Now, instead of the usual career, fitness, family, social life, relationship sequence.... I shall start with what impacted me the most...
Relationship
For those who were close to me, you would have known by now that a 4.5 year relationship have ended for us in the middle of the year. Didn't tell many people as I figured people will slowly, eventually find out. I must say, it was one of the toughest decision I had to make in my life. There were so many doubts before and after the decision... but looking back right now, I have no regrets. All I can see is that only good came out of it. I really wished and hoped long distance would work for us, I felt like I have given all that I can/willing to give. But... tough luck, it just didn't work out. As days go by, maintaining the relationship felt more like a chore... knowing that there's not much support behind it made it even harder.
Initially, I felt lost and empty coming out of the relationship. Wonder if I have made the right choice. But as the days go by, as the wound slowly starts to heal (I have to be honest, it is not completely healed yet but it's slowly getting there), I started seeing the many good that came out of it. I'm glad that he have started to make his decision for his own good and not based on my whereabouts. And I have to say, it's a pretty darn good decision and a really good change in terms of his career. I can't be any happier for him and I really mean this. For me, I am glad I can now work on my dream to work and travel for a short stint. There's no holding back. I am really looking forward to 2014. I hope I can really achieve this dream of mine. It is still in its early stages but it is a working progress.
What have I learnt in this relationship?
As it is my first.... plenty! I have learnt to love, and at the same time, learnt to let go. I have learnt what it feels like to love someone unconditionally and to be loved by someone. I have seen what someone is willing to do, willing to sacrifice just for you when they are in love.
I have learnt that communication in a relationship is important. And it should start from the very beginning. Two people must be on the same page.
If you're looking for a serious relationship, plans have to be made. Even if you won't stick to the plan, at least a rough plan should be there. Especially if you are getting yourself into a long distance relationship (which I doubt I will ever want to do it again), there must be a set time frame on how long you will be apart. And what are the plans to make the both of you closer.
I learnt that family's view matters a lot to me. And even though I wished to brush it off and take their opinions lightly, I have learnt that I am the type who would consider their view seriously. Whether I should change my behaviour on this or stick to it... I'm still not sure. But I have a feeling it is the latter.
How am I currently coping?
I'm well. I am enjoying the single life and the freedom to do whatever I want. I can make plans without thinking of the second party. I can go out however late I want without worrying someone across the ditch. I am enjoying not having any obligations to reply any texts or whatsapp messages. (Yes, it came to a point in the relationship where I felt like it was a chore to reply him). Occasionally, I do miss being loved and loving someone else. But I know, that feeling will come again. It is just a matter of time, when you least expect it. I'm not ready to date yet, I'm not ready to be in another relationship. But again, time heals all wounds, I will be ready again one day. And I hope for the best for him too.
So, before I end this section, I would like to thank you, for showing me what it felt like to love someone, and to be loved. Thank you for opening my eyes and made it clearer to me of what I should be looking for in my next significant other. Thank you for all the memories and experiences for the past 4.5 years. Thank you for going on crazy adventures with me. Thank you for all the sacrifices you have done.
Pretty much the last photo we took together before it ended a few months after...
This chapter of my life is now... Closed.
Fitness
I must say, 2013 have been treating me well in this aspect of my life. Yes, the ankle still got sprained several times, I had a pretty bad fall and bled but it was all good. As the saying goes... What doesn't kill you makes you stronger :p Dragon boat and running took up most of it but there were still others.
Dragon boat
1. Not one, but TWO unassisted pull ups! I have to say, to me, this is the biggest achievement for this year. I have never been able to do a pull up all my life until December this year after 3 months of hard work at dragonboat land training.
2. Won medals in dragonboat race for the first time ever!
Well, it comes with the decision to switch teams too. In the middle of the year, I was slowly losing interest in this sport. I felt like I wasn't getting much out of it. Every time after session, I just didn't feel like I had a good workout. It was very time consuming and I was better off going for an hour run and I'd get more out of it. Last season, we were just struggling to get enough females so we can race in a mixed team. It came to a point on whether to quit dragonboat completely or switched team. I've heard that it is quite competitive in other teams and they have A and B teams. But I was prepared to just start at the bottom at work my way up. My paddling buddy, Jia, decided to make the switch.
August saw us making that change. We did our research and tried several teams. Tsunami was our top pick. Loved the spirit of the team, it was really a good vibe. Sure, the fees were much more than the previous team but I have to say, so far, it's worth every single penny I've paid. Joining this team have opened so many paddling opportunities and it has made me fitter than ever and it's just going to get better from here.
