"The year 2012 is expected to be very
different, very challenging, very interesting, maybe a bit overwhelming
and frustrating but no doubt will be full of surprises. I am determined
to give everything a red hot go, do my very best in everything I have
committed myself to, be it my family and personal relationships,
professional commitments, career or personal goals. I
am taking things as they come into my life. I am not worried about the
past or the future, but am just trying to enjoy the present."
Did all of that happen?
I have to say yes they did.
Very different, because I started a new job in a completely new setting, new country, taking on an entirely different role.
Very challenging, because of all of the above, plus working in a completely different work culture means unsure of what is the appropriate/relevant/common/accepted attitude/behaviour/mannerism in everything!
Very interesting, because of all of the above, plus all the new learning experiences have opened my eyes and mind to many many many different and new things, people, materials and experiences.
Very overwhelming, because of all of the above, plus the fact that everything kind of happened and piled on me at the same time, made it ever so difficult to process all at once.
Very frustrating, because of all of the above, plus mistakes were made, bad judgements happened, poor mind control took the fast lane or pure stubbornness ruled my mind.
Full of surprises indeed, because of all of the above, plus the self-discovering journey which was very frightening because I learnt A LOT about myself the past year, both about my strengths and my weaknesses. I said frightening because I genuinely didn't know I was capable of certain things and more frighteningly I didn't realise I was incapable of some other things.
I gave everything a red hot go. Well, mostly everything. Attempted many new experiences, new skills, new friends, new food, new culture, new trend etc.
I did my best in everything I have committed myself to. Well, almost everything. Mostly in the ones which I was determined to succeed in, to the point of bending-over-backwards, refusing to give up and working myself silly kind of determination.
Family relationship: We did spend a lot more quality time together, now that I moved back. The new little member of the family definitely brought the family unit much closer together and much happier as well.
Personal relationship: I put in a lot of time and effort in building my social network because I had none. Well, almost next to none. I made conscious efforts to build and strengthen existing relationships as well as widening my social network and circle. I was able to get in touch and continue to keep in contact with a bunch of old friends and I was also able to make few good friends and acquaintances along the way. However, this year also marked another huge disappointment in the boy department. Enough said.
Professional and career goals: I didn't make any goals specifically in this area. My aim was really just to learn as much as I can and just see where it leads me. However, I did finally return to my first ever passion/job which is rhythmic gymnastics coaching. I only coach part-time but I love it enough that I wake up early on every Sunday mornings to do it.
Personal goals: I didn't consciously make any in this area as well. Perhaps subconsciously I wanted to lose weight, take care of myself more, eat healthier, exercise more, be kinder to myself, be kinder to everyone else or just be happy. Oh actually, I just want to find myself again. I did lose weight eventually, I am taking care of myself more, I am watching what I eat and how much I eat, though I succumb to temptations every now and then which is fine by me, I am exercising more, I have been rewarding myself to little gifts and treats regularly and I have been kind and generous to myself and everybody else. I am not sure if I have found myself again because somewhere along 2012, the found and lost cycle was perpetually on the go. Honestly, I think I am more lost than found right this moment.
In a nutshell:
January
- Ushered the new year with my girls at The View in G Tower.
- My close friend revealed to me that he attempted to take his own life and was suffering from
depression.
- Fell into a deep drain, gave myself a larger than my palm sized permanent scar on my thigh.
- Played host to my friend visiting from Sydney.
February
- Drove alone to Kuantan for a work assignment.
- Attended research workshops for the first time
March
- Went to Seremban for a work assignment.
April
- Emceed at a formal event for the first time.
- Attended a good friend's hens night and wedding celebration.
- Played host to another friend visiting from Sydney.
May
- Started coaching baby gymnasts in Carolyn's School of Rhythmic Gymnastics on Sundays.
- Went on a work trip to Malacca with my colleague. Enjoyed the local cuisines and wonderful
hospitality from the colleagues there.
- Took a relative to the hospital, suspecting stroke. It turned out to be a late stage lung cancer
spreading to the brain.
- Met a boy whom I eventually spent a lot of time with in the next 6 months.
- Attended Alpha Course in a church
June
- My nephew, Isaac's first birthday celebration!
- Went on a trip to Genting Highlands
- Attended an educational open day as a vendor for the first time
- Watched Jason Mraz in concert.
- Watched Michael Learns To Rock in concert
- Attended my students' convocation day as a lecturer for the first time (on stage too!)
July
- Went on a snorkelling trip with my friends to Redang Island. Did snorkelling for the very first time.
- Took part in adventurous Skytrex challenge for the first time
- Watched a ballet performance
August
- 'Graduated' from Alpha course
- Met up with a dear friend from Sydney
- Attended a bootcamp for the first time.
- Celebrated the boy's birthday in style
- Joined the gym again after many years
September
- Celebrated my birthday in a wonderful place with a wonderful person.
October
- Girls' trip to Seoul, Korea. Awesome shopping and eating experience!
- Attended an old friend's wedding
November
- A pseudo relationship with a certain person ended.
- This is when all hell broke loose.
December
- Was a speaker for a workshop organised by an NGO
- My first RG grading and friendly carnival
- Caught FEM and BoB live in concert
- Finally did a medical checkup after many many years
- Primary school reunion after many many years
- Spent Christmas at church and with family and friends.
Hopes and resolutions for 2013?
1. Own a property
2. Own a business
3. Stay healthy
4. Be happy
5. Love myself more
Here's to an awesome and much more fulfilling year of 2013!
