你好！你最近还好吗？好久不见！

It has been a long time since I've blogged. Reasons?... Maybe because the past few months have been extremely challenging personally and that no one likes to hear bad news, and I for one do not like to write material on the sadder side of life especially if it is close to my heart.

So lets extrapolate the good from the bad.

1. Work
Work has been one of the many personal challenges. Settling in has been easy yet tough at the same time. The change in lifestyle has led me to realise that there is barely enough hours in one day to get everything that you want done. You are working from 9-5 (or for me, the last 6 weeks working was like 8-8) and when you come home, you really only have 3 or so hours to eat, do exercise, some reading etc. It is frustrating coming from uni life, and unfortunately that is the life that most people lead. I guess in a way, it forces you to be more organised. Time management is of the essence and being strong enough to enforce the "Work, Life, Balance" way of life. I tired, and I think I was successful enough. Working, and then usually having some social sport at night, allowing me to meet up with my friends who I no longer get to see at uni, as well as exercise.

I found that as work got harder, the only thing that kept me going was the sport after work, or going out for dinner or any activity with friends after work. Though I don't mind staying at home, I'd prefer to be out because it is a change of scene and people. I guess I am cool at home if I got me a book to read.

A plus side to work is that I was offered articles at Sparke Helmore which suits me perfectly! I love the people there, and I don't think there is a more perfect firm for me at the moment than Sparke Helmore. The size of the firm is not too big or too small, and being a national firm, allows various work opportunities to pop up. That was one of my fears of applying to small firms, that the work would stultify and be the same thing over and over again. I must admit I get bored easily, I like seeing the bigger picture... the small details I would bang my head against the wall after a long time. I guess that is kind of bad, since Law is all about the small details.

My boss is super lovely, she has allowed me to take 2 months off before I start articles, and I cannot imagine how I would be without it. I already feel heaps better and I feel like I have been given a chance to sort my stuff out.


2. Social
I've been chilling out with a great bunch of people, mainly the v-ball crew, but also the netball peeps. China peeps have been very busy with uni and their part-time work, same goes to the old uni crew. Everyone from the uni crew have now pretty much left uni and have started full-time work. A lot have been busy with life and are moving on. It is not a sad thing, it is just a... HrmMmm how can I describe it? Another phase of life. I am melancholy for the days of uni that will not return. I did feel the same way a few years ago when uni started and high school ended. But hey, that is life.

It is funny how I felt and most of the time still see myself as being at the peak of my life. I felt like I knew myself completely and that since I have experienced so much in the 23 years of my life there is nothing new to expect, except meeting new people, making more money, moving jobs, getting house, car etc. But this year has proved to me that, that is complete horse shit and an illusion. I must say I have been humbled, and I know that this will be the case for the rest of my life.


3. Sports
Tied into my social circle is my sports. I have continued with the mixed soccer on Mondays with the Bananaroos, (which even though we played better, we have had an unlucky semi and finals in both seasons). I have quit the mixed basketball on Tuesday nights with Captain Seng's to try out mixed netball with Team ROWDY. It has been an awesome season, each game is super fun, and I really really want to improve. Then there is Volleyball on Friday nights, which has taken a more serious turn. We have joined the league and by doing so, the committed ones come and have heaps of fun. I must say, the competitiveness side of me has started to show it's head, as there are times in all these sports where I have felt frustration. Frustration in no improvement. Initially when I start, I don't really care, it is all for fun. But after a season, or a decent amount of games, I begin to expect SOME improvement in skill. Overall it has been ok. Volleyball could use some speeding up though.

I have also started running. O_O Yea... that's right you read correctly, running. I would have never ever thought that I'd be one for this type of exercise. I hated running when I was younger. But after this year's City to Surf, I had heaps of fun. It could be because I had cool running buddies (Thanks to Kev for being nice and holding back to stay with me, and thanks to Adrian for randomly bumping into us and taking the last 4km home with me). Something about running along the pathway at my beach really shuts out the mental chatter I have in my head. If I want my head to stop thinking and to just shut up after a day at work, the run is the best thing.

OOOOOH and what else... I've bladed a few times too! hEHHEe... OK.. twice so far. Thanks to Adaliee for giving me a pair of blades saving me heaps of money! The first time blading was with Adaliee, Kev and Doris around the river starting at the Hyatt and making one loop around through South Perth back to the city. The second time was with Kev, and though it was easier because I wasn't so shaky in the legs and rusty at the blading thing, the wind was killer, and the first half was a mission. Great exercise though. Everything gets a work out, 10km you would hope to get something out of it.

There as been a lil bit of Baddy on the side too... which I am determined to get better at again.


4. Events, Past times etc.
This year has definitely been the year of festivals, concerts, sport and just having fun enjoying the freedom and the money. Godskitchen was awesomeness in a box. First night rave, very eye-opening and enjoyable. Global Gathering was just as awesome, it being my first day festival. The weather was cool, and we were rained on but that didn't stop the fun! Stereosonic was also awesome! Warmer weather, beautiful sunset. All of these have been so much fun, and the music! AH the music is sooo good. After China I have been more open to the idea of Trance music, because Trance was very popular in the clubs, and now, I can happily say that I can add Trance to my long list of enjoyable music.

Chris Brown and Rihanna was a pretty good concert. We were in standing and I had so much fun with team ASS (Anna, Shaz, Sarah)+ Kev and Jesi. Overall I think the Justin Timberlake concert was better, and possibly Gwen Stefani. But that could be because I am more of a fan of the latter two. Chris Brown and Rihanna are still awesome, it is just I didn't know all their songs by heart in order to say...be totally engaged with the show.

