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.

The light

As we walked hand in hand towards the machine that will take you miles away, this light momentarily blinded us.

It reminded me that no matter how irresistable today's sunset may be, tomorrow's sunlight will always be more beautiful. More to offer us. More to live for.

You always lament that Life is so unfair. Always throwing challenges that seem almost impossible to recover from. And I always tell you "No matter what happens, I will always be there to support you". I meant it when I said these words years ago, I still mean it today.

So no matter how tough the going gets, please remember that we are in this together. For life. Do not attempt to shoulder all of the s**t on your shoulders. I have strong shoulders too (thanks to Body Pump and Body Combat, heh!).

As long as we do not give up the fight, we will always win in the end.

Remember, remember that!

One month old!

Today marks my full month in this new world and it feels damn good!

It's true that time really flies when we're having fun. I can't believe it has been four weeks of awesomeness. Four of the best weeks in a long, long time.

I feel alive.
I feel loved.
I feel heard.
I feel meaningful.
I feel fullfilled.

It's strange how we think we've got it good. Until something great happens and we realise we've been missing out on the greatness.

Here's to a titanic shift as we journey down this exciting path!

Pearl of the East

I thought I wouldn't like Hong Kong.
I thought I'd find it too noisy. Too crowded. Too messy.
I thought I'd struggle communicating with the locals.

Well, I thought wrong.

I surprised myself, actually.The discussions in Cantonese, the local din as I savour my meals, the 'cha chan teng' I found myself drawn to....I seem to blend right in.

And in a strange way, the country reminds me alot of my beloved Penang, albeit on a much, much larger scale. Come to think of it, it is like a hybrid of Penang and Singapore. Maybe that's why I fitted in so well.

Today, a close friend asked me the million dollar question:
Would I choose to live in Hong Kong or in Taiwan?

Without batting an eyelash, I answered "Hong Kong!". Just because it is more vibrant, it is more happening, it offers more career opportunities, it is just so much more exciting.

Then I sat down to think about it. Hard.
And I realised I changed my mind.

After spending a night thinking, I changed my answer due to below reasons.

• Better quality of life in Taiwan (less stressful)
• More civilized people in Taiwan (there are just way too many immigrants from mainland China in Hong Kong). People in Taiwan are warmer and friendlier. More willing to stop whatever they are doing to help you out. In Hong Kong, it's more a dog-eat-dog's world.
• Better air quality in Taiwan. I have yet to see clear skies in my one week in Hong Kong. Everyday is hazy like there is a perpetual open fire burning somewhere. Strange thing is, there is no smell. Just low visibility.

Of course there are other areas that Hong Kong rated higher than Taiwan in my books but I guess it's all about a balancing act. Which are more important, which are just nice-to-haves.

I will end this post with this breath-taking picture of the city's nightline.