My 100th Post for year 2011

I was actually wondering whether I could have 100 posts this year and yeah, I made it. Well, I know it is a bit of a cheat because not all entries are originally mine but it is the number that matters anyway :p

So, I guess this should be a random post. I am still in the office at this hour, trying to rush documents for my appointment tomorrow. Oops, did I say the word "rush"? Then what am I doing here? Haha, just taking a bit of time off :-)

We are going to enter year 2012 soon and I am anticipating a more challenging and exciting year. I sort of forgotten to put in my previous post that I have done some challenging things this year itself.

I have enrolled myself in swimming lesson. I always have fear for water; I guess that was because I was almost drowned when I was six. I was just at the swimming pool, and all of sudden the float left me and before I knew what was going on, my whole body was in the water. My instructor said that I learned the techniques quite fast but it was my fear that controlled my mind and hence, I would not be able to graduate in five lessons. Hmm, at least I took up the courage to get over with this fear. Weng Yin, ganbate!!!

I have also enrolled myself in a basic counselling course and will start the course next year February. I am interested in this area and even thought of taking up Master in Counselling. Since I am able to study this at a cheaper rate, plus am learning it in a Bible School, I think this would be a better option =)

I do not know how, but I ended up joining the English Church Young Adults Cell Group. This is something new to me because I have grown up in a Chinese Church. It is indeed a pleasant experience. I just joined them for three times and looking forward for more =)

So, I am looking forward to more challenges next year. 2012, I am coming!!!! =)

Girl Next Door

This came into my mind today for no reason and I thought to blog about it. I guess it is quite an interesting term. All the while I thought "girl next door" is just an average and simple girl, but when I looked into the dictionary, it is far deeper than I thought. Let me share with you an Article I found on AskMen.com:-

The Appeal Of The Girl Next Door
Most guys are attracted to the all-night, uber-party girl. But eventually, our focus shifts toward someone with whom we can settle down.

Typically, we look for the wholesome, naturally pretty, more demure female who we've come to know as "the girl next door." Somehow she embodies all of our more mature and tamer instincts: marriage, children and tender companionship. The main difference in our thinking is that her qualities are just as important to us as her looks.

But the million-dollar question is: does she really exist or has the collective male psyche created her only to be an unattainable dream? Let's find out why this down-home cutie is on our fantasy list and discover what we can do to confirm or debunk the myth of the girl next door.
who is the girl next door?

First, allow me to define her.

Every guy may have his specific girl-next-door prototype, but in general, she's the girl whom you always admired from afar and were afraid to approach, fearing that any erotic projection toward her would ruin her image as a decent, pure and almost virginal womanly ideal. Think of Renee Zellweger's character in Jerry Maguire .

She's (in your mind at least) untrodden ground; unspoiled by other men and so sweet-natured it almost frightens you to think of her in explicit sexual situations. Almost . Here's another example: Picture your sister's best friend from when you were kids. In your mind she'll always be that 10-year-old cutie who played with you in the park. Only, when you catch up with her 10 years later, she's still a cutie, but all grown up and someone you can trust and connect with on so many new levels. The intrigue grows.

Similarly, she could be a friend's cousin whom you met at family occasions over the years. Or even a new employee at work who is shy and unassuming, but still gives you that "she seems so nice, I'd love to talk to her" feeling.

Get the picture yet?
What do we like about her?

There are so many characteristics of the girl-next-door type that qualify as "good" or virtuous. These are things we've come to look for in a woman, which earn the respect of our male sensitive side.

She's a homebody. She cooks, cleans and is not afraid of being at home, helping out with chores. Plus, she's not a fan of clubbing. She thinks the nightclub scene consists of horny drunks and game players who don't live honestly. And after all the not-so-great game players you've dated, this is a refreshing, alluring and potentially life-altering change for your dating scenario.

She's nurturing and sweet. Unlike so many of the women you've dated who had militant stances against being nice to you simply because you were a man, she's understanding of your needs and is willing to take care of you when you're sick. Her sweet demeanor -- and knowing that what goes around comes around -- makes you want to be with her and take care of her in kind.

