Throwback 2022

It's time of the year again for our yearly throwback. Just as with the past 2 years, this year flew by. Even though we've removed most of our COVID restrictions, we're still 'in the midst of a pandemic' so in Dec'22 almost 3 years since the discovery of this stupid virus, we're still wearing our masks on public transport. On the bright side, we're also returning to normal. This year we finally get to have large gatherings (e.g. concerts, commencements) and we get to travel without quarantine requirements (for some places). 

2022 has been a year of changes, recovery, and pretty much a mess if I look back at it now. 

Now let's get this throwback done before the clock strikes 12

*wouldn't want to delay this till 2023 Q3 again*

January

This Jan we started off my final semester of my Masters program. I remember being apprehensive starting this program and honestly the thought of having to study and work was very daunting. Luckily for me Dr. Tony is one of the best bosses you can get. He was very supportive of me doing further studies and that really helped me pull through these 2 years, balancing work and studies. Another fun fact is finally, after working with Dr. Tony for 3.5 years, I finally get to take a module under him (Module reviews can be found here. It was a pretty interesting experience, considering how his lessons were during work hours, so it's me in the lab-office listening to his lectures conducted in his office just about 400m away. 

While studying and working, I remember going for multiple interviews and applying for openings. As much as MBI was an amazing place with amazing people I'd love to work with, I got to leave to have some growth (well, I do have plans to come back to NUS/MBI eventually, maybe when I'm married or want a retirement job because the staff benefits are really amazing for a family person). I had already gone for a few interviews in Dec'22, there were things that worked out and some didn't really. So, yes, the first month of 2022 was still job hunting season.

And the last highlight of this month, after a good 2 years living with COVID, we finally have our first 'victim' in the house. My dad caught COVID from who-knows-where. Thank goodness we no longer have to do some hotel/hospital quarantine so it was just home quarantine for him. Pretty sure no one cares, but that was also the period when the government was changing quarantine rules so the clinics weren't exactly updated with the right things and it was pretty much a big mess trying to get my dad settled. In the end, we just placed him in a room and guarded it with my soft toy army (they finally have a job)

February

With all the COVID restrictions, we were supposed to hold CNY reunion dinner at my place, however, it had to be cancelled last minute because of the COVID scare. For the record, by the time it was CNY, he had fully recovered and we were all fine, but decided it'd still be best to stay away from my 95yo grandmother (whom I think at that time was not fully vaccinated yet as well. Can't really recall the timeline because it was all a blur). So, for the first time in my 25 years, CNY reunion was so quiet. We stayed at home and I cooked my usual stuff. A nice little CNY lunch and dinner. 

And for once, we get to have CNY Reunion dinner on our own so STEAMBOAT!!!!

How not to grow fat from all these snacks

And since we couldn't join the family for CNY this year (and by that I mean we had to avoid visiting anyone with fears of passing the virus), we had all the time to go out. The highlight of CNY was probably going for River Hongbao 2022 and our free Gardens by the Bay visit (sponsored by SingapoRediscovers Voucher). 

Got some 书法 written by the master here too

Act 一个 step at Floral Fantasy

Feb is also BIRTHDAY MONTH!!! Don't remember doing anything very special this year. Had my cake, ate my food as per normal. The celebrations only started the following week because...

Finally time for my first 'vacation' after starting work!!! Went on a Staycation with Huang En at Sentosa and I think we really got a good deal with the booking. Got a hotel room for $100 (sponsored by SingapoRediscovers Voucher) and they gave us ~$90 Sentosa credits so we can do other activities on Sentosa. TL;DR Staycay from 21-22 Feb, ate a lot, chilled at the Beach and Hydrodash that almost murdered me (There should be a separate post for this once I find the time to write again)

After our hydroash death

Me attempting the Pinoy by the Beach pose

March

March started off pretty boring, mostly just trying to catch up with school work and clearing work from my students as well. Had multiple dinners and lunches with the lab people. Oh, and boss Tony treated us to dinner at Dempsey Hill. It was a pretty chaotic dinner imo hahaha.

