Hello 2018. With dark clouds that weren't merely threatening to dampen this celebratory mood looming outside, I was armed with a powered vacuum cleaner doing one last clean out for the year. I thought to myself that the weather these days is nothing short of felicitous but I will crash into the new year energised like the ball of sunshine I am, albeit underlying with ambivalence. In retrospect, 2017 had been a pretty good year. It was less tumultuous than the many worst-case-scenarios I had adumbrated in this quiescent mind. And it was filled with mostly positive energy and good news. 1.  I travelled not once or twice but three  times. The year kicked off with a week-long vacation to Seoul where I spent some of my coldest days. Followed by yet another chilly holiday to Canada in May, and ended with a short getaway to Bintan in December. Seoul was a beautiful place, but I will never torment myself by traveling in winter again. It was not just my first time in Seo...

Catharsis. I've been meaning to update but inertia and procrastination is a lethal combination. I suppose it's also because I was so overwhelmed with uncontrollable emotions that it put a lock on the tap to let the words run smoothly. Heck, maybe I didn't even want to elucidate my thoughts because the clearer they became, the more apparent the insecurities grew. But I'm here now. Not yet sure where to begin but it's mostly good news; good enough for me to finally  return to zen mode. (About time, man. About time.) Just glad I made it in time to fully soak in the celebratory festive season. A few weeks ago, I was experiencing a one-of-a-kind low. I spent a lot of time focusing on me  the last couple of years. In that time, I gained great independence and learned to appreciate being on my own.  There is great satisfaction in being able to enjoy time alone with my (sometimes frightening) thoughts. It is in those moments that I learned to confront my...

It seems each time I take a break from this platform, I lose touch with being able to put together a decent post without countless edits. (Oh, before I forget.  Hello there, August. ) The last several weeks have been terribly challenging; emotionally, mentally and eventually, physically as well. But amidst the chaos, I've somehow managed to keep my head high. I might have lost some shine but I'm still standing tall despite the numerous rough edges. This week would mark my first year as a full-time adult. And when I say adult , I mean leaving behind the option to select student  as occupation. Exactly a year ago, I took my first steps into office life as part of a publications unit. With excitement cavorting in my chest, I was so full of gratitude for the opportunity to put what I had learned in school to practical use. Back then, even I knew journalism was a closed market in Singapore and I would get nowhere as a writer even if I weren't exceptionally good. B...

And hello there, 2017. Traditionally, I would have this post done and up on the last day of the year but I obviously underestimated my ability to procrastinate. I am drafting this post on the plane back home to Singapore after spending some really cold 5 days in South Korea. Being 40,000 feet above ground with Adele playing in my ears sure gives me ample time to reflect back on the last year. To put it simply, 2016 was definitely a year of self-discoveries and milestones. The Milestones Final Year Project Oh, you have no idea how relieved I was when we finally submitted the project. Looking mighty fine, if I may say myself Our final piece was a publication on the literary scene in Singapore. I wish I could say I was satisfied with the end product but truth is, it was lacking in many areas and we definitely could have done better.  My friends know just how much I complained about it being a pain. But  all that is water under the bridge now and I'm j...

A few weeks ago, I walked into Popular  bookstore and checked out the top 10 best-selling books like I always do. Surprisingly, I discovered Mitch Albom's new title - The Magic Strings of Frankie Presto - and, needless to say, I purchased a copy. For years since reading Tuesdays with Morrie , I converted to an advent Mitch Albom reader. I cannot recall a time I didn't enjoy his books. And I still marvel at the way his words move me and the way his stories leave behind rankling yet oddly comforting food-for-thoughts. " But you cannot change your past, no matter how you craft your future. " One of my favourite lines from yet another inspirational and heart-warming read, this line resonates so loudly with me. I might be at a somewhat uncertain point yet it could also well be the pinnacle of my life but I'm young and because I'm  still  young, I'd like to think I still have the luxury to bask in uncertainty and take risks I probably would never have th...

With 2014 coming to a close, my final post for the year will be the traditional reflection. The past year has been pretty amazing for me. It was mostly filled with pleasant surprises although there, too, were some downers. The first couple of months weren't particularly exciting but life felt like it truly began after I turned 21 in March. Like I said, " It was a magical feeling. " Taking the opportunity to, once again, thank every one who took time off to come celebrate the special occasion with me in my humble home. And to every one else who wished me, thank you! Not forgetting my family who put together the entire celebration despite the high damage. I really appreciate it! :') April must have been one of months I looked forward to because I officially completed Y2! Y2 was somewhat mind-blowing. I actually enjoyed  the semester, probably because most of the cohort went on exchange and only a handful of us were left in school. I got to know and work with n...

23 minutes passed midnight and I suddenly had this urge to update this site. Moments ago, my mom, sis and I were sitting on the bed and we started talking about family . I conclude there are two kinds of family - the immediate one and the not-so-immediate one. In all honesty, I absolutely love  my immediate family. 5 years ago, I'd never have thought my family could mean this much to me but today, I know I can't live without them. (': Okay, the picture is missing the brother but you get the point. These people are the closest, dearest relationships I treasure unconditionally and I don't know what I'd do if we never found the meaning of truly being a family. I consider myself very blessed that my family, having been through all sorts of ups and downs, never gave up on each other and we stand firmly together. Even though the father left me at a very early age, even though I spent 10 years trying to fill that void he left behind, I'm proud to say I n...