Tag: gratitude

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.

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.

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 ! 😀

Are You Happy?

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He ever said so long she (me) is happy… But, are you? I wanted to ask.

Never had I thought I could be someone source of happiness. Came home a week to spend time with family. Mom said I am one blessed girl, having so many people to love me. My dad remembers everything I said. He grants my wishes regardless big or small. Knowing my homecoming, le mom changed bedsheet and curtains, decorated my room with flowers and sprayed scents air freshener. My brother fetches me whenever I want.

Uncles know I love herbal soup, seafood and Hakka delicacies, so I had a table full of Hakka cuisine, crab feast and big bowl of soup all by myself. Aunts cooked me food, and I never starved. Grandma still fills my bowl with loads of vegetables. Grandpa asked me to come home often. I am the eldest at home, I often take charge and make decisions. However among elder cousins, I am still one little girl. Little cousins are now all grown up, they drive me around and take care of me.

Having to live overseas almost a decade, home is where family is. I really treasure the moment being together. My love language is indeed quality time. Spending 9 days with them feel like a dream. Time sure files, I am leaving for work soon. When was the last time you see your parents? Have they have more wrinkles? Do they walk slower now? Their simplest joy is when they see smile on our faces.

These days, I got to teach them new things, introduced cocktails, explored good food places etc. Despite turning 28 this year, they still nag me for being forgetful, they still cook me dishes upon request, they still drive me around (cause I rarely drive) etc. Really glad that I am very close to my family, especially parents. Once, my friend asked: who are you closer to, mom or dad? Both, I said!

I literally told my mom everything, even though we are many miles apart. She never missed any events happened in my life, and she remembers better than I do. I am my dad’s favorite, he claimed. He only listened to me when my mom can’t even. Guess I just know how to push the right button aye? It applies the same to my little brother. Hehe. 🙂

Often we thought we are alone, especially living overseas. We never wanted to worry our families, but I always remind myself I have loving family to back me up whenever I need. My dad was saying he is very happy to see us well now, but his heart aches whenever he sees us spending money on them (buy things, eat-out etc.). It is unnecessary, he said.

I reassured, saying that you (and mom) are my motivation to work hard. When we were young, you worked hard to feed us, give us the best education. I want to do the same. I work hard so that I am able to provide you better, bring you to experience, to explore. He then relieved. Though money is not everything, but it indeed provides us more options.

It’s okay to feel helpless, it’s okay to cry (we are all humans), more importantly, you should know that there is always someone love you more than you ever know. Don’t need to feel guilty or sorry, do it now before you know. Call whoever you miss, tell them how you feel. Often we are afraid how another party will react, but that’s your assumption. Communicate, not just talk.

Hope you are happy in whatever you do. Feeling a little emo right now *packing my luggage but I am looking forward to come home in July again hehe. Ciao~

The 5-Minute Journal #5

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I am grateful for:

  • Finding out my stye early. I am on medical leave today
  • My colleagues checking in if I am doing okay
  • Able to visit temple for prayers after so many months
  • Spending time for studies, I have been havoc and meeting plenty of people recently
  • Having my favorite ramen craving fixed

Today’s affirmation:

  • Illness can be a blessing in disguise
  • Health always comes first
  • I have grown so much wow! I was clearing Google docs and came across my EQ report taken few years back. Glad that I have improved

Amazing things happened today:

  • Le cousins in UK are coming back in July, can’t wait to see them!
  • Avatar 2 is coming out on my birthday eve hehe
  • Packing for my homecoming trip shortly
  • Looking forward for le food trips coming week

Good Friday Indeed

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It’s a long weekend these weekends. Hence, my parents decided to come down for visit. It has been more than 2 years since they came down to Singapore. It was pretty spontaneous. Earlier, I was just casually asking my dad if they planned to visit us since border has been uplifted. And he reverted: yes we will be coming down next week!

He booked accommodation, submitted his pass for approval etc. Fast forward to Thursday, I went out for drinks. Revealed some not-so-secret secrets from my brother. I was not surprised, prolly due to society nowadays, it’s kinda common I guess. I am glad that I am a half glass full person. Somehow I overcome things easier than my friends, and even so, I am able to shower positive energy to the people whom I care.

