Recharged and rejuvenated

Just came back from my bintan company retreat and I have so much to rave about!

TRIP WAS AWESOME BALLSOME.

Okay but first, sleep. 

Rolling out of bed early for a 9.30am meeting tomorrow.

I promise I'll come back with more deets. 

"How to be angry with this face?"

Was over at Vicky's house today and we had a long long chat... About relationships, heartaches and our life partner. 


I've always admired this woman who's a dear cousin-in-law of mine. She's completely beautiful in and out, also amazingly inspiring for the things she's done and what she's been through. I almost see myself in her sometimes and thinks that's how I'll be when I'm her age. She's strong, independent, gutsy, bold, tells it like it is, swift and decisive, no nonsense, and most importantly, full of love and warmth and her heart is just pure golden with zero mean bones in her. I'm so blessed to have a family like her (although we are both in-laws but maybe that's why we bonded so well too, or maybe because we're more alike than it appears). 


I really like hanging out with her. I feel I've learnt alot just by being around her. 


Have I digressed? Not really, I wanted to connect to the title of this post. You see, the thing is, Nick was entirely around us as we were talking about said topics. It naturally gravitated towards him when we mentioned life partners. 


Vicky: "So what would Nick do if he *insert something guilty*?"


Nick: *gave the raised brow and oops look*


Me: "Exactly this look!"


Vicky laughed and said, "How to be angry with this face?"


And she meant it. I mean, I've always looked at Nick with anger when he did something wrong. Yea it's his style to give me that raised brow oops look when something unexpected happens. it always invoke laughters when we're around other people. Come to think of it, Nick can be annoying with his cynical replies, sarcastic almost, but it's who he is. I don't really want him to change that. 


I've come to accept him as he comes, weird habits and all. Friends have told me he can be unbearable. Yes he can be. But I realised I love him all the same, if not more. I thought he was being rude at times, but he really wasn't. It's just him. He's just...cynical to a large extent. Is it annoying? Yes, definitely. But nothing beats loving a person for who he or she is. 


My point is, I guess if someone like Vicky can see him for who he is (cute expression and all), shouldn't I as his spouse, see him from another perspective? Afterall, I can either choose to view him as rude and get hurt multiple times. Or I can embrace his quirky cynical self and overlook the bad bits to dig for the good ones. I know he certainly means no harm. He is not the easiest person to get along with but he makes me grow in ways I wouldn't have if not for him. God indeed have plans for us as we bounce back from our troubled past. His plans is greater than our own, for sure. 


Usually, the best medicine is the hardest to swallow. I'm glad I've wisen up since then. Old me would never have given in to commands even if they're God's will. It's just not my first instinct. I've been feeling really really good about most things recently. It may not always be sunny, but there is always a rainbow that forms after a storm. 


I'm highly extrovert, he's extremely introvert. I love life, he questions life. I'm a taker, he's a giver. I'm learning to be a giver too. I love things he hate, he love things I hate. We are polar opposites. We have two different sets of cereal because we can't agree on one. I'm anxious when stressed, he's calm and zen-like when stressed. In fact, the higher his stress, the more chill he gets. I'm in disbelief and impressed by how he does it. I'm very optimistic, he claims I'm negative. He thinks he's the optimistic one, I call him otherwise. It seems we can't even agree on the definition of optimism. 


Above all, we may be vastly different but we get each other. Or at least we are starting to, after what? 6 years? It's not always been this way for us, but we put in tremendous effort to make our relationship and marriage work. He is my husband, and I love him so. He may be a little wonky, but I'm no less better. Well, doesn't that describe us to a tee?



Roller coaster

Today is a day of many happenings and I learnt more about myself, which should be a good thing; except I'm gutted to the core.

I'm trying to be okay with it. Afterall, I'm in for the long haul. It's what I kept telling myself. Trying to be okay, and being okay are obviously two different train of thoughts as I've realised. Few things you can't hold on too tightly to, it'll slip away no matter how hard you try to make it work. This is one of them. It doesn't matter that you're the first person who notice the problem and try to solve it. Sometimes people just like to compare and chase after a good bargain. Times like this, they need to be reminded how did we even get there in the first place. Who raised the issue? Who provided the solution? Who did all the paperwork and legwork? Who can claim the nuts out of your policy? Who has the skillset and strategy? Well, not the agent who hasn't contacted you in years and didn't even look through your policies to check what you need. You definitely don't give business to this agent, for goodness sake. Why is that not obvious?