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Road runs
3. PB in half marathon
This was back in April, see post here.
4. PB in 5km run - Park Run at St Peters on 21 December
First time doing a timed 5km run. Completed it in 23:08. This is a free timed run that is done every Saturday morning. Have always been wanting to do this but because of dragonboat training, I haven't been able to do it. Am aiming to do this once every one or two months in 2014. Aiming to eventually do a 4:30/km pace.
5. Joined the night Nike Run club in July which made me run almost every Monday and Wednesday of July after work with a work colleague of mine, Katy. Would have liked to continue on but dragonboat took too much of my time in the months to follow.
Trails and Adventure Race
6. Adventure racing for the very first time - 25th May
Kathmandu Adventure race. Longest race I've ever done Am tempted to go for another one in 2014 and be more prepared and get a better time. See race report here.
7. Entered in two new trail runs this year, both in non-ideal weather conditions
16km Great NOSH Footrace - 2nd June
By far the wettest run I've done and also rather crazy!!! Full post here
You can check out the waterfall we had to cross in this video (it's the waterfall featured at 0:41s):
20 km Narrowneck Night Run - 16th November
A surreal experience, running in the dark, with rain and fog and getting slightly disorientated. Brought trail running to a whole new level. Read more about it here
8. PB in Woodford to Glenbrook 25km trail run - 8th September (Full post here)
9. Did plenty of casual trail runs in Sydney which consisted of the following routes
Spit to Manly (sometimes not quite Manly)
This is by far the best trail run for me and have done this route several times throughout the year. It's not too far from the city, it has it challenges... and the view is always AMAZING!!!! And you can stop by Manly to grab brekky and catch a cab back to the car if you feel like it.
On a slightly cloudy day
On a bright sunny day
Taronga to Balmoral
Only did this route once. Got lost several times that it got kinda frustrating. Got some amazing views however but I'm not too sure if I would do it again. Unless I get the route right! And if you ask me to take you to this lookout below, I don't think I will be able to because we stumbled upon it whilst we were lost.
Mt. Kuring-Gai
Super technical route. It was more like a hike rather than a run. It was a very hot morning and only had 3 hours of sleep the night before. Also, quite a drive up from Sydney. Wouldn't do this on a regular basis but would love to do it again and see how I fair ... without falling of course.
I shall rely on these two ultra marathoners to take me to new trail routes!
Battle wounds... What doesn't kill you makes you stronger!
10. Rock climbing
Not a new sport I tried this year but definitely got into it more seriously this year. Even bought my own harness and rock climbing shoes. Between August and December, I've done at least 10 climbs. It got less when summer arrived because.... why be inside when you can be out enjoying the sun?? And so.. this leads to the two new summer activities I tried!
11. Stand up paddling -NEW!
I figured, maybe if I get better in this, I will eventually be able to surf? I'm not too sure ... we'll see. Maybe it will be a short-lived thing just like surfing. But still, it's always good fun to try out something new!
12. Beach volleyball - NEW!
No, I did not just gather a few friends and a ball, head to the beach and played volleyball. Actually started lessons and have paid for 10 lessons up front. So far, have only done two but since I've paid, it's a commitment! Hopefully I can get better at this. Have never been good at volleyball.
So what's in store for 2014?
Plenty! Not quite ready to do another full marathon.
- Keen in hitting the 4:30/km pace for short courses. Aim for 5km first then 10km.
- I wanna get stronger, hopefully 8 unassisted pull ups by the end of 2014.
- Do more trail runs and simply just enjoy them
- Do well in dragonboat, hoping to go and race out of NSW!
Career
Hmmn.. after typing all the fun stuff above, I'm not too keen in writing about this. I must say though, I did try to become more pro-active in this aspect. Still in the same job if you're wondering.
- Did a dry needling course and am in the process of trying to get work to approve the use of this treatment for our patients. Before I left for my holidays, it was in its final stages!!
- Supervised a year 2 sydney uni student for a week
- Supervised a final year student for one day a week for 5 weeks when my senior was away
- Attended several neurorehab lectures and learnt quite a bit from it. Also did a few webinars. I must say tho, I'm still slack in consolidating.
- Attended a student educator course, in preparation for taking on a student myself for 5 weeks in 2014.
- Stayed back after work for one day a week starting from November to get more learning done. Starting to understand the shoulder a wee bit more now.