Me and my brother fully paid for the trip expenses, something I am very proud of. I have been longing to offer this gesture. I brought them to places with legitimate food and services. My mom was happy to see her son after 2 years. I found my brother becoming more mature, he is more chivalry and patience now. Despite being his older sister, sometimes I feel like I am the younger one.

Visited Flower Dome & Cloud Forest. My mom loves flowers, hence it’s a right choice bringing them for the visit. Not to mention, it was pretty sunny and hot. So, it was wise to stay indoors surrounded by flora and fauna. Brought them for dinner in a German bar. Le brother did all the meat cutting which I am glad. I have no idea how to do it to begin with. We then chilled in the hotel for awhile before parents slept in.

Rebellious got us to sneak out for a late night movie. Fortunately, the nearest cinema theatre was just 3 mins away. Parents knocked us on the door at 8am next day when we were still in our bed. Freshen up ourselves, chatted a while while having breakfast before heading out for temple visit. I am glad that dad made such impulsive decision for driving many hours down to Singapore to see us, so that we are able to spend quality time together.

Parents left Singapore after we had Chinese cuisine for lunch in a mall. My dad even bought me some snacks that I casually mentioned before hehe. Went for facial before meeting up le friends at a well known Indian restaurant near Clarke Quay. Met a pretty cool new friend who works in cybersecurity field. He even introduced us a draft beer place for drinks. Though I don’t really fancy beer, I really had fun.

Pretty sum up my Good Friday which is indeed a good Friday. I must say time really flies with a blink of eye. It’s mid April and soon gonna be May. Lately, I found out I am a very bad texter, or rather I prefer face to face conversation. Sometimes I would just ghost people without my knowing, or I feel some texts don’t need my actions? I guess being someone whose love language is quality time, I just want to spend time with those I care.

My heart is full now.

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!

The 5-Minute Journal #3

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Today I am grateful for:

  • Getting new work laptop ✨
  • Receiving Christmas gift ✨
  • Retrieving my lost spectacles ✨
  • Fixing my I-thought-it-spoilt shoes ✨
  • Having lunch with colleagues at Sanook Kitchen ✨
  • Be punctual at work ✨
  • Getting popular at work HAHA ✨

Today’s affirmation:

  • I am thankful for what I have, for what I receive 💖
  • Feeling so good to receive good energy. Law of attraction indeed 💖
  • I always do my best, for myself, for others 💖

Here are few amazing things that happened today:

  • As I will be flying overseas soon, my colleague actually prioritized my queue in getting new laptop so that I can fly at peace 😊
  • Gotten a sling bag as Christmas gift, something I have been wanting to buy for my phone 😊
  • Lost my spectacles 2 weeks ago. So lucky that someone actually helped to keep and return me! Not to mention, I just changed them this year! 😊
  • Wore one of my favorite heels to work today. I thought it spoil, but I managed to fix 😊
  • It has been awhile since I had lunch with bunch of colleagues at work. The food was good 😊
  • More and more people knew me at work, not sure why. Maybe I have more authority since I am working in office. But sure, since I love helping people 😊
  • Managed to call for Grab early and reached office on time today, was difficult to call for Grab for the past few weeks 😊

The 5-Minute Journal #2

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Today I am grateful for:

  • Having booster shot ✨
  • Waking up at 9am++ after so long ✨
  • Having group call with family ✨
  • Eating Tiramisu (fav cake) in birthday month ✨

Today’s affirmation:

  • I am thankful for what I have 💖
  • I am feeling better after staycation 💖 
  • I will not worry about things beyond my control 💖 

Here are few amazing things that happened today:

  • Waking up at 9am++ on a non-working day today. I have been waking up at 5am++ regardless working or not everyday earlier 😊
  • Claim birthday cake- Tiramisu (fav cake) in birthday month before new year 😊
  • Some me time to do self reflect. My mind is clearer now 😊
  • Continue reading a book which I have been longing 😊
  • Was praised for having nice hair while checking out vaccination center 😊
  • Was showed concern if my hometown was hit with flood 😊
  • Grandma + uncle’s family were safe from flood 😊
  • Got to rest like finally, finally! Though no alcohol for the next few days 😊

Last but not least, Merry Christmas everyone! 🎄 An annual festival commemorating birth of Jesus Christ!