Author: Lee Alison

February Little Moments

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  • Lunar New Year luncheon with new team, received red packet from new boss
  • Lunar New Year dinner with fellow UOManchester alumni, lou-hei together
  • Managed to try a seafood restaurant I have been longing to
  • Received red packet from university friend
  • Le friend bought souvenirs from Taiwan, and asked me out for dinner
  • Recognitions from le boss on my past performance
  • Congratulatory messages from team & connections on promotion
  • Le friend sent me food and asked me out for dinner
  • Visitation to my ex-boss’ house, to see her baby too!
  • Le friend called to check in if I am okay, knowing I am coping with new job scope
  • Le friend sharing her wedding tentatively to be held in Dec, and that I have to go back to attend
  • Semporna travel initiative to ease my tension over work
  • Bought Taiwan flight ticket for April adventures
  • Bought Yiruma concert ticket (postponed 2 years, finally it’s here again)
  • Cousin’s wedding to be held in Oct
  • Cousins in UK coming back in June & October
  • Treat from colleague & boss for being promoted
  • Treating colleagues for being promoted (haha!)
  • A friend of 23 years registered for his marriage
  • Helpful colleagues to conquer challenges with me

February has been hectic, mainly still coping with new job scope. I knew it is a phase where everyone would need to go through. So exhausted in recent that I barely come home without working overtime. Didn’t get to meet up with friends or have fun outdoor, but spending time to rest most of the time instead. Being promoted meaning holding more responsibilities, expectations. Not to mention, I have changed team and supervisor. Initially, I wanted to take up some courses, but now I am unsure if I could give in 100% in learning, so I am still contemplating.

A lot of uncertainties (still ironing out the process etc.) I am coping, but I am doing better. A lot of things happened this month… But obviously they were great ones! Unsure of what’s coming in March, but I am looking forward to April already. My adventures, Yiruma concert, Van Gogh expedition & CAMS APAC Conference etc. Woooo! Guess having fun is the only way that can motivate me. But no problem, I can live with that! 🙂

Bustling January

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Kickstart 2023 with healthy sports activity with le troop, followed by Chinese cuisine buffet at night. Flew back hometown few days later to attend BFF weddings held on weekends.

Finally attended BFF weddings (church wedding & wedding banquet), blame the Covid! First time attending church wedding, I don’t really know what to expect honestly, but it was a meaningful event that’s for sure! I cried seeing her walking down the aisle, looking at how beautiful she was on her wedding day. We took pictures together in front of St Peter’s Church, the oldest functioning Roman Catholic Church in Malaysia. Enjoyed traditional Portuguese dance and got to meet BFF in-laws too. So happy for her seeing so many people adore and shower her with love. I can totally feel it from speeches of the in-laws, parents and husband. *pass me tissue please* They must be so proud of her, me too!

Attended wedding banquet the next day, and saw a few long lost high school friends and their partners. Didn’t really get to speak to a few but I will definitely make it up for that. I was asked to give a 5 min speech, so I scribbled something beforehand. I suck at table topics especially I was emotional. I rehearsed many times to prep myself not to cry when I deliver. But I failed. I cried when I hugged her, after the speech. Oh yeah I got my birthday presents too hehe, a handmade knit top and a bottle of Chardonnay. BFF was still able to squeeze time to knit a top amid havoc wedding planning, she is a superwoman. Not to mention, she did most of the planning for her wedding.

Flew back Singapore for work and also to pack stuff from existing locker, current floor will be under renovation for couple of months, that explains. Went back office to meet fellow colleagues, honestly I enjoy working in office to meet people, to dress up nicely in OL attire etc. Hmm… Attended few meetings, didn’t really get to meet some of the new team members. So Feb would make that up. Was back to Malaysia for Lunar New Year after a little road trip with the family. Had reunion with extended family, received red packets, lo-hei, some ka-ching session with cousins.

Watched CNY movies with family. Popcorns with so much laughter.

Tried out new dishes with le dad and mom, my dad is definitely my savior.

Visited secondary school’s principal and had scrumptious lunch together.

Very satisfied with my CNY #OOTD lol.

Brought parents for some KTV session, now they are obsessed.

Morning dim sum rush, thanks to my not-so-little brother.

Drove car for 900 meter, a little milestone yay! Without any scolding 🙂

Cousins gathering with BBQ + steamboat. Hoping to meet more cousins next time.

House crashing session at my cousin’s place hehe, and his chubby cat.

Holding my grandma’s hand while strolling a walk. It’s not a big deal, but #iykyk

A friend of 23 years is flying off to UK, glad to meet up with him and the fiancée.

