Ever since my grandfather got sick, we started cleaning his room to make sure that nothing gets in his way and to throw whatever that is not needed anymore. Being a lawyer in his mid 80’s, you can imagine the amount of documents and files there were in his room. Every time we were done with our cleaning shifts, I’m always left in awe with the amount and types of books that he read and kept. This made me felt slightly ashamed with the small number of books I’ve read this year, it sounds like the most realistic resolution for 2019.

Going through the dusts and stuff wasn’t so pleasant, but what I love most about being in my grandparents room was discovering the treasures!

After seeing the difference it made to my grandparent’s room, I sat and thought about how good it would be for myself if I did the same. There were definitely more things that I didn’t need compared to the stuff I use on a daily basis. I kept asking myself if getting rid of my things would make me feel better in welcoming the new year. Remembering how awful the beginning of December was for me, I started cleaning without hesitation.

Best decision ever.

I started with my clothes. I had gained so much weight the past 2 years, staring at my clothes made me realise that it was okay to accept what has already happened and sort of encouraged me nicely that I can work on my weight slowly as long as it’s the healthy way. By the time the clothes left the shelves, I felt better knowing that I won’t feel stressed every morning picking out my clothes for work.

What I had…

What went away…

I’ve always kept my favourite skinny jeans, always told myself that once I’m smaller I could wear it again, but this time I chose to let it go. Someone is probably wearing it now, which is great because god knows how long it would take my legs to fit into them again.

Going through my clothes were not as bad as going through Rauf’s. I felt so emotional going through his baby clothes, the fact that he used to fit into them. Coincidentally that week my dad organised a charity drive for a less fortunate family, I kept the clothes that were to dear for me, but gave most of them away to the drive.

But in all honesty, I felt better after the spring cleaning. I knew where everything was and whatever I see I know there’s a purpose for it. Most importantly I only kept things that made me happy.

It’s typical for the office to be quiet as the month of December progresses, initially I decided to just save my leftover leaves for the next year, but the thought of spending more time with friends and family made me change my decision.

A decision I did not regret

Had a staycation with Ika and Sor, before she heads off to be married and starts living in China

Our annual Christmas/Secret Santa brunch hosted by my beautiful aunt and her family

Catching up with old friends

Performed ‘The Lion King’ Musical with my colleagues during a talent show. Didn’t win but had loads of fun.

Two of my beautiful uncles had heart attacks – made me realise that life is short and painful if you don’t take care of yourself.

Watched Kevin Hart’s live show and went home with a tummy that ached from too much laughing.

A trip to Penang with my in laws. Bonus: Farah was there!

Our house cat of 16 years passed away at home. Kitty was our longest serving guard, the feisty one. All the other house cats were always afraid of her. They would wait for her to finish eating with the bowl before they would start. I’ve always thought she didn’t care about the others, but when my cat Oreo passed away, she didn’t leave his grave for days.

The thought of saying goodbye to one of our longest comrade was incredibly painful, but we have 16 beautiful years with her, and for that we are so grateful.

Saying goodbye to Kitty forever and a lot of other things this year made me realise that whatever we have now isn’t always going to be ours. We can only make most of what counts.

Happy New Year everyone! Thank you for reading my blog, I hope it makes you happy as much as it has made me!