Home of Jules

Iks sent the chicas an email with the link to an article to put us [quoting Iks] on the road to being happy. The article is a review on a book by Don Miguel Ruiz, “The Four Agreements”. Read on, this is my summarised version of the book based on Brian Johnson’s article:

You need a very strong will in order to adopt the Four Agreements—but if you can begin to live your life with these agreements, the transformation in your life will be amazing. You will see the drama of hell disappear right before your very eyes. Instead of living in a dream of hell, you will be creating a new dream—your personal dream of heaven.

The First Agreement: Be Impeccable with Your Word
The Second Agreement: Don’t Take Anything Personally
The Third Agreement: Don’t Make Assumptions
The Fourth Agreement: Always Do Your Best

Children are domesticated the same way that we domesticate a dog, a cat, or any other animal. In order to teach a dog we punish the dog and we give it rewards. We train our children whom we love so much the same way that we train any domesticated animal: with a system of punishment and reward. We are told, ‘You’re a good boy,’ or ‘You’re a good girl,’ when we do what Mom and Dad want us to do. When we don’t, we are a ‘bad girl’ or a ‘bad boy.’

> 1st Agreement: Be Impeccable with Your Word
The first agreement is the most important one and also the most difficult one to honor. It is so important that with just this first agreement you will be able to transcend to the level of existence I call heaven on earth. The first agreement is to be impeccable with your word. It sounds very simple, but it is very, very powerful.
Impeccability means ‘without sin.’ Impeccable comes from the Latin pecatus, which means ‘sin.’ The im in impeccable means ‘without,’ so impeccable means ‘without sin.’ Religions talk about sin and sinners, but let’s understand what it really means to sin. A sin is anything that you do which goes against yourself. Everything you feel or believe or say that goes against yourself is a sin. You go against yourself when you judge or blame yourself for anything. Being without sin is exactly the opposite. Being impeccable is not going against yourself. When you are impeccable, you take responsibility for your actions, but you do not judge or blame yourself.

> 2nd Agreement: Don’t Take Anything Personally
Whatever happens around you, don’t take it personally… if I see you on the street and say, ‘Hey, you are so stupid,’ without knowing you, it’s not about you; it’s about me. If you take it personally, then perhaps you believe you are stupid. Maybe you think to yourself, ‘How does he know? Is he clairvoyant, or can everybody see how stupid I am?’ Nothing other people do is because of you. It is because of  themselves.

Extra note: Ervin Seale (see Notes on Take Off from Within) reminds us: “There is one recurring, persistent, perennial, and dogging personal problem which, more than any other, steals the force and peace of people and ruins projects and enterprises and careers. It is the habit of feeling hurt because of what others do or do not do and what they say or do not say.”

> 3rd Agreement: Don’t Make Assumptions
We have the tendency to make assumptions about everything. The problem with making assumptions is that we believe they are the truth. We could swear they are real. We make assumptions about what others are doing or thinking—we take it personally—then we blame them and react by sending emotional poison with our word. That is why when we make assumptions, we’re asking for problems. We make an assumption, we misunderstand, we take it personally, and we end up creating a whole big drama for nothing.
The way to keep yourself from making assumptions is to ask questions. Make sure the communication is clear. If you don’t understand, ask. Have the courage to ask questions until you are as clear as you can be.

> 4th Agreement: Always Do Your Best

Roxiie’s been refusing to eat since she got here, but finally today she willingly finished her food. Also her behaviour damn strange. Absolutely berserk one minute, then goes to the corner and curls up with a sad face. Then when I wanted to go leave her alone, she jumps again and go crazily clingy. I figured out today why she’s behaving like that. She’s in heat =_=”’ Aiya, already mehhh… Can’t wait another month so that I can get her spayed first ah… Lol. Gonna call the vet in the morning to ask if I can still bring her for checkup if she’s in heat.

On another note, it’s funny how some people can give you frustration and amusement at the same time. I never really think that a person in this day and age would spend their youth this way. Sad to see some people in the Generation Y to have a shallow mindset like that. There’s so much more in life, I wish they would just look further than what’s in front of their eyes and freaking see the bigger picture. Another pot that calls the kettle black, what the hell. Or… the black pot forcing the brass kettle to think that it is also black lol. Or both

Maybe I’ll elaborate later if I feel like it… For now, second half for Portugal vs Brazil~!!! *runs downstairs to watch*

Firstly. If I had the choice, I wouldn’t wanna meet him again. Even when we contact through texting, something about his tone just makes me angry. Stupid angry sarcasm from a cold-hearted egoistic male, ouch. It’s already over, but it still disappoints, especially when it feels like I don’t know him anymore. Anyway, yeah, I did NOT have the choice, since he insisted that he’s around when I go pick up Roxiie. Don’t know what for, since he didn’t acknowledge me nor my chica, neither did he help much with the pick up, neither did he bother to say bye to the doggie. So much for courtesy, it’s like a pot calling a kettle black.

