Project: Reflect 52 #52 - My year in review - 2012

My 8 greatest achievements in 2012

1. Achieved my optimal weight and stay healthy.

• Blog post: My Weight Management Journey
• Facebook album: TRA gives me my new slenderness

2. Got married. Summary here.

3. Honeymoon in Da Nang, Vietnam. Summary here.

4. Got promoted at work. Blog post here.

5. Started a family project with my hubby.

6. Went for a few mini weekend road trips.

• Taiping
• Kota Bharu
• Kuala Terengganu
• Singapore

7. Read 26 books and watched almost all blockbuster movies of 2012.

• Books
• Movies

8. Done my Project Reflect 52 2012. Summary here.


3 personal developments I have made in 2012

1. Learning about gratitude
2. Learning to be positive
3. Putting this principle into practice: Believe, Commit, Persist


3 things I need to do less in 2013

1. Worrying, complaining, and whining
2. Over-thinking and over-analyzing
3. Fretting about getting caught in traffic jams


3 things I need to do more in 2013

1. Don't worry, be happy
2. Getting in touch with friends
3. Stay healthy and robust


A sentence that sums up my 2012

"Life begins at the end of your comfort zone" by Neale Donald Walsch. Blog post here. 


Annual year-end summary posts

2011: Good things from 2011 for a better 2012!
2010: What I've Done in 2010 & What I'll Do in 2011
2009: Bye 2009! Hello 2010!
2008: 2009 Goals / Resolutions!
2007: Thank You Lord for 2007


That's all. What about you?


Let 2012 ends with fond memories and 2013 begins with many more new adventures, blessings, and even fonder memories! Have a blast everyone!

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Project: Reflect 52 #50-51 - My permanent Christmas wishlist

1. PEACE!

The worrywart me needs lots of peace, peace of mind. The Lord is the Prince of Peace, He shall be my Peace. Peace is everywhere in the Bible.

For a child is born to us, a son is given to us; and the government is upon His shoulder; and His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace. - Isaiah 9:6

Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. - John 14:27

And the peace of God, which surpasses every man's understanding, will guard your hearts and your thoughts in Christ Jesus. - Philippians 4:7

And let the peace of Christ arbitrate in your hearts. - Colossians 3:15a

And the God of peace Himself sanctify you wholly, and may your spirit and soul and body be preserved complete, without blame, at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. Faithful is He who calls you, who also will do it. - 1 Thessalonians 5:23-24

Now the Lord of peace Himself give you peace continually in every way. - 2 Thessalonians 3:16a

2. REJOICE, JOY!

My name is Joyce. So I gotta be joyful and rejoicing all the time!

Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. Let your forbearance be known to all men. The Lord is near. In nothing be anxious, but in everything, by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses every man's understanding, will guard your hearts and your thoughts in Christ Jesus. - Philippians 4:4-7

Always rejoice, unceasingly pray, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. - 1 Thessalonians 5: 16-18

3. HUMILITY!

Not the kind of humility that gives people courage to shit on my head, but the kind that reminds us how God resists the proud but gives grace to the humble. Don't think more highly of yourself than you ought to think.

And he who will exalt himself shall be humbled, and he who will humble himself shall be exalted. - Matthew 23:12

God resists the proud but gives grace to the humble. - James 4:6b, 1 Peter 5:5b

For I say, through the grace given to me, to every one who is among you, not to think more highly of himself than he ought to think, but to think so as to be sober-minded, as God has apportioned to each a measure of faith. - Romans 12:3

4. ARMOR OF GOD!

For safeguard from enemies, seen and unseen, including human beings.

