Tag: love

How I Feel About 2025

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Looking back at 2025, I can’t help but smile. If 2024 was about surviving the chaos, 2025 was about thriving in the flow. It was a year where I finally stopped rushing toward the “next thing” and started enjoying the current thing.

From the echo of a squash ball hitting a wall to the historic streets of Central Europe, here is why 2025 was one of my best years yet.

This was the year I traded mindless scrolling for the court. I picked up squash, which turned out to be the ultimate stress-buster—there’s nothing quite like the high-intensity focus required to keep that tiny black ball moving.

Then, of course, I joined the pickleball craze. It’s hard to describe the magic of that sport until you’re in it; it’s social, fast-paced, and just plain fun. These sports didn’t just give me a workout; they gave me a community. Through sports, I met people who challenged my perspectives and brought fresh energy into my life.

I got to explore Austria and Hungary, much felt like stepping into a living history book. Traveling to new countries reminded me how big the world is and how much there is still left to learn.

Perhaps the most important lesson 2025 taught me was to leave things unwind. I stopped trying to control every outcome. I leaned into the “soft life” philosophy—letting projects finish when they were ready and letting relationships evolve naturally. By letting go of the tight grip I had on my schedule, I actually found more space to breathe.

2025 wasn’t perfect, but it was purposeful. It was a year of movement—on the court, across borders, and within my own heart. I’m heading into 2026 feeling lighter, more connected, and incredibly grateful for the journey.

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?

The Best Time Is Always Now

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In a matter of moments, a lifetime of dreams turned to ash.

A brutal reminder, life is terrifyingly fragile.

Everything you build, everything you hope for, everything you love, it all hangs by a thread.

So while you can, live, love, and don’t wait for happiness to start tomorrow.

🍀

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 😊✨

Mid Year Review: Bullet Journal

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What I’m Proud Of:

  • Organized 2 IBG Group COO townhalls, conduct site visit for SOCCOM event
  • Witnessed & helped out in South East Asia Bicentenary Reception of UoM
  • Completed 200km cumulatively with fellow alumni for UoM 200th Birthday
  • Being appointed as IBG Group COO Social Committee (out of ~400 people) & Fun Committee
  • Officially Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialist (CAMS) Nailed it!

Favorite Memories:

  • Went USS for company’s family day
  • Took family portrait photoshoot
  • Bridesmaid duties- 5D4N in Penang + Kedah + Perlis
  • Disney on Ice 100 with le housemates
  • Seoul + Busan trip
  • ILight/ Gastrobeats with Jies (slurp)

Things I Could Improve:

  • Cooking!
  • Catch up with some readings
  • Emotional intelligence & empathy
  • Compliment people in words

Experience to Look Forward:

  • Volunteer with Singapore Red Cross
  • Karaoke with mis copines
  • Paragliding at Interlaken
  • Hong Kong Disneyland
  • JB/ Bintan/ Batam trip with colleagues
  • Fort Canning Walk
  • Playing Tennis
  • Celebrating 30s! Birthday bash maybe?

The Missing Labels

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March is here. And I made an unexpected decision that I wouldn’t think of doing it after staying in Singapore for more than a decade. I did it anyway. Of course, I sought my parents’ support beforehand. What a courage, I thought. Little milestone huh.

Still coping at work after changing team for a month. I end work late most of the time these days. Feel kinda lost. It’s something I like to do but at the same time, I am spending most of my time doing it. Is this the kind of life I want to live by? On a separate note, HR signed me up for a course (without informing me) that I planned to take after Korea trip in April. But oh well, since company is paying for it, I am not complaining (maybe a little). Here goes 6 months of social lockdown.

Was scrolling Facebook the other day. I miss those days I cooked a lot and did fancy plating. I am a foodie, so I love venturing, creating dishes I crave as and when. Miss those days I could hike with a bunch of friends. Had nice brunch and catching up what’s going on lately. Miss those days I could play badminton with uni friends. Miss carrying DSLR in town, capturing city moments from day to night. Miss volunteering etc.

Guess I miss social connections, outside of work. Having multiple labels such as social committee, alumni association board of committee, senior at work etc. I realized it’s mostly about career. Don’t get me wrong. I enjoy what I am doing, but I also miss other labels of myself. Someone who loves photography, to cook, outdoorsy. I love going out, seeing the sun, feeling the greens, do people-watching (heeee). But now, mostly spend time working during weekends.

Definitely, not something I want, at least not the kind of lifestyle I want to live by in near future. I work to play, I play to work. Though I want to move my way up the corporate ladder, at the same time, I want to do something I love, outside of work. I am more than what I am good at (at work). I don’t want to spend rest of my life catching up with work, earning big bucks (just saying), but a boring person outside of work. Yikes. That’s not a typical Sagittarius.

The other day, I was asked: what’s your hobby? Yoga, Pilates. I can only think of these 2, something I did most these days. Later, I recalled I was more than that, but the memories was blurry. Until Facebook memories prompted me. I was like wow, I was so fun last time… Until work responsibilities got me more ‘settled’. It’s a wake up call. I need to figure things out if I don’t want to live my life this way.

Did midnight cycling last Friday. Never knew Lion city is so beautiful. We stopped by, and took photos. Something I used to do 5, 6 years ago, street photography. It was an impromptu session after dinner. Randomly saying to go somewhere else but no drinking in town, TGIF. Night cycling? It was a great session!

Maybe I should start picking up photography again! And volunteering too. Long story short. I just bought a DSLR. I used to have one, but I sold it away during Covid. I think it’s just nice to have it since there are a few social events upcoming and am travelling for few trips this year. Totally looking forward to it! Still figuring out what kind of volunteering work to commit to, definitely something long-term.

Finding back my missing labels. This year I really want to do more of something I like, not something I need to… Hope everything turns out well, but I am confident they will.

Law of Attractions.

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.

Love Or Bread

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Recently, two women that I knew of, they chose to give in to end their long distance relationship (LDR). They quit their job/ gave up family business, taking a leap of faith to move to their partners’ cities. Unmarried. Was it a right decision? God knows. It took huge courage that’s for sure, letting go, to start from scratch again.

I would never do that, I thought. We all have different priorities in life. Despite my parents do not rely much on me for living, I feel it’s my responsibility to take care of them, or at least not to financially burden them. Since young, I am taught to be independent, financially and mentally.

I was asked if I am okay to have LDR. To be honest, at my age now, I wouldn’t want to waste time for some indefinite LDR. It is either we work on common goals within timeline, otherwise I would prefer him to stay away. Even though I might like him a lot, but still, I wouldn’t want us to waste time without any plans.

Back to the topic, I guess in current era, to me, bread is more important than love. We once heard couples comprise of 50% him + 50% her. But in reality, it has always been 100% him + 100% her. I would want myself to be independent, at least I am able to support us. I view us as alliances where we contribute equally for better living.

I am not responsible for himself, neither is he. We are two independent individuals that work on us together on top of mutual love. Giving up source of income to rely on someone is last thing on my mind. Maybe it is mindset my mom cultivated since young. Sense of security. Nonetheless, I wish them all the best in chasing what they want in life.

Shall update their status few years later Idk. Meanwhile I thrive to live my life again, as if pushing a restart button like moving to new place, rebuild social circle, picking up new skills etc. Keep you posted, shall I?

So if it’s you, love or bread?

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 😊