Getting really forgetful nowadays, that explains why I like taking pictures or writing journals. I hope when I look back someday, I could recall and feel it all over again. I had a lot in my mind, which also explains my eyebags lately. The more we grow, our life priorities change gradually. I get to slowly understand, not being forceful and respect other’s decisions. But at least for myself, I hope I did my best at the very moment, so that I don’t regret like how I never spend time with my late grandpa last time.

Signing off January’23.

Journal Prompts for 2023

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  1. What are 10 great things that happened or that you accomplished in 2022?
  • Homebound for Chinese New Year, more family gatherings
  • Completed 3 ICA certificates with merit
  • Watching Fifa final with Argentina being the champion
  • Volunteer with kids, senior citizen & the team!
  • Co-hosted an event with 200++ participants
  • Finally travelling overseas. Looking forward for more this year!
  • Celebrating National Day by having picnic, watching fireworks
  • Being chosen as one of the social committee out of 300++ people
  • Omakase experience, business class experience
  • Shifted house. Met lovely landlady & housemate

2. What do you want to celebrate?

  • I am doing better than my old self. Mental health in check!

3. How do you want to approach 2023?

  • Slow down. “Nature does not hurry, yet everything is accomplished.”

4. What qualities do you want to cultivate?

  • Let things happen, trust the process, and enjoy the ride!

5. What bad habits do you want to leave in the past?

  • To quit assumptions

6. How will you commit to yourself?

  • To remember that no matter how hard it gets, I will continue to remain true to myself

7. Where will you pour your attention?

  • Career, education & relationships

8. What habits or practices nourish you?

  • Workouts, read books, writing & listening to music

9. What do you want more of in 2023?

  • To become someone who gives more

10. One small thing you do everyday to be yourself?

  • I will give my very best everyday

It’s the Time of the Year Again

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They said Christmas is all about celebration & gratitude, I couldn’t agree more! We work hard since beginning of the year, focus on what we want to achieve. And then, we gather before the year ends, to feel grateful for what we have, we reap & we gain. We sing, cheer, celebrate the moment with our precious ones and welcoming the new year with a big hug.

This year I cheered for those who survived Covid, made a leap of faith, concurred failure, fell but come back stronger… Kudos to that! Recently, I read this post saying people come for a reason, to give you a lesson, bring you laughter and create memories with you. No matter they were to stay in your future or not, just enjoy the moment! Few weeks ago, it was being announced that our team will be under reorganization scheme. So, my boss would no longer be my boss soon. I didn’t feel as sad as I thought cause I really did my part, I think. We organized team bonding and had fun, went for volunteer, embraced challenges and biting bullets together. They were my biggest takeaways this year!

I lost some friends this year, but that is okay. It means we are not fated or whatsoever. Or who knows we might see each other at another end of world some day. I wish them nothing but the best! Finally went home after 2 years country lockdown. I go home way more often, and longer! I thank God to have considerate bosses, colleagues and technology nowadays. I can totally nail my job with no disruption, even though I am overseas. I cooked for my parents, brought them to outskirt town for a day trip, got them to experience some Korean fried chicken culture and fancy cocktails. And more family gatherings and sleepovers. I guess that’s all that matters right.

Managed to travel overseas like finally. I think wanderlust run in my blood. I told myself to work hard, to be able to afford such dream, every year a new place at least! Travel from wineries to wineries, witnessing sunset, chill by the beaches, experienced business class, stargazing etc. Can’t wait for my upcoming travel soon! It’s a place where I visited 10 years ago! So excited for more bubble tea, stinky tofu, Alisan hiking and many more. Next year is a big year, to me! Let’s keep it low for now, so many things to achieve, so many exciting projects coming up. Though I am feeling weary recently as I have been going out to have fun, to reconnect. But oh well, next year I will be back as Chun Lee again (street fighter at work lol). With my new responsibilities & role next year, I will be busier but I think I can handle them better.

I guess that’s that. Needa rush off to run errands before Xmas party starts at night. Merry Christmas & Happy New Year to you (to those who are reading this!) Wishing you good health and wealth 🙂

Ciao.

November Journal

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November has been crazy, but let’s take a moment to pen down:

Covid Nightmare

Was down with Covid after le Perth trip. Spammed myself with lozenges and coconut water. Thanks to friends and family who delivered food and medicine. My quarantine life was pretty much drama, eat, sleep, repeat. I gradually lost sense of taste and smell. I recovered 5 days after tested positive, but till date, my sense of taste and smell have yet back to par. Hopefully they are well before my birthday. One of my birthday wishes please!

