2010 VS. 2020

Once upon a time, my blog used to be my everything. My one and only hobby was blogging. I'm actually talking about 10 years ago which was when I started this blog. I sort of fell out of touch with it these past 2 years. 

However, I have been reflecting on my life recently. I remember a time when blogging made me feel comfortable and happy. Hence, I've decided to revisit that happy place. So, here I am now. 

I'm not too sure if this makes sense to any of you but I feel like not much has happened in the past 10 years but at the same time, so many things have happened that changed me and shaped me into who I am today. 

Whilst reflecting and looking back on my life and the events that happened since 2010, I've come to realize 5 major things about myself and my life. To be really honest with you, even January 2020 seems like a distant memory - what more to say January 2010. But here we go.

2010 (I was about to start college)

1) I thought all the friends I had then will last forever. I've managed to build a small "fan-base". I had countless groups of friends. Whatever my friends told me seemed to have more power over what my family told me. I was obsessed with having many friends (just as a lot of teenagers out there, because the more friends you have, the more popular you are)

2) I was dating my brother's best friend, who is now happily married, actually. I used to think that dating was essential in life and that if I didn't have someone who adored me and loved me, I'm a complete and utter failure. 

3) I was helping mum out with business. I loved it when people would come up to us and asked us to choreograph some kind of dance performance. I would always pretend I was Britney Spears - singing and dancing. Secretly, I've always wanted to be in the entertainment industry. 

4) Music's everything to me. I would listen to new songs on MTV all the time. I would blast music while driving. In college, I had headphones on most of the time because I just can't be bothered with anyone. 

5) I had no idea what kind of future I would have. Everything was a blur. It was worse than a blur. I couldn't see anything. I felt scared most of the time because everyone around me seemed to have already planned what they wanted at what age and I was just a walking confusion, trying to exist and be someone my parents wanted me to be. 

Fast forward to this year. Obviously, besides the age factor, I certainly didn't see a pandemic happening.

2020 (embracing my late 20s)

1) My circle of friends have somehow shrunk immensely and I'm okay with that. I really do understand now when people say "You only need a few close friends in your life and you'll be fine." I've managed to keep in contact with a few people from high school and some close friends since 10 years ago. I've made a couple of new friends along the way who are just the most amazing people ever. And my family means almost everything to me now. 

2) I just got out of a turbulent relationship. I know now that sometimes, love alone is not enough. "I love you" can be said a thousand times in a day, but it's more of how someone makes you feel. I am happily single and I adore myself. In a way, I feel like I've gotten a tiny part of myself back.

3) Well, entertainment industry it is. Been on TV a few times, working in a radio station as a radio host, gone on stage to launch products, congratulated brides and grooms on their special days, speak on stage for a living. Wow. I sometimes can't even believe it myself. See, I am an MBA Finance graduate doing what I'm doing now. So, obviously, you don't always end up doing what you studied for in university and that is totally fine. 

4) Music is still everything to me. I just get to do it for a living now which is amazing. I still have headphones on most of the time. See, some things don't change. 

5) I can kind of see what I want for myself and I am working hard to achieve them. To be really honest, nobody really knows what the hell they are doing, me included. I'm still learning new things about myself everyday. But I've learned to live comfortably in my own skin. And even though my future is a blur, I don't feel scared anymore. I feel some form of excitement. Knowing the future would be boring because you already kind of know what to expect. So, I'm taking it as I go which is the amazing part.

Do you see what I mean by not much has happened but at the same time, I've grown into a different person?

Please take care and stay safe x

Food Review: OMBAK KITCHEN - Bangsar

Ombak Kitchen is The Best Seafood Restaurant in Bangsar and The Best Halal Seafood in Bangsar as well. They genuinely serve up affordable seafood, fresh from the shores. This fun-filled family restaurant with the famous seafood boil concept originated from the state of Louisiana, USA. The ambiance and environment is just so welcoming.

All the seafood served here is fresh and juicy. Everything you love from the sea will be poured onto a covered table. These Premium dishes include Alaskan King Crab, Canadian Red Lobster, XL Live Premium USA Oyster and XL Live Mud Crab!

 

These seafood are served with a variety of sauces such as the glorious Ombak Crazy Cajun sauce (kinda spicy but totally delicious!), buttermilk curry (my personal favourite!), cheesy zesty lemon, creamy tomyam, peranakan seri nyonya, and apple cilantro sauce.

Here's a catch about Ombak Kitchen too! Conventional utensils are optional as diners are encouraged to indulge everything on the table using their clean hands for a holistic and extraordinary dining experience. It's all about getting your hands dirty which is why their tagline is #pakaitanganjer (use your hands only).

ENJOY THE VIDEO :)

YOU ARE ESSENTIAL

As I sit down writing these words, millions of people around the world have become unemployed over the last 7 weeks - that's math I can't even do.

It pains me a lot to see what's going on around the world. It hurts me to read news and articles relating to this topic. Honestly, everyone is affected by COVID19 in some ways, to a certain degree. Such heartache, anxiety... My heart goes out to everyone.

Along the way, a new sort of conversation began emerging in public discourse: essential and non-essential workers.

Who is an essential worker? What are essential businesses? Which industries are essential and which are not?

Medical experts and government leaders have debated these phrases countless times around the world - often times arriving at drastically different conclusions.

Regardless of the end results, "essential" workers were allowed to continue, "non-essentials" were asked to stay at home - and if you're lucky - work from home.

What hurts me a lot is reading how many of the "non-essential" workers, ones who do not have the choice of working from home, have lost their livelihood.

Drastic pay cuts have been made, employees have been sacked, some businesses are shutting down because they cannot sustain themselves anymore, and the list goes on...

If you are one of them, if you are hurting right now, let me offer some thoughts.


First of all, if you are an essential worker and have been putting yourself out there for the society, thank you so much. From stocking shelves, driving trucks, delivering food, to being the first respondent, working tirelessly in hospitals and clinics, thank you for the incredibly hard work and extra hours you've been putting in ever since the temporary lockdowns began.

BUT equally important, if your work or business has been classified as non-essential, please know that YOUR work is essential to us. In almost every case, your work is needed, your talent is appreciated, and your dedication to serving others is required for all of us. You are essential and I hope you are back to work soon.

If you think the rush and the hoard for toilet paper was bad, wait till barbers and salons are open. Everyone will be busy scheduling a haircut or a hairdo at the same time.


And lastly, please know that even though your work is deemed non-essential, your LIFE is not! YOU ARE ESSENTIAL TO SOMEBODY, EVERY SINGLE DAY.

So make the most of every opportunity to:

- care for your health and well-being
- love your family/spouse/friends
- offer hope and love to everyone you see

Live your life with intention and purpose (not a Justin Bieber reference, thankyouverymuch)

You are important, you are essential to someone. No one can ever take that away from you.


Be safe everyone x