Reality Bites

This is not about that 1990’s classic film. I love that movie though and I’m glad Winona Ryder’s back on track with Stranger Things–which I absolutely love too. Anyway…

So life caught up with me and I have to juggle my attention between work, family and responsibilities. My last post was…last year! I didn’t even do a 2016 Wrap Up post which I intended to do towards the end of 2016. I know I don’t have a fan base of readers but some people came up to me telling how they enjoyed reading my posts. Very encouraging. So here I am, my first post for 2017.

2016: Wrap Up

Last year went by in a blur and a lot of changes happened: My boss (the guy who hired me) left the company, Jason and I moved to a new apartment and money was a little tight–an effect caused by Malaysian Ringgit dropping against US Dollars. I moved offices–from a brightly lit open space, we moved to a higher floor with black metal fence space dividers. At first our reactions were like “What the hell?!”–the office look like an amateur MMA fighter ring. As days go by, it grows on you and you realize it’s kinda cool–industrialized, utilitarian chic. I got a new boss–he’s cool. How did I know he’s cooler than my old boss? He stayed till late during our office Christmas get together and drank with the rest of us alcoholics. It was bad ass–I’m not sure it’s ok to drink alcohol inside our office. I guess the most interesting thing that happened last year was when my 5 year old put a small battery up his nostrils. It was both terrifying and hilarious at the same time. All in all it was a good year. The family is healthy and we got by just fine.

My MMA-inspired office space.

New apartment, new space.

2017: First Quarter Storm

We started off this year on a good note. We came back to work refreshed and revived from the time spent with our family and friends back home. We even have plans of taking the kids out overseas. Well you know what they say about best laid plans–they go awry. So Jason has to move back Singapore leaving our family of five spread across 3 countries. Talk about LDR, right? So after packing up things at the end of 2016 and unpacking them in a new apartment, we have to start packing again–this time dividing things to “bring to Singapore” and “leave in Malaysia”.

Jason had to be in Singapore by February so you can just imagine our rush in packing and securing accommodations in Singapore. We realize that our expenses might go up–and go up it did. But you know, God is good. He sends help when you’re drowning so your head can stay afloat. We were able to find a reasonable room for rent. It’s a little far out from the city but the distance to Jason’s office is just nice that it doesn’t take more than an hour’s commute.

First few days was tough especially if you’re not used to being totally alone on a regular basis in another country. Malaysia is generally peaceful nation. The country is made up of people coming from different race and belief but they all live harmoniously. If there were any discrimination, it wasn’t something people talk about in the open. Being alone here, I got to be more observant and aware of my surroundings. Being a female, even more so. I had to start commuting to and from work. My current best friend is Grab. I had to prepare meals for myself–I realized I used up too many utensils and kitchenware when I cook so even if I’m cooking just for myself, I end up washing utensils, cookware and dishes equivalent to 2 persons dining. Recently, I just buy cooked meals.

So yeah, change is not all that bad. 2017 started off with storm and a little uncertainty but what’s good about storms is the aftermath. Sure, there’s destruction and a loss but it also gives you opportunity to rebuild and re-set your goals. And this year, that’s what 2017 is going to be all about.

Beginnings and Endings

I’ve always believed that every ending is also a beginning. When a relationship end, another one begin in its place. When a career ends, another one commence. When someone dies, another person is being born somewhere. Nothing is left void.

So when I was given the pink slip at the company I worked for almost 9 years, I was at lost. I felt bad, relieved and confused–all at the same time. I remember the time when there was a massive layoff. Some of my colleagues were being called to the conference room and they all came out with a white envelope. They never report for work the following day and that’s how I dawned unto me that they must have been layed off.

I kept my composure the whole time my boss was talking to me. I tried to listen closely hoping to hear a note of regret but heard none. I was half listening and half figuring out a plan towards the end of discussion. I need a plan. I have mortgages to pay and kids to feed, clothe and sheltered.

I remembered an ex-colleague who is now part of a management and got in touch with her. I also realized that I finally have time to do the things I’ve been putting off for a long time. The ex-colleague gave my details to her boss and her boss called me up to arrange a meeting. Wow, that was quick!

That very same week, I received another opportunity. It really pays to be nice and accommodating to clients and prospects–they always remember you. Now the problem is not “not having anything to do” but “not having enough time to do the things you want to do.”

I was bored with my life, feeling the strain of daily routine taking its toll on me. Suddenly, God banged some doors to wake me up from my mental slumber. I was going through my daily work in a sub-catatonic state then suddenly, wham! I needed this chapter to end. I would never have done it myself for fear of the unknown. I would never have thought of handing out a resignation letter. If it weren’t for the pink slip, I wouldn’t get excited for work once again.

Sometimes we needed some things to end abruptly to wake us up to making a fresh start. Remember, nothing is left void.