Day 31 - 10:29AM

On Saturday morning, I headed to Bangkok with a group of friends (including A. and M.K.) for Dollfete, over the weekend. Many things happened along the way, but I was lucky to have such wonderful travelling companions. And I am also really grateful to my mum and her friend for making arrangements for meals and various other things that made the trip much easier for us. The event was amazing. It's my first time attending a doll-related event outside of my own country, so it was really an interesting experience. There were so many lovely shops and so many things I wanted to buy, I certainly returned with a lot of loot for my girls. The food there was lovely as well, even for someone like me who is not very good with spicy foods. I almost wish we could have stayed longer.

When I got home in the wee hours of the morning on Monday, I realized that my SWD Nana had arrived on Saturday while I was away. When I got around to opening her, I was completely satisfied. She turned out to be exactly as the seller had shown in the pictures: completely gorgeous.

Due to being sick, I wasn't able to work on Monday morning, but luckily my colleague was able to cover for me. And surprisingly, the customers on the next two days rescheduled themselves, so I was able to get a good couple days of rest and recovery. It was truly a blessing.

The last few days I've been unwell, I have had so much support and well-wishes from everyone. I am really glad there are so many people looking out for me.

Day 25 - 11:39PM

I've had great food and even better company for the last few days.

Spent Tuesday dinner with L. and R., somehow we ended up eating the xiao long bao that I just happened to be craving that day. They were so sweet to take time out to bring me to the money changer and help me get some Thai Baht for my trip.

And then Wednesday, I had a wonderful dinner with my boss at this restaurant that served Mediterranean-style Tapas. It was really lovely.

Yesterday night, I met up with my lovely ladies A. and M.K., who I will be travelling to Thailand with tomorrow for Dollfete. We had ramen at Marutama, because M.K was having a craving for ramen, and I can never say no to good ramen. After that, I met up with S. and went to eat more! Haha.

Today I found out that a mistake I had made with one of my clients would not cost me. I feel truly blessed for that.

Tomorrow, I will be taking a day off work to go to Thailand with a group of friends, really looking forward to that!

Day 22 - 12:19PM

I've been a bit remiss with my posting lately, but that doesn't mean nothing good has happened. In fact, so many wonderful things happened that I haven't had time to sit down and write them all out.

On Saturday after work, I originally did not make plans, but A. asked me out to go painting with her at this lovely cafe called Arteastiq. We had a lot of fun! I just painted whatever I could come up with, and she did this most lovely painting based of a photograph. Her work looks so professional!

At night I spoke to S. and we decided to meet up the next day instead of Tuesday. I was really happy that I would get to see him again much earlier than I expected.

The buyer for my doll also notified me that she would be able to complete the purchase early, so I will be able to pay off my SWD Nana earlier than I expected.

Sunday afternoon, I went to the Botanic Gardens for a picnic with A., her friend, and her dog Haru. It was sunny, and I had a marvelous time in their company. Haru is just too adorable. I got along quite well with A.'s friend too, who I had never met before.

After that, I met up with S. for dinner. About that, I can only say that I could not have asked for anything better. Wonderful and amazing aren't even enough for me to express how much I enjoyed myself. I feel so blessed.

Yesterday, I didn't do much other than to go to work, but I got a new client, and she was very appreciative of my work and kept telling me how wonderful the therapy felt, which was really nice and perked up my day very much.

Today, I got the rest of the dolly payments, and managed to pay off my layaway! So SWD Nana is finally mine!

Meeting L. and R. for dinner after work today. I'm so lucky to have such lovely people around me.

Day 18 - 11:29PM

This afternoon, after work, I was able to enjoy a wonderful lunch at Ippudo with my boss. Ramen is one of my favorite foods, and the gyoza was very nice!

Afterwards I went to do my nails. I love going to do my nails because it's a good time to relax and take a break. Sometimes my mum and I go together. My manicurist picked the colors for me this time, a lovely lavender color paired with silver tips, I think it's gorgeous!

S. talked to me much more today, a sign of forgiveness perhaps? I hope so. He seems to be attempting to be more patient and understanding with me, which I am entirely grateful for.

