It was 4 in the afternoon when my phone buzzed disturbingly while I was having a leisure stroll along with my friends who came down to my place to pay me a visit. I took a glance at my notification. It was an email.

An email that I waited all along.

Had you asked me about winning this 4 months back I would have given you a hesitant no. It seemed to be such a distant possibility at a time when I struggled to balance so many different things at hand. Juggling so many balls at once and at one point I thought I was poised for failure. That depressing front when you looked at failures at all ends; all things seemed to be crumbling down as you blamed yourself for attempting the impossible.

There were times when I struggled between getting away from my old self, my same old way of thinking or dwelling deeper into it. So, what was I supposed to do? Go watch a movie, go for a walk, read a self-help book, whatever I think would pull me through. But sometimes nothing I purposefully do would be of much help.

But once I pull my mind out of the doldrums, I felt free, my complaints and mistakes become opportunities. When I did achieve one of those ‘ahha’ moments, well, not much in the world feels better, or more right.

Of course it’s easier said than done. Sure, there were (and there would still be) days where I failed miserably. But each time, I tell myself that I have to get pass the blunders and stupid mistakes. Start tomorrow with high hopes. You can spend your time over-analysing a situation, trying to justify what could have, would have happened, trying to put the pieces together, or you could just leave the pieces on the floor and move on.

I chose the latter. Perseverance played a big part in guiding me through. And so did the encouragements & support from my family and friends. I found solace and confidence through prayers. Confidence was so hard. I’m my worst critics but, I couldn’t blame my inner demons or anyone else – I’ve just got to get pass the self-doubts, criticism and rejection.

And it really helps if you find people that get you. When I find someone whose personality/creativity/energy excites or inspires me; I practically throw myself into their lives and follow their progress closely. Sometimes you can’t do it alone. You need to take advice from anyone who resonates with you. And I’m glad to have found them.

Fast forward 4 months later, I scrolled through that very specific email. Overwhelming was an understatement. I passed it to Sydney, Alveena & Jonathan whom later surrounded me with congratulatory message. Tears rolled down my cheek uncontrollably. Tears of joy. Tears of sacrifice. All those prayers and blessings, they were duly answered. There was a point I thought it was all just a prank. But it wasn’t. It’s real. And it’s here.

I did it.

We had great lecturers for the class this year, for both semesters, with one exception of course. :p

Anyhow, it has became our tradition to cherish the last class with the blow of a cake, well, yet another to end the semester gracefully?

The inappropriate thing was that we sang birthday songs for the lecturers instead, guess we just ran out of songs to be dedicated to them!

Mr. Simon Kok, Taxation lecturer. (He was trying to kiss me btw)

Mr. Jana, Finance lecturer.

I have two more lecturers but we weren’t that close so we didn’t really do anything for them. (damn stereotype you peopleee!)

And oh, a rare glance into my ‘mischievous’ college life.

There were a few places to choose over for dinner, we chose Haven because of its cosy environment and the nice ambiance over there.

There were two floors separately, and the lower floor offered the best view of KL.

With KL skyline view as a backdrop, this place offered couple a perfect gateway. Went to Lookout Point with high school mates, and we actually have a name for ourselves, the ‘Rawang Gang’ lol.

Perhaps I was very hungry after the winding and tiring journey traveling in search of the place, but the grilled chicken with black pepper sauce actually tasted awesome! Like…the best chicken chop ever!

The people there.

The feeling of dining against the backdrop of KL was great, especially with friends and family. And silly me never brought tripod there to shoot KL view.

Random picture to end the post.

We went to WongKok at Sunway Pyramid during lunch break on Friday, the day after my 18th.

Oh, the sole purpose? For the gigantic Milk Tea la!

It was freaking huge, enough to fill all of our stomach. And look how Soon Soon craved for the big drink!

I have never wanted to be own photographer on my very own birthday, so there came Yew Wei! Btw, he took more pictures of himself than mine! pfft…

Oh well, they promised to kiss me too!

*sweeeeeet*

Being 18, I delivered a toast on that day itself. The saying goes something like this…

“as we gathered together to witness my 18th birthday, I’d like to personally thank each and everyone of you all who somehow fused into my life and made it colourful for me and etc…“

And we shared the big drink together!

Photo by Nawal

Just simply being random. Ain’t my heartbeat of whatsoever. She still owes me a lunch and massage for losing the badminton match!

omgosh. I like my UWA lens. Though it comes at a price, I’m reaping its fruits!

My family latest addition!

Those awesome classmates of mine!

Raya’s trip to Bukit Tinggi!

The ‘centre-forward’.

Ti-Ratana 12th Anniversary Celebration.

I bet there’s nothing like this at Cheras! :p

There comes the Cheras Kampung girl!

My Sepet and my Boss!

House Robbery. Laptop’s gone!

And the ever lovely friends!

…so many things to blog about. So little time. Off to a wedding dinner. Will be updating asap.