Day 30: Getting to know someone better

There's a certain kind of happiness when one gets to know someone better. When one opens up. When one talks about how one feels. When one discovers what one likes and dislikes. When one gets free dinner.

Today is one of those days. Always thankful for days like that - where nothing really happens for the whole day but ends really nicely.

In your case, literally.

Day 29: People who understand & those that make your day

Had a funny chat with Marsh, Bhavik and Ching on the whatsapp group after lunch. Gosh how they made me laugh when we updated Marsh on our Friday conversations. I swear my colleagues thought I was crazy.

Bumped into Tian Huey while going into the gym. Updated her quickly of what recently transpired (note: truly unforeseen circumstance) . Gosh the expression on her face. But she understood. And that's what matters the most. :) Gotta have a good catch up session at some point.

After a quick but fun squash session, I went for dinner with cherwaye and Aflaah. It's been a loonnngggg time since I saw Aflaah. Thanks for making time for me. :) It was a lovely dinner and it was great to see how much Aflaah has changed. He reminds me of what it is like to have a purpose in life. And how it feels like to be treated by a gentleman. Thank you, both of you, for making my night a fun and awesome one.

I'm so thankful for being surrounded by so many lovely people all the time. I know I always talk about them but it's really because all these friendships/relationships mean so much to me. Being able to spend quality time with them make me happy. Besides, they always remind me of the good and positive things in this world and how things can only be better. :) I can never thank you guys enough!

Anyway, starting a new project at work tomorrow. Not fully prepared for it so gotta go to work early tomorrow. Excited! May it go well and may I have the courage and perseverance to overcome the challenges that I foresee are coming my way!

"If you want to be happy, be." - Leo Tolstoy

Day 27 & 28: Friends

A lovely weekend I had with amazing friends. Spent 5 hours talking to Bhavik and Ching on Friday night and only got home at 5am! The things we talked about... I'm glad they like the 'new' me haha. Didn't even realise how quickly time flew. I thank God for bringing them into my life. How we all grew since we first met one another! I'm glad that they form a big part of my life and that I can always count on them. Marsh should have been with us too if she wasn't on a working trip to HK!

My little monkey brother came to Puchong on Saturday so it was nice to have a little bit of family time with him and my sis. I love time spent like that. Simple. Peaceful. Full of contentment.

Went to another experimental cocktail club event. Picture taken above because all of us had something red on us. These lovely people are good company and of course the drinks were great as well. I'm grateful to have Mar around that day as she saved me some potential awkwardness when I walked in and also introduced me to new friends.

This so called picture of Lady in Red with the Drummond Street Boys. You two are the best really. Thank you for making me laugh and making sure that I am alright at all times. Thank you, also, for listening to my rants.

I spent a quiet Sunday in after so many late night outs. I did go out for lunch with Mar but apart from that I was home. Studying mostly, but also spent some time on the internet browsing nothing. Grateful for having met my study target this week (that's a first really!)! May the force be with me.

Happy to get back to work tomorrow! :)

"You can become blind by seeing each day as a similar one. Each day is a different one, each day brings a miracle of its own. It's just a matter of paying attention to this miracle." - Paulo Coelho

Day 24-26: Eventful Days

I had an eventful week. On day 24, I went rock climbing at Camp 5 again and tried quite a number of routes. I am grateful that Mar, who belayed me, didn't want to let me come down from one of the walls. It was a difficult route and I thought of giving up but she went 'No, Wai Shan, you're not coming down'. I managed in the end and this route shall now be my new project. Thanks Mar, for pushing me to my limits.

It was also a good week at work. There was a lot to do but my team managed anyhow. We had to say goodbye to Andrea a.k.a. Papa Chong. May he flourish in his new working place too! Papa Chong, thank you for being such a great senior. I've learnt a lot from you. May we have more breakfast sessions soon!

I'm also thankful for all those people in the picture above. Work hard, play hard - that's how we roll. :) It's good to know that someone's got your back, especially at the work place. And I'm grateful that we're more than just colleagues. :) Also, good to know that we all had to come in to work after a late night out together so we can all suffer together. haha!

And last but not least, I am grateful for having Jee Jee in my life. Although it's only been 9 months since I knew her, she's been a great person to talk to. We're rather similar in many ways and so I know she understands. Thank you for listening. And letting me know that I'm not alone. :)

Ohhhh...and thankful that I found a new route to work. Saves 10 bucks a week on toll and also at least another 10 bucks on fuel.

Day 23: Back on board

Took a short hiatus because my life was quite happening for the past week and so I got back home late every night.

