Tag: friends

Enjoying Life in a Slow Lane

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Guess this year is all about slowing down life and de-prioritising.

Chanced upon this quote the other day.

Love your life. Take pictures of everything, tell people you love them, strike up conversations with strangers. Do the things that scare you. Because so many of us leave this world and no one remembers a thing we did. Make your life the best story ever told.

I have been practising this. Taking pictures, strike up convo with strangers at sports interest club, doing things that bring me huge change… life time. Sometimes I still wonder if I made the right decision, but guess there’s no turning back.

Today, I am here writing this journal, spending my time doing nothing at home. This is super duper rare you see. But, I am all good! Okay maybe not entirely (due to menstrual pain). I reckon I don’t need to be highly efficient at all times. Shall keep those energy for Mondays.

Cutting down on overtime with more sports, gatherings and outdoors 🍀 cause I worked too much last year, like too much! So I want to enjoy my life in slower lane, embracing new experiences. Always remind myself that life is a marathon, not a sprint. I could step down to recharge; back in actions when I feel better.

Actually, it’s not too bad to have an unproductive day once in a while. What do you think?

Entering the Third Decade

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On 16 Dec morning, I became emotional. Responding to birthday wishes individually led me to reflect on how these individuals have significantly impacted my life. My family, close friends and colleagues — those who provide strength during challenging times.

Turning 30 is surreal, much like celebrating my 25th birthday yesterday. But I am confident that I can move forward with assurance, knowing these compassionate individuals will continue to support me. ❤️

I am grateful for all the treats and cakes (8 cakes in total), feeling exceptionally loved. The celebration unfolds over the week with varied groups, in an intimate setting. Love it!

This year’s marked by numerous accomplishments i.e completing certification, volunteering as alumni, being social committee, traveling to Switzerland, nurturing a 26-year friendship that includes 13 years of LDR, and fostering connections with new team. 🥂

Thank you everyone who has witnessed my growth. Let’s anticipate 2025, with more successes and social events. I can’t wait 😊✨

Wrapping Up 2024

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I don’t hate you 2024, but you were a difficult year, full of challenges, changes and learning. You showed me that life can change in blink of an eye and taught me to always choose myself unapologetically.

Nonetheless, above all, you made me understand that my health, whether physical, emotional and mental, is what really matters.

There are things I can’t understand, but I believe that, with time, I will understand the reasons and purposes of everything that happened.

2025 will be the quietest era ever for me.

I just want to travel, get in shape, make money, manage it and enjoy solitude. I don’t wanna hear anyone’s issues and I won’t be sharing any of mine. I only have room for genuine love and I’m forever choosing who chooses me. ❤️

More sports, more books and more travels.

Coucou 2025!

Last Homebound in 2023

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Managed to go home one last time before year ends. Everything happens for a reason. Never meant to take long leaves to go home initially, however, there were few occasions happening. Fulfilling duty of a daughter, a niece, a granddaughter and a good friend.

Paternal Grandma’s 86th Birthday

Grandma never wanted a birthday celebration. Some myth saying life span would get shorter whenever we blow off candles. A simple dinner would do, she said. It was supposed to be on Sunday, but I will be away by then. I initiated another dinner, to be held earlier. Not to mention, le uncle and aunt are flying back to UK coming Tuesday. A good timing for all, I guess. The food was nice, another uncle brought plenty of red wine for sharing. After dinner, grandma started giving out red packets. She reiterated not to have anything fancy, so this was unexpected. I gave her red packet in return. She rejected me in the first place, asking why am I giving her that. I explained to her, it was meant for her birthday. As much as I wanted to spend time with her, I needed to leave early for work. I work hard to provide, and she is one of my biggest motivations, I said. She gradually accepted and proudly told everyone it’s from her dear granddaughter, me!

Maternal Grandpa’s House Visit

Went home few weeks ago, and noted grandpa’s listening is getting worse. We need to speak loud in the room so that he could hear us clearly. Sometimes, he got confused with different language of similar slang. We bought his favorite food before paying him visit. He gobbled soy bean curd despite just had his breakfast not long ago. I crashed into his room to watch badminton live together. It has been awhile I get to spend time with him like that. I vaguely remember when grandma was still around, we often watched games together with cousins. Precious time. I miss grandma, and her lost recipes- steamed egg with minced meat & rice dumplings. None in the family could recreate same taste as hers. My mom ever said she regretted not to learn them, now that we want to eat, nobody knows how. Before leaving, I told him I will be back during Chinese New Year, asking him to take care and stay safe. I must say, bidding goodbyes is never easy.

