Well,  I have waited for one whole year before "launching" this blog for real. 

This blog was first inspired by a couple of friends (read more about the story here). The truth is, I have not been writing much the past one year. This has led to (a shocking) 40ish half finished posts and 5000++ and growing photos backlogged waiting to be completed and filtered through. 

Usual excuses every time when I look at the blank screen were the usual ones... Tired, lots of work, maybe I should be studying, there are always more important things to do, wondering if there're any value in writing any of these, etc... In essence, just EXCUSES.

Excuses such as crazy big moves to Perth, starting medical school and work are not going to work anymore now that I have settled proper. I have decided to put life back into this blog. During the last day of 2014, I have decided to "launch" *or rather resurrect* my lovely blog. The idea is to update my friends back home of my life in Perth, as well as to log other moments and experiences on this blog.

So here I go, starting with the London trip from last year. 

"Blog like no one is reading. Blog for yourself. First and always. 

Blog because you feel compelled to share things you are passionate about 

and you will never run out of material."

Stay tuned.

xoxo

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

Great Words of Wisdom.

So I am less than a month away from my big move to Perth, Australia. BIG move really. I can't help but cringe on the slightest thought about moving to a new country, away from especially my love ones (my dearest family) and my closest friends. I can't help but my heart raced a little when I think about what how I will do in my new chapter of my academic life. I can't help but feel this irrational fear about how my future holds with the changes in  medical field. I am scared, no just frighten really.

To many, worrying about the future is really a waste of time. It's unproductive. Every time we use the present to stress about the future, we're choosing to sacrifice joy today to mourn joy we might not have tomorrow. I suppose this instinctive sense of fear stems from the uncertainty. The anticipation of potential failures, the anticipation that we might not do as well as what we are doing now. Yesterday, a friend shared an article written by Regina Brett, who has a column on The Plain Dealer (read here), she wrote an article on "Regina Brett's 45 Life Lessons and 5 to Grow On..."

She wrote:

 

 Do visit the link to see the original article.

After reading this, I looked back at the most fulfilling parts of my life, and I realize most of them came when I least expect them to. They took me completely by surprise. Some moments might have given me some heartache, while others also provided me with new opportunities and provided excitement. For every time I've felt disappointed, there's always other moment when I've felt a sense of wonder and pure euphoria. Looking at that list of life lessons written by Regina Brett, some has popped out at me like a revelation.These are my personal favorites:

"1. Life isn't fair, but it's still good."

I am not blessed with model good looks, yet I am not entirely hideous. I am might not have gone to a great school, but yet I have my Master degree now. We might not be very well off, but we are living comfortable life. More importantly, as compared to many others,I am blessed with a great family and a bunch of loyal and amazing friends. What more can I ask for.

"7. Cry with someone. It's more healing than crying alone."

Recently a couple of closet friends went through a rough patch in their lives. There were lots of heartache. Lots of tears. Lots of cursing and swearing. But, we were there for each other. I had a fair share of my own drama, and I am thankful to have my best friends and close friends in my life. Cause nothing is quite as therapeutic as crying with someone. They just always have their way to some how impart you with crazy life lessons when you least expect it. They will be the one who will help you up again. So cry together.

"11. Make peace with your past so that it won't screw up the present."

Can't even begin how this rings a big loud bell in me. Most people accept that their past is set in stone and cannot be changed. Often than not people let it determined how things will play out in future. This kind of belief leads one to constantly re-experience painful or difficult memories and emotions causing regrets  and eventually repression, which ultimately compounds the problems.  These painful memories are like untreated wounds left to fester, they simply get worst over time, until we learn to make peace with the past. There were few moments in my life where I was constantly questioning the "whys". And I realised it was only when I go head on with the problem, face it and eventually let go could I then move forward.

"22. Over prepare. Then go with the flow."

I think this is something which I have come to realized over the years. I suppose most Singaporeans are caught up with paper chase or merit chase that we forgot why we are doing this. I've realized that there is more than just preparing for an exam, or for a race. But really, we are just trying to over prepare ourselves for what is to come - and that in itself is a good thing. As aptly put by Louis Pasteur, "chance favors the prepared mind." So it's always good to over prepare so that we will be ready for what is to come.

"45. The best is yet to come"

Enough said. If life is already at it's best, then there's not much for us to live for right?