First, I'm grateful for having people like Marsh and Tian Huey in my life. They bring me to my feet and allow me to explore and learn about myself slowly and properly. I'm also grateful for that small event (read: football match) that happened that put me on a test and I'm glad I passed. Next time round I will pass with flying colours!

I'm grateful for my sister, who cooked me a lovely dinner of salmon and healthy sides today. Good to be eating yummylicious healthy home-cooked food!

Since it was (and will be) a busy week at work last (and this) week, I'm thankful for these 4 lovely people (note: all in matching colours!) who will be there when things are difficult/situations get sticky/to laugh together with/to support one another.

I'm thankful for all the people God brought into my life. No matter whether relationships were built or broken, they made me who I am today.

- Feeling happy and full of hope : )

So hold this moment fast,

And live and love

As hard as you know how.

And make this moment last, 

Because the best of times is now.

- La Cage aux Folles

Day 21 & 22: Workout, good timing, new project and amazing traffic

Had a great workout at the gym yesterday. Finally managed to raise that 14kg bicep curl with ease, but still cannot manage 21kg. Oh well, work in progress. Although my right knee was a bit funny and I had a strained muscle on my left shoulder, I managed most of the routines alright. Had a fun squash session later with Raymond too. I realised I miss playing squash but one gotta set one's priorities. So for now it's rock climbing and studying. Squash you gotta wait for another 6 months! *Eyes on the prize*

Couldn't sleep last night so I ended up getting out of bed to get some work done. Ended up sleeping at 2.30am. Thankful for having Ching to chit-chat with when I couldn't sleep but that means she couldn't sleep too! Hope she sleeps well tonight. Hope both of us do! I was very energetic the whole day despite only getting about 4 hours of sleep. That's simply amazing considering I had to sit through two meetings! Also, finally, I got a new project at work. Fairly excited!

Anyway, I got caught in a jam getting to work today and half-thought I was going to be late to work. However, I managed to clock in 2 minutes before 9am! How lucky! Very smooth traffic coming home too, and I am thankful for that.

With the laundry in the washing machine and me getting down to my books, I would say this has been an awesome day!

Quote of the day: When you open yourself up to the universe, the universe opens itself up to you.

Feeling this

and this right now.

Life is good. 

It's as though I'm back in London and that summer is finally here after the cold winter.

Yes...it's that kind of pure contentment.

Day 20: Height and limits

Went rock climbing at Putrajaya Challenge Park today. Great fun! Some climbs were more challenging than others. Every time I climb, I'm pushed to my limits. And it is always good to know that I improve every single time a limit has been overcome. Although my weight is not on my side (I need to lose at least 3 kilos so that I don't have to carry excess baggage when I climb), I'm very grateful that when it comes to height, I'm slightly taller than average. Makes reaching for the next rock so much easier!

Funny thing is that I used to wish I was slightly shorter. For some reason, my guy friends prefer petite girls as potential partners. lol! Well, it's all good now! :D

Entrance fee was only 6 bucks! Super-duper cheap!

Anyway, I'm thankful that the weekend was a good one. Probably should have spent more time studying but I definitely feel well-rested from all the sleep and naps I've been taking. This is to another super bing-bang awesome productive exciting interesting fulfilling week ahead!

Quote of the day: There is no passion to be found playing small - in settling for a life that is less than the one you are capable of living. - Nelson Mandela

Day 19: Good Saturday night

This is a post for yesterday. 

I'm thankful for being able to sleep in. Haven't done that in a long while. :) Despite that, I still took a 2-hrs nap in the afternoon. And that was good too!

I went for dinner with Ching at Simply Mel's. Food was good! And we had a lovely chat. I'm happy to be able to share my view on how positive outlook generates more positive things/events/people and how negativity multiplies as well. And how when my positive energy levels are high, I feel that God is so close or the universe opens itself to me.

Ching,my date for the night.

My new COLOURFUL feather necklace that made Marsh proud.

We went for drinks at S'mores later and invited Raymond and Kershia to come. And they did! It was a good night and I'm thankful for that. Found my first Snake Bite in Malaysia, reminded me of all the good old times in London when we go to the bar after handball training sessions.

Now...to rock Sunday!

Day 18: Revelations on love and emotions

"Just because someone does not love you the way you want them to, doesn't mean they are not already loving you with everything they have" - Postcards from Rosa

I'm grateful for such a beautiful play that brought up all these emotions and feelings I have buried in me. For making me question the situation I am in now, what was there before and what lies ahead in the future. For making me tear up so much during the play and cry buckets later because of how it made me feel and the questions I asked myself. I haven't cried like today since my breakup. I thought I was strong. This is to becoming stronger after tonight. S, this process you're going through will only make you a better and stronger person. You know that is true. And you should remember that.

