Did My Life Turn Out the Way I Wanted?

I remember asking Stanley once if his life now turned to be what he envisioned as a child. And he was like, 'Yup, not to disappoint you...Yes.' And I thought about myself. Is my life now panning out what I've always wanted as a child?

Well, in terms with family, my marriage. It's a loud YES! I'm glad that I've a wonderful, loving, great, superb and supportive and I can't describe him anymore, husband. There's nothing of my marriage that I would like to change. But looking at my chosen occupation....Hmmm....the reality of it is that I've never really wanted to be a teacher as a child. Never really had any true ambitions. I know as a kid, all dad said was to study, get an education and make sure have a job so that when my man decides to walk out on me, I won't be left penniless! So...yes, did my studies and though...maybe a lawyer, nah...too much brain cells. Then I remember once at an oral exam, I actually said that I wanted to be a mother. Not sure what made me say that....And then well, at 15, I had my first part time job in a hotel and then I thought, maybe the hotel industry.

So worked towards getting my degree in hotel management and I even remember dad telling mum to tell me that I had better not drop out of Shatec, the hotel training school in Singapore, costs him an arm and leg, you know. As I rolled along....and graduated with a Bachelor in Hotel Management and had aims and dreams to work up the corporate ladder. But God's ways are higher than my ways. Asia financial crisis, couldn't find a job in the tourism sector so settled and became a substitute teacher and realised that I loved teaching and now....I'm a teacher and have been teaching close to 10 years.

I recall when I first graduated from uni in Gold Coast, I really badly wanted to go back to live in Australia someday. I really felt that it was my second home. Started teaching and still thought about it and was finding a way to work towards it. Did my masters and was still bent on returning to Australia someday. Even as recent as 2007, I was discussing and talking plans with Eve. And well, now, there's a possible opportunity. Babe talked about it before heading to India for meeting. He mentioned that there's a real possibility of us relocating to Australia and if I was open to it. I told him, go India and find out and we'll talk when he gets back. He came back and yes, there's still a chance, a possibility and I told him flat out, nope, I don't want to move to Australia anymore. Go tell your boss as nice as possible without losing your job that you'll rather commute and be stationed in HK.

Now I look back. Sure, my life has never been what I set it out to be. Never being what I've envisioned it to be. And have the time, I was running ahead of myself and ahead of God, dragging where I wanted Him to bring me to and demanding what I wanted. And its when I'm learning to calm down and open my ears, heart and eyes that I'm realising that yet again, I'm not in control but rather the Almighty is.

In my last post I wrote about coincidences and that God is the one planning and that people we meet, have a purpose in our lives. Everyone. And today, Eve texted and God has Eve in my life for a special purpose. She's my encourager and I'm her encourager even though we live miles apart from each other. We lost contact for years and those years, I couldn't find her and it was only maybe 3 or 4 days before my wedding that a mutual friend finally found it in her to email Eve details about my wedding and yes, Eve turned up. Love her for that. Had lunch with a bunch of people today. A friend that I've known for decades came and join us with his wife to be. And he shared stuff with me and after lunch I had coffee with his wife to be and I knew it with an instinct why God planned for us to meet up. She shared and I shared and I got to know her better and we shared similar experiences and got to learn from each other.

Yes, everything in my life, lies in the hands of God. Sure, money come and go. Babe can lose his job in this economic situation and the future is so uncertain but there's one constant that never changes. And I know no matter what God will take care of us. That's what I need to learn and constantly remind myself that it's God's will and not mine. And everyone that I meet, God has a purpose, be it big or small. It's still a purpose. And friends that are family, thanks for being family. Love every single one of you.

There is NO coincidences

Went to church yesterday and the guest speaker was preaching about meaning in life and that people, things, incidents, situation and basically everything in our lives do not happen by coincidence. There's more to it than just coincidence. Well, true, I believe that. Then I read Beth's Blog. She wrote about meeting someone at the grocery store. To me, wow, it was this nice story about God placing us in situations that He knows that there is someone out there in need and it would be nice for us to render that help, how little it may seem to us, but to the receiver, it's huge.

That got me thinking about my life. Being in Hong Kong where people come and go, friends and people can be very transient. Sure, there were people whom I called friends before and were very close to them and now, we don't speak much to each other for various reasons. But I'm sure that God brought them into my life for reasons that He knows and maybe I know too. But those moments passed and sure, there isn't a need for me to be in their lives now and we have moved on. Of course, there are now other people and situations in my life. I know that God makes no mistake in putting us in situations or even places. I remember taking the lift once to my old apartment, and my old primary school friend gathered all her courage to say hi and asked if I remember her. It was interesting as she moved to the next block the next week. If she didn't say hi or I had a meeting and didn't make it to the lift at that time, I wouldn't have been friends with her now.

