(it's the 11th of January right now. Just got back from bangkok and am dead tired. Typed some when I was in bangkok too. Glad I can post it up now!! Sorry it took awhile. This New Year's post was typed on the 1.1.11 and was completed on the 11.1.11)As I read
my other half's memes to sum up the year 2010, it finally strucked me that I will soon have to put up a post to sum up my year. I haven't put much thought into it prior to that and when I realized I have to write one up soon, I felt like it was such a chore. I almost didn't want to do one. It's only today, when I sat down, and read back my previous new year's posts, I decided that I should do and I'd regret if I don't write one. If someone were to ask me how was my 2010, my immediate answer would be :"Hmmnn.. it was alright." I wouldn't say it's great or anything. My immediate impression on 2010 was that it was a 'bleh' year. Nothing much to talk about. Maybe it's just the way I am recently. Not too enthusiastic with things. Not really looking forward to a new year where I am officially unemployed and setting foot in the real world. Yes yes... I know it's not a good attitude to welcome the new year. But I am positive that as I type this post out, there will be more positive feelings towards 2011.
Perhaps it was because I was expecting too much from 2010. I was hoping it was going to be a much better year than 2009. But my immediate recall of 2010 was that it wasn't much different than 2009. I complained a lot in 2010. And that was why it felt like I didn't have much to write about. But if I do put some thoughts into it, it was actually a much better year than 2009. It was another year filled with new accomplishments and memories. And I did do things I have never done before.
The format of this 2010 post? Well, I wanted to do a meme as well but I decided against it as there are some questions that I can't answer. And hence, the boring format remains. The books, sports, social life, family and LDR. Yes, I know I'm 'so creative'.
The books
This year marked the final year of my university studies. And if you have followed my previous posts, I have passed all my papers and I would be graduating with a Masters of Physiotherapy degree in March/April 2011. It wasn't as stressful as last year but me being me, I'd stress myself up for no reason. But I guess I do need the stress to be able to force myself to study. My results weren't impressive but hey.. P's get degrees! The first semester of the year was 3 by 5 weeks of clinical placements and the second half was study, exams and ended with another 5 weeks of placement.
When I started this degree, never have I thought that I would need to set foot in a hospital. But I really enjoyed the hospital environment. I have learnt so much in all my clinical placements and I am so thankful I had the opportunity to work with a multidisciplinary team. I have picked up a lot of valuable knowledge and also tons of people skills. I've learnt to have more patience, I've learnt to twist my words around in order to get things done, I've learnt to be more helpful and more understanding, especially with older people. I get to talk to doctors, not because of any illness that I have, but to give my opinions on their patients. I've learnt to ask for favours... in a nicer way. I have learnt to put on a smiley face, and pretend I like someone, even when they really get on my nerves (but of course, I had to blog it out here).
It was so hard to get into book mode in semester 2. But I pulled through it. A lot of slacking, a lot of last minute cramming. I sat for my exams... the last of my entire university degree... and also for my entire life. At least I hope so. I would be insane if I continue.
And after all that, I had to sit for my IELTS english test. To apply for a working visa / PR in Australia. I sat it during my December holidays. Not surprised that my highest score is in Listening, and lowest score in Speaking and Reading. Writing was in the middle .. I'm glad to know that I am still good at bullshitting my way through. And yes, all sections are above 7.0 and so ... no more tests/exams forever!!!
So this is it. 3 years of kindy, 7 years of primary school, 5 years of high school, 3 years of undergrad, 2 years of masters .... I am now officially done with studies!! Woohooo!!!!
Sports
Well, remember in my 2009 post, I mentioned about a mission that I wanted to accomplish but I won't mention what it really is till I complete it? Well, let me just tell you what that mission was. I did not complete it because I chickened out. It was to run a full marathon. I wanted to do the one in Gold Coast. But I didn't do it due to financial issues. There was a full marathon that I could do in Sydney but I chickened out. When will I complete a full marathon? I don't think it will be 2011 either.
