2.1.12

Let's see if I can manage to finish this post today. It's 2.1.12. A palindrome again. Hehehe.. I doubt I can even come close to finishing this New Year's post. Been looking forward to this so much, have got so much in my mind I wanna say but I have a feeling I'm gonna forget them all! (ok, so now is the 8th of Jan, 2 a.m.... obviously did not finish this post by the 2nd. But putting the date as the second because it's a nice date :p)

Was spending the day reading back my 2011 New Year's post for 2010. Lots of negativity at the start, felt that 2010 was just an OK year. But towards the end of that post, it was all positive. And man! I think I nailed 2011. If you asked me how was my 2011, I would say - It was awesome and I absolutely conquered it!! I stepped into the real world and survived. This year went by really quickly I must say. It's like in a blink of an eye, it was already the end of the year. Throughout this whole year, every single thing I did, it made me look forward to writing this New Year's post. It was that " I can't wait to write this down next year!!! " kinda feeling.

It was absolutely a different year compared to the last few years. Mostly it was because I started having a full time job and no longer a student. Also because there's finally some stability. Two years back, I wrote this: "I've talked to quite a few people and all I've heard is that they want to do something exciting the following year, they're getting bored with what they are doing. But you know, for me, I yearn for a few years in a row where I am at the same place, doing similar things. I do yearn for that. I'm tired of changes. I am thankful to be so lucky to have these opportunities to go places every year, doing different things. I am. Really, I am. But I do still want few years where I am doing the same things."

Sure, there's still a lot of uncertainties in my life but it's uncertainties that can wait. This year, I just felt like I need not worry about my whereabouts for now. Just enjoy living a routine life. Call me boring but for the past few years, I have just been going places and changing lifestyles. It sure is exciting but right now I just enjoy staying in one spot.

Format of this post is no different than the past few years with the swap from studies to work. Because I'm a working woman now yo!!!! Sorry I cannot be anymore creative. I just feel that my 5 categories (Work, sports, social life, family and relationship) summarizes everything perfectly. So here goes....

Ohh wait... before I start talking about work, I need to say one thing about my education...
2011 marks the end of my education and the move towards the working world. Attended my second a final graduation ceremony in my life :) ... hopefully no more, I have enough studying... PhD? very unlikely.. I enjoy the working world too much :)

Work (and getting my PR!)
This was the main thing I had to get for the year 2011. A job. It was my one and only New Year resolution. Simply because I know I would get one eventually. My very old resolution which is a yearly resolution I make and always fail is my finger nails... to not bite them. I almost succeeded this year. Actually it was a record. Did not bite them since Audrey's wedding back in December 2010 till October 2011 during the Rugby World Cup. And after that, I went back to biting them again. Even now. Sighhh... so yea.... Ok, getting back on track....

It's so nice to earn money, it's so nice to look at the bank account every fortnight and seeing the money grow. So nice to look at how much money I have saved. So nice to give my parents some money too though only a small amount. And also, the fact that I need not dream anymore... I need not dream about getting something. If I want, I can just buy it! Ok, I over-exaggerated, but you know what I mean la.. the spending power... it's SOOOO GOOD!!! My spending have definitely gone up compared to last year but my savings have gone up even more :D

I did not get one but TWO jobs. Quit my first job after 10 weeks. Started my first job in a nursing home on the 7th of March. I've got to admit, I was pretty lucky in getting a job that quick. It was good pay but I couldn't for the life of me, continue with this job because it was not what I wanted, there was a lot of neglect in patient's care which I can't avoid and forced to do, it lacked professionalism and wasn't satisfying at all. But some good did come out from it. I learnt how to deal with really old, demented people, I've learnt to be very patient. I've learnt that I AM NOT GOING TO SEND MY PARENTS TO A NURSING HOME NO MATTER WHAT. I had a good workmate, who has been practicing physio for quite a while, an ex professional rugby player, who was very keen in teaching me despite the massive workload we had and hence learnt quite a bit of musculoskeletal stuff which was useful in my current work. And most of all, I have learnt to appreciate my current work. Despite the below average income compared to other private hospitals, I am enjoying it and have no intention to leave.. YET. It all depends on how much I want the money. For now, I am just enjoying the learning experience, I have got really good colleagues and seniors. The tremendous amount of food (mainly chocolates and baklava) the patients bring in... it's a reason to stay on!