Finally, be empowered in the Lord and in the might of His strength. Put on the whole armor of God that you may be able to stand against the stratagems of the devil, for our wrestling is not against blood and flesh but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the world-rulers of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenlies. Therefore take up the whole armor of God that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having girded your loins with truth and having put on the breastplate of righteousness and having shod your feet with the firm foundation of the gospel of peace; besides all these, having taken up the shield of faith, with which you will be able to quench all the flaming darts of the evil one. And receive the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which Spirit is the word of God, by means of all prayer and petition, praying at every time in spirit and watching unto this in all perseverance and petition concerning all the saints. - Ephesians 6:10-18

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Project: Reflect 52 #49 - Emotional freedom

Dr. Judith Orloff is the author of Emotional Freedom. She talks about liberating ourselves from negative emotions and transforming our life. I would love to read this book.

Synopsis:

Picture yourself trapped in a traffic jam feeling utterly calm. Imagine being unflappable and relaxed when your supervisor loses her temper. What if you were peaceful instead of anxious? What if your life were filled with nurturing relationships and a warm sense of belonging? This is what it feels like when you've achieved emotional freedom.

National bestselling author Dr. Judith Orloff invites you to take a remarkable journey, one that leads to happiness and serenity, and a place where you can gain mastery over the negativity that pervades daily life. No matter how stressed you currently feel, the time for positive change is now. You possess the ability to liberate yourself from depression, anger, and fear.

Synthesizing neuroscience, intuitive medicine, psychology, and subtle energy techniques, Dr. Orloff maps the elegant relationships between our minds, bodies, spirits, and environments. With humor and compassion, she shows you how to identify the most powerful negative emotions and how to transform them into hope, kindness, and courage. Compelling patient case studies and stories from her online community, her workshop participants, and her own private life illustrate the simple, easy-to-follow action steps that you can take to cope with emotional vampires, disappointments, and rejection.

Emotional Freedom is a road map for those who are stressed out, discouraged, or overwhelmed as well as for those who are in a good emotional place but want to feel even better. As Dr. Orloff shows, each day presents opportunities for us to be heroes in our own lives: to turn away from negativity, react constructively, and seize command of any situation. Complete emotional freedom is within your grasp.

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Here are some words of encouragement to everyone who reads this post:

• Be grateful. Don't underestimate the power of gratitude. Blog post here.
• Spill less "beans". Better still, don't share for the sake of sharing. You never know who will use what words you said against you.
• Be nice. Be pleasant, even if it's a mask or the best poker face you put on. Bottom line is: Don't be nasty. Nastiness doesn't get you anywhere. People remember, especially all the nasty stuff you did and the nasty words you said.
• Be kind. Kindness is one of mankind's virtue, the bastion of civilization.
• Never forget people who impact your life positively, including those who don't.
• Stay away from conflicts. Do your best. Conflicts are a waste of time and energy.
• Stay away from 8 toxic personalities. Blog post here.

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Project: Reflect 52 #47-48 - Bookish moments

There's a section called JOY 'N' BOOKS on my blog's left sidebar that showcases my love for books.

• Books I've Read links to my blog posts about books I've read


• I Pledge to Read the Printed Word links to readtheprintedword.org


• I Have Read... (FB Album) links to the Facebook album on joycescapade.com


• Books on my Wishlist links to my wishlist on bookdepository.co.uk


• Goodreads widget links to my virtual bookshelves on Goodreads


• Other links to my favorite bookstores

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Some other stuff related to my love for books:

 Photo source

Happiness is a cup of coffee and a good book - how true this is! I was so excited the moment I saw the quote and image on Camille's blog! It was indeed a reflection of my experience with coffee and books. :D

Photo source

That's a really handsome walk-in book wardrobe. I would love to have something like this in the future. :)

Photo source

Lastly, the most anticipated bigger, badder, super-monstrous book sale of the year - The Big Bad Wolf Book Sale 2012! With a 75%-95% discount on ALL 3 million books, there's NO EXCUSE to miss this world-exclusive event at Mines Convention Center (MIECC) from 7 to 23 December 2012.

Non-stop book-shopping is not a dream! We all are gonna shop till we drop!

Photo source

Whoever said money can't buy happiness has obviously never been inside a bookstore.

