Happy Chinese New Year 2015

Perhaps it is the long distance.

Perhaps it is the long periods of absence.

Perhaps it is the gradual increase in age.

Perhaps it is because life has made me realise that the people and things that matter most are those that seem insignificant on the surface.

Have you called your loved ones yet? 

Have you sent that e-card or greeting card yet?

Have you travelled home yet?

Wishing everyone a Happy Chinese New Year, one full of happiness and good health.

Happy birthday, Mummy and Li'l Bro!

Sigh, yet another year of birthday celebrations without me being home. But at least, I have next year to look forward to!

Here is to wishing my 

Wonder Woman Mummy 

and my cat-loving Didi

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

Thank you for everything that you have done for me!

Spaces and places

We were walking past a church with scaffolding on its front steps when he asked, “Do you find it boring here?” That caught me by surprise but I replied with a simple no. I was also too distracted by how cold I was due to the strong wind.

“You don’t find it boring here?” Again, I shook my head and said no with a tinge of curiosity. However, in my mind, I expanded on my reply, “Sydney is huge and has so much character. There are many events throughout the year and there are many different places to go for food. Why would I find it boring?”

“But you prefer it back home?” Hm, what was he trying to ask me? I raised an eyebrow.

“That’s different! I like it back home not because of the place, it’s the people.”

Although the importance of place has been emphasized across a number of fields, such as philosophy, human and cultural geography and education, we rarely stop to consider what we mean when we speak of place. However, from this brief exchange, I realised that I assign different meanings to places due to the emotional bond I share with the people who are there. Without that bond, these places would just exist as spaces.

It is true when they say that it is through concepts (and practices) of place and space that we seek to understand and locate ourselves in the world. A place is not simply “a room, a garden or a city”. It is not merely a “space of some sort”. Place is “space which people have made meaningful” (Cresswell, 2005, p. 7) and in my case, meaningful because of the emotional attachment.

It is the experiences occurring in place that make it differ conceptually from space. Moreover, one person’s experience of a place might be very different from another’s, thus producing unique attachments, memories and meanings. Sydney would just be Sydney if not for friends here who go out of their way to care for me in times of need. Uni would just be uni if not for colleagues who provide help and encouragement to work hard for that dreaded graduation gown and mushroom-looking floppy hat. The sense of belongingness and the camaraderie are the ingredients that transform space into place, as these friends and colleagues assist in locating myself in the world, in my life.I find that if I am very much myself in a space with a person (or many people), it becomes a place to me. Some of these people may even find a special place in me somewhere.

So no, I do not find it boring here and I have the people here to thank for that, including the person who asked the question. “It’s not the place, it’s the people.”

_________________________

References and further reading:

Cresswell, T. (2005). Place: A short introduction. Malden, MA: Blackwell Publishers.

Miles, R. (2008). Rural-Regional sustainability through revitalising the commons: A case study. Paper presented in a symposium ('Education and Rural-Regional Sustainability') at the Annual Conference of the Australian Association for Research in Education (AARE), Brisbane, QLD, Nov 31 - Dec 4, 2008.

Happy birthday, my dear...

Birthdays hold different meanings for different people. While some people think of it as a milestone worth celebrating, some think of it as another passing day. For me, it is a bit of both but when it is someone else's, it means a lot.

Today, someone very dear to me turns 30. I have known him since January 2001. In a blink of an eye, our friendship has lasted for 12 years and counting. Of course, like any ship that sails the unpredictable seas, we have had our fair share of rough and calm waters, unexpected weather and the occasional surprise visit by a whale or dolphin.

To that special someone;

I am thankful that I made the decision to give 6th Form a try because otherwise, I would not have sat behind you.

I am thankful that I knew the teacher-in-charge of the class through tuition because otherwise, she would not have given me the opportunity to take up a class committee position.

I am thankful that I accepted the class committee position because otherwise, I would not have had the opportunity to work with you.

I am thankful that you were (and still are) a really friendly and helpful person because otherwise, I would not have had the courage to befriend you.