"50. Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift" 

Most people accept that their past is set in stone and cannot be changed, however, this is a fallacy.  This kind of belief/thinking leads you to constantly re-experience painful or difficult memories and emotions causing regret and eventually repression, which ultimately compounds the problem.  These painful memories are like untreated wounds, left to fester, they simply get worse over time… until you learn to make peace with your past. - See more at: http://www.thehealersjournal.com/2013/10/09/make-peace-with-your-past/#sthash.1q50Xkc7.dpuf

Most people accept that their past is set in stone and cannot be changed, however, this is a fallacy.  This kind of belief/thinking leads you to constantly re-experience painful or difficult memories and emotions causing regret and eventually repression, which ultimately compounds the problem.  These painful memories are like untreated wounds, left to fester, they simply get worse over time… until you learn to make peace with your past. - See more at: http://www.thehealersjournal.com/2013/10/09/make-peace-with-your-past/#sthash.1q50Xkc7.dpuf

Like what my mum always say, "a step at a time, things will always work out..." Uncertainty is the cost of that deeply satisfying, exhilarating, spontaneous sense of awe. Those are the moments we live for - and I try, and continuously remind myself to just give my best, immerse myself wholeheartedly on the present moment so that i wouldn't fixate on the unknown and let things work out themselves. I say life is one big fancy dress party, and we should live it and enjoy what the party brings!

Till next time! Cheers~

On Turning 25...

So I have turned 25 just a while ago.

And so happen, how "appropriately" this article showed up on my facebook feed. 

 Honestly, this is a pretty good read.

Then just somehow, coincidentally (or not) people started sharing more and more similar thought post on being in your 20's or 25s...

 From top right to bottom left: (a) The 25 Scariest Things About Turning 25, (b) 25 Lessons I Learned By 25, and (c) 25 Things I Know Now That I'm 25

 I’m feeling a little weirded out by all of the birthday blog posts I’ve been seeing lately. All these got me thinking what's the big deal about turning 25? Or it is a big deal? I remember joking with my older friends or friends who were turning 25 like "what's the big deal, its only 25!" and continued to joke about "we have roam this earth for a quarter of a century now..." Many responded about the dread and uneasiness and warn me that you will experience the same thing. 

Honestly, now I have officially turned 25, I liked to say that the "wave of dread and uneasiness" did not quite hit me. Yes, I feel a tad older (DUH? after all one year has passed and biologically your body has taken another year of beating). I hadn't planned on writing a birthday-post really. But since a group of my friends (K&J) said to my on my birthday that "you only turn a big -25-once" so I thought it would be appropriate for me to document a few of my thoughts as a person who is officially now a quarter of a century old.

K & J on my birthday

At the age of 25, living in an Asian country embedded with many traditions and practices, one (especially a senior) will always asked. What are you doing now? (Simply put, what have you achieved?) Are you seeing someone now? (Getting married yet? Your cousins are already popping babies...) Oh this is one of my favourite - Heard you are still in school (In their eyes, you are still bumping and wasting your life away in school.) To many, twenty-five is the age of professional athletes or successful professionals. Twenty-five is the age of married couples and parents to many little ones. Twenty-five is the age of people who are out of their confusing early 20s and on-track with their careers and lives in general.

Honestly i can't quite say that i am in those one of the twenty-five group. I am neither a professional athlete now (like many of my ex team mates have become), nor am i a proud married woman with toddlers running around at home (still single and ever for available to mingle). I can't quite say that i am a successful professional either given that i am less than a year into my first job. Have I failed? To some perhaps, but in my eyes not really. Things like successful career, owning or en-route to having a prefect family etc. should not be the milestone determining our successes at the age of 25.

Today, at the age of 25, I'd liked to think that I am pretty successful (not in the usual terms). I'd like to think that regardless of the "tradition milestones" that many 25 should have achieved, I have achieved my own set of "unique milestones" that many  have yet to experience. At the age of 25, I am proud to say that I have had one too many exciting experiences. I've gotten the chance to experience unique profession not many people could. I learnt what it takes to "attempt" to become a professional athlete. Put in endless hours to training, teared ever so occasionally due to sheer toughness of the sports, punished the ever so tired body demanded by the brunt of this sport. As an added bonus, I get to travel around the world for professional competitions, travel to exotic places and made many amazing friends that you otherwise would not have met. At the age of 25, I am a proud holder of my Master degree. When people chose to go straight into a job right after graduation, I have decided to go back to school yet again. I am thankful to have made this decision and the enormous support from my family. Today I am clear of what I would like to achieve with my life and what kind of career I want to have. At the age of 25, I started my first job in a professional area (healthcare) which has bring me much joy and enthusiasm. Have I reached my "tradition milestones"? Not really. But I am closer to where I was yesterday. Have I failed. Not really. I have had setbacks, made terrible decisions (which some I have come to regret a little), and wasted time. But it is these experience that made me me.