So, that's about it. Much more better than the year before although still in the same job. I did try to apply for another job at St. Vincent's but tough luck, I did not get it. I feel like I need a change, but at the same time, I am very comfortable at where I am. I am still not willing to step out of my comfort zone. Am planning on something big in 2014 though. Not really going to help with my career but it will be a temporary change. With regards to what it is, some of you might know but I do not want to say it yet just in case it doesn't happen. So, just wait and see, yea?
Family
Plenty of family affairs this year. Shall just go by month:
January
Brother's Registration of Marriage (ROM) in Singapore
They are officially married. Had an awesome time helping with their photo shoot post ROM at Fort Canning Park.
Bali Trip with the family
Good family time spent in Ubud. And also managed to do a shipwreck dive!!
February
Am so glad to be able to spend Chinese New Year in Malaysia this time with the whole family together. It has been awhile.
March
Mum and dad came to Sydney to celebrate mum's birthday. And it so happened that the brother also had to be in Sydney for work. It was good family time. And also managed to take them for a walk at the Blue Mountains and we did the Charles Darwin walk.
17th September - A new baby girl born in the extended family
My lil princess Jemima!!!
October
Cousin brother got married!! The apartment was packed with aunties. Lots of noise, lots of cooking happening. It was a rather busy week.
And because it was the long weekend, I took my aunties down to Wollongong for the day.
December
The long, awaited, biggest, busiest family affair of the year!! Bro's wedding celebration! Prior to arriving Malaysia in December, I had two roles.. and two roles only... get his wedding slideshow and speech done.
But, being the usual me, I am always a very last minute person. I pretty much did the slideshow the night before I flew back the Malaysia and also more editting on the flight back and even more when I was in Malaysia. And the speech, I wrote it on the night before the wedding and the wedding day itself.
When I arrived Malaysia, I was given more tasks. And I had so much fun doing them. One was to write up the wedding photo shoot scenes. It was good fun brainstorming with my brother and sis-in-law. It was quite funny how my brother and I also had to keep some things secret from her because he was going to surprise her. He was planning for the photo shoot to be at their primary school, where they first met. All the while she though the photo shoot was going to be at the secondary school.
The other task was to create a music video for him with Bruno Mars lyrics because his other surprise for her was to sing Just the Way You Are on their wedding night. This was the most time consuming one but I'm so glad it turned out well.
It was such a wonderful day, simply because everything went smoothly despite the very little sleep for the past several nights. To see how far my brother will go for this girl, how much he will do, and to get the girl of his dreams, it simply makes me a very happy sister.
And so, that's about it for this section. What I hope to do for 2014 is to call mum, dad and the brother more often. That's something I'm not pleased about for 2013 and the years before. I hope to put in some time and just make that phone call every now and then.
Social life
Last section!! Almost there. It's the 13th of March and I'm trying to get this post up because it's always been at the back of my mind. It's quite distracting when I want to sit down in front of my laptop and get other important things done. Seems like this feels more important. So I better finish up this post and get it out of the way.
Social life have been pretty good I must say. Here's another recap with photos by months.
January
Went to Melbourne for Australian Open. Don't really follow the tennis, nor do I follow any other sports. But... I follow my other half!! It's the perfect opportunity to spend some time with her. And so... I decided to take a day or two off, hop on a plane and visit Melbourne for the very first time!! Another thing NEW!!
Also, got to catch up with long lost friends, which was a bonus!
Christine, Taekwondo friend back in those primary school days. It's been a LONG time!!
Two other long lost friends. Alex and Ma, we go way back in primary 1 and up till primary 6 and then sort of lost contact after.... till Facebook!!
Kylie and her husband. Knew her from Netball in Sydney. Then she got married, moved the Melbourne. She was so nice to take me out of Melbourne CBD and do some sightseeing. Thanks!!!
March
Bernie's birthday Superheroes Costume Party on a BOAT!
First time attending a costume party, and first time being on a party boat!! Good fun. What an experience! I made my own costume, going as Bat Girl.
There were also plenty of other outings with the ex-dragonboat team. It's called a social competitive club for a reason I guess. I pretty much get the best of both world ever since switching teams. When you have fun, you have fun. When you do sports, you train and be serious in it and have a goal. The old team wasn't giving me that, and hence, the switch. But to date, I still hang out with them, for the fun part :) Hehehehe...
April
Colleague's Wedding
It was one of the senior physio's wedding. It was pretty cool how so many of us managed to get the day off and got in heaps of casuals and physio aides to cover us. What an awesome, special day!!
