Author Archives: avnjl

About avnjl

Amanda is a lifestyle blogger who endeavours to better herself through reflective practises. She is known to be witty and analytical although at times she seems to be talking to herself. Cooking (food and literature) is therapeutic to her, so Indulge in her and perhaps drop her a note or two along the way? ;)

Passion vS Manpower

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It’s been said that a person without passion is as good as a walking zombie, I strongly believe in that. Passion gives a person life and makes a person unique. I am passionate about communicating with people. I am passionate about making things work.

and then theres the other side of me.

I re-visited this In My Own Words segment a couple of weeks after I first posted it up and I realize that its so un-telling. 😀 I laughed. True Story.

Anyway, In My Own Words, communication is my strength, I believe in being happy and doing what one loves to do. Appreciates a good random laugh but often too serious to realize it.

If a quote ever tells you anything, perhaps these 2 would suffice.
1) Courage is not the absence of fear, but rather the judgement that something else is more important than fear. The brave may not live forever, but the cautious do not live at all. – Princess Diaries

2) All the world’s a stage, And all the men and women merely players – William Shakespeare.

Actually, the world’s a stage, you are the lead. There’s no retakes, there’s no NG. One show. Live it.

So text me for a good chat, hang on a little, lets see how far this acquaintance can go.

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Okay,  the text above is my profile intro in most of my dating site, in-fact that 1st para is in my blog intro too.  Was reading it when I thought I should address that I’ve changed…

Yar, I’m still passionate about things.
But really back then, I’m like all in and everything about it.
These days, I think I wanna move towards being involved but in a time-in and time-out way.

A person’s value and principle doesn’t really change unless there is a defining moment.

I don’t see defining moments thus far. But whats changing would be how i’ll be dealing with things from herein. Or at least hope to..

🙂 I want to be on top of situation and not be overly involved again.
Like what happened in my previous job, (although also occurs partially because of physical burn out. )

It’s when one gets overly involve in things, too immersed in it, get carried away, be an insider too deep that one’s opinion and views get clouded (being objective somehow seems to be thrown out of the window.)

No doubt being involved is important. No doubt being about the item is important.

But I began to realise, there’s always a need to pull out, rest and not be involved for a while. Like leave it be after working hours. Leave it be during lunch hours.

Perhaps somewhat like retreat, these rest hours, or this form of un-involveness can help one to see things better. Perhaps in another point of view.

Maybe that’s y we see bosses so zen?

Anyhow, I think I can write this post better.

“I’ll be back!” *speech in Arnold style. 😀

I’m back!

Actually, the text below is not really a passion thing, it’s more like manpower allocation and really doing what one is good at.

Went by to a coffee house one day. The barista who owns the shop won plenty of awards and is really good in his art.

But being his business, he handles everything. The Purchasing, the Sales & Marketing and most of all, Brewing and Preparing that cuppa.
He commented that he works 18hours a day.

I feel that we as human cannot work too hard. Whether is it on things that we love or just to bring back the money. Because we will slowly began to hate the things we do once we begin to burnout.

Just like e Barista. How good it is then if he could focus all the energy on what he does best, preparing that cuppa.. And let someone else handles all the rest of the stuff.

I think that cuppa would then go a very very long mile for him. 🙂

Trust? Resources? Or just didn’t think and understood things that way?
I don’t know. What about you? Do you enjoy what you do? Or is ur strength being taken away, distracted by the other things thought necessary?

Letting people do what they are good in…

Thanks for coming by

Be Bless
Love,
Amanda

An introvert’s holiday

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Hello~~~~ I’m out on a trip again-~~

‘cept that this is a short trip and to assist ppl

I think one of the things I enjoy most being on overseas trip is being able to stay in the hotel room and watch tv. Not exactly about their  local program’s, but rather more about the English movies I can find. 😀 it’s like watching movie at the movie theatre, but more luxurious than that. I get the whole hotel room to myself and I can buy whatever snacks and fruits I want at the local convenience shop. Pillows, and bed sheet, temperature to my preference volume control and all that jazz.

But I think more than that, it’s really about the whole relaxed feel that opens room for reflection and really opportunities to think. Such creativity and to certain extend deep thoughts, are reflection, is at it’s best when one is relaxed, perhaps at peace and able to generate more a complex and meaningful thoughts and connections.
Had one from the movie Last Song while I was out in Bangkok with friends.

Okay, that’s two whole paragraph and I have yet to get into the point of this entry. 😀 i would think theres two parts to this entry, one is on the movie and the other is on being an introvert.

Let’s do the introvert one first since its a little shorter. (okay, after inserting all the extracts from the video, its not that short afterall. 😀 )

Introvert…

I came on this trip with a colleague, have a common purpose, not so much about leisure and travel.
So he has his plans, and I can’t really be bothered about making prior arrangement.
Both bcos I don’t really have friends here and I’m not really a shopping person,
I’m more keen on staying in the hotel room and you know, sleep, slack and watch tv (as describe above).