;)

There are two motives for reading a book; one, that you enjoy it; the other, that you can boast about it.
- Bertrand Russell

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Project: Reflect 52 #46 - Hope is that stubborn thing inside us

"I have always believed that hope is that stubborn thing inside us that insists, despite all the evidence to the contrary, that something better awaits us so long as we have the courage to keep reaching, to keep working, to keep fighting."

Thanks Mr. President for your motivational speech!

Thanks for reminding us that hope is that stubborn thing inside us! 

Yes, there's hope! 

Yes, I believe something better awaits us as long as we keep on striving towards it!

Yes, I believe!!!

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Project: Reflect 52 #45 - Something about alphabets (A to Z)

[A] Abundance mentality/mindset

This is a really difficult lesson to learn."You receive through the same doorway through which you give. The way to receive freely is to give freely. Quality is more important than quantity, since the universe amplifies thought into circumstance. Begin giving, and let God perfect your giving." - Brad Jensen

[B] Blogging

Blogging is my most important hobby, after Books!

[C] Coffee

I'm not a hardcore coffee drinker yet but a c(__) a day is irresistible! My favorite is latte.

[D] "Doing what you like is freedom. Liking what you do is happiness."

This is my latest favorite quote by Frank Tyger.

[E] Electric vehicle (EV)

I'd want to buy one EV, one day. I'm waiting for Proton's EV.

[F] Family

Nothing beats spending time with the family, and of course, Facebook as well. :P

[G] God

Without God, nothing will fall into place.

[H] Housewarming

I love the idea of throwing a housewarming party. 

[I] "If it is to be, it is up to me."

This will always be one of my life principles. 

[J] June

June is my favorite month of the year. Joyce, my name. J for Jesus too. J is my definitely my favorite alphabet.

[K] Kitchen

The kitchen is my territory. I cook when time allows.

[L] "Life begins at the end of your comfort zone."

This is a quote by Neale Donald Walsch that changes my life in 2012.

[M] Married

I'm married to the Master of the Universe, my wonderful husband! :D

[N] "No problem!"

I think this is one of my favorite lines during chats, apart from "Oraits" (i.e. alright).

[O] Online

My main reasons of going online are: It's a habit; so that other people can learn more about me; to keep others informed about what is going on in my life; to express my opinions or make a statement; to feel connected with others; to stay informed with what others are doing.

[P] Pregnancy / Parenthood

The plan is to have our first kiddo end of 2013. :) "Most women want a baby, later if not sooner. Once you catch baby lust, nothing will satisfy baby lust except a baby." - Elizabeth Stein

[Q] Quirks

"Every man had his own quirks and twists." - Harriet Beecher Stowe

[R] Roast chicken

I plan to roast my first chicken for this Christmas. Oh yeah, this will be my first Christmas as a wife, and hopefully, a mother too! :D

[S] Sunflowers

The sunflowers - my favorite flower ever!

[T] Trilingual

I can speak, read, and write in English, Bahasa Malaysia, and Mandarin.

[U] University

I graduated from the University of Malaya (UM) with a Bachelor's Degree (Hon.) in Science (Education).

[V] Vision board

I have created a vision board. Now I just need to remember to stare at it for a few minutes every single day.

[W] Winnie-the-Pooh

Winnie-the-Pooh is my favorite bear character ever.

[X] Xmas

I know some people don't like this abbreviation of the word Christmas. But there are no other "X" words that come to my mind! Well, maybe X-Wing, X Factor, X-ray. Hahaha.

[Y] Yellow

Yellow is the best color ever!

[Z] Zodiac sign

Gemini.

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Project: Reflect 52 #44 - A wedding that saves sharks

In Malaysia, it's a tradition to serve shark's fin soup during Chinese wedding dinners. The older Chinese generation holds the perspective that shark's fin soup symbolizes wealth and fortune. Therefore, if the bride and groom's parents are elderly Chinese with hardcore traditional mindset, shark's fin soup will most likely be served to the guests.

Janes and Francis boldly declined (I believe, with their parents' consent) the serving of shark's fin soup during their wedding dinner. They observed the "say no to shark's fin" principle. There's a placard with the tagline "Our Wedding Saves Shark" printed on it on each table.