Aaanyway! Yay, she’s here! She’s finally here! Went to fetch her last night, with the help of Jocey (thanks babe!). She went absolutely berserk when she saw me. Awww she still remembers me ^^ Me and Jocey were both glad that she’s a calm and sweet dog during her first car ride. She’s not really a barking type of dog, so she’s quiet except when she wants to get your attention. But of course she was a bit howly and whiny during her first night alone in a strange new place. Poor baby hehe. The only thing annoying is that she likes to stand up on her hind legs and ‘hug’ ur arms with her front paws, and do nothing lol.

Dad built her a little shelter at the back porch, at the area where she eats and sleeps. Ok, it’s not so “little” lol. See, looks quite nice huh.

How come Roxiie is not inside posing with it? Well, cause she can’t stay still for long. Plus, she’s always peeking from the window into the house haha! She’s juuuuust tall enough XD
“Hello!”

Walking her in the evening after work is quite therapeutic for me. For half an hour, my mind is actually without thoughts. Just me and my dog, taking a walk outdoors. Pulling her in from chasing cars, distract her from other dogs barking at her, neighbourhood kids making noise at the sight of a dog lol. And for the first time in the few years since we moved to the area, I talked to a neighbour of my generation lol. Even though she lives just across the street, but we’ve never had the reason to speak to each other XD It’s true that dog owners become friends when they cross paths walking their dogs. Hmm… Shall I walk further next time and see if I can bump into a hot single male walking his dog? XP

There’s only one thing on my mind now, and that is…

YES! My baby girl is coming back to me ^^ It is the little mongrel girl formerly known as Hailey lol.

What do I mean by formerly known? Well, dad said that ‘Hailey’ doesn’t sound like a doggie name, and mom said that it sounds similar to my name (family calls me Li) lol. Plus this could be like another step in my “Operation Restart” thingie, so perhaps a rename would be good. After some consideration and voting, it is decided and agreed that she will now be known as… Roxiie!

Oh, how did I end up having her? I’ve always wanted to take her in, ever since the break up. But the parents refused, saying how I can’t handle the responsibility. I let it slide for a while, but it bothered me a whole lot that I missed her so much that I got insomnia just thinking about her. Lol I know, kind of silly, but I got that attached to her, I had no idea. I tried to convince them again, pleading and promising. This time they said ok. Yay I was absolutely thrilled!

Gonna go to Ikano’s biiig pet store this Sunday with Jocey to shop for doggie stuffs. How fun hehe. Then she’s gonna help me with picking up the doggie on Monday night. I need her to help because I can’t control Roxiie when I need to drive half an hour minimum, it’s waaay too far lol. Oooh how exciting ^^ Can’t wait to see her again, I wonder how much bigger she has grown since.

First of all, I’m not talking about the overly hyped up musical series thingie. I really just mean that I feel glee from what happened at work today hehe. It’s a minor thing, but to me, it made my day hehe. I was wondering since last week where exactly do I stand in the department. I know, I just came back after a looong hiatus. But do I start over or do I just continue from where I left off? Since my memory and skills are refreshing quicker than expected anyway. The type of guidance I need is just to remind me of standard formulas and inform me on new ones. NOT to take orders even though I disagree based on my own knowledge and opinion. So finally today I asked the manager about this issue. She clarified that yes, I can proceed with my own decisions and I don’t have to follow the senior’s orders. Apparently I am not under her, so I guess I can considered to be an independent patterner? Yay hehe. Gleeeee… x)

I realised something. I was ‘away’ from the company for almost 2 years, and I return to see half of the familiar faces still around, and another half of new faces. I have nothing much to say about the new faces, because I don’t really know them until recently lol. But the old faces that I already do know since 4 years ago… Oh my god. Single ones got married. Recently married ones are pregnant. Long time married ones have babies now. So I missed all the “excitement” lol. I feel a little out of place, being the (probably) only single one among the colleagues that I’m familiar with lol. They discuss about their weddings, husbands, pregnancies, births, and children experiences. I got literally nothing to share about those topics lol. Hrmphs *rests chin on hand* when’s MY turn?

Was bored, so was looking up horoscopes again lol. I find this rather accurate, don’t you think? Kind of gives guys people a heads up about what to expect from me This explains a lot, actually. I know now why I am what I am lol. Amusing how accurate astrology can be, regardless whether you’re “superstitious” or not.

