14 Happiness in 2014~

2015 is almost upon us. 

I kept saying "can't believe the year has gone by so quickly!", an unnerving reminder of another year gone by, once again faster than the year before. This year has zoomed by the fastest in my opinion. It has been a whirlwind year. New Year's Eve is often seen as the chance to start anew. A time for reflection. As I look back, this year has been quite a chapter. Big changes. Heaps of tears and laughter both at the same time. 

As I look back at 2014 (through my 5000++ photos in my camera and my camera roll *OMG I know*), there were so many special moments to be remembered and be thankful for. 

Here're my "14 Happiness in 2014".

                                                                                                                                                                         

#1 - HELLO FRIENDS (COLLEAGUES)

"Don't be say because you are saying goodbye, 

you should be happy because you have memories with them that you'll cherish forever."

2014 started fast and furious. Wrapping up the last bit of my work and saying goodbye to the awesome team of people at St Luke's Hospital (a separate post perhaps). Honestly, I have never worked in such a friendly environment before. The one year with SLH was a memorable one. I have learnt heaps from the really experienced team ranging from doctors to allied health to administrators. Many of whom have truly inspired me to be what I hope to be in future. Thanks. I am extremely happy and blessed to have many of you now as a friend that has become bricks of my life. 

# 2 - Chapter 3: 

THE UNIVERSITY OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA

"Dream the impossible, believe the unbelievable, and never take no for an answer."

Finally, after so many years of pinning and hoping I began my journey as a medical student (well, still a long long road to go, but I'm just glad I'm here). Well, many didn't believe it was possible. Honestly I didn't either, after all I came from some shit neighbourhood school isn't it? But I'm here. 3 days after leaving SLH, I'm here. Uprooting myself from the comfort of my home, and familiar faces to a foreign land, starting afresh. No shit it was daunting, but I am thankful to be here. Recently having a conversation with Dad in the car, I told him I am happy where I am now knowing that I am doing something that I know I love. To many despondent people out there, have a dream, have a goal and just work towards it. You will get there. EVENTUALLY.

#3 - Getting Richer (Figuratively) - 

NEW CHAPTER NEW FRIENDS

" Make new friends, but keep the old. One is silver and other is gold."

This year has been a hell of a ride, only made better with the new friends that have walked into my life. These new friends definitely made the stay in Perth so much more fun and meaningful. Special mention goes out to:

Dave - The mentor turned buddy now. Thanks for your guidance, support and believe throughout the year! Listening to me whine about assessments and failing. All the coffee dates and dirty jokes lol. Life would definitely be a little dull without you.

The rest of you are equally important as well. But words really can't quite describe my gratitude and love for all of you. Let the beautiful pictures speak for themselves as a testament to all the good times we've shared this year. 

**P.s. Heaps of photos to come on Facebook. Look out for it. It's fun/not fun going through 5000+ photos for the year!*

#4 - New Experience - 

UNIVERSITY LIFE 

"Whatever success I've achieved in life, 

I credit number one to my experience here at the university."

Recently had a chat with the little brother regarding university life. Throughout all my academic life, sports (canoeing) have been the centre of my life apart from studying. There were no time for any other activities. Even hanging out with friends seemed a little too trying. No time for parties, or any other social activities. In essence, NO LIFE lol (in my brother's word). However, this year, I have decided to do things a little differently and opened up to the idea of joining student run societies and my favourite charity now (Fairgame). I had heaps of fun working with GPSN (GP student network), SHMRC (Student in health sciences and medical research conference), WIS (Women in surgery) and Fairgame. During this one year I have had the chance to work aside some incredible people (turn friends), organising some amazing event (especially the WIS high tea) and not to mention brush shoulders with some of the prominent people in the field. Although it does take up a bit of our already limited time, I have to say it was worth it.

#5 - TAKE  TIME FOR FOOD AND COFFEE

" Sex might satisfy, food might fuel, love might sustain,

but without coffee, what's the point."

Thanks for the food. Well, Australia did introduce to their rich coffee culture as well as amazing brunches and food. Being as Singaporean as I can be, there are of course loads of time taken out to try out new coffee and food which are definitely made better with awesome company. With all honesty, there are too pictures of food. So look at my Instagram for more pictures!