Well, because people are emotional buyers, and shortsighted. You can't be a planner and have a small eye view. You can however, be a buyer who is short sighted, emotional and often seeking the best buys. You can be this buyer but you won't make a wise buyer. A wise buyer knows he's not the expert and he outsources part of his planning to a trusted agent. He uses his time to do other things, because he can. 

In other news. I learnt new things about a guy at work that has always been a little cold and overly reserve to me. I thought there were moments he can be quite endearing and sweet but I don't think that way of him now. Turns out he's copying other people's ideas and hard work, passing them off as his own. He's been cosying up to certain people at work all of a sudden. Think I know what this guy is up to. 

To balance up the lousy day, I received an emotional text reply from a long lost buddy (not Vinz; sometimes I wonder if he can ever forgive me) who opened up to me and finally initiated a meet up! God knows how long I've been waiting for him to reach out. It's been five years and I was losing hope it was ever gonna happen. I don't even know what to call it, the thing that happened between us. Was it misunderstanding? Bad blood? Cold war? Silent treatment? What, exactly? Whatever it is that's supposed to be called, it made us miserable. And things are about to change after he returns from his honeymoon. At least that's what I hope. 

I probably sound quite cryptic tonight but it's not meant to be. I don't really have the mental capacity and strength to rehash my mostly horrible but somewhat interesting day. 

And in case you're wondering, Nick has been my wonderful listening ear and indeflatable punching bag. Okay, mostly punching bag. 

A lovely reminder

A good story must be told and archived. 

At church camp, we had the King's banquet. A theme night. We dressed up as we always do when we wanna be spontaneous. I decided I shall go as a bride. Pretty symbolic if you ask me, because it was mentioned in the bible that the church functions as the bride and we are all brides of Christ. Nick decided to join me and went as groom of course. After all, our marriage is centred on God. Made perfect sense to me. 

On said day, we went as planned. It was the last night of the camp. Before we know it, Daniel called on us. And that was how we appeared on stage. 

Daniel wanted to know our inspiration behind our concept and I said what I said. Something along the lines of "...king's banquet..so come as a bride, and Nick decided to join me as the groom"

It was then that nick took the mic and said these words that I'll never forget: "By the way, we are really husband and wife."

Roaring laughters erupted much to the amusement of everyone. I went wide eyed with amazement. The fact he felt a need to clarify a point was strangely warm and sweet. I almost went d'aaww!

After service ended, Nick got playfully jabbed at for his off-the-cuff liner. 

And I was just grinning away like a little girl, thinking how blessed I am to be married to this man. 

It's only been some 6+ years and how am I still so madly, deeply, truly in love with you is a wonderful mystery. We have our moments and sometimes it ain't pretty. If God is not working through our lives, I don't know who is. 

Just like family

Indeed much time has passed over us, still you girls remain my favourite twins. I'll always be your big sister, watching out and praying over you both. 

The years may have progressed without much meetups and updates but it hasn't diluted our bond. Watching you girls grow comfortably into your own skin makes me feel like a proud mama.

I'm so appreciative of all the good and fun times we had, too many to count in fact. They are treasured memories. 

Feelings become thoughts. 

Thoughts become words. 

Words become life. 

Life becomes us. 

Up till today, I'm convinced you girls are darling angels sent by heavens above :)

Ps: This post happened because I chanced upon one of your old blog and it brought back so much happy and bittersweet moments, mostly the good kind!

My cute ah ma

Had a non restive night's sleep. And I dreamt of my gramps. It was as vivid as daylight now that I think of it and I wanna record it for my benefit. 

We were conversing in Cantonese, our usual form of communication. She was sulking about not being able to find her hair bun clip (she wears a trademark bun because she was a Ma Jie previously and has shu qi since, she's also our foster grandma, having adopted my mum since she was a toddler). So I helped her look for it and I found it. 

She was still sulking adorably as she did her hair and grumbled about the wrong clip. She deliberately messed up her hair (dreams are always weird) and I helped her arrange it nicely. We talked. I was speaking fluent Cantonese as if I had been speaking it for ages. Truth is, ever since her passing more than 10 years ago, I hardly spoke the language. I miss her so much it hurts sometimes. 

And this is the few times she has appeared in my dream. I'm so happy I don't think I can forget a single detail of our exchange. 

It was a very beautiful dream and I remember every look, smile and lines on her face still. 

