I know, it's been over 4 months since I blogged. So this is really a very delayed birthday post. Haha. What to do, life has been hectic for me. Anyway, on with how my birthday went this year. Well, a big difference was that there was no big party as per previous years. All I had was a karaoke session with Mike and Kwang Houg at Neway 1Utama. Also had a dinner with my uncle them, and a little cake session in the office pantry when I brought out my cake (courtesy of my auntie) to share with them. All of these were before my actual birthday, except the cake session.
On my actual birthday, I was woken up at the ungodly hour of 3am due to Stephen Apek's msg (wonder what he was doing up so late). To be honest, I was actually kinda down for the rest of the day, coz I didn't really receive many msgs in the morning. And it's also my first bday away from family. Overall, I think this was an interesting birthday though quiet. At least I had a lot of time to think over what I've done in the previous years. So here's a point-form summary (at least it wont be so long winded rite?) in chronological order:
- Elected as head prefect in Form 4/Form 5, which was something of an achievement for me since I was never a prefect till Form 4 itself....much to the displeasure of many ppl
- Joined Taekwondo and managed to win 2nd prize for Pattern competition (heh, at least something for sports right?)
- Asked to take part in Swinburne's Inaugural Debate, leading to us finally joining the Inaugural Yayasan Sarawak English University Debate (the actual name is too damm long) and we got 3rd - Elected President of Rotaract Club of Swinburne Sarawak and managing to help the club to achieve its 1st Presidential Citation and a few District 3310 awards
- Becoming Organizing Chairperson for a few big projects like Swinburne's Prom Night 2005 and the Rotaract/Interact fundraiser to buy books for rural Sarawakian schools
- Helped to set-up and run 2 new clubs in Swinburne: Explorers Club and Photomedia & Design Club, both of which were also very successful
- Completed my studies till bachelor's degree (2nd lower honours only, but hey, I'm not a good engineering student)
- Went for many job interviews in KL and even Johor, with the result of 4 job offers
- Ended up working in Philips Lighting, which I'm pretty happy with since they are all willing to guide me and there's constant learning on the job, what with all the trainings, new products and travelling to project sites in the various states
I suppose you can say that I've achieved a lot in terms of studies/career and co-curricular activities. Sometimes it kinda makes me feel like I'm old, since it seems to be over so many years. I bet all those more 'mature' ppl are gonna scold me about this though. But besides all these, I've also learned a lot from my personal life. Some of which are as such:
- Met and remained close with 7 other girls, and we are known as the Gathering Gals. Honestly, we have had some great times, some of which we still crack up over and fondly think back on. I miss all of u gals so much..hope we can meet up soon, though I'm not in KL
- Became friends with a whole bunch of different but amazing ppl in uni. They consist of various groups, such as the Gay4, JL.MFV.AC.SS, Mahjong Club, Debaters Club and so on. My 5 years in uni were definitely the best of my life so far, and I think it'll be hard to top that. You guys are all so great, I always enjoy our times together. Though we might not have so much time or opportunity to meet up now, but we always have a great time when we do! MIss u all!
- Got involved with a few different guys over the last few years and went through a lot of things, both good and bad. Fell in love with a great guy...but ended up as best friends. No regrets whatsoever, just wish you all happiness, you guys deserve it.
- Moved to KL to work, and later got a place on my own (shared with my bro and Aileen though). It's not easy coz it can get kinda tiring and lonely as there are just not that many friends in KL as compared to in Kch. But at least I'm doing ok
- Learned how to drive myself around in PJ and certain areas...i can't really drive to KL yet...but give me another year and I'm sure I'll be able to....(will be forced to, one day)
For me, no matter what I go through, whether it's good or bad, I just try to learn something from it. I'm really quite a perfectionist/control freak when it comes to organizing things or planning out my stuff. But I've also realized that things can't always go your way or be under your control. So I've just tried my best to plan for things, and when they don't work out that way, just try to figure out the best solution and work with it. I've also become more open to trying new things, ideas and experiences. Just listen to what ppl have to say, how they think and yea...just be more open to spontaneity. Live life more. Take time to relax, chill out and maybe let loose a little. Be a little crazy/wild, especially when there's a lot of stress, so things can balance out.
Learn to understand myself and my needs/wants. Instead of being so calculative about prices, pamper myself occasionally. I need to love myself more before loving others. Look more on the bright side of things, see the good part of ppl rather than just the bad part. Accept the ppl I care for as who they are totally, even with their faults/mistakes. Don't always judge a person by their looks, they can sometimes surprise you. Don't care too much about the past, or worry about the future. Start living now, coz today is a gift, that's why it's called the Present.
I learned most of the above 'philosphical' stuff from my various experiences, many wise friends/ppl, some of whom are slightly misunderstood. Lol, its surprising that you expect so little from certain ppl, and they end up giving you the most. Anyway, just wanted to share what I was reflecting on this past birthday and what I've learned. Thank you, each and everyone of you, for your contribution to my 23 years of life. I appreciate your friendship, love and all that you have given me in one way or another. Hope we can still remain friends till we're old! Hehe. Thanks again for all the birthday wishes and everything else :)
Look how skinny you were then!
