Counting my blessings

It’s been an amazing year of God’s faithfulness in my life – all throughout each and every month, thru’ the good and tougher times, thru’ the strong and weak moments. I cannot be more thankful enough as 2022 draws to a close.

And the most poignant fact is a stepping out of a previous comfort zone @SSG, to a whole new adventure @DED. Looking back, I must say it has brought me so much more than just work. Thru’ this new chapter, I also learnt many lessons. And Donna, Neha and I were just reflecting on what we have learnt in the last 6 months 2 nights back. For me, it’s recognizing that verse in a deeper way – not by might and strength, but by the power of the HS. It is easy to recite that. But it means so much more when I start to realize I am actually, actually, actually weaker than I thought, and I can become more steadfast and stronger, in Him.

Beautiful night out a few days back, with the ladies at my place – And this is one of the blessings of 2H 2021. :)

And the many more moments, where through learning Arabic, I gained beautiful friendships. So beautiful until we recently made a trip to Liwa desert with Z and J. Experienced nature, experienced sand and more sand, and eating BBM and drinking wine in the desert, chilling and talking. Am so thankful – so thankful that at this stage in my life, in a covid-stricken year, I had the opportunity to see another part of the world.

And remembering some of the fun moments and the must dos - jump shots, swing competitions (and more competitions) - all so fun. The sand is cold in the early morning - and we walked up so many dunes. 

And the beautiful morning sun and that pose - photographer is good. :-D

And also, the eagle-owl, and the salukis. Really lovely to be out in nature. We talked a little about the different landscape. In Maldives, the sea is vast. Here, it is the sand. 

And also, the eating together and exploring new places with them. Haha. So fun. Whether at more atas place, or at local grills, whether it's that random visit to Rihan just to deliver beer and jenga, these folks are so spontaneous and real. Love them. 💗

Atas Project Brunch. So good. But - not enough time to eat everything. :-D And equally enjoyable seafood grill at a local restaurant by the streets. So good!

Another thing I can be so thankful for is that I am able to continue my motto of exercising every non-working day. :) This year, I had kept up with the running routine, and I am glad this continues to gird my life. I am really happy that this year, I did a PB at the 10km ADNOC race. How did that happen – I also dunno. I remember telling a good friend before that I wanted to go under an hour for 10km when I first came. It happened.

And having contributed to a journal article in Science Direct – a part of a the work I did with SSG. That too, came as a Christmas surprise. It is the learning that mattered. And it was also because I felt rather down at Christmas eve, it was almost like a god-sent surprise encouragement to me - that He knows, and cares. 

And of course, experiencing even simple things, and many first times here – more fellowship, enjoying driving more and more, eating so much good home-cooked food, road-bike cycling first time and so enjoying it, first time doing aerial yoga, doing HIIT first time, making friends of different nationalities, that dinner with the EAO team, Maldives and snorkeling,… these all came about in 2H 2021. And these good times – plus the tougher times – are all so much a part of what will shape the next half of my life. I don't think I have had so many 1st experiences in such a short span of half a year. It has just been amazing. 

Friendships - of old, of new. :)

And chasing the morning dawn - the shades of light and hope - have been most memorable and beautiful. 

Tonight, as I count my blessings, I am reminded of what PK preached a couple of weeks back. These 3 key areas – I want to continue to be more thankful daily, be more compassionate, and be more courageous. And to continue to have greater hope for a most amazing 2022.

My Quiet Friday

How time flies, and the weather has turned cold so quickly. 

Today, was such a beautiful and quiet day. I woke up with some disquiet in my heart though, still thinking about some conversations the day before, and wondered how December will pan out. It is a conscious effort to push the thoughts out and to trust God for the next 6 months. So, pounding the road works best in that regard. I now need to be decked in long sleeves to run. 

And having that conversation with Sabie at the tracks thereafter.... makes me happy. :)

And then, I had a mini adventure by myself - a most different hair cut experience again. This is my 2nd time cutting hair here, and Liezel introduced me to a local Filipino salon. I actually went there yesterday, but there were.... like 30 people there?! Today was the same, and this place is a little mayhem-ish, and yet projects a really unhurried and "time slows down" vibe. There are so many different packages and treatments to choose from, and I paid 235 AED (approx. $87 sgd), for a hair cut, colour, treatment, manicure gel, pedicure, and a footbath (and still have 4 more treatments to utilize for next visit). 😵

I think I was most surprised when I saw a familiar face - the Spinneys cashier lady - we were both so shocked, and then the next thing I knew, she told everyone happily that I was her customer, I am SGP, and then, she went around to bring me some coffee. Haha, soooo surprised. 

