Through The Looking Glass: 2010

Yesterday, I wanted to do a picture summary of my experiences in 2010. I meticulously picked out all the photos I wanted to include, uploaded them and got ready to write. Then I realized that I forgot to resize them as they were too big to put on my blog coz the alignment would be screwed up. So yes, this goes to show how long I haven't blogged. Instead, I'll do a really short summary, just to remember all the momentous things that happened and mundane things I wanted to jot down but never got the chance to.


2010 - The year I went abroad to study. This year marks the first time I was away from home and my family for an extended period. I remember thinking everything would never be the same again... friendships especially. I'm glad to say not much has changed, the important people remain the same and our relationships are as strong as ever, despite everyone doing their own thing and pursuing their own dreams. I am immensely grateful for that. It's always nice to know that no matter what I do, there will always be people who will support me and love me for who I am.


I have gained many experiences and learned many new things in 2010. I learnt how to be alone. Really and truly alone. I always thought that I was comfortable being alone. Taking walks by myself, or eating solo. It turns out that I wasn't. But now, now I am not afraid anymore. I've learnt that being alone can sometimes be more liberating than being with people.


I learnt how to make friends from scratch again this year. And I think I've made some pretty good ones over there. I am grateful for that as well. I've learnt how to cook and be more independent and have enjoyed my freedom in Australia.


I also learned that there truly is no place like home. Even with all its flaws, Malaysia gives me those warm, fuzzy feelings in my heart. However, transitioning from home to my second home or vice versa is one of the hardest things for me. There are times when I feel so torn between the two places that I wish I could just mash them together and get the best of both worlds. I miss both immensely when I am away from either. But I've learnt to accept the fact that both are my homes and that it's okay to miss them both.


And now for the more mundane things:

• Witnessed my first drunken street brawl in which a friend's tooth got punched out and we had to spend 10 minutes in the dark looking for it.
• Clubbed for several times in a foreign country and realized that they go hardcore there. We don't go home till the next morning's public transport has started. Which is like...5 or 6am?
• Started proper salsa classes and enjoyed it
• Watched Russell Peters live and loved it
• Got my first housemate and realized that they can be a pain in the ass sometimes
• Travelled on my own
• Had my first dormitory experience in Melbourne thanks to Kit Mun, who let me stay with her. Realized that walking to the toilet in the morning is a pain coz the journey is long and it's freezing cold coz there's no heater! I've truly been pampered to death in my apartment. Teehee. It was fun nonetheless.
• Celebrated my 20th birthday (I'm swear I'm still 18. In denial. As you can see.)
• Volunteered to distribute food to the homeless and realized Asians are really very kiasu
• Inflicted major damage on my liver and tried many new drinks for the first time
  

And there we have it... my 2010 in super short summary form.

In 2011, I plan to enjoy my last year of university. Each and every little moment of being a student will be cherished. I will procrastinate less, study hard and play harder. I will become fitter and hopefully lose all the weight I've gained this year (highly unlikely, but it's always good to write it down :P) and dance more. Just because it makes me happy. Lastly, I will enjoy all the little things and remember that happiness is a state of mind.

"To live is the rarest thing in the world. Most people just exist, that is all."
- Oscar Wilde


Here's to a rocking 2011, may you be better than 2010!