Reflections 2011, 2012 & 2013

It’s the time of the year when people start to reflect on what they’ve done throughout the year and set new resolutions for the new year.

I never set any resolution until early 2011 before heading to Adelaide, only one. What’s more… Never reflect until now. The one single resolution was never achieved. At the end of 2011, I didn’t reflect on what I’ve done throughout the year. I was too busy that time preparing for 3-week student exchange in Busan, Korea, that required me to fly off on 31st December 2011 and getting approval to extend my study along with my visa before I flew off.

Before heading to the trip, I went to friend’s house for Christmas BBQ and I got to know many new friends which led to something in 2012. I was still trying to sink into the fact that I’m finally in Adelaide and dreading the fact that I would be going home some time in June 2012, it was already December 2011! At the same time, I had been tru’ a bit of ups and downs mostly in my personal life but with great friends around, it wasn’t a big deal. So 2011 went by peacefully.

In 2012, I was granted a new visa to stay till March 2013. It was great news! One year wasn’t even enough to experience the awesome life in Adelaide. My first 3 weeks of 2012 was spent in Busan. First quarter of 2012 had quite a bit of ups and downs too in my personal life. Still, I’m thankful to be there in Adelaide and even Busan for the once in a lifetime experience.

The second quarter was amazing! Everything seemed to turn out as planned. I achieved my resolution, the one and only resolution I had, thinking that I would be able to extend my stay and even embarked on a whole new life. However, the good times didn’t last, it ended with a snap of fingers in November. I tried very hard to accept it, to stay positive and to forgive. Most friends had left either for good or went home for holiday because they had finished their studies and it’s also summer holiday. I was rather miserable as I didn’t really have anyone to share my sorrow with. So lonely. Worst, I almost made homeless but I’m sure my guardian angel was there to take care of me and a friend showed up at the right time offered me to stay at her place until March 2013.

Due to the unfortunate event, I decided to take the opportunity to go on a trip to Kangaroo Island by signing up to join a special tour for uni students few weeks later since I’ve never been there and there won’t be any chance anymore because my stay was going to end very soon. At the same time to clear my mind for a bit. Let’s just say that the tour offer came in time.

Also, I booked my December trip to Christchurch despite the expensive fare. If the dream didn’t end, I don’t think I would have step foot to Kangaroo Island or even Christchurch. I had the same travel mate for both trips. Fate I guess… If not for her, I don’t think I would go to Christchurch because she had already booked her trip earlier and she was traveling solo. Due to that, I figured that I must grabbed the chance to go even though the flight ticket was very expensive (still cheaper than flying from Malaysia) because I didn’t really dare to go solo.

I didn’t have time to reflect on 2012 too because I was busy preparing for my NZ travel plan and graduation ceremony was before Christmas. I kept myself busy with Christmas activities in church too. By the time I got back from NZ, it’s already January 2013 and I was busy planning my family trip to Adelaide and Melbourne in February 2013. Finally, in March 2013, it’s official that I had to bid farewell to Adelaide indefinitely.

It seemed like everything happened for a reason and opportunities came at the right time. I’m a very blessed girl even with that hiccups along the way!

Now, 2013 is ending, it’s time to reflect about the year. I won’t say it’s a bad year, instead it’s a year with quite a number of surprises. My resolution is still the same but I didn’t achieve it. However, it’s a year of traveling for me. Been traveling every few months since December 2012 on and off within and outside Malaysia. I’m thankful for such opportunities given. Not everyone gets such chances. I guess the traveling will stop for now. I don’t know when will my next trip be either self-funded or sponsored.

I guess in 2014, I need to start sorting out my personal and also professional life after leaving everything behind for almost 2 years living my dream and been “enjoying” since I came home in March. To be frank, I’m still floating around trying to find where to stand.

On the other note, it’s been 9 years since he left without saying goodbye. Life moves on but what he had taught me will never be forgotten. For he had taught me to look at life in a different perspective, be open and accept differences, and instill patience in me. Hopefully, some day, someone who are able to handle this difficult me as capable as him and accept me for who I am will come. May the long wait and failures in between will open up a better future.

Haven’t been writing such thing for ages. Anyway, I’m sure I’ll be back on track sooner or later. Not sure will have new post(s) coming before 2014 or not. In case there’s none, then I’ll take this opportunity to wish you all a very happy new year!