I think I received my offer letter from A*STAR during this period as well. It was kind of expected because after my interview, they were pretty much confirming me and wanting me to sign soon but I decided that I will stay till I finish my degree and do a proper hand over before leaving MBI.

April

Don't have much memory of April besides mugging for finals, worrying for FYP student's final presentation and celebrating Mummy's birthday!! I think this was also the period where I was preparing to tend my resignation. Pretty sad moment that I never thought would come so soon.  

May

Speed run finals month and finally it's May. I finally tendered in May after so long. That bittersweet feeling getting the confirmation was too real. I had so many leaves piled up because there was literally no reason to go on leave since it was COVID, so I ended up clearing my leaves during this period. Well technically, I was on leave which meant I didn't have to go to work, yet I was in school almost everyday because I had to clear my admin and lab work before I leave. Also, I was trying to clear most of my gym credits so I was at the gym almost everyday (for once I was pretty fit and it kinda got me into this running habit. May was also the month for me to bid my farewells to the people I've been with for the past 3.5 years. Probably going to have another separate post to talk about my time in MBI and all the people I've met there. 

Photo with my favorite people from Wet Lab Core, Uncle Tan & Auntie Santha

My actual farewell from the lab aka Dr Tony's wedding celebration aka lab gathering with all the past members (Taken in July but I figured it belongs here)

June

With the start of June, it was also the start of my new job at A*STAR. 3 fun facts starting here - 1) Started work on 6 June aka my parent's wedding anniversary, 2) I start work before my boss even arrives in Singapore aka I am literally the pioneer member of this lab, and 3) Was totally not expecting this but it's a one-sam-show.

So I decided to start work on the 1st Monday of June which just so happen to be my parent's wedding anniversary so now I can remember this easily (VS starting on 3 Aug 2020 at MBI). Starting off before my boss is one of the weirdest thing to happen. Long story short, my new boss was only coming in July, but wanted someone to settle the admin related things before he arrived so there I was (I still remember how he wanted me to come in in February so that I can do the purchasing before he even has the money). And of course, the biggest part about being in this lab is that I am the only lab member. Picture this, a 'fresh-grad' (at least this is what my boss knows me as despite my 2 years at MBI - unlike popular belief, my 2 years in MBI is NOT part of my Masters program so I was technically like any other part-time student, working full-time and going for classes outside of work hours)was left to learn all the ropes to running the lab, plan inventory, finance, coordinate safety etc. with minimal help. Well, it was not like I didn't have a buddy or someone to help, but everyone was so busy there that I was just trying to figure everything out. TL;DR this job started off super weird, so weird that I might just write a separate post as well.

Another key highlight of June was FINALLY WE GOT TO SELECT OUR BTO!!! After 2 failed attempts at getting a good queue number, we managed to get a decent queue number for the Nov'21 ballot and were invited to select our flat in June. Also lucky us, we were allocated a selection date on Sunday so there was no need to take leave. BTO is pretty much the next milestone in this relationship so finally, we're there now. Paid the deposit and it's now another long wait before we need to pay down payment and get the keys. As of selection date, we're supposed to get the keys in Q4 2024 but we'll see (I'm pretty sure there'll be delays considering how everyone's houses were delayed and we still haven't been called to pay our first 5%). For the record, lucky us got #08 so yay if I ever want to sell this unit (which is very very unlikely cuz I'm wayyyyy to lazy to move house), it'll at least have the level 8 buff.

July

Yay the people who got me here

That random intern who joined our lab and ended up stuck in my life (I wanna run）

The weirdest feeling graduating with my FYP student who's in Med school now (too smart)

June flew by with me being pretty busy adapting to this new environment and trying to figure things out. Finally boss flew in in July. Finally after meeting him for 6 months (actually since 31 Dec 21) online, we get to meet in person. Quite an interesting guy and with boss here, work really starts. Don't remember the details for July in the lab, all I know is me attempting to adapt not only to the admin workload but also learning all the new things from lab (because I have no idea what I have gotten myself into). For those who are totally unaware, I'm not trained in genomics and boss probably doesn't know or didn't know I would be that clueless. 

