.....times of refreshing.....

Let's reflect back 2010 as it's going to end soon. Oh, I'm not refering to world or political affairs but rather ourselves. Since the new year is around the corner, let's set  resolutions, and I mean, good decisions to take which will create a better year for us. And, I'm sure the below will helps -

1. Face your fear - Fear is always the no.1 hindrance to any endeavours we wanted to start. It can be  simple or complicated matters as meeting people, learning to drive, running a marathon, hiking, public speaking, job changed, starting a business and etc. Fear is a bully, and the more you fear it,  the more it bully you. Thus, face it and break the bond from your fear.


2. Stay calm and relaxed more - Stress is always a part of life and it can break us. Learn how to relax by engaging in physical activities like sports, brisk walk, hiking or regularly wind down with a massage, leisures, vacations (not those stressful ones..haha) and etc will definitely add quality to our life. Organise your life well and have good time management for your activities. Rise up early and do the things you are looking forward to and rest when you are tired. Overcome your fears and manage your worries. List down your fears and worries and work on it.Talk to someone that you trust and helpful if you have a problem.

3. Include new leisures to bring zest to your life - It's always welcoming to try out something new. This will add zest to your life. Think about that something new in the past which you have started and enjoyed. I'mn sure you do not regret trying out that new leisure.To me, I enjoyed my badminton training very much which I started two years ago as well as lunch time boardgaming with my colleagues. I hope to try out hiking this year, though no kakis yet. Other suggestion is, meet new folks like joining a club or gathering.



4. Do something for your family - Think of a few things that you can do for your family. It can be as simple as bringing them to church, vacation, buying them health supplements, enrol them for some enriching courses and so on. It will give you some blissfulness.

5. Financial Planning - No matter what, ensured you saved enough from your income and spend lesser than what you earned. It's easier for singles but tough for breadwinners. Learn to explore additional income and invest wisely. Learn more about financial planning and plan for your financial goals.

6. Look good and stay healthy - When you look good, you feel good. Thus, try to look the best as possible as you can. Dress well for the occasion instead of sloppily. When you're healthy, you will bring radiance to your look. Always take good care of your health. Work out in the gym to shed the extra fat away  and tone up your body. Avoid too much fatty food but eat moderately. Talk to any personal fitness instructors and you can feel the confidence in them cos they take care of themselves and looks good! Sleep early and rest well!



7. Be sociable and stay jolly - Yes, break the ice! Be sociable but don't talk like a 'machine gun'. Be easy going and relax. Enjoy the folks around you instead of playing with your phone. Get to know others better! Let others find you easy going and friendly.

Of late, I heard an engineer in my organisation was down with some critical diseases which needed kidney transplants. He was young at 30+,  just had a baby, bright, intelligent, dedicated in work and a nice chap! We were surprise by his sudden illness and really felt sorry for him and hope he will recovered soon. May God heals him and speed to him. This has jolted some of us where our lives are filled with chasing material gains.

An ex-varsity coursemate of mine which I recently contacted in facebook has taught me contentment. Though we didn't speak on the subject, I know this fella is a very religious and faithful Christian and humble. He seems working in his first job till now after graduated from the varsity since 1996. I I have changed a few jobs since...) And, his job neither pay him handsomely while of course, I'm sure he has decent salary. He picture his lives as very contented with his family and most importantly, he is a happy man.... (which he always is since the day I knew him in the college a decade ago).


I feels that contentment is about balance,  where we don't overwork for material gains while having time  for our family, leisures, friends, religion and health. In fact, contented folks seems a happy lot!  They need not fret about their friends or neighbours who are richer than them or drove a more expensive car than them and etc.



To be happy (and healthy) , stayed contented! I am still learning contentment. How about you?

“In everything give thanks” (1 Thess. 5:18)

I just placed an order for the above racket which is similar to the Yonex ArcSaber Z-Slash, but very much cheaper. haha..! Oh..if you have been following my blog, you must be wondering if I am badminton or racket crazy cos I just bought one racket 2-3 months ago. Well, this is my fourth racket that I bought this year. LOL And, I sold off two of the rackets while gave away one to my nephew.This gear cost me $S69. I almost go for the Yonex Voltric 70 which cost S$250 but after listening to some experts' advice, I decided against it as it may be too stiff for me.


These are the specs for the racket (got it from Apacs UK website) :-

Frame	Hi Modulus Graphite + Whip-Slim Frame
Shaft	Hi Modulus Graphite + CNTs Carbon Nanotube
Flex	Medium
Weight	85g +/- 1 (4U)
Grip	G2
Balance	285 +/- 5mm

I understand this racket weighted 4U and slightly head heavy but not so stiff and fast in attack. I searches the Internet and it seems lots of folks gave good review for this gear. WIll hope to try it out next Tuesday and see if it's really good. haha... Let me know if you want my personal report on this racket. Btw, I'm not a good player but just someone who enjoys playing badminton. LOL