2018 : A Recap

Bonjour!

The last time I was tap tap tapping on my laptop was when I was anxiously counting days to end my bachelorette life. Now, it's almost the end of 2018 and so much has happened since then. Of course, I apologize for once again neglecting this blog of mine but the last couple of months has been a whirlwind of changes- both expected and unexpected. Therefore, I'd like to dedicate this post to 2018 and all the ups and downs of it all. What a better way to end the year than to count blessings, eyh?

1. Finishing Law School.
2018 was the year I ended my 4 and a half years of law school journey. Pre-graduation, I mean. I packed my stuff, flew back home and started getting busy with intensive wedding planning. It was the year I said goodbye to the friends I made in the short span of time as well as the people that I once called my friends but eventually life had better stories for us to be in instead of being in each other's tale. Looking back at how eager and excited I was to get Law School done and over with, flashbacks of emotions come rushing in. The chaotic life of chasing due dates and mock trials and hearings and tests and replacement classes. Those dreadful all nighters at the firm and getting sleep at 3AM just to have to be back at the firm at 5AM the same day. But I went through those tough days with the most amazing group of people to ever exist in the world. Que, Cah, Fadhil, and Shaff being among those people. I cannot explain in words how blessed I am to have met them in my final year because without them, life would have been so unbearable. Our crazy inside jokes, innuendos, cursing, yelling, screaming, sleeping over at the firm, all of it. If I could do it all again with the exact same group of people, I would. I honestly with all my heart and soul definitely would. That's just the people I spent my final year with. Ima and Irich were people who was with me from the very beginning. Well, more Ima compared to Irich because me and Irich had a rough start but hey she is still the angel that I never expected God to throw my way in my journey. I feel like I owe so many people for so many things that they've done for me to a point where I feel like there is nothing that I could ever do to repay their kindness. The best I can do from afar is send them the best of prayers and smile as I watch them achieve all the success that they deserve in life.

2. Getting Married.
My solemnization was on 28th Septermber 2018 and it was as perfect as perfect could be. yes, there were hiccups here and there that made me cry the night before, but all of my troubles and stress went away just like that when I saw the S/O sitting there, waiting for me to sit on the dais so the ceremony could be started. Our wedding was beautiful. It was memorable, filled with love and nothing but warm and good vibes. I had friends come from all over the place just to attend my wedding and for that I am forever thankful. Crystal flew in from Japan, Que, Cah, Fadhil, and Ima flew in from Peninsular Malaysia and Pem was there with me to calm my nerves as well. The big family were so helpful and supportive and I cannot say enough words to express how grateful I am to be surrounded by loving people who are just so absolutely wonderful. On the same night we had our malam berinai and cake cutting ceremony. On 30th September 2018 it was the reception of my side followed by the groom's reception in KK on 6th October 2018. A month after that, on 4th November 2018 we had our final reception in Bogor. All in all, our wedding was a dream and after about 3 months of being married, I am happy.

3. Graduating.
After our wedding reception in KK and a couple of weeks before our reception in Bogor, I had my graduation ceremony to attend. I had a couple of minutes of being able to meet up with my best pals during my degree days and it was so much fun. Those short moments of celebrating our hard work and struggles meant so much. Managed to take some pictures with the gang and do some really quick catching up. I attended my graduation with mom, dad and the hubby. So grateful to have them there with me on the day.

4. Pregnant.
Yes, you read that right. Pregnant. As I'm typing this, I am 13 weeks pregnant which means I am in my second trimester. This was a much unexpected surprise and blessing. So far I've been to two appointments and alhamdulillah, lil raspberry (the hubby and I nicknamed the baby lil raspberry) is healthy. The last appointment I went to was last Saturday and we got to see lil raspberry move around and open and close it's hands. Oh the warmth that filled my heart. This pregnancy has been such an exciting thing yet overwhelming at the same time. Most probably because of my anxiety and my fear of the unknown. But I have set my mind to just go with it and cross the bridges that I fear when I get to them. For now, I am very thankful for this gift from God and all I hope is that lil raspberry will continue to grow to be a healthy and happy baby. Amin.

5. Job Interview
So some time around July I applied for a government position and after months of agonizingly waiting patiently, I finally got called for an interview just when I thought that there was no more hope left in that application. I went into the interview and gave everything I got and the best I can do now is to wait and leave the rest in God's hands. I really do hope I get the job offer soon because with a baby on the way and in the recent economy, being in a single income household isn't much of an option. So fingers crossed that I'll be kicking off the new year with a job offer that can at least help contribute to the household and put some moolah aside for rainy days as well.

All in all, it was a pretty eventful year filled with blessings, celebration and happiness. I have so many people to thank in 2018 including those who walked away from my life and made it even better than before. May 2019 be another year of endless blessings and happiness. Although, in my opinion, it's all about perspective. Even the worst of events could be a blessing if you look at it from the right angle. For 2018, I include the lessons and my downfalls as blessings for making me a wiser and stronger person. Next on my agenda? Resolutions. Stay tuned for that. =)

x's and o's