I am thankful that you were heaps better at Maths than I was because otherwise, I would not have had so much attention from you in class.

I am thankful that you believed in me (and continue to) because otherwise, I would not have managed to overcome the thoughts I had.

I am thankful that we went through what we did because otherwise, we would not have matured in the way we view each other and in the way that we are accepting of each other.

I am thankful that I did not reject the possibility of us becoming friends again after our fallout because otherwise, I would have lost a person who understands me really well.

I am thankful that despite everything, we are still friends and that our friendship has grown stronger throughout the years.

For all the phone calls, messages, cards, presents, meals, movies, impending tropical getaway, hugs and support. For your presence in my life.

I thank you from the bottom of my heart.

Happy birthday...

Nearly 2 years...

How time flies. It was not too long ago when these children were only 3 or 4-years-old when they first attended our centre. I remember how some of them came in with their parents to visit for the first time, how some questioned our curriculum, how they cried pitifully during their first two weeks with us.

We not only grew with the children, we also grew with the family. As some of these children spend more awake time with us than with their parents, we formed close, genuine bonds with families. It has been a humbling journey  working with these families.

Some of these children stayed for a year. Some for 2 years. Some for 3 and some for 4 years. Some of their parents also enrolled younger siblings, which meant that our face-to-face interaction with them go on for more than 4 years.

How time flies. It was not too long ago when all they could say were, "I want mummy" or "sheeshee". Although we have many children attending every year, it still amazes me at how much they learn. In only a few weeks, "I want mummy" would become "Mummy, bye-bye!" and "sheeshee" would become "May I go to toilet please?"

For this particular batch of students, it has been 2 years since they graduated to primary school. While some of them have lost contact with us, many of them still keep in touch with us through Facebook or saying hi during drop-off and pick-up time.

We are very pleased and proud that many of them have adapted very well to primary school life, some even making a name for themselves for excelling in story-telling, wushu, gymnastics, track and field, basketball, poetry, calligraphy and singing. Hopefully, the experiences they had with us will continue to come in handy in their lives.

From up high...

Despite my constant air travels, I am still awed by the work of a mightier source somewhere out there. I used to prefer an aisle seat but recent years have seen me choosing a window seat for the opportunity to watch the world from a different perspective.

Helps to put me back into perspective with things in life, too. Humility, generosity, patience. Life is good. :)

Happy Mother's Day

Why are you up so early? Sleep somemore la.

What do you want for lunch? I dapau for you.

Are you having dinner with us? Want me to pack for you also or not?

Which car are you taking? If not I take you out and drop you off. Just call me when you are done.

Where are you going for dinner? With who? Where are you having dinner? He coming to take you or are you driving to his place? Makan with him only or with a group of friends? What time are you coming home?

Who is that? I've not heard his name before. Where is he from? How you know him one? Whose friend? How old is he? Where does he live? What does he do?

Are you wearing that? Why your skirt so short ah? Why your shirt so low cut ah?

Why wear all black ah? You going for funeral ah?

You know people's parents' or not? Make sure you bring something to people's house, don't go empty handed.

Brought your keys? Your water? Phone got battery or not? Got money or not? Enough to use or not?

Where are you? Highway already? Later when you get back, there's a bowl of bird's nest. I put on your table already. Drink before you sleep.

You on your way back yet or not? Not yet ar? Where are you now? Not too late ar, that road is very dark, very quiet. Be careful on your way home.

Remy is waiting for you at the door already. Are you on your way yet?

Go and do your work. Don't worry about other things. You finish your work first.

Bought everything you need or not? Packed already? Make sure you have everything you need. If not just let us know and we'll post them over to you.

Passport taken already? Your Aussie dollar and all that got ah?

Remember to take care of yourself. Eat properly. Don't play too hard. Work hard but have to balance also. And don't worry so much, you will be okay one.



I love you too, Mummy. 

Happy Mother's Day.

