Still Here. Just Been Living.

It's been almost two months since I last wrote here.

No dramatic reason. Life just got full — the kind of full that's difficult to capture in a blog post but easy to feel. There was travel, a trip that meant a lot to me, a few things that got pushed aside, and a body that's been slowly finding its way back to movement again.

I didn't plan to be quiet this long. But somehow, it's already July. 😅

Over the past couple of months, I've been travelling quite a bit. Looking back, I probably have enough stories for a few overdue posts, and I'll get around to sharing them soon.

For now, I'm just trying to recover from the jet lag, unpack both my suitcase and my thoughts, and slowly get back into my routine.

I've been collecting experiences rather than writing about them. Some of them are still settling in my mind.

May xx

A View From Above the Clouds

A random thought I had while flying from Tampa to Phoenix this morning…

There’s a whole world beneath us, filled with stories we may never fully know.

Looking out from above the clouds always gives me perspective. From an airplane window, everything feels quieter, smaller, almost still — but down there, life is constantly moving. People are going about their days, carrying responsibilities, chasing goals, and navigating things we may never see or understand.

It’s easy to forget that while we’re focused on our own routines, so much life is unfolding everywhere else at the same time.

Sometimes travel just puts that into perspective in a very quiet way, not in a dramatic or life-changing sense, but just enough to make me pause and think a little differently.

And maybe that’s all it is — a reminder that there’s so much happening beyond my own little world, and I don’t always need to see it to acknowledge it exists.

Just a small thought, really. A reminder to stay a little more aware, a little more grounded, and a little less caught up only in my own bubble. 🤍

May xx

A Weekend in Singapore: MacRitchie Reservoir Walks

We’ve been away from Singapore for a while. Whenever we come back, it’s usually only for a short period of time. The timing never seems quite right — sometimes due to busy schedules, and other times because of the weather. Rain often disrupts our plans, and it feels like we rarely get long stretches of time here.

Quiet walking trail in MacRitchie Reservoir with calm nature surroundings

This trip, we decided to stay over the weekend since my boyfriend has to be back in the office on Monday. For me, it’s something I really appreciate — a quiet weekend in Singapore, even if it’s just for a short while.

One of the things we always look forward to is our walk at MacRitchie Reservoir. Our walks are never short. Usually, we cover around 11km, walking through the golf link and TreeTop Walk. Yesterday, we went over 14km, including the distance from Caldecott MRT. It’s a long walk, but we honestly enjoy it.

Quiet moment of reflection during a long walk in MacRitchie Reservoir

There’s something calming about being surrounded by nature (minus the monkeys). The greenery, the quiet paths, and the slow rhythm of walking help us disconnect from everything else. We also appreciate the convenience of public transport — it was easy to get there without needing Grab or a taxi. As long as the weather stays on our side, the experience is even better.

Walking in nature to relieve stress and clear the mind

Lately, my boyfriend has been dealing with a lot of stress, mainly from work. It has been ongoing for months, and it has taken a toll on him both physically and mentally. On top of that, he has been trying to work on his weight and overall health.

He is currently taking a more strict approach to his diet, and while I understand his intention to improve his health, I do have some concerns about whether it is sustainable for him. As he is working full-time and already under a lot of stress, I worry about whether he is getting enough energy and proper nourishment.

I don’t fully agree with everything, but I also try to be mindful of how I express my thoughts. He has been more short-tempered lately, likely due to the stress he is facing, so I try not to add unnecessary pressure. At this point, I can only support him in the way he is comfortable with.

One thing I really appreciate is that he still makes the effort to go for walks and do light exercise. When he is at home, he is more disciplined with his routine, although things can be more challenging when he travels, especially when it comes to maintaining habits.

Our walk yesterday felt especially meaningful. For me, it was a chance to clear my mind and take a break from unnecessary thoughts. Walking through nature helped me feel lighter and more present. For him, it was a quiet moment as well — a way to unwind in his own way. Sometimes, he zones out or gets lost in his thoughts, and I gently nudge him back into the moment.