And, I was also awestruck how everyone was just happy to be waiting, sitting around while they wait from one treatment to another, talking to each other pretty loudly, and singing to tunes when a familiar song plays on Spotify. It's a kind of organized chaos. 

My hairdresser was really happy with her choice of colour for me. :) So was I. And as always, when I see my long locks being snipped off, I always feel a little little sad and panicky - like - would it become really short? I know it's really no big deal, hair will grow back, but it is that 那刹那 feeling. Cutting hair also has some significance - in the sense that a part of the old, fizzy, unkempt part - has gone, and there's a freshness and a new look beckons. I am happy with this morning hair cut adventure. :)

And then - we went to this really quiet Belgium cafe. Sat down, ordered quite a fair amount of food, ate away, and I had a pale ale. So good. Catching up, and staying in the present. Sometimes, I think Abu Dhabi brings me back to the past. This place, like the salon, may not be the most trendy and modern. It's the yesteryears feelings, with the building, the facade and interior decor a little oldish. Yet, when the world seems to be accelerating, I found it so nice to be back in the old. The mismatch in life is oddly appealing. 

Showing off my nice hair, and having a good first meal of the day. :)

I think, the night, and now, is however, the best part of my day. Because once again, I feel I have done my best for the day. I submitted the UNIR report moments ago (yay, only 2 minor comments to address!)- and then now, I can write away. Tonight is another quiet night as Steve is on night shift. Yet, I relish this moment - being alone and being with my own thoughts. :)  

Thankful - The New Friends

The most beautiful month and season of the year is here. :) Christmas, in another 4 weeks. And today, I felt rested, after so many good dinners this week - 3 times in a row at Law's place with the folks, then the thanksgiving dinners - and then - after a really amazing morning run. 

Sometimes, it is just magical how different people come together, bond, laugh, eat, share burdens and thoughts - and such seasons are always very special. Here, in the last half a year, precisely because I have experienced this for myself, I can only say that I am so thankful and so blessed. How amazing, and how much it is to be treasured. 

As Steve says - they are "new friends". 😄

And these people, run together, learn Arabic together, eat together, we do activities together, and also  sometimes have pretty intensive competitions, and then, also the good conversations for hours - how can that happen? :) And maybe, it's because we are all brought here to Abu Dhabi, each living our own lives but then supporting and caring for each other the way we know best. 

And - we finally did the ADNOC marathon together yesterday. After quite a number of training runs together. A pity Law couldn't run, else I think he would definitely achieve his PB - and he is really fast!! Wishing him speedy healing and recovery. :)

The beautiful morning run - and all of us feeling the good endorphins thereafter.

And the numerous training sessions all throughout the past 2 - 3 months. Honestly, I don't think I would have committed to the run in such a way, if not for the fact that we always jio each other to go run, discuss shoes, discuss Garmins, just cheering each other on. And so, we did it. :) And we all did our personal bests. :-D

Run at Eastern Mangrove, Run at Mosque, Run at Yas Circuit - just run. :) Personally for me, this is one of the best things that I embrace. It is free, it gives me the space-out time, the lone time. Put on shoes and just go. And I always feel so good after each run. May I be able to keep running and running. 

This group too - eats alot!! I think my craving for SG food is long satisfied... and because of the good chef in Lawrence and the several awesome dinners, my poor stash of salmon continues to be in the freezer. :-D I honestly dunno how many dinners we have had. Seriously - feel so so blessed. :) 

I think the above at Madang was our first big eat outing. :) Since then.... so many of such big eats. And mostly, we go to C16-0. Haha. This place is the coolest. Not just SG food, but also because there is warmth, love, care, generosity and kindness. :)

****

And, 不知不觉，it is almost 3pm already. :) This afternoon - is such a nice and pleasant one. I ran in the morning again, and felt so good! And as I was just thinking about the beautiful recap these last couple of months with these folks, I know I need to capture it down. This will be such a memorable part of my Abu Dhabi journey this 2021. And, I honestly am looking forward, and thinking about how December will unfold. 