Day 18 - 1:56AM

On Wednesday night I ended up hanging out with the lovely A., at a very interesting place called BarStories. There, they don't have a menu, but they make you cocktails according to any preference you describe to them. I asked first for something light and sweet, which turned out to be something involving strawberry puree and frangelico. My second drink was a request for something milky but light, and they gave me another frangelico-based drink, but this time with vanilla and butterscotch schnapps - it tasted rather like an alcoholic milkshake. I loved both of them! And of course, A. was brilliant company.

Coincidentally, I thought one of the bartenders looked like someone I used to know. And then I overheard him introducing himself to another customer, and surprisingly, it was the same guy! He didn't recognize me at first, but he got there eventually. We had a tiny bit of a catch up, which was really nice.

I was also very proud of myself in the afternoon for managing to call up the cat cafe, despite a bout of nerves that nearly dissuaded me from going through with it. A small victory, but it's a start.

Earlier on, I finally decided to sound things out with S., because i wanted to straighten things out between us. Despite a slow start, I feel like I finally got my feelings through and we are no longer on such shaky ground. He sounded much happier after I explained everything properly, so I am really really relieved about that. Now I (and hopefully he as well) can go to bed with a weight off my shoulders.

Day 16 - 8:41AM

I have been doing so much writing lately, both poetry and prose. Perhaps it's all the books I borrowed from the library, but inspiration has hit me in a big way, and I am making much headway with Halcyon's story. Writing is very comforting to me, a way to express myself and the things I can never say.

I managed to get S. to agree to go out with me next week, so I am very pleased. He has been a bit busy and perhaps a little down lately, so I wanted to do something to cheer him up. Most importantly, when the people you love are happy, you will also feel happy, and that is something to feel satisfaction about.

Day 14 - 7:57AM

On Saturday after work I had dinner and dessert with R., which was really nice. He's a good listener, and I enjoy chatting with him.

I spent Sunday morning playing Harvest Moon, afterwards I had a nice lunch with my dad and my brother. I took a really adorable selfie of me and my dad.

Afterwards I met up with A. and her boyfriend for dinner and some L4D2. I really appreciate their company, time passes so fast when I am with them, not a boring moment.

Day 11 - 10:03PM

Today I managed to speak out about and clarify some things that have been bothering me for the last few days, and it was wonderful to finally get it off my chest.

For my dad's birthday dinner, we went to a Mexican restaurant run by my the son of my mum's friend, and we tried the dishes he recommended. Everything was very good, and we were very full and satisfied by the end of it!

Day 11 - 08:36AM

I got a much coveted slot at Mitsukeru Wigs (he makes wigs for dolls, and there were only 10 slots open to public), so I am really excited!

Also my layaway payment came in early, and the person told me she may be able to finish before April, so even better!

Tonight we will be having dinner to celebrate my dad's birthday. Looking forward to that.

Day 10 - 10:52PM

I had a tiring but good day at work yesterday. Had an hour and a half for lunch, so went down to the nearest bank to bank in my paycheck, and then had Omelette Yakisoba and Yakitori for lunch. Yummy! I also sneaked in the purchase of a cute little mint-blue Alpacasso. (Somehow all my friends, especially S. and L., insist on calling it a Llama.)

After work I went home and took some shots of Natsuri (one of my dolls), whose outfit matched with my new Alpacasso. Adorable, aren't they?

After that, I went out and had dinner near my place with L. and R. again. These guys are really fun to hang out with, and I was really glad to have their company again. We had lots of good food, and then ice cream!

Today, I had 4 hours between clients at work, so I went down to the library at Toa Payoh and borrowed a book I have been wanting to read for a while - Margaret Atwood's 'A Handmaid's Tale'. Sat in the library for a couple of hours just doing some quiet reading, it was a lovely way to pass the time.

Had a home-cooked dinner with my parents today. It was really great to eat my mother's cooking again. After that I had a nice bath and then spent the night listening to great music.

I put another doll on layaway today. Even though the seller put one of her conditions as being a 3 week duration for the layaway, I spoke to her, and she agreed to let me have a layaway up to the 20th of next month. This will allow me to pay for the doll with the funds I am getting from selling another doll, so I don't have to dip into the funds I set aside for my Thailand trip. The doll itself has a beautiful face-up by a Korean artist, and it was on sale below market price, so I got a really good deal. I am very thankful.

Happiness and smiles. These are small things, but they make all the difference.

On a slightly more crazy note, I discovered Orange Caramel's latest release 'Catellena'...and it is RIDICULOUSLY BEAUTIFUL. To me anyway. It is stunning, amazing, and absolutely quirky. It has SUSHI in it, and it is catchy as heck. And I love their lace outfits.

