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

20 Things

So recently there is this (click here) post trending on Facebook. Facebook trending articles really can occasionally teach you lessons. I clicked on it and read the article entitled "20 Things To Let Go Before The New Year". If you haven't read it yet. Do read the original or you can find it here as well.

Here are some quick and simple inspiring things we should or rather, attempt to let go before 2014. 

#1

"Let go of all thoughts that don't make you feel empowered and strong."

#2

"Let go of feeling guilty for doing what you truly want to do."

#3

"Let of of the fear of the unknown; take one small step and watch the path reveal itself."

#4 

"Let go of regret; at one point in your life, that "whatever was exactly what you wanted."

#5

"Let go of worrying; worrying is like praying for what you don't want."

#6

"Let go of blaming anyone for anything; be accountable for your own life. If you don't like something, you have two choices, accept it or change it."

#7

"Let go of thinking you are damaged; you matter, and the world needs you just as you are."

#8

"Let go of thinking your dreams are not important; always follow your heart."

#9

"Let go of being the "go-to-person" for everyone, all the time; stop blowing yourself off and take care of yourself first ... because you matter."

#10

"Let go of thinking everyone else is happier, more successful or better off than you. You are right where you need to be. Your journey is unfolding perfectly for you."

#11

"Let go of thinking there's a right and wrong way to do things or to see the world. Enjoy the contrast and celebrate the diversity and richness of life."

#12

"Let go of cheating on your future with your past. It's time to move on and tell a new story."

#13

"Let go thinking you are not where you should be. You are right where you need to be to get to where you want to go, so start asking yourself where you want to go."

#14

"Let go of anger toward ex lovers and family. We all deserve happiness and love; just because it is over doesn't meant the love was wrong."

#15

"Let go of the need to do more and be more; for today, you've done the best you can, and that's enough."

#16

"Let go of thinking you have to know how to make it happen; we learn the way on the way."

#17 

"Let go of your money woes - make a plan to pay off debt and focus on your abundance."

#18

"Let go of trying to save or change people. Everyone has her own path, and the best thing you can do is work on yourself and stop focusing on others."

#19 

"Let go of trying to fit in and be accepted by everyone. Your uniqueness is what makes you outstanding."

#20

"Let go of self-hate. You are not the shape of your body or the number on the scale. Who you are matters, and the world needs you as you are. Celebrate you!"

These 20 things are no easy feats to let go. Some of which perhaps I have let go, and there are some I might never will. Some of my personal favourites are #3, #13 and #16. And the tougher ones to crack or if it will ever crack are #5 and #15. What are yours? (Holla me by form spring) 

I wholly agree with the writer that often then not, we carry around too much stress and burdened by life's circumstances and emotional issues. I plead guilt to this. I suppose all these stress and worries all stems down to the fact that us as human being have issues with letting go. It's not easy. As I grow older (not that I am THAT old, mind you), with more chapters of life written, I have learnt precious lessons and had my fair shares of letting go to get here. Significant lessons were learnt along the way. There were heartaches, and tears. Well that's life isn't it?

But I suppose that most definitely if we were to do things differently, if we were to embark on new journey with a fresh perspective, life can be more liberating. So perhaps we could all take a minute or more to think about this. What are some of the things that we could let go in order to be a better us. We could try to let go, perhaps (a crude analogy), we will feel that sense of satisfaction and comfort like that moment that we were able to clear that fully filled bladder of ours and truly enjoy ourselves. 

Letting go can be scary and daunting, but like what the author wrote "... it can also be an amazing act of self-love.

Specially dedicated to someone close out there. Let go.

Till next time. Cheers~

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~

27th SEA Games 2013, ALL THE BEST!

27th SEA Games is just around the corner and the team flew off today. Still feel a tad of difference to be on the older side now, the "sender" rather than the "sent".

Team Singapore.

Once again all the best to Team Sinagpore Canoeing~

All the best everyone. Let's fly our flag high! To everyone participating in the 27th SEA games, all the best and have loads of fun racing!

Johnnie Walker Circuit Lounge 2013

So the marked calendar event of the year - Singapore F1 Grand Prix 2013 - just flew by over the weekend. Coming along with the crazily engineered fast cars and adrenaline pumped races are the awesome loads of fringe parties happening around Singapore. Not to be missed is the signature Johnnie Walker's Formula 1 party, the Johnnie Walker's Circuit Lounge.

Picture credit to spunkititud3

So I have heard about plenty of stories about Johnnie Walker's Party.  It's all about glamour, class and panache all thrown into one. I have never attended a Johnnie Walker part before. So I am exceptionally lucky and thankful to be privy to one of the most rave about, 

money-can't-buy-experience, crème de la crème of premier after party. 
Boy, Johnnie Walker really knows how to throw a party! This year, the Johnnie Walker Circuit Lounge Party was held on the night of 21 September, at Marina Bay Sands. The theme of the party was “Step Into The Circuit” and the dress code was “chic and glamorous” to encompass the luxurious theme of the party.

"...This edition of Circuit Lounge promises to take luxury into new levels through indulgent surrounding, high fashion, classic cocktails, and a stellar entertainment line-up where big band musicians meet international DJs."

-City Normads, Singapore- 

 This description is so apt because the party is as promised. Be ready for the photo galore ahead...

The party this year was held at Marina Bay Sand Convention Hall B and theme for this year is chic and glamorous. Kudos to the team of Johnnie Walker for turning a mundane space into a swanky, elegant and multi-sensory party venue. So this year, I had invited a couple of friends along. As luck has it, one is down with a bug while something cropped up for another. Nevertheless, spirits weren't dampened. We were still very excited to about the party. My close girlfriend of mine, Janet and I arrived at the circuit lounge around 11pm. Right time I would have to say as heaps of people were strolling in around this time as well.

