Saturday, 17 November 2012

November Rain and Something Good

And by the way...it is now the second week of November 2012. NOVEMBER! How did that happen? Did I go to sleep one night in May and woke up almost six months later? The last time I checked, my name was not Rip Van Winkle. So how, what, where...when??

OK, let's see what has happened since my last post.

From June 2012 onwards, I started travelling back and forth between Malaysia, Singapore and Indonesia. I had spent most of my time travelling that I have barely settled in in my new apartment in Kuala Lumpur. Some of my worldly possessions are still in boxes, and god forbid I have to travel to some cold country this winter cos I have no idea where my winter stuff is. My life is spent staying in one hotel after another...and the grievances of a hotel dweller are as per my rants in my last post. Food? Good! But after a week, the buffet spread which was scrumptious just 3 days ago has now lost its appeal - it's become a grandiose novelty that makes you long for mom's cooking, and you don't exactly love your mom for her cooking skills. But beggars can't be choosers, and so I have trained my palate to contend with bad, unfamiliar food and look forward to the time when I am back home where good food is in abundance. Is it so bad that I am talking about food? But that is what I always miss the most. Even when I was in Europe, I would crave for spicy curry after about 3 days of travelling. Haven't we all stuffed our luggage full of comfort foods like Maggi instant noodles, or packets of chilli sauce, or is that just me? Anyway, I've digressed. I have now found myself lodged in a hotel for a very long stay...and this is what I call 'home-away-from-home' for a while. I am counting my blessings everyday cos I could be in a much worse situation, so alhamdulillah.

What else have happened since?

Oh yes - my biggest accomplishment this year is finally completing my thesis in August. It was a labour of love and a lot of hate - the tears, sweat and blood thing? All true! But I now have a Master's Degree in English as a Second Language, and though I was offered to pursue my Ph.D by my university, I decided to not take them up on the offer. Though I'd never say never, I feel like at this point, that chapter of my life is over, and I am ready to embark on another chapter - one which would accord me the liberty to read fiction and poetry whenever I feel like it with no sense of guilt because I have now completed my MA. The graduation was set for October 2012. Unfortunately...it coincided with James Morrison's concert in Singapore. So... I was in a little dilemma then...Convo?? or Concert? Convo? or Concert. Bit of a no brainer there...so sorry convo! I'd rather celebrate my accomplishments my way. And yes, I had a blast at the concert. Come again soon, James!

And so, it is now November. If there's one thing I have learned so far is that one needs to have a positive outlook and attitude towards life. Yes, I have had many dark days, but I have survived them thus far on positive attitude and the sheer power of faith that there's a power much bigger than me is looking after me.

The rainy season has started in these parts of the world, but I have been very lucky that I also have many sunny days here. It is November, after all, and before we know it, it would be the New Year's eve, time to sing the auld lang syne.  But before this year is up, let's make a promise to ourselves...one that we will tell noone, but one that we will strive to fulfill every day from today. Are you ready?





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