Some dates to remember: 
May 13- the day I was offered my second job
May 23- the day I started my second job
Some time in September- Got offered and accepted the permanent in my current job :)
I remembered I fell sick some time in May and my cousin forced me to stay at home. I was so bored so I did some job hunting and found a vacancy in my current job. Made a phone call, sent in my CV, and got an interview not too long after. Again, I consider myself lucky and I am so thankful and grateful for that.

I also do overtime work in my current job. Taking after work hydrotherapy classes simply because I get paid 1.5x for overtime, and get food allowance for every 2 hours of overtime I do :) I also work on some Saturdays, just to get more money. All savings going towards my future CAR! My travel time to work currently is currently slightly just under 1.5 hour. Walk 20-25 minutes to catch my train, 40-45 min train ride, and then another 20-25 minute walk from train station to work. I know I have been saying I'm getting used to it but after driving my cousin's car to work several times, I cut my travel time down to 1 hour or less which makes me want a car even more.

I wanted to get a weekend job at a public hospital nearby seeing that I have already got my PR but I am not willing to give up all my weekend just yet. I have plans on weekends now (scroll down to read about it in my sports section). Perhaps it shall be in my to-do list of 2012. Once I get my schedule sorted :) Perhaps some sacrifice needs to be done. But not yet, not just yet. I want to enjoy.

I do need to get another job so I get paid more over the weekend. Simply because... I want a car soon!! Times like this, I do wish I was back in New Zealand. I realized I really had it easy during an undergraduate. Definitely spoilt during then. Mum and dad paid for the car and I was driving around freely with the car, giving people rides. Now I rely heavily on public transport and my own two feet. I would like to see this as growth in me. That I have grown to be more independent. Declining my parents offer when they said they can give me the money to get a car in Sydney despite the strong temptation to accept it. The plan is to save up for a second hand car and get one in April 2012. That's the plan.

In terms of growth in my career, in black and white, I did nothing. I did not attend any professional development courses. I was just too sucked into work and I didn't plan anything. I didn't do any research, didn't do any presentation whatsoever. It is actually compulsory to do 120 hours of professional development each year to keep our registration. Sure, I did attend in-services in the hospital but that's just it. It's not enough. So for 2012, I plan to attend some courses. Well, I NEED to. And also do some presentation. I really need to set time aside in 2012 to sit down and do some studying. Not too sure what I would like to specialize in though.

Right now, I'm in a rehabilitation setting. Orthopaedics, reconditioning and neurorehab. The neuro/stroke area is the most challenging but I'm learning heaps just from my daily encounters. Making decisions on whether a patient has plateau-ed and decide when enough is enough and they can no longer improve. It is quite hard and sad really to tell them that they can't get any better. I put myself in their shoes and it is quite hard to take it in. Having someone telling you that you won't be walking normal again, telling you that you will forever rely on those two crutches and can't go off it. Telling you it's not possible to walk anymore- this, is the hardest. Need to really have patience in this setting. It can take months to see little/no changes. But, it is rewarding to see the changes happening in front of your eyes, that tiny twitch in the muscle, that's all it takes.

Then there's my overtime job - hydrotherapy. Enjoy taking the classes because it's all about pushing the clients. It's like being in a gym but in a pool setting. Equipments are limited and you come up with crazy ideas. May consider taking some course in this to see how far can hydrotherapy can take me. It's just a thought. We'll see whether anything happen at the end of 2012.

And lastly, obtaining my Australian PR. Another obstacle in 2011. Took quite a bit of my time reading up, searching through the website and obtaining information before I can even apply. I'm rather lucky to get it so quick. But you know, I do cringe when other people ask me how about to apply for it, what documents they need, whether if they qualify, how much points they need and so and so... It's like seriously, go to the website and find it out myself. I don't really remember. It's a whole long process. Some people just have it too easy I think. I mean, I'll give you information that I couldn't find in the website and that isn't clear in there but straight forward information that's in there which requires just time to look up, look it up yourself. And so, this, is one of the things that annoys me the most in 2011 :p Hey! that's good things and bad things right? hehehe....