The Christmas vibe, the best season of the year. In the background, music is playing. Being able to sit at home with Kenji at my feet this 27 Nov, journaling, listening to sermon, just being restful - is such a blessing. 💗

Maldives RnRs 💗

Such a beautiful and different view right this moment. I am sitting in a Maldives beach bar, and have just completed the UNIR write up. It’s been a really relaxing 5 days out on this Maldives island, listening to the crash of the waves, and just getting away for a bit.

I was really thinking about how to spend my 5 days. Last week, I thought it would be one-too-many days – because there might be nothing to do? So I decided to frame each day with some rest itinerary. And it goes like this. 

Day 1 – Rest and Refuel (aka – Sleep and Eat).

Haha, and so Day 1 was exactly that, and actually, all 5 days were that. I slept averagely 8 – 9 hours daily, and Oura sleep score was 85 and above daily. Haha. It’s so good to just sleep! And Steve says I can really fall asleep. I even slept at the airport lounge on my way here (oura registered a nap of 26 mins), and then in the plane too, I slept. And nightly, once I am on the bed, I sleep. 😊 May this easy-to-fall-asleep trait continue to be so much a part of me.

And then, of course – I ate and refueled. I have 3 full meals daily – breakfast, lunch and dinner. And then, I wondered – who created and institutionalized this global thinking that we have to eat 3 meals daily? Actually, I don’t really care much about sticking to the 3 meals, and usually I eat only when I am hungry, and certainly for dinners. But here, in this sunny, breezy, beautiful island, because all the meals are taken care of, I can hop into any of the restaurants, and just eat… and drink. So – I must say I will leave Maldives with a very full stomach (and hopefully, not too big).

I think one of the best meals is the self-concocted muesli-with-lotsa-colourful-fruits breakkie meal. I also added soya milk to it…. Omg… so tasty and I think I can eat this often. But when I go back to real life, I know it will be simple coffee and breakkie only if I am hungry – and which is also perfectly fine by me.

I think holiday breaks always bring forth a different routine and rest. So – 3 full meals and lotsa sleep – perfect way to ensure each day is beautiful. :-D

***

Day 2 – For a moment, I wondered what I did. So good old handphone tells me what I did.

I was on the stepper for 45 mins, and then we also kayaked. Haha. Kayaked twice in less than a week. And oh, after another refuelling lunch, we did a back massage, and then had a romantic grilled seafood dinner on the nearby barefoot-love island. All thru the trip, different ones at the restaurants would introduce us to some fancy-themed dinner at this barefoot island – which I think I could snorkel across. We actually kayaked there in less than 5 mins. And Day 2 – was also very restful and relaxing. I think, I will call my Day 2 – Release and Romance (because of the massage, and the dinner? :-D).

看海 - after the oily massage.

***

Day 3 started with me joining a sunrise yoga, and then – it was only just the instructor and me. Hahaah. Think nobody was cray enough to do such yoga sessions in the morning, and perhaps most of them go for the sunset one? Then, I did a 30 min stepper and watched HTCCC – which was hilariously funny.

I love just laying down at this boardwalk beside the beach to cool down and stretch – and I was commenting to SY that regardless where – at MR, in AD, or now, Maldives, after a run, we can always stretch and soak in the sun rays. So beautiful. Just laying there, stretching, cooling down after a sweat, listening to the playlist.

Day 3 was my first try at snorkeling, and boy – I like it so so much! I have done snorkeling before, but this time, I really enjoyed it so much and I think this is possibly the highlight of all the activities. I snorkeled, then lunch, then tennis (on a rather unkempt tennis court), and then, snorkeled again. Haha. It is beautiful to see the fishes, the corals – and it was just so enjoyable to flap gently in the sea and to see fishes swimming underneath me. 😊  

I also love the 1.5hrs we had before dinner – just watching sunset and having an ice-cold beer and NF on the sunset porch. As Joann's son would say - this is life.

So I think, Day 3 would be – Re-energize and Recreation (because of the new love in snorkeling and the HTCCC). :-D

****

Day 4 – was beautiful! I decided to run and Runkeeper showed that I did reasonably good – I RAN ROUND AN ISLAND. Hahahah. So funny, when I was told by some friends that I actually ran full rounds round an island. I thought I should clock in a run, because 26 Nov is up and coming, and I enjoyed the runs, seeing people getting out for breakfast, feeling the chill vibe as some start to go out to the beaches.