August

As with COVID restrictions being toned down, we can finally have large gatherings and this means we can finally have community national day celebrations. One of the key things I love about national day is all the free carnivals we get yearly and COVID really stopped us from having such fun. This year almost everything was back to normal, we had a celebration in our neighborhood, the usual mini carnival + concert + meet the MP (of course this is my fave cuz I gotta add to my minister photos collection). This year we also somehow managed to get tickets for the South West District carnival so that's the bigger one with army vehicles on display etc. Lucky enough I also managed to grab a photo with ex-DPM (yay to the collection).

Lucky us managed to meet Senior Minister Tharman and thick skinned me being thick skinned of course had to find a way to get my selfie

Back at our own Nanyang Carnival

And there you have it, thick skinned me videoing and talking to Minister of Transport, Mr. S. Iswaran while my own MP Mr. Ang was so confused at the side

As with every year, there will always be some fringe activities leading up to National Day, and this year we have Nanyang by Foot, a kinda treasure hunt for the residents

Got my mandatory selfie with my MP Mr. Ang Wei Neng

Got a nice picture of the fly past when I happened to be at MBS during national day preview

Another key event this August was shooting for ONE Championship (again...). I think 2022 I spent a pretty big part of my free time on ONE events and it really brought me back to my photog days. It's like some rekindling the old flame kinda stuff. Not much to say about this event except all these photos from event.

Also on the same day, I went for my first cafe event. Being an ELF for almost 12 years, I've never been to any SuJu fan events (I'm sorry). Somehow I decided to meet up with a random ELF I met on Twitter to go for BBB fan cafe?! Very impromptu, very random. Glad that I went though. Somehow it was through this event, I found a new group of fellow 'crazy' BL fans whom I can spazz with. Also very nice to reconnect with some old friends through this because we found out we're both interested in this genre. BBB cafe was 90% queuing 10% eating but at least the food was good.

With my new friends that I met in the queue for BBB cafe and on Twitter

Look at my futil attempt to dress like Bible on such a hot day  P.S. I was DYING FROM THE HEAT

September

Besides celebrating Daddy's birthday in September, the key highlight for this month was finally meeting my close-to-40yo oppas. The last time I saw SuJu was during SS7 which was probably in 2017 or 2018 and it's been so long. SS8 was supposed to happen in 2020 Feb, yet it had to be cancelled and we had to make do with online concert. Nothing can be watching them live to be honest. It's been so long since we saw them, so much so that I didn't realize how much they've aged (ok, they don't look that old, but if you zoom in on the photos you can really see their wrinkles.) A little 心痛 to be honest. We know they want to give us the best concert possible, running up and down making sure they cover the entire stage, yet we all know their backs and knees hurt. They are getting old and honestly, I wonder how many more years can they go on like this (this section is accidentally becoming a reflection but I'll leave that for another post). Shameless promotion but more SS9 concert photos can be found here.

Kyu and his Purple Egg

Our dear SuJu oppa still looking so fine nearing their 40s

October

"You can only be 25 and attending 4 events in 2 months once in your life" - Merv'22

With this I ended up attending another 2 more concerts in October - KinnPorsche World Tour & W0LF(S) World Tour. These 2 concerts happened within a span of less than a week so it was really an amazing experience. 

Let's start with KPWT. First time going for a Thai BL concert, kinda knew what to expect because I was following the online concert in Thailand but being there in person was really a whole new level. This was also the first time I prepared fan support, printed a bunch of photocards and now I can understand why people prepare fan support, it's really nice when people share the same love for your idols (I'm sorry SuJu, I'll prepare for SS10/fan cafe next time). More photos from KPWT here.