But at least I ran more half marathons this year:
- February: Putrajaya Night Half Marathon - 2 hours 27 min
- May: Sydney Morning Herald Half Marathon - 2 hours 9 seconds
- September: Sydney Blackmores Half Marathon - 1 hr 59min 27s :) sub 2:00 goal accomplished!
The goal for 2011? Either a full marathon or running 10km with a sub 50.
I swam slightly more this year as well. Partially to avoid running and still working on the stamina. But mainly to reduce stress and also to soothe the aching muscles.
And my new sport?
Yoga. Well, I don't know if you can call it a sport so I shall say.. my new fitness activity.... Hehehe... I was introduced to it by one of my canadian buddy who was up at Newcastle with me during my placement at John Hunter. It was after the Sydney Morning Herald Half Marathon and since she has really tight ITBs and hip muscles, she was asked to stretch more and reduce her running. She needed to rest. And so, she dragged me to Hot Power Yoga at Newcastle. I enjoyed the stretching and the sweating. It's a torture during the session but feels so good after.
When I went back to Auckland in July, I found out there was this introductory offer for Bikram Yoga at East Tamaki. It was like 20 bucks for 10 consecutive days and I dragged Ivan along with me. It is so different than the Power Yoga. More stationary poses and more discipline and mental strength required.
Back in Sydney for the 2nd semester, Nat introduced me to the Power Yoga place near Central station in Sydney CBD. Again, there was an introductory offer ... $25 for 14 days. And so.. I went for it again. In preparation for my half marathon in September, making sure I am well stretched.
And after a long break from it, when I got back to Malaysia in December, I contacted Mei who teaches Bikram in USJ and I had a free 10 day pass to Bikram Yoga. And I went for 3 days non-stop. Hahaha!
If it wasn't for these introductory offers, I wouldn't have continued. It is very pricey for a Yoga class. But me being me, I still have 2 more places to go in Sydney for introductory prices before I need to start paying the full price for Yoga. I have already Bookmarked these places and am continuing to look for more! Nyehehehe.... Whether I would continue once I have to pay the full price is still questionable. I really enjoy it but for the price... I am not too sure if it's worth it. I think I just don't like paying for things that I can actually do myself... if I am more disciplined enough.. and if I have a hot room :p
And another new thing.. that I did briefly in December (2 sessions to be exact)... was boot camp! Thanks to Karen for being my friend and asked to join the Bring a Friend Day Rebel Boot camp. Yi Wen came along with me. It was pretty awesome. Except for the fact that I had to wake up really early and had 3 hours of sleep on both the nights before boot camp. Go me! Now I know how my clients felt when I was giving them push-ups in the gym and all I did was counting and asking them to GO GO GO! I wouldn't be surprised if they were swearing at me in their head. Because I was doing that when I was doing the push-ups in a big school field with barely any sunlight. Well, not swearing to anyone in particular of course, just swearing in my head, scolding myself for deciding to go and do it. But ... no regrets! It was good stuff! And it was good to see other Malaysians waking up early in the morning and getting involved in physical activities.
Ohh! and one last sport I got involved in. It was a different involvement. I wasn't a player for this. It was my first time, covering a sports team, being a
team (student) physiotherapist. It was for the
women's AFL (aussie footy). After watching the game for so many weekends, I am still quite clueless on how the game goes. Did I enjoy it? Well, to be honest, not really. It wasn't really good money and I got bored because there isn't much injuries in the women's team. But I am thankful to have the opportunity to do some sports coverage as I get to improve my strapping skills. Plus, I get to add it in to my CV :) Hehehehe....
Social life
Many friends came to visit me in Sydney this year.
- Christine and Matt (photo unavailable)
-
Yi Wen
-
Caris
And my very two special people:
-
Ah Swan - My Other Half
(photo not taken in Sydney as we were too busy eating in Sydney that there wasn't a photo of us both together.. lol!)
