The Snail Story Again

Well, since I last posted my snail story on 16 Apr, I'd received interesting responses ranging from the clueless to the tickled and to the totally unexpected! I'm amazed at how varied our responses can be! God's creation is indeed diversed!

But this is the way I see it ...

I see the little snail going through a great deal of pain and discomfort, almost breaking his back (if he has one) trying to cross the 'chasm'. He's risking his life just to get over to the other side! Why? What attracts him? Why does he bother? What motivates him?

What if he doesn't find what he saw earlier after crossing over? Will he turn back and try as hard to return home? Though it seems kind of funny to me if he does, there's a sober thought lingering at the back of my mind...

Indecision can be costly and risky! He may not make it the second time round ...

It makes me wonder whether that's exactly what we face in life sometimes. We've thought that something or someone is good for us and strive our best to achieve that goal or get that someone, only to realize that it's not worth the effort, and that what we've left behind isn't that bad afterall. Regrets.

So there, that's just my musing, you don't have to take me seriously. By the way, lest you're wondering, I have no regrets in my life. ;)

A Faithful God

Have you seen a house under construction? It's messy and unfit for living. Then after completion, with new paint, stylish furniture, bright curtains etc. it's instantly transformed into a home sweet home. While under construction, only the architect can visualize what the finished product will look like. Others just see bare bricks and mortar.

And the same goes for our lives. Only God knows our end.

I was troubled lately by a series of events, and was very disappointed with others and myself. I've lost my peace and sometimes it almost seems like my Heavenly Father has turned His back on me. But it's not true. My doubts are not from Him.

In my devotional prayer just now, I was apologizing to Him for being so slow in my Christian growth, and He gave me this verse from Philippians 1:6, "And I am sure that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ".

Then I ponder, many of us are diligent and faithful in delivering our work, how much more will a faithful God complete what He has begun (in us). I'm encouraged once again.

Only a faithful and loving God can see the masterpieces in us while we are still under construction. Praise God!

The Snail Story - I Think I Can ... aaargh! Oops?

Here's a little snail that finds the grass greener on the other side.

So it strives to find a way to cross over.

The quest is almost insurmountable!

But it presses on!

Aaaaarrgghhhh!!!!

Even more aaaaarrgghhhh!!!

At long last! Yippie! (Applause please! Clap, clap, clap)

Urmm, now the grass seems greener over the OTHER side!

