2005 in a nutshell

To all my sporadic readers of vickyism, hope you had a very Merry Christmas! And here's to a Happy New Year!

2005 has been an excellent year for me despite having to deal with a few annoying idiots here and there.

My great friend's younger brother passed away close to Christmas, and I was very sad. There is nothing like a death of a loved one to put life in perspective - and to remind you to never, ever sweat the small stuff.

Let the new year be a meaningful one for all, with more H2O, less fat, and more fibre. Let us live each day to the fullest, be kind to one another, and share with one another great forwarded emails.

I did many new things this year, which ranged from the most mundane to the most significant.

Some of my life's FIRSTS included these...road trip in the cold of January, experienced driving in snow for the first time, went sight seeing at many World Heritage places in Japan. Experienced salt-water onsen, saw the most amazing view of cherry blossoms. Climbed the Great Wall of China, visited Tianman Square. Climbed Mt. Fuji. Ate at Hard Rock Cafe. Had a "white birthday" in my 25years of life.

I also went home for 2 weeks. Went to Taiwan for my beautiful cousin's wedding. Attended 4 Japanese weddings.

I also joined a Dance team this year. Performed with them at many events and functions. Competed amongst 20 other dance groups on the street of the main city in the district, and came 3rd place. Plan to do more of it next year.

Some sad things that inevitably does happen in life...because of distance and different life styles, Mark and I made the right(?) decision to be on our own for a while (not the best decision I think, I miss him so much). Some of the best people that has made an impact on my life in left Japan to find another place to shine.

Next year, I resolve to do more exercise, learn more Japanese, dance more, laugh more and save more $$$

But, until then here's to more partying, more drinking and more eating to welcome 2006. Wishing everyone a very safe and fabulous New Year!!! Appreciate more, laugh more and say "I love you" more (and mean it!!!)

See you all next year!!! 30 weeks of Japan left?!?!?!

Unforgettable 25th~

I had the most incredible birthday yesterday. It was the first time in my life that I had snow on my birthday. Went to my birthday party at a restaurant up in the mountains. It was amazing, but very scary because it was snowing and the snow was building up on the road.

So, the party started at 7pm...by 8:30 the party was over because there were just too much snow on the road. It was also the first time in my life that I drove at 8km/hr. Never ever have this "lead foot" drove so slow in her life. But, for the sake of me and the two passengers in my car, the slower the better (^_^)

Funny though, from friends back home, I only received 2 birthday wishes...*sigh* My friends back home have all forgotten about me (T_T) How sad...But, nevertheless, my 25th birthday is one that I will never forget!!!

It's holiday time!! Wahey~

25 TODAY!!!

Happy birthday to me! Happy birthday to me! Happy birthday to ME! Happy birthday to me! woohoo~ 25 years old (^_^)

First time in my life that I'll be having a "white birthday". It's snowing :) It's amazing, quite romantic actually. So nice...

Life's too short

Life's too short to be wound up worrying about the little insignificant things in life. Treasure the ones that are most precious to you. Tell them how much you love them and how much they mean to your life. We can't live life wondering what bad or tragic things can happen to us, but we must always remember that it might happen to us...one day, unexpectedly. Life always throw us curve balls when you think it's all smooth sailing.

Why am I talking about all these? Let's just say that I had a really bad weekend. It was sort of a wake up call, to smell the roses and to look at my life and what I'm doing. Why am I worrying about the small things in life, when family and friends are the most important thing?

Men&relationships? Do they really matter that much in my life? I've not given up the hope on meeting a nice person...but I'm definitely going to stop writing about it and stop stressing about it...If it happens, it happens. If it doesn't..ey, just have to shrug my shoulders and say...oh well.

Life can play tricks on us...my dearest friends, 25 years old...so young, so much to live for.
Think before you act.
Don't smoke too much.
Don't drink too much.
NEVER EVER DRINK and DRIVE.
Tell your family you love them.
Always look towards the positive side of life.

Are you ready to settle down?

Took a quiz from Cosmo and this is what it says about moi...

Are you ready to settle down?


Total Score: 8

8 - 14: Commitment-friendly chick

Here comes the ... babe. You're not desperate to lock up a commitment with a guy and don't look at your engaged friends with "Why isn't it me?" envy. Sure, you love being part of a cosy duo, but you are cool hanging solo between relationships. Your confidence (guy or no guy) gives you perspective in the dating game, says psychologist Dr Nancy Rosenbach. "You don't drop everything in your life — like your hobbies, your friends or even other men you're casually seeing — when a promising guy enters the picture." You're also careful to keep your romances in the present tense. "Your attitude is, 'Why rush? Things are great right now,'" says Rosenbach. As a result, your relationships unfold naturally and have a better chance of working out in the long run.

So true isn't it ^_^
There's a feeling of wanting to belong with somebody, but there really is no rush.
Been thinking lately of what I want in life? What do I want in life? what am I going to do next year?
Going back to OZ sounds great because I can see my family and friends, but what do I really have back there? I'll just fall back into routine. I love teaching and all, but is that what I really want to do?
Might stay in Japan for another year??? Just maybe??

I wanna hibernate >_<

So cold and so sleepy...Wahey~

SnOw

It's so cold here. It really is snowing heavily. Man, why did I choose to stay here during winter vacation? But, I guess it leaves me my "alone" time. To catch up on reading, sleeping, and watching re-runs of old christmas movies, eg. Home Alone. Sounds sad, but truly it's going to be great, and you know what?! I can't wait :)

Birthday's coming up...next Wednesday, woohoo. Have decided to go to a yakitori restaurant with some friends. Actually, my English conversation class practically organised the whole thing. It's going to be fun. 25! Wow, I'm a quater of a century years old. It's still young, but somehow I feel old. Yet, I feel like I haven't achieved anything? Hm...yes, caught up between the ups and downs of life.

What am I going to do about next year? Still sitting on the fence...where do I stand? What do I do?

The snow is building up on the ground. I hate driving in the snow >_< blah...

I'm turning 25

I'm turning 25 :) Celebrating another birthday in Winter and in Japan. This year will be quite a different experience. No longer will I be eating a cake alone in my cold, cold house, I'll be having a birthday party with some of my Japanese friends. Yatta!!! Yay :)

I gave myself a very intimate birthday present. I love it, and it's a secret ^_< So, not going to share it with you guys, but thought I'd tease you a bit just to keep you interested.

On Monday and Tuesday, Kumamoto prefecture had our Mid-year conference. Nice gathering of all the foreigners in the prefecture, along with some of our brave Japanese Teacher of English counterparts. My BRAVE JTE came along with me to join the show. She was very determined on not coming when we first got the papers. But, the big boss of the area called specific teachers to make sure they show their face at this annual thing. My JTE didn't want to come along because she thought she might get a "headache" from all that ENGLISH that we'll be speaking...Hmmm, goodness gracious, she's an English teacher...But, she did come and she did have a great time (Or so she says)