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~

Baby Brother's Moment.

This post is dedicated to my baby brother. Dedicated to him for his sheer perseverance and hard work put in today for his achievement.

Today, 1st December 2013, is the once-a-year, most noted event on the running calendar THE STANDARD CHARTERED MARATHON SINGAPORE 2013. Brother and I originally signed up together, with the aim of running together. But as luck had it, i tore my MCL 2 weeks ago (leave it to another post and shan't steal his light), he had to run alone. 

Well, despite so, he FINISHED. Seriously, timing doesn't matter as it is his maiden race. This quote aptly puts what I feel into perspective:

"Dead Last is Greater Than Did Not Finish, Which Trumps Did Not Start."

-Unknown-

Truthfully speaking, as any runner out there would second on, what he did comes close to a suicide mission. Mileage building up was not put in (though he faithfully did 5 to 10k per day). Furthest he had run was 10k?? Concern, concern, concern was the only thing i can say. But regardless, I still hand him a tip or two. Things such as "loads of vaseline on your thighs, arms, chests etc.", "hydrate at every water point", "gel at 21",  "bananas at 30" and most importantly "no shame if you have to drop out if you are feeling unwell." There he went, left the house at 4:10am and cab down to Orchard. I made a promise to him that I will cheer him on near the finishing point and told him to give it his all. 

Stationed myself at the 75m mark waiting for him nervously.  

This is my station. Lol.

Waiting. Waiting. And he finally came! Worth the time I was waiting there, cause as any sister is, I was nervous that he might collapse somewhere. But there he came...

 All smiles. I was super happy honestly. To see him, after 40k+ and still have that smile and enthusiasm.

I always say, "there's always time for a picture". 

Honestly, he looked great! Once again I say "Super proud of you brother". It's your moment. 

Proud finisher.

One last one. 

Pictures speaks a thousand words. Can't emphasise again how proud I am.

Love you brother.

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~ 

We are Ready or Not~

Confused? So baby brother and I have decided to kill torture abuse challenge ourselves to a full marathon this year. We have signed up for this...

The "most" anticipated, it event on the running calendar in Singapore

The Standard Chartered Marathon Singapore 2013.

Will be running with him (Baby brother in the middle). We are trying to get the other brother on board on our maniac stunt.

So the last time we ran together was 2011, we did a half marathon together. Couldn't find the pictures and the timing but we both remember vividly that i've beaten the baby brother by slightly over 2 minutes. This year we decide to give it another go and challenge ourselves to a full. Its always fun to be running with the sibling. Our sick way to family bonding. I don't know about him but i am pretty excited about this.  The last time i did a full marathon was just after 'A' levels. I participated in the Adidas Sundown Marathon then. I can still remember how much pain it was running without putting in the proper mileage. <== Wrong move! So this time, hopefully i will be better prepared! I am ready to kick his ass again. 

Hey baby bro, this is for you. BRING IT ON! 

To people doing your first full marathon, and my personal message to my baby brother, here it is

You will know what i mean when you are really running it. (P.S. His first full marathon! ==> Things you do when you are young and naive.) But proud of him anyways to have the courage to take on this challenge. Not many people have the balls to. 

To myself and everyone else i suppose "don't think just run" right?

If you have signed up, KUDOS! A pat on the back. It's the first step. 

To those who have not. Challenge yourself perhaps? 

Slots are still available for full marathon. 

See you at the start line!

Till next time, cheers~