So comparing between my colleague and me, I’m effectively an introvert.  Cos he’s running around meeting people for business, meeting associates and networking, while me? I do my work from the hotel room and spend more time in the hotel room, way more than supposedly a person who’s on holiday would.

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Mercedes-Benz B-Drive

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VrOOm  vROoM!

Doing a SHOUTOUT for my PR friend. 🙂

Mercedes-Benz B-Drive at Ngee Ann City Civic Plaza

Celebrate the launch of the new Mercedes-Benz B-Class

 

§  Event: Mercedes-Benz B-Drive

§  Date: 28 – 29 July 2012

§  Timing: 28 July 12- 8pm 29 July 11am – 8pm

 

Make a pit stop at the Mercedes-Benz B-Drive event and be amongst the first in Singapore to catch a glimpse of the new Mercedes-Benz B-Class, a compact sports tourer with outstanding aerodynamics. This agile and efficient automobile is comfortable, spacious, and combines driving pleasure with exemplary low fuel consumption and CO2 emissions.

 

The Mercedes-Benz B-Drive event will feature exciting activities designed to highlight the new B-Class’s dynamic features and technologies, with attractive prizes to be won. For more information and to register online, please visit www.facebook.com/MercedesBenzSingapore.

 

 

Thanks for coming by

Be Bless
Love,
Amanda

The revelation of Pure Double Chocolate 

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Okay… This has absolutely nothing to do with the drink, it’s used as s title bcos I happen to be having that now. 😀 

Sitting at KL’s budget airline’s airport called LCCT. Low Cost Carriage Terminal maybe. 
Came by to Coffee Bean cos the other restaurants seems to be too busy and crowded for me to leave my bags alone to place my order. 🙁 the pains of travelling alone. 

I want to complain ar! No lasagna for a hungry Amanda ar…. 🙁 

Lasagna
Stolen from: “http://www.freerecipes.org/simple-lasagna/”

*hungweeeeeeee….
So so… Anyway, 
I sat down at a seat and a thought came to me. 
Why am I so bothered about respecting superiors… 

Okay.. Maybe not really that, but rather, 
What is it about people of higher position that invokes me to give them the respect and honour?

I realise, it’s bcos of experience. 
Why is it that papers need to be approved by people of the higher management before anything can be executed? More than just having the numbers matched and the information verified. I realise, a lot is also because of experience as well. 

The boss would have seen enough to know whether this proposed item can be executed, the foresights and the outcomes that will come from their years of experience. Not that it has to be directly the same kind of thing, but rather, things that are similar and affected by related condition. 

It triggers my chain of thoughts going ahead. 
Being in leadership position, people look to you for advise and foresights, people look to you to give guidance and provide knowhow. 

What then if you are thrust into a leadership position but do not have enough experience to support it? 
Perhaps not not enough. But just not as much as how one would wish it to be. 

That’s when considerations and lots of why comes in. 
Not saying no for the sake of saying no, but having a legitimate reason in doing so. 
Saying yes because it will truly benefit, putting thoughts and consideration about enough to consider how things will be affect. 

Why did that paragraphs came about?
Well, I had been associating with plenty of experienced people these days and I realise they are very capable of saying no, not just so they can push things away (those, I have met plenty too). But rather really saying no bcos there is a legitimate reason. 

It’s like when I am in a leadership position, will I be able to say no to things and requests that comes by that shouldnt be handled by my staff? 

When I say yes, or considers the hurdles ahead, how will my staff be affected? 

These are thoughts that needs to be regulated. 
Regulated to prevent missing opportunities, Regulated to prevent my staff from being burnt out. 

I love my Pure Double Chocolate. 

Every Vacation Is A Good Vacation…
Nope, this isn’t a vacation, I just happen to be out of Singapore.

I think these are thoughts that parents need to think through too…

Thanks for coming by 

Be Bless 
Love,
Amanda 

P/S: I burnt out, bcos he didn’t know how to say no. I burnt out, bcos he didn’t know how to use my talents for opportunities presented. 
I thought being aware of what kind of job one wants and having a goal in life is important. Choosing the right boss turns out is as important a well. 

Co-opaliciouz!

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Oh YEAH! It’s Co-opaliciouz! Finally the big event has arrived! 😀 All the hard work… All the past blogposts, all the running around.
But I wonder, how many of us really know what’s the point of having Co-opaliciouz, or even what’s the point of attending Co-opaliciouz? Was it just because we have little cousins and nieces, or son and daughters involved in the reading of “A Very Big Storm”?

Co-opaliciouz (pronounced Co-op-a-licious) is a family day initiative that brings together Co-operative members and members of the public to celebrate of the International Year of the Co-operatives 2012.

What’s International Year of Co-operatives 2012 meant for? Why was it declared?

International years are declared by the United Nations to draw attention to and encourage action on major issues. The International Year of Cooperatives is intended to raise public awareness of the invaluable contributions of cooperative enterprises to poverty reduction, employment generation and social integration. The Year will also highlight the strengths of the cooperative business model as an alternative means of doing business and furthering socioeconomic development.