Travelled to Auckland over the Easter Break. Attempted Tongariro Crossing for the second time... FAILED! Weather was horrible again, but at least we did walk parts of it. Couldn't see much but the company was good, and that's what mattered the most :) Was so good to spend time with Vanessa and Ah Swan... couldn't ask for more!!
Till we meet again!!!
June
Denise came to visit from Singapore. This girl, had no plans. All she wanted to do was sit and chill in a cafe and do nothing. She came when the weather was rather crappy. But she was still so happy to get away from the buzz of Singapore.
And for the very first and last time, I sat the Monorail!! One of the crazy things I decided to do. Sydney Monorail was shutting down. June 30th was the last day of operation. And because I have not sat it before, and because of my hunger in being part of history... I queued for several HOURS.... just for an 8 min Monorail ride.
Worth it? YES!!! Because now I get to boast about it yo!!!
August
Snow Trip... read all about it here.
80's costume party with ex-dragonboat team!
And the highlight of August?
Nutty Nat's 5 weeks in Sydney!!
Had an awesome time whilst she was here. Felt a wee bit empty after she left. We played with animals at Featherdale, munched on ribs at Hurricanes, oogled at hot abs along Bondi Beach, went on a chocolate frenzy at Lindt... and who could forget that epic night out... where I fell asleep during supper and threw up when I got to her place... Now, that's a FIRST!!!
Thank you!!!!
September
Night out with the physios from work... Didn't expect it to be a big night, but it turned out to be one of those epic night! Out till 3am... It was pretty hilarious.... this is the reason why it's hard to leave my current job. Pay is low... but we have fun... at work... and out of work...
October
Paul's farewell... Sad to have an awesome work colleague leaving... but it was a good night with the physios and OTs...
And following that farewell, on that same night, went out on a boat trip. Was being a wee bit ambitious wanting to paddle a small inflatable boat out to the big boat at 3am in the morning... it didn't happen....
Ended up sleeping in the car and then got picked up the next morning. Was a good boat trip.... didn't catch much fish. In fact, I was the only one who caught a decent size fish! No picture unfortunately.... as I thought I would have caught more for photos.... Ohh well...
the fish that I caught.... cooked....
Awesome awesome trip!!! Great food, great company... what more can I ask for?
November
My highlight? The other half's visit!!! She had finally finished her exam... and decided to pay me a visit... Feel so SPECIAL!!!!!!
Poor thing, I made her walk Sculptures by the Sea when she already had torn her ACL and waiting for it to be operated on.
Although it was only 2 days with her, I must say, we did quite a bit. Sculptures by the Sea, Hurricanes, bought a rather obscene postcard and sent it to Vanessa (heehee :p), chilled in a bar by Bondi Beach, Chat Thai, and then a trip to the Gong the following day...
Classic!!!!! 7 years later... still as crazy as when we first met...
And at the end of November...
Pei Lyn came to visit. Well, she didn't actually come to visit me. I had to track her down!! This girl... came to Sydney for holiday with the company. I found out through Facebook that she's in town and contacted her. Thanks again Facebook!! So we met up for a short while for coffee... haven't seen this girl for AGES!
December
Attended my first concert ever!
Taylor Swift!!! *screams like a little teenage girl*
And then followed by Bon Jovi two weeks later....
And here's some photos from work Christmas party....
As you can tell, I got a bit lazy with writing about it all so I used photos instead. Social life this year have been pretty good I must say. And it was so good to have so many people visiting. It definitely helped to be kept occupied so I had as little quiet and alone time to dwell on what happened in the middle of the year.
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So looking back, 2013 have been pretty eventful. I wouldn't put it down as an awesome, great year but I would put it down as a year when I have experienced quite a lot, emotionally, mentally and physically. There were definitely changes to many things and as I look back, I'd like to think I coped pretty well.
And even though the bungy jumping/sky diving did not happen in 2013 nor early 2014 before I turn 26, it really wasn't a big deal. It just shows that you can plan things, but things will not always go to plan... Even if you plan 7 years ahead. You just need to adapt, move on and have another plan :)
There's definitely so many new things, new accomplishments, new records set in 2013 and I am very proud of them all. It is definitely going to be a tough year to beat.
But I'm all ready for the challenge. Have quite a few fitness goals set in mind and they are making progress. In terms of career, nothing yet. Still trying to get some inspiration. As for the big plan of 2014? It is still in its early stages. Will let you all know if it happens.
Till then, Happy New Year to all! Live and let loose, chill and enjoy life's simplest things.
Better late than never, thanks for reading! If there's still anyone out there :p
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