Witnessing 12 Years Relationship Turning Into Marriage

We are a bunch of high school buddies, relocating in UK, Australia, Malaysia and Singapore. It is very hard for us to gather for an occasion, but we made it! Beginning of the year, we attended le BFF’s wedding; before year ends, we got to reunite. God knows when’s our next meet up, but we treasure every moment together. BFF helped me with my hairdo as I always hurt myself with the curler. Got traumatized, so I stopped doing it. I was chosen as team bride for some little games on stage. My friend (the groom) mixed up all the answers, despite knowing all the answers, emcee said we were wrong. I was so embarrassed on stage as if I don’t know them well. My friend (the bride) later clarified we got the answers right, just that the answers emcee had on hand was opposite. Took plenty of pictures, updated each other of what had happened lately. I didn’t cry, instead looking forward to see everyone in future. Such a big girl. We hugged each other goodbyes.

Welcoming Last Twenties With A Big Heart

How are you celebrating your birthday, people asked. Not much, having brunch with parents, flying back SG, lastly dinner treat from le bro. That’s all I need, simple and full (my belly). I am grateful for what I have, and look forward for what I can achieve in 2024. Didn’t get to spend my birthdays with parents for many years (blame the Covid). I am thankful for my friends’ wedding, I got to come home and extended stay. I can’t thank everyone enough for all the birthday wishes and words of wisdom. Managed to visit temple, did prayers and donations before flying home, my bi-annual ritual. I feel contented and abundant, to be able to support my team, friends and family. It’s festive season now, so I am trying to meet as many people as possible before year ends. I was caught up with work and alumni commitment earlier, but I hate the idea of me just focusing career. Taking these opportunities i.e. Christmas, New Year etc. to celebrate milestones with my loved ones.

I am defo one lucky girl. 🙂

Who Do You See Yourself Compare With

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He asked: who do you see yourself compare with?

Myself, I said. Just saying everyone has their own path and I don’t wanna compare myself with anybody else. So long I am doing better than my old self.

This week I closed case- a group account that I couldn’t manage 5 months ago.

Yesterday I cycled 18KM bike ride that I couldn’t complete 6 months ago.

Today I managed to do a difficult yoga posture that I couldn’t make it 3 months ago.

There goes second quarter of year 2022. I think my progress has been satisfactory up to now. Scored merit for one of my certificates yesterday before went out for cycling. 2 more to go! Cannot wait for them to end already by end May!

Can I just say I feel much happier than previous year. Not sure why though, prolly I know myself better, I see things differently, and mostly I prioritize myself than anything else. This year is a good year, so I really want to make every moment worth it and memorable.

Recently, I got a lot of compliments that I am getting better and slimmer. Some said it is inspiring to see me for being who I want myself to be. It made me feel proud of myself. Guess we all just have to never stop dreaming and work for it! At least, I tried. No regrets.

My parents are coming down next week which I am glad. I have done all them itinerary. Can’t wait to bring them around, a place I called home for a decade. Looking forward the new week already! Not to mention, it is a 4 day work week woohoo!

Homebound’ 22

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The day has finally arrived… after 2 years. From booking vaccinated travel lane (VTL) flight, applying leaves, scheduling appointment for PCR test etc., I am finally home! Did I cry for a moment? Let’s not state the obvious. My tears were rolling at the corner of my eye when plane took off.

Have been waiting this moment for the longest time since March 2020. It all started from Alpha, Beta and then Delta, and now Omicron… Multiple country lockdowns, case fluctuations, being anxious etc. . The past 2 years were tough for all of us, regardless physically & mentally. Though it was a short 15-day trip, it was very fruitful.

Got to spend precious moment with my family and friends. Being not able to see my paternal grandma and maternal grandpa for 2 years, they have more wrinkles, they walk slower than how they used to, they now only react to louder voices… I am glad I am still able to catch up what I have missed.