P'Jeff never fails to amaze us with his voice

P'Mile & P'Po looking so cute

Here's the culprit that stole me away from BBB during concert

W0LF(S) started off with a fan sign event 2 days before the concert and that's one thing I love about Taiwanese artists. They just give us everything. Anyone with a ticket got to meet them for the autograph session, so me with the worst seating ticket available managed to get some awesome pictures during fan sign and of course my autograph as well. This was also the first time I'm going for a concert alone. Previously I would always at least get someone to accompany me but this one was really the first. It was truly a different experience being there alone.

09 kinda looked at the cam I think

Look at them concentrating

Had to snap 1 photo even though they told us not to

DOTA TI11 SG, the grandest shit I can ask for in the DOTA community. Remember being extremely shocked when they announced the location because how in the world is Singapore going to be able to host such a large event. Do we even have a large enough venue to host the finals (if you look at previous events, it's always in huge stadiums, and I really couldn't imagine having the finals in National Stadium because of how hot our country is）。 After the initial shock, then came the headache of 'do I really want to go' because tickets were $500+ which really hits big on the wallet. There was this dilemma where I really want to be there to watch the best players VS do I really want to spend that kind of money. Decided that I will just try my luck and since TI tickets were always hard to get. Then came ticketing day (also the same day we had to battle for SS9 tickets), we didn't get it... (as you can tell my DOTA TI journey was a freaking roller coaster) and then I get a message right before SS9 ticketing started, yay we managed to get some tickets from friends. And thus I ended up in TI. TI weekend was mad sick, didn't expect gamer guys to be that crazy as to start queuing so early but thankful for Merv's Bro and his friends who keep getting me good seats. Also because of them, I could go run around taking selfies with the players and getting freebies. Don't want to say much here, photos will say it all. 

Managed to bump into Fly near the toilets. Great to meet him again after 3 years. P.S. He saw the pics from 2019 as well

Photographer me who didn't catch much because screw the lighting

With Arteezy after 3 years as well

With all these events in October, you might think nothing else can happen already (it's literally 1 event every weekend), but no, the last weekend (Deepavali weekend to be exact) activity is our long awaited GRAD TRIP!!! Finally, after planning for so long, we get to have our trip together. It's pretty funny how back in 2020, we planned for a Japan trip before we all start work, but COVID happened (as you can tell this is the trend, we plan for something, COVID happens and everything is gone). Then in 2021, we thought, maybe we can consider somewhere nearer like maybe we can chill in Bali. But when we finally decided on when and where to go, we're essentially pushed to our last choice because of the horrid flight prices, Batam. Well, it's about the people, not the place so, I'm blessed for this trip to finally happen.

Before the start of our journey

1 of the few group photos we took

November

November started off with another bunch of ONE Championship events. Not gonna say much since we're at our 3rd event this year, but here are some photos that were appreciated. 

Next highlight of November would be my random decision to go to the airport when I found out MosBank was coming to Singapore. Another amazing decision to meet them when they came because I was lucky enough not only to see them as they rushed to take the shuttle bus from T4 (yes, our dear idols decided that they wanted to 'experience' the local life so they took the MRT like wow), but also when we accidentally bumped into them at Jewel. It was pretty much crazy and I can say I just used up all my lucky for the year for this encounter. It was also through this encounter that I got to meet a bunch of 15yos who share the same craze and now all we do is spazz over guys in the chat group...

My legendary photo that is not of their butt. Glad I printed this and dumped it at them. So nice that they saw this

With old friend and new 15yo friends

25yo me decided to act like a 15yo and did this. Thanks Mos

Immediately after that I headed over to AFA and surprisingly met a fellow ONE photographer. Managed to 'steal' some light from him, got to talk to a few other very experienced photographers and took a few amazing shots. It's nice to be back at AFA after so long. I remember when I used to go every year before it became such a big thing and cosplayers used to be so different. Glad to have nice photos from the event (which I still don't have time to filter through). Posting the raw unedited photos here for now. When I'm done processing I'm going to shamelessly link the album here too.

