Julie and Julia

Had a chance to go for the movies this weekend and my parents have opted to watch the movie on gourmets and cooking. Not knowing what the story is about, I just jumped into the IFC Palace and watched the movie. Now for those of you who may have issues with understanding French, fear not! (despite much French has been spoken and no translation was transalted!) The story covers on the gourmets of French cuisine and how French cuisine can be cooked easily, as taught by Julia Child. Julie Powell hoped that she will attempt Julia's way of cooking the 500-ish dishes in 365 days. You know what? Cooking French cuisine isn't that simple at all! But she made it!

This movie, despite being a Hollywood and involving the multiple Hollywood features inside the film, delivers to me the following messages:
- work hard and you can survive
- life is not just about working in the cubical - there is more out there
- Food is a matter of bread and wine and a means of enchantment, so Bon appetite!

Everyday we should thank God for the challenges and graces he gave us. Everyday we fight with the challenges hoping to just get it done. Everyday we feel something - no matter happy or sad. Yet more importantly, we should treasure who we are with everyday and forgive them for their sins. A cup of wine or a plate of entree will rejoyce to you when you are enjoying life! So again, bon appetite et joyeaux votre vie!

Retreat 2009 31/10~1/11

People in Hong Kong celebrate the 31st October as Halloween, which is also known as the day of the phantom / the change of weather / etc. I have opted this time to learn a bit more about praying. Staying in the Retreat House in Stanley not only allowed me to understand that grieves that I face now is a challenge, and we should face it happily. I recall this was being told in the Sound of Music already but never do I know the importance of facing the challenge in an optimistic mood. Not only should we demonstrate our confidence to complete the task, but also should be smile all the way through. This doubles the power of confidence and is important for me to balance between work and my faith.

This reflection is very useful for my work life and I hope I can smile through all the challenges coming forward...