A senior colleague is leaving at the end of this month. She is my beloved associate for our designated portfolio – Diabetes and HIV/Hepatitis/STD. I look forward to working closely with her replacement which I do not know yet. We organized a mini farewell party with a yellow-coloured theme. Surprisingly, the male colleagues delivered tremendously in getting drinks for the event. All of us had a cup of Zus Coffee each. My contribution to the event was my mini tanghulu but it did not turn out as nice as how I made them the day before.

I also got her a pearl bracelet as a personal gift. I hope she likes it. I got it from an online retail store that sells supposedly authentic pearls. Unfortunately, I experienced the bad side of customer service as well. They failed to mention that one of my rings was out of stock and what made me so disappointed was the fact that they did not reach out to me first. I WAS THE ONE WHO BROUGHT THE MATTER UP. Can you imagine if I just clicked ‘order received’ if a friend said she had received my parcel? Without knowing that one item was missing?

Putting that matter aside, there are also a few new beginnings happening in my life. Heading towards a possible separation. I have been enrolled in an obesity programme at the clinic. My ultimate reason for obliging is because I wanted to support my colleague’s programme. I know it is hard to believe but I tend to be more committed to doing a task or a role when it is FOR other people and not myself. There are at least 20 of us and we are expected to give our commitment to this programme for six months. The first weigh-in will be in March and the last in September. I am expecting to look great in August for my 41st birthday. I intend to have a celebration of some sort since my 40th birthday seemed so meaningless to say the least.

The ball has also started rolling for my Final Year Project of my Psychology degree. I am late by 1 semester and I honestly do not want to drag it out longer. The kids are growing up and their needs and requirements are also different as compared to when they are toddlers. I wish to set up more avenues for them to excel in their chosen path. My FYP supervisor is Dr Juliana. She is one of the tutors that I have been aiming for since my 2nd year of studies because I love her vibes and spirit. I feel that there is a lot that I can learn from her before I decide on whether I’d like to plunge into the academic world of Masters.

Speaking of children, we just sent our son off on his camping trip today at Seremban. We won’t be able to contact him for at least another 2 weeks as he is there to be part of the screening programme for admissions to UKM Pintar College. I trust that he will be able to learn the ropes with guidance from his seniors although I am sure with much difficulty in the beginning. This is when as a parent, you entrust him in Allah’s care and be rest assured that Allah will look after him.