Oh well, here we go again ... Aaarrggghhh ....

~~~The End~~~

Fear Of Loosing Out

What I really want to do now is to take a break from ALL kinds of job, even self-employment, but I'm afraid that I'll loose out if I don't get another job now cos I'm already 51, and I may loose momentum if I delay too long!

I've been offered an opportunity to be part of a pioneer sales team in a company specializing in cognitive development programs. This company intends to launch its sales aggressively and the job looks promising. But I'm not sure whether it's for me, and even if it's for me, should I join it NOW!

My spouse's weight has gone down, his doesn't sleep as well as before and his blood pressure is at times lower than usual. It could be due to his busy work schedule or anxieties, anyway, it worries me. As his wife, I wish to be able to help him. I've thought of exercising more with him, providing him with more home-cooked food, and planning our family's future together, discussing on how we should re-position ourselves for the future etc.

But now, what am I to do with this offer to start selling again? I'm a little vexed. Perhaps I should just shelve it till later? But the sales fair will be on next weekend and think about the amount of leads I'll be wasting if I don't go! And I'm afraid that I'll regret it if I don't join the company now, but then again, I'm not quite ready for this yet. Unlike the last sales job which I really believed in, the one that I dived right into, this one, it's like, "Oh sales again huh? ok ..." but I've no zest left in me.

Perhaps it's my PMT or what, for those of you who trust God, please pray for me to make the right decision. Thank you.

Excuse Me

Dear faithful few who bother to find out what's happening in my mundane life,

I've to make an apology. There are so many things going on inside my mind that I can't concentrate on any single task, let alone blogging. I know there's this 'sister award' thingy going on in some blogs where fellow bloggers show their appreciation to each other by giving out 'awards'. This is a wonderful gesture, but I'm sorry I can't find the time to do anything about it. I appreciate the award handed to me, and I really appreciate those great blogs I'm following once in a while. Diverse thoughts, rich emotions, interesting lives ... thanks, but you'll be missing me for a while till I sort out new directions in my life again. :)

Each of you deserve an award, erm ... the ... erm, (?) I shall try to come up with a name for your award later. Meanwhile, SMILE! :)

Take care everyone!

Jane

Officially Unemployed

I'm now officially unemployed. Have been applying for part-time or temporary contract jobs off and on, but spending more time organizing stuff at home. Now I've the time to attend to other matters.

Being unemployed isn't totally bad (IF you've already made provision for a rainy day), as you can take the time to do things which you would otherwise not find the time to do, OR, finding excuses not to do.

I've started exercising again, daily for at least an hour each time, just by brisk walking in the park. It is good. And I'm watching my diet once more. Exercise lifts up one's moods and I'm really happier to find myself fitting better into my clothes again. :)

The next thing on my mind ... has the world's market bottoms out? What should we do? I need the time to re-examine our finances; how much we've lost, how much we still have, and how to re-position ourselves henceforth.

Then I intend to brush up my microsoft skills in preparation for a new job. Or perhaps I can run courses of my own? Hmmmm ...

Also toying with the idea of joining some internet programmes for a side income (I'm not totally new to internet marketing, so I'll be going in with my eyes open).

Oh, it's a good time to catch up with friends, go for Church camp and perhaps a short holiday, etc. Ah, there are endless things to do.

Thank God for life, its ups and downs, its possibilities and potentials. Whether another part-time job's coming soon, I shall enjoy, cherish and embrace every day of my mundane life. :)

A Gracious Exit

Aaargghh ... have lots of stirrings within, wonder how to post this, thoughts are all jumbled up ...

Well, today's my last day of work. Since they have only regarded me as a temporary contract staff, they were taken by surprise when I brought 2 cakes to 'celebrate' my departure. They've expected me to leave quietly. Nah, won't do. If we don't make life interesting for ourselves, who else will do so for us? :)

We've a good time chatting, cracking jokes, exchanging thank-yous and all other niceties. (They're obliged to do so 'cos they're eating my cakes! Haha, just joking ...) ;)

Ah 'tis the art of a gracious exit, a skill I've learnt from a former colleague. Whatever the reason for leaving, never burn bridges. I've honestly and sincerely treated them as friends. It doesn't matter that the time was short. I've enjoyed their different personalities and have indeed learnt life's lessons from interacting with them.

They're very generous towards me too, quickly sneaking off to buy me presents etc. I just can't outgive them!

Last impressions are as impactful as first's. Thank God for a good closure to this chapter of my life. I've exited with pleasant memories. :)

Here's Your Hottie

"Here's your hottie ..." my spouse says to me.

Gasp! "What hottie? Since when do you start talking about hottie?"

"Your hot tea ..." he continues nonchalantly.

"Oh, haha, do you know what's a hottie?"

Puzzled, "Ya, proud?"

"What?"

"Haughty!"

"No, no, er yes, haughty IS proud, but I mean, er ... never mind."

Sheesh, confusing English!

Ten Promises To My Dog

After wiping my eyes and blowing my nose, I would like to share this movie with you: Ten Promises To My Dog . It's in Japanese, but it has English subtitles.

It's about a dog and a mother, don't get mixed up, it's not about a mother dog, but a dog, and I think the movie is more on the mother's thoughts really, and not the dog's, the mother dies, and the dog dies eventually, and er, well, before I confuse you further, just watch it ok? You may shed a tear or two, but you'll enjoy it.

My soju.com has broken it up into 8 parts, be patient, watch them all, it's a beautiful show. Perhaps you can come back here and share your thoughts?

Rats & Mosquitoes

Just saw the news that the economic downturn is so bad in Taiwan that well-educated out-of-job professionals are competing for the post of rat-catchers! They have to undergo an aptitude test, catching rats. If successful, they'll get about US$500 a month. Goodness! Is it good salary? Desperate times call for desperate actions. Perhaps they are saddled with debts or something.

Hm, what am I to do comes next Friday, my last day of employment? Well, I won't catch rats even if they have it here in Singapore. I mean, yes we have rats here, but I haven't heard of rat-catchers. I can't stand rats. What else can I catch then, to make a living here? Oh yes ... mosquitoes!

Our region is having a dengue outbreak and we have 'environment officers' checking houses, parks and drains for larvae. A friend of mine who was laid off from his executive post has been doing this. He likes his job cos it gives him lots of exercise and it's doing good to his blood-pressure. He does look better and more relaxed.

Hmmmm ... lots of walking eh? It's somewhat alluring ... unless I get bitten ... ummm ... worth considering ...