Capturing March Times

  • Scrumptious EspaΓ±ol dinner with ex-team. Received congratulatory messages for promotion
  • Candlelight concert with roommate, Taylor Swift jamming
  • Had stinky tofu (craving fixed) after a workout. Can’t wait for Taiwan trip for more!
  • Went speakeasy with le gf after hectic work week (love their cocktails). Long lost shopping session thereafter
  • Van Gogh expedition with another gf. Italian dinner treat yay!
  • Bought shark bedroom slippers, too cute! So excited walking around in the house now
  • Bought few meaningful books to read, can’t wait to finish them
  • Invitation to ex-boss’ baby shower & her son’s birthday party
  • Completed a complex case after 3 months of account review, phew :3
  • Bought pop croissants for high tea! Rare moment I wish I was French aside being Italian (I mad love pasta OMG)
  • First Qing-Ming experience with family. It was a tradition our ancestor had that no woman is allowed until le grandpa passing.
  • Witnessed beautiful cloud sea in the morning
  • Invitation to ex colleague’s wedding banquet in Sept

Truly counting my blessings for having good health, stable job & a roof over head. A friend of same birthdate as myself, got laid off recently. Yup, she was part of the tech laid off. She was travelling Bangkok few weeks ago, having all the fun… Until, she broke the news on Linkedin few days ago. A close relative had high cancerous cell counts in his body, hence he has undergone a surgery to remove some parts of pancreas. Wishing him a good health & smooth recovery.

Having stable job is nothing less than having high income, having good health is nothing less than being wealthy. I am beyond thankful!

Bustling January

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 πŸ™‚

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 fiancΓ©e.

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.

Perth Memories

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- 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 πŸ™‚
  • 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 😦

The 5-Minute Journal #6

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

The 5-Minute Journal #5

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

The 5-Minute Journal #4

I am grateful for:

  • Be able to donate blood 3rd time in my life- I am healthy!
  • Able to return home soon- with my brother this time round
  • Being healthy- I used to have stomach discomfort quite often, just threw all the medicine cause I no longer need them

Today’s affirmation:

  • I am doing better than I thought, God has better plans for me πŸ™‚
  • I have people loving, caring for me more than I thought
  • Self care is not selfish, it’s okay to prioritize myself

Amazing things happened today

  • I managed to do another difficult yoga pose today
  • Managed to eat dim sum today, I have been craving
  • Finally kick start last paper of the year, I can’t wait to get over it!
  • Scribble itinerary for my friend’s visit and Perth trip

The 5-Minute Journal #3

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 πŸ’–
  • Feeling so good to receive good energy. Law of attraction indeed πŸ’–
  • I always do my best, for myself, for others πŸ’–

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

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 haveΒ πŸ’–
  • I am feeling better after staycation πŸ’–Β 
  • I will not worry about things beyond my control πŸ’–Β 

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! πŸŽ„ An annual festival commemorating birth of Jesus Christ!

Birthday Diary

Waking up to plenty birthday wishes in the morning. I still woke up as if I am going to work since I am heading temple for prayers in the morning. I think I have been through a lot these days, especially in November. It was indeed rocky. Finally, able to get some well-deserved rest after hectic work weeks. Though I might occasionally on my laptop to check emails, but still… Yay!

I received a lot of personal messages, some even texted me in the middle of night when I already knocked off in bed. One of my toxic traits is I know how to love but I don’t know how to believe I am loved… Or rather I forgot I am loved by so many people sometimes.

I replied texts by texts while prepping myself. These days, I started a new habit by meditating, praying before sleeping and after waking up. For well-being of my family, friends and myself etc. (let’s keep it as secret hehe)

Did simple make up, wore birthday dress pairing with le favorite pink little bag. I always go to the same temple whenever I am lost, I need a listener. I hate worrying people but desperately need someone to talk to, that’s the place I always go to. For many years. Somewhere I can find peace. As usual, I cried while talking to God. Saying how thankful I am, to be able to hold on and surviving strong.