I miss you ah ma. Hope to see you one day in heaven. 

What a night

We used to do Gelare Tuesdays when we were in uni and it was the best kind of bonding over gelato and waffles. 

Fast forward 10 years - has it been that long already? - and I'm sure we've had better waffles with ice cream but Gelare will always remain a special treat in our hearts. 

I found this hashtag amusing because it started and came from Gideon... #uniloves. Yup, that's about right. 

Our new life

30 January 2016 came and went. I love being married. CNY has been kind to us and there's the new adjustment of newlyweds but we're enjoying every bit of our new life together. 

The day I said "I do" to this man was the day I probably smiled, grinned, bared my teeth and exposed my tonsils way too much from the sheer happiness that's wanting to explode from within. 

Was it tiring? Expectedly so. But not a second passed us by that we didn't savour the moment. I even told Nick to trust in the Lord and our lovely bridal party and just enjoy the day and savour every smile, every word uttered and every blessings received. I knew it'll pass over us before we hit our pillows later that night. It's not the way I want to remember our wedding. 

It was an amazing day. The weather was fantastic, I hardly felt the heat (shocking considering I was covered up in a gown and veil). Food and drinks was plenty and good enough for almost everyone. People were kind and understanding. We had amazing help from our closest friends and family. Everyone at the wedding liked everybody. Nothing went wrong. 

In that moment when we exchanged our vows and sealed our promises, I couldn't help but feel like the most blessed woman in the world. 

Time stood still for us in that moment we shared a tender kiss. 

 

To my awesome husband, I'm so glad to be married to you. 

When friends ask how it feels to be married, I pretend to be a little shy and say it's good. Becos if I don't, I might just go wild with excitement and overwhelm them with my crazy eyes. Hahaha. 

Does it feel different? Definitely so. We live together for a while before he even proposed and I've always known he's someone I want to be married to. Our living arrangement was great and we kinda complemented each other though there's the typical irks that can be tolerated. Outwardly it doesn't look much different but status wise and emotionally, there's a vast difference. You just feel different. Nothing is quite the same after you're married. There's alot more to consider. 

With Nick by my side, I know I'll be well protected, guided and loved. In turn, I plan to be the perfect helper for my husband. 

Last year of being single

These days, I write when there's a need to archive my thoughts and feelings.

1) My mom found her biological family

Might I add, within a month of searching and we found them! They're really awesome and we never thought they'll be so happy to have us. It is really a blessing. They're all turning up for our wedding and there's nothing more to ask for.

2) Nick proposed 

This deserves an entire post on its own.

3) I got my driving license

When I first proclaimed I'll get my license, not many share the same enthusiasm. Haha. I'm better off the roads some friends quipped. But I made it anyway! I'm so proud of myself :D My license arrived bearing a bonus SG50 logo.

4) I changed job

And love what I do now!

5) LKY's death and 50th National Day

Everybody thought he'll never die. Afterall, he's a legend. I regain a newfound respect in the Founding Father's death. I cried and deeply missed him. I learnt more about him in his demise than when he was alive. Having celebrated the nation's 50th birthday in our lifetime was a real honour.

6) Preparing for the wedding

Lets just say I was a real cryzilla. It's stressful having to deal with parents and in-law's expectations but Nick has been a rock through these, ever understanding and patient with my emotional outbursts and meltdowns. Thankfully, I've been real efficient. 1 month to go and I'm 99% done with the prep. Hurrah! Lets pray for a smooth month ahead with no more soppy dramas.

7) Marriage prep course

It's fun. Everyone should attend one. Even singles. I loved it so much I wanted to repeat the course.

8) Major room renovation

We built an extension to house our walk-in wardrobe to make space for a king bed since we haven't gotten our house yet. Wallpapered everything and now it feels like a resort. Now we look forward to coming home everyday. New room is awesome.

9) Finally getting our dream house

Okay. Results aren't out yet but we're super hopeful we'll be able to get it!

10) SG50 everything

Need I say more?? Everybody gains! Consumerism rocks.

This has been a fabulous year and I know I'll never have to face life alone because I'm going to marry a fantastic companion. Also, being a sentimental person, I found that I've been looking back lesser now. I realised you're only as good as your last good works. I used to glow and bask in my former glories but realised nobody remembers you for what you do, but who you are and how you make them feel. I don't reminisce the past and I no longer wish for the good old days. I love what life has dealt me before to help me grow into this very person I am today. Spiritually, I know I'm not perfect but He is. Faith comes from hearing, even if we haven't witnessed a miracle. So have faith, give blessings and love abundantly.