Yeah we were ready... Just sheer luck we both decide to show up in black. (I suppose that's the color you will go for for chic and glamorous right?)

Even the wrist tags are pretty?

Red Black carpet treatment the moment you arrive.

A sneak peek into the exciting party hall. 
Spy the graciously spacious bar counter... Check out the crowd~

Close up of the beautiful gold themed bar to compliment the Johnnie Walker Gold Label.
Rows and rows of Gold Label.

Picture credit to Johnnie Walker Singapore

Further close up of the awesome DJ station.
Adding a touch of New York charm, Mel DeBarge has guests on their feet with his famous blend of party anthems.

Picture credit to Johnnie Walker Singapore

One of the hallmark of the Johnnie Walker Party is their flavour lab.
Flavour Lab is Johnnie Walker's/Circuit Lounge's signature experimental bar, where whisky fans get to try special contrivance mixes, concoctions, creations prepared by world class bartenders.
This year evocative creations were crafted and served by Diageo Reserve World Class Program bartenders: Jeremy Chua, Kae Yin, Zachary de Git and Tim Philips. We managed to try Gold Berry Rock, a raspberry cocktail solidified in liquid nitrogen and Honeybee (think ice popsicle). Both were really good!

Besides featuring these world class bartenders and amazing concoctions, there were plenty of entertainment as well. Personal favorite will be the performance by The Mad Violinist (youtube him) as well as DJ Mel Debarge. There are plenty of others (including a fashion show) as well who really hyped up the night.

Well all in all, J and I had a fabulous time at the party. Drinks were great, music was great, crowd was amazing, it was indeed a night to remember. Johnnie Walker definitely pull out all the stops for the most fantastic experience. Definitely setting my eyes on the next one!

Till next time. Keep. On. Walking.

Johnnie Walker’s signature Formula 1 party series, Circuit Lounge, returns for the Singapore Grand Prix weekend in September. This edition of Circuit Lounge promises to take luxury to new levels through indulgent surroundings, high fashion, classic cocktails, and a stellar entertainment line-up where big band musicians meet international DJs. - See more at: http://www.citynomads.com/events/dj/2555/johnnie-walker-circuit-lounge-set-to-dazzle-singapore-for-one-exclusive-night#sthash.krKtcxZ8.dpuf

Johnnie Walker’s signature Formula 1 party series, Circuit Lounge, returns for the Singapore Grand Prix weekend in September. This edition of Circuit Lounge promises to take luxury to new levels through indulgent surroundings, high fashion, classic cocktails, and a stellar entertainment line-up where big band musicians meet international DJs. - See more at: http://www.citynomads.com/events/dj/2555/johnnie-walker-circuit-lounge-set-to-dazzle-singapore-for-one-exclusive-night#sthash.krKtcxZ8.dpuf

Johnnie Walker’s signature Formula 1 party series, Circuit Lounge, returns for the Singapore Grand Prix weekend in September. This edition of Circuit Lounge promises to take luxury to new levels through indulgent surroundings, high fashion, classic cocktails, and a stellar entertainment line-up where big band musicians meet international DJs. - See more at: http://www.citynomads.com/events/dj/2555/johnnie-walker-circuit-lounge-set-to-dazzle-singapore-for-one-exclusive-night#sthash.krKtcxZ8.dpuf

Johnnie Walker’s signature Formula 1 party series, Circuit Lounge, returns for the Singapore Grand Prix weekend in September. This edition of Circuit Lounge promises to take luxury to new levels through indulgent surroundings, high fashion, classic cocktails, and a stellar entertainment line-up where big band musicians meet international DJs. - See more at: http://www.citynomads.com/events/dj/2555/johnnie-walker-circuit-lounge-set-to-dazzle-singapore-for-one-exclusive-night#sthash.krKtcxZ8.dpufv

Johnnie Walker’s signature Formula 1 party series, Circuit Lounge, returns for the Singapore Grand Prix weekend in September. This edition of Circuit Lounge promises to take luxury to new levels through indulgent surroundings, high fashion, classic cocktails, and a stellar entertainment line-up where big band musicians meet international DJs. - See more at: http://www.citynomads.com/events/dj/2555/johnnie-walker-circuit-lounge-set-to-dazzle-singapore-for-one-exclusive-night#sthash.krKtcxZ8.dpuf

Johnnie Walker’s signature Formula 1 party series, Circuit Lounge, returns for the Singapore Grand Prix weekend in September. This edition of Circuit Lounge promises to take luxury to new levels through indulgent surroundings, high fashion, classic cocktails, and a stellar entertainment line-up where big band musicians meet international DJs. - See more at: http://www.citynomads.com/events/dj/2555/johnnie-walker-circuit-lounge-set-to-dazzle-singapore-for-one-exclusive-night#sthash.krKtcxZ8.dpuf

Johnnie Walker’s signature Formula 1 party series, Circuit Lounge, returns for the Singapore Grand Prix weekend in September. This edition of Circuit Lounge promises to take luxury to new levels through indulgent surroundings, high fashion, classic cocktails, and a stellar entertainment line-up where big band musicians meet international DJs. - See more at: http://www.citynomads.com/events/dj/2555/johnnie-walker-circuit-lounge-set-to-dazzle-singapore-for-one-exclusive-night#sthash.krKtcxZ8.dpuf