Beginning this year, I was still in NYP, braving sleepless nights to fufil school commitments. On that Saturday, we presented our final year project at a students' conference - we heaved a huge-est sigh of relief, and that marked the end of our academic commitments in NYP. A couple of days after, I left for Perth. My family, Han Wen, Huayie and Jia Tian were there to send me off after we had dinner at Astons.
I spent slightly more than 2 months in Perth. Despite initial confusion, I'm so thankful for my placement opportunity - it truly opened my eyes to possibilities. Precious relationships were forged, too. Weekends were usually spent with Judith, and we had really good memories together - Stayovers, stargazing on the beach while having ice cream and frozen yogurt (despite it being a super chilly night), washing Denise's car together, Judith preparing a most fantas-steak valentine's day meal, watching fireworks on Aussie day and etc. Once, Judith even surprised me with green tea Ice-cream :) These memories will remain close to my heart, and I'm thankful for this friendship :) New relationships were forged too - Had really memorable, fun times with Wona, Takuya, Camila, Noëlie, Tal. I remember the time when we were swimming at the beach, and saw a fin out of the water - we thought that it was a shark and started running (hysterically) our of the water. It turned out to be a really curious dolphin. I'm glad that these new friendships were maintained :) Met Tal when he came to Singapore, and bought him out for Indian food. Noëlie has went back to France, and she's working at the French Alps now. We're arranging a meet up, hope it materializes :)
I also encountered a tremendously kind couple on my trip - Janet and Dennis. They have been so kind to me, as though treating me like their own child. They drove me 100km down South, just because I mentioned that I would like to see Kangerooos in the wild. Then they bought me to this very nice restaurant, and we had a really nice dinner together. Another time, I needed to get to Rokingham beach before 8am on a Sunday morning. However there weren't public transport available. Den and Jan invited me to stay over at their place and bought me out for a very nice dinner. On Sunday, they woke up at 6ish and drove me to the beach.
Han Wen's family (in Aussie) took very good care of me, too. His aunt would invite me over to their place for dinner, and they took me to Qiao Ru's place (the two-way journey took at least 5 hours). Qiao Ru and Adrian were so nice to me, too. They bought Judith and I on day trips, and even had me staying with them during my last week in Perth.
On Chinese New Year, I received a surprise parcel from Singapore. Han wen sent me a teddy bouquet and a card, Jia Tian sent me my favorite spicy prawn roll, and huayie sent me delicious cookies :) it's a fluffy warm feeling to know that you're remembered and I felt blessed then, for having these good friends.
I must have been so blessed to be at the receiving end of so much kindness :)
In March, it was a trip to Vietnam. In Hanoi, we stayed in Cooro's place, and her parents were really hospitable! Travelled to Ho Chi Minh City with Yuan Lin and we met our really funny new friends - Tam and Lao, who bought us to where the locals hang out. It was also in Ho Chi Minh that we met Tim and Patrick. We met them again when they came to Singapore, too :)
In April, it was a trip to beautiful Cebu with Han. To our surprise, it wasn't touristy at all. We loved it - the beaches were beautiful, the people were friendly, and the diving was great :) it was an adventure as we figured out ways to buy some food for the needy - collaborated with the local police (barangay) and etc. Of course, having Han Wen's company made this trip more precious :)
From then till August
, I started work as an occupational therapist. It was intimidating, but I had the most nurturing mentors anyone could ever have. It was a stressful period, having to juggle between clinical work, work related presentations, making arrangements for uni, and also managing other family commitments. Instead of the usual 6 months, I had less than 4.5 months to clear the criteria/fulfil the expectations of new employee. It was a struggle to perform and there were so many times that I feel so disappointed with myself, for not being able to do 'better'. Time was just, so tight. I thought that I managed my time relatively decently, but I still struggled. During this period, my stommick went cranky, too. My bowels were the weirdest that could ever be. Frequent diarrhea, grey colored stools, fainting spells. I was referred to the gastro specialist and was 'diagnosed' to have a flare of irritable bowel syndrome. Thankfully, this period passed, and my final presentation ended on a relatively decent note. I'm so glad to have 'conquered' one of my toughest periods, and I will always remember this feeling of triumph.
It was my birthday in August, Huayie and Jia Tian surprised me with a cake from Island Creamery :) We have been celebrating our birthdays together since Secondary school/JC days. Now that we all have our own commitments, it doesn't feel as 'definite' that we will be celebrating our birthdays together. I felt touched by this surprise, and it was heartwarming to know that you're remembered. It felt comforting, that kind of constant. That kind of assurance.
2 days after work ended, I took a flight to Glasgow. I'm thankful for my dearest family and friends who took time to be at the airport to send me off. So.. I'm back to school again! But this time, I'm doing my degree in Occupational Therapy. It still feels surreal - I dreamed about studying in Glasgow Caley Uni since my first year in NYP, and it.. Came true :)
So.. I spent September to December 2013 in beautiful Scotland :) Being here (A new environment) has given me time to reflect. Away from all my supposed responsibilities. The subconscious load that has been pressing me down? This space truly allowed me 'me' time.
This year has been, by far, my most amazing year. It's been a year of much spiritual growth. I'm thankful to be more than financially independent - I can even contribute to the family. I would like to think that I'm becoming better, more nurturing sister. I've also started work as an occupational therapist, and I been accepted to GCU to start on my degree. I'm so fortunate to be able to travel and to even study abroad :) It's a dream. It still feels like a dream. I'm thankful for Han Wen, who has always been so supportive. It's been tough - I spent less than 5 months in Singapore this year, and I was busy with school/work all the time. He's always so encouraging. He would always see the good in me even when I didn't believe in myself. Without him, I wouldn't be where I am today.
I've got huge dreams for 2014 to be more capable in bringing joy to my loved ones. Studies, loved ones, growth - It's gonna be a great year :)
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