I am really not into penning down thoughts and experiences through blogs anymore, simply because my job is sucking out all the time and life from me, but then I realize that if I stop writing, there will come a point in my life where I may actually forget. So one post a year is a must, and since it is a new year, lets start with things I am thankful for in 2014.
1) Spending time with family
Year 2014 was actually the longest time I spent in Malaysia. I went home in February for 2 weeks, and then in October again for 2 weeks. Although it technically counts 2 separate years (since the change in my academic year happens in June), to me it still felt like I was home a lot and that felt really nice.
One of the biggest challenges of moving to the States was being far away from home, away from family and friends. Although it has been almost 5 years since my move, I still yearn for that sweaty weather, midnight mamak-trips and mommy cooking everyday. Year 2014 was very nice because not only I was home a lot, mom actually followed me back to the States and stayed for 2-3 months with me each time.
2) Welcoming a new pet
I really wanted to own a dog all along. I love dogs, grew up with a dog, and have heard many wonderful tales of how a dog changes your life (it is true!). However, I never really trusted my capabilities of actually being able to care for another life full time, and that had made me pushed aside that urge of buying a puppy for many years.
Until this year. I was never really into dog-buying mode until a colleague at work bought a puppy. I felt really excited for her and I wanted to see all her puppy pictures. And then I made the mistake (or maybe it is not a mistake) of asking for her breeder's address. I wanted it so bad. And I know I was being extremely rash! So I seeked for guidance and advice in my then fiancé, knowing that the responsibility of a puppy will very much be his as well. We fought for a long time that day. Partially because he was making sense and I wasn't. He knew that with both our schedules we will not be able to care for a dog. He did not want to pledge a promise to me to share the responsibility when he know he won't be able to commit. I guess I really wanted the puppy and knowing that I may not be able to handle a dog, I wanted someone who could help me with it.
I made an extremely rash decision, out of fury, to visit the breeder. It was the best decision ever (not to say best decisions come out of fury, but I got lucky this one time - you get what I mean). And once you see cute puppies, you can't walk away. And my fiancé was swayed as well. And we came home with a puppy. As you all know by now, her name is Eva.
We got really lucky. Eva is not like any other puppy. She is mild tempered, and not very destructive. On top of that, she is absolutely adorable. So adorable that the walker we hired offered to spent extra time with her for no charge because he is in love with her too. She has brought endless of joy to me and my husband, and made us train to be better parents in the future.
3) New job responsibilities
I don't like sharing work stories on social platforms, because I find it difficult to draw the line on what you can share and what you can't, so I simply don't. Many people ask me how is my job, and get very surprised by what I do for a living. You see, I don't have a regular 9-5 job, nor do I work at a desk. On the spectrum of jobs, I think mine falls into the exotic/exhilarating/unique end. When I finished medical school, we had to apply for training positions in fields we want to go into, and those were "residency programs".
I remember opening my letter offering me a spot, I was happy beyond words. Then I started first day of work 2 and a half years ago, and signed up for the most amazing experience any resident can get. I was constantly learning, constantly being challenged and also, constantly working. At times, I feel extremely drained, and yearn for more time off, more relaxation. But being extremely stubborn and overly ambitious sometimes, the word "quit" was not something I could embrace. As a result of that, in weary times, I become grumpy, snappy and start making mistakes.
Through all of these, I've learned many things.
1. Never stop asking questions
2. Teach others
3. Never be afraid to admit mistakes
4. Keep reading
I am grateful for the this training opportunity, and also can't wait to graduate!
4) Getting married
I never believed in finding "the one". I think dating and marriage is like playing a game of musical chairs. People end up marrying who they happen to date when they approach the age of marriage, and in some way, fate plays a part in that. I didn't think I will marry my husband, not when we started dating 6 and half years ago. That path seemed way to distant. However, we've both been through a lot together. And as the years flew by, we find ourselves clinging to each other more as our environment changes. He was my rock and my anchor, someone I feel comfortable and familiar as we moved across the world, and embrace adult life. In some ways, I think he feels the same too. It is difficult when families are far away, and being in a foreign country.
I can't see myself spending my life with anyone else. We have grown out of the initial infatuation and romantic love phase, and have transition into the phase of mutual respect, shared responsibilities, and learning to grow into adults with stability.
5) Lifelong friends
One thing I am extremely grateful for, being far from home, is the family I have in the States. Family away from home. No matter how far each of us move away from each other, we still come together for big holidays, and keep in touch. And these are the people I will do anything for them, and know that they will do the same.
6) Having a balanced life
Lastly, I have to be very thankful that I have been very lucky thus far in my life. I have an amazing job, supportive family, reliable friends, a loving spouse and in good health mentally and physically. I hope year 2015 will bring greater success in my career, and many more great memories and moments shared with my friends and family.
Here is a toast, to starting the new year with a blast!
Happy 2015!
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