-
Ivan - My significant other :)
If you calculate how many months I was in Sydney this year, I could say that I have someone visiting me almost every single month! It was so good because it made time flew by pretty quickly. There were less lonely nights and there's always something to look forward to.
I made some
new friends this year too. Really nice people.
Thanks to Swan as she gave me the opportunity to briefly coach UMSA's netball team this year. They are such a nice bunch of girls.... And because of that, I got to eat
Kajang's satay in December thanks to Ying Xuan and had an
AWESOME trip in KK thanks to Andrea (more on this on a different post).
Ying Xuan
Andrea
This year was also my
first time staying out of Sydney. I stayed at a friend's place in
Newcastle, for 5 weeks. And shared a room with another friend. And I am glad it was with Nat. We also share our hospital stories at the end of the day. She is so caring, so easy going and always willing to help out. Every friday, we'd drive back to Sydney from Newcastle. And when Sunday comes we'd drag ourselves and journey back to Newcastle for another week of clinical placement. We'd play music in her car and I'd be the DJ for the trip. Our trip always involved chocolate. Pods, mint slice, tim tams ... and.. almonds... we love our almonds.... It was a good 5 weeks. Unforgettable moments, great times.
John Hunter Hospital - our daily morning walk to the hospital in NewcastleI had
two friends who got married this year too! So many people got engaged/married this year man!
Registration ceremony of Yu Sheng and Jenny
And the long awaited, much anticipated wedding of the year (more on this in a different post too!)
Mamasan Audrey and Bronson
I've also tried to be more sociable this year and attended my
very first house party in Sydney organized by one of my coursemates. I usually do not attend all these house parties and only attend the end of exam/semester celebration. But since it was the last house party by the Canadians, I decided to go for it.
The theme? Canadian Night... duh!!
And now.. the nasty...
I wish I can ignore it but I couldn't. I was disappointed with a friend's action. The excuse for not being able to meet me was just shocking. Shocking for someone who's working and earning money. Shocking for someone who once called me her best buddy. But I won't elaborate on it. Let's just say that this year, I have learnt what friends I should keep and what friends I should not even bother with. My trip back to Malaysia this time was an eye opener. I know this is bad but I can use my fingers to count to 3 ... and that is the number of people I would shake my head when I think of their actions. I am disgusted. I do not wish to be but I am.
And then there's people, who I am not so close with, and yet they are so hospitable... I met friends who I never really talked to in high school but they made the effort to go out with me for a quick catch up despite a late night at work and even treat me to a meal. And then I wish, I was closer to them back in the days.
(gosh, it's 2am now and I feel like I am ranting in my new year's post... lol! save me!)
I think I should move on to the next section. But to summarise this part... Many friends visited me this year which was fantastic! I met new friends... nice new friends. I have friends who got married. I found out that some people are just not worth my time anymore and I need to accept it and let go.
Bro was in Sydney for a few months at the start of the year. It was good as he'd cooked vitamin soup for me at his apartment and his own nando's cheese chicken. We'd go for Passionflower ice cream after dinner. He took me out to many many meals. He fed me well and it was good to have him in Sydney. It all felt so empty after he left, especially since my cousin was in Nepal then and I was living alone.
However, mum and dad visited me several time s in Sydney this year as they have some things to settle in Sydney. Till now, it's not yet settled and I'm praying it will all work out in the end. I had more family time this year than last year. But I do wish for more. But what my mom said last time was right... Once we leave the nest, we are most likely not gonna come back. I really enjoyed their company in Sydney. coming home being able to smell really good cooking and being able to say "hi Papa! Hi Mummy!!" all over again... When they left, the apartment felt so empty especially when my cousin was still in Nepal and I was all alone in the empty apartment. It can be quite depressing and lonely.
Some situations have changed over the last few months. Had a good chat with my brother on the bus trip home from Singapore to KL in December. I am going to miss him seeing that he's going to be further away. But I know the change is for the better. 2011 will be the year where it's only mum and dad in NZ. But they have so many trips being booked already so that's good :) I am glad they have each other's company so they're not so lonely despite having both birds leaving the nest. But I do have plans to fly back. When I have a job and when I have the money. Which I hope is in the next few months!!!