I was very touched by this thoughtful gesture. This should serve as a good example to all future bride and grooms out there to be bold enough to do the same.

SAY NO TO SHARK'S FIN!

Two years ago, during a wedding dinner in Malacca, the bride and groom served shark's fin soup. I refused to drink a single drop and pushed the bowl back to the center of the table. A few guests repeated the same thing. Hahaha! It's YOUR wedding! Can't you be bold enough to dictate what you want to serve to your guests? Just say NO to that bloody soup, is that so difficult? 

Congratulations Janes and Francis!

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Project: Reflect 52 #43 - Top 9 characteristics of a successful relationship

I got this couple checklist from the September issue of Female magazine.

Top 9 characteristics of a successful relationship

• Friendship: That's true, sometimes when the hubby and I are talking, we are like old friends catching up. It's true about your spouse being your best friend.


• Humor: The hubby is not one of those crazy "hee-hee-haa-haa" guys. He is not Psy (you know, Psy from the Gangnam phenomenon). But, he has his certain ways - especially with words and sentences - that make me laugh till my stomach hurts.


• Communication: This is a lifetime lesson. We avoid "cold wars" as much as we can. I can be quite cranky sometimes; he makes an effort to understand what I want, and I try my best to practice to be less cranky. :P


• Equal chore-sharing: Believe it or not, the hubby sometimes offers to do laundry. He can even do some simple cooking. :)


• Sexual intimacy: This is NSFW, so let me keep this for private consumption. :)


• Affection: I "demand" for hugs, hold hands, and little kisses all the time. Hahaha!


• Mutual and separate social lives: Yeah, we do have.


• Reliability; doing what you say and saying what you do: Ummm. Not easy because sometimes we don't really mean what we say or do. LOL!


• Relationship vision: To have kids and build our little kingdom! :D

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Project: Reflect 52 #42 - My first pair of Levi's Demi Curve jeans

I bought my very first pair of Levi's Demi Curve jeans - a necessary and affordable "splurge". :)

Why? Because I'm still retaining my new-found body shape without rebound or weight regain even after four months upon finishing The Right Approach program. :)

Levi's Demi Curve - frames perfect proportions, flatters your waist, smoothes your shape. Excellent!

I have never been able to wear a size 24. Now I can!!! I'm bursting with confidence and happiness!

Thanks TRA!

The latest me. :)

More photos on my Facebook album here.

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Project: Reflect 52 #41 - 6 gems of the week

#1: Surround yourself with people who make your soul happily caffeinated!

[via]

#2: Surround yourself with cheerleaders, not fear leaders!

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#3: Instant Happy Love Life Boosters!

• Respect and consistent daily affection.
• Maintain a five-to-one ratio of positive to negative moments in relationship.
• Appreciate ordinary everyday moments together.
• Handle conflict with validation - see things from the other person's view, share all views with kindness to find a win-win compromise.

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#4: The ABC's of Life

Accept differences
Be kind
Count your blessings
Dream
Express thanks
Forgive
Give freely
Harm no one
Imagine more
Jettison anger
Keep confidences
Love truly
Master something
Nurture hope
Open your mind
Pack lightly
Quell rumors
Reciprocate
Seek wisdom
Touch hearts
Understand
Value truth
Win graciously
Xeriscape
Yearn for peace
Zealously support a cause

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#5: Cute Cookie Monster comic

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#6: The 11 Mental Health Habits of Highly Successful People

• Successful people do not measure themselves against anyone else’s yardstick.
• Truly successful people compare themselves only to themselves!
• Those with a successful mindset forgive themselves for everything.
• Successful people focus on their life as a WHOLE rather than focusing on THE HOLES.
• Successful people move forward, despite occasional backward glances.
• Asking for help is seen as a strength, not a weakness, in the highly successful mindset.
• People who are successful share the love!
• With a watchful eye on their goal, successful people find success in the journey itself.
• Those who are truly successful have nothing to prove.
• Success is not measured by how hard you fall, but in how determined you get back up.
• Successful people are Doers, not Stewers.