GE13: 5th May, D-Day

The walk from the bus stand back home last night was extraordinarily chilly. Winter winds are creeping in. Propped the handbag on the table and made a dash for a warm shower before making a mug of comforting hot Milo to consume while Mom updated me on the phone...

We waited in the queue for 1.5 hours. We were in a different saluran. I think we line up according to age because your brother was in a different queue. He had to wait for 2 hours. Miss Tai told us she had to queue for 3 hours. Then in the afternoon, your father and I went out for a drive to you know, '8' a bit la. Went to see the other polling centres. You know the surau near our place? It was very well guarded. I think it would be hard for anyone to get past that wall of people. Even at the secondary school. So many people there to make sure no wai lao would get in. And many of them were young people. It's good.

Turned the lappie on. Had a few tabs open for live updates. Slowly, the results were released. One seat for BN. Then it was three. Then it went up to seven. PR had only one. Then it was three...

Oh my goodness! So kancheong! The last time I felt this kancheong was that nail-biting match between Lee Chong Wei and Lin Dan at the London Olympics. Where is an open air mamak stall with wide screen projector when I need one?!

Had Mel on Skype. Then Xin Wen and Deidre on speaker when they rang the mobile. Should have heard us girls during that virtual gathering.

Are you watching the election results or not? Watch the Astro Awani one, it's faster. Wah, I think my BM has returned to me. I can speak it so fluently again... Aiyo, Chrys, so sad la. I want to fly home and educate my people (in Sarawak) already la. I so sad until I already had four Oreos, you know!

My electronic gadgets buzzed non-stop. WhatsApp continuously notified me of messages from the family group chat, Sonia and Ray (who, bless his soul, was a volunteer). So did Facebook Chat, with messages from Ming Wei. Rotated between WhatsApp, Facebook, Skype and phone call.

Yes, I had work to be handed in but I think the future of my country is more important than my PhD studies this weekend, thank you very much. But I could not stay awake. It was nearly 2:00am and after spending half the day traveling, my eyelids were heavy. 

I woke up to a Facebook wall full of black boxes. Initially, I thought there was a glitch but on closer scrutiny, it was a response to the results from the night before. Admittedly, although it was not a surprise, I felt the heartbreak, too...

以为就此告别了凉意
依然推不翻过去
走不出寂静
白色的脸有黑色的投影 － excerpt of lyrics from 窗外 by Penny Tai 戴佩妮

Many Malaysians were dissatisfied not so much with the results but with how the results were manipulated. From the updates on my Facebook newsfeed (which by the way, has never been as busy as this weekend), the general consensus is that we as Malaysians are ready to continue the battle for a better Malaysia. That we, as the Rakyat and not as me, you, aku, dia, Malay, Chinese, Indian or Others, are prepared to accept this challenge to better inform ourselves, our East Malaysian brothers and sisters, as well as those residing overseas for GE14...

Seia sekata sehati sejiwa, menghadapi cabaran - excerpt of lyrics from Sejahtera Malaysia

My opinions are personal and my opinions are not representative of all Malaysians but there are some of us who believe in fighting this battle. We believe that no one understands the frustrations of Malaysia better than we do because we have lived through it firsthand. And like how I teach my students, when we want something, we have to work for it. Nothing comes for free, not even an eye-catching crisp purple RM100 note lying on the pavement. If you want that RM100 note, you would have to get off your behind, walk towards it, bend down and pick it up to have it.

No one said that it will be an easy task. What is easy in life, anyway? Some say that we are fighting a lost cause but every battle is worth fighting because we believe that Malaysia and her people deserve better and are capable of so much more...

Kami rela menjaga namamu, sejahtera Malaysia - ending lyrics of Sejahtera Malaysia

2013, 5th of May was D-Day for the nation. We now know that Malaysians young and old regardless of background are able to work towards a common cause, to speak up. No resting on our laurels now for we have gained invaluable friends and experience. We have 5 years to educate ourselves, to better ourselves, to be less selfish, to be more Malaysian. And this education starts now for the 1Malaysia that we have in our blood and soul and not one that is used as a marketing tool...