Now, sports...
If you have been following my blog, you would know that the new sport I got myself into this year in Dragon boat. Got introduced to this sport via Lucas's friend back in June. The club that I am in is known to be the most social club out of the other dragon boat clubs. And so, winning is very rare and so I do not have the expectation of winning any race. I do it mainly to keep active and also just to fill out on Sunday mornings. It's just so nice to have something to look forward to every Sunday morning, and now, also Wednesday evenings. Slowly getting better at it, it's so hard to grasp the right techniques. Different people have different techniques and so I am bombarded with so many different techniques that I have to pick and see what suits me better. This is the reason why I am kinda reluctant to sacrifice my weekends for work. Previously, I did not have anything to do on weekends and hence, doing weekend work sounds like a good idea. But now, not really. Also, the people in the team are all very friendly. Once again, I manage to be the youngest again. Surprising much? hehehe... majority of them having been paddling for many many years. And they are like in their 30s moving on to 40s. There's a few in the 20's like me but I still manage to be the baby. Bwahahahahaha! I'm not complaining :D

Tried surfing for the very first time this year as well and loved it. Want to do it again but it's something I'm still considering investing in. Need to get a wetsuit first. And that, itself, is quite a mission. Trying to get a good one from Ebay. But right now, there isn't any cheap ones. And after watching Soul Surfer, the craving to hit the waves again is even more!! I would so love to call myself a surf chic one day! Bwahahaha... dream on Shermayne, dream on.... but hey, doesn't hurt to have dreams, right?

Another first this year was taking part in Australia's largest ocean swim - 2km Coles Classic.

First time swimming in the ocean. Thought it was gonna be easy but it was actually very tiring. It was so much different compared to swimming in a pool with all the waves. Didn't manage to finish it in a time I wanted to do. Not too sure if I will do it again this year. Besides, I've got something already planned in February for my birthday. And I am really looking forward to it!!!

Next up, running. Only did 1 proper race in 2011 which is the Blackmores Half Marathon in which I sprained my ankle. Didn't get to achieve a PB in which I was hoping to do so in this race but there's always next time :) My aim was to either run a full marathon or complete a 10k with a sub-50 but that didn't happen as well. Disappointed? Not really. In fact, I am pretty proud with myself as I had the discipline to run despite not having any upcoming races. It all started in April after I was given new shoes by Ivan and also found an awesome app on my phone - RunKeeper. Got my average pace to 5 min 19 sec during a 16km run which I am pretty happy with. However, after my injury, I have not been running as well. It is going to take a whole lot of effort to get back up there again, and I am going to do it!!! I want to do it in a race!

Another thing I did this year was a 21km (7 bridges) run on my birthday which I planned and completed myself. Got lost and it ended up as a walk instead but I am pretty stoked that I did it. It is definitely something to remember. I hope to do it again once I get fitter and get my directions right. Also, 2011 was the year I got myself in fun, 5km Mud Run in December. It was more of a walk/jog thing and I had so much fun completing it with my cousin sister.

My aim for 2012? Complete a full marathon. It's more like, complete a full marathon before I turn 25 :p So it's either do one in 2012, or one in 2013 before February. Hehehehe....

Other sports I did in 2011 is rock climbing and a little bit of Yoga. Was considering to take up rock climbing after going a few times because you get really good back muscles but it's just too expensive. Need to get shoes... then it's entry fees all the time to use the rock climbing gym. Whereas with surfing, once you get a surfboard, once you get a wetsuit, then that's it. No extra expenses. So, surfing triumphs rock climbing ;) As with yoga, got those introductory deals again. Always get a good workout/feel good feeling after a class. The body feels so relaxed and satisfied after it. Not too sure if I will pay full price to go for a class if there's no deals but it is quite tempting. Wait laaa till I earn more money. hehehehe... Need to save up for a car first before I spend too much. I've already paid over 200 bucks for dragon boat membership fees. I don't really want to spend much more for activities.

Shall stick to running, it's pretty much free. Only need to invest in runners. Speaking of which, I bought my very first pair of runners with my pay this year!!! Say hello to my Kayano 17!

Took me awhile to get it because Ivan got me new shoes on my birthday so I didn't have the heart to get another new one so soon with my pay. So I got it in October instead. And I love it!! Seriously once you have put on an Asics shoe, you can really feel the difference and you wouldn't really want to try any other shoes. Well, that's the case for me. Am just gonna stick to the Kayano range from now on and buy them on Ebay. Until I get any chronic foot injury, then I might change. Hehehehe...