Besides the loud/party side of life that has emerged, there has been the quiet side of life too. I have started to read again, and I am desperately trying to catch up to those who have surpassed me. I barely read anything besides textbooks and statutes and lecture notes during uni, up until last year when I decided to take on the Harry Potter series. Ben, Sarah and Kev are all well read. It's frustrating that I am so behind on...I guess you can consider it as useless knowledge. Reading adds colour to the way you see the world, and because it has been a good couple of years since I had read a decent number of books non uni related, I have become a little grey. But... that is changing now. ^_^ My sense of humor is slowly returning, and my personal interests are reemerging to the surface for myself to see. It is strange to realise that things like, work, uni, commitments etc had taken over life so that I couldn't even identify things I enjoyed.

Let me just say randomly that the Beach is awesomeness in a box, and I can't believe how much I missed the sand and water.


5. Memorable Moments
2008 has been no joke, a jammed packed year. I will list the most memorable moments of 2008, in no particular order:

1. New Years Eve in Hangzhou, China. Went to Carrefour with Quentin and James and bought French Champagne which we chilled outside on the Balcony, we then went to "In Club" which opened especially for NYE where it was cheap as chips drinks. I remember I had an awesome time, all our Hangzhou crew were there. Danced the night away with Frenchies, but then felt sad, because I missed the people at home. Had the best phone call to Will and then everyone else who were partying it up at Clem's place. The countdown was non-existent. Was dancing, then next thing I knew it, there were streamers and sticky spray string things going on and people around me hugging. Anti-climax.

2. Lunch at Myth Cafe the day that Megan and I were leaving Hangzhou for Beijing. This was very... surreal. All our Hangzhou crew was there. The day was rushed because everyone wakes up so late, so we had a late lunch and had to rush it so that we wouldn't miss our train. It was sad. I had formed such intense and strong relationships with these people... I loved them... and I was to never see them again. It was sad, but I was detached in a way. They were friends of the moment, and will be forever living in my memory. (Except James of course because he's the other UWA-ian that was there)

3.Australia Day in Beijing. That was awesomeness, the gang plus other Tour Group people just bar hopped and we were screaming out Aussie Songs being proud Australians. Ended up at Vix/Mix, was an awesome night.

4. The Morning it snowed in Beijing. I knew it was going to snow that day. I had a dream, woke up with the feeling and saw the sky. The colour was weird, and I knew it. It was the best day for all of us. We were all innocently, blissfully excited all day, the Guy and the Girls. :)

5. Visit to Hakea Prison. Being so close to criminals was such a shock to my senses and an eye-opening experience.

6. Metamucil Night and the Epic Rain. This is by far one of the most beautiful, fun filled memory that I'll have. Hahaha. Just remembering the moment how we had this false sense of security that we would make it to our cars all fine. And out of no where this random epic rain just hit us. My small Oroton umbrella did very little to shield Kev and I. Jon and Shaz had Farhan's golf umbrella, Jesi and Shaz's friend seemed just as wet as the rest of us. We were all fighting the crazy horizontal rain and wind except for Karl and Viv who had the right idea. They had no umbrellas, they just walked through it... and we were just as wet as them. The experience was fresh, and just one of those moments that would never happen again.

7. Godskitchen - It was the first Rave I went to. Though I found Global Gathering and Stereosonic just as fun or maybe even more fun, Godskitchen was the first. Big thanks to Jesi who stayed with me most of the night and kept an eye on me, Anne and Khang who also kept a close eye on me.

8. Friday night drinks at Hula Bula Bar. This was an unexpected night. Got thoroughly tipsy at work. Met up with Kev who took me to the Korean place in NB near Singapore and met up with Ben and Sarah. It was the first time I met Sarah and we had an awesome night together!!! Getting smashed on that crazy Korean alcohol. Chinny came and we were soo awesome that the people in the restaurant couldn't deal with such awesomeness, and we had to leave. LOL. It wasn't my fault I swear. Such random goodness. We then went to Hula Bula Bar where we met up with Jesi, Wilbur, Mark and others. I couldn't remember this part of the night, but there were heaps of photos the next day. LOL.

9. Yallingyup. This trip was exactly what I needed. Chilling and relaxing with Will and just having quiet time during a time of such turbulence. Listening to cruisy music, cooking and enjoying nature. Was definitely one of the most peaceful times this year. The last breakfast was awesome. :)

10. And last but not least, Graduation. Thanks to Will for making such a special event, that much more special.

Most of these memories are in my blog. Just back track to find them ^___^

6. 2009?
So the year is coming to an end. I must say I can't wait for the year 2009 to come around. This is the first time that I have felt this way. Part of me has this glimmer of hope that the next year won't be so hard as this. The other part of me feels like I should not be so hopeful because it is the year when the REAL work starts. Things that I am looking forward to:

1. Melbourne Trip from December 26 2008 - January 4th ish 2009 with Team ASS, Kev and Jesi. Sensation White for new years eve, and a whole lot of shopping and eating!

2. Summadayze with the vball crew, with a line up that I can say that I recognise a few names now. (unlike the past where I've just been like "meh, just go and see what happens")

3. Thailand Trip from 20ish of January 2009 - till 31 January 2009. With part of the v-ball crew: Sarah, Ben, Thien, Chinny and myself. Will be awesome!! Cheap, relaxing and fun fun fun! The last hoorah before work.

4. Phantom of the Opera - I really can't wait for this. I will fall in love again.

5. More sports, hanging out with friends and sorting life out ... this can never go wrong!

Labels: Friendship, Fun, Music, Party, Sport, Work