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Project: Reflect 52 #40 - Betapa Hatiku

I enjoyed singing this hymn when I attended a mass this weekend.

For those who couldn't understand Bahasa Malaysia, I have inserted the English translation below each line.

Betapa Hatiku

(Oh How My Heart)

Betapa hatiku

 (Oh how my heart)

Berterima kasih Yesus

(Thank You Jesus)

Kau mengasihiku

(You love me)

 

Kau memiliku.

(You own me)

Hanya ini Tuhan persembahanku

(This is what I have to offer to You)

 

Segenap hidupku, jiwa dan ragaku

(My whole life, heart and soul)

 

Sebab tak ku miliki harta kekayaan

(Because I don't have material possessions)

 

Yang cukup bererti 'tuk ku persembahkan.

(That are meaningful to be offered.)

Hanya ini Tuhan permohonanku

(This is what I ask dear Lord)

 

Terimalah Tuhan persembahanku

(Please accept my offerings)

 

Pakailah hidupku sebagai alat-Mu

(Use my life for Your gains)

 

Seumur hidupku.

(As long as I live.)


Isn't this a simple yet wonderful hymn?

Please practice what you preach and walk what you talk. Don't just talk and preach big phrases and principles when you can't even bring yourself to really care about others' welfare; not just asking them to attend church meetings without finding out the real reasons that hold them back.

Think about it, think really hard. If you say thinking is of the soul, then please pray with your spirit about it.

 

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Project: Reflect 52 #39 - It's nice to be nice :)

Photo source

It's nice to be nice. Agree? I really do.

I believe in an eye for an eye. In the same context, I truly believe if I'm nice to others, they will be nice to me too. Although I can't expect others to be nice to me all the time, I can always do my part to be nice to them.

A few days ago, I was on the level of low positive energy for quite some time. I was trying to find out why certain people can be so nasty. So I kept on reminding myself not to be as nasty. In the back of my mind, I believe in the end of the day, nastiness doesn't get you anywhere. People remember, especially all the nasty stuff you did and the nasty words you said.

Come to think of it, is there any difference between 'don't be nasty' and 'be nice'? Maybe yes, maybe no. Either way, I think it gets me nowhere if I keep on trying to find ways to reciprocate others' nastiness or get even or something towards that extent.

I will learn to shift my focus from 'don't be nasty' to 'just be nice' as much as I can! From now onwards, I'm gonna practice "it's nice to be nice!" It can be as simple as a polite nod or smile or just plain ol' "Thank you!"

:D

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Project: Reflect 52 #37-38 - Last weekend's KT-KB road trip journal & this weekend's shopping spree

Last weekend's KT-KB road trip journal can be found here. There are 3-4 more blog posts coming up! So, if you are reading, do check back from time to time. :)


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Here are some purchases from this weekend's shopping spree, but not all of them are for myself. :D

As the hubby and I walked into the Mother and Childcare department in AEON, my maternal instinct kicked in and I bought a Fisher-Price baby cap, mittens, and booties...

... for a friend who's giving birth soon. :)

My need for a cup of hot coffee was satisfied at the Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf mini bar. I usually avoided expensive coffee but I gotten myself a cup of House coffee for only RM5. :)

From the moment I changed job in August last year, I have listed Longchamp and Coach on my "affordable luxuries" wishlist.

During my wedding three months ago, I received a red, long handle Longchamp Le Pliage Tote Bag as a wedding gift. :D

Three months later, here's my new Coach satchel bag with lavender-colored insides. However, this wasn't my purchase. It was an unexpected "giveaway" from hubby's relative. :)

Planet Popcorn! 

Nine flavors - Original, Caramel, Cheese, Chocolate, Seaweed (bestseller), Curry, Wasabi, Coffee, Kimchi (latest flavor).

Hubby and I gotten a packet of Seaweed Popcorn and had a good time munching 'em tasty popcorns while watching Dredd. :D

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