Let's Play...!
This is the bulletin board on my wall... many items, if not all, have a special meaning in my life... or are there for a very important reason. Can you guess what's on there and why does it mean so much to me? Leave your comments! :) Answers will be posted shortly.
Holz's Sources of Procrastination
Just a few things that actually drag me away from studying... :)
1. Magazines
[My current favourite ones include: Practical Photography (albeit VERY expensive since it's a lovely Brit mag... therefore, it costs 3.5 Quids; how brilliant.), Vanity Fair (their photos of ppl are amazing), In Style]
2. Blogger & Imagestation
3. G3 & IXUS400 - keeps me too trigger happy
4. Online Window Shopping - I blame this on amazon.ca!
5. Cleaning my room... :)
6. Thinking of where to go w/ Vicks in May :) ;) :) (I just found out the good news today!)
Studying has totally taken the life out of me. I cannot think any longer... therefore, I shall bid you adieu until next time.
OH - some recognitions:
Happy Birthday to Pris and Myles! :)
Congrats to Richard for the Iron Ring
Sharing Some of His Blessings
Last night's outreach workshop night was awesome; lots of new lessons learnt and also many refreshers from what was taught at Urbana. Rev. Chua highlighted a few points on outreach which really encouraged me, including these two points:
1. God has his timing and
2. It's not really us that leads someone to know Him, but it's the Spirit that does so; we're just previleged to be the instruments.
Something I haven't shared is my experience last week with the worship team I'm part of. Jon had to leave for the weekend, so I was asked to take over for just this month. It was quite an experience, as I had to no idea what the sermon topic and scripture was until the Saturday before service, and I was lacking in instrumentalists. I was glad when Serena agreed to help out :) With last minute surprises, things didn't work out as planned; fifteen minutes before the practice, I was told the instrumentalist couldn't make it... at that point, I was praying "God, please don't make me stressed out and affect the worship.... :P" I was also running late cos my mom couldn't get the computer working. To make a long story short, I get to church late, but to find out that Serena was willing to play the piano (yay!), the topic AND the awesome team to choose the response song TOGETHER :), and finally patch things up. Sunday morning came, and we all had a part in saying something (either through prayer, scripture, or sharing) during the worship... I know God was with us during the worship and was guiding us through :) What an awesome experience. The best part was that I really didn't "lead"... but just did the admin stuff... because everyone had their part in the service and that it was God that was really leading :).
That's all... stay tuned for my next blog on several things that make Holz procrastinate like mad :)
This Week's Friday Five
When was the last time you...
1. ...went to the doctor? Yesterday, to get that stupid fishbone checked. I got it out! :)
2. ...went to the dentist? September? Don't remember.
3. ...filled your gas tank? Yesterday night - I actually had to do a 3-point turn IN the gas station. :P Crazy people wanting to fill up.
4. ...got enough sleep? I always get approx 8 hours of sleep. Ironically, I'm always tired.
5. ...backed up your computer? Um.... too long ago. I think approx a year, when my computer made strange noises for a while.... then it finally stopped and everything went back to normal. I should do something soon.
Time for Some Beef
Yes... Holz's beef about leadership. (BTW - this isn't anything personal to anybody I work closely with...!)
Going through a few interviews in the past year and a half, I've always been asked this one question -
what do you think is a good leader? My answer? I simply say it's all about being understanding towards the situations each member of the group is, allowing them to work within their own capacity, giving them autonomy to complete their tasks - all with a mutual understanding that the task is to be completed at a set time. Simultaneously, control should be exercised when members go astray and break the mutual promise to complete the task and to work as a team. Being a leader is knowing when to say something and when to shut up and let things be. (haha, of course, I didn't say it in those exact words. otherwise, I think my prospects would be impossible!) Personally, it's not all about delegating and letting it be... or being on the case of the group member who's trying to complete something. It's about delegating
sensibly and ensuring that one's up to the task... and not just that, but trusting that the person will complete it without constant reminders or criticism. At the same time, the tough part is that leader has to know what's going on without interrogating the person the task is delegated to.
After watching tonight's epidsode of
The Apprentice, I realise how this world lacks good leaders - leaders that are passionate not only about their role and how they achieve the tasks that comes along with it, but passionate about the cause of the group. Leaders tend to be self-focused... about how they could do a good job, or how they can handle the group, or how they can pull the group out of a rut... but never really about what the group should be really doing, or the impact the group should have... not just the one leader's impact. I don't know... lately, I find that what's more important than leadership is really teamwork and how the group works together. My thoughts - bad leader & bad team = bad job done; good leader & bad team = mediocre job done; bad leader & good team also = mediocre job done; good leader & good team = good job done.
Ah wells... Holz is just in need of some spewing... haha :)
The Tale of the Fishbone <><
For those of you who know me well, you know that I've only been to the Emergency Room once in my life (or the life that I can recall... haha I prob. went in a few times as a baby, but that doesn't count), and for what reason. No, it wasn't something life threatening, or anything that required surgery... it was a stupid fishbone. I recall that week was the week of the big blackout in August - I was sick w/ a fever, had a fishbone stuck in my throat, and couldn't go exploring in the dark and seeing the stars right in the city. To top it off, I recall not seeing Myles for almost two weeks, which is quite rare since we usually see each other at least once or twice a week.