She doesn't attract attention. She's "under the radar," so to speak. Guys won't hit on her everywhere you go; not because she's unattractive, but because she prefers to remain low-key, both in her appearance and her attitude. She's neither a flirt nor is she flashy; but she has that natural beauty that doesn't require coats of makeup.

She's predictable and safe. What you see is what you get. You'll always know where you stand with her, as well as where she stands on any given topic. There's no guesswork involved and that makes her a welcome change from all the women who've played head games with you before.

She's low maintenance. This is one of her best qualities. You won't have to constantly buy her jewelry and other such gifts to keep her interested. She even enjoys just slumming-it for a night in or out with you. Jeans and a T-shirt are fashionable enough for a stroll around town. But here's the kicker: when the occasion calls for it, she dresses to the nines.

She has family values. Because she comes from a solid family upbringing, she believes in the importance of family. If you ever want to be a dad, this is the woman you want as the mother of your children.

She has a good personality. Although this is not something you'd want to hear about someone you're meeting on a blind date, the girl next door is easygoing and able to joke around with you about all kinds of topics. You can go anywhere with her and never get annoyed. She doesn't complain, but she does speak her mind honestly and with respect for your feelings.

She's trustworthy and reliable. You can take her word to the bank. If she tells you she is going to do something or be somewhere, it's set in stone. You could give her your credit cards and never worry that she'll overspend. Now that's a headache you'll be glad to avoid.
so what's wrong with her?

You know the old adage, "if it's too good to be true, it probably is"? That can also apply to the girl next door. Despite all the good qualities that I've ascribed to her, there are still some things to take into consideration -- things that may displace her from the pedestal I've so readily put her on.

She's not a challenge. Let's face it; after some time with her, you may become bored. If you usually enjoy the spice that comes with a certain amount of frustration in a relationship, then she will not be the one to scratch the confrontational itch. Once you have her, the chase is over and you may eventually view her as a steadfast nuisance more than the sweet girl you thought you found.

She's predictable and safe. If you don't like spontaneity, then this isn't a problem. However, because she will never waver from the tried and true habits and experiences, you might have a problem spicing up your relationship just when you feel it's most crucial to do so. Can you say vanilla sex ?

She might be playing you. The worst possible thing to discover is that this was all an act. She really is that wild child party girl who sucked you in with the "nice girl" facade, and all of a sudden, you're back playing the same relationship games that drove you to her in the first place.
knock on her door

By now you surely know why you've been smitten with the girl-next-door type. It shouldn't be too hard to get out there and ask for a cup of sugar from that sweet thing who moved in across the hall or street. After all those women who messed with your heart before, it's now time to get some stable, honest, neighborly love.

So what's wrong with her?
You know the old adage, "if it's too good to be true, it probably is"? That can also apply to the girl next door. Despite all the good qualities that I've ascribed to her, there are still some things to take into consideration -- things that may displace her from the pedestal I've so readily put her on.

She's not a challenge. Let's face it; after some time with her, you may become bored. If you usually enjoy the spice that comes with a certain amount of frustration in a relationship, then she will not be the one to scratch the confrontational itch. Once you have her, the chase is over and you may eventually view her as a steadfast nuisance more than the sweet girl you thought you found.

She's predictable and safe. If you don't like spontaneity, then this isn't a problem. However, because she will never waver from the tried and true habits and experiences, you might have a problem spicing up your relationship just when you feel it's most crucial to do so. Can you say vanilla sex ?

She might be playing you. The worst possible thing to discover is that this was all an act. She really is that wild child party girl who sucked you in with the "nice girl" facade, and all of a sudden, you're back playing the same relationship games that drove you to her in the first place.
knock on her door

By now you surely know why you've been smitten with the girl-next-door type. It shouldn't be too hard to get out there and ask for a cup of sugar from that sweet thing who moved in across the hall or street. After all those women who messed with your heart before, it's now time to get some stable, honest, neighborly love.

