Finding old pictures feels like discovering forgotten treasures. I was cleaning my laptop and had the urge of going through my old photos. It’s kinda sad that we don’t print and keep them in albums like how our parents used to. Going through the pictures made me realise how much I miss using my old Pentax camera. I bought it in Brighton when I was a student and it was love at first sight. I used up my last 50 pounds for the camera but it was worth each cent.

I remember how excited I felt every time I finished a roll. Sometimes I’d literally run to the camera shop near my apartment because I just couldn’t wait to see the developed films. The guy who managed the camera shop and I became friends, every time I’d come by to pick up the films, the moment he saw me face he’d go ‘OMG THEY TURNED OUT GREAT’ and we’d just go through the pictures together. I hope he’s well.

I think it’s time to go back to old hobbies, sometimes you don’t realise how much you miss something until you look back in your memories, in whatever form it presents itself. I don’t know anything about photography, not much anyway and obviously there’s a lot to be improved but I do know it brought me so much joy.

Here are some photos from Home

Looking at how we were, 5 years ago, I can’t help but to feel a bit sad. At that point of time, when all those pictures were being taken, I wish I knew that my grandfather was already falling ill. I wish I’d spent more time with my parents, talk to them about everything a little bit more. I wish I spent more time with my friends, especially in the outdoors, now most of us are married and have kids it’s so hard to see each other.

Regardless, no matter how little we communicate I know friendship isn’t necessarily measured with the number of exchanged text or calls. I know if I ever need them they’d always be there for me.

The new year had a funny way of introducing itself, still so early and yet I feel there’s so much load and expectations. But instead of counting my problems I think it’s better to count my blessings.

One day I felt like my purse was getting tighter, I thought about the dad who washes cars and carries his bucket and tools everywhere just so that he can buy school books for his children.

One day I felt like my family deserved more peace, then I remembered the Malaysian dad who had a stroke one day before seeing his daughter graduate in the UK.

One day I would like to do something meaningful with my life, I don’t know how that’s going to happen or when but I do know I want to start it by being grateful.