Anyway, I'm grateful for being able to cry. Proves that I'm still a human with the ability to feel emotions. Haha... and I believe toxins leave your body when you cry, and with that maybe all the negativity too. What remains, I'm certain, is a better person who is able to start all over again. Afresh. In Tian Huey's words: it's worth being a frog for a day! Thank goodness it's Saturday tomorrow! I can wake up late with swollen, puffy eyes and it doesn't matter. :)

Also, thank you so much, Stacey, for sharing with me such a beautifully written article. It gives me hope and demonstrates the strengths I aspire to have. And I know, I am capable of that too.

I'm thankful for how the week has ended. Not perfect, but it just goes to show how much better life can be.

Day 16 & 17:

Went bouldering yesterday. Thankful for smooth traffic despite leaving to the climbing gym at peak hour. Bouldering was fun. My body was still aching from 2 days before so I didn't go all out. Still managed a few climbs and had a good time. Will try to do the swing again next round, hopefully without falling or hitting my knee against the rocks. Haha!

Since it's fasting month, I decided to fast today. Water tasted soooo good after! I'm thankful for being able to appreciate the little things I usually take for granted. Just have to consciously stop my subconscious from reaching for snacks and chocolates on my table while working!

Anyway, I'm already planning for my weekend! Excited for Sunday! Thankful for friends who love the outdoors and a challenge like me. :) just gotta make sure I study properly on Saturday!

Day 15: Friends, classical music, teammates and musings

I love how I start off my morning every day with messages from my close friends. Sometimes, we share inspirational quotes. Other times, we share jokes and tease one another. Mostly teasing really, but they make me laugh out loud all the time.

I have recently developed a habit of listening to classical music while driving. Thanks Raymond for passing me the music files. I love them! Especially early in the morning when everything is quiet and during night times when I drive on the almost empty highway. These few tracks that I'm currently addicted to give me hope. Every single time. Thank you Mozart and Bach and Brahms and Schubert and Beethoven and Debussy and Chopin (and the list goes on) for composing such beautiful music.

I'm grateful for teammates who stand by one another. We got into slight trouble for coming back late from Andrea's 2nd farewell lunch today. Cue 'you think this is your house?' But the day ended up alright simply because we were there to make one another laugh. Thank you, you guys, all of you are amazing! :)

Finally, thankful to be home earlier today. Took a hot shower and am ready to tackle work part 2. Rather be working at home than the office! Hopefully I'll be able to get enough sleep tonight.

Sometimes, I'm in the middle of something and I suddenly think "the universe is so kind to me". I am sincerely grateful that these thoughts have been frequent, and that every time I think of it, a wave of positive energy and contentment washes over me. It's like God is suddenly so near.

Day 14: Parents, good workout and dinner

Called my parents this morning when I reached office because I haven't spoken to them for some time. What a great way to start my day. Both of them were preparing for work but stopped to talk to me for a bit. Mum has decided to fund half the cost of my climbing shoes and my rucksack for nepal! :D I'm grateful to hear my parents' voices, talk about little things in our day to day lives and feeling their love.

Had a good workout in the gym. For some reason I couldn't raise the weights during the biceps curl. I don't understand why, maybe my position was wrong today, I couldn't lift a mere 14 kgs! How's that even possible? Anyhow, the overall workout was good. My arms and hands were so tired I had problem steadying the cup of water I took from the cooler and a harder time trying to bring it to my mouth lol. We're going for bouldering on Wednesday! Excited! And I can also try out my new shoes!

Had a good dinner with Tian Huey at our favourite chilli pan mee place. Talked about my celebration in 3 months and also how I'm more emotionally stable. I initially thought that the people around me was the reason why I feel alright after my break up. Like you know, spending time with people leave you less time to feel and think unhappy stuff. But I was on my own over the weekend and I felt okay. I mean, still not great but I was okay. And I'm thankful for that. And the saying Bhavik said to me earlier, "this too shall pass". It has been a constant silent reminder. :)

Finally, grateful for a good parking spot. Half thought I had to park all the way down the street since I got back later than usual but found one just alright.