Surprised my grandma when she was watching television the other day, she couldn’t react when I called her, prolly it didn’t strike her mind that I will show up like that in one fine afternoon. She still asked if I am dating, prolly she wants to see me settle down when she is still around. She teased my dad for being old school, for not able to accept interracial relationship. She reassured me, so long I am happy, she is happy.

We also stayed overnight at my uncle’s place, we gathered around to listen how grandpa travelled to China when he was only 3 years old. He shared how lucky we are as third generation, not require to do labor intensive work when we were kids. My cousins are now grown up children who can drive their older sister (me) around exploring city for late supper. We are close as we mostly spent our childhood together.

Got to sing karaoke after 2 years, catch up with le secondary school friends, manage to eat food that I have been longing. Not to mention, my dad’s cooking skill has improved a lot indeed. He is like my genie as he never failed my food quest. So proud of him that he has leveled up during country lockdown. Now he can cook, bake, grill etc.

I am glad after 2 years not able to return home, nothing has changed. 🙂 Oh, I got to drive with my dad sitting beside me. I have not touched steering wheel since late 2019, it has been awhile. I am lucky to have my family and friends to fetch me around whenever I need. Definitely, one of the best days I had in these 2 years. Time to back to work, not to mention, I have 2 exams next month, but I have yet to start reading any materials.

I changed my return flight from VTL to non-VTL to extend my stay, hence I am serving a 7-day stay home quarantine at the moment. I managed to stay longer with family and friends, so I am not complaining at all. Plus, recent cases in Singapore has spiked in double, hence I am happy to stay home, avoiding meet ups and crowds with a legitimate reason for the time being.

Again, I am really thankful for having considerate colleagues, sufficient annual leaves, VTL arrangement, caring landlady, last but not least, my parents for this sweet homebound. Looking forward to meet them again, hopefully soon!

Busier Than Ever

Published on by Lee AlisonLeave a comment

Finally back to work after a short break. And yes, I am done and dusted with 1st module assignment. Self declared semester break, woohoo!! I am secretly planning for another staycation to reward myself already. 🙂

Apparently, quite a number of people know I will be transferring to new team in less than 2 months. I was not ready to share the news, not this fast. I didn’t expect it as I initially wanted to share the news maybe like less than 2 weeks before I leave. But oh well…

Nevertheless I have been receiving encouraging words from fellow colleagues and supervisors. Many of them are sad that I am leaving, but happy for my career prospect. Some offers to meet up for lunch (I will be stationing at new office); some even says keep in touch, stay safe and wish me all the best. I am touched to be honest, despite we might have disagreement at times due to different job functions, I am glad that all ends well. I make friends, and learn a lot.

Nowadays, I am busy conducting training whilst clearing few projects on hand. Doing some handovers, and prepping myself before joining new team! I have been staying overtime but I am thankful that my company allows us to take cab to and fro from office. I am able to rest in the car, power nap sometimes. No need to rush for work, worry about missing trains. I was rushing assignment after work hours earlier this week. Basically, my routine was just work, study and sleep this entire week. Nothing much but definitely energy draining.

Wanted to take few days leaves before stepping into new phase. But there are 3 more people leaving my current team soon, high turnover heh. I try to stay helpful by guiding my cover as much as possible. I once survived by myself before the person I took over left in 8 days. Learnt nothing much but those ignorant attitude from her. I don’t want her (my cover) to encounter the same event I had. It was so rough that I used to cried so much at home or work. To the extent, I wanted to quit my job so badly, even within probation. She has been struggling but I am glad that she asks a lot of questions, so that I am able to clarify or give comments if need.

Singapore Phase 2 lockdown is ending next week, and I seriously can’t wait for it! I miss dining in in those fancy restaurants, eating hot cooked food unlike takeaway food now, unless I cook at home. Cooking is fun but washing dishes is meh for me. I always hate doing dishes, that’s why I usually cook simple food. I don’t mind cooking crème de la crème dishes if someone offers to do the dishes, kidding!

Next week will be war again, but as usual, always hope for the best. Maybe I can read some books, get some meditation and have jujube tea break. And now, where should I stay for coming weekends heh….