Damn she was too hot

I love when I get to borrow the coloured light from neightboring photographers

POWER PUFF GIRLS, my childhood

Final highlight of November, JEROME IS BACK (well at least for the week). After not seeing him for 1-2 years (kinda lost track of time), he's finally back for a visit and it was truly an amazing catch up, especially since he brought +1 too.

Our JBBQ dinner

December

Finally we're at December. I can say that I had been looking forward to this month ever since I booked the tickets for our Bangkok trip. Not only was this going to be my first trip with Huang En, but I get to go all out fan girl mode in Bangkok. Before all these Bangkok fun, we start off December with the most impromptu concert of the year, 五月天. 

One fine day (the day before concert) my mum decided to pop by the ticketing website, saw seats still available and decided that we're going for the concert. Her first concert in her life, dedicated to Mayday. The last time I went to a Mayday concert was 5 years ago (when they were celebrating 20th anniversary) and this year they celebrate their 25th anniversary. Crazy experience. Didn't expect to be able to get so close to the stage initially because we were seated pretty far back (despite being in Cat 1) and it's the National Stadium so view ain't great when you are on flat ground. The crazy fan girl in me decided to go join the mosh and somehow, by the time it was encore, I had made my way to the extended stage and really, it was so amazing being able to see them up close and jamming with the people moshing (the last time I was so far back in the indoor stadium and with people who didn't want to be crazy with me). More photos to be linked here once I'm done.

So close I cannot

Problems with RAW photos is that I haven't found the time to remove this guy's head

谢谢五月天

Now for the main part of Decemeber, the Bangkok trip. I'm definitely going to write at least 1 (or maybe 2 posts) for this trip when I'm free because it was truly amazing. From the food, to being there just in time for 2 fan meets. I was truly living the fan girl's dream (or at least my own dreams). Very thankful for boi who was totally living with me spazzing over my underaged Thai boys and spending time with me just waiting at the fan meet. This trip was also a really good break from the realities of work (if you haven't noticed, I avoid writing about work because unlike what I had expected, work had been pretty horrid but we stay for the pay + bonus *shhhhhh boss don't need to know*). Going to just throw some photos here for Bangkok and force myself to write soon. 

On our flight to Bangkok

First night at Yaowarat

Our only nice couple photo taken by some nice Indian tourists Also this was after my camera accident so I was sad

Had to pop by Chula Engineering since I'm back. Made boi walk in Chula with me reliving memories

2 blind bears

Thanks to the nice Thai lady who helped us with this. If I can't see P'Jeff, the least I can do is take photo with the tree

Day 2 at Or Tor Kor (cuz Tay Tawan recommended food here, it was not bad tbh）

Not the 2 of us eating so much food. Also this was chicken rice meal for breakfast

More food, this time at P'Nodt's restaurant MORR

And our final night in Yaowarat is us eating again

Ended the year off with a staycay with Mel & Sup, Christmas party with the extended family, and finally Hong Yan's house warming (after a long 6 month wait). Don't want to say much about these expect that it was really nice to catch-up with the people who matter to me and end the year nicely like this. 

Staycay's only photo

Recapping on 2022 goals...

With that we have come to the end of the year, and as we look back at this 3000+ word long blog post, so much had happened and I think I've kinda achieved some goals that I set for myself same time last year. 

1) Health

At least in the first half of this year, I was exercising regularly and running quite a bit. Once boss came in, I was losing weight for the wrong reasons. Been too busy that I've skipped so many meals. It's like everything balanced out this year I guess. Lost a total of 7kg ever since I started work in A*STAR, but I gained back 2kg from eating so much in Bangkok. 

On the side of mental health though, things ain't that great. It's pretty obvious that ever since I started work in A*STAR, I haven't really been myself, maybe because of the stress, the boss, or just the fact that I had no one in my lab that I can work with. It's definitely taken it's toll on me and I know very well how bad it can get. This will probably be something I have to work on in the upcoming year and not let it worsen. Currently I guess my escape is just filling my weekends and weekday nights with events and indulging in idol culture again. Sounds like 15yo me but it works so why not right?

