Perhaps I’m still adjusting back to a drudging routine after having too much fun in New York, or perhaps age really is catching up with me; whatever it is, this month felt like an eternity.

A quick tally shows I only worked 17 full days this month, meaning, I had 14 possible days of rest. Possible. I say this because with the Lunar New Year and first-day-of-school shenanigans, having proper rest during all those 14 days was almost unthinkable. Now, there were a few occasions where whole days were spent lazing in my pyjamas but what I need to feel recharged is to be so relaxed as if I’m on some resort island sitting by the beach, reading a good book, sipping a cool drink.

Oh, right. That’s coming up in three and a half weeks when we celebrate Dia’s 30th. At Sentosa, yes. At least, it’s a fancy enough resort. ;)

I think I need some sort of regular happy place. Or at least have something to look forward to each week. Too many weekends have been spent either catching up on work, or doing something so inconsequential that I don’t feel like I have been making proper use of the free time I’m given. Perhaps I need to spend more quality time with family and friends. It’s never dull when you’re in the company of loved ones. :) Hanging out at a picturesque locale is simply a bonus.

All that said, will someone please take me here this weekend…?

. . . . .

Song of the Day

Down By The Water, by The Drums

I thought I had it all figured out. After chatting with the girls yesterday, I was convinced that I’ll be doing my Masters locally, saving me all the worry about finances and whatnot. Then I re-looked at the programmes offered at UniMelb and realised that I really, really wanted to do my Masters in something less… academic.

I’m not going to lie. Money is a concern. I’m not struggling, but I’m afraid that I will right after I graduate. And I feel entirely responsible for my retired parents. Taking a full year (or maybe even two) off work just to chase a dream is going to cause an unwelcome interruption in the cash flow department. Repaying huge tuition loans thereafter isn’t going to help.

So why quit then? Why am I even making such plans? Because, like Dia so astutely verbalised, I have done my part in the 5 years that I have committed myself to teaching, and it is time to move on to do something that I’ve wanted to do since I was 15. And also because I know I’m not going to suck at it (this last sentence entirely my own but the sentiment was shared).

I’m extremely certain I will pursue my Masters next year. I have thought about it long and hard, and that decision has been more or less made. The only issue I’m grappling with is if I should do it locally or overseas. Money aside, a side-by-side comparison of programmes show very different career paths. The local option appears more inclined towards a career in communications management in the civil service as I champion various public campaigns; the overseas options gear towards writing and publishing, allowing me to develop skills in journalism and possibly art direction as well (two areas I’ve always been excited about).

The main reason why I’m even considering studying internationally is because I am of the belief that doing my Masters overseas will allow me to bring something else to the table. I want to have knowledge of international perspectives. I want to provide alternative views. Although, the fact that I already attained my Bachelor’s from QUT may be enough reason for me to go local now. Still. It’s always good to gain new experiences, no?

I still have a number of months to go before I submit any application. And quite honestly, I do have enough faith in the Lord to know that He will provide me, and my family with the finances. I just don’t know if I should even consider doing my Masters locally. Because, really, the course structure just doesn’t excite me as much.

Thoughts?

. . . . .

Song of the Day

It’s Ain’t Over Til It’s Over, by Lenny Kravitz