Dinner & Dance (D&D)

Initially, we did not secure a table. No luck! Later, I was being asked to replace someone who gave up their seats last minute. I thought I couldn’t make it due to Covid-19, but nope! I recovered on D&D day! I was happy to see so many fellow colleagues/ ex colleagues (too bored at home) Missing all them free flow wine though…

Election #PRU15

Came home a week earlier for election. It was so touching hearing those stories where A has been fighting despite being put to jail, beaten up etc. His journey to become today’s Prime Minister is so inspiring. I nearly cried while shouting the slogan. We went for dinner celebration thereafter. Sincerely hope that our country will get better! Always proud to be a Malaysian.

Advanced Birthday Celebration

I won’t be home during le birthday month. So, my mom bought me a bag from Italy as advanced birthday gift. The other day, I got my first birthday cake too, it wasn’t intentional. Fast forward, I am flying back this weekends, I will definitely be missing le dad home cooked food, mom’s baby sitting (HAHA). Brother is not home this time round, can’t wait to annoy him when I am back to Singapore.

Precious Time

Visited my relatives. We stayed over and got to eat as if we are having reunion dinner. Not to mention, my parents too. I got to cook them soup etc. Occasionally wake up early to spend time eating breakfast with them. We make plan this Friday to travel outskirt after me complaining working so hard at home. Met up with a good friend of 14 years, knowing he is gonna propose to his gf next year, I am so happy for him!

Two days till December, le favorite month! I have outings, friends to meet, carnival to go, Disney orchestra I have been longing etc. I shall tame down and watch my diet since 2 more months till le BFF wedding & CNY. I want to look nice in every occasion.

Perth Memories

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What are your favorite memories of the entire trip?

  • Finally meeting le BFF & her husband, they really took good care of me as if I am their daughter
  • Business class experience- some hiccups occurred. Didn’t get to my initial flight, but got upgraded instead
  • Pinnacles Desert during sunsetting- no cactus, no sand fox hehe
  • Stargazing at Hangover Bay. Managed to see Jupiter, Scorpio & Crux!
  • Daily dose of coffee, no disappointment so far. La veen’s the best!
  • Brunch at Zamia Cafe, King’s Park. Their pastries look damn good too!
  • Sunset moment at Surfer’s Point. Hope to watch it again with someone special 🙂
  • Jamming during road trips – some secondary school good memories
  • Countryside days at Margaret River- Airbnb place we chose was superb!
  • Cooked Aussie breakfast, Budae Jjigae & Chinese dinner to fix my Asian craving
  • Rottnest Island- Chu Bakery, meeting Quokka, wow-some bays, wonderful weather
  • Fremantle- Fremantle Market, tasty Brazilians BBQ, Fishing Harbor, Kailis Fishmarket Cafe, Bathers Beach
  • Swan Valley- Honey House & Sticky Spoon Cafe, Lavender Bistro & wine tasting at Sandalford Wineries

Something to look forward to after the trip:

  • Hiking trip in Perth/ road trip to Albany, Geraldton etc. next time
  • Le BFF wedding next year- both church wedding & banquet
  • Can’t wait to pop my Chardonnay, Moscato etc. bought from Margaret River & Swan Valley
  • Start grabbing sweaters and all for more Perth visit hehe
  • Campervan experience though I suck at driving 😦
  • Skydiving experience- it was canceled due to unpredictable weather. Better luck next time!
  • Inspired to work hard for my next trip, so pumped!

Some lessons learnt:

  • DO NOT underestimate spring weather (always bring thermal wear as back up)
  • DO NOT place your specs on bed (spoilt my specs of 5 years)
  • To brush up my driving skills for next year road trip
  • Bring facial masks for hydration (my face cracked and skin started peeling off)
  • Should have spaced out one luggage for my purchases, almost went overweight
  • Drink more water, I think I am getting sick 😦

Celebrating September

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September has been a fruitful one. Achieved multiple milestones (little), had plenty good news, long lost gatherings, I appreciate every chance I get, exposure I have, people I meet. Nowadays, I rarely spend time with people aside working hours. I truly enjoy every moment I have with myself. My emotions are no longer volatile as compared to how it used to be, nothing can really affect me (which I find it a bit scary).

