Samantha Kate ♤ @samanthakate-lyn - Tumblr Blog

Priorities & Sacrifices

A few days ago, I found out a close colleague of mine got engaged to his on and off/ recently official girlfriend. This revelation led to a series of coffee talks about the future, life plans..etc.

Today, I spoke to a mutual friend and colleague. He’s been working in our company for around 1.5 years. Recently, he started dating a girl he met off the internet. She’ll be 30 next year.

As we shared our dreams and aspirations for the coming year(s), he dropped a bomb. He told me that he’s set a deadline. That he’ll be leaving our team after the end of our financial year. He said that he’ll be joining his girlfriend’s family business.

At this point, it’s good to note that we’ve had this conversation before. Only, it went a little differently the last time. Back then, he declared that it was not something he was interested in.

... So you can probably imagine my surprise...

I probed further.

He said, he’s done the math, listed the pros and cons, and weighed the immediate and future implications. But most importantly, he said that his priority in life is to be able to

Support His Parents

He said that progression on his own strength -in our position- is painfully slow. He said he’s already 30. He wants to be able to comfortably afford a full coverage insurance plan for his parents. He wants to be able to provide financial stability for them.

These are his priorities. And it blew me away.

Joining his girlfriend’s family business is an opportunity that’s hard to come by. He believes that it’ll give him the stability and affluence that he needs to reach his goals. It probably would.

He’s willing to temporarily put his dreams on hold, and believes that he’ll get right back to them after he’s saved up enough. That he’ll return to school then,-bright eyed, ready to learn & take the world by storm.

I love his optimism. I really do. But I’ve heard this story before. I know how the story ends... Then again, this might just be the pessimist in me talking.

Regardless, I gave my blessings and wished him all the best. As we finish up for the day, I leave with a heavy heart and drifting thoughts.

What is my priority? What Do I want to Accomplish? What Am I Willing to Sacrifice?

Sometimes it's easier to talk about you, than talk to you.

Me.

Work Life Balance?

So, i’ve decided to post a brief update on life so far.

I’m not gonna lie, work hasn’t been easy. Don’t get me wrong, I’ve got a great team with awesome colleagues. It’s just the nature of this job. It sucks the life out of you.

It has been a rollercoaster ride of emotions. In spite of these challenges, I’ve decided to press on. There’s still so much more to learn and accomplish in this line. I’ll admit, I greatly underestimated the skills required to survive and excel in this job. With a little prayer, faith, wisdom and love, i believe I can succeed.

We’ll see just how far this will take me. Till then, keep my in your prayers :)

Oh Christmas Tree

It’s been awhile since we last had a christmas tree, let alone a live one! This year, mummy declared that we shall get a large live christmas tree. You can imagine my (pleasant) surprise!

28th November

And so after days of research, on the 28th of November 2015, We finally purchased a 2 metres tall Live Christmas Tree! Honestly, it was definitely taller than 2m. It didn’t just touch our celling, it bent along with it! Eventually, daddy had to chop 1 inch off the bottom of the stump (it also helps the tree with absorption). This was the first time I realise first hand, how incredibly thick and strong a tree branch/stump is. Since we didn’t have a saw, and daddy refused to spend on one just for the tree, we used whatever we could find in the house. This included a (blunt) metal blade, and a sharp but thin makeshift ‘saw’. Yup. It took forever.

Imagine the scene, a slightly overweight 50 year old man with a seemingly 5 month pregnant belly bent down while stubbornly attempting to saw off one inch of a tree stump with household tools. Beads of sweat dripped down the side of his face and fell to the ground. We were about to give up when he came up with a brilliant idea! He asked for a hammer and a flat screw driver. I thought out loud: what good would a screw driver and a hammer do in sawing off 1inch of a tree??

Slowly but steadily, he begun to chisel off 1inch of the stump. I was dumbfounded. It was brilliantly clever and I continued cheering him on while holding the tree down with my entire body weight (I was literally sitting on it). My eyes followed his hands intently; keeping alert to watch out for any possible signs of injury. Alas, all went well. No missing fingers/toes.

Lisa and I circled the tree daintily with fairy lights while Don unpacked a base speaker from our store room. Phase 1 to 3 of our Christmas tree operation was completed.

29- 30 November 2015

Don, Lisa, Annie, mummy, daddy and I begun decorating the christmas tree with ‘snow’ and other Christmas ornaments. I can’t wait to put Christmas presents under the tree!

Reflection

This year has been filled with up and downs. From Buffalo to Boston, Washington to Pennsylvania and New York City to Florida, I’ve been truly blessed to have the opportunity to study overseas and travel with my friends. I rolled around in the snow and visited more museums than I can count. I stayed in a cozy apartment with wildly enthusiastic roommates and travelled with the love of my life across the world. I’ve learnt more about my friends, life, decisions and myself in this time. I’ve made mistakes and consciously jumped into the lion’s den multiple times. By the grace of God, I emerge safe and sound with few bruises and cuts to remind me bout his goodness. I’ve lost friends but gained an infinitely invaluable wreath of knowledge both in God’s ways, his plans and life decisions. I’ve decided to have faith in him & i’ll continue to work towards them everyday of my life on this earth.

I’ve started working at Singtel, as part of the Social media team under Customer Management. Trust me, i’m surprised to be in a CS line but who knows? God might have a plan for me here. My aim is to do my best and learn as much as I can. My prayer is to learn compassion and patience. I want to be a blessing to HIM and to others around me.

Around us, death, war and terrorism threatens our safety. It questions the strength of our faith and measures the weight of our hearts. Many preach the arrival of the End Days. They warn us to be prepared for his arrival while preparing for the hard days ahead. Fear compromises our Faith. God said that if we have faith the size of a mustard seed, we can move mountains.

I pray for the Churches in Singapore to praise his name and remember his goodness in times of great distress. I pray for mercy upon your people. I pray for wisdom and for godly courage. Lastly, I pray for forgiveness because we will always need it and we must always give it.

Amen.

Chocolate mille cake and lemon ginger tea 🍵 #pampered #thingspocketdoes (at Lady M Singapore)

#pampered #thingspocketdoes

"It's been one year since I cornered you. One year, since we've been dating. So I prepared a small little gift from me to you." - Always sunny inside, a perfect fit for you, for me and for us. #3words8letters #thingspocketdoes #craftyfingers #pocketfullofsunshine (at Lady M Singapore)

#pocketfullofsunshine #3words8letters #craftyfingers #thingspocketdoes

~ bangers & spuds ~ Bratwurst Sausages, smoked salmon, butter roasted tomatoes on a bed of hash (rosti) and a garden veggie side topped with Balsamic Vinegar. Chef: Donovan foo 💛 #homemadebrunch #blessed #Apocketspecial (at Pocket's Crib )

#apocketspecial #homemadebrunch #blessed

My Meow meow cup 🐱 #cannotresist #mugshot

#cannotresist #mugshot

A Vanity care pack and a jar of notes for your 20th birthday @lady_mallow 🎈 🎂 💕

I'm so very much a sucker for random cute things! Especially those with special significance 💕 🌸☕✒️ #seedling #thingssammiieloves

#thingssammiieloves #seedling

No union is more profound than marriage, for it embodies the highest ideals of love, fidelity, devotion, sacrifice and family. In forming a marital union, two people become something greater than once they were.