Negaraku, tanah tumpahnya darahku - opening lyrics of Negaraku

Life #12

It does not take much to make me happy.

It does not take much to make someone else happy.

But it does take plenty of effort, determination, trust and respect to gain genuine happiness.

I suppose, every friendship's happiness carries different meanings. I think, the happiness we have is one that we managed to develop over time and challenges that saw us through not just good but also bad times.

♥ you too. happy birthday.

Thank you, 2012

Before the clock strikes 12, I would like to finish that box of Ferrero Rocher sitting on my kitchen counter. I think the riesling in my fridge would go very well with it. Oh, and perhaps some of that Maggie Beer burnt fig, honeycomb and caramel ice cream, too. When the clock does strike 12, I would be in front of the black box watching the thousands of dollars worth of taxpayers' money paint the night sky with colourful firework artistry. So, to assist me in my quest to rid off all the above-mentioned food, I thought I'd use some brain juice here...

Dear 2012,

How are you? You have had a year filled with challenges and with achievements of sorts. There were school shootings and there was the London Olympics. For me, you prepared something slightly different compared to other years.

You first sent me to Melbourne for some family time over Chinese New Year. It allowed me to touch base with my aunts and cousins, and also to meet my nephew for the first time.

Then there was the frenzy over getting an approval from  the HREC board in uni. Without their green light, I would not be able to purchase that flight back to KL for the first part of my research.

When I arrived home, you gave me a slap in my over-confident face with setbacks in participant recruitment. Very timely slap, I would have to say, as it brought out the worst in my stubborn self that needed some fine-tuning. This fine-tuning received support in the form of emotional support from family and friends like Max, Jeunn Fuh and Edwin. Also, there were references that came from unexpected people, like Miss Chia, Miss Yong and Raymond.

I was fortunate to attend the Holy Matrimony of my best friend, Jon, the wedding receptions of ex-classmate, Yew Fon, of CPU juniors, Alan and Lian Shien, as well as the whole wedding day fun of ex-high school juniors, Guek Ming and Hwee Lee.

You gave me the honour of flying on the flight that my ex-student, Chee Kin, was first officer. I had the chance to visit Singapore after my first visit 18 years ago.

There were new people you introduced into my life, too. There was the AsiaWorks bunch of good buddies, like Evon and Henry. There were the two new additions to our Honey Bee family in the form of Rainey and Carrie. Not only did you introduce new people, there were new cats! Elphar and Remy, and then Bubur and Chacha.

You graciously gave me the opportunity to celebrate (for the first time) the birthdays of Jeunn Fuh and Rick Kee.

Being part of cousin Samantha's graduation was also an event that meant quite a bit to me. It was my first attendance at a graduation of a family member. It felt really good to see her all grown up and pursuing her own interest.

I was also given the chance to re-visit Malacca and Penang, both being 2-day/1-night getaways in Dad's oh-so-comfy new car. Speaking of cars, you allowed me to ride in many of my friends' cars and if I get to take my pick, I would rate Ray's my favourite ride.

After returning Down Under, you gave me even more support in the form of friends like Xin Wen, Jenny and Michael. Housemate issues really did not bother me much and even that was a learning curve that I have benefited much from. I look forward to welcoming Karen, who is replacing Ai Vee to live with Jie and I.

I cannot thank you enough for the privilege to have my abstract accepted for and to present at the TASA Conference. And because of the trip to Brisbane, I had the chance to see Jwu Yng's place and also catch up with ex-student, Li Xin (even made friends with her friends).

