Melly Life Monkeys Blog: Tempted to attempt

Few words: Do I need to stand up straight and sing aloud if some Hawaiian restaurant put on Mamula Moon? Maximum confusion, man!

It had been a while since I last blogged. Most of the time, I’ll just be an arse blaming it on something else which doesn’t really matter to you but I’d have a good reason this time – I was abducted.

Okay, fine! I wasn’t abducted but I’d have some really compelling grounds for not updating regularly. I’m sure you guys realized that my blog post had gone down despite I’m not working now. Well, the fact is I have been busy adjusting myself to the different lifestyle and environment in the Lion City – officially back to a student and as a foreigner… and when I say foreigner, I mean a legitimate foreigner with a valid student pass that last for the next four years. Oh cut the crap!

I don’t usually do this, but here I am, staring at my laptop blankly for hours trying to figure what I’ve done for the past few months while I’m not blogging. ~~I got to say, SNSD’s Tiffany does make a fine wallpaper.~~ I mean, it had been quite a journey for me to reach this point.

1. Leaving my company

After a year working, I finally have the courage to hand in my resignation letter. I had a short discussion with my boss and he eventually accepted my resignation somehow. It took me a while to accept the fact that I would be soon leaving my colleagues. But still, I was able to deal with the whole resignation thing professionally - minimizing every drama scene I could for the next few weeks. In the end, I didn’t cry or moan but I wasn’t smiling either when I left. I was officially free from responsibility; no more waking up early in the morning or caught in the traffic jam or dealing with customers’ complaints. That should be a reason to smile for, not? But I wasn’t. For some reason, the next few days I still wake up six in the morning. Ironic huh?

It is the first company I ever worked in as an engineer and I’m grateful for every experiences and opportunities you gave me. And for that, thank you Unisem!

2. Accepting the challenge

More often than not, people asked me: Why choose this path? Why become a doctor that cannot cure? Why PhD? Honestly speaking, I just gave them whatever answer that makes them happy. The fact is I have more than enough reasons to support my action and more importantly, I know what I want and I’m happy with it. Nonetheless, my family was against my will when they first know my intention to further study but I guess my perseverance and determination somewhat convinced them. In the process of making choices, I learned that if you follow your heart, you won’t be wrong and even if you are, you won’t regret your choice. Maybe, it is too early for me to say. Haha.

The journey to here wasn’t a pleasant one; it was one of the bumpiest rides in my life. To keep story short, I have to go through hell to make things right. Being a foreigner here, you have to adapt fast and start learning that things work differently here. Not knowing that, I had become a victim of this system. Anyhow, things are better now, despite some glitches in the beginning. But these glitches turned out to be a huge reminder to me to not think worst and continue to be grateful and hopeful. I guess people are right, when you forced yourself out of your comfort zone, you really grow up faster.

3. Slowly catching up

It had been more than a year since I last saw my university friends. Since I have a few days off during my recess week, so why not organize a gathering. The thing is we had not seen each other for a year but I’ve been following their FB almost daily or whenever I have the chance, so I don’t feel left out from the group. Even after a torturing 10 hours journey, to be honest, I was still excited looking forward to meet them. As usual, we had an exclusive tour around Penang Island pampered with lots of good local foods (speaking of foods, Malaysia foods are the best!!). The hangout was good and I’m glad to see everyone is doing well in whatever they are doing. Yes, it’s been a little crazy for them, but in a good way though.

I tried to have beers with them but guess what – all still good boys; which is not exactly a bad thing. So, we have milk instead that night. But despite that, I’d really had a good time catching up with you guys.

4. Live your best

One year is just a blink of an eye; it is already my junior graduation. That is exactly one year from my graduation. One senior year rolled over just like that. I guess time flies by fast, especially when you’re having fun or working your ass off. Anyhow, due to limited time, I couldn’t travel all the way to Perlis for their convocation but I was lucky enough to meet up with some of my juniors in Penang. Seeing them in academic dress, it had me reminiscing of my graduation day - it was hard to think about anything on that day, but the cap and gown and making most of the time left as an undergraduate. Honestly, I feel bad for not attending their convocation but a junior texted me ‘your notes and guidance are the best graduation gift ever’. Gee, thanks! Psst...I secretly cried my heart out in the bus.