Well, I haven't seen Myles for almost two weeks... and guess what? Someone has a fish bone stuck in her throat again. I refuse to go to the ER though - I was the laughingstock of family and friends. :) Actually, this seems to be becoming a regular routine, so I have to train myself to get it out on my own. I'm confident I'll be able to get it out. Besides, the last time I went into the ER was horrendous - a four hour wait just to find out that there was "no fish bone" in the x-ray. I betcha I probably got it out somehow on my own in a rather horrid and disgusting manner that won't be discussed in detail - the last thing I want to do is scare you away.
I'm staying away from fish for a while... again. :P (w/ the exception to boneless sashimi :P hahaha... I can't give up the white tuna!)
My Whereabouts
Ahhh... :)
*thank you for a wonderful afternoon* :)
My reading week has gotten off with a relatively good start. I practically wrote Friday and Saturday off for grandparents, haircuts & facial, worship practice, everything *not* related to school. These past few days have been a mixture of playing and studying... unfortunately more of the former. I've been slacking off too much, considering the fact that I have a midterm after reading week! I've taken lots of pictures of FOOD lately, but today's excursion down to the Front St. E. & Wellington St. E. area added flavour to the many food pictures. :) I try to make my restaurant pics interesting.... :) (I'm actually quite happy w/ this
Bouchon picture I took)
BTW - GO TO BOUCHON FOR WINTERLICIOUS!!! They've extended it to the end of the month, I believe... and it's worth it! Centro has too, but personally, the restaurant was a-okay... not as hyped as I believed it to be. I believe Phil and Serena (who originally told me to go there before Winterlicious started) can attest to Bouchon's superior service, cozy ambiance, and delicious food. :)
What else has been happening in Holz's life besides food and more food?
- Finding plane tickets
- Getting together w/ my bestests again!
- Thinking of Karen (get well soon!)
-
Finally cleaning my room
- Getting excited about seeing my grandma, aunts, etc.
- Getting grad pics :)
- GREAT worship practice & service (explain later)
Anyhoo... must finish reading some pages of my lovely comp. audit txtbk, so I shall return tomorrow.
Au Revoir!
Friday Five
Not particularly fond of today's Friday Five... only cos it doesn't really hit hard on me... can't really relate to it. But anyhoo, here goes:
1. Are you superstitious?
Nope
2. What extremes have you heard of someone going to in the name of superstition?
Ummmm none of my friends are overly superstitious... but I'd just say favourite piece of item.... good luck charm or some sort
3. Believer or not, what's your favorite superstition?
I really don't know :)
4. Do you believe in luck? If yes, do you have a lucky number/article of clothing/ritual?
Not a lucky number... just a favourite - 20.
5. Do you believe in astrology? Why or why not?
Nope... stars can't tell me my future. I have faith in the One that created the stars :)
It's reading weeeeeek! :)
*yay*
Now what?
Argh! Can't study! Midterm in less than five hours, yet here I am, bloggin' it away.
UTers -
exam schedule is up. That should be the end of me... consolidations is the afternoon RIGHT before computer audit the very next morning. :P At least for once, I finish in April.
In other news, reading week is around the corner... wanna party it up, but can't cos of consolidations midterm. Who cares about aggregating companies together? They can avoid tax for all I care. :P Wait... I'm a bean counter. Erase that. :) (that was just said in a moment of angst and fury) At least I'll be happily eating out at Centro & Bouchon :) Yay!
Enough procrastinating... must get back at it!
Good Deeds
A few good deeds that made me laugh & smile:
Good Deed #1 - A week and a half ago, during that big snowstorm that caused UT to cancel its classes, I was stuck at Don Mills Station, hoping to catch the TTC that goes north of Steeles. Unfortunately, it didn't come cos everything was delayed (what wasn't?!) Finally, a York Region Bus (that's separate from TTC), the only one that goes in and out of Don Mills for a quick stop, came and I decided to hop on that one, along with two other women who were waiting for the same bus. I realized I didn't have enough spare change, only $5, and the York bus wouldn't take TTC tokens. I was stuck. Finally, one of the women decided to do a good deed of the day, and paid for my bus fare. She refused to take my $5. Anyway, the funny part of the story goes like this:
Woman (W): So... do you have a student pass? How much should I put in there?
Me (H): I don't know... I think $2.25.
Bus Driver (B): $2.25?
If you're under 12, you don't need a pass - you can just pay a dollar!
H: Uh... I'm not a child.
B: Do you have a student pass?
H: Uh... does a university student pass count?
B: $2.25... sorry dear.
Hahaha. So much for getting these new glasses that supposedly make me look more like a bean counter.
