Neil Sedaka's Calendar Girl. I just couldn't resist.
I got married to the love of my life. That was the most wonderful event of the year. Moving to Australia, however, was the biggest challenge. It hasn't been easy at first; in fact, it was frustrating with no job, hardly any friends, and not being able to drive to wherever I want to go, like how I would in Malaysia. It also didn't help with unsupportive family who did not understand why getting a job (in what I did before) was difficult. I remembered many a tear shed throughout the year.
Still, when life give you lemons, you make lemonade. And I made lemonade indeed.
Thanks to blogging, I got to know Geekchic, whom in turn, introduced me to more friends. She made it so much easier for me here, for which I am truly grateful. I got to know other people through my blogs too, whom I've met up with, had meals with, etc. See, whoever told you blogging was bad for you, needs to get his/her head out of the sand.
Can't drive? No worries - I live 5 minutes away by foot from the train station and bus stops. I've learned to utilise public transportation to the maximum, something which I wouldn't even consider in Malaysia.
Not getting a proper job was the biggest problem. Thank God for a very supportive husband, who understood my predicament, and let me do whatever I wanted to do as long as I was happy doing it. With my free time, I blogged a lot more, went out on my own a lot more, cooked a lot more (I can now whip up a mean spaghetti bolognese and shepherd's pie from scratch without even looking at the recipe, when before I'd just use sauce from a jar), and many more.
It hasn't been easy, but God is truly faithful. Looking back at 2008, it has been a rollercoaster ride. But I'd do again in a heartbeat.
Here's to 2009, and whatever it may bring.
7 comments:
it's hard indeed when you're a stranger in a strange land... at first. and then you become familiar with your surroundings, embrace what it has to offer, and you start enjoying yourself... yeah? yeah!
have a great 2009, and here's wishing you all the best in achieving success in everything you do.
p.s. the Claddagh ring - there's this Irish shop at the QVB here in Sydney where I spied a silver one. that's been my inspiration in my painting. if you ever have the urge to get the ring, lemme know - I'll express-post it to you! ;-)
eh, havent found a job yet? :P
It is always hard moving and starting all over again in a foreign land - even if the country's predominant language is English. I have been here for a few yrs now and I still sometimes find it difficult without that umbrella of support your used to back home.
They say that it takes a good 2 yrs to get used to a new place - humans being creatures of habit and all that - next yr then will be the cherry on top the cake :)
Happy New Yr - and if you want to ever expand that social circle, would be more than happy to catch up for coffee :))
happy new year! next year will be better :)
hello, i just stumbled upon your blog. the first 4 months here for me have been very hard too. leaving behind a life i loved in malaysia to be with someone i love. i too, have yet to find work and yet i believe God has greater plans for us. :)
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