And – because of the love for snorkeling, it was run – breakkie – snorkeling – lunch – pcr – snorkeling -dolphin cruise – sunset cruise – dinner – zzzz. The snorkeling was really just very addictive. Back at our ocean villa, I tried to snorkel too, but it was a tad too strong, the waves. So I had to be just contented with the earlier attempts.

The sunset cruise was nice too – 夕阳无限好，只是近黄昏。Watching the sun set on the boat deck, was calming and relaxing. These few days though, even while I was enjoying the sun, sand and sea, I also thought of Josephine, especially when I could see the dark waters in the night. I said a prayer several times. It must have been very difficult.

And so Day 4 is Run and Rediscover (the run, and also rediscovering the joys of snorkeling and the wonders of nature!)

****

And in the blink of an eye, it is now Day 5 – and it was sunny when I started this entry, and then, the rain suddenly came. It is a light one though – I think in another 15 mins, it will be sunny again. This morning, I was back at the gym on the stepper, and then had the yummy muesli concoction again. Alas – all good things must come to an end, and we had to check out at 12pm.

Because there’s about 5 hours till departure, I decided to finish up with the UNIR report, and while at it – a gin tonic and a pizza to go along. I did feel productive. It was a good feeling. And then, today, since early morning, there was already work emails, messages – and all these reminds me that I have to go back to the work grind tomorrow, which is also fine. I think, I am in a process to learn how to better manage life – a never-ending one at that. 😊

And this entry – captures this last minute, random trip that we decided to make time for, only last week. In itself, that is also a life experience and choice, and I am glad we decided to go for it. Looking back, it really is worthwhile, enjoyable and exciting.

I decided to call Day 5 – Reflection and Recalibrate – because it is so nice to just reflect and recount on these last few days, capturing some moments and emotions, and at the same time, 收拾心情, to return back to Abu Dhabi. I would like to have a 平常心。 And I believe it was Pastor Tan who preached this message before. 😊 In whatever, have a 平常心, and always be thankful and grateful.

Beautiful Summer Season

The season is changing and I can gradually feel the heat waves subsiding. I had enjoyed myself so much through the last couple of months, and as I look back, I wish I could just capture every thought, learning, growth, reflection, laughter, experience. 

Some days, I get wistful. Most days, I am grateful. 

And this morning, finishing my run, I took time out to sit by the beach. It's so beautiful to be still, and to be in the moment, to breathe. I see the gentle water ripples, some small crabs scurrying here and there, took in the morning rays and its sunshine goodness, and felt my body just relaxing. The sermon, worship songs, and eventually, some of the best faves found its way into my ears... 好美。

One of these songs is a fave Japanese song, describing how one could be fully present in seasons that change, and that even if there's a lingering thought about whether tomorrow would be sunny, we could still smile, live, love, overcome. Being alive means to be able to feel fully, and to create beautiful memories, As seasons change, miracles are up to us to create. 

Beautiful. Music is such a universal language that binds. :)

明日晴れるかな (Tomorrow will still be beautiful) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vjj16qog4vQ

And, as with the last few weeks of summer, the weather will soon take a turn to become colder. I am already starting to miss the full humidity that can render a 1kg water loss when I run. I will also be missing that cool water plunge and relief in the pool. However, that means I am also able to enjoy being wrapped up in warmer clothes and enjoy a different fashion feel. That means I can run into a fog, and cycle into a mist. That means I can also reactivate that heater we have, and wear socks to bed. I will also be able to go out into nature, and  walk Kenji longer and his little paws will feel better. 

And, speaking of Kenji, K's love is the most consistent throughout the various seasons. He just decided to lay his whole head and body on me yesterday, despite the sticky, sweaty me. His love is bigger than mine, for sure. 💓

Laugh die me. هههههه

Laugh die me. هههههه 

Alex and Farah paid a short surprise visit, and in these short moments, Kenji stole their avocado. Unbelievable. So sly, this dog. And before we realised the avocado was messy, K was happily tearing it apart, and I had to buy another avocado from the supermarket. 