Moments that worth celebrations:

  • Completed work curriculum less than a year
  • Went for volunteer with kids
  • Experienced kite flying at Marina Barrage
  • Hosted an event of 250++ pax and it was a huge success!
  • Experienced stand up paddle
  • Got my Australia visa
  • Bridesmaid duty for le cousin
  • Delicious WFH meals (self cooked!)
  • Kick started plan C
  • Got to celebrate mum & brother’s birthday (post Covid)

Not everyone is happy for what you achieved, not everyone’s there when you need help, so I don’t really share what I am doing nowadays as long as my resolutions are on track. Till date, I live on my motto of taking a leap of faith. I still challenge myself to step out of comfort zone.

This year, I tried outfits which are not my usual style. I became committee where I have no idea what are the duties. I handled cases that I never worked on before. I no longer feel anxious for what’s coming. When it comes, we will solve it! Like playing video games.

September is ending, October is coming. It’s last quarter of the year, I will continue to work hard and gonna do one last sprint before 2023 comes. I don’t want to take anything for granted, family, friends & myself. Hope you are too ! Cheerios~

The 5-Minute Journal #7

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I am grateful for:

  • Loving family
  • Kind landlady & housemate
  • Helpful colleagues
  • Supportive bosses

Today’s affirmation:

  • Always choose kindness
  • You attract what you are
  • Good working environment > high salary
  • If someone had a positive impact on you, be thankful that your paths crossed
  • People come and go, and it’s okay

Amazing things happened recently:

  • One of my colleagues got pregnant! So happy for her!
  • Having big boss to back me up in one important meeting
  • Got recognized by boss on my effort and good work
  • Being invited to a wedding in Sentosa
  • Handmade food from le dad and landlady
  • Timeless Jar Workshop- aspired to become florist when I retire
  • Le brother got promoted and pay raise
  • Chosen to be part of coffee & tea session with senior management
  • First Omakase experience

I can sense September is gonna be a great month! I am darn looking forward to it ! 😀

New Home

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You might or might not know, I have finally moved house after a decade. It was a contemplated decision. I was questioned many times, why do you move when you have such nice landlady? What make you feel that you need to move? Especially after 10 years? Many whys. It’s time for a change, a new environment, I guess.

I have been searching for new place couple of months, taking consideration of budget, environment, its accessibility to supermarkets, train station etc. One day, I came across this listing on property platform, fast fingers, I quickly contacted the property agent for room viewing appointment.

Fast forward to Friday, after having dinner with colleagues, we went to check out the house. It was clean and simple, 4 mins away from station, surrounded by coffee shops etc. This is it! I decided swiftly that my brother thought it is too soon to commit when I only went for one house visit.

I knew what I want, so I called the agent to place deposit and talk about terms. He was efficient, knowing I will be flying overseas the next day, he quickly settled our contracts. I informed my landlady about the move, it was bittersweet. I cried to sleep one day before I shifted. She has been taking care of me since my school days, when I started working, when I was sick etc.

I thank God for meeting such nice lady throughout the journey. I heard many unbelievable stories meeting crazy landlords or so. Just treat the place like your own home where you can drop by to visit anytime, she said. It was so heartwarming. I will be paying her a visit soon, prolly nearing mooncake festival. Can’t wait to see her!

This week marks my 3rd week living at new place. My new landlady is very nice and caring too. She cooked soup and rice for us the other day, accompanied me to Ikea for some furniture shopping, heated up my breakfast before she left for work etc. She is like an older sister to me, not to mention, she is also very thoughtful.

We are lucky to meet each other, we talked about this the other day. We are wanderlusters, so we sometimes share our past travel experiences in different countries. Oh, I have another housemate too. So far so good in adapting a new environment. I must say I quit some bad habits; adopt good practices living in this new place. It’s a good change!

Still counting my blessings. I will be back to working in office tomorrow. Completed 1 soft skill course this week. One more to go in early September. I am opting to go for a professional certificate since it helps in my career but still pending some confirmation from HR, we shall see. I feel courageous making such decision (the move). It was not easy, I swear. But I am glad all is good. 🙂

The 5-Minute Journal #6

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I am grateful for:

  • Get to know a lot of alumni, expanding connection
  • CSR by doing beach clean up at East Coast Park
  • Arrived home safe despite raining cat and dog
  • Exploring new yoga postures, trainer is very encouraging
  • Landlady for feeding/ taking good care of me

Today’s affirmation:

  • Humans are limitless
  • It’s free to be kind
  • Things are meant to happen, so just live your moment
  • Spending me time a lot (at times) is fine

Amazing things happened today:

  • Being part of Alumni Association on Linkedin- looking forward for more events!
  • Eye opener to know many successful people- motivation to thrive better
  • Gain more strength in pursuing masters in my thirties
  • Decided to pursue a professional certificate next year