Counting my blessings

Something happened today that made me realized life is so much bigger than alot of things. I’m learning to count my blessings.

Which also reminded me, I’ve not really thank some people whom have helped me through my journey in Citi, so here goes..

Thanks to my boss Dennis..who has his moments, but was still a very good boss. Bringing out potential within me and helping me to be a more confident and successful person.
Thanks to Cindy who referred me into Citi. Without her help, I won’t even have this job.
Thanks to Xie Linying! My guardian angel..without her being in the same branch as me..I don’t think I would’ve survived!! Never failing to guide and helping me with all the systems, technical details and paperwork.
Thanks to Sue, whose constant encouragement stirred me on and not to give up. Reminding me that God blesses the hands of the diligent.
Thanks to Chubbs, for all that she’s done and more..only God & myself know.
Thanks to Char & my beloved family, for always being so understanding and accepting. 
And of course, my Daddy God : ).

I was watching The Curious Case of Benjamin Buttons this morning, and it says..”If you’re not proud of the life you’re living..I pray you’ll find strength within you to start all over again.”
It got me thinking, because it reminded me of something I recently heard. One of the greatest problem in life, is when people do not know what is truly important to them.

Do you know what is truly important to you?
I’m learning to count my blessings, all over again : ).

Priceless

And so my almost 1 month baking course came to a conclude.
It was a great and amazing experience, something I believe I will not ever regret doing!

We had to pass a theory and practical exams before graduating from the class. For the practical exams, had to bake 2 cakes, 1 kind of bread and 1 kind of pastry..all in 6hrs!
Whoa..I’ve done 6hrs of shopping, 6hrs of prayer meeting, 6hrs of sleeping..but my 1st time baking 6hrs straight!! Was so tired after that..our muscles actually ached!

Tada…presenting my exam pieces! Looks good?! 

It was a nice & great bunch of peeps I’ve met at the course. I’m glad we exchanged emails and hope to stay in touch. Coming from all sorts of places..we have a policeman, to a teacher, to an IT engineer, etc. Love my teachers..esp mad chef haifzh!! hahah slamming doughs, smelling ammonia and “concealment” sessions!! He made lessons sooo fun : ).

Oh..and how can I forget about Char’s “your friend”! The funnily weird classmate of ours..it’ll be just too long to list down the weird things he did in class, driving everybody and the teachers crazyyyyy!!!!

What did I take home from the course?
– Learn in baking & in life, honesty is the best policy. If you miss 1 ingredient, stay true in re-doing the whole cake; then to serve someone a half done cake. So as the same in life ya.
– Practice does make perfect at times. The more you practice, the better you’ll get. True in everything we do!
– Amazed how different tiny ingredients, when mixed together, becomes something magical!! Never despise small beginnings : ).
– Loved the intensity of the course, makes me feel like I’m back working in Citi..but doing what I like! Haahah

Some asked why do I enjoy baking..hmm..simply enjoy seeing the smile on my family/friends’ faces, lighting up when they eat something I’ve made from scratch personally. Priceless. Satisfaction.

What’s next? Time to start planning for my next step, have some practice esp since I seem to be owe quite a few people some orders!! Hahhaha gonna finally taste my fav loklok again..then of course..Europe!!! Wooooohoooo!!!!!!!!

Happiness essentially is a state of going somewhere, wholeheartedly, one directionally, without regret and reservation : ).

7 cakes

What a weird dream I had today…dreamt that I was baking 7 cakes, and pouring green tea powder to the middle cake, but before I had time to decorate the cakes, I woke up! Maybe having some baking overload ya..hahaha

And how I embarrassed myself on Friday! Char & another lady were standing at the washing area to clean up…so I walked up to her and drop a knife into the basin, and asked her to help me wash it as well. She just nodded and kept silent. So as I was about to walk away..the person beside her suddenly said: “Jie, you know…”. For a moment, my mind didn’t register. Then, I realized..I dropped the knife to the wrong person!!!!!!! Hahaha all 3 of us burst out laughing!! I felt so paiseh canssss…quickly apologized to the other lady, took the knife and passed it to the right CHAR!! How blur can I get! 

Anyway, it’s been almost a week since my last physical day in Citi..feels quite weird actually, that my HP’s so quiet now without the ringing or bombarding of smses by my bankers. It’s weird, but yet nice at the same time. Was very touched by them and my boss..my bankers got me a gift, had a farewell party and wrote me a super funny card too, no wonder they are sales people hahaha. My boss was very nice to buy me 5 Muji aprons as well hhahaha…I told him, I’ll need to wear an apron over his aprons because they’re too nice!! But was very touched by all their gestures : ).

I’m glad I did take home more than just an experience, but also definitely some new friendships worthy to be kept.

As of now, I’m just gonna enjoy being a baker at the moment..and awaiting for my holiday!! Oh let it come so soooon pleasssseee!!! Then, I’ll settle my heart and embark on my new adventure once again : ). I’m pretty excited and happy, because I feel like 2010 has finally started for me, and it’s gonna be my best year yet.

I pray, it will be for you too : ).