To a happier and kinder 2016 ahead.

A year of tremendous change

It's mid November and I am hearing people exclaim how fast the year has been. Nick said to me earlier, "So much has happened this year"

There was a pause, to which he rattled off a list of events that unfolded throughout the year. 

"There was the proposal, sky closed down, you got a new job, PSB (he became an adjunct lecturer), 2 nose surgeries (to remove a benign tumour), our house getting renovated, new bed (that we can't wait to jump onto)..."

What a year!

"And we're getting married", I added

"Counting our blessings", he enthused with a cute grin.  

And I've seen a change in the man I'm about to wed in a matter of months. I never thought it'd be possible to make someone so happy. I can't wait to settle into our awesome new life. Its getting closer everyday. 

::

I remember having a weird feeling about Friday the 13th. Was uneasy but I can't explain it. Until I saw the shocking reports on Paris being attacked. I've friends who are traveling and our church friends are still there as I'm writing this. I can't imagine how the situation must be like for those who're trying to get out. Stay strong, Paris. We'll go through this together. 

A wise decision made

So much drama has occurred ever since Nick was hospitalised. I'm so relieved everything is sorted out and we're both led onto the wise and logical path again after much diversion. 

A huge rock has been lifted off my chest today. And I've decided not to pursue the warped ignorance of a man whom Nick calls his uncle. He, who almost persuaded Nick to do the most illogical thing. That'll be his own downfall eventually and I won't be there to witness it. 

For now, my focus is on my fiancé, his wellbeing and our future. 

The Proposal

I can't contain my excitement. He got down on one knee and proposed on our 5th anniversary (30 Jan '15). It still felt so surreal (split second hesitation on how real it was or if I was dreaming). I actually forgot to say yes. My voice was robbed, I basically shoved my bony fingers into his face because there was so much tears in my eyes it fogged my brain. 

Exactly one day earlier before the proposal, I was at a company retreat and a totally random and sudden thought occurred to me that he might just pop the question THIS year. Things have been going beyond exceptional for me since the beginning of the year and I thought a proposal will top it. I just didn't expect it to be so quick, which explains why I was in tears and basically almost a bubbling mess of happiness and surprise when it happened. 

It was a long awaited question that I've patiently waited for years, and I'm so happy he did it on a special day of ours. But nothing surprised me more than the shock and initial confusion I got when I spunned around (thinking I was posing for a snap with my flowers at Ericia's insistence) and saw all the expectant and happy familiar faces. When I think back now, I only started tearing when I saw my family's faces (Mabel & Alina) and only did I realised what was happening. They were the first faces I spotted. 

It all happened so fast. I couldn't stop crying. In my mind, I was actually screaming OMG HE'S GONNA PROPOSE I MUST BASK IN THIS MOMENT BEFORE IT'S GONE. But the truth is I wasn't even listening to what he said (I was screaming with excitement in my head) and had to ask him to repeat what he said afterwards. I've never been so touched in my entire life that since then, I've been crying and tearing every time I think back. It's super special also because it was a dream proposal of mine to have all my family, friends and loved ones witnessing the man I love proposing to me. It was literally everything I wanted it to be. (I'm still crying writing this)

The first time I thought he was gonna propose was when we holidayed in Maldives. My colleagues had put that thought into my head. And I even jokingly asked him about it and he said not to expect much in a rather non-commital and reluctant manner. I knew he was trying to manage my expectations. But I still couldn't help thinking if it was gonna happen the entire trip. Especially when he planned a super romantic dinner by the beach and took me on a BLINDFOLDED long stroll before reaching a private and quiet beach with a beautiful setup - a decorated table in a circle of candles and flowers. I thought that was it. But it didn't happen. And my hopes of it happening just diminishes with time. Blindfolded! Can you imagine how fast my heart was beating? And can you imagine the incredulity that there was NO proposal at the most romantic place on earth? Yup that's the story of my life. Or so I thought. 

It meant so much to me because I've long accepted him as part of my life forever. After going through so much together, it felt nice to know he not only feels the same way but planned to seal it with a commitment. It was the best gift and will continue to be for a long time.