“The beauty of a Scorpio woman is exceptional, mysterious and totally magnetic. She knows that and is proud of herself. She will control her wish to dominate and will let a man lead in a relationship, atleast during courtship. She knows how to hypnotize a man and gets successful, more often than not. Don’t expect a Scorpio female to rush into your arms in front of a thousand people and shout her feelings at the top of her voice. Instead, she will come close to you, glance at you in a sensual way and whisper the most romantic words in a seductive tone.

If you are not sincere with your feelings, don’t even try to get close to a Scorpio girl. With those beautiful, penetrating eyes of hers, she can read exactly what is on your mind. She can easily make out your real intentions, so Don’t Flirt. It will amount to insulting her and I assure you, insulting her is not at all good for your health. Even when her tone is soothing, her disposition kind and her smile generous, she can be planning the most powerful retaliation. When a Scorpio woman is insulted or gets hurt, her fury knows no bounds.

Then, she can become the most hard-hearted and most sarcastic person on this earth. If she loves with fierce devotion, she hates with devastating malice. If you are really in love with her, then you need to know more about her. She has a very hypnotic gaze and the moment her eyes meet your, you will go tumbling down in her deep passion. Being noticed by a Scorpio female definitely gives a boost to a man’s ego. She needs a man who is stronger than she is and weakness in him won’t get her sympathy at all.

He will be expected to behave like a real man, who can dominate her and make her proud. At the same time, he should respect her individuality. He should be better looking than average, with an intellect, philosophical and totally masculine. He must also be ambitious and able to handle tough situation with poise. After she gets committed, a Scorpio female will shower you with all her love and attention. Her whole life will start revolving around you and she will be extremely loyal and exceedingly passionate.

She is passionate with everything that is related to her. It is almost impossible for her to have neutral feelings. Either she will deeply cherish or fiercely hate. If any of the feelings are not experienced, she will become completely indifferent towards it. Scorpio women, however, never let these feelings show. Her expression will always remain neutral, betraying nothing. Her anger is very bad and it’s better to get out of her way when it gets out of hand. Her characteristics profile will make her storehouse of secrets, but people wouldn’t know any of hers.

Her personal life will be out of bounds for everyone. At the same time, she will never tell the secrets that have been confided in her, not even to you. Even with you, she will have a private part and its better not to pry. That does not mean she is dishonest. Infact, she will be so brutally honest that, at times, she may hurt people in the process. Like a typical Scorpio, she will choose her friends very carefully and the credible ones will remain with her throughout her life. She will never maintain a relationship with unworthy people.

Determination and will power are her basic personality traits. She can use them anytime to come out of anything that is negative. If you have been able to win the true love of a Scorpio female, you can be sure you will never feel lonely again. She will be totally devoted to you and even if you two don’t get married for any reasons beyond your control, her love for you will not change. She is one of those who believe in the phrase ‘Till Death Do Us Apart’. Rather than overshadowing her husband, she believes in supporting him.

‘Behind every successful man, there is a woman’; this idiom is perfect in case of the husband who has a Scorpio wife. For her, the future, the happiness and the dreams of her husband hold the supreme importance. She will always defend him fiercely in public and won’t take nicely to anyone taking advantage of him. She will always encourage him to reach for the stars, build his courage and never let him turn back from midway. Scorpio women love their homes and keep them spic and span.

Now comes the dangerous part. A Scorpio girl is extremely jealous and fiercely possessive of her loved ones. She is prone to suspicions; so don’t give reasons to be doubtful of you. On the other hand, you will have to control your jealousy, since she will be attracting a lot of members of the opposite sex. She also dislikes being possessed by anyone, including you. In such a scenario, just remember that a Scorpio woman will always be loyal and devoted to you, even in the worst of circumstances.

And then, you know you cannot leave her and it is better to adjust to such a trifle thing. Nobody walks away from a Scorpio, right? As far as money is concerned, she will enjoy it whether she saves it in a piggy bank or splurges it on luxurious things. She is very conscious of her social standards and will never compromise in case of status. She likes power and will sacrifice money and many other things for it. She seems to be very practical, but inside she is very emotional. Like all Scorpios, she will not see any viewpoint in case of her own emotions.

A Scorpio female has a sense of fairness and justice. If you don’t wish her good morning one day after a fight, she will do the same for the next four days. The same goes for generosity also. If you do one kind deed for her, she will do four in return. As a mother, she will extremely possessive of her children and will care for them. However, she may not express her love openly and this is something you will have to teach her. She will make them independent, fair, strong and proud of themselves, the way she is of them. She will encourage them to develop their innate talents and make sure they don’t go unnoticed.

