Let’s Do This

As routine as life gets, I never know for sure what’s going to happen each day. Truthfully, I kinda like the surprises; they keep life interesting and more often than not, they serve as reminders of God’s faithfulness. And boy, do I need to have faith this year.

2012′s gonna be filled with uncertainties. Mostly because it marks the end of my personal 5-year plan, and – believe me – I’m all ready to reassess my vocation. I’ve never liked the idea of staying in my comfort zone for too long. I need change. It keeps me from getting lazy/complacent/overly-jaded. Yet, it also brings about a whole truckload of questions and concerns. Hence, as much as I’m excited about making major changes in my life, I’m also pretty nervous. So if you share my faith (or even if you don’t), please pray that I will continue to seek the Lord’s guidance and have the confidence to see things through. :)

Speaking of which, I never see through all my New Year’s resolutions. So I told myself to be less ambitious this year and instead of resolving to achieve a whole bunch of things, I’m gonna set about endeavouring. You see, by not calling them “resolutions” it already feels less pressurising because it doesn’t come with the expectation of ensuring they get accomplished by year’s end. Agree?

- Be a better steward of time and money
- Make healthier eating choices
- Be more patient towards my family

That’s it. That’s all I have this year. But they’re not easy. BELIEVE ME.

Already, I’ve failed somewhat in the Good Steward of Money department, making several purchases for work. But in my defence, I really was running out of work clothes. Also, the print on this top was just too cute.

I did a little better food-wise. Dinner was grilled salmon with roasted potatoes. Healthy enough, yes?

And again, that’s why I’m calling them endeavours.

. . . . .

Song of the Day, because it’s always good to kick off the new year with Christian Ska! ;p

World Without End, by Five Iron Frenzy

When change is good, part 2

(Part 1 here)

2002:

2011:

Back in 2002, Huaiky, Hui and I went to Brisbane for 2 years to get our degrees in Mass Communication at QUT. (The university for the real world. Heck yeah!) It was a life-exchanging experience in the truest sense of the word. The girls found husbands (who are brothers… I know right?!) and I found… well, there was that one guy. But as God would have it, things weren’t meant to work out. (I say that now, but back then, it was all why God, whyyyyy??!!) Anyhow, I did get to meet a whole bunch of wonderful people from church who are now dear friends, and it was also at this church that I developed a deeper love for Christ. And that’s always good. ;)

I remember being overwhelmed with emotions the night before I left for Brissie. Most of which were a mix of excitement and nervousness, with a tinge of fear and uncertainty. Was I seriously ready to live in a foreign land? Were my parents gonna be okay? What if I died? So at approximately 1:30 or 2 in the morning, I took out a piece of paper and wrote my parents a letter. Y’know, in case something really did happen to me, I would have liked them to know how much I loved and appreciated them. Yeah, I’m dramatic like that. I then remember bawling my eyes out, because I was already missing my family and friends, and also because I’m a sook.

As you can tell, I didn’t die. Things turned out pretty great, and I can tell you now that I’d never trade that experience for the world.

9 years later, we bid adieu to Nessa, who is now in Liverpool, all ready to study Law. I don’t know if she encountered the same emotions (this girl is strong) but the fact that she’s not 20, like we were back then, I imagine she’s coping a lot better than we did. I’m missing her heaps, but I’m also really excited that she’s getting to experience what I went through (well, more or less) cos I just know it’ll be life-changing for her too. And I pray that she’ll find incredible friends like I did. BUT – and here’s a big but – I’m also keeping my fingers crossed that life-changing for her will not also translate to marrying off to a faraway land. Because quite frankly, I don’t think my wee little heart can take one more of us gone for good.

*sighs*

. . . . .

Song of the Day

Go Your Own Way, by Fleetwood Mac

When change is good

My dear friend leaves for Liverpool tomorrow night to start a brand new chapter in her life. It’s a bold move, especially considering she’s undertaking a brand new degree at the “ripe” age of 29, but above all else, it is inspiring because she’s finally realising her dreams.

I wish I had that much courage to abandon what I’m doing now and pursue my own interests. Yet, there’s so much to consider. Will a switch in vocations do me good? Will I miss working with teens? And even though I have my parents’ full support to further my studies, there is a whole host of issues to worry about. Are my recently-retired parents really gonna be okay without my income? Will I be able to get a job when I get back?

Perhaps, like my friend, I just need to seek God’s peace and have a little more faith.

All the best to you, Nessa! I’m so excited and happy for you. *hugs*

I miss you already.

Who’s gonna enjoy a good beer with me now? :(

. . . . .

Song of the Day

Changes, by David Bowie