Social life...
Met new friends in dragon boat but still not as close as the friends I met back in those UMSA days. We do hang out after training, which is going to the local pub to have brunch. And then, that's it. They had a few other social events but I didn't join as I do not know them well enough. I think I am just happy with my quiet lifestyle, I enjoy just staying at home, sitting in front of the TV, watching re-runs of Glee and Greys.

Hang out with swimming friends more this year too. Had poker nights.

Shaleeni came over in August, stayed a night at the Four Seasons for a really cheap price. Because Lucas works there. Sweet deal!! I am still yet to make a trip to Adelaide to visit Shaleeni. Feel bad really as I have been promising her to do so. She's already made it to Sydney twice! I don't see myself going any time soon though. But definitely something I will consider for 2012. Ahhh!! so many things I wanna do in 2012!!!!

As with my physio coursemates, I never really hang out with them much after graduation. Mainly because most of the Canadians have gone back, well, the ones that I am close with. Only Nat's left but also she's been busy with work. Only met up once with her for lunch during her lunch break. Just hope to catch up more with her this year.

Think I'm still closer to the friends I met in NZ. And so, I hang out a few times with Carlo and his friends during his flat parties. Great times I must say... makes me feel a little closer to home.

But, it's still different...

And so, November was a pretty awesome month. Seeing everyone after being away for 1.5 years. I do miss NZ a lot. I think I still call NZ my home. Every single time I arrive Auckland, there's just this warm feeling I get. I guess it's also because Auckland doesn't change much, it's still the same even after 1.5 years. Roads are still the same, still peaceful and calm, everyone's so friendly.

Attended the wedding of a very lovely couple, two close friends of mine.It was on their wedding day where I got to catch up with mostly everyone. A very special day indeed :) Still remembered digging out the information from Shaun during a satay session in Kajang back in December 2010 and had to keep my mouth shut and not say anything to anyone and wait.. wait for the good news. Heeheeheee....

Also went snowboarding with my two crazies - My Other Half and My Love. Ladies night. Too good!! Had such a good time hanging out with them. Also, there's the momo tea sessions the day after I came back with the usual gang. Miss you guys lots!!!

A special mention has to go out to my other half (who's probably the first one reading this). You all know how important she is in my life. But this year, it was even more. It was her who kept me pretty much sane, our emails became a place where we could rant and say anything we wanna say. We are each others ears. And really, thank you. Thank you for listening to all my problems this year. Thank you for your advice, thank you for your input. I am just so thankful to have friends like you. Truly, my other half.

Family
Was glad to go on a family trip at the very start of the year to Thailand. Had an amazing time in Krabi and Bangkok. First time travelling to Thailand and love the place.

This year, we are all split up. Brother's in Singapore, me in Sydney, parents in Auckland. I wonder when will be the day we will all be staying together under the same roof again. Miss those times actually. I guess we are all grown up already. Tend to cherish the time we spend together as a family more because it's so rare now. Mum and dad didn't come to Sydney this year as much as last year. But they did a lot of travelling around the world which was good. In fact, they only made it here once, in March, for my graduation. I do miss them a lot and being back in NZ in November was good to spend time with them again. Having home cooked meals, going for walks in the mornings, hopping into the car and just drive. We almost ended up at Raglan beach during a random drive one day.

Though I didn't have much time with my parents and my brother, I am lucky enough to have my 4th aunty over here twice - CNY and end of October. She always cook up a storm when she's here. As I'm typing this, there's still quite a bit of food in the freezer that she cooked.

Back in August, I also made a 4 day trip to Perth to catch up with my other cousin and her kids and my 3rd aunty. Had a nice relaxing time enjoying Perth as it reminded me of Auckland a little.

And lastly, I am ever so thankful to be staying with my big cousin sister. Always taking such good care of me even though I have already started working. She refuses to let me pay any bills or the rates! It's my 2012 goal this year. To figure a way how to give her the money! This year, she has less crazy working hours and it's good to see her more on weekends and having dinners with her. It also makes me feel happy seeing her all smiley and cheerful. Well, she's always been happy all the time but this year, there's another someone that came into her life and I am so glad for her. He's also the reason why I managed to drag my cousin into doing the Mud Run... hehehehe :) So, thank you 2011, for making my cousin extra happy! Hope it all works out well in the future... :D

Now.. to the ongoing LDR...

