was worried sick, and prayed that my dad was okay.

He is not young anymore, and it is as though it is the first day I realized this.
Of course I am aware of his age, but this made me more aware as I pictured my dad's face and his entire image and how he has since aged from the days when I was in school.
I am not an imbecile, I do know that he has definitely aged but just that time has truly whizzed past us and my dad seems to have aged so much.

Memories of my dad and the times we shared just rushed back to my mind.
From the times he brought me to the bookstore and how he would always rush me to the clinic even in the middle of the night whenever I had a fever, everything just came back like a huge chunk of data just plopped itself right in front of me.
My dad always emphasized on our health and our well-being, and he always ensured that he set aside time with us despite being at work all the time.

Growing up, I was blessed to have a stay-at-home mum who was always there when I left for school and when I got back. Mum prepared meals before I went to school, made sure I was all prim and proper to go to school and she took care of all the household chores while I just need to make sure I study hard.
Dad was always at work, as I remember, because he was the sole breadwinner though he comes home in the evening and spends his time with us on weekends.
My dad worked hard and he was rarely home sick, but he made sure that he got on time after work to have dinner with the family.
It was like a family mantra that was emphasized by my dad to always have dinner together, all the time and as he puts it, "A Family that eats together, stays together".
It was something my late grandma used to say to him as a child, and he made sure we understood and practised it too until this very day.

My dad never believed in having our meals separately, unless there is an emergency or risk of death due to starvation.
He will make sure everyone is present at the table before we start our meals.
We always talk and shared the stories of our day during our meals, and it was how we built that bond among the members in the family.
Granted, there are only 4 of us in the family; it definitely made sense to be that close.

My Dad was always the figure of protection and trust and he had taught me many things.
He never said no to any of my requests before, and I, having understood the fact from my mum that my dad is the sole breadwinner in the family and has to work hard to provide for all of us, never demanded materialism from  my dad.
The only thing I asked for is books, but that was also a reward promised by my dad whenever I do well in school. It became sort of an incentive, although as time goes by, dad told me that I could buy books anytime I wanted.
My dad has never refused any of my request, ever.
He has never denied me of any privilege in life, and I have never felt that I was inferior compared to other kids who had luxurious stuffs and branded goods (which was really a rage at a point back then, and still is, I can see).
I have always been taught to live humbly, and to be ourselves.
We should never compare with others and definitely not try to yearn for something that we could not afford.
"Live within your means" is what my dad would always say.

I studied hard, and my dad made me understand that it was not for him and mum, but rather, for myself.
I do not need to achieve the best grades, but if I could, I should always do my best.
If I had done my best, I should not despair anymore and just leave the rest to God.
My mum and dad had never pressured me, despite the impression that I portrayed as I frantically pushed myself to achieve all my grades.
I never went to tuition classes, or took multiple tuition for my subjects.
I studied on my own, and I only referred to my teachers for guidance.

My dad always tells me that he is proud to have me as his daughter and that no money in the world could buy that pride.
I had never worried them, and he was never disappointed in me, ever.
He always believed in me and he knew that I could always do something great in my life.

He was always my source of motivation.

I remembered all the times when my dad always told me to focus on my health, and that I should never compromise my health.
I remembered the time my dad woke up early to prepare breakfast for me before going to school, and even prayed along with me during my examination period.
I remembered my dad driving me to school early in the morning and picking me up after school, making sure that I was always safe and sound.
I remembered my dad telling me it was okay whenever I am disappointed with my grades.
I remembered my dad waiting for me during my scholarship examinations and even during my first interview.
I remembered my dad staying by my bedside when I was hospitalized for high fever back when I was 10.
I remembered my dad rushing frantically in the hospital when I was hospitalized for dengue fever and had no energy at all.
I remembered the tired look in his eyes while waiting for my recovery in the hospital.

My dad rarely fell sick, let alone fall.
There was this one time that I remembered, when dad parked his car by the bank while leaving all of us in the car as he headed for the ATM machine and then it started to drizzle.
We were staring at him from the window in the car as he headed back to the car as the drizzle turned into a pour.
He was running back and as he was reaching the car, he missed a step and almost lost his balance due to the slippery edges.
Thank God that he did not fall. It was such a close call; he almost slipped.
That was the closest I remembered of ever hearing or even witnessing my dad's fall.

This time, my dad fell, and in the bathroom.
At his age, one simply could not help but worry.
Stitches meant he cut his hand and as my brother detailed his injury, I was really heartbroken.

Dad had fell due to the slippery floor in the bathroom, and out of reflex, he used his left palm and the sharp edges of the tiles in the bathroom cut him deep in the wrist.
He thought it was a normal injury and put on a plaster over the wound after cleaning it.
He took an afternoon nap and then woke up to find that there's still bleeding from the wrist.
He took some gauze and cotton and attempted to bandage his own wound and when my brother got home, he just rushed him to the nearest clinic for immediate treatment and for good reason too.

Thankfully it was not anything serious, though we still worry about the impact of the fall as my dad and mum has somehow adopted that required trait of old folks to kept mum about their injuries, from their children.

I thank God that he is alright, though it really broke my heart to see the bandage on his wrist.

I have not had a lot of time with my parents and it was truly bad.

Maybe this is a reminder from God though it was a painful one for my dad, and even for us.

There are so many things in life we could be occupied with, and we can get easily carried away with the many different directions life bring us.
We can be chasing after the many things we want and aim for in life, thinking that it is for a better future tomorrow (something we can't even see at the moment)
We always run after the unseen and we think that is for the best.
We grow up and then we think that we can do anything in our lives.
Families will always be there, and that they will always understand

We follow the stream of flowing water thinking it will bring us to riches and all the dreams we hoped for, and we left behind that blood running in our veins.

Looking at my dad's wound, and imagining the blood that probably trickled down the wrist during the injury, it was as though a spear just pierced through our hearts.

We may have drifted apart in our busy time pursuing our careers and building our own lives as we moved away from homes, but the blood that flew in us are still connected in some way.
The pain felt by our loved ones do affect us in mysterious ways we just simply cannot explain.

Guess my dad is again right about this one, "Blood is ALWAYS thicker than water"
Nothing beats family, and we will never forget that.
They always say nothing beats a Mother's Love, but I say the same goes for a Father's Love which no boundaries are ever defined as to how much they could sacrifice for us.

For all that you have done for us, Dad, this is for you, and just know that we love you very much.
All that mattered to you was our happiness, and now we want the same for you as well, Daddy.

It is an unorthodox Father's Day in our family, as always, but this is truly more valuable than any expensive meal or gift could present.

The blood may drip from your wrist, but it bled in our hearts too.

Happy Father's Day to you Daddy, get well soon and we never forgot all that you have done for us!~


**This is truly one Father's Day we will never forget **