Wow, what a year. I don't blog as often, but with the end of year, it's a good time to reflect (not in chronological order). I guess there's been a lot less food posts. I still enjoy eating, but I enjoy the company a lot more and would rather use that time spent with people than write about food. I still love taking photos of food though, just for memories/diary of what I ate,
The biggest change this year was definitely getting engaged and starting full time work. I'm at the stage where I'm like 'Can I get married now?' I'm sort of over the whole planning process, and now there's a lot of little details to do, which I can't be bothered with anymore. So much is just very consumeristic, and it's hard not to conform to that when all the socials 'point' to it. I also know I'll be stressed closer to the date, since a lot of things can't be done until later. Also weddings cost so much, and it's so hard to make it a 'budget' wedding without too much compromise. It's hard not to feel 'guilty' when spending all this money on a day, where the money can be used to help an orphanage in India. 2019 was a year of lots of planning until June, then delaying everything until 2020 lol.
Starting full time work also has had its challenges, but I would much rather working than studying. I think for most degrees like commerce, you learn the basics then you learn most when you work. Optom is different in that you learn every single thing, but once you work, you probably just about 5-10% on a daily basis, maybe even less. Although uni doesn't actually teach you have to deal with px complaints, which is where intuition comes in. I know I should re study things, but then when you get home, you really don't want to be doing too much work stuff. I enjoy my work and the colleagues I work with are all experienced and easy to interact (can't say the same for my px demographics), but at the moment, I don't see myself doing further or more advanced studies in optom. I would rather use my spare time to focus on my relationship or help with church stuff. I know work will be more challenging once I move out since have to be 'adulting' whereas now I'm still living at home. I'm still so grateful to be able to graduate, with both grandmas on Mum and Dad's side flying from HK to see me graduate in May.
I can't wait to have our own place though. I've really been trying more practically with 'It's better to give than to receive.' Hosting our first NYE dinner at Blair's house was a lot of fun, with friends gathered around and chatting. It did mean lots of prep like making sure enough back up food in case people still got hungry, cleaning the house then all the dishes afterwards at 4am, since everyone stayed till around 3am. Unlike when you're young and doing dishes is just a chore, it's different these days as you do dishes (amongst other things) with a joyful heart, as some people have no one to spend NYE with. It's things like spending time with people and enjoyment in each others' company which money can't buy.
The biggest challenge and change this year, probably more than the above was not being able to go to church because of work. As a new grad I didn't have a choice, but I pray and hope 2020 this can change. The unglamorous part of working in a big company is that you don't get much say, compared to people who are older and may be less knowledgeable, but they get first say on how often they work etc. I'm thankful for Pastoral care through marriage counselling/wedding preparations with what to expect in marriage.
With work, meant less holidays. 2018 was a crazy year of travel literally all over the world and interstate. 2019 I only took 2 days of leave (1 for a CPD conference, other for a wedding). Cancelled our HK/Japan trip for safety issues. However, I'm not dying to go on a holiday (yet). Still haven't planned honeymoon stuff, apart from flights and hotels. Even though working full time, my head is still in 'uni study saving money mode' so everything still feels expensive. Even a hotel over $150 per night feels expensive to me, so I have no idea how people can spend $1500 per night on the super luxurious hotels. Well for high income earners maybe they can justify, but as a new grad on a very average salary, no way. I did start work after a big trip to Europe then India in January this year, so I guess my last travel was under a year ago. My silver Qantas FF status is definitely going to die, oh wells. My job doesn't allow me to travel which I knew when I started my degree. Although going to be volunteering in Vanuatu with work next year which is going to be super exciting. Sometimes, I actually hate social media where people put a highlight reel of their life, particularly of their travels. I am guilty of this, I know, it just doesn't help when you're stuck at work. Also, excessively done weddings I'm just like urgh, is this really necessary? It's just one day in your life, the days during your marriage after the wedding is what's really important.