Despite all the happenings, reconnecting with old friends and their families would have to be the best gift you prepared for me. A big thank you goes out to all that has been part of my life in 2012.

all my friends in my professional network, especially scott, ah boon, steven, miss chia, mrs. pang, ah wei
all my 'virtual' friends, especially boey, brandon, melissa
all my cpu friends, especially justin oei, justin mong, alan, lian shien, benjamin, wan feng

all my asiaworks buddies, especially henry, evon, alicia, kein, bocao, phylicia

all my herbalife friends, especially sonia, brent, michelle, charlie, jenni, oscar, sandy, yiran, leo, charles

all my friends in serdang, especially sook fong and jason, ken lie, peter, chin dy, mohas, eniza, kimberly, jason, king mui, kian fei
all my sydney friends, especially jenny, michael, xin wen, stellina, shaun, thaddeus, may, rachel, othilia, ai vee, jie, keith, elvin, jeng yie, edison, dominic, galven, audrey, ming yow, diane, pek lynn, vanessa, daniel, ta seng, selina, ke xin, terence, karen, eugene, alex, charmaine, michaeline, shannon, jeff, elvan, evelyn, victor, alvin
all my friends, colleagues and mentors in uni, especially jocelyn (and family), nicholas, heather, kelly, lisa, nanditha, dora, rosemary, grace, helen, zinnia, sanobia, doranna, sally, jennifer, alex, julie, rebecca, marina, sheila, shirley, marianne, jane, manjula, belinda, amanda, cathrine, clare, fay, jackie, ellie, peter
all my research partipants in sydney and kl and my usm mentor, prof. anna christina
all my ex-teachers from desa, especially mr. bong, mr. karuna, puan wong
all my friends from desa, especially jeunn fuh, paul, max and cathryn, yew fon, su ee, yee teng, dorothy, hui wei, natalia, kean giap, weng lok, rick kee and felicia, kenny and lee chin, yuen chai, eva, lee sih, han hsuing, kin seng, wai seng, robin, tommy, yan loong, raymond loh, edwin, jon and ee lane, yin lee, ai ling, chee kit and sandra, soo ting, mei yen, sabrina, guek ming and hwee lee, swee fong and queenie, jwu hoe and chai ling, fuh ming (and his mum), raymond chong (and his family: aiwee, nelson, simon, rhyann, aeris, kingston, aunty and uncle), yun hau, how ran and siew ching, pin kean, yee khai, voon khong
all my current honey bee students
all my ex-honey bee students (and their families), especially lih herng, lih jie, wan xin, wan qin, li xin, jian jun, munn yee, charl yee, shin yee, chui mun, chui yee, jie hui, chee kin, justin, chon seng, chon jun, siu suan, siew qi, yew weng, ruihan, ming suet, yuk khey, zhi qiao, su xin, su ting, vincent, vivian
all my ex-honey bee staff (and their families), especially miss yee, miss ng, miss ong, miss lew, miss lee, miss wong, puan emi
all my current honey bee staff (and their families), miss yong, miss chang, puan nora, miss puanes, puan nisma, miss teoh, miss saras, miss chin, miss nancy, miss yam, miss tai, miss ang, miss foo, miss carrie, miss rainey, uncle chow, aunty yen
my extended family, especially aunty pat, cousin petrina, jason, brianna and olivia, cousin lik shan, aunt yoke wan, aunt yoke mooi, cousin woon bing, aunt yoke chin, cousin meng cheng, uncle ah fong, aunt siew peng, cousins pei shan, yon tian and pei qi, aunt shiu ying, cousins pei shin and pei yiun, aunt shiu yeen, cousin eunice, uncle sim fatt, aunt siew choo, cousins samuel and samantha
my two cambodian domestic helpers, who absolutely adore the cats at home
my four-legged furry cuties, remy and chacha
my fantastic family, bro, mum, dad

For better or worse, each and every one of you have helped me become more of who I am today, become a better me in future.

"Let us rise up and be thankful, for if we didn't learn a lot today, at least we learned a little, and if we didn't learn a little, at least we didn't get sick, and if we got sick, at least we didn't die; so, let us all be thankful." - Buddha

And therefore, 2012, thank you for everything.

Most sincerely,

sj.

Happy 2013, everyone...

Life #11

Hello, my favourite month of the year. How have you been? You seem well. You brought with you splendid weather. You brought with you endearing endings and exciting beginnings.

