I met her!

I shouldn't be this excited, really. But admittedly, I was.

On the outside, I was this cool lady shaking hands and saying "Nice to meet you" to the lady who married the man who was once a part of my life.

5 years ago, I remember. I was over the moon for him when he shared his news with me. I am a non-believer of the line "One can never be friends with the exes". They were in our lives and meant the world to us at some point in time. That must count for the beauty of the person inside and outside, no? Not ending up as life partners do not mean the friendship has to die. Both can be matured to accept that some folks are not meant to be life partners, and perhaps meant to be really good buddies. Anyway, I digress.

So there she was. Smiling with the corners of her mouth slightly upturned, carrying a very cute wide-eyed little girl in her arms. I am not sure if that is a good smile or otherwise. But I tried my hardest to send my most positive and strongest vibes over to her. Silently transmitting the message "I am very happy for you and your little family now. You married a good man and you should NEVER feel threatened by me in ANY way because we agreed to part ways long before you came into his life. And we will be good friends till eternity. I hope you can appreciate that."

I found out a few days later that he didn't prep her for the meeting. He didn't want to give her a chance to react or suspect that it was a set-up. Cos it really wasn't. It just happened. Which I was really glad it did.

I truly am at peace now.

A day in the life with...

At first, I was a little miffed. Then I was annoyed. Which then turned to frustration. Maybe pissed off was a better word to describe how I felt at that point. A million thoughts raced through my head. In spite, I lashed out. Brutally. Using words that shocked even myself. Baiting. Not sure if I was hoping for a bite though. Then as suddenly as it erupted, it diminished into ashes.

Sometimes, I think I am a crazy woman looking to start WW3. Or just a really emotional b***h.

So goes a day in the life with Eleen.

Life in Hong Kong

It has been awhile.
A really long while.

A lot has happened since the last time I updated this space. Much of love and life has happened. I am a little regretful that I didn't take the time to pause and capture those moments in here. But...

Oh well.
 Will try to update this space a little more frequently.

Here's something for today.

 

Above picture was taken at one of the many gorgeous hiking trails in Hong Kong. The holes are wartime stoves. Read about its history here.

Here's to wishing lots of love and life to you. Whatever it may be. Crazy partying, hard core gymming, fruitful shopping - whatever that rocks your boat.

XOXOXO
Eleen

Ta 2013, Yo 2014

I blinked.
And then 2013 was over. Just like that. Now, how did that happen???

Looking back, 2013 has definitely been a year of surprises. Of bold decisions too. 

The end of 2013 and the beginning of 2014 was a blur though. Mainly due to 2 big events for 2 of our best pals. Congrats, you guys. NOW it is official. :P

We had fun, though. Loads of it.

Now, tell me if 2014 is gonna be anything but more than awesome!

Decision making : Do we have absolute control?

When we make choices in life, we make it knowingly. No matter how we are 'forced' into it, there is always this element of decision-making. Even if one decides on a resolution or makes a compromise, it is still a conscious decision. A decision to be 'forced' into that outcome. Or a decision to accept a certain pre-arranged outcome. Still, a decision.

No matter how some folks claim to be robbed of certain decisions, I honestly do not buy that crap. One decides to accept that a decision is taken out of his/her hand - still a decision. Or one can decide to do something about it to lessen (or maybe even eliminate) the frustration. Always a decision.

Not happy? Do something about the situation.
Not satisfied? Find the means to meet that need/want.
Not fulfilled? Change the way things are done.

What is the point of venting one's frustrations in social media when all it really achieves is to make that person look like a fool?

Supporting Success

"Behind every successful man is a woman"

We hear this all the time, since the beginning of time.
As the world population evolves, we are constantly challenged to look outside of our comfort zones. So, is it that much of a surprise that we should also consider the below saying?

"Behind every successful woman is a man"

Not being sexist. Just thinking out of the norm. Really, have you thought about it?

I know many successful ladies. Ladies who are up there in the corporate world. Ladies who travel the world. Ladies who can still manage a kid or two while juggling her career. Those, I really admire. I constantly remind them how awesome they are to be able to manage two of the most difficult jobs - being a career woman and being a mother. But let's be practical. She cannot be successful by herself. She needs support. From her partner/hubby, from her parents, from her family.

So, if your partner/wife is a successful career woman, please do not feel intimidated. Some folks tell me it's a built-in DNA for men to feel intimidated by successful women. Maybe, maybe not.

Men who are intimidated by their successful wives/partners, grow some balls. Lose the insecurities. There is nothing wrong with a woman managing a successful career AND a family. F**k the norm. Says who we have to do what the rest of the world does. So, it makes your family abit more special. Be proud of that! Ignore the noise from your insecure friends who still live in the Stone Age and believe that a woman's place is in the kitchen/at home.

The man in my life may have some insecurities but there is one area that I am always proud of him. To be able to hold his head up high and tell his friends :

"I am proud of my woman!"

Cruel world

As you struggle internally,
And fretted externally,
All I could do,
Amidst all the frustrations...

Is to hold you tightly.
Is to support you emotionally.
Is to remind you that I am still here,
Will still be here for a long, long time.

Times ahead will be tough.
Very tough.
So tough that it will sap you (and us) dry.

To you, I will smile.
To you, I will stay strong.
To me, I will die a little inside.
To me, I will fight to not be bitter.

But, that's life.
Unpredictable and cruel.

Now you understand why I am constantly fighting for my own happiness? For my own life?
Because I know nothing is permanent in this world.

Not even Life.
Especially not Life.