So Ladies and Gentleman, if you have taken part in Co-opaliciouz, you have just celebrated the contribution of Cooperatives in the world.

Take for example, NTUC FairPrice, a chain of supermarket. Did you know they are a co-operative too? They help in moderating the price of a basket of goods. Question! What do you do when the convenience stall near your house sells a bag of rice way more expensive than what you would normally find at NTUC FairPrice? You’ll naturally go there to buy it isn’t it? See, that way, with demand-and-supply principle in action, prices are moderated and kept in affordable range. That is a demonstration of the strengths of the cooperative business model as an alternative means of doing business and furthering socioeconomic development. *thumBs UP!

Alright, back to Co-opaliciouz!

So there I was running around with my DSLR trying to capture moments of people enjoying themselves, trying to capture photos of people hard at work.

It was nice seeing the change from what it was to how it is on that day.

and After!

TADA! So many people right? Luckily for the people at level 1, there were screens that does the life streaming of activities happening around.

We started off with Flag-off at Tanjong Rhu,

😀 Guess what, the affiliates were so excited that they stood position before the Start Line. 😀 Our Master of Ceremony had to direct them back to the right place.

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Karen Cheng – The Cool Mummy!

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Someone I would call Hellava Cool Mummy!

The fine art of seed spitting
20 April 2012
Category : Daily Living

We picked some fresh pomegranates from my mother’s garden.

They were gorgeously sweet and juicy.

My children and I sat in our backyard ripping them open with our fingers, with juices flowing down our arms, chomping on them hungrily.

I taught them how to spray the seeds from their mouths – machine gun style – just like I used to, when I was 10.

Have you ever tried to play music on tin cans by spitting seeds?

It’s a bit gross. But hella fun.

 

Karen Cheng! – http://www.karencheng.com.au/

Thanks for coming by

Be Bless
Love,
Amanda

Mother’s Day gift ideas

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Less than 1 month to go and Mother’s Day is around the corner. HOW!

Like that lo.. Cos Everyday should be Mother’s Day mah. 😀

Anyway, been receiving lots of flyers and ideas of Mother’s Day gift so thought I could pick up some ideas and share.

 

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For those that are going abroad to study,

Logitech offers their “Logitech HD Pro Webcam C920”

The HD Pro Webcam C920 captures full-HD 1080p video and thanks to its H.264 advanced compression technology, you can now upload full-HD 1080p video clips or 15MP photos quickly and with one click sync them to Facebook, Twitter™ or YouTube™. Coupled with Logitech Fluid Crystal™ Technology and a Carl Zeiss optics with premium 20-step autofocus (Logitech’s smoothest, most responsive autofocus yet) , the result is a faster, richer, smoother and sharper video calling experience. The webcam is perfect for both personal and professional use.

I grew up with Logitech’s keyboard and although its over 6 years, the portable/external keyboard is still faithfully serving my brother with his desktop. 🙂 Might be worth the while buying that for your mom should you be going abroad to study and she wants to do webchat with you.

 

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Was just watching TV the other day and the Dell XPS 13 Ultrabook commericial came on. I am very IMPRESSED.

I think if I’m a mom, I’ll be so happy if my child bought that for me. Be it just to help my husband handle some paper work, preparing financial statements for the home or even entertainment while doing housework, I believe the Dell XPS 13 Ultrabook will pimp up the whole experience.
In-fact this entry is worked on from my Inspiron 13z. Good stuff!

 

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and how can I not mention that stubborn-fat-reducing wonder!

IF your mom works in an office and has to sit down often, do consider the OTO e-shape.
I bet her colleagues will be all excited and wants to find out more from her. A little attention certainly will brighten up your mom’s day 😉

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For those mama that are more social-minded and very much health conscious,
Why not register her for the Bare-Your-Sole walk? Its a little gift in advance.

Happening on 2nd June, you can plan in advance, set aside the date in advance and take the mama out for a bare-footed walk.
Its a good family event, and mama can be proud that her child cares more than just what’s within the comfort zone.

A FUN-FILLED EVENT FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY

Everyday, people in developing countries & disaster-stricken places make their way through these undesirable conditions – barefoot. The Habitat-Barclays Bare Your Sole 2012 barefoot walk is an initiative that lets us all support these children and adults who live in dire conditions, raising much needed funds for projects to improve these people’s living conditions by building homes and fighting poverty.

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What about the moms who are just housewife? Well, on top of the OTO e-Shape.
Try the Happycall Pan. 🙂
I would think its useful and perhaps helps prepare healthier cuisine.
From what I see in my friend – Cuisineparadise’s site, seems like there are plenty of recipe and nice dishes one can come up with from the Pan.

Cuisineparadise’s site is the site to go to because apparently the merchant ripped her photos to promote their product.

Anyway, be participative, spend time and cook with the mom. Spend time with her.

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My mom always smile when I serve her a cup of water. 🙂 When was the last time you did that?

Thanks for coming by, Oh and Happy Mama’s Day in Advance!

 

Be Bless
Love,
Amanda