The afternoon was pretty eventful. Before that, I tried to do good with some Chai Tao Kueh, and it turned out that in my excitement, I poured all the chai pok and garlic (that was likely supposed to be for the full tub CTK goodness), into a pittance of the white mesh (probably just 10 spoonfuls). 

And as the oil was heated up, and the frying came, I eagerly chopped all the kuey up, and with much zest and oomph, and the kueh disappeared from sight, engulfed by the eggs. Steve asked how it is CTK. He said is is just salty 炒蛋。I think I need more garlic and chai pok now since I have almost the full tub of radish goodness intact. Hahaha. 

My failed attempt, but a pretty gallant effort in my opinion, not withstanding some levels of creativity, with olive oil and a dash of maggi flavouring. And it tasted quite nice - basically caipok chaodan. 

Suddenly, feel so tired - with the avocado furore and CTK attempt. More tiring than cycle 30km. 

不知不觉

I've had a really great week, and 不知不觉，it's Day 5 out of 6 already, and I remember last week, I was so thrilled to think about a 6-day break in the middle of July. It's the Eid celebrations, and it's also my first time following the local work calendar here. :) So, I was pretty determined to make it count, and yesterday, I was even thinking I am ready to get back to the work grind. 

And it's been a pretty amazing 5 days thus far, with lots of explorations, me-time, good food, conversations, new experiences. And enjoying being around Abu Dhabi with different ones, whether on bike or in the car, and also with new colleagues. 

Such a contrasting view. Beautiful skyline, vs a pretty derelict building - both in town area. :) And the older building strangely reminds me a little of NK.

Too often, there are just too many memories to be captured, and too often, they become a part of the life for that season. Last week this time, I was just thankful for DYL - the book and the program I took in March this year, that made it clearer to me that I could try and prototype a little, and do something different, and especially when it beckons. 

And then, I am also thankful for the many little explorations here, including going to a new Japanese restaurant, doing shisha (first time trying) at M's house and having a lovely meal together with him and N, and then doing Korean, and then, getting a taste of Indian chai. Food wise - I have so much to be thankful for. But to me, the best is the Singapore chai png still - I miss that, and the local coffeeshop feeling v much, and look forward to the day when I could be back. I figure, probably max 2 - 3 more years here, but then again, who would really know?

There's some hype around the newly-opened Kinsu, and so we visited. It was good and fresh, but more than that, it's the fellowship with Lily and Herman.

And my new colleagues, Mahendra and Neha, and we were all spending Eid here while many others travelled out. So, it was a super cosy afternoon at a Thai-Jap restaurant, and then over to his house for more chats, and a first shisha try for me. Grape-flavoured, and I think this first experience is enough. :)

And some Indian chai at Neha's place. :) Great way to kickstart the long break. And it's boiled, together with Indian basil and ginger. 

And of course, there's the bike experience continuation. Came across a few articles that said - cycling makes you happy. I think the 2-wheeler has some magic in it, and it's not as tiring as running. I am really enjoying it. The exploration and its nimbleness is the appeal for me. I don't think I am at that stage where I can go very fast yet, and the road bike was a new try for me. But, I just enjoy being out exploring, and discovering. It was so possible to go explore Abu Dhabi city - and I actually cycled from my place all the way to Khaladiya, and so many places in between. So fun, and such morning sunshine doses really do wonders to the soul. 

Hehe, and becoming more and more pro looking? Still some way to go, but hehe, at least got some sei. 

And the deeper conversations continued too, and some good me-time reflections throughout the week. And in thinking about the work culture, the people, life choices. This hot summer afternoon, at a sweltering 48 deg, one day, I would look back, probably in 10 years time, and wonder where life has brought me to. :) 

So, 今天，我感觉非常感恩，满足。Quick short one, as I gear back into work mode mind. (And making some CKT). Totally a week well-spent. 

Summer Rain

I saw the pitter patters

Fall on the windshield

I saw the wiper move

These transient cools

That moment was really but for that moment only, and this morning and yesterday, I was wondering if it might rain. And it did, for that brief moment. The summer respite was a nice change, though I wished there could be a larger storm, just to feel rain and smell it more. 

The clouds were also more gathered, and shielded the sun quite a bit. The ride and run this weekend were both easier, and then the pool, with its throbbing ripples actually felt pretty cool. 

