‘Let go or be dragged‘
- Zen proverb
“I turned 27 basking in the glow of a ‘perfect’ life.
I was in Bali, staying at the Four Seasons Sayan, in love with a man (who I would eventually learned only loved himself), drinking champagne, being pampered at the spa and working in a dream job, as the Features/Lifestyle editor of ELLE Singapore.
I was living with my best friend, I dreamt of living/working overseas, I was slim, in love, and on the cusp of a major life switch.
27 was the year everything changed.
Before I would turn 28, I would have ended that relationship, switched jobs, gained 10kg, moved out to my own place, and begin the journey that has led me to the life I live now.
Age 34
I still live in Singapore and in the same flat (The Rustic Shoebox), I still dream of living/working overseas but accept that it will happen at the right moment.
I am still best friends with [name protected] who has given me the precious gift of a godson I love dearly. I am an aunt to a highly intelligent and lovely 21 year old, and I still carry about 5 of those 10kgs from 2005.
I have had the privilege of a few more dream jobs: launching Time Out Singapore, working for CNN, and now as the managing editor for inSing.com, a role that challenges me, grows me and takes care of me, and my team.
Along the way I have traveled the world – just because I could – I’ve learnt to sail in the Caribbean thanks to [friends] and through it gained a whole new perspective on living the life I want, and deserve.
I am triathlete (not a terribly good one but extremely determined), I run half marathons, and hopefully have inspired the people around me to see that it is possible to eat, live and exercise right – while still being the life of the party.
I am single, living it and loving it.
I am open to falling in love and cannot wait to meet that person who will complement and enhance my already full life.
I am blessed to have gained the wisdom of knowing and accepting that you cannot have it all… BUT you can choose what you want AND don’t want in life.
So I choose to live a life as free of lies, disrespect and drama as far as possible, in the company of dear friends and family, and armed with mindset determined to take the rough with the smooth.
I wake up (eventually) smiling and go to bed thankful that every new day presents endless opportunities to create something new, meet someone special, experience and share something memorable.
“Make the most of the time ahead before it is behind you.”
This was written by my hottie neighbour & journalist friend, Charlene Fang. She then asked me to describe my life at 23 and compare it to my current age, 29.
How much time you got? I don’t think I’m brave enough to go there yet but I do concur with Charlene on every level. Alone doesn’t mean lonely. You get out what you put in. And… the best is yet to come.
Image via KushandWizdom
”I’m not telling you it’s going to be easy - I’m telling you it’s going to be worth it.“
I know we’re mid-way through January but does anyone else feel like Christmas break never happened?
Back to Paris in a heartbeat for Ninja Buying™ .
Took one look at the weather forecast and made a beeline for Uniqlo only to discover that they didn’t buy cashmere for Singapore this season. Guess where they all are? Uniqlo Opera. Hope we get an hour before the store closes on one of the days to stock up.
I like my routine in Paris. Suddenly life shrinks to one street. We land and head to the little provision shop around the corner and buy a six-pack of Badoit. Church on the Left Bank on Sunday and the market to buy fruit. At night, scurry across the street to inhale pho with a glass of Orangina. Ok, sometimes I have a banane beignet with cinnamon ice-cream for dessert. Ok, I have one every night. Fall asleep frustrated that CNN do re-runs of completely un-newsworthy items, and wake up bright and early at 6 to prepare for work. Maybe this time I will walk around the corner to play with Elton, the French bulldog.
Amidst all this is the fact that Mmerci Encore’s Aromatherapie Atelier going to launch real soon… Getting all the bits and bobs sorted when you’ve 1,000 other things that top your priority list has meant this love project has been set to cruise control for some time now.
Cool cats from Esquire, Wayne and Farhan, came over during the weekend and captured this for an upcoming feature*.
I don’t know where it’s all going to go. But I’m passionate (and batshit crazy) enough to think that if I don’t try, I will never know how awesome it could have been. Maybe is the best time to go out on a limb. I’ve spent my whole life chasing dreams. Why stop now.
Famous last words, don’t you think.
* No, it wasn’t for their Funny* Joke from a Beautiful Woman page 
“Look there she goes
A girl who’s strange but special
A most peculiar mad’moiselle
It’s a pity and a sin
She doesn’t quite fit in
‘Cause she really is a funny girl
A beauty but a funny girl
She really is a funny girl
That Belle.”
— Beauty and the Beast
NOTE TO SELF Your next house will bring the outdoors in.
Hello from my Melbourne home and sorry for the radio silence. Recharging only happens when you’re running, as I have been for the past month, on incredibly low batt.
What an incredible Christmas and holiday season. It’s been a treat being back home rediscovering Aussie warmth & hospitality, Melbourne sunshine, and marvelling at my little brother cook anything and everything from crackling pork roasts to lobster and homemade lemon tarts.
While my parents torture themselves watching an ABC programme on Singapore/Hawker food, I’m busy scoffing down lamingtons, buttered cumpets, and every mango dessert I can get my hands on.
The older I get and the further away I travel away from home, the more I appreciate the rituals and roots that make us us. There are too many to list, including the quirks and idiosyncrasies that are simply divine. For example:
Mum: “Darling, I want to post a picture on Instagram but there’s always a box that says ‘Crop’.”
What. A. Legend.
Years ago, my friends and I were busy planning for lives outside of home. Between us, we’ve done Singapore, Sydney, London, Tel Aviv… you name it. Where we’d live. How we’d ply our trade. How we’d survive the minefield known as work. I turn on the tv and watch any number of my good mates anchoring or reporting the news. Flip through magazines and see their names on bylines. With dreams relatively ticked off, conversation is all about Rolexes and freezing eggs. No doubt, topics are set to change as time creeps up on us, but it’s incredible to do life with these wonderful people.
Wishing you a blessed 2013. Eat, laugh, and make a joyful noise. x
READING A Year of Biblical Womanhood by Rachel Held Evans
PLAYING Thrift Shop by Macklemore
BURNING An essential oil blend of French lavender, Roman Chamomile, and manuka.
Loving the rad work of designer, Stephanie Jovski. Lyrics of Relient K set to print.