At the age of 25, I have grown so much, coming out of my shell, gained great deal of confidence and acquire skills and knowledge which my 20 year old self wouldn't have.

 

 

I think part of growing up is realizing that the cookie cutter lifestyle is a myth. We are NOT suppose to be at certain checkpoints at certain age. We think we know what we're supposed to be doing with our lives at different age, but in reality these "checkpoints" are different for everyone. Perhaps if we stop fussing over where we should be at certain age, and start realizing what we want to be then turning 25 is really not too bad. To my fellow people out there who is 25, or turning 25 soon... REALLY IT'S NO BIG DEAL. Turning 25 or being 25 should be an exciting time of our lives. It should still be the time that we continue exploring and making mistakes because we still have time to correct the wrongs. And I say we live it to the fullest!

Cheers, I~ 

It's been a week... My thoughts...

It is exactly one week since the graduation. Just received the graduation photos from my lovely friend Nat last night (Will do a separate post regarding his AMAZING photography service). As i browsed through the photos, i thought it was befitting to actually do up a post on the graduation that has happened last Saturday. 

Well, the graduation itself is a small and quaint affair, nothing like or close to the grandeur of the graduation back in NUS last year. Despite so, the graduation was still as exciting and if not more heart warming and meaningful as to the one at NUS last year. Almost all the important people in my life were there. And even sweeter, for the first time ever, i TOPPED my class! Now, thinking about it still never fail to put a smile on my face. Graduation took place at Raffles City Convention Center. As mentioned, small affair, inside one of all the ballrooms.

It was an exciting and arduous one and the half year journey throughout this MSc course. After 8 modules, 1 big-o-dissertation, 9 individual projects, 4 presentations, 3 group projects and thousands of words churned out, we finally graduated. No doubt it is only a one years odd program, it is as intense as it could be. We started out the program as different individuals thrown into a class without a single clue who each other are. After numerous hours in class together, boring lectures after lectures, projects after projects, heartaches and DRAMA in class we left the program taking away so much. We have learnt to lean on one another, never once being selfish. Well, i am glad to have went through this with all these amazing people (Su, Manpreet, Nilar, Thurah, Nay and Charlotte). Thank you so very much. Thanks for making class a little more interesting with our frequent bitching and chats and keeping each other sane. Thanks for all the laughters we have had. And thank you all for always being so kind to me (helping me brainstorm my work, giving me suggestions, lending me notes, always being super confident about my work and many many more...) THANK YOU!

Taking today's achievement out of the class, there is another group of people whom i MUST mention for similarly without them the achievements today would not have been possible. This special group of people has been such solid support during this period. I entered this program thinking "Masters, no biggy~" I was so wrong. It was difficult. No, it was a torment. The course was tough, so much so i was so close to giving up when dissertation took a turn for the worst. I entered the program thinking that i can do this on my own. But i was wrong too. I could not have done this on my own. Honestly I thank God for all the help and encouragement many have rendered when I was in the rut and at the lowest of my life. Thanks to my family (Dad, Mum and bros) and friends for their unwavering support and encouragement and always believing that I  could achieve whatever I am doing even when I don’t. Big thanks also go out to my best friends Reina and Edward for keeping me sane and lend me a listening ear when I bitch about the **A girl from school, to be super proud of me when I have achieved my new degree. Thanks also go out to other friends and love ones from the closest circle, the HKSS boys or rather men by now, my favourite juniors (the adopted siblings, Nanfeng and Hinyang), my beloved JC gals (Janet, Kelly, Alison and Darrell *Thanks for not getting mad at me for hiding my BIG SECRET!!)  =p), my uni ladies (JingXiu and Audrey *Same to you, thanks for not getting mad at me for hiding my BIG SECRET!! ) and last but not least my dearest coach (Balaz). Thank you all of you for encouraging me to go for my dream, always believing in me! And more importantly thanks for loving me the way I am and always ever supportive for whatever decisions i made.

This quote pretty much sums it all for all the people in this group including my family. After the drama in 2011, and the decision that I have made to pursue another academic venture (under my own terms) these people are always here for me. Being super supportive about my decisions, never once questioning them.They never gets tired of listening to my my own dramas over, over and over again and are always there to give the much needed boost of encouragement when i needed them the most. To know that no matter what happens, even if the sky falls down, that they will always be there for me no matter what. 

Thank you you all! 

Till next time~

Cheers, 

I.