Ah yes, it has been a while, has it not? A whole year has gone past without us realising. I suppose that is a good sign, no? A sign of us living life to the fullest and really enjoying our earthly pursuits.

We tend to take life for granted, do we not? Life, as in even the 'free stuff' that Mother Nature provides. Take now for example.

I see the flickering of the shadows made by the leaves on the trees playing peekaboo with one another.
I see the golden rays of sunshine, which provokes a sense of warmth.
I see birds of all kinds taking flight, making full use of the cool breeze that helps them fly with less effort.

I see all but I see only when I take the time and effort to slow down and pause to observe and ponder. This stopping to ponder, to me, is an important process but I am not suggesting that we do it every minute of the hour. I hear you ask, "If we stop to ponder so much, how does that help the year go past faster?" Ah, now, the answer to this question would differ from one individual to another. And for me, this process of reflection helps me shape my thoughts and to help me become.

Become?

Yes, become. To become more me. To listen to myself more. And when I am more skillful in listening to who I truly am, I am a more genuine person.

The world isn't just the way it is. It is how we understand it, no? And in understanding something, we bring something to it, no? Doesn't that make life a story?” ― Yann Martel in Life of Pi

Do not get me wrong. There is not intention to become the perfect being. This process of becoming takes plenty of effort, and life lessons. And I think, it also involves taking time to stop in our normally fast-paced, technology-packed tracks to just be grateful for everything and everyone.

So yes, my favourite month of the year, I am grateful that you have arrived. And thank you.

From the bottom of my heart

By the time you get to read this, I would be sitting comfortably in my seat on an MH flight enroute to Sydney. Maybe even enjoying the MAS nasi lemak, which I enthusiastically recommended to a friend recently.

Yes, I am southbound once again, like the many times before this. Many of you wonder if I refer to both locations as home. Well, yes, I do, but according to different terms. And some of you ask if it gets easier each time I take off. In all honesty, it should because I would be conditioned to accept the fact that I have to get my sorry ass back to uni but unfortunately, it has not. This is especially true for this particular trip back to KL.

This trip, unlike my previous ones, was a long one. Six months to be exact. Instead of a play-my-heart-out holiday, it was also a working holiday. Many things could happen in six months. Much more than say two or three weeks.

Relationships made and broken; establishing new connections, both professional and personal; reconnecting with people who have been out of my life for a long time; disconnecting with people who are not worth my time and effort; money earned and spent; places visited and distances travelled.

There were ups and downs during the six months, in particular with my research. However, I have to admit that there were more highs than lows and there are several people I would like send a shout out to here (in no particular order and if I do not mention you here, that does not mean that you are not important, okay?).

Jian Jun, at least I got to see you in the flesh. Enjoy college life to the max (without causing and getting into too much trouble, that is)! Thank you for still being willing to meet up with me - students like you make it all worth it.

Su Ee (and family), Chee Kin, Chin Dy and Velvin, Singapore was heaps fun because of all of you - thank you so much!

Jenny, thank you for that really long (and healthy) lunch. Am always happy to make another trip to your side of town.

My research participants, my six months would have been meaningless without you. All of you. Thank you.

Miss Chia, you went all out of your way to bring me around the Klang Valley and passed to me phone numbers of possible participant centres. I cannot thank you enough for that.

Rhyann, you are my new friend, my new makan and main kaki! I will miss Aeris and Kingston heaps! You have to keep sharing photos of them with me, okay?

Rainey, you have no idea what you have gotten yourself into. But I am grateful that you are part of the Honey Bee team. I hope you learn lots with us and that you enjoy your stay with us. Thank you for choosing to be with us.

Miss Lew, your presence at Honey Bee is much missed. Why? Because you are not around to replace absent teachers, to help with sending off, and to help during bath. Sigh.... haha, you are missed because of your cheerful, happy-go-lucky demeanour more than anything else! Thank you for being part of the Honey Bee family and hope everything at your new workplace will get better!