I also received the best proposal gift. A gorgeous amethyst ring that he handpicked with Ericia (whose opinion I specifically mentioned he should go for when required for ring shopping) and a beautiful white leather strapped and diamond encrusted watch with automatic movements (I shared how I wanted an automatic watch during our cruise last December but he told me afterwards he has bought the watch more than 6 months ago, long before our cruise). Knowing he was the one who decided on the watch made me realised how much I meant to him. 

I'm still reeling with happiness. Having all my favourite people in one room is indescribable. To imagine that preparations started last year and that they all knew from weeks to months ago prior to this just made me feel so undeserving and truly truly well loved. It felt like when you really want something so badly, all the universe conspires to help you achieve it. 

I've a fiancé now. A wonderful man I can entrust my whole life to and grow old and spiritually rich with. And though I know I said we've no plans to get married after the proposal, we're actually spontaneously planning for it to coincide with our Anniversary next year. It's gonna be 3-in-1 - the day we got together, our anniversary and our wedding date. 

I thought about what I should have said in my proposal speech and realised how many people openly expressed they actually thought I could have twisted Nick around my little finger and maybe even made him cry in the beginning. It certainly isn't true now. How things have changed. How he's grown to be so sensitive and caring but yet able to lead and guide me in our relationship. And look who's the one crying now? We've grown to be equals :) And as we continue in our walk with God, I know he'll continue to grow with me in every aspect of our lives. 

Despite our jarring differences, we persevered and everything worked out. If we're not an encouraging case study, I don't know what we are. 

I can't wait to break the news of our wedding date (tentative for now). It's gonna be a blast!

UPDATE: WEDDING DATE IS ON 30 JANUARY 2016, THE VERY DAY WE GOT TOGETHER 6 YEARS AGO. DOUBLE CELEBRATION!

I can drive!

Took to the roads for the first time on Sunday since I got my driving license last Wednesday.

I. Can. Finally. Drive. 

Needless to say, I was excited about driving on my own outside of driving school and without an instructor telling me what to do or where to go every few minutes. 

Nick was my passenger. I asked how he felt about being driven by me, no less, for the first time. "Awesome", he said. He was down with flu and less than enthusiastic when he said it. But I still felt great.

He has always been the one driving me around. Time for a switch. Heh. 

I drove us to church - my first journey on the road! - and nearly wanted to drive to town (Shaw house or Cine) for a movie but if sick Nick said no - the car park was too challenging for someone who hasn't experienced parking in a confined space with a tight lot and plenty of waiting cars who won't hesitate to blow their horn at a slow driver. I figured his reasons were too valid so I let him drive and I did my best to observe the route. 

I came to realise, after being a driver, that it's not that difficult to navigate the roads. I used to marvel at friends who have great navigational skills. It comes so naturally to them and I bet they haven't walked as much as I have in terms of making wrong turns. But I've to say, I commit a lot of routes to memory because even I don't trust my navigational skills sometimes. 

Times like this I wish I have an inbuilt GPS so I'll never get lost. Hahaha. 

Since Nick drove us to town, we agreed I should drive us to my place in Woodlands. Nick could tell I really wanted to drive. First time I took to the expressway, Nick told me to stick to the left lane cos I was too slow. Oops. First boo boo I made after I parked the car (at church), I forgot to lock the door! Nick stared at me for a good ten seconds before he said "Do you want to lock the door?"  Yup, typical Michelle moment. 

And the funniest thing was what he said about me when I was straddling two lanes (think my mind was on the route more than the road). 

"Do you remember how you used to hate people who straddle two lanes, and you always point them out to me? Now you're just like one of them. Control your car."

Wow. 

*slow clap for my cleverness*

The Goh Family

Something extraordinarily amazing happened today. Stuff that dramas are made off. And I thought it only happens on TV. 

I never truly knew the joy of having relatives on both sides becos really, I only ever have 1 set of relatives from my dad's side. They're all I've ever known from birth. For 30 years, I've known only the Wans. 

YET, TODAY MY MOM FINALLY FOUND HER REAL PARENTS AND SIBLINGS AND I FOUND ME A WHOLE LOT OF OTHER COUSINS. 

I am so excited. And terribly happy for my mom who fulfilled her wish. 

What an awesome start to 2015. Too many happy news to report lately. I'm feeling really good about life after 30s. We're so blessed. God is so good all the time. 

Found myself a few more aunties, uncles and cousins to love, care and laugh with. We've so much catching up to do! Can't tell you how overwhelmed I am. I'm shocked we managed to locate them so quickly. Unbelievable. Social media is awesome. 

