2008 – The Year That Was


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 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.

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5 comments… add one
  1. Nikki

    aww thanks for sharing Tine, so true, when you got lemons, make lemonade! I love the way you say it, I’ve shed so many tears and burst so much laughter this year, i won’t exchange the experiences I have this year for anything 🙂 Happy new Year!

  2. Connie

    I’m glad your move to Aust has gotten much better for you and thanks for sharing your experience. Now, when you gonna whip up a sheperd’s pie for me? :p Lol! The video’s so cute!

  3. jojoba

    i am glad i finally caught up with your newer blog before 2008 is over. i thought you disappeared! stupid of me. you are one of the most sensible makeup mania (?!) i know! i am trying so hard to use my head more often than my mind. you have to be here for me and many more for years to come! happy new year to you!

  4. Jenn

    Thanks for sharing Tine!! Like you i relocated to a new country too, so i definitely understand how you feel!! Indeed, when life hands you lemons, squeeze out a smile! hehehe!!

    Happy 2009 girl! I hope the new year brings you even more joy and all things wonderful!! 🙂

  5. Tine

    Nikki:
    No worries girl. It was great getting to know you. Now all there is left is to actually MEET 🙂

    Connie:
    Hee hee, cute right? I’ve never watched the video, but really liked the song.

    Jojoba:
    Aww thanks girl. It’s an honour hearing that from you, oh veteran of makeup 😀

    Jenn:
    Here’s to us for 2009!

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