Live, Love and Laugh

Yawnz... It's a Saturday, an absolutely glorious day, but my alarm just had to go off at 8.40am! I'm just not in the mood for work! Had to snooze for about 1/2 hour before I could drag my ass outta bed.

I have been really down for a while, and haven't been taking care of myself. But as I'm recovering from the mess, I have realised that how important it is to look after one's well-being. Even the most basic things like eating well, sleeping well and devoting sufficient time for workouts can affect one's energy level. My lack of energy and negativity has been killing me all these while. It has affected my concentration level. Drinking heaps of coffee did not work and had added on to my stress.

I'm not totally onto it yet. But at least, I'm feeling much better on most days. Keeping in touch with family and friends did lots to improve the situation. Having a routine workout at the gym,

and doing scenic drives helped to take away time from feeling depressed too. One thing to learn is, arrest the mess in your life before it gets bigger than life!

Some people just finds it easier to get over things than others. For me, it haven't been easy all my life. I always struggle with happiness, and fighting the blues. Just probably due to being unable to get along with my family, distance from friends, and having unrealistic expectations of myself.

There's nothing wrong with feeling down, even if it's for a prolonged period. Just don't let it become the seed of a self-destruction cycle. And of course, there's always good coming out of it as you pull through the lows. One could only get stronger when confronted with strong emotions. Feeling down and lonely is one of those strong emotions. Defeat can only be temporary.

As it is, even though I may not be as good in many areas as others, I have always pride myself for being strong. It does take time to develop conviction and even confidence to get to where I want. So long as I stay strong and keep fighting, things will start to fall into place.

As always, there are brighter things to look forward to. I have been using the hours after work google-ing and researching on Costa Fortuna Cruise, Venice and Milan =) It was the 8-day cruise specials on Flight Centre that sparked the idea of a European getaway next year. The point of embarkation is at Venice, with port of calls in Southern Italy, Greece and Croatia. How exotic!



The more I read about Venice and Milan, the more excited I get. Especially after finishing John Berendt's The City of Falling Angels some time last year (or was it the year before?), I guess this is the best opportunity to make the much-anticipated trip to Venice? I love travelling, and I love it even more when I'm able to combine my other greatest interest (SHOPPING). So, it doesn't take much for one to realise that Milan is one of the fashion capitals in the world. The trip "research" has inevitably stretched into factory outlets shopping etc. After reading up on tons of reviews, I have decided that I have to make this trip happen, no matter what!



I have even gone to the extent of looking up on hotels and airfares!



Just some days ago, El asked about New York and Germany next June! And yes! I'd jump on it if it's going to materialise as well! It could very well be a birthday trip for myself =) It's been ages since I had a good trip in the company of close friends. I did had a few this year, but nothing can be compared to people you have known for long, and well enough!


For now, it's enough of hours spent in front of the computer, google-ing. I still need to get on with my studies. Have decided to stop for one semester, in-lieu of so much going on at work, and also the trip.




Some spoilers ahead for the dream trip:

My sis has just started an online bakery with her friends. If you might be keen, the website is: http://www.swt-sensations.blogspot.com/