1. 2010 saw me moving in new directions in my career. I was given a lot more responsibilities, and I received recognition for the work that I have put in. I worked really hard with my kids, and they worked as hard as me. The commitment they showed in school for me was astounding and Im praying that the results coming up next week will bear fruits of the work we have put in. I worked in many different committees, contributed to the school in many different ways, and 2011 looks set to be a challenging year as I am going to try on a new portfolio, something which I have never done before. Am I nervous about it? Of course I am. But I hate being stagnant so this is timely as it will challenge me. My kids have moved on to tertiary education and I am getting a whole new group of students and it will be up to me to create that special bond I always have had with my previous group of angels. :) And that is my first commitment for the year. To put in as much effort with my new group of kids as my previous one and embrace the new work challenges for me in 2011 and loving it at the same time.
2. 2010 has been great fitness-wise. I managed to complete two different competitive 10-km runs with respectable timings. I managed to conquer the 'I have no time to go to the gym' excuse by running around my estate after work. And still managed to go for weekly yoga sessions. I've lost some weight, which makes me feel so much better and confident about myself. I am back to my pre-Australia weight and for 2011, I have made a commitment to get even healthier. I have just joined Pure Yoga, and I am so psyched to start my yoga classes. I am especially excited to do hot yoga as I read that it detoxifies you, keeps you lean, and makes you lose a hell of a lot of weight. So yes. 2011 fitness resolutions: To do weekly runs, go for yoga sessions @ least twice a week, and to take part in more runs. I can't wait. :)
3. Travel wise, 2010 saw me travelling to a lot of new places. I made my yearly pilgrimage to Perth and Melbourne in June, seeing close friends and spending time with people who love me unconditionally. And at the end of the year, I visited 4 different countries. I managed to bring my band to Taiwan, a totally different culture for me and my kids. I finally got to London and Paris, countries which are so beautiful and I am definitely coming back. And I took a much needed family trip to Krabi. So yes, I have been lucky to be able to see so many familiar, and new places and it is something I am really thankful for. Travel plans for 2011? I hoping to visit Rushi in Sri Lanka before flying off to the Maldives with her in June, and to Spain at the end of the year. And maybe Hong Kong. :) We will see how 2011 pans out in terms of my travel plans.
4. I think 2010 has seen me maturing emotionally and I am surer of myself. I had moments of weaknesses, where I got really affected by things that people said to me, went through moments of unsurety, but I got through them with help from my friends. I had people questioning my decisions in life, telling me that I need to get more out of it, and not just focus on my career and crazy travelling, telling me that I need to start putting in serious thoughts into settling down. And I would be lying if I say it does not affect me. But I have managed to conquer those demons and just appreciate what I have now; the success I have experienced with my career, the close bonds I have with my kids, the fact that I love what I do, the support I have from my closest friends, who have no qualms about flying down from wherever they are and amidst their busy schedules to visit me in Singapore as well as those who are here with me, the fact that I am able to see the world when I want to, the financial stability that I have.....And in 2011, I am going to lead the life that I want, and embrace whatever comes my way.
5. And in 2010, I am most thankful to the fact that I have 2 very special people in my life.
Jay is one of them. I have been in a long distance relationship with him for over a year and I have always been very secretive about it. Cos I have been burnt so badly before and I just don't want to have too high hopes. But 2010 saw him coming down to Singapore twice and me to Melbourne once, and he loves me a lot. And I think 2011 will be special for both of us. New experiences, not all good but definitely different. :) And another very special person is my boy, Kok Tiong. He has been my student for 2 years, and over the years, he has shown me the most care, concern, love and loyalty. I call him my angel in disguise cos he protects me all the time and I always feel shielded by his genuine love and care for me. In school, he makes sure I eat and drink, rallies his friends and classmates to do the same for me, plans my birthdays, and Teachers Day and Xmas gifts for me, puts in so much effort for me cos he knows I want him to succeed, and most importantly, he makes me laugh and makes me truly happy. He sees me as not just his teacher, but also his friend, mentor and mom. And it is mutual for me as I see him as a very special person who will make something out of his life and I am happy to have been able to contribute to his future success. And I am truly blessed to have him in my life. :)
And that's 2010 for you, plus my commitments for 2011. :)
On a lighter note, New Years this year was spent with Ryan! He came down from Australia to usher in the New Years with me, before flying off to Vietnam. And we had such a good time though he was just here for 3 days! We went to so many places on NYE! Had dinner @ Clarke Quay, where Angela joined us and had a really good time, just talking and stuffing our faces with pasta. Then went to the Esplanade where, together with like a million people (Ok, Im probably exaggerating but there were a lot of people), we watched the fireworks. Chijmes after that, where we had drinks at a tapas bar. And then, Ryan and I proceeded on to Clarke Quay and partied till 4am! God....I was like a possessed woman at the club!! I haven't clubbed in a while, probably 3 mths, and the music playing was so damn good and I just danced like a maniac! I actually lost a kg after I got home! Probably water weight, but that was how crazy it was. Really, really fun!
So yeah, I had a good new years. And most importantly 2010 was awesome for me, and I am hoping 2011 would be as great, if not, even better!
Happy New Year everyone!!
And these are my pictures with Ryan while he was in town!
@ the Esplanade.
Gallery Hotel, where we stayed. Had the best pool ever.
Dinner by Clarke Quay
The million people @ Esplanade
Fireworks display.
Chijmes, La Viva Bar
@4am after hard partying.