# 6 - GOOD RIDDANCE TO BAD RUBBISH! 

"Life is too short for bad friends and rubbish."

Aptly put by one of my favourite girlfriends last year (J yes I am talking about you). GOOD. RIDDANCE. TO. BAD. RUBBISH. This applies to everything, friends, partners, housemates, experiences etc... In summary, this year has been amazing. But no surprise, there were those dark clouds looming around too. I am not going to go into a social media b**tch sesh on the crazy people that I did not hesitate to strike out from my life. Thanks for the lessons you guys (serious piece of shit) has taught me and the strength and sanity gained to go through the crazy drama!

# 7 - MAKING IT THROUGH FIRST YEAR

"Keep calm and carry on."

Lol. RIGHT! My a**. I can't quite count the number of time I actually secretly have panic attacks before assessments, before clinical skills or even before tutorial. I think I started this year with peaking confidence to shine brilliantly in medical school only to be torn apart, coming out at the end of the year battled and bruised. I am very. very. VERY. thankful to have come out the end of the year surviving though! 25% doctor now. I am just happy that all of us made it!

# 8 - DOING MORE CRAZY STUFF

Well, let's just say mum and dad are not very impressed.

Oh wells, I love it!

# 9 - PARTY MORE 

"I live for the nights that I can't remember, with the people that I won't forget."

First and foremost, to Andrew (Singapore), I am NOT a party animal. I just happen to not party at all in the past because of many other reasons. And no I have not party a lot. Only a couple. Which I have to admit are great experience and once again made even better with amazing company. (Separate posts for all of these). Well, here's a little sneak to one of the set (Calvin Harris *btw amazing live*) from Stereo.

# 10 - HEALTH

"Health is wealth."

No shit. After some attachments and having studied some medical conditions now, I am thankful for being healthy. I am thankful for being able to do what I can do everyday. And I am definitely more thankful that my family and everyone I love are all healthy.

# 11 - THE PARTNERS IN CRIME 

"All you need is one (two) safe anchor to keep you grounded 

when the rest of your life spins out of control."

Looking back, I have no idea how the three of us ended up this close. 3 strikingly different people, different shape and definitely different personality ending up together (like this ==> above). It has been an incredible year having these two beautiful girls in my life, keeping me sane and pulling me through the hardest time. They are definitely the anchor that keeps me grounded when i'm out of control lol (up to your interpretations). Words really can't describe the gratitude and love I have for you girls. I thought this picture really aptly reflect our love for each other. Thank you. May our friendship age like freaking fine wine! Exquisite, expensive and rare.

# 12 - MY FOREVER FRIENDS

"A friend is someone who knows your past, believes in your future and accepts you the way you are."

Thank you all for still being such a big part of my life despite being separated by one freaking ocean. From checking up on me on whatsapp to sending me silly cards and everything in between. Special thanks to

Rei - Thanks for listening to me rant about everything and anything. Not sure what to do without you.

K and J - Thanks for always keeping me in loop with your lives and never stopped being a part of mine

Brenda - Thanks for practicing clinical skills with me through Skype

HT - You pervert for entertaining me with all your dirty jokes when i'm stressed

Audrey and JX - Thanks for checking in on me time to time and keeping me super grounded and focus

Chris and Rubz - Thanks for always making time for me

Most importantly, thank you all (even those that I have missed out) for the friendship and love you guys have given me.

#13 - MY BIGGEST FANS

"Happiness is having a large, loving, caring, close-knit family in another city."

Enough said.

#14 - CHEERS TO EVERYTHING ELSE ~ 

"Cheers to the 2014. Cheers to the new year, and another chance to get it right."

Last but not least, thanks for everyone who has been a part of my new chapter that I have failed to mention. Trust me all of you are important. Thanks for all the memories.

                                                                                                                                                                         

2014 has been great. No it has been more than great, it has been amazing. 

As much as the New Year seem daunting, I like the sense of gravity of the turn of the year. The invitation to take stock of life, to be thankful to every experiences and challenges, and the opportunity to tell those I love that I've treasured the year with them and look forward to many more to come.

As usual, please be kind 2015. 

Happy New Year everyone wherever you are. Stay safe!

Cheers! 

XOXO