(Considering how much I adore sushi, and quirky things, this could totally be my theme song.)

The other song I stumbled on while I was surfing Youtube is Shakira's new song 'Empire', which is just special in a completely different way. It is very soulful, a meaningful and inspiring song.

Day 9 - 10:54AM

Yesterday I didn't have to work, so I went to try out this place that specializes in Tui Na (a form of Chinese Massage), on my mum's recommendation. I had cupping done for the first time! I felt that the outcome was fairly good, I felt that my back pain had decreased after just one session. Going back to try again next Tuesday.

S. messaged me good morning first today. It may be a small thing, but it was a wonderful start to the day.

I went home and took a nap in the afternoon.

In the evening, I went to eat Minced Pork Noodles with my mum. That particular store is a little far from where I live, but it's our favorite, and I enjoyed it thoroughly.

I was chatting with a really old friend of mine, L. (we go back more than 12 years!), on Facebook, and he suggested we meet up in the late evening. After dinner I went to meet him, and he introduced me to his friend R., a photographer, who I found to be a very nice and friendly person. R. had brought his camera with him, so after hanging out having ice cream and some refreshments, we went to the playground near my house and fooled around with it. He took a photo of me that I really, really like. I had great fun hanging out with them, and I hope we can do it more often! On that note, L. has suggested dinner again tonight.

This song came on my playlist this morning. It's a lovely song. And the name says it all. Good morning. :)

Day 7 - 11:07PM

Did some writing this morning - finished a poem I had been working on halfway, and also a brief teaser for Halcyon's arrival even though he will most likely only be able to come home at the end of the month at the earliest. Still I am truly excited!

This is the poem I wrote today, it's a lot more positive than the ones I used to write, which I think is a good reflection of how things are turning around for me.

Like Glass

Today is an imagination, 

A magician's spell. 

We are dreams and coloured lights, 

We are a glass happiness. 

But only we decide, if we are brittle or strong.

Even when the colours fade,

And the rose-tinted view has seen

Sunsets in many shades, 

We are what we believe in.

And only we decide, if the dream will carry on.

Talked about Fairy Kei with A., found a reaaaaally gorgeous sweater with lace sleeves in a lovely mint color and we both just had to get it! Also ended up getting some cute overalls. 

A. has a wondeful idea for themed lunches, the first one will be Fairy Kei themed. I've always wanted to try wearing Fairy Kei, because I love pastel colors, but I've never been too adventurous. A. has very sweetly agreed to help me out, even offering to lend me some of her things!

In the afternoon I went out to meet my god-sis N.,  to grab Harvest Moon from her. We had a lovely chat as well before I headed back home. The bus journey there and back was long, but it passed by a reservoir, and the view in the evening was just lovely.

Halfway home, I found out that S. would be dining in the vicinity of my place. Happily, I managed to catch a couple of minutes together, and a hug! Yay!

Had dinner with my parents. I really enjoy having their company.

There was something wrong with my dad's ankle, but I managed to make it a little better. I was very pleased about that.

It's been an really eventful and wonderful day today. 

Day 6 - 10:43PM

Amazing day today as well!

Had the most delicious and spectacular sashimi lunch at Oceans of Seafood in Pasarbella with my folks and my little brother. The quality of the fish was superb, and the atmosphere was really nice! Pasarbella is a really interesting little place, reminded me very much of Central Market in Adelaide. I bought home some Macarons in curious flavours such as Thai Iced Tea, Salted Gula Melaka and Sakura.

Went home and had a short nap, woke up feeling refreshed!

For dolly related good news, Mehiart completed my custom eyes 3 days ago, but I only checked Etsy today. They are an absolutely beautiful color!

Had a good online chat with the lovelies M. and AV., they are such sweet ladies, it has been my joy to know them through my doll hobby. I suggested an idea for some boy outfits to AV. and she said she will certainly think about doing that!

Dinner today was with my parents, a family friend and my brother at Arnold's Fried Chicken. Yum!

Learnt that my "sister" Z. is in Singapore for work! Hope to catch up with her soon!

Loving 2NE1's new song "Come Back Home". Been listening to it on repeat for the last hour.

All in all it's been a packed and completely satisfying day. I am truly blessed.