Thankful

2011 will come to an end soon. In a blink of an eye, we are approaching year end, and is on the way to usher in the new year. Will next year be better than this year? What would my resolution for year 2012 be?

First, to share my resolution for year 2012. Two words. Short and simple.

BREAKTHROUGH

UPGRADE

Lord, I cast my year 2012 unto Your hands. I hope that my life will have a breakthrough and be upgraded in every possible aspect. I do not know how, but I know You will lead me through. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.

Next, is to thank God for the things that He had done for me throughout year 2011. It could be a very long story, but I think it would encourage me to continue my walk with Him in near future. From time to time, when I read back my own post, I am surprised myself that I have written such a post. This is because I do not think when I type. I think as I type. So my posts are quite spontaneous in nature, without much editing, save and except grammar, typo and spelling mistakes.

How should I start?

I think I could start with my job. I was employed back in October 2010 and my employer was supposed to confirm me in mid-January. There was fear in me, because I was not confirmed in my previous job. At the same time, an opportunity to quit practice came, and I really wanted to give it a try. You see, once I was confirmed, I need to tender three months notice, whereas if I were to tender before I was confirmed, I just need to give two weeks notice. Perhaps that was not God's will, because I am still here :-)

Throughout this year, I could see myself grow in terms of knowledge, and also as a person.

For a person who lacks sense of direction, I have been to a lot of new places with the aid of my GPS. This is a challenge for me because the GPS could make mistake too. I still remember the worst experience was when it brought me to Cheras instead of Puchong. Well, I still could not remember the direction to the places that I have been, but by taking a step to take up the challenge is something new to me.

In terms of job satisfaction, I am quite happy with my pay now. Further, I am happy when my clients got their new house, and the seller got their profit. My former employer once said, we are indeed helping those who are in need; because we are helping the lay people to obtain one of the most important assets in their lives. Yes, I have such satisfaction now and I hope that I would be able to glorify God's name in this aspect.

Looking back at the photos taken this year, I think I have gone through quite an adventurous year. I have been to few places and I have even taken up a challenge to travel alone. I went to Kuching in March, Bangkok in May, and Singapore in September. It was indeed a pleasant experience.

My parents were worried when I told them that I wanted to go Kuching alone, so my brother accompanied me. Technically, I still travelled alone because he did not accompany me all the time when we were at Kuching.

I had a pleasant trip with my good friends in Bangkok and this was also the first time I go travelling with friends. It was also the first time I travel outside Malaysia, besides Singapore of course.

In September I was very down, and I wanted to take some time off. So I decided to travel to Singapore and visit my good sister. This time, I really travelled alone. I had a good time at Universal Studio (my friends laughed at me because I went to Theme Park alone and injured myself but it was okay, because I have gained experience from the trip too).

In March and December, I helped my good friends in their wedding preparation. This was the first time I try to take part in wedding preparation. It was a good experience and it was a good feeling to work with those who are involved :-)

Anything else? Perhaps the biggest change is my direction in ministry. Since July this year I have been floating in the air. On one hand, it seems that I have lost direction; on the other, it may be a blessing in disguise. Indirectly, I have made a lot of new friends. I have also opened myself to other doors. I have started to join other fellowships so that I could find a better direction. Nonetheless, I believed that things happen not because of coincidence.

I cannot remember when, but few months back I have started to join a new group. The people are the same, but the name and concept are different. At the time I thought that I could not gain a certain thing, God lead me to this group, which could actually satisfy my needs in that particular area of my life. Recently I found out that I am comfortable with the group. Last Saturday when we went out for dinner gathering, I realised that I actually speak more often than before. I wonder why. I guess that shows that I have blended into the group and being less reserved. Haha, a good change, I hope.

Wow, I think I must have typed quite a bit by now. I hope when I read again what I have posted, I will be more thankful to Him because of what He had done for me in the above situations.

Jesus, once again I thank You for year 2011. It was indeed a great year for me. I cast my 2012 unto You and have faith that You will bring me through.

Amen.