December 31, 2009

• So Long 2009. Hello 2010.
  
  I will start by saying that 2009 has proven to be a year of adventures filled with many Ups and many Downs. It was also a year of my big move to Edmonton leaving all my family and friends behind. I've travelled overseas before but i've never moved away from home in my life. I'm pretty sure it was hard on my family but they knew i had to do it. I've always known that i have friends that i can truly count on and will be there for me no matter where i am. Being this far away from them and home has proven that to be true, to which i am forever grateful and blessed.  
  
  Being in a new country, environment and culture was certainly an eye opening experience with many, many new personal lessons learnt. I've made new friends, survived living alone for most of the year, laughed and cried (sometimes at the same time), ooh-ed and ahh-ed over many things, experienced walking around in -30 degree Celsius weather and getting used to the way of life here. I believe i have said all i have had to say (privately) about my experiences with the legal and immigration aspect of my move. Lets just say that after all that has happened, all the stories that Hubbie has heard about how it shouldn't be too much of a trouble moving me over here and settling down has been less than true.
  
  The other life challenge that faced me and Hubbie was finally being able to start a life as husband and wife without having to spend our relationship juggling between two countries and 14 - 15 hours time difference. However, after spending (at that point) the last 18 mths of our 27 mths marriage apart, we were still adjusting and settling into the roles of being married to each other. As we crossed the 3 year mark 16 days ago, there are still many things to work on, to learn and compromise and, of course, many more memories to create, cherish and love.
  
  Though, i will have to say this, snow and cold weather are so overrated. *lol* Sure you get to wear coats and jackets, scarves, toques (beanies), gloves and mittens. Something you will never get to wear in sweltering +30-33 degree Celcius tropical weather over in sunny island Singapore. That novelty wears off pretty quick when you're all bundled up, you feel like a dumpling (because it beyond me to want to look stylish rather than stay nice, cosy and warm), your nose frost up with every breath in and defrost with every breath out (and hurting bad at the same time) and walking in snow is not as glamourous as it has been portrayed in shows and movies! Not to mention the hassle of having to un-bundle yourself everytime you visit a washroom! Ugh! Oh wait, not to mention my skin is suffering from the low humidity level weather - my hands are starting to look old and wrinkled and i am getting splotches of dry skin around my body! It's no fun to have to moisturise everyday (sometimes twice or more), not to mention it adds on to your daily routine.

  All i ask for the new year ahead is for me to be able to get a job (legally) asap and for me to be able to go back to school to get a BEd. That way i will be on my way to be a certified teacher by Edmonton's standards. Which also means that i will be able to start saving up to buy a house, have kids, and try hard (very hard) make up for loss time and income. Having not worked for the last 10 months has definitely put me back by quite a bit. The feeling of being forced to stay stagnant and useless has plagued me so bad at times that i do not want to feel like that ever again.

  So, to my family and friends (both in Singapore and Edmonton), i will toast to your health, wealth and may the new year bring you new opportunities in both your personal life and careers.

  
  

  Happy New Year! 
  

  
  

  • 4:47 am
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