Meeting them next week. So freaking cool. 

For the longest time, I thought I was pure Cantonese because mom's foster parent (my grandma; they were neighbours when my mom was given to my gramps) is Cantonese and I thought all Cantoneses live in the same kampung. I'm not. Mom's of Hokkien blood so I'm Cantonese-Hokkien. 

And here's a picture of my actual grandma. She's too cute!

My mom looks so much like her!

Last thing, I've 2 aunts and 5 uncles to familiarise with. 

That's a big family and it excites me. 

HPY

With no way of reaching out to you, I do hope you still read.

I haven't been the best friend I should be, I know that. But I still wanna believe there's an explanation for the misunderstandings we've created in our midst. 

Today you've made a decision to let go though I don't understand your rationale for doing so. I'm pained by your choice to leave. 

So many times, I waited for you to tell me what's happening. So many tales I heard. So many people who thinks I'm delusional for believing in you. And yet, so many benefits of the doubt I gave. For I knew, everyone has their reasons for what they believe in. 

It never happened. And still, I waited. 

(Yes I can be a huge softie)

Took me awhile to realise...maybe you aren't coming back. I thought, well, you must've moved on and I'm happy for you. But months passed and you asked for a favour which I turned down becos I wasn't in the best position to help. And then the next month, you asked Nick for a favour and he turned you down as well. 

Do you think we had forsaken you becos of that? Would you let us in if we asked what was wrong? 

What have changed? Our lifestyles have altered drastically. We've formed friendships and relationships outside of our hpy-ship. Our outlooks have definitely changed. But I never believed our bond has changed. 

Till now, I've no clue what happened between us. And I know you must have your reasons for leaving. But I just want you to know you always have the option of coming back. 

I haven't been a good friend to you, hpy. Forgive me. I could've done better. This door is open, if one day you feel like coming home. 

I'll be waiting, with two cups of coffee, to hear all about your stories. 

A good run

It's been a week into my planned retreat from the corporate life. No more deadlines, endless meetings and involuntary late nights for the next 6 months or so. Could be shorter (or longer) depending on the momentum. 

Can't help but feel even more motivated to pursue my passion now that work's not in the way. I do still have so much that I want to accomplish while the heart and mind are still aligned. 

I had a very satisfying and purposeful work run with the news centre and I've made some awesome friends there. Time to focus on my wellbeing and turn this intended hiatus into something meaningful. 

Raid at zouk (cosmic gate)

I was having massive mood swings due to my period. Wasn't a very happy Michelle over the weekend. Still, I never let a bad mood get in the way of fun. I honestly had fun (in the beginning) but was majorly disappointed at the police raid which took forever. News later circulated that the raid went on till the end of the set and there was nothing to be done about that. Nobody knew why we were raided for so long either. 

Went from hero to zero in no time. Was supposed to be our big night out and I had geared up for Cosmic Gate thinking it'll cheer me up. To be honest, it wasn't sucha lousy night. Company was good as always. Bless their soul for being such awesome party people! Terence and gang never disappoints. Photos were the only evidence of our short lived happiness. 

        

        

        

Made an awesome new friend, Robyn who turns out to be Alina's ex-school mate from IJ. To think I wanted to introduce them (long story). God's will. 

If I must conclude, this picture should do the talking. 

             

Sobs. 

Sighs

Ever had a night where you had a lot to think about and needed to be quiet for a while to reassess your life but everyone just wanted a piece of you?

And you can't say no to them?

More people gets involved and suddenly it became a party which you wanted no part of?

It lasted the entire night. 

Until you saw your chance to escape. 

But no, it was just a trap. 

Your brain is not yours tonight. It's everybody's. 

Then it finally went quiet. 

Finally. 

You have the night to yourself again. 

Then the snoring starts. 

Just one of those nights. 

Labour day in Krabi

We had a longer weekend than usual.

We got stung by mossies more than 10 times. Ying lost count due to her mossie magnetic blood. 

An unexpected trip. 

5 girls, and tonnes of fun. 

Wished we didn't have to leave so soon.

I chose to spend my 30th on an island near home. In contrast to the places I've been to, it's an unusual choice this year. Batam has its charm (and it's cheap). This trip signifies a simplicity in my life that I long to have. 

It's a first, travelling and rooming with Alina. I like how she complements me in the family. Xx