- 1 -
My office (read: the whole university) is moving to a permanent campus in December. Last week was HR and Finance Departments' turn. Yesterday was my turn! I spent the past three days packing, and throwing things. I don't really have special memories in this old office. Nevertheless, I am still amused when I read notes of the first few months working. For example, I found a list of kindergartens in Singapore with my hand-written notes. I remember how I called each kindergarten one by one to find one that is interested in collaborating in our research.
- 2 -
Some questions that I often ask my friends these days are, "What's your resolution for Advent? Have you had plan for Advent?" This morning I realized that tomorrow is the third Sunday of Advent already. Now I really feel that it's very important to ask this question earlier. I encounter colleagues who are caught up with work and 'forget' that it's Advent. Well, we know that it's Advent, but so what? I encounter friends from universities who are now working and saying the same things. As for students, it's exam period!
 |
| One paper bag is filled with 3 resolutions. Pick 1 each day till Christmas. I started on the Feast of Immaculate Conception. I was supposed to make 25 bags, but no time!! :( |
As for me, I don't think that I've been having a 'perfect' Advent. My main resolution is actually very simple: de-cluttering and organizing my room/myself/my time so I have space for baby Jesus. This year's Advent is a bit 'dark' for me because there are so many things going on (moving office = another transition period, new rhythm, never-ending cough for the past three weeks, my boyfriend's never-ending struggle with his dissertation, etc). However, I still have a little hope, peace, and joy because even if I feel that this period of waiting for Christmas is a bit not like what I expected, it precisely becomes an opportunity to step back a bit and to offer up many things for baby Jesus.
- 3 -
I recently read a news about how a local actress expressed no regret that she was topless an a trailer of a movie. As I read more about her sharing with the newspaper, on how she didn't regret it, and how she felt that it was an affirmation how she has moved on from her past with eating disorder (because now she is confident with her body), I feel a... compassion?
I mean, isn't it sad that we need this affirmation that we are not worthless through external things such as acting topless? I really wish that one day she and many other people who have similar issues can feel loved just as the way they are.
Honestly speaking, I don't think that I don't have this problem too. For me, I seek worth of myself through work, or through my achievements. When I start comparing myself with other more 'successful' friends, when I envy others who travel here and there many times in a year, those who love me try to knock my head and wake me up: "hey, your identity is based on the fact that you are daughter of God"
- 4 -
Talking about workplace, my most memorable experience was actually not in the campus itself (I am working as a research assistant). I think it happened in a preschool. My first time helping 3-year-old clean herself after toilet time happened through this work as a research assistant. I found it quite interesting because I was a bit worried that I didn't clean her properly so I used so much toilet papers =P
- 5 -
Orchard Road, the main shopping area in Singapore, is always decorated beautifully during Christmas. Anyway, I haven't gone to Orchard Road to see the decorations this year! Hahaha. I always feel headache and dizzy when I see too many crowds in shopping malls.
However, I think nothing beats the decoration at Orchard Road in 2008. They had big statues of nativity stories along the road. The three Kings, the Holy Family, the shepherds. You can follow the Christmas story as you walk along the road. That's what a real Christmas is. It's such a pity that the decorations' standard every year has been decreasing. In 2009, the decoration was made of various deers with skimpy clothes. >.<
- 6 -
I'll fly home to Indonesia on Friday, 26 Dec after Christmas. I'm looking forward for the new year's celebration with my family + my brother's girlfriend's family + my aunties & uncles from my dad's side + my boyfriend. It's going to be a big gathering + BBQ. hahaha.
- 7 -
Oh, and here's the link to the Day 4 experience of Camino de Santiago ^^
More quick takes at Kelly's blog!
No comments:
Post a Comment