The Road Less Travelled

It was a tormenting 5-rounds process and I didn't think I would stand a chance. Especially with some questions looking like these -

• Tell us about the bond bubble
• Sell me this mug for $50
• Who's the Federal Reserve Chairman?
• What's happening to China? Tell me what's going to happen to the yuan.
• What's 30% of 35?
• What's been happening to the Euro?

So I'm really stepping into a new chapter of my life now. I'm letting go all I am familiar with - friends, food and culture. I never thought I'd be going off to live in a place I'm not that familiar with. Heck, I have never even lived alone, paying my own rent and utilities. I have never been away from my tight group of friends.

I'm feeling really excited, but yet really scared. Would I like the new lifestyle? Would I like the new pace of life? I'm super looking forward to meeting new friends, but yet I am so going to miss the old friends. I'm super looking forward to experiencing four seasons as well.

I talked about wanting to expand my comfort zone and growing new experiences as one of a key focus in life. I felt that I have actually done it. 2010 was the year of fresh perspective. I got a lot of time working alone and thinking things through. 2011 is the year of...freshness. Fresh set of people, fresh perspective, fresh life. Whatever it is, I know it's not by pure randomness. I'm really on the lookout for fresh experiences.

I shouldn't let the old hold me back, but look forward to the new. I am going to miss you all. But I really do look forward to the person I have become when you next meet me.

Shut Down Mode

I really must eat more fruits and supplements.

Been sleeping for more than 15 hours past 3 days because I've been having the fever, the flu, sore throat...the whole package. It feels like crap and it's just not worth going through the pain. Being sick is the most unproductive thing ever. I don't have the energy to do anything and we could avoid it by just taking care of ourselves a lil better.

Hence, more resolutions for this year :

1. Stop having instant noodles for lunch

2. Drink lots of water and juice

3. Take Vit C. Loads of it.

Movin' Into 2011

This year, I want to document my life so I that I could flip through this blog and look back at all the great memories.

So on the last night of 2010, Bryan and I visited Wensi at her place. Teddy made a yummy pasta dinner for us. After some red wine, games and chatting, we headed to UE Square to start the party. It was a night of foam, mad hats, poppers, crooning, noisy whitles, almost puking, talking and whisky. At 1 am ish, Bryan and I couldn't take the late night anymore (we were playing poker the night before), so we ended the night early and went for bak kut teh. Normally, we would spend some time chatting before we sleep. But on that night, we just crashed immediately.

I spent the first day of 01 Jan 2011 with Bryan's family. Shaun made us lunch and we played Monopoly City (which was a torment for me because I'm not really good with boardgames). I used to wish that my dad doesn't work in the F&B industry because he's the busiest during festive seasons. My mom trots between Hong Kong and Singapore so sometimes I get really bored at home during Christmas or Chinese New Year. I'm glad that I have the opportunity to know Bryan's family because they always celebrate the festives with family dinners & games, and it's always good ol' fun being with them.

So that's my final night of 2010 and first day of 2011. I hope yours have been great too! (:

2010 Review

I would say, 2010 is the year of fresh perspective for me. Some highlights include

1. Building an apparel & printing business into a somewhat successful business, considering it's only 12 months worth of work.

2. Having a professional relationship with Bryan, my boyfriend of 2.5 years, that gives me the opportunity to know more about him and communicating with him in a whole new level.

3. Running the ops of our business at home (for a chatty person like myself, it's somewhat a torture)

4. Flying kite for the first time at Marina Barrage. It was a special, beautiful afternoon.

5. Lots of vacations: Spending a week in Krabi with Bryan (we love the place a lot). Spending 4 days at Perhentian with Bryan and Fiona. Spending 3 days in Malacca with Mommy. Spending 2 weeks in Hong Kong with my family.

6. 2010 is the year that Bryan received great gifts from me too. We celebrated his 26th birthday in Kuala Lumpur, which was a surprise trip. We stayed a Piccolo Hotel and got a free upgrade to a suite room. This Christmas, I supported his decision of pursuing a creative career by giving him a tool he would need.

7. I have built closer and more meaningful relationships with selected friends. I felt that 2010 was the year that I was more comfortable in opening up and sharing some things that I'd normally not divulge too much on. I felt that some of my friends have reciprocated and we felt much closer to each other than before.

8. I got my mom addicted to red wine in 2010. Now she drinks every night. My dad and I have contributed to all her vices. (...and they say family is supposed to be the most positive influence in your life?)

9. Doing photoshoots with Alex for IronBra. Modeling is just, not my forte but at least, I have had this experience in my life.

10. Watching my friends, Daniel & Emily + Lindy & Melvin, tie the knot. It hit me that most couples are cementing their relationship around this age, all taking their lives and relationship to a whole, new different level.

11. I finally explored my creative side. I picked up the craft of candle-making. I even attended a soap-making class. I'd most likely continue honing my craft since handmade gifts are priceless.

It was a year that I did not conform with anything that was expected of me. I didn't get a "proper day job". I have built a profit-making business from scratch with my boyfriend. I believe my parents trusted that I could handle myself, no matter what sort of circumstances I put myself in. Also, I think some friends see me in a whole new light with the decisions I have made for myself. I think I have placed more trust in my intuition.

I also believed that, 2010 was a year I did a lot of pondering of my life - evaluating what I am doing, what I am actually after and arranging my priorities. I am glad I took the year to pursue all the projects I have chosen. My year of independence in 2009 has prepared me well for 2010. I have enjoyed this year immensely, but I do look forward to fresh experiences and new excitements.

That said, looking forward to 2011, here are some general things I wish to see more of from myself.

1. A more regulated lifestyle.

2. More exercise.

3. Drink more water and juice.

4. Expanding my comfort level

5. Living in the present.

6. Expanding my knowledge

Cheers to 2010. You have been wonderful to me. I have a good feeling to 2011 and I look forward to it immensely.