Sunday, January 31, 2016

Two-Oh-One-Five Recap!

Loads had happened in the year.

I started the year by moving from Alma to Butterworth just so I could be close to everyone. Moving is never easy. It is tiring. However, when you have true friends who were there to give you some hands, it was not that bad. I had a few girl friends who came to my aid to clean the place before I officially moved in. Later, I had a few guy friends who came to help me up. Then another pair of friends who came to my place in the middle of the night to fix the curtains in my room and brought me out for supper after.

Everything was good in Butterworth until I accepted a new job opportunity in Georgetown which means I had to make a move again. Second time in the same year! But before I made the move, I went to Seoul with my mom along with a tour. I had a great time especially with my mom and trust me, Korea is lovely! I will definitely go back again.

After I got back from my trip, it was time for me to bid farewell to my colleagues in Etiqa. I really did not wish to leave them. I really had a great time with them. Two years – neither a short nor long period of time. We had been through a lot together in those two years and they were really supportive and helped me up a lot. I cried when I got into the car after I said goodbye to them. Yes, I cried and I was surprised to learn that I cried too.

As I started my new job in Georgetown, I finally got into a relationship with a close friend of mine. We have known each other for more than a year and no, I had never imagined this would happen. I remember once my sister-in-law asked me if there is a possibility for the two of us to be together. I directly answered her no. I guess life is like a box of chocolate – you will never know what you will get inside until you opened it.

It was not a smooth sailing journey in my new workplace. I could not have regular meals on time and that was how I got multiple gastri attacks. The very first attack happened when I was in Kuala Lumpur when I was attending the new employees orientation. I thought I had a heart attack because I had difficulties to breathe and my fingers and toes were frozen and numb and I was beginning to lose my consciousness. I decided to give a call to both my brother and a friend. My friend drove all the way from Petaling Jaya to where I stayed (Jalan Ampang) and brought me to the nearest hospital, Hospital Kuala Lumpur. My brother and my sister-in-law arrived later. Another two friends arrived much later too. I am really blessed and grateful to have such wonderful people in my life.

There was a big change in my Toastmasters journey as well. I was elected the President of my club and it was not an easy job to run a club. Fortunately I have a great team to run the club together. Furthermore, I participated the Evaluation contest and little did I know, I went all the way to District level. It is definitely the dream of every Toastmaster to compete in that stage. I am really grateful to have all the encouragement and support from friends especially the boyfriend. He never failed to be there for me in each and every contest I went.

As I had promised myself to go traveling twice in a year, the second vacation I had in the year two-oh-one-five was my birthday getaway to Koh Lipe. I had been looking at this place for a very long time and finally, I decided that this place would be my place for my birthday treat. Initially, I wanted to go all by myself – alone. Later, I decided to ask my family members to join me. Then since I got into a relationsip, the boyfriend. In the end, I had my boyfriend, my cousin and her husband and myself in the trip. My baby brother pulled out due to a change of his career and was not able to take some leave for this vacation. I had a great time and felt rejuvenated after the getaway.

I had a new boss when I came back from my trip and later, another new change in my career. From Direct Unit, I was given the opportunity to be in Broking Unit, a very infamous unit to be in. It is difficult and not just difficult, it is challenging and really push you to the limit. Honestly, I am already burnt. Therefore, I really respect those in this unit for a very long time. I regretted and not regretted at the same time for taking up this opportunity. Regretted because this unit is not for me. Not regretted because it cleared my curiosity and learned that this unit is definitely NOT for me. If I had the chance to get back to Agency Unit, I would want to.

So yeah, two-oh-one-five had been a roller coaster and I doubt two-oh-one-six is any different.

Let’s hope it will be nice to me!

Tuesday, January 5, 2016

December 2015

December had been different. Something big had happened. I was being transferred to another channel at work. Trust me, it is a whole different level. I knew it was not easy. I was probably not ready for it. The pressure was overwhelming and I started to feel inconfident and doubt my own capability.

Good thing Christmas is in December and I had loads of Christmas activities to give myself a piece of mind.

2015-12-16 22.47.30

There was a Christmas karaoke with Dell Penang Toastmasters Club.

2015-12-18 23.16.07

Then a fancy Christmas dinner with some of my favourite people.

2015-12-20 01.21.03

Then a Christmas gathering with my lovely MEF-ians.

2015-12-20 23.17.26

And then another Christmas gathering with the friends that I had not met for a very long time.

2015-12-25 02.44.58

Later a Christmas meeting in Penang Toastmasters Club.

2015-12-23 20.50.46

And finally, a Christmas dinner with my colleagues in the same department.

December was not easy but I am a fighter and I had fought in many battles. Therefore, I should not falter. Plus, I have a great support from my team. All I can hope for is that 2016 will be good to me. Please!