Sunday Afternoon

So it holds true that the company does count-we were rained out and there wasn't enough food to make it a picnic picnic (if you know what I mean) but it was still really great hanging out with these guys again :)

Whimsy

{some of my favourite photos :)}

Today I've decided that.. everyday, i'll wake up and decide to be positive and to find things to be thankful for, no matter how difficult it may seem. I'm figuring that if I set out to make a choice to embrace every new day, things will get better; not because circumstances will change but because my perspective towards them will. Cross your fingers for me! (and join me if you think you need some positivity in your life too) :)

To New Beginnings

Wow.. It's the last day of 2009 already? Lots of people have started writing tributes to the year that's ending and it kinda makes me feel uncomfortable, because i'm honestly not ready for 2010 :( This is the first time in quite awhile where I can't look at the new year in the eye with a "bring it on" kinda attitude- I feel like it's gonna bring too many challenges and things i'm generally unprepared for.

There's nothing I can do about time though, so I might as well jump on the bandwagon and bid adieu to 2009 while i'm here :) It's been a rough year, difficult on many different levels, but I can confidently say that it has toughened me up and made me stronger and yes! braver! which is what I prayed for on too many nights this year. I'm thankful to God for challenging me and allowing me to go through tough times (although I definitely wasn't feeling thankful at the time haa) but leading me through them with His grace and strength.

It's been a year of change- a new environment, starting over in JC, learning what it truly means to be humble and trying my best to have a gentle and quiet spirit (haha key word is trying..) even when I felt like things were really unfair. On the relationship front too; it's the first time S and I were apart for such a long time! Almost 8 months with him in Chicago and me back here, but we learnt to adapt and it worked out fine. Thank God for skype!! It's a lifesaver and that's how we still see each other and talk everyday :) I'm very thankful for Shawn's presence in my life through 2009 too- he keeps me grounded, reminds me about finding joy in the little things and manages to make me laugh even when I least feel like it. Thanks babe, you've been the biggest blessing and even though I don't feel ready for the new year, I know you'll be there walking/running/crawling/jumping through the months with me, and that makes it ok :)

I don't even want to talk about school here (haha still working on the mindset!) but because of the cool friends I've made, I will :) It brought too much unecessary drama (pun intended ;) ) and I can't say I'm fully reconciled with how some things were done/are done there, but all in all, i'm thankful that it provides me a place to grow academically and to take my A levels :) Also thankful for great classmates- Fat you've been a lifesaver this whole year.. Tolerating my moods and always showering me with affection haha :) It makes a big difference. And Juls!! Always sweet and calm in temperament, thanks for being there. And Weng for being someone I can argue loads with but still wanna be friends with haha. One more year together guys, let's do it well :)

I'm not used to typing so much! Gonna end this soon cos if I thank everyone, it'll take forever. But Jo and Sop have been the best girlfriends as always, and I probably wouldn't have made it through 2009 without the constant love and support from my awesome family :) and speaking of family.. Shawn's family has been a huge blessing in my life, always bringing me out for nice meals and making sure i'm ok when he's not around :) I really thank God for the people who have come into my life this rocky year to help and support me.

I started this post in the morning, left it to meet S to record our prayers/wishes for the new year by the river (new tradition!), and then came home for dinner with the family and continued it. Wouldn't say i'm all set to face 2010 now, especially because Shawn's leaving on Saturday morning.. which means i'll have to face up to everything i've kinda been avoiding (like the stack of work I have to do!!) and get used to the distance again. Won't be easy but i'll do what i've learnt this year- be brave and just bite the bullet and get on with it! Though 2010 doesn't promise easy times, I know I have God who's stronger and bigger than all the challenges i'll face, and great people in my life to support me through it :) Here's to the new beginnings that the new year will bring! As always, may we all continue to hope, love, and be joyful in all things :) Happy New Year everyone!

Tough act to follow

{Glen's 21st/ lazy saturday afternoon at the botanics/ Ballet under the Stars at Fort Canning}

I really enjoyed my weekend- love the times I get to hang out with my family, and we spent a lot of time outdoors which was a bonus. If there are more weekends like this, getting through the week will probably be easier.. :) New week and new challenges ahead but i'm reminding myself to take each day as it comes.

My Sunday in photos

Weekend in a nutshell

Chinese new year weekend is always mad tiring, but I still had lots of fun :) Relieved it's over though, I've had enough of hosting, entertaining, visiting and snacking for a while!

The past week in pictures

Eric and Octavia's wedding (Chen got on a later flight so she couldn't join us)

Terminal 3 earlyyy in the morning to pick our darling Chen up

And then T1 later in the day to pick Mum and Dad up! :)

Blasted Christmas carols and did up the massive tree like we do every year :)

I am so glad and thankful that my family is HOME!! :) Just in time for Christmas too- Without a doubt my favourite time of the year. It does feel pretty strange that we aren't travelling as a family this December, it's the first time in at least 10 years (but I think it's likely more than that) that we aren't going anywhere. No complaints though, because I've travelled lots this year already.

This weekend is gonna be pretty awesome- We're going to watch Clarebear dance in The Nutcracker tomorrow night at the esplanade, and then Saturday is her birthday! Can't believe she's turning 14, she's still like a baby to me.. :) And then it'll be SUNDAY and by midnight I'll officially be done with waiting for people to come home. Can't wait. :)