2) Personal Growth

Have I grown this year? Definitely. 

I can definitely say that my photography skills have improved. Took some time off to learn how to better edit my photos. Have also been dwelling into graphic designs again (because how else can I indulge in my idol culture right?) This really reminds me of how 15yo me decided to pick up random things just so I can indulge in the culture. Finally, decided to pick up a bit of Thai so I don't die in Bangkok and of course, to understand my live streams. So I guess in terms of hard skills I definitely took the effort to do something mor fruitful in my life. 

As for soft skills, I think working under my current boss and the people I have to deal with to solve his problems really pushes my patience to the limits. Not only do I have to deal with incompetence of others, I have really learn how to balance my own work expectations. Also, communication really got pushed to the limits. Not the best thing to happen (and I really hope it doesn't happen again), but that fight with boss really made me think how am I going to survive with this. I guess that's what you get when it's full blow adulthood. 

All in all, I guess personal growth gets the tick on my checklist.

3) Family and Friends

2022 I got to catch up and reconnect with so many people, especially in the 2nd half of the year when school is no longer there to take up a bulk of my time. Catching up with old friends is always something nice to have. Seeing everyone progress in their own lives and moving on to reach different milestones. It's interesting how within these 2 years so much changed, especially with so many people being engaged and married. 

For family, I think I managed to spend more time for my parents this year with lesser on my plate. Although we didn't get to travel this year, we still went out quite a bit. Also got to spend more time with my Grandma this year with all the restrictions on gathering size lifted. 

2023

Looking at 2023, I can foresee a lot more challenges approaching, not only at work but in life as a whole. So many more responsibilities and decisions to make in life. Let's see what we can achieve this year...

1)Work-Life Balance

If you've made it thus far in the blogpost, you'd probably realize how much my work is affecting my life. In 2023, I aim to be able to draw a clear line between work and life. As much as I have crazy aims at work (I hope to at least help out with 1 paper this year etc.), I think it'd be important for me to really know when to stop working because as much as I know my boss needs me, I am just another RO and I have a life (*I'm still salty*).

Maybe with this line drawn I can indulge less in social media and idol culture and maybe be a little more sane again.

2)Completion

Completing things have always been a challenge with all the projects and work I put on myself. So for 2023, I want to at least be able to close up on all the COVID projects I started. These include at least finishing 1) my photo edits from 10000 years ago, 2) that Thai textbook I started on, 3) my video edits (collected so many raw footages but didn't edit them), 4) finish my songs, and 5) at least finish up my photography portfolio website. 

3)Photography

As an extension, I believe my photography deserves to be a full goal on its own. In 2023, I really hope to gain more exposure as a photographer, not only at ONE Championship, but also in concerts and other events. This interest has been with me for at last 10 years but I've not really progressed beyond just hobby, and it would be nice if I can make something out of it. That being said, I hope that in 2023, I can be more 'thick skinned' to randomly approach people to do shoots, or companies to see if they would like to bring on this not-so-young photographer so that I can gain some on-job experience. 

So we've finally come to the end of this post. 4000+ words later I'm thankful for anyone who made it thus far because it's really a long post (well, all my throwback posts are always so long because it's been a year right). Hopefully I'll get some motivation to write all those individual posts I promised here. While writing this, I'd like to thank myself for pulling though this tough year. Definitely, without the support system in my life, I wouldn't have made it so I thank you too, but I have to thank myself for not giving up and for being able to convince myself to look at the bigger picture. 

For 2023, I hope I can continue to do this and work on improving myself. Reaching new heights in life is not easy, but little by little I hope I can reach somewhere. Well sometimes, not reaching anywhere might also be a good thing so let's see what happens in 2023.

Cheers to an amazing 2023. May this year be more amazing, bring us all more blessings and joy. 

Cheers!

Sam

Labels: 2021, 2022, COVID, graduation, My Life, New Year, New Year Resolutions, Samchangphotography, Thai Bois, Throwback, Travels