Reflection

I can't believe in 10 days, it'll be Christmas and in 21 days, 2011.

Well, I guess for some, it's time to reflect on what the past year has been and for me, it's been a roller coaster ride, metaphorically speaking. From entering 2010 with much enthusiasm, travelling mid year, getting engaged at the beginning of quarter three to today. Present. In between, of course there was always work and fun. I've realised this year I've been quite involved in performance art, like singing and dancing. Well, more of the latter. But, it's all fun. Although, I do think there were a few 'down' moments but somehow, they seemed so isolated now and insignificant and I'm sure I might have exaggerated about it when it happened. Oliver would reckon that as well.

But yeah, that's 2010. Good and not so good things happened. But if anything, those things that happened just add to my convictions on these few things:

Communication. Is. Important.

Not. To. Jump. Into. Conclusion.

You. (Or rather ''I'). Can't. Control. Everything.

Similarly. I. Can't. And. Don't. Have. To. Please. Everyone.

Be. Thankful. Always.

As for Oliver and I, well, it's been another year, another journey of getting into each other's nerves. To falling in love all over again. To discovering each other's quirks and vices. To learning to compromise, forgive, and love. I'd say it again, it's not easy for both of us to be apart and all. But to know that, in due time, we'll be, is something to hold on and look forward to. 2011 will indeed be another exciting ride or perhaps even more exciting. What with Oliver's PhD graduation, our Big Day, of me moving over to Germany, of possibly getting back to studies, of just everything. See how exciting it is. A bit scary also lah actually.

So 2011, we're looking forward to unfold you in all your glorious facade. Surprise us if you like, excite us but be kind will ya. Ta.

Happy One Year Amanda Grace!

Exactly one year ago, Amanda Grace graced us with her presence. She was and is beautiful. To her parents, my brother and sis-in-law, she was their first child and daughter, to my parents, their first grandchild, to me and my two other brothers, our first niece. So imagine  the joy, pride, gratitudeness and to some, maternal-paternal instincts she exuded from people around her. Amanda Grace is a blessing.

 

 Other observable facts about Amanda;

• She likes structured objects rather than cute fluffy ones. Like you give her a teddy bear and a hard disk. She'll be fascinated with the latter and totally ignored the former.
• She makes a lot of sound. The grunt-like ones and it's quite hilarious.
• She sneezes like a 'Jilimin'. You see, my family, we don't do 'polite sneeze'. We do over-the-top sneeze. And she proved that brilliantly when she's barely three months old.
• She gets hyper and cranky when she's sleepy. Almost like her aunt. *Cough* me.
• She's a light sleeper. Slightest sound awakes her. So when she's home, we had to tip-toe around.
• She loves music, cartoons and crackers.

So Amanda, when you are old enough to read this, know that Aunt Melissa loves you so so much. Happy Birthday Amanda Panda Kiddo!