Spent 5 days in Taipei. Solely getting around using Mandarin and didn’t have any problems! Great step in the right direction. :)
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Another year is drawing to a close, passing before my eyes, in the blink of an eye. As always I look back thinking where did the time go.
Strangely, it doesn’t feel like 5 months ago since I first added this goal. After being a bit lost for most of last year, I started working in a completely unfamiliar environment. Its feels like its been a longer journey than it actually was on reflection.
I feel like really did work hard this year in different ways.
Sometimes maybe losing control a bit, speeding at 100mph work wise in the office. I know I still need to learn how to adjust and manage the workload better, so I’m not in the office for longer than necessary. I know that will come with time. But after a 9 month stretch, I’m finally heading off to spend new years on holiday abroad. :)
Will be catching up with my friend F tomorrow. They say that friends come in and out of your life. With F this is definitely true. We kept in contact kinda sporadically over the years but deep down we still remain great friends. Supporting each other from afar. No matter how long it has been since our last meet, its as though no time has passed at all. I feel truely blessed.
Saving money currently to take an extended holiday in Dec/Jan. Work is sometimes easy, sometimes frustrating and overwhelming. But I realised there are alot of things I enjoy about it. There is always someone to help you out, to share the work load. I work in a great location and I’m learning too. These are the things I remember when I feel demotivated and keeps me going!
It’s strange sometimes. Looking back on my old diaries. Although Chinese is not my first language, somehow the entries I wrote have a way of expressing what I want to say, and in such a simple way. Something I still want to improve.
Life is going well, maybe even a little better than I expected at this point in my life. I went to see a 2 bed flat, it was modern, had everything I needed and most of all affordable. I think my goal is to look for a place to buy, potentially by the end of next year.
I also promised a friend that I will go speed dating with her. For me this is a step that I have taken a bit unwillingly. Not because of the task itself but what others have said. Living in a great area in London, being well liked by my work colleagues, being told by others I am pretty, they form a segment of my life. Yet I never thought in combination that it would make people think I had an easy life.
Becoming more comfortable with the way I look has been a long road. I still wish to be slimmer, wear heels to look taller and curl my hair from time to time. But at the end of the day, I realised the minor physical changes should not detract from just being who I am. That if my own personality, sense of humour and capabilities shine through, that is they key which really makes people like you.
I have grown up in an amazing place. Where I have everything I need at my fingertips. Being next to the river, near beautiful parks and easily accessible to visit my friends. Yet deep inside, I still want to have a place to call my own. Hopefully in the near future it will happen.
For now happiness is spending time with friends and family. Treasuring everything by just living in the moment.
Sometimes I feel as if I am ungrateful. That I don’t take the time out to appreciate what I have. Reminds me of the saying: the grass is always greener on the other side. Since I’ve started working this year, everything has been very hectic and I’ve complained a lot. But during the quiet days like today, I can reflect. I’m grateful I have a job, working with great people. The salary allows me the chance to save, so I can holiday next year and relax. I really want to complain less about work from now on.
Yesterday, I celebrated my birthday properly for the first time in several years. But looking back on it today, I feel guilty for my friends, as though my heart wasn’t really in the moment. I feel like trying to socialise with so many people, somewhere along the way I’m losing the closeness of the friends who have always been there for me. I feel like some friendships are making me sadder then I should be. That as much as I want to, I can’t hold onto it because its not what it used to be. But I don’t know where it will come to an end. I just want the calmness of before, the simple things in spending time and talking. Simple happiness with friends and family.
I spent time calculating how much I will get in my salary each month, deciding that I can actually live reasonably while saving about two thirds of it. I’m changing my outlook. Rather than buying new clothes and things I don’t need, I’m going to make do with what I actually already have. Altering my current clothing with accessories and simple touches to keep up with fashion. Hopefully I will save a decent amount towards my future!
Since my laptop is in the process of being repaired, I have no nightly disturbances in the form of 24/7 shopping online or watching tv til late into morning. Last night, after what felt like a never-ending week, I had a peaceful nights sleep. Almost 11 hours. Today I feel refreshed, relaxed and re-energised. Ready to take on my weekend activities with a smile. Hoping for more happy restful nights sleep!
Had quite a few interviews recently. With varying rates of success. But I think the one I had on wednesday, I came out actually feeling it went better than I had expected.
More interviewing to come on Monday. Coming a step closer to where I want to be.
I guess this past year, I haven’t really had what qualifies as a real job. In terms of a proper office, work colleagues, set hours and an atmosphere filled with activity.
Sending out my CV, I used to think maybe it got lost somewhere. But next week I have an interview with another finance company. It’s smaller compared to my last work place.
In all honesty, I’m scared, nervous, but deep down there’s a spark of excitement too. I know I’m capable but sometimes I don’t always feel it. I know to do well in finance I need to let my capability & confidence show.
Coincidently I had a strange vision last night of my grandma. I hope she’s watching over me from far up there.
Wish me luck.
I loved the holiday I took to Taiwan in 2008. The friendly people, with so many things to do and enjoy. Being in Taipei was a real eye opener for me. It had the fast paced energy of Hong Kong but without the rudeness. I love the ever-changing fashion there too. I especially enjoyed it as a foodies paradise. The amazing night markets with food stalls each selling just on specialised dish. From crab soup, deep fried caramelised sweet potato to fresh caught & cut sashimi, oyster omelette and noodles. Daily drinking freshly made soya milk, bubble tea and fruit juices made me feel so refreshed. Having a studio shots taken, going to spa hotels and watching Mongolian dance event made it even more special. Spiritually I also took time out to visit a temple and pray after the typhoon that hit during our time there. Missing it so much!
Family and friends are always there for you. But sometimes, I know I don’t appreciate them as much as I should. So I took time out to celebrate Christmas with family and New Years with friends. Having so much fun together, I know to make time at least once a month to really devote to them. =)
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