I really hope things get better for him soon — especially with work. The stress has been affecting him for a long time, and I just want him to feel healthier, both physically and mentally. For now, we’ll keep doing what we can. Just walking, one step at a time.

May xx

A Quiet February: Travel, Routine and a Running Setback

February went by so fast I can’t even remember what I’ve actually done.

Me, pausing long enough to appreciate the stillness.

There was a short getaway to New Zealand with my boyfriend, and then it was Chinese New Year — which I decided to stay away from this year. A quiet CNY. I don’t really celebrate it anymore, and I shared why in another post.

New Zealand was beautiful. There’s still so much I would like to explore, and I know I will go back someday.

It was a short trip, too short. 😬

A bit of looking around.

A bit of walking.

A bit of running.

Amazing view of Lake Tekapo. Even more beautiful in person.

A photo taken during our boat ride along Milford Sound.

One of many beautiful views we passed on the drive to Christchurch.

Then we flew back to Bangkok.

I had a week of work that kept my brain occupied. After that, I tried to return to my normal routine. Quiet mornings with coffee. Reading again. No rushing. That part felt good.

Then I tried to run properly again.

But I couldn’t run much.

Somewhere along the way, I probably picked up a minor running injury. I tried managing the load and running through it.

There’s been persistent pain along my left shin, especially after impact. My right plantar has been flaring up on and off. I saw a physio when it first started, but the pain came back.

I’ve rested. I’ve adjusted. I’ve done what I could.

Almost everything — except properly following up.

I kept telling myself I would wait until I flew back to Singapore for follow-up treatment. Maybe it sounds a bit silly. Still, if I’m honest, waiting isn’t helping. Even walking is painful now.

So I’ve decided to see a physio here tomorrow.

Sometimes discipline isn’t about pushing through pain.

Sometimes it’s about pausing and fixing it properly.

I don’t like slowing down. But maybe this is also part of training.

It’s something I’m still learning — even though I’m always the one saying I should listen to my body.

Maybe now it’s my turn to actually practise it.

May xx

When Sponsored Children Move On: A Child Sponsorship Journey with World Vision

I am always excited when I see the email in my mailbox: “Your sponsored child, xxx, has a letter for you!” Through my journey with World Vision, these letters are something I treasure very much.

When I opened Irm's letter, I was looking forward to hearing his updates again. But this time, the letter was written by his grandfather.

At first, I was worried. Then I read on, and it was good news. Irm has moved to the city to live with his mother and siblings.

Irm was the boy who chose me last September in Dornod — the funny one who actually made me “fall in love” at first meeting. I still remember his smile and his cheeky jokes. It was a touching letter from Grandpa. I felt happy that he now has a chance in a bigger city, but also a little sad that our journey ended so quickly.

Four hours later, another email came through from World Vision.

It was about Helen, the girl I sponsored for three years in Cambodia. She has moved on to pursue further education outside her area programme. I met Helen last February — the quiet girl who came with her grandmother. Soft-spoken, shy, but with bright eyes.

Photo recreated to celebrate the spirit of children I sponsor, while keeping their privacy safe.

When I visited both of them last year, I could see they had bright futures. I truly wish that they will have better opportunities, better choices, and kinder roads ahead.

In sponsorship, once a child leaves the area programme, the journey naturally concludes. Another girl has now been assigned to me, and I look forward to building a new journey together.

Departures are not always sad. Sometimes departures are signs of positive change. It means they are moving forward, growing, stepping into something new.

Today, I hold both gratitude and goodbye in the same heart.

I am grateful that love can travel across distances and cultures. Over the years, through my journey with World Vision, I’ve met children with different stories, different smiles—each one a reminder of how much hope there is in the world.

The faces may change, the names may change, but the purpose stays the same. I will keep showing up, trusting that even small acts of care can help brighten someone’s tomorrow.

Every small act of support can make a world of difference. If this story resonates with you, consider joining me in sponsoring a child—you never know whose smile you might help change.

May xx