LDR
January, February, July and November were the months that I got to spend it with him. My favourite months in 2010. Though it was only a few weeks/days of the month, I enjoyed and cherished every single moment of it. The
hardest goodbye was made in the month of July. Because we were both uncertain of when we will meet the next time. And uncertainties suck. I dislike it. A LOT. The month of November was a bonus surprise. It was the
best 4 days. But then it was another difficult goodbye. Because we are still uncertain of the next time we will meet.
Does it get easier after experiencing a year of it? My opinion: No. Maybe it would after a few years? I don't know. We'll just have to wait and see. My hope is yes. As this is a new year's post, I shall be honest. Do I ever have doubts? Definitely. Sometimes I have doubts if it will last. There were times in the year where I wonder maybe it's better if I am unattached. Then I do not need to miss someone so much. Maybe I will actually feel less lonely. Less lonely nights. I do wonder if I can be that minority who are lucky and be the winner of this long battle.
I apologize for my negativity and doubts. This is just how I feel. Because of the many other LDRs I know of, at the end of 2010, I only know of one that is still going. I hope it runs in the family :p It's amazing what distance can do. Even after so many years of knowing someone, it only takes distance plus a little time to end it. I wonder when my time is up.
But for now, I shall live the moment.
This time back in Malaysia, I do get the same question over and over again after I say I am going to look for a job in Australia. A question about what happens to the both of us. And all I can do is shrug my shoulders. Because I do not know. Because I have decided to do what I do best. Go with the flow, let time decide, keep my fingers cross, believe and have faith.
What ever happens will happen for a reason. It will always be a blessing, be it in a disguise or not.
Am I ready to welcome 2011?
I'd be lying if I say yes. But it is already 2011 as I type this out. I have stepped into 2011 with a lot of uncertainties. Not the way I wanted but I have expected it. This is going to be a very challenging year. Especially the first few months till I get a job. My year of having a different status. Where I no longer can call myself a student. I need to sell myself now as a Physiotherapist.
I hope the search won't be too long. I hope something comes up soon. I hope I get something good.
Am I more positive seeing that this is the end of the post? Slightly. I am uncertain and a little doubtful, I am afraid of stepping into the real world.
But I am looking forward to it. Looking forward to get a job. Looking forward to earn money. Looking forward to see the bank account go DING DING DING, with cash coming in every week. I am looking forward to my first pay. Looking forward to buy myself a new pair of runners with it. Looking forward to go back to NZ for a short holiday and see him when I have a good job and saved up a fair amount.
I am looking forward to a GREAT YEAR! Hell yeaahhhh it's gonna be different!!! It's gonna be different in a GOOD way for sure!!! It's gonna be my year. The Rabbit year. Cute little animals they are. Hopping over any obstacle that comes in their way, eventually getting to their carrot. In my case, a JOB. And that's what I'm gonna do! Mwahahahahaha!!
And now... that's a whole lot of positivity!!! Woohooo!! Told you I'll get there... hehehe..
Welcome 2011!!!! I am now welcoming you with BIG, WIDE, OPEN arms and big huge smile!!!
My resolution for 2011? You all know I usually don't make resolutions. But this time... I do --> Get a great job and call myself a physiotherapist!
And I am gonna make it happen!!
Happy New Year everybody! 2011 is going to be way better than 2010. Here's to a better health, way more laughters, more joy, more smiles, more positives, more money and way more LOVE!!!
This is gonna be a really special year. Not only because my resolution is gonna come true but also because the dates are so cool!
1.1.11
11.1.11
11.02.2011 (a palindrome! on my birthday! Woootttt wooottt!!!)
11.11.11
And that is why... 2011 is gonna be a blast!!!!!!!
Happy New Year!!!
Happy New Year!!!!