Sometimes, I wonder whether it's because God heard my prayers. Or because I'm lucky. Or the universe is multiplying my little strands of positive energy. Maybe it's a combination of all. But whatever it is, I'm truly thankful. :)

Day 13: Home-cooked food

Sis cooked tuna today, accompanied with mashed potato and a big bowl of salad. Tasted absolutely wonderful! I love home-cooked food, best still when I don't have to cook them! Should really start looking into eating healthily again. Have to lose some weight/fat and gain some muscles for  the climbing competition in September. Also, bought my first ever pair of climbing shoes today! Spent close to an hour with Tian Huey searching for a good fit, hopefully it pays off. :)

Day 11 & 12: Great colleagues, surprises and cocktail social

Had a lot to be grateful about yesterday but didn't get home until 4am so...

I'm grateful for having all these lovely people as my teammates. I think they are part of the reason why I look forward to going to work every single day. Dynamic. Enthusiastic. Fun. Willing to share. Understanding. On a sleepy, uneventful afternoon, they always instantly brighten up my day. Life works in a funny way. I remember dreading joining this department and was bitter that the interviewers did not place me in the department I wanted to be in. It turns out, however, that the work in this department suits me very well and these great bunch of people are a major plus point. Thank you. :) 

I came back from lunch and found a chocolate muffin on my desk. No one left a note. Later, I found out that it was from Zarina, another teammate whose car tyre puncture the day before. I did not help to change the tyre, I just happened to be there. But I was pleasantly surprised and the muffin made my afternoon! It was so yummy as well! :)

Attended Kevin's experimental cocktail club first tryout. It was held at his basement, a cool and cosy little place. It was lovely to meet new people and catch up with the existing friends. The drinks were great, especially the sloppy puppy fluffy dog (LOL!). What a night! Thanks Kev for inviting and the crowd for making the start of my weekend an awesome one!

Finally, I'm grateful for being given the chance to learn to live on my own. I have more time to think and reflect. I start asking myself what I want and what do I want to do. I walk around with greater awareness of my thoughts and feelings. It's like living above my mind and looking into it, if you get what I mean. I realised that it is not too bad being on my own. May this chapter of life brings on greater things, people, love, happiness and contentment. :)

Day 10: Work

Today, I'm simply grateful for work that kept me occupied the whole day. I literally did not have time to let my mind wander and didn't realise it was time to go home until 7pm. It was quite a productive day as well!

Also, thankful for the creation of good nutritious products/nutrition. Nightworks, a product containing nitric oxide, gave me a good night sleep and I was very awake and refreshed the whole day despite having less than 6 hours of sleep. Think that contributed to a productive day as well!

Finally, I'm grateful because I love my work. Especially when work takes up at least 10 hours of my day, it's a great thing that I look forward to work every day. :)

Day 9 : Good day

Finally had lunch today with my lovely colleagues after so many times of bailing out. Lunch was good and the drive back to office with us singing crazily added to the fun! Songs selection - Sweet Brown, I Love Cats, Banana Song, Ken Lee, Legally Blonde's Omaigod. Lol!

Also, played competitive tennis for the 2nd time in my life. This time with better results. God must have heard my prayer. Thank you. And also, thank you Karen for taking me in as your partner!

Great dinner with Bhavik after tennis. Talked about things we don't have time to talk during our brief hi-and-byes everyday. Work. Health. Studies. Family. Life. Everything under the sun. Bhavs, you're the best guy friend ever. Can't wait for the day you get a girlfriend :D

Finally, grateful for my improving mental and emotional strength. Think I win a little of inner strength every time I win a battle between my mind and heart. :)

Day 8: Beautiful skies

Every morning, I leave the house very early to avoid the traffic jam. And beautiful skies really make the early morning drives all worth it!

Also, I got a very beautiful Cambodian silk scarf from Andrea this morning. It's purplish blue with prints of elephants on it. Thanks Andrea! I'll miss you when you leave but thank you for teaching me so many life lessons. :)

Day 7: For beaches and the sea

That's me trying to strike a yoga pose on a rock next to the beach about 1.5 months ago. I'm grateful that beaches and seas exist. Every time I am at one, I feel the sense of calm and serenity. Whenever I feel sad or unhappy or just a little down, I picture myself sitting on the beach and looking at the sea. Always feels good after. The beach and the sea are my sanctuary. :)

Grateful for good games of tennis 2 days in a row. May I be able to play my best tomorrow!

Also, grateful to have Bhavs and Ching to talk to yesterday. They both have different views and takes on things but we were able to have a nice little discussion while analysing how I feel. And it's good to be able to tell them how I feel because I think I can move on with life easier that way, rather than avoiding the process of thinking, feeling and reliving.

Finally, I'm grateful for the return of my vigour and enthusiasm. Work was great today! May there be more happy work days to come!