Indeed it has been an interesting, dare I say, good year. Much has happened which I am grateful about. Some downers too but I honestly feel there’s been so many ups, so much to be thankful about.
Just about 2 years ago, around this time I finally got out of a relationship that was eating at the very core of me. A nightmare of almost 3 years. I was completely someone else. I wouldn’t even recognize me if I was to see and hear myself back then. Anyway I was in such luck to get out of that relationship, but somehow it left me even more lost. 28 and what??? Having to start over again? To find the next one who will trample all over me again?? And here I was only trying to give everything I can offer a person, my love, heart and soul and it wasn’t good enough?? Being myself isn’t good enough. Oh it was too tiring. So I spiral into depths of my negativity. Many times being caught up indulging the negative, feeding off it, living in it. Maybe there’s a reason why I resent and hate, but it was getting out of hand and found myself many times passed out from too much alcohol. Thankfully my drinking habits was only confided to the space of my living room. wine and beers started being the common item on my grocery list. Not good indeed.
Things took a turn for the better, although confronted by the hardest points, it did turn. With the help of a few close friends, my life and future, spared. I will always thank thee; my angels and friends. About that time too I met the most wonderful, positive person in the world, who seems so concerned over someone he had never met. I could see his sincerity. By that time, though, I wasn’t a stranger to people on the web. I had a healthy bunch of friends on the web. What else can one do when they stay most of the time at home? Anyway there was just something beaming about him. And how he knew I was the right one for him, got me more curious. So with a few months on chatting, for almost every waking hour we had between us, I finally got on a plane to see him. I found hope. I found a reason to pick myself. I found the love I lost for myself. In so many ways he put me back on the path. On being the happy Joann again.
We met for the first time and he turned out to be such a gentleman and considerate person. Caring and attentive. Never taking advantage of me. So much so, I had to make all the first advances. Today when I speak of these things to him, he says if he did, I would have freaked out. Which I have to admit is sooo true. Well I’m happy the turn of events brought me to meet him by chance, online.
Since then, life didn’t stop to evolve. I was given a new leaf. I wasn’t happy to let things in other aspects of my life remain stagnant. My job of almost 10 years was becoming more and more a burden. Not so much the work, but the people and environment I worked with. Perhaps being too loyal of an employee didn’t spell out much these days. Perhaps it only meant that you had nothing better to do, hence the many negative points I will choose not to write in here. It was time to take the ‘horsey’ by its reigns. So I did, I tendered my resignation. With no other jobs as my next leaping stone, but I did it anyway. Heck I have the experience! I bet I can do what I do best on freelance basis. And guess what?? I’m still at it today and it just gets better and better. More time for myself, so much better in everything else that I won’t think of going back. Don’t get me wrong I do appreciate the opportunities, but seriously, it was time for this birdy to spread her wings and venture to new horizons.
My darling Kurt came to visit me in Feb. before I quit my job. He came down just to celebrate my birthday with me. It was awesome having him here and driving around with him. Also awesome to see him give my little baby Skippie, full attention. So much more but I won’t bore you to elaborate.
I had always wanted to travel, but my previous work schedule and other factors made it hard or even impossible. And then all of a sudden, with the change of choices and decisions, I was going places. Seeing new things meeting new wonderful people. What a treat for me. Maybe it started with experiencing my first ever autumn with Kurt. Thank you baby for being so generous with everything. My visit was just at the right time. The leaves were bright in its glorious autumn colors. I took so many pictures of the trees. Saw parts of the great lakes, experienced my first camping experience and many other firsts too. 
Next I was heading off to Langkawi yet again, but with Kurt this time. He loved the island. And Gentings where we rode many rides again and again. Before I knew I was in Bangkok for the first time with Joanna. I love the people, the food and shopping there. We did take tours to sightsee and also did a river cruise. Then I got a little impulsive, I decided to follow Chrissy Pooh to India. To my motherland. Chrissy’s friend and family were so generous in having us both there. Experiencing a complete Punjabi Wedding. It was so amazing to be given this opportunity. Then I was off to see Kurt again. You can’t expect me to stay away too long from him. And we spent a month together. We hiked, biked, camped, even cooked and so much more. Visited Florida, Cruised to Bahamas, Washington, and even visited my good friend Norela and her hubby Bill in New York. Wow, a year ago I would have never imagined I would be this lucky. Well that’s not all, I managed to visit Siem Reap. The Angkor wat, an ancient temple, looked so magnificent and we were lucky to get a beautiful sunrise as the backdrop. And the week later, we were in Bali. Oh what can I say? I love Bali soooo much. I must bring Kurt to experience it with me again. And we met the nicest people there, some were Joanna’s buddies. And now because of them our plans to Perth next year may be even more interesting. What can I ask for more???? All I can say is thank you god for the bountiful opportunities and wonderful people you have placed around me in this time of my life. I can’t even think of asking for anything more.
I did find out some bad news. That my cholesterol is always going to be high because of hereditary conditions. At least I found out soon and I can take precautions. Also I have been disappointed by those I regard really closely to my heart but I bounced back with strength and hopefully, wisdom. I have opened my heart to others and found there are good people who genuinely cares about you even when you don’t make craziest-back-bending efforts. I would cherish these true friends. I guess in life you learn and grow from it. No point sitting and sulking and guess what, once again I’m thankful.
So much has happened, Many good friends got married. I danced in a group of 5 for a friend’s wedding. Attended my first bake class, thanks to GKay. Experienced white water rafting, abseiled down a water and met so many good people while doing that. Emceed for the first time and became a bridesmaid 3 times in a row. Hehehe. Just many amazing new experiences.
Life’s been good. And Christmas is approaching; though I planned to work a little more than normal during this time of the year, I have many more new adventures waiting for me next year. I’m a truly thankful. To my Family, friends, colleagues: old and new and the powers that be and last but definitely not the least my special someone, without which I wouldn’t be here with this big smirk on my face writing this. 
Maybe I should change the title to I Thank You! hehehehe