Miss Teoh, what can I say? Your 38ness, your food cravings, your karaoke craze, your loud voice, your sudden addiction to Herbalife - they all make you a special person. Thank you for being not just my colleague, but also my friend. I will always remember our makan and main trips, especially the cycling trip to Putrajaya Wetlands and our two-day trip to Melaka.

Boey, thank you for giving me the honour to bring you to the airport. I really enjoyed the catch up and just like you, am thrilled with all the hard-earned awesomeness that is happening.

Fong (and Queenie), I am forever indebted to both of you for bringing me home safely that night from The Beer Factory. Thank you.

Sab, your cheerful demeanour and endless topics of conversation amazes me. Your shutter-happy efficiency ensures that we have up-to-date photographs to admire on your FB constantly. Having you in the group just lights things up. Thank you.

Raymond Chong, thank you for being my new lunchtime buddy. Thank you for the Jap dinner, the super random movie and McD's brekkie. That ride from The Mines, honestly, was a great help. Thank you for coming along to Penang with us, too. And I cannot thank you enough for introducing your sis-in-law. And your really adorable Mum. But more importantly, thank you for being you.

Guek Ming (and Hwee Lee), for all the yumcha (and yumzau) and makan sessions, all the tongsui and chuisui sessions, all the car rides and all the long phone calls. For the cycling at Putrajaya and the roadtrip to Penang. And especially, for allowing me to be part of your wedding. Thank you.

Fuh Ming,I am sometimes amazed at how much you understand me and at how patient you are with me - all that make you a special person. Thank you.

Voon Khong, for all the meals and movies, all the long discussions on how I could view things differently and all your encouragement, thank you.

Raymond Loh, congratulations on the the upgrading of the kopitiam! I have been recommending your place to friends and I am so happy to see you do so well. And thank you for letting me be part of the celebrations!

Chee Kit, you are an amazing person and you have to keep telling yourself that. Your positive outlook in life and never say never attitude is commendable. And I thank you for letting me be a part of your life journey.

Sandra, I am so happy that we managed to meet again after 20 long years! I am even more amazed that we both still look the same (chewah, so perasan right?). Let us both be each others' pillar of support on this exciting journey, okay? We can do it and we will do it in style!

Edwin, AsiaWorks is amazing. You are amazing and with that, our friendship is amazing. Thank you.

Kenny, your encouragement and support, however random, are much appreciated. Your presence at my AW Basic Training graduation was just heartwarming. Thank you. I apologise for not making it for your wedding but you know I am genuinely happy for you and congratulate both of you.

Jon, you are and will always be a special friend. Your wedding was so touching, I had tears in my eyes (you know, that feeling of, "Aw, my best friend is getting married... sniff sniff..."). Congratulations. And thank you.

Yuen Chai, your tip on where to look for maps is a lifesaver. Thank you.

Max (and Cath), your presence in my life in itself is a blessing. You share both my joys and sorrows. You help me think straight (ironically, over a pint or two of beer). You talk to me until I think that everything will be okay. Thank you.

Jeunn, I am so glad I had the chance to celebrate your birthday with you this year. Your willingness to go out of your way to ferry me home from wherever I am is just unbelievable. And tailing me home to ensure I am safe - I do not know anyone else who does that. Thank you.

Xin Wen, your e-mails, WhatsApp conversations and Skype calls provided much consolation. I really miss you and Michael. Thank you for your friendship, that I hope will become stronger with each event we experience together.

Samuel and Samantha, I am so proud of both of you - all grown up and not the so little cousins of mine any longer. Meimei, I am so glad that I made it to your graduation. Korkor, I will make it to taste all your new recipes, okay? Love ya lots!

Little bro, we may not be like other sis-bro pairs that can hang out together and share jokes but I honestly have much respect for you. I will be a better sister the next time I am home.

Mum and Dad, no words can express how much I love you. For everything that you have done for me and to me for the past 29 years, I thank you.

From the bottom of my heart, I thank you all.