At about 645pm, I breathed, took a look outside, and saw the grey clouds, the wet ground, and thought it was beautiful. :)

The weekend has passed meaningfully, with deeper conversations, reflective thinking, harder questions. As the night comes on, I am reminded of this very beautiful song. 

In the quiet of the night,

Where no one sees,

I come, on bended knees

To say, Jesus, you are my everything

You are so precious to me. 

The "feel like writing" entry

今夜、感謝しているだけです。
今週のいろいろな　同僚とか、仕事とか、仲良くなる友達とか、簡単な料理をたべるとか、運動をすることとか、ギターを引いたとか、。。。本当に全部のことを感謝しています。そんな中で　私も時々自信が足りない感じ、できない感じが溢れる時に、これも神様にもと頼る。これも私の成長できるために感謝します。こんなとき、自分の時間が大切ことを特に感じる。今夜、世界が静かになると、心でもう一回決している。どんな状態があっても、喜び態度を。：）今夜本当に幸せ感じだけです。

And one of the key moments this week was catching up with SJ. It's such a familiar feeling. :) It's been slightly over a month and I was very glad to just catch up. Some people come into your life, and leave a lasting imprint. These indelible footprints become etched and collectively, shape the person I become. 

And, as I was writing in Japanese, I was brought back to Fri night. I really needed a run. I thought maybe I should just walk, as we had a hotpot dinner. But at about 9+pm, where it was warm and humid, my steps became trots, and the trots became a gait. And I did a round round the mosque. So beautiful. While the air was heavy, the mind felt clearer. And then, I rested at the tracks. I laid there, breathed, stretched, felt. Never thought there would be anyone there, but there were 2 other runners, and one of them was really fast - and I learnt he is one of UAE's ultra marathoners. :) What a night. 

So, 今晚，我也收拾了心情。怎么时间，尤其是周末，又那么快得过了呢？在这宁静的夜晚，我就是喜欢感受这世界慢下脚步，静下来。:) 要准备休息的这时刻，也有它的美。

Experiencing some news

The sun is blazing outside, and I just woke up from a short nap. It's a hot, sunny, afternoon feel. And it's a very nice feel to have rested after a great morning ride, and also a good fishy lunch with people I love. 

I always thought that road bikes are cool, but a little too low and back-straining, and so, never thought I would try that one day. But today, the experience was just such a good one. Rented one at H Island - and.... :) The picture shows it all.

The road bike could potentially turn out be a future want, but for now, I am just happy to enjoy the experience, and plus with the runs, swims - they all contribute to my me-time, especially needful as I age a bit more? :)
So sports wise, this year, I still target to try some aerial yoga. It's not-yet, but hopefully, a class will resume soon. 

And another new was my first girly hangout with the newbies this week. Such a familiar feel - to have an after-work evening drink, just that this is with a new bunch now, and multi-national. :) One is 8-week old, I am 2.5 weeks, and another, 2 weeks. Beginning of some teamwork, getting to know each other. This happy hour chill at 4 seasons was nice, as we sat there for 2+hours, through the sunset.

I have honestly been such a hermit in the last 4 years, where my routes are mostly home <--> supermarket, some restaurants round me. But in this last 1 month, possibly, I have travelled into town to and fro, been to other parts of Abu Dhabi for different engagements - more times and miles than I had ever in the last 4 years alone. It's really nice to have these explorations, and experiencing various "news". Amidst all that, however, like now, the familiar feel of being at home and sitting at my own table does feel very special. :)

And this week, we also had a special night out watching England-Germany. Impromptu, unplanned, and we decided to just walk over, grab some burgers and beers. Ildico and family were probably the only Germans there. Cheering Germany on was new in that sense. :)

And finally, last night, while I was super grateful for all the new experiences this week, it was just very very nostalgic to go back to my own fishy dinner for a bit. I sat down at about 8pm, enjoyed the fish and for a moment, it felt like the last one year. As my schedules and journey changed, this fishy staple has taken a back seat. However, last night, it was such a simple and nice moment. And then, the end-of-week feel, with having a really great conversation with Steve after his afternoon shift. 

Time really flies. I am grateful and thankful again for this week. :) Now, it is time for me to revise my Arabic again. The law of last-minute.