It's been a tough year. Started the year having negative thoughts in this relationship. Not seeing someone you love for almost a year. 11.5 months apart - saying goodbye on the 29th of November 2010 and no Hello till the 17th of November 2011. Every time when people ask how long we've been apart, I said almost a year and they get really shocked and always ask how we do it. Really, I do not know how. It's been a roller coaster year, the thought whether this will all work out in the end still lingers around. I'm not denying it, there was some arguments, fights... all because of the uncertainties. There were a few occasions where I just felt like giving it all up, because it's just too taxing emotionally. But then when I think about it, when I recall all the moments we spent together, the memories we shared... I didn't want to throw them all away just because of the uncertainties  ahead. It's all about having faith, believing that it will all work out in the end. And to see how much he has sacrificed, fighting and hanging in there to keep the relationship going, that, just touches me.

Seeing him in November and December this year... spending time with him, even though for a short while, just reminded me all over again why I have fallen in love with this monkey. Despite being apart for almost a year, developing new interests over the year, we still can keep each other entertained when we see each other. We are still up for crazy things and we make each other laugh. Just like the two photos below. Every time I look at them, I crack myself up.

Having him here in December for Christmas and New Year's was the highlight for me. Managed to talk through our plans for next year. Still left with uncertainties but that's what life is all about. I will have to write a separate post about our mini adventure, walking almost 30km on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. It was very tough and challenging, carrying massive backpacks and a tent... but we managed it eventually. Definitely a hike to remember. It's him, and only him, that will do these kind of things with me. One of the many reasons why I love him!!

What I've learnt from this year is that to keep a relationship going, there must be communication. If we're unhappy, just say it. Don't keep it to yourself. Always let the other person know how you feel. Doesn't hurt to talk about the future. Just to get some reassurance. Make plans. Even though there's a possibility it won't work out. And last but not least, have HOPE. Hope that things will get better with time :) One day, we will end up in the same place. One day. Just wait for it. It will come.

As I'm blogging this, he just reminded me something.... that we didn't really argue/fight during his trip to Sydney. There's way more smiles, laughter... lots of hugs and lots of love, welcoming the New Year together. He definitely made me a happy girl.

And so, here's to another year of long distance relationship. One filled with many positives, hope, patience, and love. Monkey, I love you!!!!

From my 2011 New Year post - "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 have achieved all of the above!!! Got a job = Checked. Earned money and see the bank account go DING DING DING: Checked. Bought new pair of runners: Checked. Go back to NZ for a short holiday to see him: Checked.

Have I nailed 2011? Hell yeah!!!! With a massive hammer!! Whammm!!!!!! Thank you for being a wonderful year.

What's in store of 2012? Quite a bit. It's the year before I turn 25. I have so much things I wanna achieve before I turn 25. Time's running out. And so, here's my to do list. I never really have one but this is it. Wish me luck!!!

The must-do's:
Get a car
Complete a full marathon
Attend courses for professional development
Present at least 1 in-service at work
Pay rent

The Maybe's:
Do a snowboarding trip - either to Melbourne or go back to NZ
Meet the monkey in Gold Coast and do the full marathon together
Get a weekend job
Do a PB in a half marathon or a 10km run
Make a trip to Adelaide to visit Shaleeni
Dive

And now, well done to you, my reader, for making it to the end of my New Year's post.

Happy 2012 to all of you out there!!! 2011 was superb, but let 2012 be even better!!! Don't be afraid to make plans, don't be afraid to dream, don't be afraid to aim high. Sometimes, you gotta live on the edge. Make plans and do, do your best in everything you pursue in. If you fail, smile. Because you did the best you could. 

Love, unconditionally, like there's no tomorrow. 

And if I have one wish for the world, I wish that mother nature be nice to the planet earth this year. No more earthquakes, no more tsunamis, no more floods, no more fires. No more natural disasters. Full Stop. Give Earth a break. And if that's too much to ask, at least please give Christchurch a break. They have suffered so much, please be kind. 

Happy New Year everybody!!!!!!!!!! HAPPY NEW YEARRRRRRRRRRR!!!!!!!!

Much love,