I guess, all that I'm thinking in my head, how many people that I come across just need a little lift in their lives, it might just be even a hi, how are you, or just my time to have dinner with and I'm too self absorbed in my life to notice them? Or for those who I know need a little lift, have I given them that lift? Or have I crushed their souls further? But then, that brings me to the next question, what happens then when I'm being used like a doormat? Or when I being hurt by those that I've lent a helping hand to? But then....nothing is ever like an equation. Nothing ever evens out. And as long as I know that I've tried and that I guess is more important than anything else. Importantly, it's never about me. It about me being used as an instrument by God to help that someone in need.

Coming and Going

Am glad that Babe is back today. Well, just for a couple of days and then he'll be off on the plane again. He's been travelling quite a fair bit and it's taking a toll on him. Met him at the airport this noon, came home, had takeaway and now, he's been asleep for the past 2 hours. Flying, travelling and working zaps the energy out of him.

It's good to have him home for the weekend at least. Sorry girls, will be spending time with my man for the next couple of days and then, before the weekend hits, he'll be off again. How do I feel about his travelling? Well, it can be difficult and tough at times. I don't really bother to cook meals for myself as it doesn't seem to make sense to cook for just one. So it's either I eat out with my friends, look for instant meals or sometimes, don't eat much. Whenever, he's away, it gives me time to hang out with my friends and do stuff that I want to do, you know, like do my hair, facials, massages, nails, yes, lame and superficial stuff. But at the same time, it'll be nice if I'll be able to share my thoughts and have him by my side and make him listen to my corny jokes and my whines from work, friends and life. But all these flying in and out makes the time that we have with each other more precious and makes me realise especially not to be mad or piss at frivolous things.

Anyway....just thankful to have him home for the weekend! Love you Babe!

Packed Social Calender

So....Been back to HK just on Sat and now, my social calender is packed. Yes, it's packed. Well, Babe left yesterday to Delhi and he'll be back this Sat. So, when the cat is away, the mouse is out to play! And since I've not seen a couple of friends since before Christmas and Chinese New Year hols are coming up too, I thought that I'll take this opportunity to meet up with friends before everyone leaves for their hols again.

Last night, dinner with girlies. Tonight, dinner with Carmen. Tomorrow, dinner with a newly engaged couple, so happy for them. Then on Friday night, dinner and shopping with another girlfriend. Sat, Babe returns home. Stay for a couple of nights and he'll be off again....And then, my social calender will be full again. Gee....aren't me a busy person?

Back in HK

Back in Hong Kong after flying for more than 17 hours. Jetlag is not hitting me yet or rather, I'm trying to keep it at bay but Babe is snoring away. Wonder how will he be sleeping tonight. This post is basically pics of us on our vacation. Had a really great time catching up with family and Eve. And importantly, got to spend time with Babe. Quality time, uninterrupted by his work.

Disneyland

I've a thing for Disneyland. A huge thing. We were there 6 years ago for our honeymoon and now...we're revisiting again. Never really expect to go back to Disneyland so soon.

Love this pic. Babe is actually smiling. He's not very good with taking pics.




Oh yes, another of my favourite pic. This is in front of 'A Small World'. Look at the lights. So magical.

Beautiful Christmas Tree in Toonland.


Universal Studios






Shrek! Love this movie. Falling in love with someone ugly and looking beyond his looks. Then bride turns ugly. Bride gives up looks and then, they live happily ever after!



The Simpsons Ride. What fun! Worth the visit to Universal Studios.





The Grinch that stole Christmas along with Sponge Bob.



Grand Canyon

This was taken at the Hoover Dam. Some dam that was built for some reason. Sorry, had to admit that I wasn't listening to the bus driver. Was sleeping. Had to wake up early to catch flight to Vegas and then had to wake up early again to catch bus to Grand Canyon. All these waking up....made me really sleepy!




Finally, the Grand Canyon. This is one place that I really wanted to see before I die. Wait, sorry, this is the second place. The first place is Isreal.



When I was at the Grand Canyon, I just stood in awe admiring God's creation. It is so so beautiful that it's beyond explaining the beauty of it all. You have to be there to take it all in. Well, Babe is not so much into the beauty of it, but am still glad that he was there to share the moment with me.


Las Vegas

Viva Las Vegas! Always an interesting place to visit. Had to leave when time was up. Was glad to leave. Could almost hear the slot machines calling out to me!




Wanted some much to watch Bette Midler but didn't have time. It was New Year's Eve and Vegas was a little crazy. Maybe, someday. we'll head back. But....no kids please. Don't think it's a good place to bring kids.

Got to spend time with Eve was definitely a highlight of our trip. Hanging out with her its almost like I've not left San Diego. Really glad that she's doing well and can't wait to see her again!

Ending the year with a wonderful trip is just absolutely great! Is there any wishes for the new year? Well, yes, wishing for a healthy baby for Joanne. Wonderful weddings for 3 of my engaged friends and a wonderful marriage ahead for them. Safe travels for Babe who is probably travelling more. And nothing else. The past year had been great. God had and will always be good. And am eternally thankful to Him. So folks, have a great year!