Day 6 - 10:46AM

Yesterday was a brilliant day. It was also busy and fulfilling, so much so that I didn't get a chance to sit down and write a post.

Two of my clients extended their packages with me, so now my Saturdays are going to be really busy, but wonderfully rewarding. It's lovely to know that your clients appreciate your work.

I bought some yummy Honey and Mustard Ham from the supermarket and had it with my lunch.

My parents picked me up from work and then we attended a wedding dinner together. It was very sweet. I got to dress up and wear a pretty dress, and my mum complimented me.

I'm really happy to get to spend this weekend with my parents and my brother! Today we are going to have lunch, and maybe dinner, together. I am really looking forward to it.

Day 4 - 11:39PM

Talked to some lovely people before bed tonight. N. and I have decided to both get Harvest Moon: A New Beginning and play that together.

Managed to squeeze in a conversation with S. as well, talking to him always makes my day.

The P.S.I. readings here are climbing, and I am so thankful that I've been able to stay indoors for most of the day, and I have my air purifier here in my room with me.

Day 4 - 10:10PM

Spend a wonderful day hanging out with my friend A. at her place. Her dog is so sweet and incredibly cute! We took lots of photos of our dolls, and she also helped me fix one of my doll's dress malfunction, and another doll's eyelash problem. I'm so grateful to her! She is such a sweet and patient person, I am incredibly happy to have made such a lovely friend.

My parents came back from Australia today, I'm really glad to have their company once again.

Day 4 - 1:53PM

Bought myself lunch and dessert on my way home.

On the route that I took when I walked home today, there was a lovely bougainvillea tree with clusters of flowers in varying shades of pink drooping down. They looked so much like lovely bunches of pink shooting stars.

My friend A. invited me over to her house. It's been so many years since I've been to another person's place, I'm really excited.

Day 4 - 8:34AM

Met up with N. and had a wonderful, long catch-up yesterday. She loved her birthday present.

After that I caught the movie 300: Rise of an Empire with S., and then we had a late dinner. I really enjoyed the movie very much!

I'm very happy I got to meet up with two of the most special people in my life in the space of one night.

Also, AngelToast informed me that my doll head has reached her safe and sound!

Not much work today, only one client. I am grateful for the day of rest.

Day 3 - 8:25AM

I got an absolutely wonderful 10 hours of uninterrupted sleep! Hooray!

Caught this on Facebook earlier: a truly moving and eloquent speech by Lupita Nyong'o on the concept of "beauty". So inspiring. I loved her closing line, when she talked about "being beautiful inside" and how there is "no shade to that beauty".

Lots of clients at work today. I am so happy to be able to be of help to them.

Meeting my "little sister" N. for dinner later.

Day 2 - 8:34PM

Managed to voice out some of my dissatisfaction, and the result was much better than I expected.

Day 2 - 6:30PM

We got new clients at the clinic today.

I stood in the sun this afternoon and soaked in the sunlight like a photosynthesizing plant. It felt amazing.

Day 2 - 8:42AM

Managed to get in about 5 hours sleep without any pain. Cramps are fairly minor this time around.

S. left me a message about appreciating me, while I was sleeping.

J. sent me a virtual hug.

Day 1 - 7:06PM

Had an amazing lunch, the food was superb as usual. The real stand-out today was the Chutoro, which tasted better today than I ever remembered.

I got to spend the afternoon, and then have dinner with S., I got lots of hugs and I got to see a most wonderful smile. It is these simple moments that I am thankful for.

My monthly flow started today as well, which was certainly a relief.

Day 1 - 9:44AM

It's a beautiful morning today, the sun is shining gently. I woke up early again, but I managed to go back and catch an extra half an hour of sleep. The birds are chirping outside.

My sweet online friend M. messaged me to tell me a story. And J. gave me a nudge to remind me that he's always there for me. I have such lovely friends!

I don't have to work today, but my boss is treating me to lunch at my favorite restaurant.

It's going to be a beautiful day. :)

This is an old photo that I took in Tasmania in 2012, but it's still beautiful.

The beginning looks something like this.

Because I woke up this morning with a thought in my head, that "Happiness is a choice, and I must choose it." So here we are. I have a mind that has always been fixated with bad memories, but now, I will make new memories. Good ones. And I will record them down so I can remind myself how wonderfully blessed I am, each and every day. So that I will never forget that. Because, "happiness is a choice that requires some effort".