Good Deed #2 - In light of the Winterlicious hype, Joe and I were talking about where to go eat, and he really wanted to go to Centro. At that time, I didn't know Centro had extended their Winterlicious period... shortly after, I bumped into Magda (SO HAPPY TO SEE HER!); she told me about the extended event. Being silly, I made reservations for myself, and totally forgot to tell Joe until Friday. He was SO happy that he made TWO reservations. The funny part to this story isn't the good deed I did for Joe (by informing him of Centro's availability), but rather the good deed Joe did afterwards. He was sooooo excited that he apparently got P.Can all excited about it, and P.Can made reservations :) As a result, Myles has a wonderful bday date awaiting :) Hehehehe... one good deed follows after another. :D
That's all the good deeds so far... :) Now, I don't mind receiving more good deeds ;) I'm always in need of coffee!
Friday Five & a few Other Random Things
I've decided to hop on the bandwagon and join Carol along with a few others with the Friday Five... :) Besides, it gives me an excuse to blog - notice I haven't blogged for a long while?! :)
Anyway, here goes this week's
Friday Five:
1. What's the most daring thing you've ever done?
I'd say walking alone to harbourfront (behind the apartments on Queens Quay) at 9pm at night... yes, as you can tell, I don't lead a very exciting life.
2. What one thing would you like to try that your mother/friend/significant other would never approve of?
Backpack on a trip, without tours and what not. :)
3. On a scale of 1-10, what's your risk factor? (1=never take risks, 10=it's a lifestyle)
Sadly, I'm on the lower end of the spectrum - 3. Not that I wanna live an exciting life, but I wanna take risks for Him - getting out of my comfort zone.
4. What's the best thing that's ever happened to you as a result of being bold/risky?
Telling a certain fellow that I liked him. Mind you, that was eons ago. I can't think of anything else.
5. ... and what's the worst? Seeing as to how I rarely take risks... hmmmm gotta think. *think* all right, I'm a loser. I couldn't think of anything but this: I take the risk of not buying something I REALLY like cos of the price and wait until a time I think the price has gone down, where in reality, it either has gone up or sold out. Like that Club Monaco pencil case in gr. 5. And the journal I've been eyeing for ages. (It's like the teachers one Josiah gave to Myles, but it's for Restaurants) Or that agenda I've been wanting to get. Or the Roots bag. Oh, I can name so many.
==========
In Other Random News...
1. Winterlicious: After going to three restaurants, Holz has gotten a bit chubbier but definitely more satisfied with the food intake and quality conversations :). Once again, YYZ and Auberge fail to disappoint me!
YYZ with Karen was delicious; however, the apple martini was a bit expensive :P At least we had a good laugh w/ the martini and macadamian nuts (it was a shame Ian couldn't make it). Monday at Monsoon with Sarah was fun! :) The taro chips (substituting the regular bread basket served at restauarnts) was addictive, and my sakitini was superb! I'll describe food at another time :) (to avoid a long blog). However, stupid Holz brought her camera, but forgot to insert the memory card, hence no eye candy. :(
Auberge for lunch w/ my mom's friend was delicious though! Certainly brought back memories of the interview lunch; however, I was able to enjoy the food and ambiance this time without worrying if I had food stuck in between my teeth or if my breath smelled bad. BTW the food pics for YYZ didn't turn out as nice as the food pics for Auberge :)
2. Interesting Conversation w/ Pops
Of all people in my life, my dad brings up the topic of my future... haha not my future career or source of income (esp for my upcoming trips), but my future in terms of relationships and what not. Interesting. No worries, nothing serious. :) Still... of all people... and considering my dad's personality and interests. Hahahaha.
3. Winterlicious Part Deux
Once Magda told me about Centro extending their Winterlicious dates, I called them up to make a reservation during the beginning of Reading Week! :) I got one! :) Now, I just have to find someone to go with. :D BTW, Centro is where the Leafs apparently hang out.... hehehe.
4. Last night's comeback
... speaking of the Leafs, I was in awe when my dad came back from swimming and told me the Leafs won the Sens in OT. Considering that they were losing 4-0, I was surprised. However, I must admit that the Leafs haven't been in my good books lately. Don't get me wrong, I'm still a fan, but sometimes, I can't stand how dirty they CAN be, particularly when they play against the Sens. I mean, did you see how Perrott knocked the guy yesterday? And the stupid boarding penalty McCabe got? (stupid in the sense that McCabe played dirty). I am slowly understanding why everyone else outside of Toronto hates the Leafs. I can't say I love the Sense though :) with Hossa practically throwing McCabe (i think?) around during the last game (last Saturday?), it was pretty disgusting too. Meh.
5. 'Tis the Season of Midterms...
... yet I've procrastinated for the past hour, BLOGGING. Time to get back to calculating Part I Taxes Payable for a corporation who has stupid manufacturing & processing deductions, and other useless investment tax credits. :P
For a Good Laugh
Guess who this is:
right click here to listen
(actually - my link isn't working properly. simply right click on the link, go to 'save target as', and save the file... sorry for the trouble! i'm comp. illiterate so i can't work the link out properly)
Look out for the part w/ Banana! :)
Warning:
- It's funny in general. It's funnier if you understand both Cantonese & English
- It's a bit long...
- Go to the washroom before you listen to it... :)