A Scorpio woman can drown you in her passion. But then, she can also bring you to safety when the raft becomes too dicey. She can provide you her calm and steady support in the worst of circumstances. Once you win her love, you will never be lonely again. Your food will be perfectly baked and she will grind fresh coffee for you. You will always come back to a spotless home, radiating with the aura of her magnetic personality, the charm of her deep beauty and the warmth of her everlasting love!”

I got the astrology information here. Check out yours and let me know how accurate it is for you ^^ Remember to select the right gender for your sign!

I know, too early for Halloween, but that’s not what I mean I’m obsessed with the soundtrack of ‘The Nightmare Before Christmas’ lately, especially the opening song “This is Halloween”. It’s so cool, check this out.

Imagine my ecstasy when I discovered that Marilyn Manson did a cover for that XD

I actually looked up the lyrics to this and chant it randomly through the day

“I am the one hiding under your bed; Teeth ground sharp and eyes glowing red”
“I am the one hiding under your stairs; Fingers like snakes and spiders in my hair”
“I am the clown with the tear-away face; Here in a flash and gone without a trace”
“I am the ‘who’ when you call ‘who’s there’; I am the wind blowing through your hair”
“I am the shadow on the moon at night; Filling your dreams to the brim with fright”

I love the rhymes What an awesome! Animated! Musical!!! *screams* Tim Burton and Danny Elfman… Geniuses!!! x)

*sings* la la la la la la, kidnap the Sandy Claws, throw him in a box… XD Korn did a cover for that, by the way.

I wonder if anybody is a fan like I am about Nightmare Before Christmas

Having an awesome weekend ^^

Yesterday was Saturday, and a public holiday. It’s been a while since I had a non-working Saturday, so I was all like, yay! And a day well spent indeed! Woke up earlier to see Sis before she left for the airport. Then got ready and left for Leisure Mall to meet Max for a movie. We had lunch first at Wong Kok, my favorite cheese-baked rice, yummm… Then to the movie! Shrek Forever After. Not as hilarious as the previous sequel, but still funny nonetheless. Puss is even funnier as a fat ass lol. After movie, we had a drink at Starbucks. Just chilling and chatting. Good way to spend a Saturday afternoon hehe. Went home to shower and have dinner. Then I was out again! To Asia Cafe for a session of pool with dancemates and other friends. What a blast lol. I forgot my cue stick, so that was my excuse for playing badly But had fun nonetheless. Then supper time! And more laughs. Naturally XD

It’s another lazy Sunday and I’m just enjoying my time doing nothing much at home. Finally time to chill after an eventful week. Quite the opposite than the week before when I was on break with nothing to do daily lol.

Ohhh man… I sure miss being online all day on MSN and Facebook lol. Sure I could get unlimited connection on mobile, but no point also. Because the battery will run out quickly, plus I’m usually on the go around the office. From desk to CAD room to sample sewing room to cutting department to store to etc etc… I really don’t really have time to snake lol! XD The only thing I do online during the day nowadays is update my status on Facebook now and then. Wanna chat? Wait til night when I’m using the PC at home.

Hmm… In just 4 days, I think I’ve been catching up quite nicely at work Didn’t take as long as I had expected to refresh my memory and skills hehe. I guess this is one of those special skills that you won’t lose, no matter how long it has been since the last time you’ve done it. You know, kinda like cycling and swimming hehe. I guess I can say now that as far as the work life is concerned, I’m feeling… content

Ooh ooh ooh, the awesomest moment in this job so far was the special VIP guest of Datuk’s who was visiting the building to looksee. I was downstairs in the cutting department to do some, well, cutting lol. As I was slowly and carefully cutting using the machine with full concentration so that I won’t slice off my fingers, I noticed silhouettes of people in the corner of my eyes. I was cutting halfway, so I ignored it, thinking that it was just the worker waiting for me to be done with the machine. Then when I finished cutting that piece, I put it aside, and did a quick glance at whoever was standing there. Then in a split second, I looked back straight at them, slightly bewildered. Siapa tu, you asked? Well… My boss, the Datuk, aaaaand… wait for it… Jimmy Choo!!! I recognised him instantly from pictures I’ve seen in magazines. I was like, omigooosh x) He said hi to me hehe. How cool is that!

So sleepy this week. Not getting enough sleep. I guess the body got trouble adjusting to the earlier waketime, but maintaining the same bedtime. Hmm I think I better head to bed soon. It’s a Saturday tomorrow, not working yay! But I still have to wake up a bit early to see Sis before she heads to the airport to fly back to Melbourne. No nap after that either, cause meeting Max for lunch and movie. Gonna take a break and chill at home all day on Sunday, probably with my guitar, so nobody kacau me ok!!