To be honest, I wish I am not strong or over independent sometimes. Wrong impression on me mostly as I think I am quite soft hearted that easily cried lol. If you know, you know. But then again, who can I rely on when I am not mentally strong. Career change, completed advanced certificate, met really nice people at work, few good months of dating (though we did not proceed further). I believe everything happened for a reason.

Went for Japanese buffet fully sponsored by dad. My brother was complaining he didn’t get anything from le dad on his birthday. Oh wells, he should know I am dad’s little princess. Whoops. I don’t really eat a lot nowadays, so I am doing just fine, but my brother was complaining (again) that he barely eat any staple food. It’s surprising to see so many people on weekdays. We went for movie later on. Spiderman, like finally! No spoiler alert, just saying, despite not being a Marvel fan, it is a great movie!

We had western cuisine together. I am really thankful for him that he actually took leave to keep me accompany the whole day, especially when he has limited paid leaves. Though he still judge me for not able to remember some Marvel scenes, I am glad I am able to stick with him whenever I need.

Also, I have been receiving gifts like food and beverages, spa treat, skincare, cosmetics etc. Oh, I bought myself a bouquet of flowers too! I rarely receive flowers, prolly people think I might not like it idk. But actually, I really love sensual gifts which are visually nice or smell lovely. Like flowers, scented candles, nice hand cream, aromatherapy etc.

Guess my birthday has really come to an end. Officially, 26+1 now. I never liked the idea where my age is an odd number. This year was indeed rough like what I expected but somehow it turned out better than I thought. I don’t wish everything is smooth in life as I know that’s not possible.

Instead, I pray for strength to conquer challenges when times are bad. Always reminding myself to be thankful- appreciate for what I receive, for what I have. I really love how people wish me to stay safe, pretty, healthy and happy. Guess that’s all I need.

Last but not least, I thank everyone for their well wishes! Wishing them good luck, and keeping them in my prayers. Happy Birthday Alison! πŸŽ‚

Law of Attraction

I don’t deem myself a book smart or very intelligent person. But somehow I am one lucky girl- I always get what I want, of course I work my way up too. I am an optimistic person who worry less though I used to get anxious over unforeseen circumstances that might never happen. It is a total waste of time I would say. No jinx please, still counting my blessings. I believe in law of attraction, especially after reading the book myself.

The law of attraction is a philosophy suggesting that positive thoughts attract positive results into a person’s life whereas negative thoughts attract negative outcomes. It is based on the belief that thoughts are a form of energy and that positive energy attracts success in all areas of life, including health, finances and relationships.

I never doubted myself for not able to achieve what I want. Never. I am not being ignorant. Just saying I am the kind who will focus, work on my goals and never look back. I am very determined to work things out though I might cry when I am stressed out. I never back out. I never told myself that I don’t deserve anything good. I totally deserve it! I would rather work harder than settle for less.

Recently, we went Ocean restaurant to celebrate our birthdays. Pretty much an extravagant experience that I prolly won’t be going back again. The overall experience was top notch, for instance their services, food and restaurant ambience. Just saying it is not a norm where I will be going back as a returning customer cause the experience was not cheap. It is meant for an extravagant experience like I said. But, oh wells, once in a lifetime, plus since we are stuck in Singapore during birthdays. Why not?

It was indeed a memorable night. Having jazz music as BGM with fishes swimming in front of my eyes, I never thought I will be experiencing this in my lifetime. Not that I don’t deserve it, but rather I never thought I can make it this far. Living overseas for almost a decade, I guess I am doing good, to be able to afford such experience. Moral of the story: work hard to have more choices, to deserve better life. I guess we need to be practical and realistic at times where money does provide some sort of security and comfort.

Still working hard on my goals. Still sending positive messages to the universe as I believe I will receive the same. I don’t wish everything is smooth in life cause I know that’s not possible. Instead, I pray for the strength to conquer challenges when times are bad. And of course, always reminding myself to be thankful- appreciate for what I receive, for what I have. Feeling abundant!

Are you working on your new year resolutions already? Cause I am!